Parliament continuing to return to normal working was very much in the news this week. As with all businesses returning to their formal workplace, changes are required, and patience will be needed as we work to get these changes right. There were certainly some challenges!
1 – The length of time to vote. Many felt it was too long. In part this was because it was new, and some MPs frankly struggled with basic instructions. To be fair, by the 3rd vote it had improved significantly.
2 – Some MP’s not being able to vote. This is an issue that has now been addressed. Initially the plan had been to allow ‘pairing’ - this has always been the case where an MP is ill, there is an understanding that a ‘pair’ is found. However, Parliament changed the rules for those on maternity leave recently so they could vote by Proxy – this will now be extended to those who are shielding. I support this and I know it has been welcomed by colleagues across the House.
3 – Remote voting. Some MPs would like to make remote voting permanent. I don’t support this because it allows MPs to vote without being engaged with the debates / decision making. Also, as a wider issue, MPs who wrongly have 2nd jobs, or don’t make the effort to fulfil their duties, are often exposed by their poor voting record, for which they can be held to account over. Remote voting would allow you to maintain 100% voting, with little or no engagement with the Parliamentary process – this would do our democracy a disservice.
The House staff and authorities are working tirelessly to get this right – they will have my full support, and to be fair most MPs are seeking to help.
I am sure residents will have been following the protests taking place across America this past week following the tragic, dreadful death of George Floyd. Anyone who has seen the distressing footage of his final moments will know that his death was unjustifiable, and rightly the police officers concerned face the full force of the law.
I of course fully support the right to peacefully protest discrimination and injustices. Having seen some of the images on the news I hope that tensions de-escalate in America and that the small minority of individuals who have used the protests as a pretext for riots and violence do not detract from the important message of the peaceful protestors. I hope that America can come together and find a way forward.
These protests have also reached our shores. Once again, I fully support this cause – we must do all we can to continue the fight against racial discrimination and injustices. However, we have sadly seen police officers being attacked, again by a small minority who are hijacking a noble cause to enact violence – we must always show our officers, who keep us safe from those who wish us harm, the respect that they deserve.
I am very proud to serve a diverse town like Swindon. We are one of the most tolerant countries in the world and have taken important steps to tackle racism and discrimination in recent years. Of course there is still more work to be done, and I can assure residents that I will continue to do all I can to tackle discrimination, and celebrate our diversity.
