The Parliament website has been re-designed and the home page is now more geared to news and activities in both Houses than it is to the institutional framework of Parliament. It is visually more attractive and I would judge easier to navigate for those who are not that familiar with the institution. The home page also…
Both Houses of Parliament are fairly transparent institutions. They meet in public, transcripts of proceedings are published (and published promptly), and how members vote is a matter of public record. Division lists are published in Hansard. However, working out the party break-down of a vote is another matter. I speak from experience, having analysed over 3,000 Commons’…
The Archbishop of York has suggested that St George’s day should be a holiday. Is this an idea worth pursuing? There are costs associated with creating a new public holiday, but we are notable for how few we have. If there is merit in the idea, should we actually have 23 April as the holiday,…
For this week’s quiz, I thought I would pose questions that are a little different to the type posted in previous weeks. Question 1 What is the relationship between a late distinguished member of the House of Lords and the phrase ‘Bob’s your uncle’? Question 2 When the two Houses of Parliament acquired a settled meeting place,…
Both Houses have risen for the Easter recess. They return on 20 April. When we return, we have various pieces of legislation to get through. Two big Government Bills have made slow progress. The Marine and Coastal Access Bill has still not completed its committee stage – its next day in committee is on 21…
