A couple of straightforward questions (I think) for this weekend’s quiz: Peer 1 I am Noble and Learned I have served as a Secretary of State I am a Knight of the Garter The territorial part of my title is the same as that of another distinguished former Cabinet minister who sits on the other…
It’s the weekend, spring feels nearly here in Norfolk; our aconites and snowdrops are a picture and the daffodils are promising something soon so I hope you won’t mind if I turn from activities in the House to the look of it. The House of Lords is fundamentally a beautiful building. Victorian high gothic is…
I am often struck by how revealing the occasional passing comment by a peer can be about their own background. There is a remarkable range of people in the House. I think some time ago I mentioned a peer sat next to me who, when pointing out a member of the public sat below Bar,…
A pantomime is being staged in Parliament – Christmas has come early for Sir Fred Goodwin. Cast List: Sir Fred ‘The Shred’ Goodwin (former Royal Bank of Scotland Chief Executive) –Abanazar, who snatches the Treasury lamp. Lord Myners (Financial Services Secretary and Government Spokesperson) – Baron Hardup. Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown (Prime Minister) and Rt.…
As regular readers will know, I have long supported individual electoral registration. It provides for far greater security than the existing arrangements. This is also the view taken by the Electoral Commission and, according to survey data produced by the Committee on Standards in Public Life, most of the public as well. I am delighted…
I spoke yesterday to a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association seminar which brought together more than sixty parliamentarians and officials from a large number of Commonwealth countries. My task was to open with a paper on the Westminster system of government. This is actually quite a challenging exercise. The Westminster Parliament and the Westminster system of government are…
For this week’s quiz questions, I thought I would combine what I think is any easy question with a less easy one. Readers are welcome to provide the answer to one even if they do not know the other. Peer 1 I am a famous award-winning film producer. I have a strong commitment to raising…
There was a good debate yesterday on the House of Lords Bill, designed to introduce changes to strengthen the House. There were thirty-five speakers. Given the number, each back-bench speech was limited to six minutes. So effective were members in making their points succinctly that we finished ahead of time. You can read the debate…
The Information Office of the House of Lords produces some excellent material. Given the demands made on it to respond to queries, finding the time to be proactive and publish some invaluable publications is quite a challenge. It produces obvious value for money. This is reflected in the answer I have just received about the number…
