Parliament 'should take control of its affairs'

A committee of MPs, peers, academics and journalists has called for parliament to be given a renewed role in public life.

A report from the Hansard Society's commission on communication of parliamentary democracy (published by Dod's Parliamentary Communications, owners of ePolitix.com) on Tuesday found that the Commons and Lords has been "effectively sidelined" from political debate.

Chaired by Labour peer and film-maker Lord Puttnam, the commission called for a "comprehensive reassessment" of all parliamentary procedures, a new communications strategy and service and a rebalancing of power between the legislature and executive among other recommendations.

In a bid to "engage the widest range of citizens" the report concluded that the Palace of Westminster and its internal practices have become off-putting to most members of the public.

It said that many traditions such as the state opening conducted by the Queen, the use of language and restrictions on broadcasting, should be reviewed with an emphasis on whether they are still relevant.

The conclusions were reached by commissioners including former Sun editor David Yelland, MPs Andrew Lansley and Martin Linton and BBC governor Richard Tait.

Having taken evidence from a wide range of interest groups, the commission recommended that a new parliamentary communications service be established so parliament "takes control of the administration of its own affairs rather than be dominated by the party frontbenches".

There should also be better online interactivity, visiting facilities and the use of stills photography.

Lord Puttnam argued that MPs and peers' affairs should be directed at the public, rather than removed from it.

"Change should be driven by what citizens have a right to expect from their parliament," he said.

"Participation and an understanding of the process of government are a right, not a privilege.

"The public have a right to expect a parliament which communicates its work clearly, reaches out to all citizens and invites participation and interaction.

"Acceptance of our recommendations would have the effect of reconnecting parliament with the people it exists to serve."