My recent post on the behaviour of the media seems very apposite in view of the baby P case. It is a tragic case and it may well be that an enquiry will reveal failings. It may also result in disciplinary action, sackings or resignations. None of that justifies the press hounding of social…
Monthly Archives: November 2008
Pursuing parliamentary transparency
by Lord Norton • • Comments Off on Pursuing parliamentary transparency
Between the start of a session and the following Easter recess, Thursdays in the House are given over to debates on topics chosen by the parties (or cross-benchers) or individual peers. The motions in the names of the individual peers are chosen by ballot. On Thursdays reserved for these motions, two are selected, each being debated…
Sitting the other side of the table
by Lord Norton • • 9 Comments
I have served on committees throughout the ten years that I have been a member of the Lords. However, I have spent even longer making the occasional appearance before committees. My first appearance before a parliamentary committee at Westminster was in 1984 and before a committee of an overseas legislature in 1985. This morning I gave evidence to…
Questions on consultation
by Lord Norton • • 1 Comment
In response to my earlier post on improving communications, Mike asked if I would reproduce the Questions that I have tabled on Government consultation exercises. They were published today: Tabled on 12 November and due for answer by 26 November. Lord Norton of Louth to ask Her Majesty’s Government why the Cabinet Office removed its webpage listing…
Experience and expertise
by Lord Norton • • 16 Comments
A week last Friday, I spoke at two schools, the John Cleveland College in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and Queen Margaret’s School, York. I was initially invited to talk about constitutional change but each opted for a more specific talk on the role of the Lords. Last Friday, I also spoke on Lords reform at a sixth-form conference in…
