Monthly Archives: November 2010
Reading the evidence…
The uncorrected transcript of the evidence I gave to the Public Administration Committee (along with Peter Riddell and Robert Hazell) is now available on the Committee website and can be read here. Although uncorrected, it is a very accurate transcript. … Continue reading
Debating the future of the Lords
The Public Sector section of The Times yesterday carried a debate piece on whether the House of Lords should be elected or not. Lord Tyler argued the case for an elected House. I argued the case against. Because of the … Continue reading
Twelve years on…
In an earlier post, I mentioned that 25 November would be the twelfth anniversary of my maiden speech. At the weekly student seminar in Westminster last night, one of my students, David Bender, congratulated me on the anniversary. Good job … Continue reading
A Conservative narrative of democracy
Rather than an abstract, here is the conclusion of my article, ‘Speaking for the People: A Conservative Narrative of Democracy’, being published early next year: “To summarise, the Conservative view of democracy is not a qualified view but rather a … Continue reading
Too many ministers
This morning I gave evidence to the Public Administration Committee in the Commons as part of their inquiry into Smaller Government: What Do Ministers Do? I appeared with Peter Riddell, now of the Institute for Government, and Robert Hazell, who … Continue reading
The European Communities Act 1972
Here’s a further abstract of one the forthcoming publications listed in my earlier post. This is for my article on the passage of the European Communities Act 1972. It is appearing in the special issue of Parliamentary History that I … Continue reading
Are you actually over 55?
In my quest to save public money, I continue to make use of the Club 55 special offer from Hull Trains, available until the end of this month. Last week, the conductor went through the standard routine of asking if … Continue reading
As I said in the House….
In the event, I spoke on the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill on Monday evening – or, strictly speaking, Tuesday morning – at 12.10 a.m. Anyone interested in my pearls of wisdom can find them here at col. 654. Not … Continue reading
Dispatches from the chamber
It is just coming up to 11.00 p.m. on Monday. The House is still debating the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill. There were 55 peers on the speakers’ list. However, the start of the debate was delayed by a … Continue reading
Then several come along at the same time….
I hate having to re-arrange classes as it is disruptive for students. I only do so if parliamentary business is pressing. I cannot remember the last time, prior to last week, when it was necessary; it must have been some … Continue reading
The Norton View 