Order! Order! these MPs could learn a thing or two from my GC

Really I think some of this a bit harsh! Though agree about the empty green benches.
I think that most MPs do have the interests of the country at heart. Trouble is that they differ fundamentally as to what that is. Result of long years of pernicious two-party politics that seems to be at last imploding.
Also imposs to discuss in the abstract. The current situation would try any MP to the limit. Just look how angry and outspoken the political threads on Gnet have become lately.
And indeed this current one. I find it ugly. Most backbenchers are powerless and frustrated. Can’t we cut them a bit of slack.

The whole system is a shambles and definitely needs bringing into the 21st century. I wonder what would happen if we all just decided not to vote in a General Election as a public protest? Of course that will never happen but it would be a big fat raspberry to the system!

winter sorry but I see it differently. My MP campaigned to stay in the EU but now just trots out the party line all the time. If he thinks we should stay in the EU for the sake of the country why is he now not holding his ground? I have written to him and just got a standard letter in return.

As already said I think the empty benches are sometimes because MPs are sitting in committee meetings. There is a lot of other stuff going on in addition to what we seen on TV but I think they should all listen when an important debate affects the whole country and does not need specialist knowledge.

"Don't you know it's very rude to interrupt - and stop making that silly noise, unless you want to go to bed early!"

There will be tears before bedtime.

Actually, they need their bottoms smacked, which just shows how old I am.

Sadly Grandtante I shouldn't offer that, they would probably all be queuing outside your door!

NannyFinn. The behaviour in the House is a disgrace. Many of them, including a vast number who have senior positions, cannot be trusted. We have a disgraceful Parliament. I agree entirely that Granny sanctions should be applied but frankly I am so shocked that they have no shame or self respect and can behave in this dreadful boorish way as if it's fine. The example from the top does not help. Mrs May's was deliberate delaying and repeated attempts to force her deal through by making it seem as if the delay is the fault of the House for not voting for it when she will not change it. As for the shameless and ridiculous "vote for my deal and I'll let you have a go at being Prime Minister" blackmailing attempt! It all makes me feel ill. She is willing to sell our brothers and sisters in Northern Ireland down the river and leave them under terrible conditions for years, and to tie us in to being in Europe but without any rights. No wonder MPs could not agree to her deal! What on earth is wrong with her? She held meetings in which her cabinet were told they could neither speak, ask questions, nor write anything down. They had to sit and be talked at as she read out the terms she had arranged with Europe and be told they were to support them! No discussion! If that is not a Fascist method of Government, then I am a goldfish.

B9exchange. ! But True!

You cannot have your own way! It will not get you anywhere by repeating the same thing over and over again or by blackmailing Granny that you will let your crazy little brother be in charge. Now do your homework! Play fairly! Do as you are told! Keep your promises! Do not deliberately hurt people! Granny will not be taking you out to the park until you behave as a good kind polite little child!

When contemplating the recent shambles emanating from Parliament, I am left wondering if I should take it all as proof positive that the aliens have not only landed, but are thriving in the Palace of Westminster?

My mother used to insist I sat at the table until I had finished my dinner. It was a standoff but she won because I got fed up sitting there (I still hate cooked spinach). I think that is what TM is doing to parliament.

I had to sit for five or ten minutes after I finished to 'let my dinner go down', then ask if I could leave the table.

These MPs need my mother round them, kindly but absolutely no nonsense!

Nonnie - yes I take your point. Most of this thread has been about MPs' silly behaviour and general shouting in the Commons and that's what I was really responding to. Individual MPs apparently switching sides to save their backs is a separate matter, and I can see how frustrating that must be and how despicable it seems unless the change of mind fully explained.

jalima...I would omit the ‘kindly’ bit! They don’t deserve a pudding either.An hour stood in the corner with a giant A
( for arrogance ) on their hats would also improve them.

DH and I now accuse each other of ‘chuntering from a sedentary position’ regularly.

So many of them are nasty. If it achieves nothing else - the Brexit process has really shed light on several murky areas- the behaviour of our politicians- and the quality of their minds - how have we managed to have such disgraceful and frankly stupid people representing us? - Jeremy Corbyn has no ideas but just plays party politics- Theresa May has not shared the process or created a cross party group to sort it out - the inflexibility and smugness of the EU - and lastly it has shed light on the haves and have nots. Is it too much to expect the idiots to learn something from it? Probably- who on earth does one vote for?

Not sure why Corbyn is said to be playing party politics

Nearly 2 months ago he wrote to May with 5 points for govt to have Labour's support

1. A “permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union”, including a say in future trade deals.

2. Close alignment with the single market, underpinned by “shared institutions”.

3. “Dynamic alignment on rights and protections”, so that UK standards do not fall behind those of the EU.

4. Clear commitments on future UK participation in EU agencies and funding programmes.

5. Unambiguous agreements on future security arrangements, such as use of the European arrest warrant.

As for left and right coming into it, this has the perfect time to undermine public services. As grandparents, are we not concerned about education, NHS and children in poverty? All these have deteriorated in tge last few years.

And yes, the 'banter' re public schools is covert bullying, the alumni of public schools still feel superior to those from state schools, and Eton (whose alumni have contributed more than their fair share to this mess) feel superior to everyone. The exchange reminded the MPs of this.

Eve Alcock I believe is a British undergraduate blogger.

The behaviour in HoC is seen around the world and is appalling, undermining UK credibility.

They should remember how they got to where they are, namely in parliament representing their constituants. They all stood on manifestos guarenteeing fulfilling the result of the referendum and, also, took an oath on entering Parliament to respect the will of their constituants as well as an allegiance to the Queen. Their own self interests should not come first.

The will of their constituents????? Where does it say that?

John you’ve said that before - you are wrong. It’s just allegiance to the Queen ( whatever that means).

why do I keep thinking of Violet Elizabeth Bott when I watch the MPs?

I rarely comment on anything political as I have always had little faith in politicians (or anyone in power). Nevertheless I have always voted despite never finding anyone that I really believed in. It was usually the best of a bad bunch! As for Brexit I am reminded of Dickens 'Bleak House'. At the end there was nothing except rich lawyers. I would guarantee that none of the present government/parliament members will be struggling financially whatever happens. We, on the other hand .......

Yes Grandma2213.....Jarndice v Jarndice does spring to mind!

I think that many voters are taking a long hard look now at
Parliament in general and MP’s and Ministers in particular.

I agree lemon grove that we will be taking a long hard look at Parliament etc, but we don't get to vote for Ministers - another job for the boys?

Jarndice v Jarndice does spring to mind!
Please no …….