Sir, The suggestion from Anatole Kaletsky (Opinion, Mar 30) that “our parliamentary democracy gives backbench MPs almost no power” is out of date. Not only has the Government established a backbench business committee, giving backbenchers the power to schedule substantive debates — and votes — on anything they choose, but for the first time the chairs and members of select committees have been elected by their peers, rather than selected by the Whips. Far from not enjoying “any significant influence”, backbenchers are able to represent their constituents more effectively and are no longer at the bottom of the food chain. The Commons is now a different beast: less poodle; more bulldog.
Sir George Young, MP
Leader of the House of Commons