Tag Archives: House of Commons
The House of Lords with 792 members is in urgent need of reform
It has always been a mystery to me how Britain can claim to be a modern, twentieth-century democracy and have its parliament’s second chamber chosen by prime ministerial patronage. The only other country with an appointed second chamber is Canada, … Continue reading
Filed under Labour Party
Fiona Bruce – women in the home, not in the news.
Fiona Bruce, Conservative MP for Congleton, has tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill going through parliament designed to “encourage marriage”. This particular nuptial inducement would mean that any non-employed spouse would be able to transfer their non-taxable allowance to … Continue reading
Filed under Labour Party
Addressing Fulbright Scholars
I was delighted to have the opportunity to address the American academics and scholars of the US-UK Fulbright Commission at the House of Commons. I followed Liam Byrne MP who gave a strong defence of Labour’s economic record. Some parts … Continue reading
Filed under Labour Party
David Miliband talks Sense on the Alternative Vote
As you know I am a supporter of changing our outdated first past the post voting system to something more proportional and fairer. I therefore think it’s a good idea to have a referendum on the Alternative Vote (AV) system. I am, however, … Continue reading
Filed under Labour Party
It is a mistake to try and derail the referendum on AV
There are those in the Labour Party who seem to be siding with the Tory 1922 Committee in opposing holding the referendum on the Alternative Vote (AV) on May 5 next year, the same day as local elections and the … Continue reading
Filed under Labour Party
Cameron supports changes to the Lisbon Treaty, but where is the promised referendum?
It seems David Cameron is prepared to renege on his election promise to put all changes to EU treaties to a referendum in the UK. In a speech to the House of Commons following his first meeting of the European Council, … Continue reading
Filed under Labour Party
Con-Dems are disgraceful on Women’s Representation
Congratulations to Harriet Harman for maintaining her excellent campaigning on behalf of women. We would never have expected anything less. Even as acting Labour Party Leader Harriet continues the good work. I very much agree with Harriet that half the … Continue reading
Filed under Labour Party
Please get blogging!
I was very pleased to receive the following from my old friend Mee Ling Ng, one of the founders of Chinese for Labour. Mee Ling has written this to Chinese for Labour members: “The Government intends to reduce the number … Continue reading
Filed under Labour Party
Whither Coalition?
Following yesterday’s blog which showed that hung parliaments and coalition governments are not the rare species in these islands that so many politicians and commentators seem to believe, the time has now come to move on from academic analysis. I … Continue reading
Filed under Labour Party
Lewisham West Campaign Launch
I was very happy to attend the launch of the general election campaign in Lewisham West last Friday. As a former Lewisham resident and Labour Party activist in Deptford, I always enjoy returning to my old stamping ground. Lewisham West MP Jim … Continue reading
Filed under Labour Party
