'We'll hold the Govt to account': Simon Bridges reacts to question time increase

  • 18/03/2018
Simon Bridges says he welcomes the opportunity to work more closely with the Green Party.
Simon Bridges says he welcomes the opportunity to work more closely with the Green Party. Photo credit: Newshub.

National Party leader Simon Bridges has thanked the Green Party for handing over most of its allotted question quota in Parliament's Question Time.

He says it will allow National to better hold the Ardern-Peters Government to account.

"I don't think it's a decision that others would make, but we welcome it and we thank them. It means we go from seven or eight to more like nine or 10 questions a day," Mr Bridges explained.

"We'll honour the spirit with which the offer has been made by really focusing on what we think matters and giving a real seriousness of purpose.

"When we're asking about the economy, law and order, housing, public services, and the environment, we do it seriously and we do it in a way that matters and effectively holds the Government to account."

Green Party leader James Shaw told Newshub the decision does not signify any future "Teal Deal" between the Greens and the National Party.

"I am very happy with the Government we've got and I hope it lasts for a very long time."

However, Mr Bridges says he welcomes the opportunity to work more closely with the Green Party.

"I wouldn't read too much into this, but I certainly have put a greater emphasis on the environment as leader of the National Party and I hope the Green Party has noticed that."

He says he is open to working collaboratively with the Greens on issues of mutual concern and mutual interest.

Newshub.