The Recall of MPs

The Governments proposals for a recall were debated on the 20th January in the House. If passed, the proposals would mean that a recall petition could be held if either an MP had been convicted of an offence and received a custodial sentence of 12 months or less. Or, the House of Commons resolves that an MP should face recall. If 10 percent of those on the electoral register in the constituency sign the petition the seat will be vacated and a by election will be held.

I support the idea of recall, but a balance must be struck on introducing a form of recall into the UK, one which does not allow for its misuse. Ultimately people can hold their representative to account at election time, however there may be times, and extreme circumstances where recall is necessary.