The results of the 2024 General Election in the United Kingdom marked a significant shift in the political landscape, as voters increasingly turned away from the traditional Labour and Conservative parties. This election saw thirteen different parties and six independents secure seats in the House of Commons, leading to the most fragmented Parliament in British history. Recent developments, such as the Caerphilly byelection, further illustrate this trend, with substantial declines in support for both major parties.
Despite these changes in voter behavior, the legislative environment in Westminster remains largely unchanged. New research by Dr Louise Thompson from The University of Manchester highlights how outdated parliamentary rules continue to marginalize smaller parties. In her study published in The Political Quarterly, Dr Thompson argues that these rules effectively silence the voices of millions of voters represented by smaller parties.
Democratic Deficit in Westminster
Dr Thompson asserts that Parliament operates under a framework reminiscent of the 1950s, when the Labour and Conservative parties dominated British politics. The current system grants guaranteed speaking time and committee positions only to the government, the official opposition, and the third-largest party. Consequently, smaller parties—including the Greens, Reform UK, Plaid Cymru, and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)—lack similar rights and often struggle to have their voices heard in legislative discussions.
This exclusion results in smaller party MPs spending considerable time in the chamber waiting for opportunities to speak, with many not receiving any chance at all. Dr Thompson emphasizes that the lack of representation is not merely symbolic; it obstructs smaller parties from properly scrutinizing new laws and addressing issues of significant concern to their constituents. “All MPs are elected equally, but inside Westminster, some are definitely more equal than others,” she states.
Recommendations for Reform
At present, smaller parties depend on informal arrangements to be heard, such as the Speaker occasionally making time for their questions. There are also instances when larger parties share their debate slots or committee positions, but these arrangements are inconsistent and can be rescinded at any moment. This creates a scenario where parties with strong relationships with the larger players gain advantages, while others are left without representation.
Dr Thompson argues that this approach is inadequate for a modern democracy. She advocates for a comprehensive update of Westminster’s rules to reflect the realities of today’s multi-party system. Her recommendations include formal guarantees in the House of Commons Standing Orders to ensure that smaller parties receive fair speaking rights, committee representation, and access to debates.
Additionally, she suggests adopting practices from devolved parliaments, such as implementing minimum thresholds for party rights and allowing more guest appearances on committees. These reforms aim to enhance the transparency, consistency, and fairness of parliamentary proceedings, ensuring that all MPs can contribute meaningfully, regardless of their party affiliation.
Dr Thompson’s research underscores the urgent need for reform in Westminster to create a more inclusive and representative parliamentary system, one that accurately reflects the diverse political landscape of the United Kingdom.
