'Web can break Whitehall monopoly'

Using the internet in new ways can give the public the chance to break Whitehall's monopoly on framing new laws, says a Labour MP.

Former whip Graham Allen says neither the public nor MPs are seriously involved in putting together new legislation under the current process.

If we are serious about getting MPs involved, we can be equally serious about getting the public involved

Graham Allen
Labour MP

Mr Allen wants the rules changed so the public and MPs can join together to provide an alternative to plans drafted by civil servants and ministers.

In a Commons debate on Tuesday, he will press for MPs to examine planned new laws for eight weeks before the proposals formally go before Parliament.

The public would be able to e-mail their suggestions on how to improve those plans in a move aimed at producing better laws and giving people more say in politics.

'No snap votes'

Mr Allen told BBC News Online: "If we are serious about getting MPs involved, we can be equally serious about getting the public involved, but not in a sort of 'guilty or innocent, press the button B or A'."

Instead of snap "e-plebiscites", thoughtful contributions could be received from groups and individuals on keystone issues, he argued.

Under Mr Allen's plans, MPs' initial discussions on proposed law changes would be webcast and members of the public invited to send their ideas by e-mail.

Graham Allen does not believe in "e-plebiscites"

"If it's about the Child Support Act, you can be sitting in York with fellow fathers or mothers or whatever group and watch MPs question important witnesses," Mr Allen said.

"Then you can e-mail directly or later."

Officials would sift out the serious suggestions and put them in front of the MPs.

Mr Allen stresses the importance of giving proper feedback to members of the public who do take part, including due credit where ideas become law.

That process could mean MPs, as part of a partnership with the public, could produce real alternatives to plans written by Whitehall civil servants.

New role for MPs

Some opponents of using the internet in democracy say it leaves out those who do not have internet access.

But Mr Allen suggested all those who were part of community and charity groups were able to get online.

Mr Allen such pre-legislative scrutiny that would be the first time in his lifetime that MPs were properly involved in legislation.

He is pressing for the changes in an adjournment debate in the Commons on Tuesday evening.

Commons leader Robin Cook is trying to introduce more scrutiny of legislation before it is formally debated by Parliament.

Change hopes

Mr Cook, who heads the Commons modernisation committee, was "probably the most enlightened leader of the House in my time in politics", said Mr Allen.

"I am sure that he will want to consider this very seriously," added the MP.

A feeling of alienation from the political process is one explanation given the 59% turnout in last year's general election - the lowest since 1918.

Enabling people to have more influence between elections is seen as one way of tackling that problem.