First published in 1992, Parliamentary Brief is a monthly British political magazine circulated by request to members of the British House of Commons, members of the House of Lords, senior civil servants, and political journalists. Special reports—some produced in association with international institutions, including the United Nations—are distributed to a wider target audience as appropriat. This includes, for example, the European Union, public sector bodies, and corporate organisations. Dubbed by one political commentator as the ‘magazine for the political in-crowd’ its editorial columns are noted for their expert and in-depth commentary on a wide range of subjects, both domestic and international. Many of the topics it covers do not make headlines in the mainstream press, but nevertheless are critical to serious analysis of government policy at home and abroad. It has been described as ‘required reading’ (George Jones, political editor, The Daily Telegraph), with ‘an impressive range of sources’ (Philip Gould, adviser to the Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street). Its key audience apart, it is also available by private subscription (www.thepolitician.org).
Wholly independent, Parliamentary Brief has no association or links with any political party though as part of its coverage of current affairs it regularly publishes articles by senior figures from across the political divide.
Although ‘non-party’ its commentary is often severely critical, albeit constructively so, it has also pursued various campaigns with some distinction — for example, in highlighting genocide in Darfur long before that issue was taken up by the general media and in warning of the shortfalls in the UK government’s response to climate change.
Parliamentary Brief's particular strength comes from the range of contributors with specialist knowledge who contribute to its pages. In international affairs these are often distinguished commentators in their own countries who bring a fresh insight into the often complex issues confronting the world at large.