James Forsyth James Forsyth

Why MPs can’t switch off this summer

The SNP has given the Conservative and Labour parties a lot to think about

issue 25 July 2015

There are few quicker ways to annoy an MP than to suggest that they are on holiday when the House of Commons isn’t sitting. Such a suggestion will be met with a tetchy and immediate list of the constituency work they are doing in recess. This week, however, marks the start of the first summer break since the election, so the honourable members should perhaps feel entitled to a rest. Indeed, most MPs who aren’t engaged in a leadership contest will be taking one.

As they sink into their deckchairs, they will have plenty to think about. The election might only have been two and a half months ago, but the dynamics of this parliament have changed, utterly.

Elections will return soon enough. There will be a Scottish Parliament vote and a London mayoral contest next spring. The whole country will vote on Britain’s membership of the EU before the end of 2017.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in