Parliament Week 2013: Lords activities, discussions and debates
25 November 2013
Parliament Week is an annual series of events that aim to raise awareness of Parliament and encourage engagement with the UK’s democratic system and its institutions. This year's week ran from 15-21 November.
Members of the House of Lords took part in a variety of activities throughout Parliament Week.
Lords activities and events for Parliament Week
Lord Speaker
The Lord Speaker, Baroness D’Souza, took part in a number of activities throughout the week:
- Women in Leadership: Inspiring Potential - The Lord Speaker opened this panel debate on 20 November focusing on the rich and diverse ways women contribute to UK public life - specifically across media, arts, science and politics - and the obstacles that discourage women from taking bigger and better roles. Baroness Scotland of Asthal, Mariella Frostrup and Jude Kelly were among the panellists.
- Parliament Week blog post - read Baroness D'Souza's post on women's education, economic empowerment and political engagement.
- On 15 November, the Lord Speaker visited Bradford, speaking at two events alongside Baroness Grey-Thompson.
- On 14 November, the Lord Speaker made a Peers in Schools visit to De Warenne Academy in Doncaster. More than 20 Peers in Schools visits are taking place during Parliament Week itself.
- On the same day, Baroness D'Souza gave a lecture on The Politics of Public Engagement at the University of Sheffield. She spoke about the role and work of the House of Lords today, followed by a discussion and short Q&A session on public engagement with Parliament.
Lords Digital Chamber launch
The Lords Digital Chamber, a new website designed to help the public engage directly with members, using a variety of social media tools is being launched during Parliament Week.
Women in Democracy video series
Watch the House of Lords: Women in Democracy video series on our YouTube channel to hear a number of different perspectives on the representation of women in public life and the experience of working in the Lords. New videos will be added every day during Parliament Week.
Discussion and debate
Members of the Lords took part in a number of debates and discussions throughout the week, including:
- Women in Democracy: Women in Society (20 November, Derby Cathedral). The Lord Bishop of Derby chaired an event for 16-18 year-olds, including a panel debate on 'lads' mags'.
- Interprise:13 - Global Entrepreneur Week Annual Enterprise Summit and Reception (20 November, House of Lords). The Earl of Erroll chaired an interactive discussion on inspiring enterprise and entrepreneurship.
- The Future of England Debate (20 November, House of Lords). Lord Maclennan of Rogart discussed the need for a constitutional convention for England. A panel debate was followed by questions from the audience.
- Women in Public Life: Speeches and Speechwriting (20 November, Portcullis House). Leading female public figures discussed how they overcame their fear of public speaking in this discussion event. Baroness Jenkin of Kennington appeared on the panel.
- Children in Scotland (21 November, Princes House, Edinburgh). Lord Foulkes of Cumnock was among those talking about issues considered in Westminster that have a large impact on families in Scotland, including welfare and employment.
- The First News Debate (21 November, Portcullis House). The First News, the only national weekly newspaper for children, hosted a panel debate for schoolchildren and MPs to have their say on current affairs and issues in day to day life. Baroness Boothroyd chaired the debate.
- Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures (22 November, University of Leeds). Baroness Eaton spoke at a conference organised by sixth form students from Leeds East Academy.
- The Politics of Representation (23 November, London School of Economics). Baroness Grey-Thompson joins LSE academics at an event to mark the LSE's custodianship of The Women's Library.