Our MPs behaving badly? It's all on film

I don't very often leap to the defence of politicians but to accuse John Bercow of trying to turn Westminster into Big Brother-type TV made me chortle.

Until now, coverage of debates has been recorded by remote-controlled cameras set above the famous green benches.

On hearing about the go-ahead to allow live cameras at Prime Minister's Question Time for a new series on Westminster to be screened next year, there was pandemonium. And why? Surely it's just a question of a few different angles, isn't it?

Complaints

One senior MP kicked off the complaints with the observation that such a move would demean the Commons.

What?

Is it only the rest of us who can see that the Honourable Members do that very well for themselves? I mean have you listened to the barracking at PM's questions recently?

I know there are European – and in some places council – elections next week and I'm being scrupulously fair. Indeed far from being party political here, I'm saying that across the board, many of our MPs can regularly stand accused of bad behaviour.

They shout, jeer, bray, don't listen, shout down others and, at times when things look like they are quietening down a bit, most of them disappear.

How many times have you seen an important topic being debated by about a dozen worthies, for instance?

Is it stating the obvious to suggest what they are most bothered about is not their bad behaviour but that we might see it edited into a package of lowlights?

So am I so disillusioned that I wouldn't bother to vote at all at any election? Oh no. My chance for a say in my own country has been hard won and it is my duty to use it. But, aspiring politicians, it's your duty to jolly well behave.