Scotland needs a second chamber to benefit our devolved democracy
Holyrood Notebook by Edward Mountain
Holyrood feels very far away for the people of Caithness, whether that’s in miles or in the decisions made there.
No doubt the House of Lords in London feels geographically even further, but a similar institution for Scotland might just be the key to closing the gap.
You wouldn’t want to replicate it entirely given the various controversies and expenses the Lords has incurred over the years.
But after almost a decade in the Scottish Parliament, I am convinced a second chamber is vital to uphold democracy for the north of Scotland and deliver better policies for our people and businesses.
During my time in Edinburgh, I’ve always been a convener of one of the parliament’s committees.
I began with what is now the Rural Affairs and Islands committee, and now lead the Net Zero, Energy and Transport committee – two bodies of vital importance to the Highlands.
But through this I’ve learned while the committee structure has some merits, especially when it comes to hearing scrutiny from experts and outside voices, they can’t properly hold the Scottish Parliament to account.
When it comes to the crunch, they exude the same political bias as the Holyrood chamber.
So, if the SNP – as the main party – wants to get something through, whether that’s in committee or the parliament itself, it can simply order its MSPs, who outnumber everyone else, to make sure it happens.
I’m not blaming the nationalists for this – that’s politics, and I don’t doubt opposition parties would do the same thing if given the chance.
But the system is weak.
That’s why we need an elected second chamber, which would be small, nimble and representative.
It would be non-political, too, with regional elections taking place every five years, like other ballots, but where people were voting for the person rather than a party.
With two from each of Scotland’s eight existing parliamentary regions, and supplemented by genuine experts from a range of backgrounds, it would be a tight-knit team.
It would sit at Holyrood as and when, preferably on a Monday or Friday, using existing buildings, infrastructure and personnel.
All this would mean the costs are kept low and, by having regular elections, if someone wasn’t performing, they could be booted out by the voters.
No hereditary peers, no pass-for-life, no cronyism.
Just an additional revising chamber that could rein in the political whims of the Scottish Parliament, and ensure only good law was ever passed.
The purpose would be for national benefit, but I can see real gains for the Highlands too.
Up here we all know the central belt bias which exists in Holyrood, and its obsession with issues that exist in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
A second chamber would ensure a strong regional voice for the north of Scotland, meaning no law would be passed that hurt us while enhancing the city-slickers.
It would just give us that ability to call things in when they’re not good enough.
Scotland already has one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world, and spreading out to a low-cost second chamber would share that power around a bit more responsibly.
Not everyone will be convinced, given the reputation of parliaments and politics generally.
But it’s a discussion Scotland must have to make the most of our democracy.
• Edward Mountain is a Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands
