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0806REP/WESTSEM2013
62nd WESTMINSTER SEMINAR ON PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE AND
PROCEDURE | 17-21 JUNE 2013
REPORT
1. BACKGROUND
2. AIM AND OBJECTIVES
3. SUMMARY AND DETAILS
3.1. PLENARY SESSIONS
3.2. WORKSHOP SESSION
3.3. SPLIT MEMBER/CLERK SESSIONS
3.4. CONSTITUENCY VISITS
3.5. SUPPORTING EVENTS
4. OUTCOMES
5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ANNEX A – PROGRAMME IN BRIEF
ANNEX B – PROGRAMME IN FULL
ANNEX C – WORKSHOP SESSION CASE STUDY
ANNEX D – DELEGATES
ANNEX E – FEEDBACK REPORT
1. BACKGROUND
1.01. CPA UK held its 62nd Westminster Seminar on Parliamentary Practice and Procedure at the Houses
of Parliament over the period 17-21 June 2013. This year’s Seminar was CPA UK’s largest annual
event to date, attended by 83 delegates from 42 legislatures.
1.02. The annual Westminster Seminar is designed to enhance and strengthen the expertise of participants
while simultaneously strengthening links between parliaments across the Commonwealth.
1.03. The Seminar forms an important part of CPA UK’s international parliamentary outreach, particularly
in the areas of professional development for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, and in
building parliamentary partnerships.
2. AIM AND OBJECTIVES
2.01. Aim. The aim of the seminar was to explore parliamentary practice and procedure within a
Westminster-style framework in order to enhance the capacity of participating parliamentarians and
clerks.
2.02. Objectives for parliamentarians: To explore through briefings, discussion sessions and practical
observation:
a. The role of Parliament in holding the Executive to account.
b. The role of opposition parties and cross-party relations.
c. Party discipline and transparency.
d. The role of a second chamber and bicameralism.
e. The relationship between Parliament and the media.
f. Representation and the role of the MP in the constituency.
g. The management and administration of Parliament including the work of the
Speaker/Presiding Officer, the Commission and Members’ services.
2.03. Objectives for Clerks. To explore through briefings, discussion sessions and practical
observation:
a. The role of Parliament in holding the executive to account.
b. The role of the Committee Clerk.
c. Member/Clerk relations.
d. The Scrutiny Unit.
e. The Journal Office.
f. Providing procedural and legal advice to Members.
g. Representation and the role of the MP in the constituency.
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h. The management and administration of Parliament including the work of the
Speaker/Presiding Officer, the Commission and Members’ services.
3. SUMMARY AND DETAILS
3.01. CPA UK’s 62nd Westminster Seminar took the Westminster parliamentary model as a starting point
for discussions in a detailed course designed to enhance the capacity of delegates to work more
effectively in their legislatures.
3.02. The programme consisted of all-group plenary sessions, a workshop session using a hypothetical
case study, split sessions for Members and Clerks, and observation visits to UK Members’
constituencies.
3.1. PLENARY SESSIONS
3.11. Over the course of the Seminar week plenary sessions explored core subjects around the legislative
process and the workings of Parliament, bicameralism, the role of the Speaker, parliamentary
administration, the committee system, devolution, and electoral systems. Delegates heard from
senior and highly experienced UK legislators including the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt
Hon. John Bercow MP, the Lord Speaker, Rt Hon. Baroness D’Souza CMG, Joint Presidents of CPA
UK, and Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley CBE MP and Angela Eagle MP, Leader and Shadow Leader of
the House of Commons.
3.12. This year’s programme also included topical subjects such as women in parliament in a session with
Mary Macleod MP, PPS to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport and Minister for
Women & Equalities, Rt Hon. Baroness Hayman GBE, former Lord Speaker, and Rt Hon. Baroness
Royall of Blaisdon, Shadow Leader of the House of Lords; and standards and privileges in a session
featuring Rt Hon. Kevin Barron MP, Chair of the Standards and Privileges Committees, Kathryn
Hudson, Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Eve Sampson, the Clerk of the Standards and
Privileges Committees, and Greg Hands MP, a senior Government Whip.
3.13. Excellent participation by Members and Officials from across the UK Parliament, as speakers and
session chairs, ensured informed, lively and pertinent discussions. The enthusiastic contribution of
delegates was central to the Seminar’s success and this occurred throughout the programme.
3.14. The strengthening of links between parliaments across the Commonwealth was achieved through
bringing together delegates from diverse cultures and regions, working towards a common aim, and
giving space and opportunities for formal and informal discussion and networking.
3.2. WORKSHOP SESSION
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3.21. For the first time in the Seminar’s history, the programme this year included a workshop session on
the Committee System. The delegation split into five groups of Members and two groups of Clerks
to examine a hypothetical case study relating to a committee enquiry. The session provided
delegates with an opportunity to discuss amongst themselves the role of parliamentary committees
and think through how they would address the hypothetical case study as a committee member. The
aim of the session was to encourage delegates to generate practical solutions for dealing with
problems facing Committees in becoming more efficient and effective.
3.22. Once assembled into their groups, delegates were asked to appoint a Chair to oversee discussions
and a rapporteur to report back to the plenary an explanation of what their group would do to address
questions posed in the case study.
3.23. The case study session worked very well with delegates taking the opportunity to share experiences
from their home legislatures within the informal setting of a small group.
3.24. The case study used at the workshop session is included at Annex C.
3.3. SPLIT MEMBER/CLERK SESSIONS
3.31. Sessions exclusively for Members explored themes around the role of an MP, the role of an
opposition, party discipline within Parliament, the role of the Leader of the House, the role of the
media in parliamentary oversight, and broadcasting Parliament.
3.32. Sessions exclusively for clerks explored themes around running a committee, Member/clerk
relations, the scrutiny unit, the journal office, and legal services and Speaker’s counsel.
3.33. Dividing Members and Clerks into separate sessions enabled delegates to speak candidly with their
peers about issues facing them in their parliamentary work.
3.4. CONSTITUENCY VISITS
3.41. On the final day of the Seminar delegates had the opportunity to spend a morning with a UK
Member of Parliament in their constituency. These visits gave delegates a unique insight into the
workings of a constituency office and an opportunity to discuss with UK colleagues how Members
can manage the concerns of constituents alongside their parliamentary duties. The visits were a
valuable inclusion in the programme, by introducing context and perspective, and helping delegates
to understand the real challenges and issues faced by MPs in the UK.
3.42. Visits were held in the following constituencies:
- Mr David Evennett MP – Bexleyheath and Crayford
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- Ms Sarah Teather MP – Brent Central
- Ms Mary Macleod MP – Brentford and Isleworth
- Mr Greg Hands MP – Chelsea and Fulham
- Mr Virendra Sharma MP – Ealing Southall
- Rt Hon. Stephen Timms MP - East Ham
- Mr Andy Love MP – Edmonton
- Ms Seema Malhotra MP - Feltham and Heston
- Ms Siobhain McDonagh – Mitcham and Morden
- Mr Andrew Rosindell MP - Romford
3.43. The visits provided an opportunity for discussion on the following subjects:
- History, current issues and future plans
- Staff and resources in the constituency and office accommodation
- The MP’s relationship with the local authorities in the constituency
- How casework is handled and how decisions are made on which cases to adopt
- What an MP can do to raise a constituent’s case
- Problems faced in the constituency and how they are being dealt with
- How an MP splits their time between their constituency and Westminster
- Discuss current major issues
3.5. SUPPORTING EVENTS
3.51. Supporting events included a welcome reception hosted by the Clerk of the House of Commons, a
reception at Marlborough House hosted by the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Ms
Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, and lunch in Speaker’s House hosted by the Speaker of the House of
Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP.
4. OUTCOMES
4.01. The Seminar aim and objectives were achieved and the feedback from delegates demonstrated that
they achieved a greater depth of knowledge of parliamentary practice and procedure.
4.02. The seminar continues to be a relevant and useful programme for new parliamentarians and clerks.
4.03. The full feedback report is included at Annex E.
5. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
5.01. CPA UK acknowledges with thanks the wide-ranging support and assistance of Members, Clerks,
Officers and officials of the House of Commons and House of Lords in contributing to the logistics
and content of the Seminar.
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5.02. Particular thanks are due to the hosts of the supporting events and to the Members of the House of
Commons who hosted visits by delegates to their constituencies and their staff who organised the
constituency-based programmes.
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ANNEX A – PROGRAMME IN BRIEF
MONDAY 17 JUNE 0900 - 1000 Seminar welcome and introductions 1000 - 1100 Session 1: Introduction to the UK Parliament 1115 - 1215 Session 2: The legislative process 1315 - 1415 Session 3: Running Parliament 1415 - 1530 Session 4: Bicameralism - the work of a second Chamber 1600 - 1715 Session 5: Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and motions 1730 - 1900 Clerk’s Reception at No 3 Parliament Street
TUESDAY 18 JUNE Split day Members only Clerks only
0900 - 1015 Session 6: The role of an MP Session 6: Member/Clerk relations 1030 - 1200 Session 7: The role of the Opposition Session 7: The role of the Committee Clerk 1200 - 1315 Session 8: Party discipline in Parliament Session 8: The Scrutiny Unit 1430 - 1530 Session 9: The role of the Leader of the
House Session 9: The Journal Office
1545 - 1700 Session 10: The role of the media in the oversight of Parliament
Session 10: Legal Services and Speaker’s counsel
1730 - 1900 Reception at Marlborough House WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE
0900 - 1015 Session 11: The Committee System 1030 - 1130 Session 12: Workshop session on the Committee System 1130 - 1230 Session 13: Holding the Prime Minister to account – Prime Minister’s Questions 1330 - 1430 Session 14: Standards, Privileges and the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
(IPSA) 1430 - 1530 Session 15: The Working Parliament 1545 - 1700 Session 16: Devolution 1700 - 1800 Session 17: Electoral Systems 1815 - 2000 Session 18: Working supper – delegates exchange views
THURSDAY 20 JUNE 0900 - 1000 Session 19: Broadcasting Parliament 1015 - 1130 Session 20: Parliament, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and Civil Society 1130- 1230 Session 21: Women in Parliament 1400 - 1500 Session 22: The role of the Speaker 1515 - 1630 Session 23: Parliamentary information services – resource, research and outreach 1630 - 1730 Session 24: Commonwealth matters 1730 - 1800 Session 25: Constituency visit briefings
FRIDAY 21 JUNE 0800 - 1300 Session 26: Constituency visits 1400 - 1445 Session 27: Report back on constituency visits 1445 - 1530 Session 28: Young people and Parliament – engaging the next generation 1530 - 1620 Session 29: Closing plenary
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ANNEX B - PROGRAMME IN FULL
SUNDAY 16 JUNE All day Arrival day
MONDAY 17 JUNE 0830 Depart hotel 0845 Arrive Houses of Parliament, proceed to the Attlee Suite 0900 Seminar Welcome and Introductions
Speakers: Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MP (Conservative) Chair, CPA UK and International Executive Committees Mr Andrew Tuggey DL Director, CPA UK Mr Crispin Poyser Clerk of the Overseas Office, House of Commons
1000 Session 1: Introduction to the Parliament at Westminster
The seminar uses the Parliament at Westminster as the vehicle to deliver most of the sessions. This session will introduce delegates to Westminster, give an overview of the structure of the Parliament including its history, defining features, recent reforms and debates, and current issues. Speakers: Ms Philippa Helme Principal Clerk of Select Committees, House of Commons Mr Andrew Percy MP (Conservative) Chair: Mr Gavin Williamson MP (Conservative)
1100 Coffee 1115 Session 2: The Legislative Process
Parliamentarians are legislators. This session will provide discussion on the passage of bills through Parliament. Where do bills originate? How are they drafted? How do they become law? What is the purpose of secondary legislation? What is pre-legislative scrutiny? Speakers: Ms Jacqy Sharpe Clerk of Legislation, House of Commons Ms Kate Emms Clerk of Private Members Bills, House of Commons Chair: Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg MP (Conservative)
1215 Lunch 1315 Session 3: Running Parliament
Many Parliaments have a form of Parliamentary Commission to administer and manage themselves, some do not and some are introducing such a body. How is the Parliament at Westminster administered and managed? What are the roles of the House of Commons Commission and House of Lords House Committee? How do these bodies interact with the two management boards? What is the interaction between the two Houses? Speakers: Sir Robert Rogers KCB Clerk of the House of Commons Mr David Beamish Clerk of the Parliaments, House of Lords Chair: John Thurso MP (Liberal Democrats) Member of the House of Commons
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Commission and Chair of the Finance and Services Committee
1415 Session 4: Bicameralism - the work of a Second Chamber
Many Parliaments have two Chambers and some who have just one are setting up a second Chamber. This session will examine the advantages and disadvantages of a bicameral system. Using the Westminster vehicle, what work does the Upper House, the House of Lords, undertake and what is its relationship with the Lower House, the House of Commons? What might future reforms of the House of Lords look like? Speakers: Rt Hon. Lord Grocott (Labour) Baroness Stern CBE (Crossbench) Chair: Rt Hon. Baroness Prashar CBE (Crossbench)
1530 Tea 1600 Session 5: Parliamentary Questions (PQ) and motions
Parliamentary questions are dealt with differently in different jurisdictions, this session will explore the different types of questions (written, oral and urgent) asked in Parliament and the ways in which questions are tabled, answered and traced. What rules govern parliamentary questions? How do questions enable MPs to hold the Government to account – and how effective is the summoning of Ministers to Parliament to answer and urgent question? What is the interaction between PQs and Freedom of Information (FOI)? Speakers: Mr Paul Evans Principal Clerk of the Table Office, House of Commons Chair: Mr Thomas Docherty MP (Labour)
1715 Depart Attlee Suite for No 3 Parliament Street 1730 Reception at No 3 Parliament Street 1900 Depart No 3 Parliament Street for hotel
TUESDAY 18 JUNE 0830 Depart hotel 0845 Arrive Houses of Parliament Split day Member-only sessions (Attlee Suite) Clerk-only sessions (CPA Room) 0900 Session 6: The role of an MP
What is the role of an MP in his/her constituency? What is the relationship between the Party and the MP? What are the differences between a list MP and a constituency MP? Is constituency work increasing? Speakers: Sir Peter Bottomley MP (Conservative) Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods MP (Labour) Mr Andrew Stephenson MP (Conservative) Chair: Ms Shabana Mahmood MP (Labour)
Session 6: Member/Clerk relations A discussion on what makes for an effective working relationship between Members and Clerks. Clerks and officials are the oil in the parliamentary engine. For Parliaments to function effectively and efficiently there should be relationships of mutual respect and esteem between parliamentarians and Clerks. How can the relationship be enhanced? Speakers: Mr Andrew Kennon Clerk of Committees, House of Commons
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1015 Coffee in the Attlee Suite Coffee in the CPA Room 1030 Session 7: The role of the
Opposition A look at life in Opposition and cooperation with MPs from other Parties. What is the role of Opposition Parties in scrutinising the Executive? What is understood by the term “loyal Opposition”? Why do some Parliaments use the terms, Majority Party and Minority Party? How are Opposition Parties financed? What is the role of the Shadow Cabinet? Speakers: Rt Hon. Elfyn Llwyd MP (Plaid Cymru) Rt Hon. Jack Straw MP (Labour) Chair: Rt Hon. Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Labour)
Session 7: The role of the Committee Clerk
A session exploring the skills and knowledge required by Committee Clerks to support their Committees in carrying out their programme of work. What is the role of Clerks in planning work? What role should Clerks play during inquiry sessions? What is the relationship between the Committee Chair and the Committee Clerk? What makes for a comprehensive and informative Committee report? Speakers: Mr Adrian Jenner Clerk, Public Accounts Committee, House of Commons Mrs Sarah Davies Clerk, European Scrutiny Committee, House of Commons Chair: Mr Andrew Rosindell MP (Conservative)
1200 Session 8: Party Discipline in Parliament
A discussion on Party discipline and the role of Whips in Parliament. How do Whips operate as a channel of communication between the front and back benches? How is Party discipline maintained? How do Government and Opposition interact to deliver parliamentary business? How are Whips offices organised? How do Whips interact with Members who take the major decision to vote against their Party line? Speakers: Rt Hon. Greg Knight MP (Conservative) Government Whip (Vice-Chamberlain of the Royal Household) Rt Hon. Rosie Winterton MP (Labour) Opposition Chief Whip Chair: Lord Newby OBE (Liberal Democrats) Deputy Chief Whip (Captain of the Queen's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard)
Session 8: The Scrutiny Unit This session will give an overview of the role of a Scrutiny Unit in providing financial scrutiny and support to the several Committees. How is the Unit structured? What expertise does the Unit make available for Committees to use? Speaker: Ms Jessica Mulley Head of the Scrutiny Unit, House of Commons
1315 Lunch 1430 Session 9: The role of the
Leader of the House
Session 9: The Journal Office How does the Journal Office record the
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How does the Leader of the House organise Government business? What is the Leader’s role in enhancing Parliament / Government relations? Speaker: Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley CBE MP (Conservative) Leader of the House of Commons Ms Angela Eagle MP (Labour) Shadow Leader of the House of Commons Chair: Rt Hon. David Hanson MP (Labour)
daily votes and proceedings? What procedural advice and services does the Journal Office offer to the House and various Committees? What help does the Journal Office offer to members of the public drafting petitions, and to Members planning to present them? Speaker: Mr Huw Yardley Deputy Principal Clerk of the Journal office and Clerk of the Procedural Committee, House of Commons
1530 Tea in the Attlee Suite Tea in the CPA Room 1545 Session 10: The role of the media in the
oversight of Parliament In the UK, ‘MP-bashing’ is a frequent occurrence in the national media, yet in local (constituency) media that is often not the case. In each country the parliamentarian / media relationship is different. What relationship should parliamentarians seek to have with the media? How can successful relationships be built with national and local media? What media training is on offer for parliamentarians? How can MPs maximise their use of modern technology and social media? Speakers: Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative) Hon. Fiona Simpson MP Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Queensland, Australia Chair: Dr Tristram Hunt MP (Labour)
Session 10: Legal Services and Speaker’s Counsel
What is the role of the Office of Speaker’s Counsel? Where can Clerks turn to for specialised legal advice? What is the role of the Office of Speaker’s Counsel in scrutinising domestic legislation? Speaker: Mr Michael Carpenter Speaker’s Counsel
1715 Depart Parliament for Marlborough House 1730 Reception at Marlborough House 1900 Depart Marlborough House for hotel
WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE 0830 Depart hotel by coach 0845 Arrive Houses of Parliament 0900 Session 11: The Committee System
The Select or Departmental Committee system can be a powerful parliamentary tool to scrutinise the Executive, yet in some jurisdictions the system is weak. This session focuses on the scrutiny role of Select Committees. How are Committees structured and how do they function? What are the conditions and success factors that make for an effective Committee? What benchmarks can be used to measure Committee performance? Speakers:
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Rt Hon. Sir Malcolm Bruce MP (Liberal Democrats) Chair, International Development Select Committee Dr David Harrison Clerk, International Development Select Committee, House of Commons Chair: Ms Fiona O’Donnell MP (Labour)
1015 Coffee 1030 Session 12: Workshop session on the Committee System
This session will be a workshop on committees, using a hypothetical case study exercise. Facilitators: Mr Andrew Tuggey DL Director, CPA UK Dr David Harrison Clerk, International Development Select Committee, House of Commons
1130 Session 13: Holding the Prime Minister to account – Prime Minister’s Questions At Westminster the Prime Minister appears in Parliament once a week to answer questions. Some other Parliaments have a similar process. What is the purpose and procedure of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQ)? How effective are PMQ in holding the Prime Minister to account? In what other ways is the Prime Minister held to account? Following this discussion delegates will have the opportunity to view PMQs live via a video stream in the Attlee Suite. Speaker: Mr Liam Laurence Smyth Clerk of the Journals, House of Commons
1230 Lunch 1330 Session 14: Standards, Privileges and the role of an Independent Parliamentary
Standards Authority (IPSA) The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards was set up by the House of Commons in 1995. What is the role of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards? What do the Committee on Standards and the Committee of Privileges do? What is the Code of Conduct? What is the role of IPSA? Speakers: Ms Kathryn Hudson Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Rt Hon. Kevin Barron MP (Labour) Chair of the Standards and Privileges Committees Ms Eve Samson Clerk, Standards and Privileges Committees, House of Commons Chair: Mr Greg Hands MP (Conservative)
1430 Session 15: The Working Parliament What is happening in Parliament? This session will provide an opportunity for delegates to observe Parliament ‘live’ through viewing Ministerial Questions in the House of Commons Chamber, viewing a Select Committee in session, or viewing the House of Lords in session.
1530 Tea 1545 Session 16: Devolution
Devolution is a sensitive issue in many countries. This session will look at how devolution is structured, and what roles and powers can be held by devolved legislatures.
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What are the recent and anticipated developments to devolved structures in Commonwealth countries? What is the impact of the ‘West Lothian Question’ on the Parliament at Westminster? What are the issues around the independence referenda – such as Quebec, and Scotland in 2014? Speakers: Hon. Ian Paisley Jnr MP (DUP) Mr David T C Davies MP (Conservative) Chair: Lord German OBE (Liberal Democrats)
1700 Session 17: Electoral Systems In the UK members of the European Parliament, House of Commons, and devolved legislatures are all elected using different voting systems. Using the UK as a case-study, this session will give an overview of the different electoral systems operating at a national and regional level:
- First-past-the-post, used to elect MPs to the House of Commons and for local elections in England and Wales
- Single Transferable Vote (STV), used for electing the Northern Ireland Assembly, local elections in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and European Parliament elections in Northern Ireland
- Additional Member System (AMS), used to elect the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the London Assembly
- Closed Party List, used to elect Members of the European Parliament, with the exception of Northern Ireland which uses Single Transferable Vote
What are the arguments for electoral reform? How does the UK electoral system compare with other systems in the Commonwealth? Speakers: Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Labour) Rt Hon. Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale (Labour) Chair: Miss Anne McIntosh MP (Conservative)
1800 Depart Attlee Suite for the CPA Room 1815 Session 18: Working supper – Delegates exchange views
For parliamentarians to have the opportunity to network together, exchange ideas and experiences is hugely important. This informal working supper has been designed to facilitate that opportunity. Chairs: Rt Hon. David Hanson MP (Labour) Mr Thomas Docherty MP (Labour)
2000 Depart Houses of Parliament for hotel THURSDAY 20 JUNE
0830 Leave hotel 0845 Arrive Houses of Parliament 0900 Session 19: Broadcasting Parliament
Showing the general public what happens in Parliament is an important element in the process of widening democracy. Should Parliament be broadcast to the public? What is BBC Parliament? What is BBC Democracy Live? How has the broadcasting of Parliament
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evolved in the UK? How does this compare with other countries? Speakers: Mr John Angeli Director of Parliamentary Broadcasting Mr Peter Knowles Controller, BBC Parliament Chair: Mr Alun Cairns MP (Conservative)
1000 Coffee 1015 Session 20: Parliament, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and Civil Society
Parliamentarians are sometimes wary of NGOs and civil society. This session will explore the relationship between parliamentarians, NGOs, and civil society organisations. How can more active mutual cooperation be achieved? How can mutual communication be encouraged? Speakers: Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP (Conservative) Ms Melanie Ward Head of Advocacy, Action Aid UK Ms Isabella Sankey Director of Policy, Liberty Chair: Mr Stephen Doughty MP (Labour/Co-operative)
1130 Session 21: Women in Parliament The number of women in Parliament and the empowerment of women parliamentarians are big challenges in some Parliaments. How well are women represented in Parliament today? How has an increase in women’s participation in politics been achieved? What are the continuing challenges faced by women in politics and how should they be addressed? Speakers: Ms Mary Macleod MP (Conservative) PPS to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport & Minister for Women and Equalities Rt Hon. Baroness Hayman GBE (Crossbench) Former Lord Speaker Chair: Rt Hon. Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Labour) Shadow Leader of the House of Lords
1230 Depart the Attlee Suite for Speaker’s House 1245 Lunch at Speaker’s House 1345 Depart Speaker’s House for the Attlee Suite 1400 Session 22: The role of the Speaker
The Speaker/Presiding Officer of a Parliament is a very important appointment. What is the role of the Speaker? Should the Speaker have a role outside Parliament? How is the Speaker elected – should he/she renounce party affiliation? Should the Speaker be a serving parliamentarian? Speakers: Rt Hon. John Bercow MP Speaker of the House of Commons Rt Hon. Baroness D’Souza CMG Speaker of the House of Lords Chair: Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MP (Conservative) Chair, CPA UK and International Executive Committees
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1500 Tea 1515 Session 23: Parliamentary information services – resource,
research and outreach To function better, parliamentarians should have access to modern and effective information services, but the investment is large. How are information services structured in a modern Parliament? Taking Westminster as an example, what services are offered through the House of Commons library, research departments and the Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology (POST)? What other information services are available to Members? Speaker: Mr Thomas Docherty MP (Labour) Ms Katharine Lee, Education Visits Manager, Parliament’s Education Service Ms Vaughne Miller Head of Section, International Affairs and Defence, House of Commons Library Chair: Ms Meg Hillier MP (Labour/Co-Operative)
1630 Session 24: Commonwealth matters Following the last Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and the coming implementation of 85% of the recommendations of the report by the Eminent Persons Group, there is much going on to modernise the Commonwealth and the CPA. This session will explore the role of the Commonwealth and the CPA and the challenges they both face. How can / should the Commonwealth be strengthened? What is the role of the CPA in strengthening parliamentary democracy and diplomacy? Speakers: Mr Amitav Banerji Director, Political Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MP (Conservative) Chair, CPA UK and International Executive Committees Ms Caitlin Jones Head of the Commonwealth Coordination Team, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Chair: Rt Hon. Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour)
1730 Session 25: Briefings for the Constituency Visit The following day delegates will be the guests of British MPs in their respective constituencies. Understanding the administration and logistics involved is important. Delegates should make the most of attending and listening to this short briefing. Briefing: Mr Andrew Tuggey DL Director, CPA UK
1800 Depart Houses of Parliament for hotel FRIDAY 21 JUNE
0700 - 0900 Depart hotel for constituency visits Morning Session 26: Constituency Visits
It is always interesting to learn how colleagues interact with their constituents and to know more about the way colleagues run their constituency offices, etc. This session involving visits to London MPs’ constituencies will focus on the role of the MP in the constituency.
1300 Lunch 1400 Session 27: Report back on Constituency Visits
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A round table discussion on points of interest from the morning’s constituency visits.
1445 Session 28: Young People and Parliament – Engaging the Next Generation Over half of the Commonwealth’s 2 billion people are aged 25 or under. It is important for parliamentary democracy to engage young people with politics and parliament. How can politicians reach out to young people and address their lack of political engagement? What are the arguments for and against lowering the voting age to 16? Speaker: Ms Clare Cowan Head of Public Information and Outreach Chair: Miss Kate Hoey MP (Labour)
1530 Session 29: Closing Plenary and Presentation of Certificates Many Parliaments have a large percentage turnover following elections. What further training and advice would be helpful to assist new parliamentarians and Clerks in planning their induction work? This session will finish with the presentation of certificates. Speakers: Mr Andrew Tuggey DL Director, CPA UK Rt Hon. Baroness Hooper CMG (Conservative)
1620 Tours of Parliament (optional)
SATURDAY 22 JUNE All day Departure day
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ANNEX C – CASE STUDY ON THE COMMITTEE SYSTEM
Erehwon is a small country, some 20 million people, which came out of a protracted war five years ago. It is
led by a charismatic President who has made much in recent years of his desire to improve transparency and
accountability in governance. There have recently been elections for the bicameral Parliament which the
President’s party won with 252 out of the 300 seats.
The Health Committee has a mandate to monitor the policy, administration and spending of the Department
of Health and its associated public bodies. The Committee is an investigative Committee rather than a
legislative Committee: it sets its own programme and chooses subjects for inquiries.
The Committee meets for long sessions – sometime six hours at a stretch and for 100 days a year – but it
meets off camera and few reports are ever produced. Even when it produces reports these are not sent to the
Government unless they are debated in the House and parliamentary time is rarely available. In the past five
years, only one report has gone through the whole process and reached the President’s office.
The Department of Health is reform minded but they tend to not trust the Parliament wanting to control the
process of reform themselves. The Health Minister and the Department of Health’s top official are at odds on
how reform should take place and they are both defensive of policy and cagey on administration details when
appearing in front of the Committee.
The Committee has access to support from two staff – one is the daughter of the previous chair of committee
and the other a bright young student who has told people that she is planning to leave because her wages are
so low. The Committee look to the staff to arrange meetings, call witnesses, arrange visits, and write reports.
Of the twenty members of the committee only three members have a limited background in health, and some
members have a very low attendance rate at committee meetings.
Occasionally the media picks up some of the committee’s report findings but they are only interested in
sensational headlines and split on party political lines – turning every failure in the implementation of
government policy into a failure of politicians.
The Parliament tends not to consult civil society in its enquiries but does from time to time take note of the
comments of influential NGOs (Health Wise - a health care advocacy group) and a well respected gender
advocacy group (Fair Erehwon) as they tend to organise protests and have access to the media. The
committee has a limited budget and cannot afford to cover the expenses of expert witnesses.
TASK
In your groups, examine the case study and suggest a strategy to deal with each issue with the aim of making
the Health Committee more effective. Be creative but be specific. Think about what change you are
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seeking, what your group could do, what you would need others to do, and how you would convince them to
make the changes you want.
If you think the changes would be impossible, how might you make the4 situation a little more manageable?
What are the measures of success you might use to judge whether your proposed change or reform worked?
MPs
1. What are some of the things you could do to help open up the proceedings of the Committee to greater
public scrutiny? How might you go about making this happen?
2. Some MPs on the Committee see criticising the administration’s management of the Department of Health
as disloyalty. How might they be persuaded that such criticism is not disloyalty but positive assistance to
improving public services?
3. Some of the Committee members have a very low attendance rate. What could the committee do to ensure
everyone pulls their weight?
4. The Department of Health Committee sits for a huge amount of time. What are some of the possible
reasons for this? How might the committee be persuaded to operate more efficiently?
5. What other supports might the Committee be able to obtain from parliamentary staff? What could the
Committee do to ensure that key staff do not leave prematurely?
Parliamentary staff
1. What services could the staff start to provide the Committee which would increase the Committee’s
effectiveness? What are some of the barriers which staff might face? How could they deal with these?
2. Where could committee staff access resource and support for their committee work in the absence of
sufficient expertise in the country? Where could they access resources without spending a lot of money -
what resources are there on the internet?
3. How might the staff make better use of experts on health in Erehwon? What services could it provide?
How would you persuade it to do this? Who might oppose this move?
4. What can the committee staff do to work better with media and civil society?
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ANNEX D – DELEGATES
CPA Branch Title First Name Last Name Parl. Abbr.
Australia: Australian Capital Territory Mr Steve Doszpot MLA
Australia: New South Wales Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC Australia: New South Wales Mr David Blunt Australia: Northern Territory Mr Gary Higgins MLA Australia: Queensland Hon. Fiona Simpson MP Australia: South Australia Mr Peter Treloar MP Australia: Victoria Mr Neale Burgess MLA Australia: Western Australia Mr Nathan Morton MLA Bermuda Mrs Suzann Roberts-Holshouser MP Bermuda Mrs Sherleeta Simmons-Talbot Brunei Hon. Haji Zulkipli Haji Abdul Hamid MLC Brunei Mr Dato Haji Abdul Salam Abdul Momin Canada Mr Pierre-Luc Dusseault MP Canada Mr Gerald Lafrenière Canada: Alberta Mr Steven Keith Young MLA Canada: Alberta Mr Robert H. Reynolds QC Canada: Manitoba Mr Wayne Ewasko MLA Canada: Northwest Territories Ms Colette Langlois Canada: Prince Edward Island Ms Marian Johnston Canada: Saskatchewan Ms Jennifer Campeau MLA Canada: Saskatchewan Mr Kenneth Ring Canada: Yukon Dr Floyd McCormick Cook Islands Hon. John Mokoenga Henry MP Cook Islands Mr Paul Raui Steven Allsworth Ghana Ms Sheba Nana Afriyie Osei Ghana Hon. Samson Abu MP Ghana Hon. Matthew Nyindam MP Ghana Hon. Benjamin Bewa-Nyog Kunbuor MP Grenada Sen. Hon. George Vincent Guyana Dr Vindhya Vasini Persaud MP Guyana Mrs Catherine Hughes MP Guyana Miss Claudia Theresa Daniels Hong Kong Hon. Kenneth Leung MLC Hong Kong Hon. Dr Elizabeth Quat MLC Hong Kong Miss Hing-yee Odelia Leung Jamaica Mr Raymond Pryce MP Kenya Hon. Priscilla Nyokabi Kanyua MP Kenya Hon. Sen. Abu Mohamed Chiaba MP Kenya Mr George Otieno Onyango Kenya Hon. John Ng'Ongo MP Kenya Hon. Sen. Billow Adan Kerrow
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Kenya Mr Daniel Mwaniki Mutunga Kiribati Mr Rutiano Benetito MP Kiribati Hon. Dr Kautu Tenaua MP Kiribati Mr Kirata Komwenga Maldives Hon. Abdulla Abdul Raheem MP Malta Hon. Carmelo Abela MP Namibia Hon. Alexia Manombe-Ncube MP Namibia Hon. Phillipus Wido Katamelo MP New Zealand Mr Christopher John Hipkins MP New Zealand Mrs Louise Claire Upston MP New Zealand Ms Fay Paterson Nigeria Hon. Aminu Punuwet Jonathan MP Nigeria Dr Rabi Audu Nigeria: Bayelsa State House of Assembly Hon. Tonye Emmanuel Isenah MP
Nigeria: Ekiti State House of Assembly Hon. Churchill Olubunmi Adedipe MHA
Nigeria: Ekiti State House of Assembly Mr Joseph Esan Nigeria: Nasarawa State House of Assembly Rt Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohammed MP
Nigeria: Nasarawa State House of Assembly Mr Usman Abdul Karim Seychelles Hon. Charles De Commarmond MP Seychelles Ms Angelic Appoo Sierra Leone Hon. Lahai Marrah MP Sierra Leone Mr David Saffa Sri Lanka Hon. Chandima Weerakkody MP Sri Lanka Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe MP Sri Lanka Mr Dhammika Dasanayake St Lucia Hon. Shawn Edward MP Tanzania Hon. Mussa Azzan Zungu MP Tanzania Hon. Raya Ibrahim Khamis MP Tanzania Mr Bakari Kishoma Trinidad and Tobago Hon. Sen. Jamal Mohammed Trinidad and Tobago Sen. Faris Al-Rawi Trinidad and Tobago Ms Keiba Jacob Turks and Caicos Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith MP Turks and Caicos Mrs Tracey Parker Uganda Hon. Paul Mwiru MP Uganda Hon. Theodore Ssekikubo MP Uganda Mrs Jane Kibirige Virgin Islands Hon. Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe MHA Virgin Islands Ms Joann Vanterpool Zambia Mr Maxas Joel Bweupe Ng'Onga MP
Zambia Ms Gertrude Mwambwa M. M. Imenda MP
Zambia Mr Stephen Chilufya Kawimbe
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ANNEX E – FEEDBACK REPORT
1. FEEDBACK
1.1. 70 feedback forms were collected from delegates following the 62nd Westminster Seminar.
Quantitative results from the feedback received can be found at the end of this report.
1.2. This evaluation report covers three main areas:
- The delegates’ quantitative and qualitative evaluation of how well the Seminar programme
has met its aims and objectives
- The delegates’ quantitative evaluation of how the Seminar experience will benefit their future
work in their legislatures
- The delegates’ suggestions on how the Seminar programme could be improved
1.3. Seminar Aim: to enhance the capacity of delegates to work more effectively in their
legislatures.
Of the 70 delegates who responded to the question ‘How well do you believe the 62st Westminster
Seminar programme met its aim?’, 50% of respondents rated the meeting of the Seminar aim as
‘Outstanding’ and 47% of respondents rated it as ‘Good’.
The majority of delegates stressed that the Seminar was well-structured, the selected topics were
very relevant to their work and “covered a comprehensive array of subject areas” (Catherine
Hughes, Guyana), while the panel members were highly qualified.
“The speakers were well versed with topics of discussion and participants were able to engage in
constructive debate”, Mr Daniel Mwaniki Mutunga, Clerk, Kenya.
It was noted, however, that it would be useful if the Seminar programme included more comparative
reflections from different countries in order to “cover the divergent experiences of the
Commonwealth” Sen. Faris Al-Rawi, Trinidad and Tobago.
The networking opportunities provided throughout the course of the Seminar have been very
positively regarded by the delegates, who stressed the importance of having time and time and space
to exchange their practical experiences and ideas. Overall, the respondents stressed that the Seminar
did enhance their parliamentary understanding and created confidence to work more effectively in
their legislatures.
“The programme has helped me understand the need for supporting the democracy and the role of
opposition members of Parliament”, J.B. Maxas Ng’Onga, Majority Member of Parliament, Zambia
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“I got more ideas on how to better manage my Committee and MPs”, Ms Sheba Nana Afriyie Osei,
Committee Clerk, Ghana
1.4. Seminar Objectives:
Overall the majority of the respondents said that the Seminar programme was either “outstanding” or
“good” in meeting its objectives (Please see graph A for full statistical data).
In regard to exploring the role of Parliament in holding the Executive to account, 49% of the
respondents rated the meeting of this objective as “outstanding”, 42% said it was “good” and only
9% rated it as “average”. It was noted that this was a very interesting aspect of the programme,
which was effectively discussed during the Seminar, although could have gone into even more
depth. Several respondents specifically appreciated the opportunities of exploring this particular
topical area in practice by observing the Prime Minister’s Questions, the Prime Minister’s Statement
on the recent G8 Summit and the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee.
The objective of exploring the role of opposition parties and cross-party relations has received
similarly positive ratings (35% - “outstanding”, 56% - “Good”, 9% -“average”). One respondent
noted that she found it specifically interesting to learn about the coordinated effect of the cross
bench.
It has been observed that the aspects of holding the Executive to account and the role of opposition
parties and cross-party relations are more problematic in developing countries. As such, it may be
useful to have opportunities for additional discussions organised for selected groups of delegates.
The meeting of objectives of exploring party discipline and transparency, the role of a second
chamber and bicameralism and the relationship between Parliament and the media have
received somewhat more varied, yet still very positive ratings (approx. 24% - “outstanding”; approx.
64% - “good”; and approx. 14% - “average”).
It is interesting to note that the session exploring bicameralism was appreciated not only by the
delegates coming from similar parliamentary set-ups, but also by those working in unicameral
legislatures. According to Ms Sheba Nana Afriyie Osei, Clerk at the Parliament of Ghana, “Ghana is
still pondering a second chamber, but it is good to know how the system operates here [in the UK.,
ed.]”. The session panel has received high appreciation by the delegates (“The interactions between
the speakers and clerks of both houses were very enriching”, Jane Kibirige, Clerk, Uganda).
Nevertheless, some respondents felt that the role of an MP was more extensively covered than the
role of a lord, whose specific responsibilities could have been explored in more depth. Equally, it has
been noted that the “ping pong” of bills could have received more attention.
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In regard to exploring the relationship between Parliament and the media, the session on
broadcasting by BBC and the work of Hansard has been perceived as exceptional in offering ideas of
how to deal with the issue. On the other hand, a few delegates felt that the issue of the relationship
between an MP and the media was not fully explored.
The coverage of the representation and the role of MP in the constituency has received
exceptionally high ratings (58% of the respondents rated the meeting of this objective as
“outstanding” and 41% rated it as “good”). Many delegates felt that the constituency visits were a
highlight of the programme and a great way of sharing their divergent experiences.
In regard to the management and administration of Parliament, several respondents mentioned
that they would have been interested to hear more on the structure of benefits for MPs. Also,
according to Senator Faris Al-Rawi from Trinidad and Tobago, an exchange of experiences on
parliamentary standards and privileges from across the Commonwealth would bring additional
value to the programme: “the standards and privileges around the commonwealth diverge
significantly and therefore, some reflections on the divergence from the UK may help, especially in
speaking to key points of change in the UK and how it overcame issues of transparency and
accountability”.
The exploration of the role of the Clerk and the Member/Clerk relations have received very
positive ratings, with over 90% of the respondents rating the meeting of these objectives as either
“outstanding” or “good”. The respondents have stressed the competence of the speakers, among
them Mr David Beamish, Sir Robert Rogers KCB and Mr Andrew Kennon.
1.5. Evaluation of how the Seminar experience will benefit the future work of the attendees
1.5.1. Questions:
Do you feel that what you have learnt at the Seminar will enhance your capacity and
effectiveness as a parliamentarian/clerk? If so, how?
How will you put into practice what you have learnt from this Seminar in your
work?
1.5.2. Feedback: All of the respondents stressed that they have gained a lot of invaluable
knowledge from attending the Seminar that they will aim to put into practice in order to improve
their capacity and effectiveness in their work.
It is interesting to note that while newly elected parliamentarians and newly appointed clerks found
the Seminar experience specifically beneficial to their overall understanding of the Westminster
model of parliamentary democracy and their role within the Parliament, the longer serving
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parliamentarians and clerks also found a variety of areas in which their every day work could be
improved.
The respondents identified the following main areas of professional development enabled by the
Seminar programme:
Holding Executive to account
It has been noted by several respondents that the Seminar has enabled them to better hold their
Executive to account and do so in a more responsible and non-confrontational manner. Mr Maxas
Joel Bweupe Ng’Onga, the Majority Member of Parliament from Zambia stated that he would
“support those in opposition to enhance their role to hold government to account”, while Hon.
Theodore Ssekikubo, a Member of Parliament of Uganda, said he would now make more use of the
ministerial policy statements.
MP/Clerk relations and the role of the Committee Clerk
Several respondents indentified that the Seminar programme has improved their understanding of the
relationship between parliamentarians (especially Chairs of Committees) and Clerks and the
importance of maintaining their strong mutual cooperation. It is worth noting that this comment
came both from parliamentarians and clerks. Several clerks also noted that the Seminar has increased
their capabilities of administering the Parliament and planning committees’ activities; they have
gained understanding of the importance of producing reports/minutes in time and ensuring that
committees attain their objectives in the specified timeframe.
Engaging with the media
A large number of respondents indicated that their perceptions towards the use of social media in the
work of the parliament have altered after attending the Seminar. The respondents, especially clerks,
expressed their intention to incorporate the use of social media into some of their parliamentary work
in order to both expand their outreach and cut down printing costs. Mr Gerald Lafreniere, Clerk in
the Parliament of Canada, said that he would discuss some of the new practices that he had seen to
see how they could be implemented his legislature, two concrete examples being the possible
creation of a blog to cover significant procedural events and proposing an overall review of their
parliamentary outreach programme. Hon. John Mbadi Ng’Ongo, MP from Kenya, stated that he
would ask his parliamentary rules and procedures committee “to come up with ground rules to
govern media coverage of parliament”.
Representation and the role of the MP in the constituency
Most of the respondents, mainly parliamentarians, identified that the Seminar experience has
strengthened their understanding of the importance of maintaining a functioning connection with
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their constituents. Several respondents said that they would aim to make better use of their
constituency offices by balancing their time allocated to constituency with their parliamentary duties
in a more efficient manner and increase their constituency networking, in order to be more alert and
responsive the needs of their constituents, including putting the most important issues forward to the
attention of their legislatures.
“It [the Seminar experience, ed.] will enhance my capacity, because it provided me with a skill, how
I will be campaigning during elections and also how I will approach my constituency, not only
during election, but to stay in constant touch”
Hon. Alexia Manombe-Ncube, Member of Parliament of Namibia
While occasional comments have been made on the difficulty of making comparisons between states
given the significant differences of their parliamentary systems, at the same time delegates coming
from very different political backgrounds appeared to find some aspects of the programme highly
relevant to their legislatures. An interesting example can be taken from the feedback on the session
on the role of the Speaker, which was appreciated by both Ghanaian and Canadian delegates. Mr
Steve Young MLA form Alberta, Canada, said he would be incorporating some of the principles and
practices used by the Speaker in his role as a Whip in managing their full caucus meeting.
The majority of the respondents stressed that it had been particularly useful to both have an
opportunity to hear from the Members of UK Parliament and exchange ideas and experiences
with delegates from across the Commonwealth (both during the Q&A sessions and evening
events). According to Mrs Catherine Hughes MP from Guyana: “The diversity of the group and their
experiences was invaluable; [I have] received great advice and solutions to practical challenges”.
Mr Carmelo Abela MP from Malta noted: “Being exposed to different practices and exchange of
views was an effective way to put me in a better position to make change happen”.
The majority of the respondents mentioned that they would share their experiences at the Seminar
and new insights with colleagues in their countries.
While a few clerks noted that immediate change in their legislatures may not be possible, they
indicated that they would now be better prepared to deal with procedural innovations as they arise. A
greater number of respondents, however, said that they would produce reports on the outcomes of the
Seminar to be presented to their legislatures, hoping to spark a discussion on the practices and
procedures currently in place in their countries. In addition to that, a few clerks said they were
planning to hold mini workshops/interactive sessions to present their new ideas on improving the
work of their legislatures.
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Overall, the delegate feedback has been very positive. Importantly, the majority of respondents
stressed that the Seminar programme not only facilitated a number of valuable and engaging
discussions on a wide range of topical issues relating to the work of the parliament within the
Westminster democratic model, but also provided some very practical information that could be
incorporated into their daily work.
“I have doubts as an MP, but the sharing of experiences with UK MPs, as well as experiences
shared by some delegates, gave me confidence to deal with upcoming election and be more alert and
responsive to constituency needs”
Dr Kautu Tenaua, Kiribati
1.6. Suggested improvements to the Seminar programme
The evaluation of the contents of the Seminar programme has been exceptionally positive, with most
of the respondents indicating that they were impressed by the selection of topics and the competence
of the speakers. Nevertheless, a large number of respondents indicated that the intensity of the
programme had been rather overwhelming, making it difficult to stay alert and take in all the
information. It has been suggested that the official programme each day should finish between 4-
5pm allowing delegates to stay focused, as well as have additional time for networking.
A number of delegates indicated that interactive activities provided within the scope of the
programme (i.e. the workshop session) were very valuable, but insufficient and they would prefer to
have more of such opportunities to put the presented information into practical experience with the
use of additional small group discussions, more case studies and additional time to observe the work
of the parliament. One respondent proposed including workshops on “hard topics”, such as
corruption, minority rights, freedom of speech. It was also suggested that the afternoon programme
could include more specialised sessions focusing on the work of presiding officers, whips, state vs.
federal legislative assemblies, etc. Among other proposed topics were the financial accountability
and the code of conduct of an MP, as well as sharing more tips of how the MPs can use media to
their advantage. It was also noted that it could be useful to get a journalist’s opinion on how they
perceive and portray the work of the Parliament and MPs.
Several clerks stressed that the split programmes (specifically for MPs/Clerks) had been very
beneficial to their overall Seminar experience and expressed their wish to have had more of such
sessions within the programme to allow them time to discuss various policies/issues separately from
the participating MPs. On the other hand, one parliamentarian mentioned that it would have been
useful to hear more on the work of clerks, which suggests that it may be useful to make the session
on MP/Clerk relations open to all participants.
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On the technical side, several respondents suggested that the use of PowerPoint presentations is
encouraged, hard copies of handouts are distributed at the sessions and basic important information
on the topics within the programme, as well as the delegate biographies, are made available to the
delegates electronically ahead of the Seminar.
FEEDBACK DATA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES How well do you believe the 62st Westminster Seminar programme met its aims and objectives?
A. Meeting the aims of the Seminar
50%
47%
3% 0%
How well do you believe the 62st Westminster Seminar programme met its aim?
[AIM: To enhance the capacity of delegates to work more effectively in their legislatures]
Outstanding Good Average Poor
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B. Meeting the objectives of the Seminar
49%
35%
21%
25%
25%
58%
51%
52%
44%
42%
56%
65%
62%
61%
41%
46%
41%
52%
9%
9%
14%
13%
13%
2%
3%
7%
5%
The role of Parliament in holding the Executive to account
The role of opposition parties and cross‐party relations
Party discipline and transparency
The role of a second chamber and bicameralism
The relationship between Parliament and the media
Representation and the role of the MP in the constituency
The management and adminsitration of Parliament
The role of the Committee Clerk
Member/Clerk relations
How well do you believe the 62nd Westminster Seminar programme met its objectives?
To explore through briefings, discussion sessions and practical observation:
Outstanding Good Average
* While the feedback form allowed respondents to choose between “outstanding”, “good”, “average” and
“poor”, 0% of respondents said that the Seminar programme was “poor” in meeting its objectives in any of
the thematic areas.
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