I’m amazed that so many interesting comments have arrived so quickly. And I understand there have been thousands of ‘hits’ on the LordsoftheBlog website.
Since the whole purpose of the exercise is to try and make Parliament more accessible to the people we serve, this is clearly already a potential success. As one of the other ways in which we must improve the relationship between citizens and their representatives is to look again at the voting system, I would like to encourage the many respondents who have asked about our debate last week to look at the Hansard report and the Government analysis of voting systems on which it was based. Don’t worry, you won’t have to pay for a hard copy at rather inflated prices – to make us more accessible, these are both available online. Indeed, the Hansard report of members’ speeches in both Houses is available on the Parliamentary Website some three hours after they are made – here. And, you can also look in the archive for a complete video of any debate in the last 28 days; these go up at about 8am on the following day.
Meanwhile, I agree with all those who’ve asked for the regular bloggers to be able to identify themselves with an avatar or photo. I hope the Hansard Society co-ordinator, who has done such a great job getting us to this point, will take note.
Well, so far, so good. Please keep in touch.
This blog and the participative ethos it represents is a great statement for Members of the House of Lords to make. I believe that some of the formalised and institutional barriers to communication can be broken down through direct and practical inititaives like this one. It is through such conversation that better understanding between citizens and those representing the public realm can be brought about. I hope that the posting on the site remains as individual and relevant as it has been so far. I look forward to reading more! 🙂
What an excellent idea, and a great blog name.
How about a regular update aimed specifically at children? Perhaps something that could be used in schools?
Please may we have our democracy back
Malty
Its interesting to find such a site covering the house of lords. The use of such technology will certainly reach a wider audience. I appreciate the Lords work to maintain the Parliamentary balance to the House of Commons which I view as ever increasingly not acting upon their constituents wishes and taking the path dictated by their party. The Lords (either elected or unelected) seems to have the benefit of common sense and a lack of party concerns.
Looking at the Parliament website I’m amazed at the sheer amount of legislation being passed on just about every aspect of peoples lives. I don’t think that this level of interference in citizens daily lives is justified, government is supposed to be for the people. It would seem from that website that people only exist to be governed.
To regain voters trust and investment within the democratic system so that they feel that they are being listened to I think two things need to change within the existing system. Firstly a change to Proportional Representation and secondly the removal of, or significant changes to the party system /whips etc for how members of the house of commons vote.
I’m pleased Richard Corbett MEP has put a link to this blog in his
http://www.richardcorbett.org.uk/blog/
As I am interested in politics in general, I’ll be happy to log in and read about the House of Lords.
(I am French)
My very best wishes.