Procedure and Debate in the British Parliamentary Culture

Abstract

Haapala illuminates the relationship between procedure and debate in the British parliamentary culture that was formed during the nineteenth century. While emphasising the constitutional shift to parliamentary government after the passing of the 1832 Reform Act, the chapter demonstrates its effects on the parliamentary culture with a special focus on the increasing role of debate and the attempts to reform House of Commons’ procedures. As well as drawing attention to the publicity of parliamentary proceedings and professionalisation of political journalism, Haapala uses rhetorical treatises and manuals to show the common attitudes towards parliamentary debate before and after the institutionalisation of parliamentary government in Britain.