In 1994, in conjunction with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, I organised a Workshop of Parliamentary Scholars and Parliamentarians, designed to enable academics to present research findings likely to be of practical interest to parliamentarians. Held at the Berlin Science Centre, it drew scholars and members of parliaments from around the globe. It was extremely productive and so has become a regular biennual event. The second Workshop was held at Wroxton College (pictured) in Oxfordshire, an ideal conference venue, and every subsequent Workshop has been held at the College.
The Eighth Workshop is being held this weekend. Among topics being covered are the accountability of governments to parliament, the role of independent MPs, the impact of the Internet, the legislative role of parliaments in democratisation, gender and ritual in the British, Indian and South African legislatures, orientation and induction programme for new MPs (a survey of more than 40 parliaments), Westminster and Holyrood (convergence or divergence?), and judicial review. We also have a paper looking at the Lords and why peers attend: given that there are no significant sanctions or inducements, why do peers give the time they do to the House?
Parliamentarians have tended to be very engaged in the discussions – often posing challenging questions. Nor are the categories of scholars and parliamentarians mutually exclusive. A number of paper givers are or have been parliamentarians. This year we have a paper from a former Speaker of an Australian state legislature who is now an academic and another from a member of the Canadian Senate. Some of the other paper givers are parliamentary officials. The important point is that the exercise is designed to encourage dialogue. It is important that parliamentarians are aware of what research is going on that may be relevant to them as well as listening to what members of the public think.
As an academic and a parliamentarian, I am looking forward to the event. As the organiser, I am also looking forward to when it is over!
The workshop on Gender and ritual in the UK, Indian and South African Parliaments I have already been made vaguely aware of as Birkbeck College are part of it – I look forward to reading about it!
Looks like a very interesting workshop. I sincerly hope to be able to read some posts about it in the future!
Thanks for the comments. I will try to do some posts subsequent to the Workshop, not only about the papers but also the discussions. The largest delegation is from the new second chamber in Indonesia and very keen to learn from experience elsewhere.