Public no longer 'strangers' to the Commons
News Article 26 October 2004
MPs have voted to end the ancient practice of using the term "strangers" to describe visitors to the House of Commons.
Commons to welcome 'strangers' no more
Press Review 26 October 2004
MPs are today set to scrap the use of the term "strangers" when describing visitors to the House of Commons.
Parliament to appoint security Tsar
Press Review 20 October 2004
The Commons authorities have agreed to appoint a new security coordinator.
Gambling Bill to get fast-track treatment
News Article 14 October 2004
The government has confirmed that the Gambling Bill will be given fast-track treatment in a bid to get it on the statute book before the general election.
Harman says parliament should reconnect with voters
Press Review 14 October 2004
Harriet Harman has warned that the growing security measures outside parliament are isolating MPs from their constituents.
Hain warned over security reform
Press Review 22 September 2004
Peter Hain has been urged to think again before pushing through changes to the way the Commons is run in the wake of security fears.
Sun reveals new Commons security scandal
Press Review 17 September 2004
Peter Hain has called for the creation of a Westminster security chief after a newspaper managed to smuggle a fake bomb into parliament.
Security review as hunt protesters storm Commons chamber
Press Review 16 September 2004
A major review of Westminster security is underway after five pro-hunt protesters stormed the Commons chamber.
Fox battles: Fleet Street responds
Press Review 16 September 2004
Today's papers respond to the dramatic events in Westminster yesterday.
Hard hats hit September sittings
Press Review 15 September 2004
The future of parliament's September sittings has been put in doubt by complaints from MPs and peers over extent of ongoing building works in the Palace of Westminster.
MPs angry at new answer rules
Press Review 8 September 2004
MPs have warned that thousands of parliamentary questions could be lost without a ministerial answer under new rules.
No more 'strangers' says Hain
News Article 29 June 2004
In a bid to make parliament more welcoming, MPs are to scrap the system whereby visitors are known as "strangers", the Commons has heard.
Women line up against late night sittings
Press Review 23 June 2004
Three senior female ministers are campaigning to prevent a return to late-night sittings in the Commons.
Commons to treat 'strangers' as friends
Press Review 16 June 2004
After more than 400 years the House of Commons is set to stop describing people it represents as "strangers".
Parliament set for internet revamp
News Article 16 June 2004
The parliamentary website could be set for a major overhaul as part of a comprehensive strategy designed to reconnect elected politicians with the public they serve.
