BROWN MUST RESPOND TO DISSOLUTION DEBATE

Prime Minister Gordon Brown faces calls to come before the Commons and respond to the debate on dissolution of Parliament to be held next Wednesday (10 June) after the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru confirmed they would use time allotted to them to force a dissolution vote.

SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP said:

“We have had resignations and a panic reshuffle but what people really want is a General Election so they can have their say.

“Gordon Brown needs to come to parliament and respond to this debate. Both the prime minister and parliament have lost authority to govern, and people must have the chance to vote for a new House of Commons.

“The UK government is crumbling, its authority has drained away, parliament is out of step with public opinion, and an election is now essential to restore trust and confidence in the whole Westminster system.

“It is in Gordon Brown’s gift to request the dissolution of parliament, and so he must come to parliament and respond to this debate from the despatch box.

“There can be no argument against the entire House of Commons submitting itself to a vote of the people who elected them.

“This political crisis was created by politicians, and the SNP and Plaid Cymru are giving Parliament the chance to give the people their say. The time has come to allow people to have their say, and what better way to have a debate than hold a general election. There are a raft of issues from more responsibility for the Scottish Parliament, to reforming the House of Lords and the MPs' expenses issue that need to be debated by the public.”