Tag Archives: House of Commons

Lets have substance, not just style

Posted on April 21, 2016 by ianchisnall

It appears that the Government and in particular the Cabinet Office Minister, Matthew Hancock MP have managed to win the case to spend an additional £80,000 per year to ensure our laws will continue to be printed on vellum, rather … Continue reading →

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An obese Parliament that refuses to slim

Posted on January 25, 2016 by ianchisnall

The need for Parliament to move out of the Palace of Westminster in order for major renovations to take place, estimated at some £7Bn is not news, although over the last decade there have been various discussions regarding the idea that … Continue reading →

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Back to normal

Posted on December 4, 2015 by ianchisnall

The sight of the Chamber in the House of Commons full to bursting point for the debate on Syria, acts as a useful reminder that our Government is not well suited to its infrastructure. Most of the images of debates in … Continue reading →

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A week for greater openness?

Posted on November 16, 2015 by ianchisnall

This morning is the beginning of Parliament Week, and an opportunity to renew efforts to engage with our MP. The website for Parliament Week only lists one event in Sussex which is ‘Ask Your MP’ being hosted by the Grace Eyre Foundation … Continue reading →

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The Lords bite back

Posted on October 17, 2015 by ianchisnall

It is easy to assume that the House of Lords is a bit of a toothless body when it comes to dealing with the business of Government. They can delay legislation and often amend it but are rarely in a … Continue reading →

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A drink on the Terrace

Posted on August 18, 2015 by ianchisnall

What could be more lovely? A drinks reception on the River Thames on 3rd September in private rooms that are part of the House of Commons. The rooms and many of the costs of the events are met by the taxpayer … Continue reading →

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Lets see some Leadership George

Posted on July 25, 2015 by ianchisnall

The announcement earlier this week that George Osborne wants all Government departments to identify 40% savings across their budgets is something of a smokescreen. Some Departments will come up with savings that are real and achievable, others will struggle to … Continue reading →

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We need a radical change

Posted on January 21, 2015 by ianchisnall

Frances D’Souza was interviewed on Womens Hour yesterday as part of their focus on democracy day. Due to my work routine for the day I was able to listen to the interview in the car. It was a revelation! Baroness D’Souza who … Continue reading →

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Men who know no shame

Posted on December 2, 2014 by ianchisnall

On Friday in Parliament the second reading of a small piece of legislation was ‘talked out’ by two MPs who appear to believe that there is no need to protect tenants from so called ‘revenge evictions’. The Bill had been … Continue reading →

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A lesson from the Mid Terms

Posted on November 5, 2014 by ianchisnall

As some of us celebrate an attempt to fully reform the House of Commons and Lords, our cousins over the water are breathing a sigh of relief following the end of the mid term elections to the Senate. One of … Continue reading →

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