Toeing party line

As I understand it, the undemocratic parliamentary whipping system at “three line” level not only binds government MPs to the party line, but at ministerial rank requires resignation in case of refusal.

This renders any “debate” pointless (your report and Perspective, 21 October).

The Prime Minister must surely already know of some ministers planning to do so. He should, therefore, sack them in advance, as well as demanding prior resignation from any others. Totally missing from the whole charade is the fact that ministers are first and foremost MPs elected to serve the public.

The Scottish Parliament has already allowed MSPs to miss a debate “to avoid a clash of conscience”, the clash being, of course, between member and party; the electorate was never considered.

Members of Parliament are elected to promote the interests of the public, and should be required to participate in all votes – without the option to abstain but with freedom of choice.

As to the present situation, the governing coalition must be aware of the groundswell of public dissatisfaction over our EU membership, but will they acknowledge this during the “debate”?

Robert Dow

Ormiston Road

Tranent