Is Westminster past its sell by date?

Like Holyrood perhaps?

Sorry growstuff......I should have read all the posts first, as have said much the same as you.

I agree about the building, in fact building a new one, with all the meeting rooms it needs as well as the two chambers would be better than doing up the Victorian building with all it’s faults. A circular design rather than opposing benches would be less adversarial.
The HOC and HOL’s work pretty well most of the time, no point throwing away the baby with the bathwater, but I think it’s time all the flummery stopped, the archaic clothes and rituals.

I think the design of the building does have an impact on the system.

The current layout of the HoP encourages people to shout at each other like two opposing armies.

They were impressed by the open quality of the building

Aren't we talking about the system rather than the building?
Although the design of the building is probably not the best for modern purposes.

One of the reasons the UK has been relatively stable is that our parliamentary system has evolved rather than being the product of a major change, such as a revolution or (as Germany had) a need for a complete overhaul.

I must admit I would have liked the renovations of the HoP to have included a debating chamber shaped to be more conducive to less adversarial politics, rather than facing each other head on.

Oh Gosh painting, I was just reflecting what they said. They were so taken with it, having not known anything else.

They were impressed by the open quality of the building.

I think they, as young people felt Westminster, the ritual the gowns and so on wasn't for them.

However, grapefruitpip,

Yes, Berlin, all well and good, I speak fluent German and lived in Germany for ten years odd. However no one would want to go through the hell of facist dictatorships to arrive at that place.

Actually, I'm of the opinion our parliament did a pretty good job. And I'm not the only one who thinks that. See Berko etc.

I wonder what all this stuff is about, people trashing political systems which are a dxxm sight more serviceable than some countries of the world. What is that about I wonder? Women in particular fought for the right to vote, and the right to take part in political systems. Don't trash the one we have got. That is, unless you are prepared to take part in it and improve it. …? And yes, I will expect some bullying Tories on my tail. They think they have the right to silence just about everyone on this public forum. Luckily some of us have more insights into politics

painting

I remember both my AC who were lucky enough to visit Berlin both being so impressed with the organisation of their parliament.

Of all the things they saw, this impressed them most.

Definitely time to start again, the majority of mps in both houses just seem to have their own interests at heart and are not interested in the welfare of the people of this country and do not know the meaning of the word democracy.

Isn’t that Jura2 was getting at?

“Past its sell by.....” isn’t that a bit glib?

The present system has never looked so cumbersome and unfit for purpose than in the last three years since the so-called Brexit Referendum.

For too long, Parliament has behaved like an overgrown public school debating society, with seemingly little relevance to the everyday life of the great British public.

I would not necessarily do away with the HoL; many lords and ladies are both wise and experienced in their various specialist areas. Though I'm not sure that Bishops and Landowners (or anybody) should be there automatically as of right.

The Commons has proved itself to be shambolic, with kudos too often going to those who shout/bray loudest.

We are entitled to expect a Parliament that respects its constituents, its members and its role.

I'm not sure the present multi party system does any of that.

I would also add that since we have been able to view the present setup, it’s now not a surprise to see the state our Country is in.

Yes the time has come, I wouldn’t /couldn’t attempt to design a new political system, but I would do away with the dreadful braying & insist on a civilised procedure for voicing opinions.