'Inside the Commons' broadcast on BBC Two
24 February 2015
The fourth and final episode of the Michael Cockerell documentary 'Inside the Commons' was broadcast on BBC Two on Tuesday 24 February 2015.
Following over a year of behind the scenes access to the House of Commons, the episode focused on major events in the Commons calendar such as the Budget Statement and Prime Minister's Questions, as well as the making of amendments to legislation and the cleaning of the Great Clock.
The House of Commons Commission agreed to allow access for the documentary film-crew on 15 July 2013.
Episode Four: Reinventing the House
The fourth episode of the series will be available on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast.
Find out more about some of the subjects featured in this episode:
Select Committees
Select Committees work in both Houses. They check and report on areas ranging from the work of government departments to economic affairs.
Restoration
The Restoration and Renewal Programme has been established to tackle the significant work that needs to be done to protect the heritage of the Palace of Westminster.
Recall of MPs Bill
The Recall of MPs Bill 2014-15 was introduced on 11 September 2014. Zac Goldsmith tabled a number of amendments that would have replaced the Government’s system of recall, triggered by a MP’s conduct, with a system that allowed voters to initiate a recall process.
Venue hire
The House of Commons is available for corporate hire offering 10 venues when the House is not sitting.
House of Commons Governance Committee
The House of Commons Governance Committee was established in September 2014. It recommended a package of reforms to improve the governance of the House of Commons.
Episode Three: Party Games
The third episode of the series will be available on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast.
Find out more about some of the subjects featured in this episode:
Divisions
A vote in the House of Commons is known as a 'division'. Members vote by walking through either an Aye (yes) or a No lobby. Their names are recorded as they file past the clerks and are then counted by the Tellers.
Whips
Whips are MPs or Members of the House of Lords appointed by each party in Parliament to help organise their party's contribution to parliamentary business.
European Scrutiny Committee
The European Scrutiny Committee examines EU policies, draft legislation and institutional issues.
European Arrest Warrant
MPs debated a motion to approve the draft Criminal Justice and Data Protection (Protocol No. 36) Regulations 2014 in the House of Commons on Monday 10 November 2014.
Episode Two: Upstairs, Downstairs
Find out more about some of the subjects featured in this episode:
State Opening
The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and the Queen's Speech sets out the government’s agenda for the coming session, outlining proposed policies and legislation.
Private Members' Bills
Private Members' Bills are Public Bills introduced by MPs and Members of the Lords who are not government ministers.
Westminster Hall
Westminster Hall is the oldest building on the Parliamentary estate.
Backbench Business Committee
The Backbench Business Committee gives an opportunity to backbench MPs to bring forward debates of their choice.
Episode One: Lifting the Lid
Find out more about some of the subjects featured in this episode:
The Budget
The Budget Statement is presented to the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer each year.
Traditions and Customs
This Commons Library briefing paper outlines a number of the lesser-known customs, procedures and behaviours of the House of Commons.
Women in Parliament
This Commons Library briefing paper shows how the number of women in Parliament has changed since 1918, when women first became eligible to be elected as MPs.
Restoration
The Restoration and Renewal Programme has been established to tackle the significant work that needs to be done to protect the heritage of the Palace of Westminster.
Legislation: Criminal Justice and Courts Bill
The final stage of the Bill’s passage through Parliament is Royal Assent, when the Bill becomes an Act of Parliament. A date for Royal Assent has yet to be set.
All episodes aired on BBC Two at 9pm (except in Scotland where it aired at 11.50pm).