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Independent MPs Push for Reform in Committee Membership Allocation

Independent MPs Shockat Adam and Iqbal Mohamed are advocating for a reform in the way parliamentary committee seats are distributed, labeling the current allocation process as “undemocratic.” Their call for change aims to enhance the involvement of independent Members of Parliament (MPs) in key legislative processes.

Both Adam, representing Leicester South, and Mohamed, who serves Dewsbury and Batley, were elected as independents in 2024. They are seeking opportunities to join select committees that oversee ministers and bill committees that examine proposed legislation thoroughly.

In a discussion with BBC News, Mohamed expressed the importance of equal representation and having the chance to contribute meaningfully as parliamentarians. Their remarks came after a hearing conducted by the Procedure Committee, focused on the unique experiences of independent MPs within the parliamentary framework.

During the committee hearing, both Adam and Mohamed emphasized how limited access to committee memberships restricts their ability to fully advocate for their constituents. Adam remarked that independent MPs often feel sidelined and unable to influence committee proceedings despite holding legitimate parliamentary mandates.

“We were elected just like any other party member,” Adam stated. “Our constituents deserve our engagement and input in these critical discussions.”

Following the hearing, Mohamed reiterated the necessity of equitable opportunities in legislative practices, stating, “Being a good citizen and parliamentarian entails having the chance to contribute alongside other MPs. While I see the current system as somewhat undemocratic, my intention is not to diminish the roles of others but to seek fair representation in governance.”

According to existing parliamentary procedures, independent MPs do not enjoy automatic rights to seats on select or bill committees. Instead, the allocation is dominated by political parties, which assign committee positions based on their respective parliamentary strengths. This means that larger parties like Labour and the Conservatives primarily control most committee memberships, often leaving independents without a voice.

While parties can voluntarily relinquish seats to accommodate independent MPs, such instances are rare. For example, Caroline Lucas from the Green Party held a position on the Environmental Audit Committee from 2015 to 2024, highlighting how exceptions can occur within the current system.

All MPs retain the right to pose questions in the House of Commons and participate in debates, as well as submit written queries to ministers.

Mohamed noted that his expertise in science and engineering could provide valuable insights in committee settings, complementing the diverse experience of independent MPs across various fields. Many of them also have a strong focus on issues of foreign affairs, particularly reflecting the perspectives of those who supported pro-Gaza movements in the elections.

“We are at a critical juncture in which public trust in politics has diminished significantly. As part of the parliamentary system, we must strive to rebuild that trust through fairness, transparency, and balanced representation,” Mohamed asserted.

This past September, five independent MPs, including Adam, Mohamed, and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, formally announced their formation of an “independent alliance” in Parliament. This group operates as a technical coalition, distinguishing it from a traditional political party by emphasizing shared interests rather than a formal organizational structure.

In light of these developments, the Procedure Committee has initiated inquiries into the status of parliamentary groupings and the specific challenges faced by independent MPs. A representative from the committee remarked, “We are currently conducting an inquiry into the circumstances of independent MPs within the House procedures and will present our findings and recommendations in due time.”

Source
www.bbc.com