It's absolutely absurd

John Jackson (London, Charter 88): 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 is, as reported in today's Times, on holiday 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.