[jammythedodger]

I was thinking, many people actually have quite a vague idea of what goes on in Parliament, and a belief that it doesn't matter.

I think for a start, it might be a good idea if all leading newspapers reported accurately on what happened in the Commons & Lords (and other isntitutions if you want). As in whatquestions were asked, what the answers were. Important debates and what was said. Etc etc

Something like a whole page or a two page spread or more.

Effectively a slightly more detailed written down version of The Record (BBC Parliament's TV version).


Do you think this is a good idea? Do you think it would make any difference at all in people's beliefs about whether they're being well represented, if MPs are doing a good job etc etc
And also, would you read any of it?

[Sam o0o]

If people want to know that stuff, they'll go and find out. If they don't, they would probably turn the page over if it were in the paper..

[Remarqable M]

Agreed.

[Howard]

I think two pages of parliamentary reporting would be very useful indeed. Something to wipe my arse on after I've read the sports pages.

[jammythedodger]

Originally Posted by Sam o0o

If people want to know that stuff, they'll go and find out. If they don't, they would probably turn the page over if it were in the paper..

Not really: to properly understand what goes on atm, one has to trawl through Hansard.
there is very little proper reporting of the what goes in Parliament, and even less of it is very accessible.

[johnw1]

Newspapers should report whatever they choose. Maybe the BBC could be made to do it. It is quite a good idea actually so people can see for themselves as things may go under the radar and not get picked up on by newspapers but obviously with freedom of the press they should have the choice not to...

[jacketpotato]

Government shouldn't be telling private newspapers what to report: its a very slippery slope. The BBC is a great way to ensure that everyone has access to this kind of information.

[crazyspacemonkey]

Doesn't BBC Parliament effectively do this already?

[Sam o0o]

Originally Posted by jammythedodger

Not really: to properly understand what goes on atm, one has to trawl through Hansard.
there is very little proper reporting of the what goes in Parliament, and even less of it is very accessible.

Or, switch on the tv and go to BBC Parliament?

[graffic]

They already do, they have "lobby" reporters/political editors.

What is the point of this thread? Do you mean you think papers should increase their political coverage? If so perhaps change the title

[jammythedodger]

Originally Posted by crazyspacemonkey

Doesn't BBC Parliament effectively do this already?

Not really, and hardly anyone actively choses to watch it.
If people come accross it (without actively having to find it) in their papers then people are probably more likely to read it and as it'll be less time consuming than wating hours worth of debates it means that the system will become much more open, IMO.

[amiparanoid]

Tbf, the newspapers will report what they like. Especially with topics such as immigration, certain newspapers will twist the events one way and some the other.

It's a lovely idea, but it will simply serve to entrench misguided and ignorant opinions rather than encouraging a genuine interest in factual and unbiased information.

Saying that, doesn't the Evening Standard do this?

[EskimoJo]

Originally Posted by Sam o0o

If people want to know that stuff, they'll go and find out. If they don't, they would probably turn the page over if it were in the paper..

Not really. I want to know, but I'm just very lazy.

[The_Octopus]

I'd like it if the newspapers did, but I wouldn't like it if they were made to by the government.

[AlexSC]

yes and they should be made to discuss EU agenda too. Perhaps a subsidy of 5p per paper sold for papers taking part would be a good idea. Of course an inpedendant body would have to make sure the government do not try to influence the press.

[adamrules247]

No, the whole idea of the freedom of the press is that newspapers can report what they want. Would it sell well, no. You can read the hansard if you're desperate.

[Student2806]

No, I don't really see the point to be honest.
Look at the ways people already have of finding out about events in parliament:
- news websites stuffed full of articles, blogs, videos and opinions on the HoC
- a dedicated TV channel for parliamentary broadcasting
- 24 hour news channels
- politics sections already in newspapers
- programming such as The Daily Politics and This Week

If people aren't already interested in parliament with all these media, they aren't going to become so just because of a 2 page spread in a newspaper.

[amiparanoid]

Originally Posted by adamrules247

No, the whole idea of the freedom of the press is that newspapers can report what they want. Would it sell well, no. You can read the hansard if you're desperate.

Can you buy copies of Hansard outside of Parliament? Excuse my ignorance...

[adamrules247]

Originally Posted by amiparanoid

Can you buy copies of Hansard outside of Parliament? Excuse my ignorance...

I'm not sure, I have viewed records of debates on the net.

[Tefhel]

I think it's a good idea, so that it'll be easier for people who want to find out about that kind of thing. I personally would never read it though.