Interview with MP Sir Roger Gale

Sir Roger Gale is a senior member of the British parliament, who has an incredible wealth of experience gained from within the UK and outside the UK. As an astute parliamentarian,Sir Roger Gale, when he spoke to us, stressed the fact that ‘no one is a monopoly of wisdom’ hence he believes that as much as other nations look up to learn and draw examples from the UK’s parliament, the UK too can learn from other nations. He talked to us at The Parliament Magazine about his life, his roles,his achievements and his thoughts about Georgia.

Excerpts are below:

You were 40 years old when you became elected andyou have been in active service for thirty-five years now.What made you delve into politics and why do you adviseyour children and their generation to avoid the parliament?

I joined the Conservative Party following the Russian invasionof Czechoslovakia and a massive demonstration in London, inwhich I participated very actively.

I do not believe that the British Parliament and her Members are currently being afforded the respect that once was the case. As a matter of personal concern, I do not believe that Parliament is a place for young men or women with young children, as the demands in time and energy have a profound effect upon family life. Although that will not deter the determined who still seek election among them.

What do you think is your major achievement as an MP?

I have devoted most of my career to constituency work, to the improvement of healthcare, transport infrastructure and to casework – as I represent a socially deprived constituency. I have also enjoyed my international work in America (early years), Africa (middle years) and the Council of Europe (2010 onwards, with a brief spell from 1987-1989).

How do you assess your role as a former President and the Vice-President of PACE?

I found myself, last year, faced with the task of helping to steer the CoE through a brief but difficult period, following the suspension of the then sitting President. I regarded that opportunity as a challenge and was privileged to be in the position, as Senior Vice President, to assist. My work in Britain as the longest-serving member of the Speaker`s Panel of Chairmen, undoubtedly helped to prepare me for the task and I am pleased that the CoE appears to have emerged if not unscathed, then at least ready to move forward. As a Vice President and Leader of the UK delegation, I see my role as, when necessary, to sometimes speak unpalatable truths. This does not earn popularity but I think that it is important to say what one truly believes.

You observed elections in Georgia for the Assembly, was it your first visit there, and how do you view the progression in the country?

I always enjoy observing elections and I think that it is one of the most significant contributions that the CoE can make to the democratic process. My mission in Georgia was my first visit to your Country. I am looking forward to returning shortly in my capacity as the Chairman of the Monitoring Committee and to learning of positive developments but, I cannot at present seek to exercise any judgment on her progression or lack of it.

What is so unique about the British Parliamentary system and what are the lessons that other countries can draw from it?

Britain hosts `The Mother of Parliaments`. Our traditions, our customs and our courtesies are well tested by time but they are not perfect – any more than are our own election processes. I would not presume to suggest that another country can `take lessons` from Britain, but I do believe that those of us elected to Parliament can and should learn continually from each other’s best practice. Nobody, in Politics, Has a Monopoly of Wisdom.

What would be your recommendation to Georgia on strengthening her parliamentary oversight function?

I am certainly not going to try to tell my Georgian colleagues how they should run their national business. When I speak on parliamentary matters however, both at home and, when invited to do so, overseas, I always stress the need for honesty, plain speaking and independence. We are all elected to do our best by those who sent us to parliament, and by our Nations, and none of us is indispensable. We all need to remember that harsh fact.