Paralysis in Westminster
There has been so much publicity about the woes of the Conservative Party, it would appear to the untrained eye that all the other political parties face the Government united…
Doing your homework
Preparation is the key to success, or so thought Benjamin Franklin when he stated “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” If last night’s football match is anything…
To object or not to object – that is the question?
Last week saw an interesting display of the use of archaic parliamentary procedures. On Wednesday at Prime Minister’s Questions the SNP cohort of MPs walked out of the House of…
Is the Home Office fit for purpose?
When John Reid was appointed as Home Secretary by Tony Blair in 2006, he faced a mammoth task of re-building the Department’s credibility. In the wake of the Hinduja passport…
How influential are Select Committees?
According to the Parliament website, the purpose of a Select Committee is to ‘check and report on areas ranging from the work of government departments to economic affairs. The results…
Spring Statement 2018
Blink and you might have missed it - the new look Spring Statement was a shorter affair than in previous years and was definitely not a Budget. In fact, lasting…
International Women’s Day
There are three reasons why women should feel a renewed sense of pride, empowerment and determination today. Firstly, the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements have inspired a new generation of…
Is intelligence over-rated in Ministers?
Is it possible that David Davis is correct and you actually do not have to be that intelligent to be a Minister? The list of daft comments and actions by…
Was today’s Budget box office gold or copper cobblers?
Did the Chancellor live up to his moniker (Spreadsheet Phil, Box Office Phil, PH1 to name a few) when he delivered his Budget today? He certainly managed a few gags…
Philip Hammond’s fight for his political life
There is a palpable sense that the vultures are circling over the Conservative Chancellor, Philip Hammond. A committed remainer before the Brexit vote, Hammond holds the coveted role of Chancellor…