Hoon: ‘Gap growing’ between politicians and voters
The new Leader of the House of Commons, Geoff Hoon, has warned that there is a “growing gap” between the public and MPs.
Writing in the latest issue of the Parliamentary House Magazine, Mr Hoon said the gap was leading to a feeling of alienation for voters and too many people were now asking whether voting made a difference.
Mr Hoon, MP for Ashfield, described voter apathy as an “issue of deep concern” after an increase of just two per cent in voter turnout to 61 per cent was recorded in the May 5 general election.
The former Defence Minister wrote: “There have been suggestions about a growing gap between politicians and the public. This is an issue of deep concern. My sense is that it is more than apathy.
“In some parts of the country there is a real feeling of alienation, of reluctance to participate in our democracy – too many people ask whether voting will make a difference.”
The Cabinet minister continued: “We must ensure that people understand at the local level that, when new investment in our public services is delivered, it is the result of the Labour government, not by chance.
“We are also determined to implement the manifesto that the British people elected us to deliver.
“With more dialogue, more communication and more listening from the government I believe we will have better legislation and a more engaged public.”
Mr Hoon called for a new political landscape and added: “That means there must be more dialogue; more listening from the government; more consultation; more involvement of the backbenches in the development of legislation.”
