How Parliament Works

“When the British constitution is in such flux, describing today’s Parliament might seem like drawing on water. But in this almost entirely rewritten account Robert Rogers and Rhodri Walters have achieved the it is clear, elegant, invaluable, bang up to date, and full of dry wit.”Andrew Marr, Political Editor, BBC “If Parliament wants to reconnect with its voters its first priority must be to make itself more accessible. Robert Rogers and Rhodri Walters have done a superb job in stripping away the obscure procedures and eccentric language and sharing with the general reader their first hand knowledge as insiders. Public and MPs alike will find this an invaluable guide to how Westminster works today.”The Rt Hon Robin Cook, MP, Leader of the House of Commons and Chair of the Modernisation Committee, 2001-03 “How Parliament Works is an indispensable guide for everyone who wants to know how Westminster works – voters, lobbyists, journalists and MPs themselves. It explains working practices and behaviour in clear terms. Despite covering Parliament for more than twenty years, I learnt a lot.”Peter Riddell, chief political commentator of The Times, and author of “Parliament under Blair”. “A must for everyone who needs to know about Parliament. Comprehensive and authoritative, this really is how Parliament works.”Betty Boothroyd (Baroness Boothroyd), Speaker of the House of Commons 1992-2000 “There is much talk of making Parliament accessible. How Parliament Works does precisely that. It explains what goes on in the Palace of Westminster in clear, well written English and will be an indispensable guide to anyone who is truly concerned about our democratic process. A splendidly helpful book.”Sir Patrick Cormack FSA MP, Editor of The House Magazine

How Parliament Works has established itself as an unofficial bible for everyone interested in Parliament – for those who study the institution for degrees in politics or at AS or A level; for civil servants, lobbyists, journalists, witnesses before select committees and all whose work brings them into contact with Parliament; for constituents who want to know how they are represented and how their problems can be addressed; for those in the UK and overseas who want to know more about the workings of the institution; and for members, especially new members, of both Houses.

Although Parliament is constantly in the news and televised daily, much of its work remains a mystery to outsiders and is sometimes perplexing even to its own members. This book provides a unique insight into the work and daily life of Parliament. It sets out plainly and intelligibly what goes on and why things happen, but it also analyses the pressures within the institution, its strengths and weaknesses, and ways in which it might change.

A standard textbook, now entirely rewritten, it covers every aspect of the work, membership, and structures of both Houses, and also reflects the profound changes in Parliament over the last five years, including the 'transitional' House of Lords, following the rejection of proposals for an elected element; the effects of devolution and the Human Rights Act; the programming of bills and many other significant changes in the Commons; and the relationship between Parliament and the European Union in the context of impending European constitutional change.

• A straightforward and readable analysis of one of the country’s most complex institutions.
• An invaluable companion to the study of politics at AS, A and university level.
• Essential reading for anyone who wants to see behind the headlines and really understand how Parliament works.

The authors

Robert Rogers and Rhodri Walters are senior officers of the Commons and the Lords respectively. They each have some 30 years’ in-depth experience and insight into the workings of Parliament.