MICHAEL GOVE MP ‘GETS TELT’
“Forget it, ye’ can sit right down….”
“Listen you might learn something….”
“No, sit down, son. I’ve told you once and I will not tell you again.”
West Dunbartonshire’s MP, Martin Docherty-Hughes has spoken passionately in the House of Commons, calling for the abolition of the unelected and unaccountable House of Lords; putting former Government Minister Michael Gove MP firmly in his place.
During his speech, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said,
“[The Boundary Commission] have sought to reduce further the number of elected Members to this House of Commons. While this House is reduced in number and relevance, the House of Lords, at its present velocity of expansion, will soon exceed the National People’s Congress of China.
“It has already exceeded the size of the European Parliament, which is directly elected by more than 400 million European citizens. It seems that we are taking back control and handing it on a plate to the barons and baronesses of the unelected upper Chamber.
“Britain’s upper Chamber should resemble less the National People’s Congress of China and more the revising and advisory chamber of the people’s Parliament of a 21st century liberal democracy.
“.…let me state that [the House of Lords] is an affront to my constituents.…Listen to what the nation of Scotland said at the last general election; get rid of them.”
Commenting afterwards, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP added,
“That the UK tax payer is funding such an affront to democracy is unthinkable in what is supposed to a 21st century Parliament. Some may think my comparison with China is somewhat flippant, but the fact remains that it is a comparison that can be drawn much closer than comfort should allow.
“If we are to be taken seriously as a nation on the world stage, we need to promote democratic representation and accountability. The UK Government would rather compensate with weapons of mass destruction. These are the diplomatic tactics of yesteryear, more akin to those we used to criticise beyond the iron curtain.
“Times must change. Scotland has already voiced its support for complete reform of the system, and it won’t be long before UK wide public pressure comes to bear on those who nonchalantly stroll through the corridors of power with their unwarranted sense of entitlement and self-importance.”
ENDS
Note for Editors:
The official record of Martin’s contributions to the debate can be found at https://hansard.digiminster.com/Commons/2016-10-19/debates/CA0685E2-6A97-43EE-8524-94C27A53AB25/HouseOfLordsReformAndSizeOfTheHouseOfCommons#contribution-678C6784-292E-4FF6-B35B-79823B83E1F9