Why Parliament Works

Dr Harsha Jani explains why Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK is such a big supporter of UK Parliament Week, before Jacob Rees-Mogg takes questions from young HSS-UK members.

Westminster Foundation for Democracy strengthens democracy by supporting parliaments, political parties, civil society and elections around the world. Its director of programmes, Shannon O'Connell, shares her thoughts on why parliaments work with Jacob Rees-Mogg, before the Leader of the House talks to Lana Prlić, an MP in the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to get her perspective on the issues facing women in politics.

Jim Shannon intervenes on the podcast with a discussion from quarantine about his love of the Commons chamber, the importance of speaking up for constituents and - of course - his enduring commitment to adjournment debates.

Former Clerk of the House of Commons and crossbench peer Robert Rogers, Lord Lisvane discusses the role of the clerks in conversation with Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg.

First Parliamentary Counsel Elizabeth Gardiner discusses the intricacies of drafting legislation, and her work improving parliamentary capability within the UK Civil Service, with Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Minister for the Constitution and Devolution Chloe Smith discusses her role, and her experience taking legislation through the Commons, with Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg. This episode was recorded in August 2020.

Crossbench peer and Director of the University of Hull’s Centre for Legislative Studies Professor Philip Lord Norton of Louth discusses the lawmaking process, including the importance of informal spaces in Parliament, with Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg. This episode was recorded in June 2020.

Former MP and Deputy Speaker Natascha Engel discusses her time in the House of Commons as well as offering advice to new MPs, in conversation with the Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Noted constitutionalist Prof Vernon Bogdanor is the first guest on the Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg’s new podcast, exploring some of the less understood aspects of the UK’s parliamentary democracy and how our constitution delivers for voters.

Coming soon - a podcast on the topic of 'Why Parliament Works' from the Leader of the House of Commons.