Discuss The Benefits Of Snp System

Current Benefits
There are a variety of benefits with the current system that any reform to the system should aim to retain. Additionally, there are some core values that any voting procedure should maintain. These were succinctly drawn out by Lord Selkirk “having a voting system that is efficient, correct and appropriate is going to be very important and they will need to have a system where the voting is clear beyond doubt” . It is imperative that any alteration to the voting procedure of either House retains these principles.
The first and most important current benefit is votes are recorded , this is particularly important for MPs whose re-election could depend on their voting record. There are a number of Parliaments around the world
The vast majority of Members interviewed stated this as a current benefit to the system. Owen Thompson, by contrast, was not convinced this is a real benefit . The SNP is a close group and he can easily have access to the higher members of his own party . Time in the lobbies, however, would provide him with the opportunity to speak to the Ministerial or Shadow Ministerial team. First Past the Post promotes a two party system , which tends to lead to large parties, and so time in the lobbies for un-vetted access to Ministers can prove invaluable to a back bench MP who otherwise may be unable to meet with more senior colleagues . On top of this, Ministers are hard to speak to without their advisers surrounding them, so being able to speak to them freely is highly beneficial to numerous members. This benefit was further highlighted by Baroness Hooper , who stated on occasions time in the lobbies is the only chance for Peers to speak to one another. Numerous Peers don’t have offices or office staff; they can spend much of their time in the library with limited contact with other members. Admittedly this does appear like a weak argument; nevertheless, a significant part of politics is about deal making and building relationships , the lobbies can help to facilitate
This again adds to the idea that members are engaged in the debate and are making their minds up on the topic during the debate. Moreover, the close proximity to the debate and the division helps Members to know what they are voting on. On some days, MPs and Peers will attend a wide variety of debates, voting on them straight after discussing them helps to keep the debate fresh and adds impetus to the vote.
The final aspect of the close proximity of divisions to the chamber, quite simply, means MPs and Peers need to be on site . Although late at night this could be viewed as an inconvenience , the act of recording a vote is a vital part of a Member’s role. The current method used is a way to validate the identity of the Member. Following the controversy in the 18th Century of Members sending their staff to vote on their behalf it is important to retain a validation aspect to the voting system.
All these benefits serve to prove that Members value the use of the division lobbies to vote, as they provide Members with a key opportunity to meet colleagues and to build relations. Furthermore, they are useful for ensuring votes are recorded and Members’ identities can be verified. All things considered, any reforms should aim to retain these benefits, or potentially even enhance