Last nite as I tried to fall asleep I was flipping thru the channels and saw Blair ranting with some book. Being that I have never really listened to him and we're moving there in 5.5 weeks I figured I should check him out. It was Blair answering to the House of Commons (?Parliament?) very entertaining. It was like an open floor, say as you wish type questions to Blair, I loved it, I wish that was done here. My question is what is that all about? Is it a once a year, once a week, every day??? Is this how politics are in G.B.? I know our senators and congressmen speak publically but it was different watching this type of open discussion, guys even calling people silly names (baldy). As Blair was talking a few of the chaps were sitting there rolling their eyes, laughing, shaking there heads right there on camera for all to see.
Thanks, looking forward to being enlightened.
Once a week, it's called Prime Minister's Question Time and it can get pretty wild.
http//www.parliament.uk/works/occasion.cfm#pmques
and yes, I think most Brits will say that this public accountability is one they they like about British politics, no matter which side they bat for, so to speak.
I studied this at school
MP'S gets to ask the PM - two questions. They have to stand up and catch the eye of the speaker (old bloke in dress and wig)
The 1st question is in writing and the second is a supplementary and not known by the PM is advance.
When you get to the UK, get digital TV and you will have access to BBC Parliament. PMQs are once a week but other ministers have various 'Questions' through the week and there are the assorted debates. Much of it is dry stuff, but frequently it gets colourful and is certainly more interesting than any debate in the US House or Senate.
BTW, This is the man to watch
http//politics.guardian.co.uk/profiles/story/0,9396,460088,00.html
In Canada we have CPAC that show live Parliament and like the UK the PM has face question period.
Prime Ministers Questions constitute playtime in parliament, although a serious question is asked occasionally. Many of the questions take the form, "Is the P M aware........"
There are also, written questions that must be answered, these are more serious. Recent tradition is that the cabinet is made up of members of parliament, and that makes them answerable to parliament.
Security requirements prevent the old fashioned electioneering and dissent during elections. It used to be fairly normal for someone in the crowd to throw eggs or rotten tomatoes. I saw a film clip of Harold McMillan giving a speech when a couple of eggs went by. He paused, looked around, turned back to the crowd, and with a big smile said, "Obviously, eggs are not as expensive as Mr. Wilson would have you believe."
Off topic. I am sorting through things to downsize, and I looked in the small album from our wedding, and, damn and blast, in those pictures, I look like Tony Blair.
Prime Ministers Questions constitute playtime in parliament, although a serious question is asked occasionally.
Security requirements prevent the old fashioned electioneering and dissent during elections. It used to be fairly normal for someone in the crowd to throw eggs or rotten tomatoes. I saw a film clip of Harold McMillan giving a speech when a couple of eggs went by. He paused, looked around, turned back to the crowd, and with a big smile said, "Obviously, eggs are not as expensive as Mr. Wilson would have you believe."
Actually the egg and tomato throwing are still part of British electoral tradition - remember John Prescott's escapades in the 2001 election.
The sheltering of politicians is less to do with security and more to do with a modern trend towards control freakery - keeping the unwashed masses away from dear leader incase they doing something really dangerous... like ask a difficult question.
At least they haven't reached the levels of GWB's handlers, who demand a signed loyalty oath before allowing entry to a huge meeting....
Off topic. I am sorting through things to downsize, and I looked in the small album from our wedding, and, damn and blast, in those pictures, I look like Tony Blair.
We don't believe you! We demand proof! :P :lol:
Many of the questions take the form, "Is the P M aware........"
and then they go on to make a speech rather than astually ask a question.
Do they still have , Yikes , I've been away so long I don't recall how to spell it, ceefax, text channel on TV back in Britain. They used to do prompts, but it was ages ago and perhaps they don't do it now, but they used to give notifications of some upcoming tabled questions.
I enjoy British politics, but thinking about it, church is quiet there, politics noisy, here, church is noisy and politics, well at the mo, no one dare say anything, or so it would seem.
Do they still have , Yikes , I've been away so long I don't recall how to spell it, ceefax, text channel on TV back in Britain. They used to do prompts, but it was ages ago and perhaps they don't do it now, but they used to give notifications of some upcoming tabled questions.
I enjoy British politics, but thinking about it, church is quiet there, politics noisy, here, church is noisy and politics, well at the mo, no one dare say anything, or so it would seem.
Not sure about Ceefax - think it still exists in a digital format. BBC Parliament has additional coverage.
You can, should you so wish, watch it live over the internet from here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/default.stm#
Down in the bottom right you'll find a list of video and audio links - picture quality is poor I'm afraid.
It is late, but better late than never but thanks for the response. Rob I think I saw that guy because when it was his turn you could see a reaction before he spoke. Is he like a nervous kid yet very direct when he speaks? Thats how this guy was. I think he was the one they called baldy too. I was really entertained by the show and will have to get the channels to watch it, then I'll be asking more questions. I do like the forum of it though and it feels like politicans are working when you watch it the first time, probably wouldn't be case if we saw it every week. It is very funny. The thing that grabbed me was Blair with that big book and how he had to sit and stand and would do so as if he was irritated. They way they talked to each other calling each other something like friendly sir or similar. It has been a while and was late. Thanks.
Dennis Skinner has hair, the bald guy was most likely William Hague who was deputising for the Tory leader. Skinner was quite possibly the guy shouting 'baldy' though...
Security requirements prevent the old fashioned electioneering and dissent during elections. It used to be fairly normal for someone in the crowd to throw eggs or rotten tomatoes. I saw a film clip of Harold McMillan giving a speech when a couple of eggs went by. He paused, looked around, turned back to the crowd, and with a big smile said, "Obviously, eggs are not as expensive as Mr. Wilson would have you believe."
Can citizens sit in? Sneak in rotten eggs? Where do I sign up?
I am trying to picture these politicans the pillars of society planning, and sneaking in eggs. Then throwing them while they are in session. The mentality I love it.
I'll be looking for Mr. Skinner Rob, he appears to be the life of the party.
Security requirements prevent the old fashioned electioneering and dissent during elections. It used to be fairly normal for someone in the crowd to throw eggs or rotten tomatoes. I saw a film clip of Harold McMillan giving a speech when a couple of eggs went by. He paused, looked around, turned back to the crowd, and with a big smile said, "Obviously, eggs are not as expensive as Mr. Wilson would have you believe."
Can citizens sit in? Sneak in rotten eggs? Where do I sign up?
I am trying to picture these politicans the pillars of society planning, and sneaking in eggs. Then throwing them while they are in session. The mentality I love it.
I'll be looking for Mr. Skinner Rob, he appears to be the life of the party.
:lol: whilst i love the thought of politicians throwing eggs and tomatoes at one another, that isn't quite what happens. Generally it is members of the public who throw them at politicians.
These days, throwing things in Parliament itself is difficult. Some protesters recently doused the chamber in purple flour, after which the installed security glass between the public gallery and the chamber.
Famously some years ago Conservative member Michael Heseltime picked up the cerimonial mace and swung it around at Labour members. also, whilst in trivia mode, if you look at the floor of the chamber there are two red lines in front of the opposing benches. These are two sword lengths apart so as to prevent members sword fighting in the chamber :shock:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/82544.stm
http://www.answers.com/topic/dennis-skinner
http://phs.prs.k12.nj.us/~ewood/Eurodemo...ommons.htm