With trust in parliament and politicians at a seriously low level, there is an increasing need to rebuild our public institutions. This innovative book questions what parliament should be in the 21st century and how it can be reimagined. It shows how a new democratic parliamentary space can be created to better represent and engage with citizens; to furnish a safe, inclusive and fair working environment for all staff and members; and to secure greater responsiveness and accountability of government.
Bringing together a vibrant group of parliamentary scholars and practitioners, it proposes an institutional world of possibilities beyond the present Westminster village, to help restore faith in democracy.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: What, Why and How of Reimagining - David Judge and Cristina Leston-Bandeira
2. Reimagining Parliamentary Space - Alexandra Meakin
3. Reimagining Rhythms, Rituals and Symbols - Emma Crewe
4. Reimagining Parliamentary Representation - David Judge
5. Reimagining Engagement between Citizens and Parliament - Cristina Leston-Bandeira, Didier Caluwaerts and Daan Vermassen
6. Reimagining Working: Who Works and How? - Hannah White
7. Reimagining Parliamentary Governance - Ben Yong
8. Reimagining Scrutiny - Lucinda Maer
9. Reimagining Parliamentary Procedure - Paul Evans
10. Conclusion: Thinking Seriously about Starting Over - David Judge and Cristina Leston-Bandeira
About the Author :
David Judge is Emeritus Professor of Politics in the School of Government and Public Policy, at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
Cristina Leston-Bandeira is Professor of Politics in the School of Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds.
Review :
“We all know that Parliament needs to change. This book thinks seriously and radically about the solutions. It’s a white paper for the next generation of parliamentary reformers.” Louise Thompson, University of Manchester
“The authors bring wide experience and expertise to reimagining the Westminster Parliament. Their recommendations range from provocative innovations to common-sense reforms. The book not only suggests what ‘might be’, it also illuminates the current situation in a highly original and timely way.” Ruth Dixon, University of Oxford
"The existential challenges that our democracies are currently facing require a deep transformation: this book reconceives parliamentary organisation, behaviours, roles and governance, to help to understand and lead this transformation." Nicola Lupo, , LUISS Guido Carli
“A fascinating and thought-provoking set of essays by experts in their fields. The book is required reading for everyone who cares about the health of our Parliament.” Nicholas Allen, Royal Holloway, University of London
"This innovative and insightful book is a must-have for anyone interested in the UK Parliament. Combining the views of academics, experts and practitioners who know Parliament inside and out, it gives a unique view of what is wrong with Westminster and how it can be reimagined." Ben Worthy, Birkbeck, University of London
