If one (or several) elected MPs fail to deliver promises, it doesn't follow that all 650+ need to be re-elected or removed. Fixed-term parliaments prevent disruptive and costly extra elections at a time when economic recovery and stability are in the interests of both Scotland and the UK as a whole.
The 55% threshold for dissolving Parliament is actually quite low. Scotland's threshold is two-thirds. Other countries have similar barriers to hasty and petulant dissolution.
Electorally, the five-year span is more surprising to me. Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales all have a four-year term. Local authorities are elected on a four-year cycle. It would make sense to have four years for Westminster also, then an election for one body need never clash with that for another.
Folk Show and Teatime Show presenter on Argyll FM. Enjoying music and technology. Supporting environmental and sustainability campaigns.
