This is the single greatest opportunity for constitutional reform in our lifetime. One of ours is about to get into Downing Street. That never happens. iandunt.substack.com/p/finally-so...

10 years on from the Brexit referendum, questions of parliamentary scrutiny remain central as the UK considers dynamic alignment with EU rules. Our recent evidence sets out how Parliament can best secure meaningful scrutiny and influence. 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...

Excellent explainer by @matthewengland.bsky.social on why it is incorrect to claim that MPs cannot propose changes to the assisted dying bill if they use the Parliament Acts to pass it. There is a special 'suggested amendments' process just for this - though it would need Commons time.

BLOG (17 June 2026) | Must MPs choose between improving the assisted dying bill and using the Parliament Act? www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/assiste...

The assisted dying bill is coming back, but it's a long way from Royal Assent. Our recent guide looks at what might lie ahead for the Bill, and how (assuming it's the same Bill) the Parliament Act procedures might apply to a Private Members' Bill. www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...

The Government has tabled the motion naming this session's 13 sitting Fridays for Private Member's Bills. 4 September 11 September 16 October 13 November 27 November 4 December 15 January (2027) 29 January 5 February 26 February 5 March 12 March 19 March

EVIDENCE | Dynamic alignment with EU rules We recently submitted evidence to @LordsEUCom examining the constitutional and parliamentary implications of dynamic alignment with EU law, in anticipation of the EU Reset Bill. Read our submission below 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...

PODCAST | The £5m question: Who funds our politicians? In our latest episode, we are joined by @duncanhames.bsky.social of @transparencyuk.bsky.social to discuss whether the current transparency regime is working and the merits of a cap on donations. www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

Whatever the political drama, Parliament still needs a new session, the King needs to read the Speech, and the constitutional machinery must roll on. Our guide explains the traditions & procedures behind tomorrow’s State Opening and King’s Speech.👇 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...

'Can the assisted dying bill be brought back? It’s possible – but supporters face four challenges' New piece by me for @uk.theconversation.com on the assisted dying bill in the new parliamentary session (starts Weds) - including use of the Parliament Acts. theconversation.com/can-the-assi...

What chance do supporters of assisted dying have of reviving the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill? Their bill lapsed when parliament was prorogued at the end of last month. But could they now use the Parliament Act 1911 to bypass the House of Lords? rozenberg.substack.com/p/assisted-d...

BRIEFING | Assisted dying bill: How could the Parliament Act be used? With a new session next week, there is much speculation about the assisted dying bill's return and the potential use of the Parliament Act. Our new briefing looks at the procedures and challenges involved. 🧵

I'm thrilled to be taking over as Director of the Constitution Unit next month. Amid many challenges to democracy, our work remains vital. But, gosh, it's daunting to try to fill Meg Russell's shoes! She has been a terrific Director for over a decade, and will be an incredibly hard act to follow.

Meg has been a tremendous force for both public understanding of Parliament and constitutional reform. I'm sure the Unit will continue to thrive in Alan and Tom's capable hands!

Later today the Procedure Committee is hearing from a Conservative Shadow Minister and the Lib Dem Chief Whip on Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs). The Hansard Society submitted evidence to this inquiry – here’s what we found 🧵 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...

oh, because we have an uncodified but in many ways pretty effective constitution, hope that helps

NEW BRIEFING | The risks of consigning online safety law to delegated legislation Our latest briefing examines two late-stage government amendments, giving Ministers significant powers to reshape online safety legislation. 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...

Labour's Representation of the People Bill gets its first proper debate in the Commons today. Here's what's in it, via the Hansard Society

NEW EPISODE: What happens when you defy the party whip? Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan joins us to reflect on rebelling over Winter Fuel Allowance cuts, being suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party, and calling on Keir Starmer to resign. 🎙️Listen now - links in post below 👇

Had a fabulous time at the @studyofparl.bsky.social Oxford Weekend!! They say never meet your heroes but I did :p Can't wait for next time, fellow Parliament nerds!

Which civilians play the most important roles in controlling the armed forces? This Thursday, join @plagasse.bsky.social, Dominic Grieve and @profveronika.bsky.social to discuss Philippe Lagassé's new book, Overseen or Overlooked? Legislators, Armed Forces, and Democratic Accountability. Sign up 👇

In a world of rising instability, with ministers and military leaders warning of growing conflict risks, parliamentary oversight of the armed forces is more vital than ever. This event with international expert @plagasse.bsky.social will be interesting. Sign up 👇

If we can’t even talk in general terms about MPs’ workload- which MPs of all parties agree is v casework- heavy and getting heavier- without a lot of responses being to assume that MPs are not telling the truth/just whinging/ working on the wrong things etc- then I think we’re in a bad place

MONDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today? 🕵️ Ministerial Statement on China spying case 🏥 General debate on baby loss 👮 Peers debate Border Security Bill 🏠 Housing Secretary faces questions from MPs Read more below 🔽 buff.ly/fKNzlVM

LATEST PODCAST | What are the Usual Channels? A short history of Westminster whipping We talk to @sebwhale.bsky.social about his new book, pulling back the curtain on one of Westminster's most notorious elements: the Whips. Listen below 🔽 buff.ly/phTKkve

1/ Concerns are rising in Westminster over the Chagos deal and the UK’s trade agreements with the US, EU & India. If we want better economic, trade and foreign-policy decisions, MPs need the tools – and the will – to hold government to account. 👇

BLOG | Treaty scrutiny: addressing the accountability gap In this guest blog, chair of @HLIntAgreements Lord Goldsmith KC outlines the Committee’s new report calling for stronger parliamentary oversight of treaties. Read the blog post below 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/treaty-...

BLOG | What will happen at this Friday's assisted dying bill debate? With the Second Reading debate resuming this Friday, we explain the motions and amendments on which the House of Lords will vote, and how these may impact later stages. Read below 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/assiste...

MONDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today? 🟢 Employment Rights Bill (Lords amendments) 🔴 Planning and Infrastructure Bill (Committee) 🏫 Westminster Hall: Debate on SEND reform More detail below 🔽 buff.ly/0tKmK69

🚨 NEW BRIEFING: The assisted dying bill – The House of Lords legislative process We explain how the Lords will consider the Bill: ⚖️ Constitutional issues 🚫 Five ways peers could say no 🗓️ Timing & debates 📜 Each stage of the Bill Read more 🔽 buff.ly/pCjfzqN

Today the House of Commons will debate the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill. The Government will seek to reverse four amendments made to the Bill by the House of Lords. Read more about those amendments in our weekly Bulletin 🔽 buff.ly/aH4R8dQ

MONDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today? 📣 Urgent Questions and Statements on Palestine and asylum policy 🚅 Debates on regional transport inequality and devolution in Scotland 🏠 Lords debate Planning and Infrastructure Bill Read more below🔽 buff.ly/yuHr4Vm

🧵1/ Something appears to have gone wrong with a new piece of legislation (and shows why even Government departments should be using our Statutory Instrument Tracker!) Here's what happened 👇

The Government appears to have made an affirmative SI - specifically, a legislative reform order requiring approval by both Houses - before it has been approved by the Commons. Maybe I'm missing something? www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/91...

Here, Nick and I take a wider lens on devolution: its history, underlying policies & principles to expand on our point in part 1 (share.google/reJPFVN4Uqp3...). The UKSC's concept of parliamentary power vis-à-vis devolved lawmaking is problematic, impractical & should be abandoned asap.

Disappointing to hear the Leader of the Commons rule out a review of parliamentary prayers. For a modern, diverse UK, our parliament should reflect all constituents, not a minority. Reform in the way of an inclusive secular ceremony desperately needed. humanists.uk/2025/07/03/l...

🧵 Thank you to @joshuarozenberg.bsky.social for highlighting our "informative" Parliament Matters Bulletin in the latest post for his Substack, A Lawyer Writes. We are glad it’s proving useful! Read this week's Bulletin here: buff.ly/0vYf1qq

I was interviewed on Today in Parliament on Radio 4 on Friday, discussing how the assisted dying bill might fare in the House of Lords. Listen here (around 7 mins in): www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

New Publication with @leejarvis.bsky.social and @michaellister.bsky.social outlining the phenomenon that we have dubbed 'nominative laws'. The Article is available Open Access via the link below. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

Excellent blogpost from @joshuarozenberg.bsky.social this morning (with credits to the Hansard Society's newsletter!). As he highlights, there are three interesting events in the Commons today, each of which will put the sovereignty of Parliament on display. rozenberg.substack.com/p/uncommon-law

MONDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today? 🧑‍⚖️ Deprivation of Citizenship Orders Bill 🪖 E-petition debate on Northern Irelanr veterans 🏠 Deputy PM Angela Rayner faces oral questions 💼 Peers debate Employment Rights Bill Read more below🔽 buff.ly/T50EBUY

🎉 Parliament Matters podcast hits 100 episodes tomorrow! Across 100 episodes, we've heard insights from politicians, academics, historians, and others about the institution at the heart of our democracy: Parliament. Subscribe below to keep hearing more 🔽 buff.ly/HIjYCWm

OUT TOMORROW - One year on: How is Parliament performing? In our next episode, we look at where Parliament, the Government and the legislative programme stand after one year. Sign up to get it in your inbox tomorrow🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/about/subscr...

🔽An interesting thread below from @conunitucl.bsky.social on proposals to limit the size of the House of Lords, which will be the subject of an amendment to the Hereditary Peers Bill put to peers this evening.

WEDNESDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today? 📊 Universal Credit and Personal Independence Bill (Remaining Stages) 🔴 Hereditary Peers Bill (House of Lords, Report Stage) ❔ Prime Minister's Questions Read more 🔽 buff.ly/mxCc1Sd

🚨 The Hereditary Peers Bill will see its second and final day of Report Stage in the House of Lords today. Our weekly Bulletin looked at the significant amendments agreed so far, and which amendments are set to be debated next. Read the section below🔽 buff.ly/ciGh7dz

Today the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill is set to have its second day of report stage in the Lords. We will mainly be looking out for amendment 23, from Crossbencher Lord (Terry) Burns. This would cap the chamber's size at 650 and limit prime ministerial appointments. A thread 👇

'Parliamentarians should seize this opportunity now to implement a reform that has been decades (even centuries) in the making. I hope our poll offers them the confidence to do so.' Meg Russell writes for @uk.theconversation.com ahead of the hereditary peers bill being debated today. Read it 👇

In 1854, Lord John Russell broke down & wept at the despatch box, at the collapse of his Reform Bill. MPs were largely sympathetic, cheering until he'd recovered, & reports referred only obliquely to what had happened. I prefer that to some of the gloating & close-camera footage we're getting now.

MONDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today? 🛂 MPs debate Deprivation of Citizenship Orders Bill 🌍 Peers debate UK-Mauritius Agreement on Chagos Islands 👮 Debate on new rules for prisoner recall Read more🔽 buff.ly/zL0c3vm