Time for MPs to join the 21st century

I GET somewhat annoyed when MPs criticise British manufacturers for their lack of productivity.

Sadly very few MPs have the remotest idea of how to run such a business, there being in Parliament a high percentage of lawyers, accountants and academics as opposed to business owners.

I spent some time watching the progress of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill through Parliament and was appalled at the amount of time wasting during a session. On one day, there were five votes taken on various clauses, each of which took a total of 20 minutes whilst 650 members trooped through the lobbies. Before MPs start to criticise British industry, perhaps they should consider the virtues of electronic voting.

At the next election, the number of Members will be reduced by 50 – so perhaps it would be an opportune time to move Parliament into modern up-to-date premises.

At present, there are only seats for 437 MPs, the rest have to stand if they can squeeze in.

Both Scotland and Wales have modern buildings for Members, who sit at desks, not squashed onto benches. The Westminster buildings are in a very poor state of repair and during renovations proceedings will have to be conducted elsewhere.

It could be both timely and more cost effective all round if a new location was identified, thus allowing business to be conducted more efficiently.

The big problem would be overcoming MPs’ love of tradition.

All businesses have to continually modernise in order to stay alive in a highly competitive world, and the same standards should also be taken on board by Parliamentarians.

There is a precedent for such a move, for originally Parliament was located in the medieval St Stephens Chapel within the Palace of Westminster. That could only seat 400.

So rather than point the finger at British productivity, perhaps it would be a good idea if our elected members took it upon themselves to move into the 21st first century and lead by example. Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm

AE Harris