Politics has been treated in recent years as if it was just another consumer choice. Political Parties use the same information, tactics and tricks as marketing people in any industry. "Special Deals" are the manifesto promises (and as often as unread as the terms and conditions in the small print). Image can seem less important than substance.
Yet in a democracy, we are not consumers - but citizens. We enjoy the privilege of choosing who is going to make the decisions which impact upon our lives (whether it be the Councillors making a planning decision which will change our neighbourhood; or the Prime Minister/President whose decisions could change the future of our country or the Planet). We can also exercise the right to "chuck the buggers out". And with privilege comes duty.
Yet how our institutions work - and how we can influence the decisions which affect us is known to a very few.
One of the issues that Educafé will be dealing with (and its 'sister' blog - Washminster) is how we as citizens can understand how our democracy functions. I will be posting occasionally on the key things citizens need to empower themselves.
Parliament is a mystery to many. It seems very complex - but there's material available which is both informative and uncomplicated.
A great place to start is http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/
I love this short video from Parliament's Education Service.
The House of Commons Library also provides information about some of the practices (and peculiarities) of Parliament. Have a skim through these resources
If you want to read more, I would thoroughly recommend "How Parliament Works. It is written by senior clerks who know their stuff - and how to explain it succinctly, in a way that is understandable.
If you want a copy of the "Bible" of parliamentary practice - then 'Erskine May' is available - at a price. I have bought two editions in my lifetime - but await a massive win on the premium bonds before I can buy the current edition.
Showing posts with label Parliament. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parliament. Show all posts
Thursday, 9 March 2017
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
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
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