20/07/2018
Why am I sharing this post from More United?
I don't support this petition, but recognise the issue leading to its creation.
Whilst I do recognise the importance of the current pairing system and agree it is wrong the Tory Chief Whip pushed Conservative MPs into breaking their pair, I do not think permitting proxy voting is an appropriate answer.
It is right that MPs should be present in the chamber during any debate, in order to cast their vote. If they don’t hear the debate and don’t have an opportunity to hear answers to crucial questions, I don’t think they should have the right to have their vote cast. I recognise that MPs who are present in parliament, but not present at a debate, may be called by the division bell in order to participate in a Division. However, I would actually like to see this abolished; to have your vote heard, you should be present for the discussion.
Clearly, an MP who is unable to attend due to illness or maternity / paternity leave cannot be judged to to be delinquent in their duties to the House or their constituents. This is why the pairing system was established and I would suggest the pairing system should be formalised and strengthened, to avoid potential future instances like the one that has come to light this week.
Allowing proxy voting could be open to further abuse. Moreover, even if the permission to use a proxy vote is subject to restrictions so that only those unable to attend due to illness or maternity / paternity leave, how long before MPs try using for other reasons?
If there were a petition regarding the formalisation of the pairing system, I would be happy to sign it and promote it through my own (admittedly shorter reaching) social media channels.
Comentarios