Parliamentary Brief
Encyclopedia
First published in 1992, Parliamentary Brief is a monthly British
political magazine circulated by request to members of the British House of Commons
, members of the House of Lords
, senior civil servants, and political journalists. Special reports—some produced in association with international institutions, including the United Nations
—are distributed to a wider target audience as appropriat. This includes, for example, the European Union
, public sector bodies, and corporate organisations. Dubbed by one political commentator as the ‘magazine for the political in-crowd’ its editorial columns are noted for their expert and in-depth commentary on a wide-range of subjects, both domestic and international. Many of the topics it covers do not make headlines in the mainstream press, but nevertheless are critical to serious analysis of government policy at home and abroad. It has been described as ‘required reading’ (George Jones, political editor, The Daily Telegraph
), with ‘an impressive range of sources’ (Philip Gould
, adviser to the Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street
). Its key audience apart, it is also available by private subscription (www.thepolitician.org).
Wholly independent, Parliamentary Brief has no association or links with any political party
though as part of its coverage of current affairs it regularly publishes articles by senior figures from across the political divide.
Although ‘non-party’ its commentary is often severely critical, albeit constructively so, it has also pursued various campaigns with some distinction — for example, in highlighting genocide in Darfur long before that issue was taken up by the general media and in warning of the shortfalls in the UK government’s response to climate change
.
Parliamentary Brief's particular strength comes from the range of contributors with specialist knowledge who contribute to its pages. In international affairs these are often distinguished commentators in their own countries who bring a fresh insight into the often complex issues confronting the world at large.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
political magazine circulated by request to members of the British House of Commons
British House of Commons
The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which also comprises the Sovereign and the House of Lords . Both Commons and Lords meet in the Palace of Westminster. The Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 650 members , who are known as Members...
, members of the House of Lords
House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
, senior civil servants, and political journalists. Special reports—some produced in association with international institutions, including the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
—are distributed to a wider target audience as appropriat. This includes, for example, the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
, public sector bodies, and corporate organisations. Dubbed by one political commentator as the ‘magazine for the political in-crowd’ its editorial columns are noted for their expert and in-depth commentary on a wide-range of subjects, both domestic and international. Many of the topics it covers do not make headlines in the mainstream press, but nevertheless are critical to serious analysis of government policy at home and abroad. It has been described as ‘required reading’ (George Jones, political editor, The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is a daily morning broadsheet newspaper distributed throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. The newspaper was founded by Arthur B...
), with ‘an impressive range of sources’ (Philip Gould
Philip Gould, Baron Gould of Brookwood
Philip Gould, Baron Gould of Brookwood was a British political consultant, and former advertising executive, closely linked to the Labour Party. Appointed by Director of Communications Peter Mandelson, he was strategy and polling adviser to the Labour Party in the general elections of 1987, 1992,...
, adviser to the Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street, colloquially known in the United Kingdom as "Number 10", is the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government and the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury, who is now always the Prime Minister....
). Its key audience apart, it is also available by private subscription (www.thepolitician.org).
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
though as part of its coverage of current affairs it regularly publishes articles by senior figures from across the political divide.
Although ‘non-party’ its commentary is often severely critical, albeit constructively so, it has also pursued various campaigns with some distinction — for example, in highlighting genocide in Darfur long before that issue was taken up by the general media and in warning of the shortfalls in the UK government’s response to climate change
Climate change
Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions or the distribution of events around that average...
.
Parliamentary Brief's particular strength comes from the range of contributors with specialist knowledge who contribute to its pages. In international affairs these are often distinguished commentators in their own countries who bring a fresh insight into the often complex issues confronting the world at large.