Beyond Parliament

Beyond The Official Version

Beyond Parliament is an independent political satire and commentary publication examining the policies, promises, explanations and occasional outbreaks of competence produced by British politics.

It combines factual reporting with dry humour, policy analysis and the considered observations of Lionel Carter—a fictional puppet correspondent with no party membership, no parliamentary pass and very little confidence in official stationery.

Meet Lionel Carter

Lionel reports from his editor's desk, Westminster, seaside by-elections and anywhere else a politician has mistaken an announcement for an achievement.

He is fictional. The political events, public statements and policy documents examined by the publication are not. Satirical scenes and dialogue are used to expose contradictions, evasions and the distance between a promise and its small print.

What We Publish

• The Dispatch — reports on the day's political events;
• Policy Autopsy — an examination of policies after the headline has been removed;
• Westminster Wildlife — field notes on the habits and migrations of political creatures;
• Outside Broadcasts — Lionel's video reports from beyond the studio;
• The Week In Excuses — a weekly collection of explanations from people who were definitely not responsible;
• Wall of Infamy — sourced dossiers on public conduct, political explanations and Lionel's verdict.

Political Independence

Beyond Parliament is not affiliated with Parliament, the government, a political party, a politician or a news organisation. No party receives immunity. Being mocked today does not imply that its opponent will survive tomorrow.

Accuracy And Satire

Facts, quotations and figures are checked before publication wherever reasonably possible. Satirical commentary is built around that factual foundation, not used as a substitute for it.

If something is wrong, missing important context or requires clarification, please use our contact page.