House of Commons Select Committee
It’s a drizzly morning, so a good opportunity to sit and watch a House of Commons select committee.
Such committees are an excellent example of how cross-party politics could work. They are composed of small groups of MPs appointed to conduct inquiries, question experts and ministers, and make recommendations. They cover a variety of topics like education, public spending, allegations of misconduct.
This morning’s committees followed Sir Oliver Robbins’ appearance last week. The first to be questioned was Sir Philip Barton, former Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office, preceding Olly Robbins. He was followed by Morgan McSweeney, former Downing Street Chief of Staff.
The answers to the questions posed raise more questions about the appointment of Peter Mandelson as British Ambassador to the USA.
The plot
thickens!
Politics could work better, and should work better, but it's hard trying to get two sides to agree on anything.
ReplyDeleteYet coalitions can work, and have done so in the past.
DeleteWe have such committees here in Canada, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm usually impressed by them - they ask searching questions.
DeleteMeanwhile, the Epstein files continue to be ignored in the US. Hmm, I wonder why that is?
ReplyDeleteHmm, can't think . . .
DeleteI was just reading about Epstein's New Mexico ranch, and once again, just like in Florida, when questions were raised and investigations begun, they were halted, by higher court rulings. Just three days ago, our leader declared he was not pedophile or a rapist, his little piggy eyes glinting malevently. Todd Blanche has already stated that he expects no prosecutions during his tenure. There is nothing left to wonder at. We all know what happened. We all know what was done. We also understand what wo 't be do e, and why.
DeleteIt's appalling, but sadly, just what we expect, more or less., the current US administration somewhat more.
DeleteThe Mandelson affair will go down in the history books. But as you say select committees do a good job of prising out the truth, in fact their questioning can be very hard hitting - but does anything come of it I wonder.
ReplyDeleteSince they are not usually headline-hitting events, we don't hear about the consequences, but I'd like to think that they have some good effect. (Yes, I'm an optimist!)
DeleteI wonder if the workings of the US government is as confusing to Brits as the British government is to Americans. I just don't get any of it. I can't imagine someone choosing politics as a career.
ReplyDeletePolitics is baffling to everyone, sometimes even the participants!
DeleteI don't think I've ever watched a government proceeding for entertainment. (I certainly had to sit through enough of them when I was a reporter, but that was for work!) It's enough for me to read the news coverage afterwards. Give me a good movie any day.
ReplyDeleteI don't often watch them . . .
DeleteI think every government is crooked and watching the circus gives us some in site.
ReplyDeleteThe decent politicians get left behind. The ones at the top of the greasy pole have lost many of their ideals/morals, apparently.
DeleteWe sometimes watch them on our TV.
ReplyDeleteIt can be very interesting.
DeleteI'd say the plot is positively treacle-ly.
ReplyDelete. . . or something similarly sticky!
DeleteInteresting-Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteIt can be.
DeleteWhat with Epstein and Mandelson ... certainly lots to think about and talk about.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It's very murky!
DeleteIt seems that the plot always thickens when it comes to politics.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone ever tell the truth?
DeleteOften more can come out in these committees than politicians would like. Along with committees, we have Senate Inquiries, and it wonderful to watch politicians and senior public servants squirm under questioning.
ReplyDeleteI know us human can be a sick bunch. The other day I saw two people argue if Angels was male or female. I have to admit I did enjoy watching the entire thing. Even I didn't start it.
DeleteI agree, Andrew. They do become quite uncomfortable at times, and rightly so.
DeleteLaughing at Angels, Dora!
Perhaps your committees are more productive and “genuine” than ours. It seems that they have turned into sideshow circuses and primarily used for media clips - especially among one party. They are more interested in getting sound quips and bits than getting the truth or anything done.
ReplyDeleteI've seen clips from some of yours. Ours seem to be quite well-balanced, but I don't watch a lot of them.
DeleteI wish they had told King Charles not to come to the US. Though I did like King Charles' speech at the Capitol.
ReplyDeleteI felt he shouldn't have gone, but these things are planned so far in advance. On balance, I think it's probably good that the visit went ahead, though it must have cost an awful lot in security.
DeleteDefinitely not the type of thing I would watch.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch them all - some would be yawningly boring.
DeleteWe used to have members of both parties who could work together for the greater good. I hope we can return to that some day.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
It can be done and I don't know why it isn't more often.
DeleteWestminster rarely lacks intrigue, but this thread of appointments and testimony suggests there’s still more beneath the surface waiting to be drawn out.
ReplyDeleteIt will trickle on for a long time, with the major players wriggling more as time goes on.
ReplyDeleteWe're expected to believe that Starmer didn't know about Mandelson failing the vetting process. Whether he was told or not, he's Prime Minister, he should make it his job to know these things.
ReplyDeleteHe seems to have no understanding of the vetting process, even though he's had to go through it several times in the course of his career..
DeletePerfect weather for watching. I'm sure that along with what you learn, there could be some comical moments as well..
ReplyDeleteNot much humour - more disgrace and disbelief
DeleteI find politicians never answer a bloody question asked of them. It's as bad here in Canada, and even more so in the United States.
ReplyDeletePrime Minister's Questions every week is an exercise in deflecting questions . . .
DeletePolitics has so much drama.
ReplyDelete. . . and an awful lot of hot air and 'whataboutery?'
DeleteA spoon would definitely stand alone in this plot pot!
ReplyDeleteIt will run and run.
ReplyDelete