tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881762807913180318.post7763204123071604500..comments2024-01-23T16:53:02.428+00:00Comments on Mark Thompson: John Bercow should stamp his authority on the Commons quicklyMark Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744387583593537268noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881762807913180318.post-21857123606589233412009-06-23T14:55:30.921+01:002009-06-23T14:55:30.921+01:00I agree with all three of your points.
I hope tha...I agree with all three of your points.<br /><br />I hope that the Speaker has some latitude to get the PM to answer questions.<br /><br />My memory suggests that ever since 1979, PMs have tried to duck the more difficult ones.<br /><br />One mark of a strong leader is the ability to answer questions.<br /><br />Mr Clegg could set an example here and set up his own question time to answer difficult questions from the press and others. Of course, he may not feel it is worth the risk.Voternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881762807913180318.post-7188490282826315062009-06-23T08:50:26.974+01:002009-06-23T08:50:26.974+01:00Bercow will do well to overcome the disadvantages ...Bercow will do well to overcome the disadvantages bestowed by the circumstances that created the Speakership vacancy and will do brilliantly to meet the ridiculously high expectations that seem to be commonly accepted as now existing, fulfilment of which would require powers well beyond those of the office.<br /><br />On one of your specific points, John Redwood blogs (inter alia) as follows:<br /><br />"The Commons needs to insist on Ministers making statements to the House first. A strong Speaker would make this a number one issue. Once again, however, the tyranny of the majority means that unless the Speaker can mobilise backbench Labour MPs as well as the rest of us, this can only be achieved by persuading the government."<br /><br />Parliament badly needs a successful Speaker. If Bercow is not he, then Parliament will be even further diminished.Cardinal Richelieu's molenoreply@blogger.com