Reforming Parliamemt – Page 2 – Eastminster: a global politics & policy blog

The Scottish independence referendum is not democracy in action: the quality of debate has been too low

September 16, 2014January 9, 2015 by Editor

Editor

Whatever happens the outcome of the Scottish independence referendum, the quality of debate has been so low that the Scots have not been allowed to make an informed decision, says UEA History and Politics student, Will Harragan. The Scottish Independence referendum, set to take place on Thursday, should be a shining…

After Scotland decides: build citizen-centred democracy throughout Britain

September 15, 2014January 9, 2015 by Editor

Editor

Regardless of the outcome of the Scots vote, we must seize this chance to reimagine the constitutional order of these isles, argues Rupert Read and Rebecca Johnson. On Thursday, Scotland will vote. Suddenly Nigel Farage is all over the news saying the English are getting a raw deal and should…

Scotland: disintegration is not the answer

September 15, 2014January 9, 2015 by Editor

Editor

As the Scottish Independence Referendum looms, Dr. Koutrakou suggests it would be better for Europe to redress the sources of political discontent, than for it to break up into further nation-states. The problem with the Scottish referendum, as with the planned 'in/out of the EU' referendum for the UK in…

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

November 14, 2013February 3, 2015 by Editor

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

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…

An immodest proposal to revolutionise an ailing institution: ‘Guardians for future generations’

November 14, 2013February 8, 2016 by Editor

Editor

Dr. Rupert Read argues that parliamentary democracy needs to be reformed so that future generations are formally represented. [one_half]This week, UEA Philosophy, Politics and Law Departments will be putting on a ‘Philosopher-Kings?’ event on the subject of “Is Parliament fit for purpose?”: This will take place on Fri Nov 15th at…

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

November 14, 2013February 3, 2015 by Editor

Editor

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

Editor

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…

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