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# It's absolutely absurd
- URL: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/its-absolutely-absurd/
- Published: 2007-07-06T09:07:22.000Z
- Updated: 2019-02-14T22:36:42.000Z
- Author: openDemocracy Supporters
- Tags: #en, #Migrated, #Import 2026-04-09 18:23

**John Jackson (London,** [**Charter 88**](http://www.charter88.org.uk/?ref=opendemocracy.net)**):** Our constitutional foibles are making us the laughing stock of the world. How absurd that new ministers are not allowed to start work because the [Garter King of Arms](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garter%5FPrincipal%5FKing%5Fof%5FArms?ref=opendemocracy.net) is, as reported in today's Times, [on holiday](http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2034053.ece?ref=opendemocracy.net) and not available to take them through formalities (including giving them a lordly identity) which are a prerequisite to them taking their seats in our second chamber. This all stems from the bizarre notion that accountability of ministers to Parliament requires them to be a part of Parliament either as elected MPs or as Peers. There are other methods of securing accountability used in other democracies and which also have the advantages of providing a larger pool oftalent to draw from and the possibility of ministers not having to declare allegiance to a particular political party. Our history is something to be valued and conserved, but should not be our master. It really is time for us to wake up.