A Very British Revolution

Martin Bell has a new book out this month which analyses the MPs’ expenses crisis and lays out a prescription for repairing the damage done – to elect more independent MPs to Parliament.

A Very British Revolution draws on the author’s own experience as an independent MP to give an insider’s perspective on the scandal of the summer.

Bell was the first elected independent MP in the House of Commons for 50 years, but was shocked at the indignities he witnessed, calling it “the four most shocking years of my life”.

The book takes the reader on a journey through modern Parliamentary politics, starting with Bell’s own experiences as an MP before detailing the failings of – amongst others – politicians, parties and the expenses system. 

The final chapter explores the gulf between “professional politicians” and the people, and argues that independent politicians are best placed to bridge this divide.

“The gap is wider than it has ever been between the government and the governed, the politicians and the people,” said Bell . “The emergence of a growing political class, with its allowances and entitlements a national scandal, does nothing to reassure us.

“We are not just facing unprecedented perils – climate change and nuclear proliferation among them – but doing it under the leadership of politicians who are remote and disconnected figures with little personal experience of anything but politics.”

A must-read for all independent candidates and their supporters, Martin Bell’s A Very British Revolution: The Expenses Scandal and How to Save Our Democracy is published by Icon books and is available in book stores nationwide and via www.martinbell.org.