Hansard shows what it takes to put democracy on the record
Even in an age of artificial intelligence, it’s harder than you might think
The chute, tucked behind an oak-panelled door, whisks messages down to the House of Commons. This is how Hansard staff, who record every sentence spoken publicly in Parliament, communicate with MPs during debates. In goes a scribbled note, asking for clarification on a word or phrase. An official creeps across the chamber to hand it to the MP. The answer is hastily sent back upstairs. Staff have minutes to file their account, with no mistakes.
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This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “The nation’s note-takers”
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