TRIBALISM IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

Early day motion 1792, tabled 11 May 2011 by John Pugh (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 6 members.

That this House notes that the success of any non-Government or Opposition amendment to proposed legislation, if pressed to a vote, is regarded as a likely occasion for lamentation, gnashing of teeth and media glee, and that this applies even if the amendment is constructive and consistent with the aims of the legislation; and further notes that this attitude contrasts with the excellent initiatives on backbench business, makes scrutiny a more futile process, leads not to the sovereignty of Parliament but the sovereignty of the Queen's Ministers, and accentuates the pointless tribalism that sadly still characterises a Parliament without a majority party.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.