House of Lords committee in YouTube move

by Jennifer Whitehead, Brand Republic 20-Apr-09, 14:30

LONDON - A House of Lords committee looking at making Parliament more interactive is inviting the public to submit their views via YouTube.

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It is the first time that a House of Lords parliamentary inquiry has sought opinions via the video-sharing site. It usually requests written responses.

Lord Renton has posted a video on YouTube and members of the public are invited to post their responses on the site.

In the month since the video has been up, it has received fewer than 1,000 views.

Comments from the public include a suggestion that it feature subtitles or signing, so that hearing impaired people can take part, and a US-based person suggested that the Clock Tower be made open to foreign tourists as he is "a major fan of Big Ben".

The Lords Information Committee is looking at how the House of Lords and Parliament can do more to engage with the public.

The committee will also use the web to host a forum where the public can submit their views on suggested topics.