Are the proceedings in Parliament both broadcast on television and published in official reports, also known as Hansard?

Parliamentary proceedings are indeed both broadcast and published, and understanding why is key to grasping the UK's commitment to transparency and accountability. Think of Parliament as the central stage for national decision-making. To ensure the public knows what's being discussed and decided on their behalf, debates and proceedings are broadcast on television. This allows anyone with access to a TV or internet stream to witness the discussions firsthand. But broadcasting alone isn't enough for a complete record. That's where Hansard comes in. Hansard is the official, verbatim report of parliamentary debates in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It's named after Thomas Curson Hansard, a printer who took over the publication of these reports in the early 19th century. These reports are meticulously documented, providing a written record of everything said in Parliament. This dual approach – broadcasting and publishing in Hansard – ensures that parliamentary proceedings are accessible and transparent, allowing citizens to hold their elected officials accountable. It's a cornerstone of the UK's democratic process.