Disorder in the "frustration" parliaments of thatcherite Britain

Judge, David (1992) Disorder in the "frustration" parliaments of thatcherite Britain. Political Studies, 40 (3). pp. 532-553. ISSN 0032-3217 (https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9248.1992.tb00707.x)

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Abstract

There was a marked increase in disorder in the British House of Commons during Mrs Thatcher’s tenure of office. In a legislature traditionally renowned for its ‘temper of moderation and fair play‘ and its usual good behaviour, there was growing concern at the extent of disorderly behaviour. This concern prompted a Procedure Committee investigation into the conduct of MPs in the chamber and led some commentators to argue that the level of disorder constituted a threat to representative democracy in Britain. This article examines the increased scale of unruliness and the main variables used to explain this increase.