Foreword

Rt Hon Michael J Martin MP, Speaker of the House of Commons,
Chairman of the House of Commons Commission
 

I became a Member of Parliament in 1979, so I saw the first publication of Blake’s Parliamentary Yearbook over a quarter of a century ago. Now as Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I provide this year’s foreword. I believe that the yearbook has gone from strength to strength and is an essential reference for those who work in Parliament or who take an interest in politics generally. Indeed, I recommend it as an excellent office companion: valuable for refreshing knowledge, provoking thought and keeping in touch with detail. The range of information it contains is huge and, although a weighty volume, it is extremely user-friendly and a good example of why hardcopy is easier on the eye than any website.
It is now more than 18 months since the election, and the busy first Session is at an end. New members have settled in very easily and are adding much to the expertise and enthusiasm of the House and to lively debate in the Chamber. Yet I recall with sadness, since Blake’s went to print last year, the passing of two remarkable parliamentarians: Robin Cook and Eric Forth. There will be many who remember their time as Leader and Shadow Leader respectively and their regular, formidable exchanges. Their characters and achievements will remain in our minds for a long time, yet we can be confident that the House will continue to stimulate clever, spirited individuals with sharp wits and great gifts of oratory.
Our strong commitment is towards improving access, and I am happy to report that numbers of visitors are rising and, with maintenance work in Westminster Hall now complete, we are looking forward to a busy year with our new visitor centre recently opened. This yearbook does much to assist in promoting the aim of the House towards improving communication with the electorate and in encouraging the visitor. I warmly commend it to you.
 

Rt Hon Michael J Martin MP, Speaker of the House of Commons

Published by Blakes for more
than a quarter of a century