Tag Archive for European Union Committee

Making use of the Lisbon Treaty

Lord Norton

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…

The impact of the House

Lord Norton

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…

The impact of committees

Lord Norton

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:…

Dear Diary…

Lord Norton

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.…