Rob Wilson's Westminster Diary, July 23, 2009

Rob Wilson MP • Published 24 Jul 2009 09:00 0 Comments

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MOST MPs have had enough of Westminster and want to get back to their constituencies for the rest of the summer.

If I said we've been winding down in recent weeks that would suggest we were involved in some useful legislative process in the first place.

Unfortunately most of the Bills we consider have only minor relevance. Where they are relevant, they are rammed through the Commons by a Government worried about backbench rebellions, severely curtailing any real debate. The Government's legislative programme limps along, lamely cobbled together in a bid to show it has a purpose and is still in power.

The Prime Minister recently launched his much-awaited vision for the country in a document which emerged from a begging email which went around Whitehall asking for legislation. Civil servants found a few dusty files marked 'same old rubbish' and the Government spin machine did the rest.

The public isn't bothered because it is still smarting over the expenses scandal and holds politicians in low esteem generally. But the public is also slightly schizophrenic, on one hand angry at too much legislation and on the other maddened by the length of the Summer recess - thinking all MPs are taking an 82-day holiday! With this Government's legislative record I would suggest Parliament being away for a while isn't necessarily a bad thing!

There is of course a by-election in Norwich this week, which many MPs have been sneaking off to attend. I think we will probably win it, but 'who knows?' And the feeling in Norwich is, 'who cares?'

Having spent some time there, my guess is the turnout will be low even for a by-election.

What is noticeable is house after house saying they won't vote Labour again. We will see, but this isn't isolated. Money, foot soldiers and councillors are dwindling at an ever increasing rate - the activist base simply isn't there any more. Labour's poll rating of between 25 and 30% is dreadful, but 30% is probably going to prove over-optimistic at a general election.

However, things can change quickly in politics and I refuse to count any chickens. I am determined the Conservative Party will pick up the economic wreckage we always inherit from Labour governments and any complacency would damage our chances. Whatever the state of Labour, this country needs real change and we must be ready to deliver it.

This blog appeared in Reading Chronicle 23 Jul 09

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