None of this seems to matter to new Labour. They often see Parliament as part of the problem rather than the solution. They think it is out of date, and too unruly. They send Parliament away on a long holiday, while claiming that this is a hyper-active government with plenty to do and say. Why then will they not stand and say it at Westminster? They seem shy of the idea that you are either in favour of something , or against it, preferring the shifting sands of media-driven discussion. They see no need to make today’s soundbite consistent with yesterday’s: novelty is all.

My opposite number Margaret Beckett, refuses to come to the House to set out the big issues affecting industry and commerce. She scarcely bothers to answer questions, and when she does, she sometimes get the answers wrong. She is not the only one. Of course there have been ministers before who have hoped they could get away with an incomplete answer or with little debate. What makes this more serious as it seems to be allied to a view that they should not be accountable to the House, when it is easier to brief the press than make a statement.

With its majority Labour could guillotine every measure and stifle debate on all the important issues. But they will have to learn that the art of Parliamentary government is not just to win the arguments, to carry public opinion, to behave in a way which is not only strictly legal but seems to be fair.

Labour is not content merely with allowing Parliament to slip into disuse. They are busy giving away the powers of the place to all and sundry. In opposition they were fabled and intrepid hunters of the quango. Now we see them creating as many quangos as possible to take matters away from Parliament’s scrutiny. Interest rates have to be settled by a committee of treasury and bank appointees, with the Chancellor, saying it is nothing to do with him. Regional development and inward investment is to come under new regional development bosses. Regional government is to be strengthened and, in England, to remain, unaccountable to any elected body.

Not satiated by a new quangocracy, they wish to give substantial powers over Scottish and Welsh life to new assemblies. They want to take powers away from Parliament, local councils and the people. No worry that they have failed to answer the most obvious of questions. Why should Welsh and Scottish MPs vote on health and education for England but not for their own areas? Where does the money come from to pay for all this extra government? They have also given massive powers away to Brussels. They have cancelled vetoes, the only protection a country has, so that it can pursue a policy it likes. They have decided that employment and social policies should be made in Brussels.

It is strange to watch a country quietly being driven away, by a government which claims to speak in soft voices and consensual tones. As I look across the empty Commons chamber this September, and remember the great scenes that were enacted here, when passions ran high and Parliament captured the mood of the nation. I am saddened by what is happening. I want Parliament to come to life again, and for the people to remember why it matters. There will always be times when voters think Parliament is too noisy or wrong-headed: but rather that than the extinction of traditional British liberties.

In the past, Parliament has found its own way to deal with arrogant ministers or shy administrations. This time it will not be so easy. While it is in Parliament’s grasp to make this administration more accountable, it is not in her power to recapture rights and duties passed to Brussels, nor entirely within her power to put right the wrongs of devolution if it goes ahead.

The Union and it’s Parliament is under threat as rarely before. We may have a people’s lottery. What we need is a people’s Parliament, so that this Government does not make a lottery of our liberties.

GW’s comments " We can see the inevitable trend towards smaller units ( as per ‘The Sovereign Individual’ ) BUT THE MORE CRITICAL ASPECT FOR US , OUR CHILDREN, and GRANDCHILDREN is the danger , increasing every day of MEGALOMANIC and ULTIMATELY DICTATORIAL GOVERNMENT BY A LEADER WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE ONLY TO HIMSELF.