Parliament Debates the Effectiveness of Independent MPs

Last Tuesday, a panel of current MPs, PPCs and academics debated the effectiveness of independent MPs in the Grand Committee Room in Parliament.

The event was organised by the Hansard Society, a non-partisan political research and educational charity. Panellists included Dr Richard Taylor MP, Independent Network endorsed PPC Cllr Diane Park, Chris Mullen MP and Professor Philip Cowley.

A number of endorsed IN candidates attended the event, including Joe Hall (Luton South), Hugh Salmon (Battersea), Jonathan Salt (Huntingdon), Stephane Tindame (Dartford) and Alice Sakura Dartnell (Gravesham).

Independent MP for Blaenau Gwent, Dai Davies, also attended. He confirmed his support for the Independent Network at the event.

The debate raised a number of important questions such as the issue of free votes. Dr Taylor noted that the ability to vote was a real privilege and that he was able to vote according to his constituents’ wishes and his own conscience, adding that the two rarely conflicted. Unsurprisingly, Chris Mullen MP stated that party MPs regularly vote against their party and are not always constrained by the party whip.

The event also discussed whether independent MPs could have any impact on legislation. Dr Taylor noted that he had been effective on a number of occasions, especially on current health issues. Chris Mullen also noted that, since the Private Members Bill was passed, party backbenchers do have an impact on Parliament.

Earlier this month, Dr Richard Taylor sponsored an Early Day Motion against members’ pay being increased: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=40665&SESSION=903

Professor Cowley stated that, although independents in the past had made bad MPs, we do currently have very good independent MPs in Parliament.

After the event, endorsed IN candidates and individuals interested in standing met at a local pub for a friendly chat on independent politics and the future of independents.