SIR – Further to Andrew Hall’s letter (Worcester News, March 26), might it not be time to consider reforming our democracy by asking all candidates standing for election to Parliament to stand as independents so that they may put their ideas, or personal wish list, to their local electorate.

They may still lean left, centre or right, but at least they will be elected on the major issues pertinent to that electorate, and once in Parliament, vote according to their electorate’s wishes, without having to abandon them to “toe the party line”.

Thus, if sufficient independent MPs (perhaps 51 per cent) support a particular parliamentary proposal, it would progress as the majority view, without the risk of interference from a particular political party whip perhaps.

Also, since most MPs appear to have little concern for the future beyond their five-year term in Parliament, (especially career politicians), shouldn’t the long term planning of the UK’s utilities: gas, electricity, water, railways, roads, NHS, be the responsibility of a committee of civil servants, or a non-government organisation (NGO)?

It could put forward a fiveyear, 10-year, 15-year, 20-year plan etc which would then require MPs to vote according to electorate’s priorities, and they would then have the task of finding ways to fund the country’s infrastructure.

Unless I am mistaken, the country’s defence is managed via the RAF, Army, Navy and police forces and they advise the Government of the requirements needed to perform their duties, with the Government having to allocate appropriate funds.

No doubt there are arguments against such reform, but the apparent public apathy for the status quo will probably result in an even lower turnout at the next general election.

Unless politicians can find a way to “excite” the electorate, and make them realise how valuable the right to vote is in the UK,I fear that Parliament will be perceived as an elitist group of “haves” controlling the “have nots”, as the gap between rich and poor has been allowed to continually widen under the traditional so-called “leadership” of Labour, Conservative and Liberal parties.

Is there room for a “common sense” party!

TONY HARRIS

Worcester