How Parliament Works

Written by expert insiders, How Parliament Works is a straightforward and readable analysis of one of the country's most complex - and often misunderstood - institutions. Covering every aspect of the work, membership, and structures of both Houses, this key text provides a unique insight into the work and daily life of Parliament.

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Parliament is constantly in the news and televised daily, but much of its work remains a mystery to outsiders and is sometimes perplexing even to its own members. Written by expert insiders, How Parliament Works is a straightforward and readable analysis of one of the country’s most complex – and often misunderstood – institutions. Covering every aspect of the work, membership and structures of both Houses, this key text provides a unique insight into the work and daily life of Parliament. It explains not only what happens but why and analyses the institution’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities for Parliament to be more effective.

The eighth edition has been substantially revised to take account of recent changes in both Houses, and to cover all the key issues affecting Parliament and politics, such as:






Parliament, Brexit and Europe – the impact of the referendum vote on Parliament to date, Parliament’s role in implementing Brexit and its role thereafter;
Questions about how much Parliament is a genuinely representative body of the population at large in its diversity;
The latest developments in the legislative process, party discipline and rebellion;
The ‘English votes for English laws’ procedures;
The effects of a minority government;
Changes to the Budget cycle;
Updates on the arrangements for the internal management of both Houses, reflecting governance reviews, with all statistics and examples fully updated throughout.

How Parliament Works is essential reading for anyone who has anything to do with the Westminster Parliament: journalists, civil servants, lawyers, lobbyists, business and trade associations, diplomats, overseas parliaments and international bodies – and indeed members of both Houses. How Parliament Works is also an invaluable companion to the study of politics at AS, A2 and university level, and provides a wealth of source material for teachers.