House of Commons voting

[Kaloki]

Any idea why MP's are able to avoid a debate on a subject and yet still get a vote on it?

They don't know the reasons for or against it, just what they've been told to vote? How is that democracy? Is this really the best they can do?

The smaller a governments majority, the more important voting is. However, normally there is a system called pairing.

The government says "look, we know were gonna win by about 50 vote son this, so if we tell 200 of our MP's to not bother, you tell 200 of yours and just let the rest vote." and they match mp to mp. It also works when they want holidays while parliament is sitting.

Harold Wilsons minority government in the 60's couldn't afford such luxuries, it was all hands to the pumps on every vote, including dragging people from there sick bed and hospital to vote. In once instance they even dragged in to vote some poor old guy who was literally dying on his deathbed. Every vote counted.

Some make their minds up without listening.

Some say they prefer to watch on TV whilst getting on with other work.

The truth is that most do whatever their party whips tell them.

It's a disgrace.

Time and again you see it. The MPs who turn up and debate are the hardworking, conscientious ones actually doing the job they were elected to do. The rest are just lobby fodder; a total waste of space.

"Some make their minds up without listening.

Some say they prefer to watch on TV whilst getting on with other work"

If I was cynical, I'd say it's no different than how the people who vote them in decide either, isn't it?

WidowWadman Maybe, but the electorate aren't paid to vote. This is the MPs' jobs!