Monthly Archives: July 2011
MPs’ workload
I did an interview yesterday for Radio Lincolnshire on the issue of MPs’ constituency work. The programme was pursuing a comment by MP James Gray that Members should spend less time in their constituencies and more at Westminster scrutinising government. I … Continue reading
Hull’s finest – the Class of 2011
Here’s a picture of the latest of Hull’s finest – the British Politics and Legislative Studies (BPLS) students who graduated at the Graduation Ceremony this morning. This picture shows them assembled – but without me. I was at the degree … Continue reading
Joint Committee gets under way
The Joint Committee on the draft House of Lords Reform Bill held its first meeting this evening. Twenty-three of the twenty-six members were present. Lord Richard was elected to chair it and we discussed how we would proceed once we … Continue reading
Betty Ford
I was sorry to read of the death of Betty Ford. When I lived in the USA, while studying at the University of Pennsylvania, it was during the Ford presidency. (Indeed, President Ford was the speaker at my graduation ceremony.) … Continue reading
Anorak alert
This will be of interest to the dedicated few. The latest edition – the twenty-fourth – of Erskine May, or to be more precise Erskine May’s Treatise on The Law, Privileges, Proceedings and Usage of Parliament, has just been published. … Continue reading
Powell lecture (again)
Enoch Powell This post is essentially for Frank W. Summers III and any other overseas reader who may have encountered difficulties accessing my Speaker’s lecture on Enoch Powell. As previously mentioned, it is available on the Democracy Live website here. … Continue reading
The growth of all-party groups
I have variously drawn attention to the growth in the number of all-party groups in Parliament. These are unofficial bodies (though they have to be registered in order to benefit from the use of parliamentary facilities) that have expanded in number over the … Continue reading
The changing nature of PMQs
I have just recorded an interview for BBC Radio 4 for a programme, which will be broadcast later this year, on Prime Minister’s Question Time. Prime Minister’s Question Time – a dedicated slot when the PM answers questions – is … Continue reading
Networking in the Palace
The Palace of Westminster is a maze of offices. Over the years, more have been created. Opposite my office, for example, is what I understand used to be Black Rod’s shower room: this tiny space now houses desks for two … Continue reading
