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For me, Parliament is not only the most important forum for the British people, it is also the last defender of the rights of all citizens. In recent years, it has given the impression of no longer fulfilling this vital task. Now we have the chance to restore the power to elected members, speaking for their constituents, monitoring and improving how government works.

Recently the public have begun to believe that the Government is arrogant and unresponsive. Staying in touch with people can be difficult for politicians. I have always tried to be approachable, and to follow what is really going on, but Westminster can make us seem remote, and our electors are more likely to see us on the news, than in person. We come to rely on the media to tell us what citizens think and feel, rather than finding out for ourselves and I think it is not quite right.
 

I expect that the internet will help people to become better informed and to communicate more easily. I also hope that digital television will enable interested citizens to follow more of Parliament's activities.

Much is being written about the scope for democracy, and the role of Parliament, as technology develops. Some commentators think that we should adopt a cyber-democracy, where instant referenda on every subject will replace considered debate. Others feel that there should be fewer MPs, as improved communications will enable us to represent more people.

I disagree. I think that the election of a dedicated, responsible representative, who is required to protect the interests of his or her constituents, and to scrutinise legislation for their benefit, is more desirable, by far. It is a good system, and has served us well. It is up to the House of Commons to ensure that it continues to do so. Members of Parliament have a duty to modernise our institutions so that we remain in touch with the people who elected us, and so that we can continue to represent them effectively.

As well as expressing a desire for wider IT use, much of the current debate on modernisation addresses Members' own working conditions and hours. Members have the power to change these, since these decisions are taken by the vote of the whole House. What really matters is the power of the Backbencher over legislation, the work of the Select Committees, and the day to day scrutiny of Bills.

I feel that modernisation should mean more. Unlike those of many other democracies, our constitution is unwritten. Over many centuries, it evolved in response to new conditions and circumstances. Simultaneously, our traditions have grown and developed. I think we should retain some traditions, as a reminder of the historic victories that gave us our present liberties in the first place. Votes for women and broadening the franchise beyond property owners, to name but two.

Lasting modernisation will not arise from political dogma or fashionable trends. It will follow the same process of adaptation to changed circumstances that characterises Parliament's history. It will put the House of Commons back at the centre of our national life, and will make the historic rights and duties of Members relevant to their electors' hopes, wants and needs.

During many hours in the Chair, both as a member of the Chairman's panel and as a Deputy Speaker in Westminster Hall, I have come to appreciate the richness of the House of Commons and the variety of skills its members possess. It is essential that these be put to good use. Modernisation means enhancing the role of Backbench MPs and bringing power back to the Commons.

We should be able to:

• scrutinise the measures proposed by the Government or European institutions closely;

• to investigate any aspect of the Government or public bodies;

• investigate the activities of private individuals or bodies, where they impact on the public or the Government;

• exercise complete freedom of speech, constrained only by the need for courtesy, responsibility and accuracy;

• enjoy freedom from Party pressure, especially on matters of conscience;

• receive adequate resources and facilities for the discharge of our duties; and

• sustain personal and family life in a way which would be expected by the working population as a whole.

The work of the House of Commons Liaison Committee has been aimed towards advancing values of this kind. I fully agree with its reports on this subject. It is a shame that, so far, the Government has failed to understand the importance of its recommendations.

The Executive has the duty to implement its programme promptly and efficiently, but not at the cost of careful scrutiny. Further, the rights of individual Backbenchers must always be protected against the overriding power of both Government and Opposition front benches. I will always respect and protect these fundamental rights.

Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody.

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