The UK House of Commons

Dalek Dave

Unlike a lot of parliaments, which are 'in the round', the UK Parliament is a confrontational 'You and us' shape. Government on one side, opposition on the other. The gap between the sides is two sword lengths so that on cannot fight in the chamber. It is only a parliament when the Mace is present, when it is not there, it is a committee. (This is evident on budget day when it is removed and the budget is read out). The reason for it's crampedness is that it was deliberately designed to be so. For most of the time there are not many members present, but on big important votes, all are present and it is standing room only for the latecomers. The reason is that on the big votes, the atmosphere is tense and charged, making it openly more hostile between the sides and easier for the whips to get round and ensure the wets don't vote the wrong way.

------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]

OriginalGriff

So they can't stab each other with a sword!

Real men don't use instructions. They are only the manufacturers opinion on how to put the thing together. Manfred R. Bihy: "Looks as if OP is learning resistant."

Nagy Vilmos

Okay, my numbers are 100 years out. Rounding error. :-O

Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done. Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett

JavedFeroze

Thanks.

JavedFeroze

Thanks. The last line looks quite funny but I guess that is what is the origin of the phrase "party issues a whip...".

Pete OHanlon

Without the whip system, it would be next to impossible for a government to get unpopular legislation through parliament.

Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads

My blog | My articles | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier - my favourite utility

Dalek Dave

See the likes of Belgium and Greece for examples of that.

------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]

Lost User

Because there are too many of them; we could get rid of at least 50% and it would still be overcrowded.

Unrequited desire is character building.

Chris Quinn

It is called doughnuting - MP's cluster around whoever is speaking - they get their face on the telly, and it makes it look like there are lots of MP's attending

==================================== Transvestites - Roberts in Disguise! ====================================

R Giskard Reventlov

No, it's crowded cos they're a bunch of fat, ugly users with no sense and too much power. :)

"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair. nils illegitimus carborundum me, me, me

Pete OHanlon

There would be plenty of room if Eric Pickles wasn't there.

Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads

My blog | My articles | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier - my favourite utility

Lost User

:laugh: :laugh:

Unrequited desire is character building.

GenJerDan

Public schools.

It always itches for the first week or so. My Mu[sic] My Films My Windows Programs, etc.

OriginalGriff

That was an odd email:

Public schools.
It always itches for the first week or so.

In context, it makes sense. Out of context, though...

Real men don't use instructions. They are only the manufacturers opinion on how to put the thing together. Manfred R. Bihy: "Looks as if OP is learning resistant."

GenJerDan

:)

It always itches for the first week or so. My Mu[sic] My Films My Windows Programs, etc.