I was catapulted out of my post Christmas torpor this morning by the news that successful ‘e-petitions’ to No 10 are to be debated in parliament. My first thought was that this was another Government wheeze to ensure Parliament fiddles while the Government gets on with its business untrammelled by serious challenge. But then I…
The Commons rose on Tuesday and the Lords on Wednesday, so yesterday morning in the Palace was extremely quiet. Apart from security and support staff, there were very few people to be seen. Walking through the Palace, I thought I was probably the only parliamentarian left in the Westminster village. However, mid-morning I went over…
Here in the Waveney Valley we’ve had winter quite easy so far, not much snow and temperatures no worse than minus 6. A lovely break away from London now until parliament reconvenes, and I’d better confess I’m off to the States in the New Year to accompany my husband on a lecturing commitment so I…
I have doubts about Wikileaks. Once they are out I think the press has a right to publish though I hope they do screen them to ensure the safety of individuals and organisations but I keep hearing Julian Assange complaining about the press picking up stories about him which he claims are leaks! That’s a bit…
The Commons rose yesterday for Christmas and the Lords rise today. MPs and peers are decanting Westminster as quickly as they can, a combination of a desire to get away and to get home before the weather gets any worse. My attachment to the place is such that I am never in any hurry to…
My own particular snow misery this week has been the enormous difficulty of getting to London for debates. I went there and back the other day, but could not afford to spend another 6 hours on the journey today, without even the certainty of success. So I have been watching proceedings in the Lords live on…
The new Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod and Serjeant at Arms of the House of Lords – commonly known as Black Rod – has been appointed. Lieutenant General David Leakey, CMG, CBE succeeds Lt Gen. Sir Freddie Viggers who retired because of ill health. General Leakey takes up the appointment on 1 February.
Yesterday was the sixth day in committee on the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill. The Bill has not made rapid progress and yesterday consideration of the Bill was limited by the fact that there were two ministerial statements, an urgent question allowed in the Commons repeated as a statement, and a one-hour Question for…
