The Reform Challenge Perspectives on Parliament: Past, present and future... Text and graphics © Hansard Society 2010 Published by the Hansard Society 40-43 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1JA Tel: 020 7348 1222 Fax: 020 7438 1229 Email:
[email protected] All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, without the prior permission of the Hansard Society. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The Hansard Society, as an independent, non-party organisation, is happy to invite analysis and discussion of these views. For more information about other Hansard Society publications visit our website at www.hansardsociety.org.uk Cover design by Matt Korris Cover image by Diana Stirbu Sub-editing by Virginia Gibbons Design and Layout by Matt Korris Contents Preface 1 Peter Riddell Chair, Hansard Society The Reform Challenge 3 Dr Ruth Fox Director, Parliament & Government Programme, Hansard Society Parliamentary reform: From here to there 15 Rt Hon John Bercow MP Speaker of the House of Commons Ermine, Ethics and Engagement - evolution in the House of Lords 23 Baroness Hayman Lord Speaker Parliamentary reform: the Labour perspective 31 Rt Hon Jack Straw MP Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor Parliamentary reform: the Liberal Democrat perspective 39 David Howarth MP Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Parliamentary reform: the Conservative perspective 47 Rt Hon Sir George Young MP Shadow Leader of the House of Commons Preface Peter Riddell Chair, Hansard Society This series of lectures came at the end of Audit of Political Engagement was the the most turbulent Parliament in living sharp decline in the number of people memory.