Watching the Parliamentary Channel the other night (someone has to) when the vote was called on the referendum on electoral reform. What a farce. All these old buffers and white middle class suited males milled about for what seemed ages.
Caroline Lucas (the one Green MP) says the system is 'arcane.' That is polite. It is ineffective, inefficient and downright crap. Over an hour passed to vote on the main issue and a sub-section. What on earth is wrong with having three buttons? In Favour,Against, Abstain. Done in seconds - result announced - next business.
But no, in the Mother of Parliaments we go down the ritual route. "Lock the Lobby" the Speaker cries. Then like so many lost sheep, the herd of would-be statesman shuffle off to be counted in person by four MPs appointed as 'tellers.' The Lobby is a place where many nefarious activities occur ranging from downright intimidation and coercion to sexual innuendo and groping. It is risible.
So why does it continue? A combination of party whips, reluctant to lose the power of 'persuasion' and supine MPs hoping for advancement.
We needed reform - we have been offered window dressing. The crap continues.
Root and Branch - nothing but.
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