Tag Archives: European Union Committee

Making use of the Lisbon Treaty

Lord Norton 22/10/2010 – 12:26 pm

Wednesday was dominated by the Comprehensive Spending Review, but later in the day there was a significant event in the Lords in relation to the European Union.  The Lisbon Treaty accords a role to national parliaments in the European law-making process - something they did not previously have - enabling them to refer proposed legislation back to the initiating institution if they believe that t […]

The impact of the House

Lord Norton 07/10/2008 – 8:26 pm

I see that in response to Lord Taylor's recent post, Alex has commented: "there is no point to the house of lords - they are unelected and just use up our taxes. their only power is to delay bills by one year". That completely misunderstands the House of Lords.  The cost to the public purse of a member of the House in the 2006-07 session was less than one-sixth the cost of an MP.  The House is […]

The impact of committees

Lord Norton 28/05/2008 – 2:36 pm

Talking of attracting media attention brings me on to a related issue: the impact of select committees.  There has been a significant growth in the number of committees in the Lords in recent years.  They produce substantial and well-researched reports.  However, one query that variously arises (as it does with committees in the Commons) is: what impact do they have?  Measured in terms of c […]

Dear Diary…

Lord Norton 03/04/2008 – 6:26 pm

Various people who have commented on our posts have asked for a diary piece or some indication of what we do. Here's my diary for yesterday and today. Wednesday. Tube to Golders Green for a 9.00 a.m. talk to talk to Y11 students at King Alfred School on the role of the House of Lords. Back to the Lords in time for the Constitution Committee: we take evidence from a very distinguished academi […]