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Enabling the Public to call a General Election
15 November 2022
Lead MP
Richard Burgon
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Parliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Richard Burgon raised concerns about enabling the public to call a general election in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
MP Richard Burgon from Leeds East raised concerns about the current lack of mechanisms for citizens to directly call a general election in times when public faith is lost and government fails to respond. He proposed adopting constitutional changes that would allow such calls through verified petitions, especially during extraordinary times like now where two new Prime Ministers were elected without broad public consent. Burgon cited low levels of trust in politicians as per the IPPR findings and highlighted the need for a recall mechanism to ensure accountability. The proposal includes amending the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022 under specific conditions, advocating for a step forward beyond the Recall of MPs Act which lacks public empowerment.
Alex Burghart
Con
North Dorset
Burghart acknowledged the research and thoughtfulness of Burgon's proposal but argued against it due to potential instability and unnecessary distraction from governing. He highlighted that stable governance is crucial for implementing long-term solutions.
Government Response
Minister Eleanor Laing expressed her appreciation for the debate but defended the current system, asserting its proven stability and effectiveness. She argued that guaranteeing a government five years to implement policies ensures accountability and allows for long-term decision-making without constant threat of early elections. Laing emphasised that the existing constitution has served well by providing clear electoral terms, ensuring voters know what they are voting for in terms of governance duration.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.