I understand your passion to improve the UK’s political system. It is crucial that as politicians we always look for ways to improve, but I do believe we should be proud of the peaceful and democratic way we govern ourselves as a nation.
Upholding public trust is essential to maintain a robust political system. Members of Parliament are expected to adhere to high standards in their public life and we have rigorous processes in place for this. The UK already has strict laws regarding MPs' behaviour, with legal convictions of over 12 months resulting in MPs automatically losing their seat, and automatic recall elections if an MP is convicted of a crime. In Parliament the Code of Conduct, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the Committee on Standards and Privileges each regulate the conduct of MPs.
If an MP becomes a Minister they are bound by the Ministerial Code of Conduct. There is always more we can do to make sure these standards are upheld which is why the Parliamentary Code of Conduct was altered as recently as the 1 March 2023. These rules mean that politicians are governed by the same rules as everyone else, and are also rightly held to a higher standard.
I fully support First Past the Post (FPTP) and I do not agree with your views on Proportional Representation. FPTP is a tried-and-tested system that ensures stability and clear accountability to voters by giving them a direct relationship with their MP. It prevents disproportionate influence by minority parties with minimal public support who typically end up holding the balance of power in PR systems.
The British people were consulted on this matter in 2011 through the referendum on AV. The result was clear, and the British public decided to remain with First Past the Post. This voting system is well established and understood by voters, providing a clear and robust way of electing MPs.
I agree that political power should be spread more evenly across the UK. I am in support of the Government’s development of devolution, which cannot go unnoticed. The Levelling Up White Paper made clear the Government's intention to agree new devolution deals and deepen existing deals. Devolution deals provide areas the opportunity to structure services to best fit their specific needs. The West Midlands and Greater Manchester are leading the way with new trailblazer deals which will give the Mayors a direct funding settlement, devolution of post-19 skills funding, and greater control of the affordable homes programme.
Alongside this, a further six devolution deals have been agreed with areas representing over seven million people. This includes two new Mayoral Combined Authorities and the first ever Mayoral Combined County Authority. Taking devolution beyond the largest cities is key to levelling up opportunity and prosperity, which is why the Government is working to deliver new bespoke County Deals. This will empower local partners to come together to make a difference for local communities, with new powers over areas such as transport, skills, and economic support. I understand that the Government plans to negotiate a new wave of devolution deals over the coming year and by 2030, every part of England will have the chance to agree a devolution deal.
Finally, The House of Lords has an important role in scrutinising and improving draft legislation whilst respecting the primacy of the House of Commons, which is invaluable to our system. The peers have a wide variety of experience, and our political system has benefited from this expertise from.
I believe the current system strikes the right balance between ensuring our parliamentary democracy is representative and best value for the country, as well as a system which welcomes the expertise and wisdom of peers from all areas of public life.
Regarding the appointment of peerages themselves, there is a particularly rigorous requirement, with the process of appointing peers to the Lords, required vetting by the House of Lords Appointments Commission. The House of Lords Appointments Commission is comprised of a majority independent members, and is an advisory, non-departmental public body that considers a range of criteria before approving any nominations. This ensures the highest standards of propriety. And it is important to note that there is no automatic entitlement to a peerage for any holder of high office in public life.