Verwoerd Speaks in Chamber

Speaker of the Chamber: "The Leader of the Opposition, the Right Honourable Hendrik Verwoerd".
"Mr Speaker, will my Right Honourable Friend, the Chancellor, accept that the Opposition is the health of our democracy. Attacking, fighting, exposing the Government. The cut and thrust of politics of this country is a body, in form of Opposition, being present and ready to take over. Would he agree, Mr Speaker?"
The Opposition backbenches would erupt with cheers in agreement, with MPs waving their papers shouting "yeah!" "will he?"
"Whatever his answer may be, I thought up until now the position of Opposition Leader was the hardest of any roles to be taken up in politics. But today I see that the Chancellor's role is indeed worse than my own. I pity him, Mr Speaker, I do. He hasn't been sitting across me for long yet he's faced with mounting pressures which have all come at a bad time. That's not his fault, per se. But he was warned. I remember clearly: when he, as Opposition Leader, criticised Government Foreign Policy, he was asked to provide a solution, he and his team were invited to help solve the issues. They passed on the role. So, you know, all that time spent on these benches were not well spent.
But, what's damning, Mr Speaker, is this. They took office knowing full well there was instability across the globe. The Free United Cities, for example, was well addressed under the previous Foreign Secretary. We haven't heard a word from the now Secretary. The troubles springing up, again, here at home was solved through direct action and I cannot make more clear how upset I am that the Government are still yet to respond. I do not promote reactionary politics, but the people do expect something to happen.
Therefore, Mr Speaker, I today ask the Government for a few commitments. First - a permanent, balanced Committee on Government Scrutiny.Secondly - a return of Wednesday ICQ's.Thirdly - a published ministerial report on how the Government is carrying out its program.And lastly - to see the Government at work. Where are Ministers? Where are they? The people want to know.
It can only be so long before things catch up on us. Don't let it be under this parliament. Pressure is on him (*Verwoerd drills his finger towards Whitehouse*). Act now or prepared to allow real governance."
Category:The Imperial Constitution