Parliament – Eastminster: a global politics & policy blog

What do they think they’re doing? Views of government and politics from political insiders

February 16, 2015February 16, 2015 by Editor

Editor

Lee Jarvis has recently been involved in a UEA-led project called the Talking Shop! which collects the views of 'political insiders' about government and politics in Britain. Collecting this information, Lee Jarvis argues, can help to bridge the and between politicians and the wider world. Staff and students in UEA’s School of Politics, Philosophy, Language…

From UEA’s walkways to Westminster’s corridors of power

March 27, 2014March 27, 2014 by Editor

Editor

Students from the University of East Anglia recently visited the Houses of Parliament as part of a Careers in Westminster and Whitehall event. They were able to hear from the experiences of current UEA alumnus working in and around Parliament. Maja Simunjak reflects on what she learnt from the day.…

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…

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…

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…

Baroness Elizabeth Symons Lecture on House of Lords reform

November 22, 2012February 3, 2015 by Editor

Editor

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

Editor

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.