Recall of MPs Government Bill is inadequate

I've had several emails asking whether MPs should be able to be recalled by their constituents.

I support the principle of right to recall when an MP has done something wrong. Labour has long championed this, and it was in our last manifesto. I think it is one of the ways we can empower the electorate, and help restore public trust in politics.

The Government has now brought forward its Bill, but it is not strong enough. It would still fail to hold to account MPs for certain serious acts of misconduct like the Tory MPs who took cash for questions in the 1990s.

Labour supports Recall where an MP has done something wrong, but a balance must be drawn between giving the people the opportunity to recall an MP for misconduct and allowing MPs to make difficult decisions that might anger certain organisations or groups. The private member's Recall of Elected Representatives Bill is very different to the Government bill. It is a model of Recall that would give too much power to well-funded interest groups to pressure MPs into supporting their agenda with a constant threat of recall petitions. It is critical that MPs are able to vote with their conscience on the issues of the day and then face the electorate at a General Election.

I understand that Labour in Parliament will give the Government’s Bill a Second Reading. At Committee stage, Labour will consider any amendments put forward, and do what can be done to strengthen the Government’s current proposal.