A blueprint for a 21st Century Parliament
The "Blueprint for a 21st Century Parliament," produced by 50:50 Parliament and Compassion in Politics, provides an immediate starting point for modernising the UK Parliament into a more inclusive, supportive, and effective working institution. It is not exhaustive, but it provides the framework for quick and low-cost changes to create immediate impact while the Committee considers longer term structural changes.
While much progress has certainly been made on modernising Parliament in the last decade or more, the report draws from a 2024 survey of departing MPs that paints a picture of a workplace culture at times still characterised by outdated practices, high stress, and inadequate mental health support. This environment contributes to declining public trust in politicians, with the MPs also citing family strain, mental health challenges, and toxic behaviours as reasons for stepping down from the role they feel privileged to have held.
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By implementing the reforms suggested, Parliament can start to reset the deficit in public trust and begin to address the longstanding issues that affect many MPs with the goal of inspiring a new generation of leaders who feel valued, respected, and capable of serving with integrity; a change that will benefit both the politicians and the public they serve.
The report’s recommendations prioritise procedural and cultural reforms such as implementing electronic voting, piloting hybrid work options, establishing an independent HR function to support MPs and staff professionally, and evolving Prime Minister’s Questions, and other debates, into a more constructive format that encourages respectful dialogue. These changes aim to inspire public respect for the political process and to make Parliament a more welcoming and inclusive environment - particularly for those under-represented in the corridors of power - while underscoring Parliament’s commitment to integrity and
accountability. Equal representation, both of women and minorities, remains an issue and, with representation shaping policy, it is critical that we act fast to ensure Parliament is accessible to talented people from all backgrounds.
A Joint Collaboration Between Compassion in Politics and 50:50 Parliament
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