Parliament Week Analysis – Eastminster: a global politics & policy blog

Is Parliament fit for purporse? Baroness Jenny Jones, Richard Bacon MP and Rupert Read discuss

December 16, 2013August 11, 2014 by Editor

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The University of East Anglia hosted a public discussion on whether 'Parliament was fit for purpose' on Friday 15 November 2013. The event was chaired by Eloise Ellis (University of East Anglia Law School) and panellists included Richard Bacon MP, Baroness Jenny Jones of Moulsecoomb and Rupert Read (University of East Anglia…

Parliament Week Events at UEA, 2013: What does Parliament mean to you?

November 26, 2013August 11, 2014 by Editor

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Each year, the University of East Anglia host a week of special events to mark UK Parliament Week. On Thursday 21st November, a round-table event was held in Thomas Paine Study Centre, open to the public. We invited a journalist, a former backbench, a former minister, a Clerk and an…

It’s Parliament Week: A cause for celebration, education, but most importantly, critique?

November 14, 2013February 3, 2015 by Editor

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Dr. Toby James argues that Parliament Week is an important opportunity for public to critically reflect on whether Parliament is fit for purpose and how it needs to be reformed. It's Parliament Week! What's that? Well, Parliament Week, as its website tells us is: [quote] a UK-wide programme of events and…

It’s in the bag: Parliament could be better connected to the people through a petitions select committee

November 14, 2013February 3, 2015 by Editor

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Alexandra Runswick, Director of Unlock Democracy, argues that setting up a petitions committee could help connect citizens to directly parliament. [one_half]What exactly is Parliament's role in public engagement as distinct from MPs connecting with their constituents? Should an MP always be the first port of call or should people be able to…

Putting Parliament at the core of national life

November 14, 2013February 3, 2015 by Editor

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Charles Clarke, visiting Professor at the University of East Anglia, considers how Parliament could be put at the heart of national life. [one_half]Most events of national interest pass through Parliament, and get consideration there, in some form or another. Indeed on any given weekday, it is likely that the majority…

Too many clever-dicks in Westminster

November 14, 2013February 3, 2015 by Editor

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Douglas Carswell MP argues that the front benches of Parliament are dominated by politicians more concerned about presentation than principle. [one_half]The longer I have been in Parliament, the more I realise that those on either front bench actually have rather a lot in common. I don't just mean that they…

Is Parliament fit for purpose? Select Committee Reforms means that it has never been more so.

November 14, 2013February 3, 2015 by Editor

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Richard Bacon MP argues that Parliament is fit for purpose. The Wright reforms have re-invigorated Select Committees allowing them to hold the executive and senior public officials to account. [one_half]Is Parliament fit for purpose? Asking this question of any organisation implies there is a problem – that the organisation can no…

Reforming the House of Lords – Ending the deadlock

January 25, 2013February 3, 2015 by Editor

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Baroness Helen Hayman, the former Lord Speaker, delivered an Open Lecture at the University of East Anglia on Friday 25th January 2013. She considers the issue of House of Lords reform. He argues that the House is not recognisable from the Lords 100 years ago and provides an important role…

Baroness Elizabeth Symons Lecture on House of Lords reform

November 22, 2012February 3, 2015 by Editor

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Baroness Elizabeth Symons spoke on the problem of House of Lords reform at the University of East Anglia on 22 November 2012. The lecture was part of the Too Difficult Box lecture series. Photo Credit: UK Parliament

The Funding of Political Parties: A Lecture from Hayden Phillips

February 24, 2011February 3, 2015 by Editor

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Sir Hayden Phillips spoke at the University of East Anglia in 2011 about the funding of political parties. His lecture can be viewed here. It was later published in Political Quarterly.