Following an earlier post, in which I referred to the officials’ box, a colleague thought it may be of interest to explain what it is. The officials’ box is at the top right corner of the picture. It is just beyond the benches in the chamber. It is occupied by civil servants drawn from the Department(s)…
I have previously drawn attention to the fact that speeches moving the loyal address at the start of a session tend to be humorous. When Lord Alli seconded the motion in 2002, he explained the background: ‘When I was summoned to see my noble friend the Leader of the House, I was quite taken aback…
My colleague, Lord Rowlands, a former Chairman of the History of Parliament Trust, has written a fascinating study of the House of Lords in the early eighteenth century. It reveals some notable differences from the present House. Then as now, debates could be lengthy. However, so too could speeches, with a peer sometimes speaking for…
I was surprised to see a comment on another blog which appeared to suggest that peers enjoy immunity from prosecution. Some members of other legislatures do enjoy significant legal immunity, but parliamentarians in the UK do not. Parliamentary privilege exists to protect parliamentarians in the fulfilment of their parliamentary duties. Speeches made in the course of…
The Palace of Westminster is a magnificent, indeed awe-inspiring, building. I admire it every time I walk in. However, it is beginning to show its age. Many of the internal systems – water, gas, heating, ventilation, electrics, drainage and communication – have exceeded their economic service life and major modernisation is required. As the Chairman…
