An Idea (gasp!)

This will be quite short, as it's only a little idea, and I'm writing it down in the twelve minutes before University Challenge (priorities, people). It is also unlikely to be taken seriously, as it concerns constitutional reform, a subject that the government can never find time for when there's any slight possibility that it will make the Lib Dems happy (for happy, read 'not soul crushingly miserable'), while suddenly becoming a top idea when it will conveniently happen to rig the next election for the Tories.

Anyway, that's two of my twelve minutes gone, so I'll be brief; though, I'm sure that you have all the time in the world for constitutional reform, it being such a thrilling subject ("All right, Li'l Eric, what story do you want to be read for bedtime?" "Oooh, ooh! Tell me the one about the 2011 AV campaigns, Daddy!")

My idea is a small, yet I think, important one. Secret ballot for MPs. It worked, in a way, for Thatcher (and I'll wait now for the red to dissipate from the left-wing's eyes) and the unions. MPs are, frankly, too easy to bully, bribe and cajole into voting a particular way, whether the bullying, bribing and cajoling is done by governmental whips or outside interests. As such, it is really very, very easy for the government to pass any legislation that they want by threatening or tantalising their cohorts. It's at this point that Li'l Eric should gasp, and shout "But Daddy! That's not very democratic! And it's a feeble way to hold the executive to account in an institution wherein Parliament should be sovereign."

Damn straight, Li'l Eric.

As I said, it may just be a small change. But I do feel it can do little harm, and possibly a lot of good, for our legislative process to be voted on without whips breathing down our MPs' backs. Give 'em a chance to decide by their own accord. Gone are the days when the electorate would stand in a huddle and raise their hands for Fusty Manythugs the Tory or Oilward Bribethelot the Whig under great duress. Perhaps Parliament should catch up with the times.

And all that, with two minutes to spare. Fantastic.