Report to the People
Cross Party Groups
There is an often overlooked forum for discussion and debate in the Scottish Parliament which is becoming increasingly important: the many and varied Cross Party Groups.
Made up of MSPs and others who have a special interest in a particular (usually non party political) subject, Cross Party Groups exist to discuss, debate and raise awareness of that issue. They can also, where appropriate, propose changes to existing law, or amendments to bills as they progress though Parliament.
There are currently 22 Cross Party Groups and plans are in place to set up a further 9. They deal with issues ranging from architecture to ageing and from human rights to horticulture. We even have a Boiheann Eadar-Phhartaidh Gaidhlig Ann Am Parliamaid Alba. (Or Cross Party Group on Gaelic in the Scottish Parliament, as us lowlanders call it.)
It is easy, however, for cynics to denounce these groups as "yet more politicians setting up yet talking shops." If the committees in the Parliament are so great, they say, why do we need these extra groups?
There are a number of reasons.
One point we need to bear in mind is that MSPs with a particular interest in a subject are not guaranteed a place on the relevant parliamentary committee. For example, many of my colleagues have extensive experience, or have a keen interest, in health issues. But, as there are only 5 spaces for labour members on the Health and Community Care Committee, most were disappointed. However, the Cross Party Groups on various health related matters (disability, carers and palliative care, to name a few) ensure that they have an opportunity to share their expertise and experience.
Also, as mentioned above, the groups are not comprised solely of MSPs. By moving beyond the usual circles of politicians, a wider, more comprehensive view of the issue is generated. Who better to predict how a proposed change in the law will impact on a service, than someone who has spent their entire career there?
The more people become involved in democracy and the decision making process, the better and fairer the decisions become. The Scottish Parliament is all about bringing democracy home and opening up the political process. Cross Party Groups represent, I believe, another nail in the coffin of elitist politics.
For more information on the Scottish Parliament's Cross Party Groups, go to: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/cpg.html
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