Showing posts with label House of Commons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label House of Commons. Show all posts

Wednesday, 15 June 2016

How does Parliament REALLY work?

)Today we have an opportunity to see Parliament at work (actually we do every day - the Chamber & committees are open to the public, and can be viewed from home via the internet.

Prime Minister's Question Time  (PMQs) is on at noon. I won't be watching. In my view it is the worst of Parliament - with petty point scoring and more heat than light. But it can be "fun" - and will be broadcast on BBC Parliament and on the live feed at http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Commons


Sir Philip Green will be appearing before a joint meeting of the Work & Pensions / Business, Innovation and Skills Committee at 9-15 in the Wilson Room, Portcullis House. He will be answering questions about the failure of BHS & his role in that. Of course there's a danger that it could descend into a lynch mob - but actually such committees tend to be very good at drawing out key points. It might be uncomfortable for Sir Philip - but that's what MPs are there for - to ask the questions that we, the public, would like to put. It can be viewed live at http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/e81170bd-19b1-4a53-a96b-874b0cdc2f7f

I had wanted to go down to Westminster this morning to see Ofsted's  Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw & National Schools Commissioner, Sir David Carter give evidence to the Education Select Committee on Multi-Academy Trusts. The Committee (on which I have delivered papers on my research into the working of the committee at various academic conferences)is an example of Parliament working at its best. It is cross-party - but MPs work together well to hold decision makers to account.  It is due to start at 9.30. http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/a2ae37d4-2653-49b7-987e-ae800748244f


Various other committees will be meeting during the day; there will be a debate about Europe in the Chamber this afternoon - and some short debates in "Westminster Hall" (actually not in the ancient hall, but in a committee room off it.

Full details of what's on at Westminster today can be found at http://calendar.parliament.uk and live and recorded meetings can be viewed at www.parliamentlive.tv