Bishop of Durham attacks Government over reform plans

Jun 17 2009 by William Green, The Journal

Put politicians on trial by TV - Bishop

FAILING politicians should be put on television to decide whether they should be fired, the Bishop of Durham has suggested.

He said: "Greek and Roman democracies would sometimes put their rulers on trial, sometimes even during, but certainly after, their term of office.

"The Athenians invented an interesting system called ostracism in the Fifth Century BC, where you could have a popular vote to banish somebody for 10 years."

Referring to Apprentice star Sir Alan Sugar, he added: "It occurred to me that one of the forthcoming new Members in your Lordships’ House might be rather interested in that.

"I can envisage a programme which would have as its slogan, ‘You’re ostracised’!"

More seriously, the Bishop stressed accountability had to be "built back", with the Commons holding real debates and scrutinising the Government.

A Government appointed outside Parliament – as in America – should be discussed, according to the clergyman.