Inside The Commons

In the second episode, we explore the upstairs-downstairs world of the Commons.

Award winning reporter Michael Cockerell presents a major new four-part documentary series inside the House of Commons – filmed with unprecedented access, where cameras are normally forbidden.

We see what goes on backstage at the State Opening, when the Queen comes to open each parliamentary year, including a surreal inspection for barrels of gunpowder. Behind the pomp and pageantry, an army of skilled workers struggle to keep the Commons show on the road. 

We also follow MPs who want to introduce their own Bills in the Commons and have to play a bizarre form of parliamentary bingo to get the chance, and we show how Labour and Tory MPs conspire together to thwart their party Whips. 

This rare glimpse into the weird and wonderful world of Westminster asks if Parliament is fit for purpose in the 21st century. It reveals the heart of British democracy as never seen before.

Publicity contact: SV2