Michael Meacher MP

What if Cameron refuses to refer the Hunt case to Sir Alex Allen, the independent adviser on ministerial interests?   Not for the first time Parliament is hamstrung by the fact that under current procedures it is accepted that only the Prime Minister is empowered, whether on the conduct of a Minister or on a policy issue of national importance, to make a referral to an independent inquiry.   It is bizarre that this is tamely accepted by the House since what is at issue is nearly always the actions or the policies of the Executive itself, and it is a clear conflict of interest that the decision on whether to mount an inquiry into those actions or policies should lie with the head of that Executive who has every reason to block it.   It is time Parliament got off its knees and took the lead in holding the government to account which has always been, or should always have been, its main raison d’etre.   This could still be done on Monday before the House prorogues. (more…)