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THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Review of Parliament

This edition of The Parliamentary Review has overseen yet another extraordinary year in British politics. Cabinet ministers have departed, Commons debates have raged long into the night and, at times, it has felt like little has been achieved. From our standpoint, it is clear that this has not been caused by a lack of trying. The members of parliament with whom we have crossed paths, from all parties and none, have each been working incredibly hard to further what they feel is in the best interests of the constituency, and the country, they serve. And, though the political realm has been a source of frustration for many, it is clear, as Andrew Neil observes in the opening pages of this publication, that those operating at the micro level of the British economy are not only working tirelessly, they are also achieving great things. The articles from this year’s Review representatives exemplify this. A country is not a perfect blueprint put into action: it is the sum of millions of autonomous parts. Individuals There were angry shouts when he said that the uK action was legally questionable, and he questioned whether the government could be sure that the chemical attack was the work of the Assad regime. He called for a diplomatic solution to end the war and the refugee crisis it had caused. Senior Conservative Kenneth Clark backed the government’s action, but he queried the lack of parliamentary debate before the event, given that President Trump had announced his intention to strike against the Assad regime well in advance. The last word

The Scottish National Party’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, reminded Mrs May that she led a minority government, adding: “It was perfectly possible for House to have been recalled in advance of the Saturday morning airstrikes.” Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable agreed with this and asked if there might be more airstrikes, in light of President Trump’s comment that it was “mission accomplished”. But the prime minister would not be drawn on that.

Lord Pickles addresses the 2017 Parliamentary Review gala in the House of Commons

who motivate their staff, inspire their students or simply do their job to the best standard they can muster. And, though there are always adjustments and improvements to be made, it is our conviction that British parts are in fine working order.

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