Parliamentarians from the United Kingdom and India Discuss Nuances of Parliamentary Democracy in Kochi

KOCHI:
Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) presented a discussion titled Future of Parliamentary Democracy in the Eyes of MPs today at Kochi. Members of Parliament from the United Kingdom and India, came together to discuss issues surrounding democracy and the future of parliamentary democracy model.
The panel consisted of N K Premachandran MP, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Kollam, Craig Whittker MP, Conservative Party, Calder Valley Constituency, Angela Rayner MP, Labour Party, Ashton-under-Lyne Constituency, Daniel Zeichner MP, Labour Party, Cambridge Constituency and Steve Reed MP, Labour Party/Co-op, Croydon North Constituency.
The discussion, moderated by Chairman of CPPR, Dr. D Dhanuraj highlighted the biggest challenge to the democracy comes from the voter themselves. Plato’s great worry about democracy, that citizens would “live from day to day, indulging the pleasure of the moment”, has proved prescient.
In the opening remarks, N K Premachandran shared from his own parliamentary experience and said “Parliamentary democracy is the best model as there is accountability to people, but we must introspect on whether accountability of the government through this parliamentary system being delivered.” He also emphasised on the need of the electoral reforms and enhancing the public participation in law and policy making to have a fruitful parliamentary democracy.
Craig Whittker applauded Kerala’s significant contribution to Britain especially in the healthcare sector. “India and UK can be proud of shared tradition of democracy but we are facing similar issues with different stages of development. Despite being the developed country we are struggling with gender and health issues, inequality and environmental concerns.”
Daniel Zeichner, comparing the Chinese government model to parliamentary democracy said “In the Chinese model the work is done and may be quicker but people have no say in it. British systems might be slow but it is more flexible and can deal with the challenges of the future.”
On role of women in democracy, Angela Rayner highlighted the challenges the women parliamentarians experience and said “Formal education, wealth, fame not essential to contest and win elections. Commitment to people is far more important.” Steve Reed “Man should be a feminist and support gender equality in all spheres.”
On Brexit, the member of parliaments said it was an emotional decision. Craig Whittker said “the key reason for leaving the European Union (EU) was lack of trust in political decisions and politicians. Bharat Joshi, British Deputy High Commissioner Chennai concluded the event and appreciated CPPR for hosting the discussion and highlighted how these discussions can evolve 21st century solutions to 21st century problems.