British example

Re: Answering To Parliament Is Not Optional, editorial, May 20. If MPs really wish to restore some measure of dignity and effectiveness to question period they should follow the example set by the British House of Commons and adopt the “urgent question” procedure. If a member can convince the speaker a matter of real importance needs to be debated, the speaker can require the minister responsible to appear without delay to respond.

To be effective, the procedure requires a speaker who is not afraid to confront and perhaps annoy ministers, even the prime minister. John Bercow, who was recently unanimously re-elected speaker of the British Commons, is known as the backbenchers’ champion because of his readiness to call ministers to account. As may be imagined, he is not very popular with his Conservative colleagues. What are the chances of such a speaker being elected in Ottawa?

John Winstanley, Victoria.