Monthly Archives: March 2011
Another late sitting
There was another late sitting last night in order to complete committee stage of the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill. I had some amendments down and spoke to those as well as contributing to discussions on other amendments. The more we discussed … Continue reading
On form
This evening I attended the latest in the series of Speaker’s Lectures on eminent parliamentarians. It was given by Shirley Williams – Baroness Williams of Crosby – on Nancy Astor. Baroness Williams was in characteristic form, both in content and … Continue reading
Was it something I said?
I had to be in the House on Monday for the second day in committee on the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill. Because of an agreement between the parties, the first day had finished relatively early and the sitting on Monday was … Continue reading
My Lord and Bishop
As regular readers will know, there was considerable interest in the titles that were to be taken by Sir Michael Lord, a former Deputy Speaker of the Commons, and Sir Michael Bishop, former head of British Midland, when they were … Continue reading
Coalition politics in an age of austerity
I have previously drawn attention to some of my forthcoming publications. Since listing them, some – such as the special issue of Parliamentary History – have already appeared in print. Since doing that post, I have penned a chapter for … Continue reading
The length of meetings
At the end of one lengthy meeting this week, the chairman said to me that having looked at the agenda he had not expected it to be such a long meeting. I pointed out that if you want to get … Continue reading
Referendums, referenda
During debates on the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill, one or two peers insisted on saying referenda rather than referendums. I suspect the same will happen when we debate the European Union Bill. However, referendum is one of those rare gerunds for … Continue reading
Who’s stewie?
At a recent family gathering, a nephew and his wife told me that when they watched Family Guy they always thought of me whenever Stewie appeared. Hmmm. I always thought Stewie was Michael Gove. I should add, for the avoidance … Continue reading
Spreading the word
On Friday evening, I visited Sheffield, my old stomping ground where I did two of my degrees. The city has changed enormously in recent years. I was there to speak to the Liberal History Group on the Parliament Act 1911 … Continue reading
The Norton View 