MPs: British politics does work
By Ian Dunt
The British political system works well, despite criticism from the public, a committee of MPs has said.
In a wide-ranging examination of government in Britain published today, the Commons public administration select committee (PASC) set out its requirements for achieving good government.
It concludes that “many aspects of Britain’s governing structures and principles work well, despite opinions to the contrary that are sometimes expressed”.
But the MPs did say that government figures should spend less time responding to media demands and that the government could use having less ministers.
Tony Wright, chair of the committee, said: “Now more than ever, there needs to be a wholesale change in the political culture to arrest the decline of public trust in government.
“Recent scandals about MPs’ expenses are the most obvious manifestation of this. But there are wider issues affecting government in Britain that need to be addressed.”
The committee argued that the multitude of ministers, and an excessive concern with the media, led to an “excessive number of initiatives being launched and laws being introduced, which in turn reduces government’s ability to decide and follow a clear and consistent direction.
