The Week
National and international week

Seconds out
Colin Brown watches as the election shadow boxing begins to turn bloody
Colin Brown

Commons Gallery
Sam Macrory reports on the week’s key developments in the Commons
Sam Macrory

My week - Edward Garnier
Blanket Coverage - A sobering stint in court – and cold comfort from constitutional reform
Edward Garnier

Lords Gallery
Andrew Evans rounds up the week’s developments in the House of Lords
Andrew Evans

My week- Lord Carter
Reading Week - A busy week of business, but the question of Lords reform will not go away
Lord Carter

Reverting to type?
As the pre-election phoney war hots up, the media will nail their colours to the party masts. But, as Craig Hoy reveals, we could still see some surprises.
Craig Hoy with additional reporting by Sam Macrory

Schools of thought
Gillian Shephard talks education with former chief inspector of schools Sir Mike Tomlinson
Gillian Shephard

Waiting on a friend
Tony Blair has myriad foreign policy issues to tackle in the year ahead, but once again it is George Bush who may determine the direction that the Prime Minister takes, writes Ewen MacAskill
Ewen MacAskill

Determined to change the world
Jack Straw outlines why 2005 provides a unique opportunity for Britain to broker peace and challenge poverty around the world
Jack Straw

Capturing the moment
Michael Ancram on why the new dawn offered in the Middle East peace process must not be allowed to fade
Michael Ancram

Shifting towards the light
The reconstruction of Iraq has been littered with mistakes, and while the elections offer hope, major challenges still lie ahead, writes Sir Menzies Campbell
Sir Menzies Campbell

Continental philosophies
Javier Solana reflects on the many challenges and opportunities faced in establishing a secure Europe in a safer world – starting with the vital strengthening of transatlantic ties
Javier Solana

Ottoman overtures
The prospect of absorbing 80 million Muslims into Europe has created some fear, but Gisela Stuart sees only mutual benefit in welcoming Turkey into the EU
Gisela Stuart

Turkish delight?
The EU must seize the opportunity of welcoming Turkey into the fold, and in so doing build vital bridges between European nations and the Islamic world, says Derek Conway
Derek Conway

Pressing ahead on peace path
Current circumstances offer a golden opportunity to resolve the Middle East conflict, but all sides must show tireless commitment, writes Lord Hogg
Lord Hogg

Reality check
Though their elections were a success, Palestinians still live under the shadow of fear and intimidation, writes Richard Burden
Richard Burden

Putting space before race
Paula MacLachlan explains how an EC initiative is encouraging grassrootslinks between communities with shared geographic or regional interests
Paula MacLachlan

Art for all
Lord Bragg on an initiative that aims to weave the arts into our everyday lives and governance
Lord Bragg

Straying offside
Denis Campbell explains the enduring tensions that exist between sport and politics
Denis Campbell

Lord Reith, but less teeth
The BBC has been cost-cutting to justify the licence fee, but Owen Gibson anticipates a wider review of public service broadcasting in the digital age
Owen Gibson

Building partnerships
Crispin Blunt reports on the recent Lords and Commons cricket team tour of India
Crispin Blunt

Dialogue
Subject: Faith schools
Evan Harris and Andrew Turner

I commend to the House...
The first seven MPs due to introduce Private Members’ Bills discuss the measures contained in their proposed legislation

Cobbett’s Corner
Chris Moncrieff reminisces

Electionwatch
A close look at recent and forthcoming elections

Backtrack...
This week in history