Category Archives: Uncategorized
Recognising the value of the Lords
Last Thursday, I spoke in a debate at the Cambridge Union on the motion ‘That this house would scrap the Lords’. There were three speakers for the motion: Darren Hughes (chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society), Kezia Dugdale (former … Continue reading
Developing blended learning
This morning, as Chair of the Higher Education Commission, I presided at the launch of the latest Commission report on blended learning. The report examines how to implement successfully digitally-enhanced blended learning. The challenge is substantial. The launch drew an … Continue reading
The value of higher education
On 7 March, the House of Lords debated a motion, moved by Lord Blunkett, to take note ‘of the contribution of higher education to national growth, productivity and levelling-up’. Given the number of peers who had signed up to speak, … Continue reading
A motion of no confidence in the Speaker…
As a result of the decision by the Speaker, Sir Lindsey Hoyle, last Wednesday to select a Labour amendment to an SNP motion, going against convention and the advice of the Clerk of the House, a number of MPs tabled … Continue reading
And the winner..
There were some splendid entries – as is usual – for the caption competition, with a good and inventive range of proposals. Some had a historical tinge – I suspect not all readers will know who ‘J. R. Hartley’ was … Continue reading
Christmas 2023 Caption competition
I know several readers have been keen for a caption competition. By now, I suspect (well, hope) that many readers will be in possession of a copy of The 1922 Committee: Power Behind the Scenes, so it will be on … Continue reading
Upholding constitutional principles
I spoke in last Wednesdays’ debate on the King’s Speech. During the five days of debate, the constitution was not among the topics listed. The topics for Wednesday included devolution, so I used that as the basis for my contribution, … Continue reading
From Westminster to Hull: a successful launch
The 1922 Committee: Power Behind the Scenes was published on 10 October, with a launching party held in the Palace of Westminster on 17 October and another two days later at the University of Hull. The Westminster reception drew an … Continue reading
A review worth having…
The 1922 Committee: Power Behind the Scenes is formally being published at the beginning of next month, but copies have been been received at the publisher’s warehouse today. There will be a book launch in Westminster on 17 October and … Continue reading
The Norton View 