[jambutty]

Yes democracy of a type is still there Cyfr but it is a form of democracy that only pays lip service to a true democratic government.

The have in quotes that you refer to is included in the sentence relating to 3 line Whips where MP’s “have” to vote on party lines. They can dissent but rarely do because of the de-selection “Sword of Damocles” hanging over them not to mention the no chance of advancement.

Don’t forget that the PM has the final say on who gets a Cabinet or ministerial post and the high salary that goes with them and he is hardly likely to appoint someone if they didn’t follow party lines. Any MP who has aspirations of improving their lot will kowtow to the party lines even if he doesn’t agree with some of them.

Most MP’s have gone into politics as a career and will do what is necessary to keep their job. Fortunately there are a few who see politics not just as a career but as a means of genuinely representing their constituents. These are usually called either independent or rebels.