Parliament and the People The Reality and the Public Perception Routledge Revivals Series

First published in 1997, this book provides an assessment of the main issues and deliberations of the Wilton Park Conference, based largely on the theme of standards in public life and consideration of measures which may be taken to allay public concern of their erosion. The book is a paraphrased report of the deliberations, together with evaluation and commentary. The conference attended by parliamentarians (including presiding officers in ministerial positions), senior civil servants, parliamentary staff, journalists and others from a wide range of countries, most but not all being Commonwealth members.

1. Setting the Scene. 2. The Eroding Sovereignty of Legislators. 3. Enhancing Professionalism through the Work of Parliamentary Associations. 4. Changing the Public Perception. 5. Political Reporting. 6. Ensuring Ethical Standards in Public Life. 7. The Role of Political Parties. 8. The Evolving Civil Service. 9. Direct Democracy: The Way Forward? 10. Who do Politicians Really Represent? 11. Conclusion.