Committees

Modernisation Committee launches call for views

17 October 2024

The Modernisation Committee has been set up to “consider reforms to House of Commons procedures, standards, and working practices.” 

It is asking for views on what topics it should prioritise for action as it develops its work programme. The Committee has already endorsed a memorandum, setting out three strategic aims and some initial workstreams.   

Now it wants to hear from groups and individuals inside and outside the House of Commons about what additional ideas they have for work it could take forward, covering the strategic aims of:   

  • driving up standards; 
  • improving culture and working practices; and 
  • reforming Parliamentary procedures to make the House of Commons more effective. 

Call for Submissions

Written submissions should be no more than 2,500 words and structured around the following questions: 

  1. What topic(s) do you think the Modernisation Committee should prioritise and how do they link to one or more of the strategic aims set out in the Leader’s memorandum? 
  2. Why would the topic(s) benefit from the attention of the Modernisation Committee? 
  3. Are you aware of examples from other Parliaments relevant to the topic(s) which may be interesting for the Modernisation Committee to consider? 
  4. Is there any existing work relevant to the topic(s) which you think the Modernisation Committee can build on? 

The deadline for submissions is 3pm on 16 December 2024. Submissions can be made through the website.  

 Chair's comment 

Commenting on the Committee’s call for views, the Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Leader of the House of Commons and Chair of the Modernisation Committee, said:

“In recent years the reputation of Parliament has been tarnished. The Modernisation Committee is up and running looking at how it can change Parliament to raise standards, improve working practices and culture and make House of Commons procedures more effective.

“There has already been a huge amount of interest inside and outside the House of Commons and we are keen to hear from the widest possible range of people about the Modernisation Committees’ programme of work.

“We are committed to working with the Speaker, Commons Committees, smaller parties, and other groups and individuals to drive forward positive change.”

“There’s much to do, and the Committee is raring to go.”

Further information

Image credit: House of Commons