TV cameras warning for rowdy MPs

ROWDY MPs could be caught on TV camera under proposals to improve parliamentary behaviour suggested by Commons Speaker John Bercow.

Strict rules cover what can be filmed by the cameras suspended above the Commons chamber, but Mr Bercow said MPs had been "taking advantage" of the restrictions to be "boisterous".

Allowing the actions of raucous MPs to be broadcast would shame offenders into better behaviour in future, he claimed.

Mr Bercow warned: "The rules regarding television cameras in the chamber were originally brought in to avoid focusing on trivia, such as the honourable member for such and such picking his nose. However MPs have started taking advantage of being able to hide and use blind spots to be boisterous."

He continued: "If we could trust the BBC not to focus on trivia, let them have free rein, a greater number of camera angles and wider coverage, we might be able to expose these members and raise the stakes when it comes to persistent offenders.

"If they and their constituents saw them misbehaving on television, being scrutinised on the blogosphere, being referred to as 'the worst parliamentarian in the world', it would rightly alter their conduct."

Mr Bercow also suggested reforms to the way discipline is enforced in the chamber, comparing his role to that of a football referee.

He said: "If someone errs, it's sensible to say to that person 'we don't want that'. If there are people who persistently offend, a red card could apply."