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As Members of Parliament return to Westminster this week following the summer recess, the dynamics of the new Labour administration are poised to shift significantly. The King’s Speech delivered in July outlined an ambitious agenda aimed at fundamentally transforming the governance of Britain, encompassing new devolution measures, innovative public service structures, enhanced workers’ rights, and beyond.
This session could prove to be one of the most pivotal since the discussions around Brexit. In the latter years of Conservative governance, the party struggled to propose substantive policies, becoming mired in division and a lack of direction. During that time, Parliament saw itself engaged in discussions primarily focused on poorly drafted legislation that often seemed more like campaign slogans—exemplified by the phrase “stop the boats”—rather than meaningful laws.
Moreover, the authority and effectiveness of the Commons had been on a downward trend even before this phase. The fervent pro-Brexit sentiments within the Conservative Party contributed to a growing disdain for parliamentary processes, manifesting in actions like Boris Johnson’s unlawful prorogation attempt in 2019. The pandemic further marginalized MPs, as many important decisions were made with limited parliamentary oversight. However, this year’s general election has ushered in a wave of change, with voters electing a record number of 335 new lawmakers, including three Sinn Féin MPs who choose not to take their seats. Notably, Labour holds a substantial majority of 158, giving Sir Keir Starmer significant leverage to implement his legislative agenda.
Although large electoral victories like this are typically seen as creating conditions for executive overreach—due to the limited constitutional checks on a prime minister with strong parliamentary support—the situation demands a more nuanced perspective. A sizable majority can sometimes lead to a lack of effectiveness in the opposition. Recently, several Labour MPs found themselves suspended from the whip for supporting an amendment from the Scottish National Party that aimed to eliminate the two-child limit on welfare entitlements—a policy widely considered detrimental. Such instances illustrate that dissent within the party can only occur when there is substantive disagreement with its proposals. In the future, it may be prudent for leadership to cultivate support from within, rather than relying solely on demands for loyalty.
In the upcoming weeks, the election of new select committee chairs will offer insights into how adeptly the new parliament will hold the government accountable. There is a pressing need for strong, independent-minded Labour figures to lead the departmental committees that have been designated, including those focused on crucial areas like the Treasury, foreign affairs, defense, work and pensions, and energy and net zero, among others—allocated through a historically opaque process.
As the Conservative Party looks to appoint a new chair for the home affairs committee, it is essential that the individual possesses the capacity to engage thoughtfully with intricate issues surrounding crime and immigration policy, rather than adopting a confrontational, performative stance. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are likely to leverage the health and environment committee chairs to bolster their political presence in line with their recent gains in the Commons.
The true challenge will surface with the introduction of substantial bills that will shape the political discourse for the upcoming session. After years marked by intense partisan conflict and superficial political theatrics, thorough legislative scrutiny has been sorely neglected—a critical aspect of MPs’ responsibilities that does not often garner significant public attention. As a new government embarks on an ambitious legislative path, it is essential that a fresh cohort of dedicated parliamentarians from both sides of the aisle rises to meet this crucial responsibility.
Source
www.theguardian.com