Mark D'Arcy

Dec 21, 2023 | churchtimes.co.uk | Mark D'Arcy

WHAT a difference four years makes. Remember the triumphant, all-conquering Conservative Party of 2019? Boris Johnson’s government called the political shots, with an imposing majority after an election landslide, won on the slogan “Get Brexit Done.” It faced a shattered, chastened Labour Opposition, shorn of much of its electoral heartland, and contemplating a further decade out of power.

Oct 24, 2023 | politicshome.com | Zoe Crowther |Mark D'Arcy

6 min read Mark D’Arcy, outgoing BBC Parliament correspondent, bids farewell after more than two decades of haunting Portcullis House The morning routine is always the same. Out of the underground and through security into Portcullis House (PCH), up the escalator, and into the atrium. Pick up an order paper (and six more for the Today in Parliament team). A latte. An almond croissant. The breakfast of champions.

Sep 15, 2023 | bbc.com | Mark D'Arcy

Image source, Getty ImagesThe 2022-23 parliamentary session is winding down, with the focus on the last few bills inching through the legislative sausage machine. Online Safety, Energy and Economic Crime, are bouncing between the two houses, while Levelling Up is nearing the end of its detailed consideration in the Lords, having already accumulated lots of amendments which MPs will have to approve or reject.

Sep 14, 2023 | bbc.com | Mark D'Arcy

Image source, UK PARLIAMENTWith his daily cries of "Order, Order" the Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, is the public face of the House of Commons. But in the last fortnight, it's the least public facet of his work that's been attracting unwelcome attention. He won't talk about the case, but he is concerned about foreign attempts to interfere in the world of Westminster. Sir Lindsay says: "It's a massive issue for Parliament because we're talking about democracy.

Sep 8, 2023 | bbc.co.uk | Mark D'Arcy |By-election date

It's another week of finalising legislation, with bills bouncing between the Lords and Commons, and others grinding through the final detailed debates, with the deadline for the end of the current parliamentary session looming in November. Any bills not passed when the music stops will fall (except for a limited number where a "carry-over" has been agreed) so the opposition has a bit more clout than usual over the details, to be exercised in behind the scenes talks with ministers.