PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY

Early day motion 205, tabled 25 May 2005 by Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 36 members.

That this House reaffirms its conviction in the primacy of parliamentary democracy; notes that to do so requires the convention to be observed whereby Parliament is the first body to hear of Government decisions and announcements; deplores the culture of spin which is emasculating the purpose of Parliament and condemns instances where Government departments have used media outlets to usurp the primacy of the elected chamber; and recognises that to fulfil their function of holding the Government to account, honourable Members should look to the business of both Chambers and not the national press.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 18, Labour 8, Conservative 6, Plaid Cymru 3, DUP 1.