Recall of MPs Bill

Debate between Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park and David Davis

Monday 27th October 2014 Commons Chamber

[Zac Goldsmith]

Such a move could happen only by permission of this House. We will struggle today to get any kind of meaningful reform, and the concern that this House will casually extend the remit of recall to include digital democracy is a hope too far for those who believe in direct democracy.

[Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con)]

My hon. Friend will remember that when this proposal—an online process rather than a physical one—was put to 40,000 people online, including online campaigners such as members of 38 Degrees, the vast majority, well over 90%, said, “No, this is a bad idea”. The process should be serious, physical and involve a proper hurdle.