Select committees spend most of their time taking evidence, mostly oral evidence in public session, though a good deal of time is taken up reading written submissions. When a committee decides on an inquiry, it puts out a call for evidence and anyone wishing to submit evidence is free to do so. This may produce…
Howridiculous asked if I would make ‘Wit of Westminster’ a regular item. The extent to which humour is brought into debates depends primarily of course on members. Some can be extremely witty, whereas a few take themselves so seriously that they would never dream of saying anything that may cause laughter. There is one occasion each…
Parliament has started producing podcasts as part of its programme of utilising new media to explain what it does. It has produced one on how MPs and peers go about their work away from their respective chambers. Though the media focus is on the chamber, most time of parliamentarians is taken up with committees, correspondence, meeting with…
On the Parliament Channel, coverage of the House of Commons takes precedence over the House of Lords. I understand why the Commons takes precedence, but a friend, Ken Batty, has raised with me the question of why there needs to be a hierarchy. Why cannot coverage be split-screen, enabling viewers to see and choose between the…
Although Parliament has risen for the recess, reports from select committees continue to be published. Indeed, what has been remarkable so far has been the number published and the publicity they have received. Although we are now in the quiet season (more commonly known as the silly season), the extent of media coverage has been notable. Since…
Some of the most amusing comments in the House have come from the formidable Baroness Trumpington (second from the right in the photograph). Over the years – she was elevated to the peerage in 1980 – she has come out with a number of notable one-liners. A few years ago, there was a question on the…
Parliaments generally sit according to a set timetable. International crises can occur at any time. Events in South Ossetia are understandably causing widespread international concern. They also illustrate the problem that attaches to parliamentary recesses. There is no mechanism by which Parliament, short of a recall, can debate what is happening and question Government. The…
Howridiculous asked me if I would give examples of humorous contributions made by peers in debate. The House takes issues seriously, but it appreciates the occasional flash of humour. Several instances come to mind. There was an occasion when Lord Whitty was a minister, answering a question on the effect of the use of mobile ‘phones…
The report of the Joint Committee on the Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill received little if any media coverage. However, the report of the Lords Constitution Committee on the Counter-Terrorism Bill has received substantial attention. The report was published yesterday. The report focuses on the provisions for pre-charge detention and questioning and on inquests. The committee…
