In the feature ‘Back in line?’, Guy Lodge says of parliamentary reform: ‘All it takes is political will on behalf of the parties to agree a way forward’ and ‘It will take time....’ (July 17–23).
There is no political will. There isn’t even agreement or purposeful discussion – just a few people like Home Secretary Alan Johnson sounding off.
On top of this, the nation seems determined to elect the Conservatives, who are not even committed to reform. Tory leader David Cameron has shown no real interest, especially in electoral reform.
The government’s own reform Bill has been described as lacking ‘the constitution for serious reform’ and commentators have said the time for big reform has passed.
What is most upsetting is that nobody seems to have a grip on the situation or to be doing anything noticeable about it. Whatever the merits of some of the government’s Bill, it is devastating evidence of drift, muddle and confusion on reform generally.
I have written to Tony Wright, the chair of the government’s new committee on reform, to ask him to give the utmost priority to securing an agreed reform process, before the election. It must be publicly agreed by the parties and by Parliament. Without such a public process there will be no reform worth speaking about after the election. (There is no time before the election for responsible reform.)
Without commitment to a defined reform process, the opportunity will simply fade away. And all the problems of our present constitution will be swept under the carpet again – to re-emerge in an even greater crisis later.
Philip Morgan
Winchester, Hampshire
