The appalling murder of Sir David Amess (“Fatal stabbing of Tory MP Amess reignites politicians’ safety debate”, Report, October 16) raises questions about whether the model of the relationship between MPs and their voters — in particular the role of constituency surgeries — is fit for purpose for a modern democracy.
As an MP for 30 years I know how important it is that MPs are available every week to hear their constituents’ concerns face to face. But the link between MPs and their constituents is an illusion contradicted by decades of research. The truth is that most constituency casework can be processed, not by the MP personally, but by professional caseworkers acting on behalf of the MP.
This gives MPs time to do the job that only they can do, that of using the national stage to make better laws in the first place.
Upgrading the job of an MP in this way will be actively resisted by government and its apparatchiks who set the agenda of the very parliament charged with “holding them to account” and who push MPs out of Westminster and into the constituency for as many days as possible.
The role of constituency surgeries also increasingly exposes MPs to harm not only seen in the horrendous Amess case but insidiously through the relentless daily pressure on the mental and physical health of MPs forced to be a lightning rod for government failures that they can do nothing about.
A revitalisation of the underused asset of the MP that we elect is vital as the global battles on climate, social media and between autocracy and democracy begin in earnest.
I found the vast majority of MPs in all parties were hardworking, dedicated servants of their constituents and their country. All they need is — in the words of John Smith, the former Labour leader — “a chance to serve”.
Graham Allen
MP for Nottingham North 1987-2017
Chair, Select Committee on Political and Constitutional Reform 2010-2015
London SW1, UK
Letter: MPs should focus on making laws, not counselling constituents
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