Tuesday 23 July 2013

Spotlight on Parliament (Week Ending 18/07/2013)

A round up of the week's parliamentary action relating to issues that Unlock Democracy campaigns on.
  1. Consultations/Inquiries

    Political and Constitutional Reform Committee 
    Launched a new inquiry into Government's lobbying bill. The Committee has issued a call for written evidence on the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill.  The deadline for written submissions is Friday 23 August 2013.  The short deadline is to accommodate the likely legislative timetable for the Bill. 
  2. International Development Committee
    The International Development Committee has launched an inquiry into the implications for Development in the event of Scotland becoming an independent country
  3. HoL Communications Committee 
    On media plurality. (Search HoL Communications Committee Tuesday 16th July 3.30pm-5.32pm)
    Witnesses:Mr David Wheeldon, Director of policy and public affairs; and Mr Adam Kinsley, Director of policy, BSkyB Professor Chris Frost, Chair of the Ethics Council, NUJ
  4. Joint Committee on the Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) Bill
    Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) Bill
    Witnesses: Rt Hon Jack Straw MP and Rt Hon David Davis MP

  5. HoC Political and Constitutional Reform Committee
     Pre-appointment hearing: Chair of Lords Appointment Commission

  6. HoC Political and Constitutional Reform Committee
     The Government's lobbying bill.
    Witnesses: Miss Chloe Smith MP, Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform, Cabinet Office
  7. Reports Published
    Political and Constitutional Reform - Fifth Report
    Pre-appointment hearing: The Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission

  8. Public Administration Committee: Introducing a statutory register of lobbyists
    Government Response to the Committee's Second Report of Session 2012-13
  9. Political and Constitutional Reform Committee - Third Report
    Revisiting Rebuilding the House: the impact of the Wright reforms
  10. Debates/Oral Answers - House of Commons

    House of Lords (Maximum Membership) Bill
    Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 13 September.
  11. EU Membership (Audit of Costs and Benefits) Bill
    Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 13 September.
  12. Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill: Maria Miller
    Consideration of Lords amendments