Parliament Under Pressure

In this investigation into what can be done to restore Parliament's reputation, the author identifies the sleaze allegations and televised slanging matches as symptoms of the real malaise, which he believes is Parliament's failure to perform its basic tasks. Parliament appears to be inadequate when engaged in its work of scrutiny, legislation and holding the executive to account. It is also under mounting pressure from outside institutions - Europe, the courts, the media, the quango state and outside regulators, such as the Nolan committee of inquiry. The result has not only been public disquiet, but also proposals which would have the effect of by-passing Parliament, such as a referendum on Europe and sweeping constitutional reforms. These changes could reduce the central role of Parliament, strengthen other bodies such as local and regional government and entrench a bill of rights.