Whips have been warning MPs not to try to amend bills - but the Commons should be allowed to do its work
‘Keir Starmer has promised to transform the way things are done – but clearly doesn’t want to change them that much’
He clearly doesn’t want to change them that much, or at least not as far as the Labour whips are concerned. Whips have been warning MPs not togoing through Parliament this autumn, arguing that members of the governing party should resolve their concerns about legislation through back channels. Labour MPs need to behave like they are part of a team, not as though they’re still in opposition, they argue.
The whips are also having to tell their charges to face up to reality. Some Labour MPs do seem genuinely shocked that life in government isn’t like an episode of, where you choose the obviously good option and then make a soaring argument in its favour, with the public-spirited opposition agreeing quite quickly that you’re right. Government generally involves choosing between two equally complicated and flawed options, and everyone getting very upset about whatever you choose.
Legislation passes through so many stages in Parliament that you might be forgiven for thinking there is a rigorous system of checks to ensure that said legislation will work as intended. Most of these stages, though, are a kind of theatre where the Government aims to show its strength, rather than a forum for genuine argument and consideration of better options.
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