On 11 June, the Public Administration Select Committee (PASC) in the Commons held a seminar, drawing on former diplomats, those who had chaired inquiries, and MPs and peers, in order to discuss how an inquiry into the Iraq war could and should be conducted. I was one of the participants. It was an extremely productive gathering.…
This weekend’s quiz questions. The Work of the House of Lords 2007-08 can be read here. On page 31, there is a picture of a judicial sitting of the House. 1. Who is the law lord presiding on the woolsack? 2. Who is the law lord delivering the judgement? A commendation to any reader who can identify…
With the death of Lord Dahrendorf, the House of Lords has lost one of its most distinguished members. A renowned sociology professor, he served as Parliamentary Secretary of State in the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs before becoming a European Commissioner. He moved to the UK to become Director of the London School of Economics. …
Tuesday’s question for short debate, put by Lord Renton – “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the connection between Parliament and the public” – can be read here. Because of the number of speakers, each – other than Lord Renton and the minister – had a maximum of three minutes. …
We have had Report stage this week of the Political Parties and Elections Bill. On Monday, I had a good day: the Government introduced an amendment regarding the Electoral Commission to meet a point I raised in Grand Committee. They also provided an assurance in response to another of my amendments. Yesterday was more problematic:…
