Quote:
Originally Posted by peter12
I suppose so... I agree not all tradition in Westminster is good.
However,
1) We have responsible government. That means when we elect an MP, we entrust our power to them and give them the flexibility to act within their own discretion while in Parliament. If an MP decides another party would be a more effective vehicle for their values and beliefs, than they should be allowed to cross.
I do have a big problem with MPs, like Stronach and Emerson, crossing for positions of power. Crossing MPs should not be allowed to take Cabinet portfolios or positions as Parliamentary Secretaries.
2) The Commons is a very confrontational arena. Both sides, Opposition and Government, are constantly trying to upset and derail the other. In a minorit government, the government must have the possibility of gaining strategic advantage through the crossing of an opposition MP.
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They can still obtain that advantage from independent MP's.
I know what you are saying, but it shouldn't be allowed. Our electoral system places more on the party than the person, therefore, people tend to vote based on the ideas of the party and not the individual. Not all people vote like that but most do. So when one changes parties without the consent of the people who voted him in......he really does not have the authority to speak for thos people.