The House Of Commons - The British Political RP

[The Democratic Marxists]

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The House of Commons
UK Political RP

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OOC: https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=429092
IC: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=429151&p=32957569#p32948917
House of Lords: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=430204

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“A Parliament is nothing less than a big meeting of more or less idle people.”
Walter Bagehot

Ah. The House Of Commons. Considered the most important part of the UK's legislature, it’s where all the drama happens. This year’s majority in Parliament is the Labour Party, although there is opportunity for bipartisanship all the time.

Want to author a bill? Join a committee? Make a change? Look below.

Bill Template

Code: Select all

[align=center][size=200][b]Official Name of Bill[/b][/size]
[size=150][b]A Bill To[/b][/size]
[size=120]Summarize Bill Purpose/Problem

Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, in this present Parliament assembled, as follows:[/size]

[size=100][b]1. Name of Clause[/b]
1) clause within Clause
2)
3) As many as you need

[b]2. Name of clause[/b]

And so on.[/size][/align]

Procedure:

1. Include your name while voting. Vote “Aye” or “Nay.”

2. Address “Mr/Madam Speaker”

3. Motions require a second

4. Speaker decides on which bill is considered

5. Bill is unveiled in “first reading.” Debate begins in “second reading.” Bill can only progress past this point with government support. After this, bill goes into committee stage; a group of maximum 10 MPs will be chosen by Speaker to go into committee about bill. They make amendments, or can scratch the complete bill. After this, the bill goes back to whole Commons, where third reading occurs. Final vote takes place; if it passes, bill will be sent to House Of Lords.

Schedule:
Sunday-Monday: First & Second Reading
Tuesdays: Committee
Wednesdays: Third Readings
Thursdays: Votes
Fridays: PMQs (can ask questions to any member of the cabinet, but you must specify who the question is going to).
Saturday: House of Lords debate & vote.

[The Nordic Model]

Joe Drew strode down the centre aisle of the Commons Chamber, and took his rightful place at the end. He was so excited; today was his first session as Speaker. The Father of the House did the formalities, questioning the MPs if they accepted Joseph Henry Drew as their Speaker. After they all replied enthusiastically, Drew stood up to give his speech.

“Honourable Members,” he boomed, “It is my absolute pleasure to be elected as your Speaker. As Speaker, I’ll bring a new element of giving a larger voice to backbenchers,” he paused for the cheers, “And with that, I declare that the House of Commons is officially in session! Today seems to be quite busy; we have some pressing bills that need to be discussed, and a Questions to the Prime Minister session at noon today, so I’d like to start quickly. Sorry if I’m sounding hurried, that’s just my nature.” Everyone was in a very lighthearted mood, laughter ensued his comment.

“I see that the Honourable Member for East Edinburgh, Mr. Owen Hamilton, would like to speak; he may go ahead.”

[Amazonesta]

Owen Hamilton, of course, was tired. He as the only dual mandate holding member of the House of Commons, as Holyrood was the last devolved body that allowed you to be a member of both the Scottish Parliament and the House of Commons at the same time. Still, he thorouhgly enjoyed doing this, even if it gave him quite a few frequent flier miles.

Mr. Speaker,

I would like to congratulate you on your election to the Speakership. You have been an excellent public servant for your entire life, and are very deserving of the role. I look forward to engaging in stimulating debate with you presiding, and I will thoroughly enjoy the rights of those not in Her Majesty's Government or Her Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition.

My first question, of course, goes directly to the Prime Minister. I congratulate him on his election this past 8th of December. I have recently proposed to him via a phone call from Edinburgh on a proposal called devo-max, and he gave a thorough non-committal answer. I call on the Prime Minister to speak in front of the House on this issue. Will the Prime Minister support Full Fiscal Autonomy for Scotland? And will the Prime Minister not agree that the Better Together campaign, as a last ditch effort to convince Scots to vote no in 2014, offered devo-max as the alternative to independence that won the day? Because of that promise, wouldn't devo-max be the only realistically democratic option for Scotland, otherwise this House would be breaking its promise made to Scottish voters?

I yield the floor."

[The Democratic Marxists]

Prime Minister Bluestein didn’t need this, of all things going on right now. He didn’t want to give a direct answer about Scotland, certainly not in front of the House! But he had no choice.

Mr Speaker,

I, too, heartily congratulate you on your election. Everybody in this House, those on both sides, truly recognize you as a loyal public servant. This role was meant for you.

As the Honorable Member from Edinburgh East would like a direct response to the devo-max proposal, I’ll present it to him.

I do believe that the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments deserve more devolved powers. However, there is a major concern that many of us have when granting further devolution to the Scots, and offering Full Fiscal Autonomy.

While I understand that the Scottish Parliament may deserve to have FFA, the problem doesn’t lay in what they do with their budget or taxation; it lies in what their MPs do. Here I’ll bring up the famous, or infamous, depending on how one looks at it, “West Lothian Question.” It states that if further devolution is granted to the Scots, like we saw in 1977, their MPs can still vote however they like in Westminster, while English MPs have no say on issues in devolved constituencies. Which is fine - until Scots start backing controversial proposals in Parliament that doesn’t even affect their constituents, but does affect the constituents of England.

A solution to this problem could be the creation of an English Parliament. However, until that proposal is drafted and raised, there can be no talk of more devolution for Scotland. If the Honourable Member from Edinburgh East would agree to such a proposal, we may find an agreement on FFA. I’d also like to state that I hope devolution won’t lead to another talk of Independence for Scotland. We should all know that we are better together. Can’t take the United out of Kingdom, can you?

Thank you, I yield the floor to Mr. Speaker.

[The Nordic Model]

Joe Drew stood up again.

“Order, Order! I’m unconventional; let’s take a break from PMQS, I promise we'll come back to it at noon, but I believe there’s a first reading of a bill that’s supposed to be today. Yes, the Honourable Member from Stroud, Madam Marcia Hertz, May present her bill.”

[Fronket]

National Education Service
(Every Child Matters) Bill

A Bill To
Provide every child in this country with an opportunity to receive quality education for free/low cost, resulting in more fruitful careers.

Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, in this present Parliament assembled, as follows:

1. Investment
1) This is a reversal of massive cuts to spending in education. Will introduce a funding formula that leaves no school worse off while redressing the historical underfunding of certain schools. Will also invest in new school buildings, including the phased removal of asbestos from existing schools. This will be an investment of £150 million.
2) Will provide state-funded schools with more extra-curricula options for children.

2. Quality, Resources and Inclusion
1) Sport, Debate, Robotics, and Arts (drama, painting, etc,) will be mandatory extra curricular forin NES schools to offer to students
2) Will stress on less of a workload, more projects and in-class learning
3) Will add VAT to private schools to fund student meals in primary school

3. Further and Adult Education
1) Will replace Advanced Learner Loans and upfront course fees with direct funding, making FE courses free at the point of use, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses
2) Will increase capital investment to equip colleges to deliver T-levels and an official pre-apprenticeship trainee programme
3) Will make college tuition free by reintroducing maintenance grants for university students, and we will abolish state university tuition fees.

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Ordered to be Printed, 2nd January, 2017

[The Nordic Model]

After the first reading was complete, Drew saw lots of support and opposition to the bill, so he proceeded to second reading.

“Who would like to begin the debate on this bill?”

[The Democratic Marxists]

Bluestein raised his hand to begin.

[The Nordic Model]

“Alright, the Honourable Member from Cambridge, Mr. Prime Minister, may begin.”

[The Democratic Marxists]

“Mr. Speaker,

I am in strong support of this bill. This would be revolutionary, just like the NHS. When the Labour Government of 1945 established the NHS, it was the ultimate move of egalitarianism in the 20th Century. Now is time for an even further step towards true social justice, which would be this bill. Everyone must be in support of children, our future! I know that the Honourable Member from Chelmsford, of the Tories, has two young children. She must understand the need for an excellent education for them! The Leader of the Oppositon, the Honourable Member from Beckenham, has had children, who are now grown. You understand the importance, the cruciality, how imperative it is, to have a good education. It defines your life.

This bill would provide the underprivileged with the opportunity to get ahead. We live in a society that claims to have equal opportunity, when we’re not even focusing equally on lower-income families than we are on wealthier ones. This bill is a step in the right direction. We’d be living in a fairer society. As many are saying on the streets, Mr. Speaker: It would be for the Many, not just the Few!

Thank you.
I yield the floor.”

[Amazonesta]

Mr. Speaker,

The Scottish National Party shall not stand in the way of this bill passing. The abolition of tuition fees in England & Wales & Northern Ireland, which have never been established in Scotland for unmarried, childless students under the age of 25 in Scotland, is a positive thing for Scottish students and students all across the United Kingdom. The introduction of tuition fees by the Rt. Honourable Tony Blair was the greatest mistake of the New Labour Administration. Making education at all levels more accessible for young people, and also making it accessible for those returning to school. People returning to school also deserve to be able to do so at no cost, and we can support passage of that legislation. Of course, we imagine the tab for this will be billions of pounds when it's all said and done, but a worthy investment none-the-less.

Of course, education is a devolved area under British law, even though it is all funded directly from London, so we implore that Section 2 will only apply to schools in England, as London has never set even recommended curriculum requirements for schools in Scotland or Northern Ireland since 1997, and the Welsh Assembly has always been empowered to set their own curriculum requirements as well as Holyrood and Stormont have. Let alone extra-curricular requirements.

Because that is a devolved area of authority, we move to amend section 2 of the legislation to reflect that.

2. Quality, Resources and Inclusion
1) Sport, Debate, Robotics, and Arts (drama, painting, etc,) will be mandatory extra curricular forin NES schools to offer to students
2) Will stress on less of a workload, more projects and in-class learning
3) Will add VAT to private schools to fund student meals in primary school
4) This section of the legislation shall only apply to schools in England.

We hope, out of respect for the many years of workable devolution across the United Kingdom, that this Parliament, regardless of their opinions on the overall bill, can respect the promises made for years to the people of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on devolution and pass this amendment, to ensure the constitutional arrangement of the United Kingdom.

[The Nordic Model]

“Seeing that this has the support of the Government, we will move into committee about this bill. A bill on the exact details of Scottish Devo-Max would be appreciated. Who would like to be in the NES committee?”

[Amazonesta]

Mr. Speaker,

My apologies for offering an amendment before committee.

I will join the committee. I propose that the committee be made of 6 members of the Governing party, 2 Conservatives, 1 Plaid, and 1 SNP member(aka all the player characters who have signed up).

I yield the floor.

[The Nordic Model]

“Order, Order! Alright, so the committee will be:

The Rt. Honourable Jordan Bluestein
The Rt. Honourable Marcia Hertz
The Rt. Honourable Owen Hamilton
The Rt. Honourable Valerie Brennan
The Rt. Honourable Elizabeth Williams
The Rt. Honourable Tegwen Bridget Llewelyn

And more. We will continue this on Tuesday.

Any PMQs?

[Amazonesta]

Prime Minister Bluestein didn’t need this, of all things going on right now. He didn’t want to give a direct answer about Scotland, certainly not in front of the House! But he had no choice.

Mr Speaker,

I, too, heartily congratulate you on your election. Everybody in this House, those on both sides, truly recognize you as a loyal public servant. This role was meant for you.

As the Honorable Member from Edinburgh East would like a direct response to the devo-max proposal, I’ll present it to him.

I do believe that the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments deserve more devolved powers. However, there is a major concern that many of us have when granting further devolution to the Scots, and offering Full Fiscal Autonomy.

While I understand that the Scottish Parliament may deserve to have FFA, the problem doesn’t lay in what they do with their budget or taxation; it lies in what their MPs do. Here I’ll bring up the famous, or infamous, depending on how one looks at it, “West Lothian Question.” It states that if further devolution is granted to the Scots, like we saw in 1977, their MPs can still vote however they like in Westminster, while English MPs have no say on issues in devolved constituencies. Which is fine - until Scots start backing controversial proposals in Parliament that doesn’t even affect their constituents, but does affect the constituents of England.

A solution to this problem could be the creation of an English Parliament. However, until that proposal is drafted and raised, there can be no talk of more devolution for Scotland. If the Honourable Member from Edinburgh East would agree to such a proposal, we may find an agreement on FFA. I’d also like to state that I hope devolution won’t lead to another talk of Independence for Scotland. We should all know that we are better together. Can’t take the United out of Kingdom, can you?

Thank you, I yield the floor to Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker,

To respond to the Prime Minister's earlier statement.

The West Lothian question is an interesting one, and an important one. However, devo-max is a seperate issue from the West Lothian Question. But there are a number of different solutions to the West Lothian Question. A devolved English Parliament would not work, simply because it would be too large, as England is 85% of the UK population. Our preferred proposals would be either regional assemblies, built on the model of the London Assembly, or some sort of English Votes for English Laws.

We would be willing to work with all members of this body to figure out an answer to the West Lothian Question, as it only seems fair. What is the Prime Minister's opinion on regional bodies throughout England, as opposed to an all-England body, or English Votes for English Laws here in Parliament?

[The Democratic Marxists]

“Mr. Speaker,

I believe that the solution the Honourable Member for Edinburgh East is raising is a good compromise. However, we would have to see the effects of such regional councils after they’re constructed. I’m open to it.

What I’m not open to is an EVEL system. It would seriously set us apart here in Parliament, and the last thing I want is disunity between English and Scottishness MPs. The Speaker would have to judge what would only affect England, and then Scots would be angered by being left out, and it would be oh so very complicated. I don’t want to break the Union. EVEL isn’t an option.

However, the London Assembly is a good Model. To respond to the First Minister's question directly, I’m open to establishing more regional bodies throughout England - it would certainly be cheaper.”

[The Nordic Model]

“Order, order! This was a very good session, Honourable Members. Session closed, have a wonderful rest of the day!”

[The Nordic Model]

“Order, Order. Today’s agenda is a busy one, Honourable Members. We have a second reading to conduct for the National Education Service Bill, and a few other first and second readings for other bills. We will proceed into committee about time tomorrow. Here is the NES Bill:”

[The Nordic Model]

National Education Service
(Every Child Matters) Bill

A Bill To
Provide every child in this country with an opportunity to receive quality education for free/low cost, resulting in more fruitful careers.

Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, in this present Parliament assembled, as follows:

1. Investment
1) This is a reversal of massive cuts to spending in education. Will introduce a funding formula that leaves no school worse off while redressing the historical underfunding of certain schools. Will also invest in new school buildings, including the phased removal of asbestos from existing schools. This will be an investment of £150 million.
2) Will provide state-funded schools with more extra-curricula options for children.

2. Quality, Resources and Inclusion
1) Sport, Debate, Robotics, and Arts (drama, painting, etc,) will be mandatory extra curricular forin NES schools to offer to students
2) Will stress on less of a workload, more projects and in-class learning
3) Will add VAT to private schools to fund student meals in primary school

3. Further and Adult Education
1) Will replace Advanced Learner Loans and upfront course fees with direct funding, making FE courses free at the point of use, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses
2) Will increase capital investment to equip colleges to deliver T-levels and an official pre-apprenticeship trainee programme
3) Will make college tuition free by reintroducing maintenance grants for university students, and we will abolish state university tuition fees.

---

Ordered to be Printed, 2nd January, 2017

[The Nordic Model]

The PM has offered his thoughts and approval, as did the Rt. Honourable Member for East Edinburgh. Who else has opinions to debate?

[Laeral]

MP Julie Karim raises her hand to speak.

[The Nordic Model]

Yes, the Honourable Member for East Ham may proceed.

[Laeral]

MP Julie Karim (Labour, East Ham):
"Mr. Speaker-

I join Mr. Prime Minister in offering my support for this bill. Since the time of visionary leaders such as Clement Attlee, Labour and others who support social justice have worked towards enacting policies which work for the many, not just those at the top. Under the previous administration, drastic cuts were made to the public education budget, making it harder for ordinary families to get ahead. Every family wants their children to succeed, but as long as certain schools are underfunded, that remains an unlikely prospect for many of my own constituents, and many others throughout the UK. This bill constitutes a much-needed overhaul of the education system, which will make the system work for everyone. If this bill passes, it would be a major step toward a society where success is determined by how hard you work, not your net worth."

[The Nordic Model]

Honourable Member for East Ham, thank you. Would any members of the opposition proceed to speak?

[Greater Liverpool]

MP Ernesto De Jimera (West Derby, Liverpool)

"Mr Speaker." Ernesto stands from his position on the front bench. "I call upon the Prime Minister to please fully detail his plan to cover the costs of these increases in government spending. Does he presume that he can simply tax the rich and that will solve all our problems, because to that I would also like to ask the prime minister where does he plan to get the money from when the rich have left this country. Does he except the hard working people of Britain to forfeit the money of their Labour in more taxes. I ask the members of this Parliament does the Prime minister have a plan to not only cover the costs of his disillusioned Utopian dream but to simply balance the books and get Britain out the current defect."