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Held in Contempt

What's Wrong with the House of Commons?

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Held in Contempt

By: Hannah White
Narrated by: Hannah White
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About this listen

Parliament, and the House of Commons in particular, is increasingly held in contempt by the British public. From attending parties during the COVID-19 lockdown to taking payment for lobbying, MPs undermine their credibility by acting as if the rules they set for others should not apply to them. Still far from representative of the country they govern from the ancient and crumbling Palace of Westminster, MPs appear detached from the lives led by their constituents—conducting their business according to rules and procedures that have become too complex for many of them to understand. Hannah White offers a perceptive critique of the shortcomings of the House of Commons, arguing that the reputation of the Commons is in a downward spiral—compounded by government attempts to side-line parliament during Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic. At a time of populist challenge to representative democracy, this book is an essential rallying cry for Members of Parliament to reform the House of Commons—equipping it to fulfil its important role as a cornerstone of our democracy—or see it fade into irrelevance.

©2022 Hannah White (P)2022 Manchester University Press Elections & Political Process Europe Politics & Government World
All stars
Most relevant
A go-to book to understand how you’re governed.

This is a must-read if you wonder why things aren’t done and could be.

If you want democracy read this

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Sad to read/listen to another book on how the government fail the people. It's important that these records are available to everyone,
Hopefully a change will be brought about, when enough people become aware of the inadequate systems and people, that so much power has been given.

The blatant contempt for the population

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Held in Contempt provides an insightful exploration of the inner workings of the UK political system, focusing on the executive and legislature. Hannah White artfully navigates complex topics, such as the self-sabotaging behaviour of parliamentarians and the far-reaching implications this has on public trust.

White delves into the controversy surrounding the Palace of Westminster's restoration and renewal, providing a unique insider perspective. This book is enriched with a series of compelling case studies, including the infamous expenses scandal, the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, and the issue of sexual harassment in politics.

White raises essential questions about accountability and transparency within the political sphere.

A deep dive into Parliament and Government’s Power and Responsibility

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