Monthly Archives: May 2010
Debating the constitution
During yesterday’s debate on the Queen’s Speech, one of the topics covered was the constitution. In my speech, I identified what I regarded as three key points to guide Government in addressing constitutional change. First, don’t expect too much of … Continue reading
Quote of the day
A friend to me the other evening: “I almost read your blog today.” Not quite sure what constitutes the appropriate response…
Missing the point
We seem to be going through a phase where people write to The Times detailing their pet schemes for the composition of the House of Lords. We are told that members should be appointed on the basis of nomination by professional bodies, … Continue reading
No to PR and an elected second chamber
Some Conservative colleagues argue vehemently against the introduction of proportional representation for elections to the House of Commons but support an elected second chamber. I point out to them that there is an inherent inconsistency in their argument. The fundamental … Continue reading
The origins of the 1922 Committee
The media have been reporting the attempt by David Cameron to change the basis of membership of the 1922 Committee when the party is in government. Whenever the activities of the 1922 Committee hit the headlines, the media stories will … Continue reading
Forthcoming…
The House sits today for swearing in of members (and the Commons for electing the Speaker), so we will begin the process of adapting to a new situation. Apart from parliamentary work, I am in the middle of essay-marking, to … Continue reading
The march of the left-handers
It is estimated that only about 10% to 12% of people are left-handed. Out of the seven most recent Presidents of the United States, five (Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George Bush snr., Bill Clinton and Barack Obama) have been left-handed. … Continue reading
Votes that count
As eagle-eyed readers may have noticed, I had an article in The Times yesterday making the case against electoral reform. (It’s on page 77 if you missed it.) Ken Ritchie of the Electoral Reform Society put the case for. We … Continue reading
Miliband v Miliband
Ed Miliband has told his local party that he will contest the Labour leadership. That means David and Ed Miliband are presently the only two politicians competing for the leadership. That could make for some interesting campaign literature. What does one say about … Continue reading
Constitutional provisions
I have been going through the provisions covering constitutional issues in the coalition policy document. I can see that the Constitution Committee of the Lords is likely to be in virtually continuous session once the House returns and certainly when some … Continue reading
The Norton View 