The report of the Committee of Selection has now been published with the names of the thirteen peers who are nominated by the committee to serve on the proposed Joint Committee on the Draft House of Lords Reform Bill. They are: Labour: Baroness Andrews, Lord Richard, Lord Rooker, Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean Conservative: Lord…
Amidst the essay and exam marking over the past few weeks, I was also busy working on a lecture on Enoch Powell, one of the most controversial politicians of the latter half of the 20th Century as well as a distinguished parliamentarian. The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, has organised a series of lectures…
Despite the supposed in-built Government majority in the House of Lords, the Government lost a further three votes this week on the European Union Bill. On Monday, the Government lost a division on an amendment moved by a former UK Ambassador to the United Nations, Lord Hannay, by 214 votes to 209. (There was second…
Congratulations to Emmy and Dave H, who were the winners of the previous quiz, and a commendation to danfilson for getting in first with the answer to the first question. The answers showed the range of choice for identifying peers who have led trades unions and who are ministers of religion. This week the focus…
Westminster Hall provided a particularly fine historical venue for President Obama’s talk, as he noted. The Hall dates back to the 11th Century: it was completed in time for William Rufus to celebrate Whitsun on 29 May 1099. It provided a place for feasting and receiving foreign heads of state. The king’s throne was on…
