Top news today: Parliaments back in session, a new democracy project and ministerial veto
Author: Zoe Stavri
Published on Sep 04, 2012
In the news today, UK and Scottish Parliament have announced new legislative programmes, the founder of the Independent is launching a new democracy project, the Information Commissioner has hit out at ministerial veto, and there’s a new leader for the Green Party.
NICK CLEGG: LORDS REFORM FIASCO ENDS AGREEMENT ON CULL OF MPs - Nick Clegg says David Cameron should scrap plans for boundary changes following his defeat on Lords Reform, in favour of a growth plan. Should this issue be placed on the back-burner?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/sep/03/nick-clegg-ends-agreement-on-mps-cull
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/nick-clegg/9518256/Nick-Clegg-House-of-Lords-reform-to-be-scrapped-in-favour-of-growth-plan.html
RECLAIM POWER: INDEPENDENT FOUNDER’S BID TO RESCUE POLITICS FROM PARTY ELITES - A project called Democracy2015 will encourage people successful in other walks of life to enter politics to counter disillusionment with Westminster. It will be launched tomorrow. Are you optimistic about this project?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/reclaim-power-independent-founders-bid-to-rescue-politics-from-party-elites-8102863.html
INFORMATION COMMISSIONER SAYS MINISTERS’ “ROUTINE” USE OF VETO THREATENS TO UNDERMINE THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW ABOUT CRUCIAL DECISIONS - Ministerial veto can keep information about Cabinet discussion out of the public domain. The Information Commissioner has hit out at this practice, saying it decreases the public’s right to know. Should ministers have the right to veto?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/information-commissioner-says-ministers-routine-use-of-veto-threatens-to-undermine-the-publics-right-to-know-about-crucial-decisions-8102676.html
REFERENDUM AND SAME SEX MARRIAGE BILLS TO FEATURE IN SNP PLANS - The Scottish government is back in session and features decisions about the independence referendum and same-sex marriage in its legislative programme.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-19469440
NATALIE BENNETT ELECTED GREEN PARTY LEADER IN ENGLAND AND WALES - Congratulations to new Green Party leader Natalie Bennett, who will be replacing Caroline Lucas.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19462474