The Future of Parliament ― Issues for a New Century

This book was put together by Giddings (politics, U. of Reading, UK) to mark the 40th anniversary of Britain's Study of Parliament Group (SPG), which brings together academics interested in the working of Parliament with Parliamentary officials in order to address questions of contemporary Parliamentary activities and institutions. The 22 essays begin with a pair of contributions from founding members of the SPG that review changes in Parliamentary work and practices since the group's founding. Papers then look at changes in the membership and culture of Parliament before examining the scrutiny role of Parliament. The next group discusses Parliament's legislative role in the context of calls for reform. The constitutional and legal context of Parliamentary operation is examined, especially in light of the protection of citizens' rights. Issues of devolution, the decision to go to war, relations with the European Union, and relations with the global media are also discussed. Annotation c2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

SARAH CHILDS Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Bristol, UK STEPHEN COLEMAN Fellow, Jesus College Oxford, UK BYRON CRIDDLE Reader in Politics, Aberdeen University, UK PAUL EVANS Chairman, Study of Parliament Group, UK MATTHEW FLINDERS Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Sheffield, UK OONAGH GAY Head of the Parliament and Constitution Centre, House of Commons Library, UK MARK HUTTON Clerk of the Defence Committee, UK HELEN IRWIN Principal Clerk, Table Office, House of Commons, UK NEVIL JOHNSON Emeritus Fellow of Nuffield College, Oxford, UK COLIN LEE House of Commons Clerk, UK JOHN MCELDOWNEY Professor of Law, University of Warwick, UK DAVID MIERS Professor of Law, Cardiff University, UK DAVID NATZLER Secretary of the House of Commons Commission, UK RALPH NEGRINE Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Leicester, UK PHILIP NORTON Professor of Government, University of Hull, UK DAWN OLIVER Professor of Constitutional Law, University College London, UK MICHAEL RUSH Emeritus Professor of Politics, University of Exeter, UK MICHAEL RYLE Former House of Commons Clerk, UK COLIN SEYMOUR-URE Emeritus Professor of Government, University of Kent, UK DONALD SHELL Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Bristol, UK BARRY WINETROBE Lecturer in Public Law, University of Glasgow, UK