In 2025, Parliament is scheduled to be in recess for approximately 19 weeks — that's 133 days when it is not sitting.

While MPs do valuable constituency work during this time, this outdated calendar leaves far too little time for the urgent business of running the country and passing essential laws. A modern Parliament needs a modern timetable, one that prioritises national issues.

Equally, it is unthinkable that individuals can be handed control of a Multi-Trillion-Pound economy with no mandatory training.

No serious business would operate this way.

A rigorous, non-partisan induction for all new MPs is essential, focusing on the fundamentals of economics, public finance, and history.

This training should be a prerequisite for taking a seat in the Commons and intensified for anyone appointed to a ministerial role.

It's time to ensure our decision-makers are fully equipped for the job.