Self-confessed politics geek Gareth Hay wonders whether the word "democracy" should be due a dictionary definition update

DEMOCRACY is often described as "the rule of the majority". In the same way as the definition of "literally" was changed in recent years to also include the exact opposite definition, dictionaries may be forced to list a contrasting definition of democracy.

Ahead of second reading of Brexit bill, CommonSpace explains the key points

THE Conservative government’s EU Withdrawal Bill will have its second reading the House of Commons on Thursday (7 September) and Monday (11 September), where MPs will debate the bill before voting on whether to pass it to the next stage.

The bill, which sets out the regulations for the transfer of powers back from the EU, has been widely criticised by opposition parties and pro- EU Tories since it was made available at the first reading on 13 July.

CommonSpace columnist Yvonne Ridley lambasts Westminster politicians for their behaviour during this week's emergency debate in the House of Commons on Syria

AS the last of Bashar al-Assad's barrel bombs exploded in the ruins of Aleppo, the Palace of Westminster swung into action after Tory MP Andrew Mitchell was granted his emergency debate.

Sadly the House of Parliament resembled more a House of Hypocrites as it lumbered into a carefully orchestrated traditional procedure that was probably more rehearsed than the finals of the X Factor.

Division in Labour as MPs whipped to vote against backbench amendment

THE LABOUR PARTY’S disunity over its Brexit policy came to the fore last night as party whips ordered MPs to vote against or abstain on a backbench amendment to the Taxation (Cross Border Trade) Bill to keep the UK in the customs union, although remaining in the customs union has been the stated Labour party policy.

Had the amendment passed, taxes would not have been charged on imports to the UK after leaving the EU, which would effectively keep the UK in the customs union.

Tory MPs ‘a bit sniffy’ about proposed Unpaid Trial Work Periods (Prohibition) Bill

SNP MP Stewart McDonald has been given no support from any Tory MPs as he launches his private members’ bill to stop unpaid trial shifts in the workplace in the House of Commons this morning.

CommonSpace columnist Fraser Stewart says UK voters must mobilise in order to change the Westminster scandal culture

'DOING AN ICELAND' has become the hip new phrase in the political lexicon. Indeed, peaceful revolution is something to be celebrated and ideally replicated the world over whenever appropriate conditions arise: exploitation of citizens, persecution of minorities, government-level corruption, for example.

CommonSpace columnist Steve Topple says there's not always a whole lot of difference between the EU and and the UK

IT'S rare that a subject in politics moves me to complete disinterest (I even find the Liberal Democrats mildly entertaining); however, it's official. The EU referendum has succeeded.

SNP MPs blast debate time given to Bill on Scotland's future devolved powers

LAST-MINUTE proposals to give Holyrood powers over tax credits in the Scotland Bill have been voted down by unionist MPs.

Following last year's cross-party Smith Commission and subsequent report, debate on the Scotland Bill has been determining which powers are granted to Holyrood following the devolution 'vow' of the three pro-union party leaders in September 2014. The legislation was voted through its final reading in the House of Commons on Monday night.

Downing Street source: Whether prime minister will give pay increase to charity a "personal matter"

THE Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) has confirmed that MPs' will get a 10 per cent pay rise this year raising their income to PS74,000, just one week after Chancellor George Osborne announced a four-year one per cent pay rise for public sector-workers, which after inflation is an effective pay freeze.

CommonSpace columnist Richard McGinley says the opposition at Westminster must strengthen and get back to its roots

IN the end, Greece voted against austerity.

Like Scotland did in the General Election.

But the Germans don't want to let the Greeks away with it, and the English don't want to let the Scots away with it.

Gideon's bible of economics was released this week. He's sticking to his guns even though the bullets are causing carnage.