Listening to Spectrum On Air Programmes

This blog is frequently used to put further information about subjects raised in the two programmes that Shery Delfani and I (David Morgan) joint host on Spectrum On Air. 

Click here to get the live feed from SpectrumOnAir

To listen to the latest episodes of "Heritage Matters" go to

 https://www.spreaker.com/show/heritage-matters_1

To listen to previous editions of PPS go to

https://www.spreaker.com/show/process-people-sources

Mental Health

On the PPS programme on Spectrum on Air , I am being joined by Shery Delfani - who each week will be discussing mental health issues.

Please do join us each week -and send any questions or comments to pps@btinternet.com

Washminster is go!!!!

For a while this blog has been "resting" - but today marks its relaunch.

The new "Washminster" has the same purpose - to inform and entertain about the workings of democracy - particularly in the British Parliament and US Congress. But whether you are a long subscriber to this blog - or have flicked through the 2226 posts from 2007 to 2015, you'll know that this blog goes much further than those two legislatures.

If you are new to the blog, may I take this opportunity to introduce myself - and my plans for "Washminster".

My interest in politics began when I was very young. My family was never heavily involved in political activity, my parents particularly so. But they did encourage me to take an interest in the world - and both believed passionately in the value of education and the joy of learning. We happened to be on holiday in London the week that the 1970 General Election was called. On the day Parliament was dissolved - we were at the gates of the Palace of Westminster - watching the famous (and less famous) politicians drive (or being driven) out of the Palace to set off on the campaign trail. My father got his first parking ticket that day. We were parked in the street that is now blocked off, but runs between Portcullis House and St Stephen's Pub and the back of 1 Parliament Street. Also there was Cannon Row police station (now Derby Gate entrance to the Parliamentary estate). We stayed too long watching the politicians (including the then little known, Margaret Thatcher) - and earned our ticket. Sitting ducks!!

My father took me to election meetings during that campaign - held by both parties. I met and got the autographs of some of the leading politicians of the day. Only George Brown refused - and a few days later he lost his seat!

It was 1974 that sent my growing interest into overdrive - two elections; and an exciting political year that saw the "three day week"; a minority government; and a second election which gave only the barest of majorities to the Labour Government. By the end of the year I was well  and truly hooked.

During my adult life I have been an academic - teaching both Law (my two specialities being UK Constitutional Law and EU Law) and politics. I've researched the workings of Congress and Parliament - and am currently the Vice-Chair of the UK's "American Politics Group".

But theory and academic observation were never enough for me. I ran twice for the House of Commons; once for the European Parliament. I've worked for Members of Parliament and peers in the House of Lords, and for an MEP (Member of the European Parliament). I've been involved in numerous election campaigns - and "just happened to be" in Washington during the election campaigns of 2004, 2008 and 2012. (my 'eye-witness accounts' can be found on this blog).

Life is less hectic now - but I maintain my interest. I'm a newsaholic - often starting the day with R4's news briefing at 05h30 - and subscribing to the Guardian; Le Monde; the Washington Post and the New York Times. When I'm not reading those I also catch up on other sources of news ranging from the Hill; Politico & RollCall (USA); to Today in Parliament and news from France. I still go down to Westminster - and am looking forward to being in Washington when the race for the presidency is down to just two major candidates.

So what will I be writing about in Washminster? Certainly I'll be commenting upon and explaining some of the practices at Westminster, on Capitol Hill, in the French Parlement and the European Parliament. I love to dig up - and share - obscure facts, or amusing anecdotes. I have loved taking tours around the Palace of Westminster (and the Capitol Building - to give an alternative to the narrative normally given by guides, who delight in telling their version of the burning of the Capitol by the British) - and intend to provide some background about these great buildings and institutions.

I'm happy to respond to questions - or suggestions - so do let me have them. Drop me an email to jdavidmorgan@googlemail.com - and return soon, for I will be posting again this week.

jdm_progressive

Warning - this won't be for everyone.

While Washminster is intended, BBC style, to be politically neutral (though I make no secret of the experience which lies behind this blog) - I have set up a website for those who consider themselves to be 'progressives'.

jdm_progressive was launched yesterday - and if you think it might be your 'cup of tea'  - please try it out at http://www.jdmprogressive.com/

It includes information about the UK Labour Party, the US Democrats and the French Parti Socialiste - and has links to my jdm_progressive twitter feed and a dedicated YouTube channel. I value feedback - so please let me know what you think.

Festival of Freedoms

There is a feast coming up - in the Palace of Westminster - and elsewhere - of events that are part of the Festival of Freedoms. I've booked for a number. Do let me know if you have tickets and are going - it would be nice to meet up. (and the events themselves are quite interesting!). For more information, follow the link here.

And so back to work....

The summer is over (if you have been in Milton Keynes this last weekend, you'd know how true that is - it has rained, and rained, and rained - and I have been wearing a jumper!). Yesterday was the "Late Summer Bank Holiday", the last Bank Holiday here until Christmas Day.

Next week Parliament returns, and on the following Saturday the result of the Labour Party leadership election will be announced. It's time to put away the summer reading and get back to day to day politics.

Washminster returns - and this is the 2200th post. This blog has been running since March 2007. Do please free to look at some of the previous posts. They can be accessed in date order - or through the search function.

Autumn 2015 looks interesting - in the UK (where the major opposition party chooses a new leader, but faces an uncertain future) - This blog will follow the results - and (as in previous years) report directly from the Labour Party Conference at the end of this month. Parliament will be more closely monitored, as I do further research into the evolution of scrutiny. In the USA the long march to the 2016 elections continues - and who knows what further surprises are in store.

As part of my work, I monitor political stories (particularly relating to the work within legislatures - the UK Parliament; US Congress; French Assemblée nationale and the European Parliament) and teach Constitutional Law. Having twice run for the UK Parliament and once for the European Parliament (and participated in numerous elections - from local councils in the UK to three US Presidential elections) - I maintain a keen interest in the 'nuts and bolts' of elections.

So - whether you are studying Constitutional or EU Law or Political Science - or enjoy viewing politics on a comparative basis - or want to pick up anecdotes about history and politics - do become a regular, and welcome visitor to the Washminster Blog.

...and do tell your friends. Posts you like (or which infuriate you - I love a vigorous debate!) can be posted on Twitter and Facebook.

So here goes for a busy few months!!!!

JDM's History Explorer

 

When not researching Parliament or Congress, I enjoy reading about - or visiting places associated with - history. Recently I started another blog dedicated to that passion.

http://jdmhistory.blogspot.co.uk/

The photograph today was taken in Milton Keynes Shopping Centre - it is a mosaic found in the Roman villa discovered in (what is now) Bancroft within the city. I have lots of information about the history of Britain's "New City". A friend from America told me that she was pleased that I loved the place to which I had moved - but "unlike many of ancient towns in England, Milton Keynes has no history". That was like a red rag to a bull - and I've been researching the great history of Milton Keynes ever since.

Do take a look at the new blog - which covers not just Milton Keynes - but wherever I indulge my passion for history.

Scrutiny

The paper I presented at Wroxton was called, ""Battles on Many Fronts: Education Scrutiny and Debate in the Twenty-First Century House of Commons". It was presented during a panel on "Westminster in Context" which also discussed papers by Meg Russell & Ruxandra Serban; Mark Shephard;  and Louise Thompson & Cristina Leston-Bandeira.

The paper describes the various opportunities open for parliamentary scrutiny of Education - and includes a table listing and giving examples of these. It looked in more detail at the scrutiny in the Education Select Committee and at the Public Bill Committee which undertook the committee stage of the Education and Adoption Bill. A further table was produced showing who had participated in Education Questions (which are held at 2.30pm on the Monday of every 5th Parliamentary week.

I'm happy to supply a copy of the paper, just email me.

The OU

As you may already know, I am an associate lecturer with the Open University. I currently tutor on two of their Law courses. The OU has been offering courses and awarding degrees for more than 40 years. Both my parents studied through the university when I was a teenager. (I have to say that it's a great boost to a teenager to have his parents studying - it sets a great example - and can excite enthusiasm for one's own studying). In those days "Walton Hall"

appeared an almost mythical place from which books and games (yes, I found it strange that learning could be done through 'playing' board games - but it can, and was) were sent; work was sent to be assessed (no electronic submission in those days); and TV programmes (broadcast at unearthly hours before video players were available!) were made. Now I live in Milton Keynes - and Walton Hall is just a few minutes drive away. Despite that, I don't actually work at Walton Hall. As an associate lecturer, I deliver tutorials - in Oxford, Reading and Birmingham.

I am still in awe of the University. It has thousands of students, across the country (and further afield) and offers a great range of courses. There are some postgrads working at "the campus", but it's unlike any traditional university. There is a good library on site ( which I use), but the bulk of study goes on in homes with some courses offering tutorials near to students' homes.

The fantastic studios (where some of the classic OU programmes were made) have gone, but the OU still has a great output of programmes which are broadcast on mainstream British TV (the current 4 part documentary on the House of Commons is one, as are the various series of "Coast".)

Do visit the website, and if you are considering studying, you would be in some excellent company.

Monday's Final Panel

The final session for Monday covered much ground. William Sheward from the University of Winchester presented a paper entitled, "Today's Democrats: Lyndon Johnson's Heirs No Longer?" It covered the changes in the Democrat Party in the last fifty years. It included an interesting look at the ideas of Elizabeth Warren. I'm sure that we are going to be talking about her for a long time.

Robert Williams who is currently based at the University of Huddersfield discussed the Ohio Libertarian Party, which he has stood as a candidate for in recent years.

Marie-Catherine Wavreille from the Universite libre de Bruxelles presented some of her ongoing research into ballot proposition campaigns. She had analysed, as part of her work for a doctorate, the position that elected offices played in such campaigns. She is doing some very interesting work and a number of people commented on how much they are looking forward to seeing future results of her work.

The session finished with a paper that I presented on the reforms associated with the early 1970s in the House of Representatives. The paper looked at the long development which came to its climax in the weeks following the 'wave' election of 1974 and the entry into Congress of the "Watergate Babies". If you are interested in a copy of my paper - do email me on jdavidmorgan@googlemail.com & I will send you a pdf copy. Any comments would be welcome.

The APG held its AGM then we adjourned for a very pleasant meal and evening at a local Indian Restaurant. The conference continues this morning. 

Washminster is back!

... and thanks for your patience.

A little background. I now run two blogs - "Washminster" which covers matters related to the British Parliament; the US Congress; the European Parliament; and French politics generally. If you look back at previous posts you'll see that I interpret "matters related" very generously. The history behind each of them fascinates me - and helps an understanding of some of the quirks that are associated.

Do have a look at some of the previous posts - this blog has been running for over seven years - and has "reported" on trips to Washington and France - I have been a candidate for the European Parliament and worked part time at Westminster during that period. My paid work now is limited to teaching Law on two Open University courses - so there's quite a legal angle on some issues - and lots of revision and other learning material.

As Washminster revives do send me your comments - and suggestions for topics to post on.

Many Thanks

Thanks for all the comments about Washminster. As a result I will be bringing the blog back - and am currently working on a schedule for posts.

I may be a little tied up in the next few days - as I am a candidate in the Shenley Brook End ward for Milton Keynes Council (Nothing better for writing a blog dealing with politics and government than regularly updated experience on the front line!!!)

However Washminster should be back in the next couple of weeks

David

Is Washminster to return?

The return of Washminster - albeit with a slightly different focus - is under active discussion.

It is proposed that the New Washminster will build on its foundations of providing resources on the US Congress; UK Parliament; and UK Legal Studies - and provide background and comment on events within six areas

* The United States (still with a focus on the US Congress)
* The United Kingdom (maintaining a solid foundation of items about the UK Parliament and matters related to UK Law - English Legal System, Constitutional Law, EU Law)
* France
* The European Union
* China
* Matters of International interest

A proposed new logo can be seen above.

Please do make any comments and suggestions.

David

The use of EU law

Interesting story in today's Guardian. Apparently the UK is considering using EU Law to "ensure the Spanish government allows the free movement of people across the border with Gibraltar". One to watch. I can't but help note that the desire to opt-out of anything connected with the EU declines when the advantages to the UK are obvious. Hence the pressure to opt out of the European Arrest Warrant - demanded by the Eurosceptics - is being resisted by the Prime Minister and Home Secretary.

I'm currently marking essays on Free Movement (of Goods). It's another area where consumers have seen the advantages of being in the EU. Customs duties and "charges having equivalent effect" on goods imported and exported within the EU are prohibited. (TFEU) Article 30. Of greater practical significance is the prohibition on "Quantitative restrictions...and measures having equivalent effect [MEQRs]" (TFEU Arts 34 & 35). The case law demonstrates the clever wheezes Member States came up with to discourage goods from other Member States coming in and competing with national products.

Bresciani - a case where a charge was imposed for compulsory veterinary and public health inspections carried out on imports of raw cowhides - even when home country inspections had been undertaken and the cost was disproportionate.

Schottle - charges made for freight involving long distance road journeys, but not short journeys (in other words within Germany)

Dassonville - Belgian requirement that all importers of Scotch whisky have a British certificate of authentication. Direct imports to Belgium would generally have these. Imports from (usually a cheaper source) in another country where such certificates are not required could be discouraged.

Schloh v Auto Controle Technique - Test for imported cars (requiring a fee), even when the car had a certificate of conformity with Belgian rules.

Commission v France (21/84) - French authorities consistently refused to approve postal franking machines from other Member States.

Commission v France (C-265/95) - French authorities had failed to police demonstrations where imported goods were seized and destroyed. Cassis de Dijon - ban on sale of alcohol which had "insufficient alcoholic strength", favouring the German version of 'Cassis' but banning the French version.

Cassis de Dijon - ban on sale of alcohol which had “insufficient alcoholic strength”, favouring the German version of ‘Cassis’ but banning the French version.

In each of these cases the European Court held that the ploy was illegal & couldn’t continue. As a result we as consumers have greater choice.

[This article also appears on my new Blog "Positively European". That website, unlike Washminster, is not primarily an educational website. Instead it seeks to provide some balance to the strongly eurosceptic bias within the UK Press. Please feel free to take a look]

Your Comments Please

Do you agree with comments made in posts on this blog?
Have you a question?
Is there something you'd like to see a post (or series) about?

Then send your thoughts to comments.

News and Views

The Washminster Blog is part of a family of services provided by David Morgan aimed at those with an interest in Law (He is an Associate Lecturer with the Open University for their W200 and W201 courses); the UK Parliament; US Congress; European Parliament and the French Parlement.

In addition to the Washminster Blog (which has been running since early March 2007), which covers all the above subjects (and throws in a bit of UK, US, French & European history - plus some sport (in fact anything that takes its fancy) - there are sister sites.

jdm_progressive is David's twitter account providing news and views - again mainly, but not exclusively on UK, US, French & European politics and law.

JDM's Daily is published daily - it republishes stories from RSS feeds covering thee main subjects. You can subscribe to the Daily - which will then be delivered directly to your email inbox. It comes out each day at 05:00 (UK time).

If you live in (or are interested in) Milton Keynes, David intends to start posting shortly on the Furzton Blog; West_of_Watling_Street  and middlemiltonkeynes blogs.

The Week Ahead - and the impact of constitutional principles

My apologies – a bout of illness has kept Washminster ‘grounded’ for the last week – but, hopefully, the blog will be back from now on.

It’s an interesting week ahead. The big event should be Tuesday’s State of the Union speech by the President. (Wednesday, very early hours – if you are in the UK). It will set out the legislative agenda that the President would like to see. However, unlike the Queen’s Speech, which is written for her by the Government, Obama doesn’t have the power to enforce his will. In the UK the Government can announce its programme – and know that it will get most if not all its programme through. This is (at least for the Executive) shows the downside of the separation of powers.

Michael Gove will be accused of misleading Parliament over his knowledge of bullying by his aides. He told the Education Select Committee recently that he had not heard of any complaints, but a major payoff was made to a complainant. Either he misled the committee or he is incredibly unaware of what is going on in his department. Either way, because there is a coalition majority – and he commands the confidence of the Prime Minister – he’s not going to face any parliamentary imposed sanction.

On the other hand – separation of powers again at the heart of this – Obama will face a challenging week as his nominees for the Cabinet face confirmation in the Senate. He can’t rely on the Executive controlling the legislature as it does in Britain.

Welcome to Washminster

Today marks the official start of many Open University courses. I’d like to welcome all students – particularly my own – who I’ll be meeting tomorrow in Oxford (W201) and Birmingham (W200) and in Reading (W200) on 16th February. Both courses are interesting – and I will be posting frequently on subjects relevant to these courses.


If you’re not one of my students – you too are welcome on Washminster. The blog focuses mainly, but not exclusively, on the British Parliament; the US Congress and the European Parliament. So there will be lots of relevant posts if you are studying UK or US constitutional Law; British, US or European politics; EU Law; or history. Please do make any comments – either on the substance of posts, or matters you’d like to discuss further.

Washminster has been going since 2007 – and you might find it interesting (or even useful) to look back at previous posts. There’s a search engine – or you can look at posts by date. I was in the US for the presidential elections of 2008 & 2012; at Westminster when some interesting events occurred (such as the day when Brown replaced Blair as Prime Minister).

Currently I’m coming to the end of my studies for a Ph.D. looking at whips in the four Houses of the British Parliament and US Congress. That’s the reason why Washminster has been quiet over the winter – I’m writing up. I’ve still a little more to do but full service should return to Washminster in the not TOO distant future.

Once again, Welcome to Washminster – and if you are starting your studies today (OK, I know many of you will have read quite a bit already & a few are even progressing with their first eTMA – not due in until 6th (W200) or 13th (W201) March!) – can I wish you well in your studies.

David

Carr and Morgan on the Republican Convention

This is a recording (with pictures) of the interview former Congressman Bob Carr and I did last Friday following Mitt Romney's speech at the Republican Convention. The BBC Presenter is Stuat Linnell.

Election

Today is election (and referendum day) in Britain - so I thought I'd share this video with you



I'm your top prime cut of meat, I'm your choice
I wanna be elected
I'm your yankee doodle dandy in a gold Rolls Royce
I wanna be elected

Kids want a savior, don't need a fake
I wanna be elected
We're gonna rock to the rules that I make
I wanna be elected, elected, elected

I never lied to you, I've always been cool
I wanna be elected
I gotta get the vote, and I told you about school
I wanna be elected, elected, elected

Hallelujah, I wanna be elected
Everyone in the United States of America
We're gonna win this one, take the country by storm
We're gonna be elected

You and me together, young and strong
We're gonna be elected, elected, elected
Respected, selected, call collected
I wanna be elected, elected

(note: this was a bit of fun - heavily ironic)