For everyone interested in History and also the work of Britain's Parliament; the US Congress; the European Parliament and the French Parlement. Also deals with China and the European Union. Discusses Practice, Procedure, History and current issues.
Thursday, 13 February 2014
PMQs
Prime Minister's Question Time is worth watching in person. The atmosphere can be felt in the chamber. There is excitement and some excellent humour displayed. Yet I must admit that I have come to dislike it intensely. In my opinion, the sooner it is abolished, the better! I can't bear to watch it (and I'm a political junkie!!!).
My objection is that it achieves little in terms of holding the government to account. It's an opportunity to score points - hoping that the electorate will be impressed. I fear (and I go canvassing, and hear complaints from voters - and I hear the same from some of my students) that it puts them off.
The low esteem of PMQs is confirmed in a report from the Hansard Society. I recommend reading it.
It is available at http://www.hansardsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Tuned-in-or-Turned-off-Public-attitudes-to-PMQs.pdf
