eNewsletters

Hansard Society eNewsletter

admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:20:00 GMT

The Hansard Society has an eNewsletter sent out to members every month. The eNewsletter informs members of upcoming events and projects that the Society is working on. If you are not already a member but would like to subscribe to our monthly eNewsletter then Please Click Here.

If you would like to view October's eNewsletter, Please Click Here.

Hansard Society eNewsletter - July 2011

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:50:00 GMT

Parliament and Government

Sittings of the House and the Parliamentary Calendar

Dr Ruth Fox, Director of the Parliament & Government Programme, appeared before the House of Commons Procedure Committee on Wednesday June 29 to give evidence to the Committee's inquiry on the 'Sittings of the House and the Parliamentary Calendar'. The session involved a wide-ranging debate around the role and work of MPs and the balance of their responsibilities in Westminster and in their constituencies.

An audio recording of the committee meeting can be found here:

Citizenship Education

‘Peer Factor?' competition winning entries

The Lord Speaker's 2011 competition for 11 to 16 year olds ‘The Peer Factor: Who Would You Put in the House of Lords and Why?' received 286 entries representing the work of 499 young people. The House of Lords competition was run with the support of the Hansard Society and entries were judged initially by the Hansard Society's Citizenship Education Programme.

Three entries, representing the work of 12 young people, made it to the top.

Mary-Beth Patterson, submitted an essay nominating former chief executive of the Charity Commission, Andrew Hind.
Ten students from Class 8 Alpha, aged between 12 and 13 years old, at Bishop Challoner School in Kent, submitted a short film nominating Manola Toschi-Restivo, Director of Sport at the school.
Anna Mammedova, submitted an essay nominating Keith Ross, caseworker with the Welsh Refugee Council and a Green Party member and candidate in the 2010 General Election.

The winning entries can be read on the Parliament website.

The most recent HeadsUp debate - Animal Welfare...how much do you care? finished last week,you can read the report of the forum here. The forum involved nine parliamentarians and six animal welfare charities and the biggest area of debate for young people was about the use of wild animals in circuses. The debate attracted a number of students who were really passionate about animal rights.

The HeadsUp topic debates for 2011-2012 have now been decided and they include:

Equality (Sept 26 - Oct 14, 2011)
The Media (Nov 21-Dec 9, 2011)
The Family (March 5-23, 2012)
You and Society (April 30 -May 18, 2012)
Olympic and Paralympic Games (June 18 -July 6, 2012)

For updates on HeadsUp become a fan of us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/HeadsUp/138035572942199

Digital Democracy

Gender and Digital Politics
A new Digital Paper, Gender and Digital Politics, examines the online political participation of women and men and concludes that the gender imbalance online is the result of wider political exclusion, not digital exclusion.

Gender and Digital Politics is the fifth in an occasional series of short Digital Papers from the Hansard Society Digital Democracy Programme. It was written by Dr Andy Williamson and Freddy Fallon from the Hansard Society's Digital Democracy programme and Dr Mark Pack, Head of Digital at MHP Communications and Co-Editor, Liberal Democrat Voice.

Study and Scholars

With only two weeks left to go, the Summer 2011 Scholars Programme is almost at an end. The Summer programme has been very successful with an insightful visit to Edinburgh and a study trip to Oxford on the hottest day of the year. We wish our Scholars a safe trip home and the best of luck in the future. Preparations for the Autumn 2011 Scholars Programme are well underway with our next round of Scholars arriving on September 24.

We are very excited about the Hansard Scholars Programme 25^th Anniversary Reunion, which will launch on November 16, with an event at Speaker's House. The following few days will be filled with discussions, lectures and cultural activities to mark the Programme's successful quarter century. We are already taking bookings, which can be made via our website and Facebook page.

Upcoming events:

Has Twitter changed the world? Social media and Scottish politics

Thursday August 25, Scottish Parliament,
Room P1.02, 1.30pm - 2.30pm

Panel:
Andy Williamson - Director, Hansard Society Digital Democracy programme
Peter Cruickshank - Research Fellow, International Teledemocracy Centre, Napier University.
Joan McAlpine MSP - SNP
Kezia Dugdale MSP - Scottish Labour

Chair:
Lesley Riddoch - commentator and broadcaster

Information on how to book a place at this event will be available soon.

Hansard Society in the media

BBC
Political blogs: Why are they dominated by men?

Westminster and the move towards a digital democracy

The questions facing the Lord Speaker hopefuls

Libdem Voice
Lord Speaker election: Two Liberal Democrat peers standing

The Wall Street Journal
Men Dominate U.K Political Blogosphere

Hansard Society eNewsletter - June 2011

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:47:00 GMT

Parliament and Government

A Year in the Life: from member of public to Member of Parliament
A new Hansard Society briefing paper, A Year in the Life: from member of public to Member of Parliament, by Hansard Society research fellow, Matt Korris, is a selected summary of interim findings of the Hansard Society's A Year in the Life: from member of public to Member of Parliament project. It is based on the analysis of two surveys of the new MPs, conducted in August 2010 and March 2011, to which approximately one quarter of the new intake responded.

The report finds long working hours and the competing demands of Westminster and constituency are proving detrimental to the family life of new MPs - yet despite this, most aspire to make politics a long-term career.

Evidence from the A Year in the Life study shows:

The 2010 new intake of MPs initially expected a 60-hour week (plus eight hours travel) but six months on were working a 69- hour week;
They split their working time 63% in Westminster and 37% in their constituencies - but constituency casework takes up the largest share of their time (28%), followed by constituency meetings/events (21%) and the Commons Chamber (21%);
A vast number of the new intake report that long working hours and Westminster/constituency demands have a detrimental effect on their personal and family lives - comments such as ‘overwhelming', ‘devastating' and ‘a struggle' are common;
Over half of new MPs (56%) took a salary cut on becoming an MP.

The research also confirms the degree to which the new MPs, who by definition were not involved in the expenses scandal, hold the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) in low regard. Eighty-five per cent were dissatisfied with the induction provided by IPSA at the beginning of the Parliament and six months on 79% still said they were dissatisfied with the workings of IPSA. Despite this, the vast majority of new MPs don't want to give up. At the start of the Parliament, 82% of new MPs aspired to make politics a long-term career and 55% aspired to become a minister. A final survey at the end of the new MPs' first year will reveal whether the reported impact on their personal lives has made them reconsider.

Matt Korris, author of A Year in the Life: from member of public to Member of Parliament commented: ‘These interim findings provide an early insight into the lives of the new MPs and the challenges they face. We need effective MPs in order for Parliament and our system of representative democracy to function successfully. These findings - that the new MPs are working long hours to the detriment of their personal and family lives - underscore the need for a review of the role of MPs not just to build an improved political system, but for the very well-being of MPs themselves.'

The final report of the A Year in the Life: from member of public to Member of Parliament project, supplemented with a third survey, interviews and discussion groups and additional research, will be published towards the end of 2011.

Citizenship Education
Over one hundred 11-18 year-olds took part in the HeadsUp online debate, Our Health...who is responsible? The forum took place from May 9 - May 27 and gave young people the chance to debate the important issues around healthy lifestyles, the NHS and who should take responsibility for their health. You can read the full report of the debate here. The next HeadsUp online forum for 11-18 year-olds, starting today will be focusing on animal welfare. We have MPs, Peers, MEPs and MSPs taking part as well as representatives from influential NGOs such as the RSPCA. HeadsUp.org.uk provides a platform for young people to participate in political debates and voice their opinions to decision makers. The site is also a teaching resource, designed specifically for citizenship lessons.

Study and Scholars
Last month the Scholars Programme was proud to welcome a particularly enthusiastic and zestful summer cohort, representing some of the most distinguished universities from across the pond. The Scholars had a three day study visit to Edinburgh, where they attended guest lectures delivered by MSPs, journalists and policy makers in and around Holyrood, gaining a comprehensive introduction to the abundant history and prevailing developments of devolution in Scotland. In other news, dates for the Hansard Scholars Programme's 25th Anniversary have been finalised as November 16 - 20. Further details will be made available on our website and Facebook page (facebook.com/HansardScholars).

Upcoming events:

Political and Civic Engagement in Wales in the age of the Big Society
Thursday June 23, 6.00pm, Pierhead, Welsh Assembly.

This event will discuss the findings of the Hansard Society's eighth annual Audit of Political Engagement which focuses on coalition politics, civic involvement and the Big Society. The event will comprise a presentation of the findings by the Audit authors Dr Ruth Fox and Matt Korris and a debate examining what this means in Wales.

Speakers:
Dr Ruth Fox (Director, Hansard Society Parliament & Government programme)
Matt Korris (Research Fellow, Hansard Society Parliament & Government programme)

Panel:
Graham Benfield (Welsh Council for Voluntary Action)
Mark Isherwood AM (Conservative)
Jenny Rathbone AM (Labour)
Professor Richard Wyn Jones (Cardiff University)

Chair:
John Osmond (Director, Institute of Welsh Affairs)

To register to attend email hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk or register online.

Hansard Society in the media

Lancashire Evening Post
Short shrift for long hours claim

Birmingham Mail
New MPs feel ‘dissatisfied'

The Scotsman
Overworked, pay cuts, little family life and media pressure - welcome to life as an MP

Scottish Sun
Our Lives so MP

Daily Express
We work too hard, say new MPs

Daily Mail
New MPs say their lives have been ‘devasted' by working in Commons (despite £65,000 salary!)

BBC.co.uk
Backbench power

Hansard Society eNewsletter - May 2011

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:46:00 GMT

Parliament and Government
Major Hansard Society recommendation for new Legislative Standards Committee endorsed in new Lords Committee report

The House of Lords Leaders Group on Working Practices has endorsed the Hansard Society's proposal for a new Legislative Standards Committee. Making Better Law published last December, argued that the government ‘does not possess an unfettered right to legislate' and that in light of the sheer scale of poorly scrutinised legislation ‘there is a strong case for establishing new ground rules to rebalance the legislative relationship between Parliament and government, establishing a consensual approach predicated on mutual acceptance of common standards of legislative consultation, preparation and scrutiny'.

Speaking after the publication of the Lords report Dr Ruth Fox, Director of the Society's Parliament & Government Programme and co-author of Making Better Law said, ‘The terms of political engagement between Whitehall and Westminster at present require that Parliament consider whatever legislation the government sends them, whenever they send it, and regardless of the condition in which it is sent. This is a certain recipe for the continued receipt of poorly prepared bills and therefore the production of defective laws. Parliament should be a more equal partner in the legislative process working with government to mutually agree qualifying standards of bill preparation. Our Legislative Standards Committee proposal - ideally convened jointly by both Houses of Parliament - would be a way to achieve this.'

‘We said in our Making Better Law report than if parliamentarians are serious about checking the duplication of law and growth of the statute book they must be both more imaginative and muscular in asserting their role and function vis-à-vis the executive. In endorsing our proposal for a new Legislative Standards Committee the members of the Lords Leaders Group on Working Practices have done just that. I hope that their fellow peers will now support them when the report is debated in the House.'

You can read the Lords report here:

You can purchase a copy of Making Better Law here:

Citizenship Education
Next HeadsUp debate: Our health...who is responsible?

The next debate will run from Monday May 9 - Friday May 27 and focuses on a range of current health issues. "Our health...who is responsible?" will encourage debate about healthy lifestyles, what treatment the NHS should provide and whether the government should further regulate alcohol and tobacco.

Should the government do more to regulate smoking, alcohol and junk food?
Does anyone listen to advice about healthy lifestyles?
Should there be more information about mental health for teenagers?

Students will have the unique opportunity to discuss the issues with influential decision-makers such as MPs, Peers, AMs, MSPs.
Already signed up are:

Anne Milton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health,
Lord Patel, a Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics,
Professor Mitch Blair, Officer for Health Promotion at the Royal College for Paediatrics and Child Health.

The HeadsUp forums are a FREE, interactive, online resource perfect for use in citizenship, politics and PSHE lessons - to register click here. Students can also register independently and all debates are able to be viewed by anyone. For more information visit www.headsup.org.uk

Study and Scholars
The Summer 2011 Hansard Scholars Programme kicks off this Saturday, as 17 Scholars arrive from the United States. We are also very delighted to welcome two Hansard-Fulbright Scholars, who will make a fantastic contribution to the programme. We are looking forward to a busy week of orientation and cultural events.

A date has now been set for the Hansard Scholars Programme 25^th Anniversary event. It will take place from Wednesday November 23 - Sunday November 27 2011. Our Co-President, Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP, will kick off the five day event by hosting a reunion reception in his Palace of Westminster State Apartments on Wednesday 23rd November. More details to follow on this fun, exciting and interesting five day programme.

Upcoming events:

Democracy Forum: Private Members' Bills: Rejuvenation or Abolition?

Tuesday May 17, 6.30pm, Wilson Room, Portcullis House

Panel:
Rt Hon Lord David Steel of Aikwood
Alex Brazier - Hansard Society Fellow
Chris Bryant MP - Shadow Minister for Justice (Political and Constitutional Reform)
Christopher Chope OBE MP
Natascha Engel MP - Chair, Backbench Business Committee

Chair:
Dr Ruth Fox, Director, Hansard Society's Parliament & Government programme.

To attend please email hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk or register online.

Explaining Cameron's Coalition

Wednesday, May 18, 6.45pm, Thatcher Room, Portcullis House

Speakers:
Sir Robert Worcester-Ipsos MORI polling expert
Mark Gill- ex-MORI political analyst
Polly Toynbee - The Guardian
Lord Rennard - Liberal Democrat

Chair:
Dr Ruth Fox- Director, Hansard Society Parliament & Government programme

The Hansard Society is hosting a special debate to mark the publication of a new study of the 2010 general election - Explaining Cameron's Coalition- by Robert Worcester, Roger Mortimore, Paul Baines and Mark Gill. Explaining Cameron's Coalition is a comprehensive study on how public opinion changed during the 2005-2010 Parliament, first away from Labour to the Conservatives, then towards the Liberal Democrats during the election and finally towards a hung Parliament.

To attend please email hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk or register online

Democracy Forum: The Digital Agenda for Change - where are we one year on?

Wednesday June 15, 6.45pm, Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House

Panel:
Dr Julian Huppert MP - Liberal Democrat
Kris Hopkins MP- Conservative
Tom Harris MP - Labour

Chair:
Dr Andy Williamson- Director, Hansard Society Digital Democracy Programme.

The meeting will explore changes in the digital landscape since last year's general election - with particular reference to openness and transparency.

To attend please email hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk or register online

Hansard Society in the media

Political Insight
E-Petitioning Government

Political Studies Review
Labour In and out of Government: Political Ideas, Political Practice and the British Political Tradition

Guardian
Women in politics: Progressive decline

Sunday Sun
MP votes for AV despite potentially losing her seat

BBC
Voters 'do not know' their councillors

Hansard Society eNewsletter - April 2011

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:44:00 GMT

Parliament and Government
The Society published the latest Audit of Political Engagement at the end of March with a debate in Parliament attended by the Cabinet Office Minister, Mark Harper MP; former minister Hazel Blears MP; and Chair of the Lords Information Committee, Lord Kirkwood. The report and dataset can be accessed here and you can listen to the audio recording of the debate here.

The report has a special focus on coalition politics, civic engagement and the Big Society. The report demonstrates that while last year's momentous political events increased the public's interest in politics to a record 58%, there was no matching rise in political or civic activity. Beyond voting, people were no more likely to get involved or participate in politics than they are in non-election years. People prefer being a spectator rather than a participant in the political process.

Even at the local community level although half the population say they think getting involved locally can make a difference to their area, only one in 10 say they will definitely volunteer in the next two to three years. People say they are interested in being more engaged locally but on the whole are not willing to actually commit to activities. Those most likely to be persuaded to spend time volunteering are: under 45 (particularly those aged 25-34); in the highest social grades (ABC1); have children; and tend to vote Liberal Democrat. But overwhelmingly, people are motivated to volunteer and get involved by self-interest: when an issue affects them or their community in a personal way.

This raises interesting questions for the development of the Big Society. A clear focus on the local and the personal is where the Big Society has the greatest chance of succeeding. The Audit shows that the concept needs to avoid political associations, focus on the local and personal, and emphasise ‘community' rather than ‘Society'. Given that the public are less knowledgeable about how things work locally than they are nationally a strategy to address this knowledge deficit is also needed.

Citizenship Education
Over 100 11-18 year-olds and 9 decision-makers took part in the HeadsUp online forum, ‘Foreign Affairs...Are we making a difference?' which took place from 7 March-25 March. It was a great success and very timely with the events in Libya and Japan fuelling the debate. You can read the full report of the forum here. The next HeadsUp forum ‘Our Health...Who is responsible?' will run from 9 May - 27 May. It will give young people an opportunity to discuss attitudes to health, our rights to certain treatments on the NHS, mental health and the effect of our lifestyles on our health. BackUp and Teachers' Notes will be up on the site soon.

Digital Democracy
Dr Andy Williamson, Director of the Hansard Society's Digital Democracy Programme spoke at the 'Democracy in our networked age' event at the National Assembly for Wales. Dr Williamson gave a presentation discussing and comparing Parliaments around the world and how they are embracing technology in different ways to engage their electorates.
His presentation can be viewed online.

Study and Scholars
The Spring 2011 Hansard Scholars Programme finished on the 2nd April. The Programme boasted 32 Scholars from the United States and Australia, who were placed with MPs, Lords, media outlets and campaign organisations. The Scholars were lucky enough to glimpse the London sunshine before returning home.

To send them off in style, we had a farewell dinner at a wonderful Greek restaurant in Primrose Hill, and the copious food was definitely enjoyed by all. We wish them all the best in the future and encourage them to keep in touch.

We will be welcoming our Summer 2011 Programme in May.

Upcoming events:

Referendums: The voice of the people or the tyranny of the vocal?

Tuesday, May 3, 6.30pm, Macmillan Room, Portcullis House

Panel:
Prof Vernon Bogdanor - Professor of Government at the University of Oxford, and a Fellow of Brasenose College
Steve Richards - Chief political commentator atThe Independent
Rt Hon Peter Riddell - Chair of the Hansard Society

Chair:
Dr Ruth Fox - Director Hansard Society Parliament and Government programme

For more information and to register go to the Hansard Society website.

Democracy Forum: Private Members' Bills: Rejuvenation or Abolition?

Tuesday May 17, 6.30pm in the Wilson Room Portcullis House.

Panel:
Rt Hon Lord David Steel of Aikwood
Alex Brazier - Hansard Society Fellow
Chris Bryant MP - Shadow Minister for Justice (Political and Constitutional Reform)
Christopher Chope OBE MP
Natascha Engel MP - Chair, Backbench Business Committee

Chair:
Dr Ruth Fox, Director of the Hansard Society's Parliament & Government programme.

For more information and to register go to the Hansard Society website.

The RSA/ Hansard Society AV Debate

Thursday May 5, 1.00pm, RSA 8 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6EZ

The AV referendum is only the second nationwide referendum in the UK's history, and the result will change the nature of our democracy.

An expert panel - including electoral reform expert and author Dr Alan Renwick, and the Independent's chief political commentator John Rentoul - gathers to reflect on a month of relentless campaigning, and to discuss the implications for our national political culture.

Chair - Dr Ruth Fox - Director, Hansard Society Parliament and Government Programme.

For more information and to register go to the RSA website

Hansard Society in the media

The Spectator
A vote against folly

BBC
Volunteer report: Not enough people will join 'Big Society'

The Record Review on BBC Parliament
Is interest in politics falling?

The Sun
Society's Big Snub
March 31

I-volunteer
Big Society must avoid politics to succeed

Lib Dem Voice
Meet the Lib Dem bloggers: Paul Tyler

Fullfact.org
Does AV have a stronger constituency link than FPTP?

Headstar.com
Parliamentary Copyright Has ‘No Role' In Age Of Open Data

The Guardian
Steep decline in number of women candidates in Scotland and Wales

Bedfordshire on Sunday
Downing Street visit for Bedford Modern School pupils

Hansard Society eNewsletter - March 2011

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:41:00 GMT

Study and Scholars
At the end of February, the Spring Scholars went up to Scotland for our Edinburgh study visit. The week in the Scottish capital is an integral part of the Hansard Scholars Programme and provides our Scholars with the opportunity to learn about politics in Scotland, devolution and witness firsthand the work of the Scottish Parliament. It was the first time in Scotland for many of our Scholars and its beautiful capital received rave reviews.

The Hansard Scholars Programme now has a brand new Facebook page with plenty of useful information and many more interactive features. We hope this new user-friendly page will make it even easier for Scholars, past, present and future to communicate with the Hansard Society.

"Where are the Women?" No female MPs on vital Cabinet Committees
The Hansard Society compiled a Briefing Paper, Women at the Top 2011: Politics and public life in the UK highlighting some current issues and statistics in time for a backbench business debate to mark international women's day. To read the briefing paper click here.

Digital Democracy
Director of Digital Democracy, Dr Andy Williamson, has just returned from giving a keynote address at an international symposium at the Australian Parliament in Canberra. At an event attended by parliamentary staff from Australasia, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Dr Williamson spoke about the need for parliaments to adopt new engagement tools in order to better connect with the public. He suggested that the modern parliament has to go beyond its own walls and website and use social media tools to reach people where they work and play.

Lords of the Blog
Lords of the Blog, the cross-party blog where members of the House of Lords write on their specialist areas, connect with the public and talk about life and work in the House, is marking its third anniversary on Wednesday 16 March.

Lords of the Blog was launched in March 2008 as an experimental project to raise awareness and create a space for dialogue with the public on issues relating to the role and business of the House of Lords. The project proved very popular with the public and has gone from strength to strength. It is now read all over the world, from Canada to India and has been covered by the media in Australia, the USA, New Zealand and Germany.

Peer Factor competition: still time to register!
Teachers and students still have time to register for the Peer Factor schools' competition and let the Lords know who they would put in the House of Lords. The deadline for entries is the 6^th of May, supporting materials including lesson plans can be found on the competition website: http://www.parliament.uk/holcompetition

Upcoming events:

Democracy Forum: Politics versus Young People
Wednesday, March 16, 6.30pm, Grand Committee Room, Parliament, Westminster

Panel: Rt Hon David Blunkett MP - MP for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough and former Education Secretary
Aaron Porter - President of the NUS
Craig Whittaker MP - Conservative member of the Education Select Committee
Laurie Penny - Journalist and Blogger
Adam Crabb - campaigner, Bite the Ballot

Chair: Michael Raftery - Director of the Hansard Society Citizenship Education programme.

For more information and to register go to the Hansard Society website

Referendums: The voice of the people or the tyranny of the vocal?
Tuesday, May 3, 6.30pm, Macmillan Room, Portcullis House

Panel:
Prof Vernon Bogdanor - Professor of Government at the University of Oxford, and a Fellow of Brasenose College
Steve Richards - Chief political commentator atThe Independent
Rt Hon Peter Riddell - Chair of the Hansard Society

Chair:
Dr Ruth Fox - Director Hansard Society Parliament and Government programme

For more information and to register go to the Hansard Society website.

Audit of Political Engagement 8 Launch event
Tuesday March 30, 6.30pm, Attlee Room, Portcullis House

Panel:
Dr Ruth Fox, Director Hansard Society Parliament and Government Programme
Rt Hon Peter Riddell, Chair of the Hansard Society
Lord Kirkwood, Chair of the House of Lords Information Committee

To register email hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Hansard Society eNewsletter - February 2011

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:26:00 GMT

Hansard Society / CSPP Parliamentary Reception 8/2/2011, Holyrood

Tuesday evening saw the annual Hansard Society Parliamentary Reception in Holyrood. Hosted by Alex Fergusson MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament; the reception highlighted the Hansard Society's key role in raising awareness and encouraging political engagement across Scotland. The Presiding Officer also noted several other successes of the last twelve months, including the hosting of the Hansard Scholars on their study visits to Edinburgh and the excellent research conducted into women in devolution.

Joyce McMillan, the Chair of the Hansard Society Scotland Working Group, spoke and paid tribute to the work of the Hansard Society and that of Project Manager Emma Megaughin. The reception also provided an opportunity for the Hansard Society to thank those MSPs, parliamentary staff, and sponsors for their ongoing help and support.

This reception was held in partnership with the Centre for Scottish Public Policy.

You can read the Presiding Officer's speech in full here.

HeadsUp: Foreign Affairs...are we making a difference?

The first of this year's HeadsUp forums, focusing on Foreign Affairs, will take place from Monday 7^th March to Friday 25^th March.

Up for discussion are issues surrounding international aid, the conflict in Afghanistan, nuclear weapons and Britain's allies. How do young people think we can help to make a difference to lives across the world?

These complicated issues can often seem difficult to penetrate so we've put together a collection of BackUp materials for students, providing them with the facts and key debates behind the issues. A comprehensive set of Teacher's Notes, including lesson plans and other resources, is also available to help teachers to introduce their class to the topics.

The forum is not only a chance for students to discuss issues with their peers up and down the country, but is also a chance to debate with influential decision-makers. Already signed up to take part are MP Bob Ainsworth who is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee; the Shadow Defence Secretary MP Jim Murphy; and the UK Conservative Foreign Affairs Spokesman in the European Parliament, MEP Dr Charles Tannock. To see an updated list of who's listening, click here.

The forum should raise some interesting issues, giving students the chance to think about matters beyond Britain's borders.

Parliament & Government Programme

Our recommendations for parliamentary reform, outlined in our latest publication, Making Better Law continue to garner interest across the political spectrum. The Speaker of the House of Commons recently recommended the report as a ‘comprehensive agenda for change' in a speech about scrutiny. And when the new Backbench Business Committee provided time for MPs to debate parliamentary reform in a very well attended Westminster Hall debate earlier this month a number of members cited the report. Its clear that there is renewed interest in parliamentary reform - in both Commons and Lords (where a Lords Leaders Advisory Group is exploring possible changes to procedures in the Upper House). We'll be keeping an eye on progress and will continue to take every opportunity to make the case for procedural changes that will enhance both the efficiency and effectiveness of Parliament. In the meantime you can order a copy of Making Better Law here and read the briefing note we sent to all MPs in advance of the debate here.

A number of Select Committees have also published reports in recent weeks which include evidence and recommendations from the Society. The Political and Constitutional Reform Committee set out its views on the lessons that could be learnt from the process of government formation after the election; and the House of Lords published its report on Fixed Term Parliaments.

Read the House Magazine article on Making Better Law here and the Public Servant article here.

Upcoming Events...

Democracy Forum - Politics versus Young People

Wednesday, March 16, 6.30pm, Grand Committee Room, Parliament, Westminster

Democracy Forum - Politics Versus Young People.

Panel:
Rt Hon David Blunkett MP - MP for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough and former Education Secretary

Laurie Penny - Journalist and Blogger

Aaron Porter - President of the NUS

Chair: Michael Raftery - Director Hansard Society Citizenship Education programme

The panel will debate a wide variety of issues affecting young people and their relationship with politics and the political system.

For further details please contact the Events Coordinator, Gillian Reeves:

E: hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Referendums: The voice of the people of the tyranny of the vocal?

Tuesday, May 3, 6.30p, Macmillan Room, Portcullis House

Panel:
Prof Vernon Bogdanor - Professor of Government at the University of Oxford, and a Fellow of Brasenose College

Steve Richards - Chief political commentator atThe Independent

Rt Hon Peter Riddell - Chair of the Hansard Society

Chair: Dr Ruth Fox, Director Hansard Society Parliament and Government programme

The evening will comprise a lecture on Referendums by Prof Bogdanor, followed by contributions from the panel and audience questions.

For further details please contact the Events Coordinator, Gillian Reeves:

E: hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Other Interesting Events

Votes for Women and the battle for the 1911 census
Dr Jill Liddington, House of Lords Committee Room 4A: 6pm, 15 March 2011

1911: a milestone in census taking
Ian White, Office of National Statistics, Jubilee Room, House of Commons: 1.30pm, 29 March 2011

Non-passholders wishing to attend should contact Mark Sandford - sandfordm@parliament.uk - to book a place

Hansard Society eNewsletter - January 2011

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:41:00 GMT

Congratulations to Sir David Butler, former Chair of the Hansard Society who was knighted in the 2011 New Year Honours for services to political science.

Who's got the 'Peer Factor?'

Who would make good laws? Who's got the know-how to keep a check on government actions and decisions? Who'll do the work that gets the job done? Who do you suggest for membership of the House of Lords?

The 2011 Lord Speaker's competition, ‘The Peer Factor: Who Would You Put in the House of Lords and Why?' gives 11 to 16 year olds the chance to argue who they'd like to see in the House of Lords.

The House of Lords competition is run with the support of the Hansard Society. Entries will be judged initially by the Hansard Society's Citizenship Education Programme.

Go to the website to find out more

Scholars Programme

The Spring Scholars Programme got off to a flying start on the 8^th January with 32 Scholars from 11 different institutions in the US and Australia. This is our highest ever number of Undergraduate Scholars and we are proud to once again welcome a cohort of exceptionally talented individuals. During their time here, they will gain a thorough understanding of British politics, from a theoretical and practical perspective. Next week, we go to Oxford for a study visit and the following week, we will be in Edinburgh to learn about the workings of the Scottish Parliament.

One of our students, Kevin Green from Presbyterian University in South Carolina even saved a man's life last week in a Bagel Bakery on Brick Lane. The man was choking and Kevin stepped in without hesitation to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre, thereby saving his life. Well done Kevin!

Parliamentary Affairs

Oxford University Press (OUP) and the Hansard Society have changed the way Hansard Society Members subscribe to Parliamentary Affairs.

Hansard Society is now taking over the administration and payment for our members who subscribe to the journal.

For 2011, the cost of a subscription to Parliamentary Affairs for members is £25.00 (£62 for non-Hansard Society members).

If you are not currently a member and would like to join the Society and receive a discounted rate for Parliamentary Affairs, please email hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Upcoming Events...

Whatever has Become of the Mother of All Parliaments?

Wednesday 26 January at 6pm
RSA, 8 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6EZ

An ambitious programme of constitutional reform was a key element of the Coalition settlement, with the government promising reform to match the 1830s.
But can agreement be reached on the range of reforms necessary to increase democratic accountability? And which measures, in particular, would improve the capacity and standing of the House of Commons?

The RSA and the Hansard Society bring together an expert panel to debate how governments rule, and how this could change.
Keynote speaker: Stein Ringen, Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, Green College, Oxford

Discussants: Zac Goldsmith MP, Conservative MP for Richmond Park & North Kingston, and Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, George Parker, Political Editor of the Financial Times.

Chair: Rt Hon Peter Riddell, Chair, Hansard Society
Attendance is free of charge and open to all, but places must be reserved in advance. This event is full but to put your name on the waiting list, please visit: www.theRSA.org/events

Democracy Forum: Politics versus Young People

March 16, Grand Committee Room, Parliament
6.30 - 8.00

Speakers: To be confirmed

To RSVP go to hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Recent events

Democracy Forum: Political Memoirs: Egotistical or Educational?

Wednesday January 19, saw the first Democracy Forum of 2011. The speakers were two of the country's most experienced politicians, Tony Benn and Baroness Shirley Williams.

Debating issues such as political transparency, self-promotion and accuracy, the panel provided a fascinating insight into political memoirs and their unique ability to catch the spirit of the time.

Listen again

Making Better Law

The Hansard Society launched its latest publication Making Better Law in Parliament on December 14 2010. Joint authors Dr Ruth Fox and Matt Korris gave a presentation on the report's findings and recommendations. Sir George Young MP (Leader of the House of Commons), Baroness D'Souza (Convenor of the Crossbench Peers), Graham Allen MP (Chair of Political and Constitutional Reform Committee) and Chris Bryant MP (Shadow Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform) sat on a panel chaired by Rt Hon Peter Riddell (Chair, Hansard Society) which discussed the report and the issues highlighted by the Hansard Society.

Listen again to the discussion.

Hansard Society eNewsletter - December 2010

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:40:00 GMT

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

The Hansard Society would like to thank you for your support over the past year and wish you a Merry Christmas.
The Hansard Society has had an incredibly busy year in 2010 and much has been achieved. In 2010 the Hansard Society:

Held 29 public events with over 90 high profile speakers including Nick Clegg, Sir George Young, Jack Straw, Harriett Harmon in England, Scotland & Wales.

Produced seven publications - The internet and the 2010 election Audit of Political Engagement 7, What's trust got to do with it? Public trust in and expectations of politicians and Parliament, The reform challenge - perspectives on Parliament: past, present and future, Who governs? Forming a coalition or a minority government in the event of a hung Parliament, Has devolution delivered for women? & Making better law: reform of the legislative process from policy to Act (published December 14 2010).

Brought 92 international scholars to study the UK parliamentary system from USA, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Poland, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, UK, Serbia, New Zealand, Russia, Nigeria, Egypt, Bangladesh
268 young people took part in HeadsUp forum, engaging with 42 decision-makers

Gave evidence 19 times to Select Committees, IPSA, the Committee on Standards in Public Life & House of Lords Leaders Group

In 2011 we want to do this all over again and more, but we need your help. All of our events are free to attend, many of our publications are free to download and our citizenship education resources are provided to schools free of charge. We do this because at the heart of our work is the principle that civic society is most effective when its citizens are connected with the institutions and individuals who represent them in the democratic process.

Donate to us to enable us to continue our work
Become a Hansard Society Member to receive advance notice of our events and publications, including copies of our free hardback publications and a discounted subscription to Parliamentary Affairs.
Follow us on Twitter and join us on Facebook

Upcoming Events...

The Hansard Society has several events planned for the coming weeks.

Making Better Law

The Hansard Society will be launching its latest publication, Making Better Law, on Tuesday December 14.

Making Better Law examines the process of law making, and how greater expert involvement would improve final outcomes. The report recommends improvements in consultation and engagement in policy development, utilising and reforming scrutiny models and processes, and challenging the government to change its approach to the operation of the legislative process.

Author Dr Ruth Fox will be joined in discussion by an expert panel:

Peter Riddell, Chair, Hansard Society;
Rt Hon Sir George Young MP, Leader of the House
Chris Bryant MP, Shadow Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform;
Graham Allen MP, Chair of the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee; and
Baroness D'Souza, Convenor of the Crossbench Peers.

To RSVP go to hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Democracy Forum
- Political Memoirs: Egotistical or Educational?

Are memoirs constructive in terms of transparency, providing a necessary insight into the reality of political life, or, are they generally self-interested, placing self-promotion before the reputation of Parliament and politics? The question is particularly relevant given the huge publicity of Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson's autobiographies this year, and we're looking forward to exploring how beneficial such publications really are.

January 19, Macmillan Room, Portcullis House, Westminster, 6.30-8.00

Speakers: Tony Benn and Baroness Shirley Williams.

To RSVP go to hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Whatever has become of the Mother of Parliaments?

A lecture by Professor Stein Ringen, Oxford University, followed by a debate with an expert panel of parliamentarians

Wednesday January 26, 2011
Royal Society of Arts (RSA) - 8 John Adam Street London WC2N 6EZ
6.00

Chair: Rt Hon Peter Riddell (Chair, Hansard Society)

Keep checking the Hansard Society website for information about how to register for this event.

Hansard Society eNewsletter - November 2010

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:39:00 GMT

Hansard Society Newsletter
November 2010

Programmes

The Hansard Society is made up of five programmes that inform decision makers and engage the public.

Citizenship Education

HeadsUp News

HeadsUp was launched in June 2003 as a resource to promote political awareness and participation amongst young people under the age of 18. It is an online debating platform where young people under the voting age can deliberate on political issues, policies and events with other young people around the UK - an opportunity that is all too rare.

The site can also be accessed by parliamentarians making HeadsUp the first site of its kind to provide a space where these two groups can come together for purposeful dialogue.

This month's forum will discuss education and ask questions such as;

Are exams getting easier?
Do you have enough say in how your school is run?
Are bullies punished enough in your school?
Are you worried about affording further education?

The forum is so far being supported by Rt Hon David Blunkett MP and Damien Hinds, MP for East Hampshire and a member of the Education Select Committee.

Hansard Society supports world's first online march to Number 10

The Hansard Society is a proud partner of leading bullying-prevention charity Beatbullying's campaign ‘The Big March'. Over 400,000 people have joined the campaign so far, which will see avatars of those signing up to the website take off on a world-first virtual march across supporter websites to the No. 10 Downing Street website, on the first day of anti-bullying week 2010, 15^th November.

Prior to the march taking place, those signed up can enjoy a virtual festival area of activities in partner tents, including Facebook, Google, Action for Children, and of course the Hansard Society (live from the 15th) from which young people can access our citizenship education resources.

Join the march as an individual or organisation here, and visit the Hansard Society tent on the website from the 15^th.

Parliament and Government

Dr Ruth Fox, Director of the Parliament and Government Programme at the Hansard Society talked about the difficulties for Private Members' Bills on BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour on October 24.

BritainVotes 2010

Discounted copies of Britain Votes 2010 are still available until 31st December 2010. Fill out this order form and send directly to the Oxford University Press and you will receive a 25% discount (£11.99)

Upcoming Events...

The Hansard Society has several events planned for the coming weeks.

PSA/Hansard Society 2010 Annual Lecture

Tuesday 16 November, 6.30pm, Westminster.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP

Nick Clegg in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Lord President of the Council with special responsibility for political and constitutional reform will be giving this year's PSA/Hansard Society Lecture focusing on the new coalition government's ambitious programme for political renewal.

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL, but please be sure to follow the event live on Twitter and listen to the recordings on our website.

Our Democratic Heritage

The Hansard Society is supporting the launch of Our Democratic Heritage with an event on Monday 22^nd November.

Our Democratic Heritage is an innovative charity which aims to place democratic heritage in its rightful place in our national life alongside royal, military, artistic and scientific heritage. The ODH network is led by Dr Dan Plesch and the launch event will be hosted by Hon Dr Tristram Hunt MP.

Women and Devolution

Thursday November 25 at 2pm at the Pierhead, Cardiff Bay (adjacent to the Senedd).

Following the success of our seminar at the Scottish Parliament earlier this year, the Hansard Society will be hosting another debate, this time at the Welsh Assembly. The debate will centre on a Hansard Society report Has Devolution Delivered for Women? (by Joyce McMillan and Dr Ruth Fox). The report explores the progress that has been made in improving the levels of female representation in the devolved legislatures over the last 10 years, analyses how this happened and what obstacles now threaten that progress.

Speakers:
Mai Davies - Chair (News Journalist)
Dr Ruth Fox, Director, Parliament and Government Programme
Christine Chapman AM (Labour)
Helen Mary Jones AM (PC)

If you would like to attend this event, register here

Making Better Law

The Hansard Society will be launching its latest publication, Making Better Law, on Tuesday December 14.

Making Better Law examines the process of law making, and how greater expert involvement would improve final outcomes. The report recommends improvements in consultation and engagement in policy development, utilising and reforming scrutiny models and processes, and challenging the government to change its approach to the operation of the legislative process.

Authors Dr Ruth Fox and Matthew Korris will be joined in discussion by an expert panel:

Peter Riddell, Chair, Hansard Society;
Rt Hon Sir George Young MP, Leader of the House
Chris Bryant MP, Shadow Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform;
Graham Allen MP, Chair of the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee; and
Baroness D'Souza, Convenor of the Crossbench Peers.

If you would like to attend this event register here

Membership

Join the Hansard Society and help us to:

provide a platform for debate on current issues around Parliament, constitutional affairs, participation and engagement
generate wide-reaching recommendations to improve parliamentary and legislative processes through timely and rigorous research
push the boundaries of new technology and its abilities to engage the public with policy makers
run training sessions and create fresh and accessible resources for teachers and policy professionals, enabling them to understand a range of political issues and processes effectively
bring students from across the globe to study the British political system.

What are the advantages of membership?

free publications posted to you
electronic notification of our high-profile public seminars, meetings and briefings
subscription to the Hansard Society's Monthly eNewsletter
option to subscribe to Parliamentary Affairs at a reduced rate of £27 (usually £60)
Notification of the AGM

Hansard Society eNewsletter - October 2010

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:38:00 GMT

Hansard Society Newsletter
October 2010

Programmes

The Hansard Society is made up of five programmes that inform decision makers and engage the public.

Citizenship Education

Democratic Life

The Hansard Society is a governing member of the new Democratic Life (www.democraticlife.org.uk) coalition of organisations and individuals seeking to strengthen and extend young people's entitlement to high-quality citizenship education. Democratic Life is calling on politicians from all parties to support citizenship education so that it remains in the national curriculum and schools continue to improve the teaching of the subject.

Democratic Life believe citizenship education - through teaching about politics, the law and the economy and by providing opportunities for young people to gain the skills they need to take part in society - is essential for preparing young people for responsible participation in our shared democratic life.

Parliament and Government

Monday October 11
Political and Constitutional Reform Committee published their report on the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill including evidence from the Hansard Society.
Read the full report here

Study and Scholars

The autumn 2010 Hansard Scholars Programme has got off to a very smooth start. After a week of induction, the Scholars, accompanied by staff, headed off to Edinburgh for the usual four day study visit. The visit began with a tour of the city, followed the next morning with a session on the history and context of Scottish Devolution by well known political commentator, theatre critic and Hansard Scotland Working Group Chair, Joyce McMillan. Joyce's hugely informative session was followed by MSPs Nigel Don talking about what it is like to be in government and Marylyn Glen discussing being in opposition. This was followed by sessions on the Scottish economy, the Scottish Parliament and Europe and finally by a tour of Holyrood and the chance to sit in on a morning debating session and First Minister's Questions. Back in London, the Scholars will shortly begin their unpaid internships in and around Parliament and their academic courses. There are 21 undergraduates from US universities and colleges (whose number include a Ugandan and a Serb) and eight postgraduates from Nigeria, Georgia, Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, the US and the UK.

Hansard Society Scotland

Hansard Society at 2010 SNP Conference - Should Scotland care about reformed voting at Westminster?

The Hansard Society is collaborating with the Electoral Reform Society for this year's fringe meeting at the SNP Conference. The event will take place on Friday 15th October from 5.30pm - 6.30pm, Perth Morning Room, Royal George Hotel, Perth.

Speakers: Professor John Curtice (University of Strathclyde), Pete Wishart MP, Dr Ruth Fox (Hansard Society), Linda Fabiani MSP and Willie Sullivan, (Director of Electoral Reform Society Scotland).

Upcoming Events...

The Hansard Society has several events planned for the coming weeks.

Democracy Forum - Thursday October 28, Westminster.

Details to follow.

PSA/Hansard Society 2010 Annual Lecture

Tuesday November 16, 6.30pm, Westminster.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP

Nick Clegg in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Lord President of the Council with special responsibility for political and constitutional reform will be giving this year's PSA/Hansard Society Lecture focusing on the new coalition government's ambitious programme for political renewal.

Attendance to this event is free.

Please RSVP to the PSA

Previous Events

Britain Votes 2010

On September 15th we hosted a hugely successful event to coincide with the launch of Britain Votes 2010, the new comprehensive analysis of the 2010 general election.
We received a fascinating keynote address from Prof John Curtice who asked "So what went wrong with the electoral system?", a panel discussion with the contributors, and Q&A session with the audience. Listen to the event here or watch on BBC Parliament on Saturday October 16.

To obtain a copy of the book, you can send this order form directly to the Oxford University Press and you will receive a 25% discount (£11.99) until December 31 2010.

Hansard Society and Institute for Government Fringe Event - Jack of All Trades - How can MPs fulfil all their roles?

This year the Hansard Society together with the Institute for Government held successful fringe events at the three main party conferences. To listen to audio of the debates click on the link.

"Campaigner, advocate, legislator, scrutineer, champion, middle-manager, legal advisor, financial advisor, welfare officer, copywriter, pundit, super-councillor, agony aunt, punch bag and D-list celebrity"

- Some of the roles expected of MPs, described by David Heath MP

Coming Up in Parliament...

Thursday October 14 2010
Political and Constitutional Reform Select Committee
Lessons from the process of government formation after the 2010 general election
Oral Evidence Session: David Laws MP and Lord Adonis, Director, Institute for Government

Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill - Committee of the whole House
Day 1 - Tuesday October 12 2010
Day 2 - Monday October 18 2010
Day 3 - Tuesday October 19 2010
Day 4 - Wednesday October 20 2010

Tuesday October 19
Public Administration Committee Smaller government: What do ministers do?
Oral Evidence Session: Sir Hugh Orde, Chair of ACPO; Rob Garnham, Chair of the Association of Police Authorities; and Richard Kemp, Vice Chair, Local Government Association

Thursday October 28
Public Administration Committee:Work of the Cabinet Office
Oral Evidence Session Sir Gus O'Donnell KCB, Secretary of the Cabinet and Head of the Home Civil Service

House of Lords

Tuesday October 12 2010
Debate
Report of the Constitution Committee on Referendums in the UK - Baroness Jay of Paddington / Lord McNally

Wednesday October 13 2010
Constitution Select Committee
Witness(es): Nick Clegg MP, Deputy Prime Minister.

Lords of the Blog

Lords of the Blog encourages dialogue between the public and Members of the House of Lords. Members of the Lords write blogs on their specialist areas and talk about life and work in the House of Lords.

Baroness Murphy - The Demon Drink
"I'd better own up to the fact that I once owned half of a brewery and was a significant shareholder in a gin distillery. (You could say I live on gin)".

Lord Norton - The young ones
"in the period from 1734 to 1832, 81 MPs were elected who were under age"

Lord Tlyler - Wonderland
"Alice would have felt entirely at home if she had strayed into the Lords chamber on Tuesday afternoon".

Hansard Society in the Media

Iain Dale's Blog
Where are the MPs?
October 5^th

Iain Dale talks about his appearance at our Conservative Party Conference fringe event, ‘Jack of all trades: How can MPs fulfil all their roles?', and asks why more MPs didn't attend.

EPOLITX
Articles on the Hansard Society/Institute for Government fringe events; including comment on speaker Nick Boles MP's remarks on immigration, and analysis of the debate at the Liberal Democrat conference.

Tuesday Fringe Picks October 5^th
An eye on career progression or a messenger from Number 10? October 5th
Are MPs up to the job? September 21^st

^{BBC Mark D'Arcy's Blog}
AV study reveals some surprises
October 5^th

BBC Political Correspondent Mark D'Arcy looks examines the latest publication from Parliamentary Affairs, Britain Votes 2010 (click for more details).

Liberal Democrat Voice
Eight lessons from the general election campaign for activities outside politics
September 27th

Mark Pack expands on his article in the recent Hansard Society publication.

Radio 5 live
September 26^th

Ed Miliband has won the Labour leadership contest
Visiting fellow of the Hansard Society, Professor Matt Cole, comments on the election of Ed Miliband to leader of the Labour Party.

Frome and Somerset Standard
September 23rd

Can MPs combine all our roles?
David Heath MP summarises his contribution to our Liberal Democrat fringe event on the roles of MPs.

Liberal Democrat Voice
September 8^th

The male dominance of online British politics
Mark Pack draws on evidence given in our recent publication ‘The internet and the 2010 election'(click to view the publication) to discuss why, despite most bloggers and voters being women, the lists of political blogs are dominated by men.

Hansard Society eNewsletter - September 2010

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:36:00 GMT

Hansard Society nominated for Think Tank of the Year

The Hansard Society has made the final shortlist for the Public Affairs News ‘Think Tank of the Year' award.

We have already won before in 2006, as well as Prospect magazine's Think Tank of the Year in 2008. 2010 has been very busy and exciting, so fingers crossed this will also be our year.
The awards ceremony is on 27^th October and will be presented by the BBC's Chief Political Correspondent, Laura Kuenssberg. For more information on the PAN awards click here

BritainVotes 2010: A new analysis of the election and its aftermath

The Hansard Society will host a debate on the general election on Wednesday 15^th September, to coincide with the publication of the latest comprehensive analysis of the campaign and its aftermath.

Edited by Prof Andrew Geddes and Prof Jonathan Tonge, this expert assessmentcovers the campaigns and fortunes of the three main parties, the impact of new campaign features - in particular the leaders' television debates, how the Conservative - Liberal Democrat coalition was formed and the potential for coalition governments in the future.
The debate will be led by a keynote speech from Prof John Curtice, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A.

The event will be held on Wednesday 15^th September in Portcullis House, Westminster from 6.30pm-8pm. To register please go to www.hansardsociety.org.uk/events or contact hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk / 0207 438 1210.

Party Conference Events -Update

Since our last newsletter, we are delighted to announce that three more panellists will be attending the Hansard Society/IfG party conference fringe events;‘Jack of all trades - how can MPs fulfil all their roles?'

In addition to our existing guests we will be joined by;

Sir George Young MP, Leader of the House of Commons and Lord Privy Seal (Conservative Party Conference)
Mary Macleod MP (Conservative Party Conference)
John Cryer MP (Labour Party Conference)

Sir George Young MP gave his first keynote address as Leader of the House at the Hansard Society's lecture on parliamentary reform on June 16^th (listen to the recording and read the transcript here ). Mary Macleod MP is one of the Conservative Party's newly elected female MPs, and has led a long campaign to increase the number of women in Parliament. John Cryer MP returned to Parliament in 2010 after losing his seat in 2005. As a returning MP and having both parents serve as members of the House of Commons, he will no doubt provide an interesting perspective on how the role of MPs is changing.
For full details of times, dates and speakers, please click here

‘Citizens vs. the State...do you know your rights?'
- HeadsUp forum returns

The HeadsUp forum for young people will launch a new debate on human rights and civil liberties on 20^th September.

This online space connects under-18s with MPs, Peers, and decision-makers, and is an excellent resource for teaching about human rights and citizenship.

Amongst the issues to be discussed are: What are the coalition government's plans for rights and civil liberties? Does the internet enhance rights or restrict them? What can we do to stop human rights abuses?

The forum will be open for teachers and under-18s to post from 20^th September to 8^th October. Register to take part at http://www.headsup.org.uk. For those not able to post, the debate will still be visible for you to follow on the website.

Digital Democracy - international profile continues to grow

The international reputation of the Hansard Society's Digital Democracy research continues to increase.

So far this year Dr Andy Williamson, the programme's director, has given invited keynote speeches to the European eDemocracy Conference in Austria and to the Parliamentary Libraries and Research Services Conference at the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm. This follows on from his keynote speech in Canberra last November. In September he will present the keynote address to the global invitation-only workshop on internet campaigning and elections, which is being held at the Oxford Internet Institute, Oxford University.

Digital Democracy's latest publication is The internet and the 2010 election, which follows on from our pre-election report, Behind the digital campaign.
Both be downloaded from the publications section of our website.

Hansard Society eNewsletter - August 2010

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:34:00 GMT

Summer might be quiet in Westminster, but the Hansard Society is still working hard and preparing for conference season and beyond.
Here are the highlights of what's coming up...

Hansard Society at 2010 Party Conferences

The Hansard Society will be hosting fringe meetings with the Institute for Government at all three main Party Conferences this year, discussing how MPs can manage to fulfill their many roles.

The following guests will be joining us for ‘Jack of all trades - how can MPs fulfill all their roles?':

Liberal Democrat
September 20th, 6.15pm
Peter Riddell (Chair), Jo Swinson MP,
David Heath MP, Dr Julian Huppert MP, Jackie Ashley (Guardian)

Labour
September 28^th, 12.30pm
Peter Riddell (Chair), Stella Creasy MP,
Jack Straw MP, Polly Toynbee (Guardian)

Conservative
October 5^th, 12.30pm
Lord Adonis (Chair), Stephen Dorrell MP
Iain Dale (Total Politics), Nick Boles MP

The Hansard Society worked with the Institute for Government shortly after the election, combining our areas of expertise to give advice to new MPs on what they might expect in their unique and varied roles. At conference our panels of former cabinet ministers, MPs, and commentators promise a stimulating debate.

Meetings are free to attend, but will be held in pass-holder areas, so please make sure you are registered to attend conference in advance

Hansard Society at the Festival of Politics

Edinburgh promises to be a hive of activity this month and the Hansard Society will not be missing out, hosting two panel discussions at the five-day Festival of Politics.

Dr Ruth Fox, Parliament & Government Director, will be in conversation with Joyce McMillan of The Scotsman. They will discuss the representation of women in Scottish and UK politics, following significant progress made by the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales in the past decade, but a disappointingly low profile at the 2010 general election.

Michael Raftery, Citizenship and Education Director, will be hosting a discussion on where young people obtain information on politics, given the continued decrease in newspaper readership amongst the young, and the growing importance of digital media. He will be joined by Robin Harper MSP, co-convener of the cross party group on children and young people, and by Andrew Greenwood who is heading up The Scotsman's e-engagement initiative.

This is the sixth Festival of Politics, which provides a diverse and interactive programme of events, bringing together politics, media and the arts. The Festival is held in the Scottish Parliament and runs from 17^th - 21^st August.

Women at the Top: Where next for Women in Politics? Saturday 21^st August 16.00 (17.00) Committee Room 3

Where Do Young People Get Their Political News?
Friday 20^th August, 11.00 (12.00) Committee Room 1

Tickets are free plus £1 booking fee, for further booking information go to www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk.

OBR inquiry - Hansard Society recommends annual parliamentary debate

The Parliament & Government programme have submitted evidence to the Treasury Select Committee's inquiry on the Office of Budget Responsibility.

The submission examines whether the remit of the OBR could be widened in relation to reporting to Parliament and recommends that mechanisms are established to ensure that OBR reports are debated annually in the House of Commons.

The Treasury Select Committee will meet next on September 16^th.

Nick Clegg to give 2010 Annual Lecture

We are delighted to announce that Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP will be giving the Hansard Society/PSA Annual Lecture later this year.

Now in its fourth year the joint Hansard Society/PSA Annual Lecture is a popular event amongst policy makers, think tanks, academics and many others. The lecture will be held in Westminster on 16^th November - further details will be on our website in the coming months.

Hansard Society eNewsletter - June 2010

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:33:00 GMT

HeadsUp Forum: new parliament enthusiastic about engaging with young people
The latest HeadsUp Forum Politics and Politicians: what needs to change? has had a record 19 parliamentarians pledge their support and participation, including six new MPs.

The Forum, which runs between June 21 and July 9, will allow young people aged between 11 and 18 to have their say on the new government by engaging with new and experienced MPs, shadow and serving Ministers, and Peers - as well as with each other.

It's not too late for teachers, youth workers, and young people to sign up to the current Forum. To do so, visit the HeadsUp website.

Nominet Awards Nomination
HeadsUp has been nominated for a Nominet Internet Award for 'Empowering Young People and Citizens'

These awards are aimed at individuals and organisations that work to make the internet a more secure and accessible place for its users. They promote UK best practice and celebrate achievement and innovation on the internet.

Of course we are extremely pleased to be nominated, but would be even happier to win - so fingers crossed for the awards ceremony on July 7. Find out in our next newsletter if we were successful!

Hansard Society at the 2010 Festival of Politics
The Hansard Society will be hosting a panel discussion Women at the Top: Where Next for Women in Politics? at this annual festival in Edinburgh this August.

The Festival presents a diverse programme of events bringing together politics, media and the arts through performance, discussion and debate.

The Hansard Society event takes place in Committee Room 3 in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood at 4pm on Saturday August 21. The Festival's 2010 website is launched on Monday July 5 so visit it from then for updated information on the Hansard Society event and all the others taking place.

Upcoming book launch
The Hansard Society will be launching a new book on the impact and role of the internet at the 2010 General Election.
Edited by Hansard Society's Director of Digital Democracy Dr. Andy Williamson along with Professor Rachel Gibson from the University of Manchester and Dr. Stephen Ward from the University of Salford, the book contains contributions from a number of key thinkers in the space of digital politics.

It will be launched on July 29 at an event at Westminster and will be available electronically. More details about the launch and the book itself will be available nearer the time.

Recent events - catch up and listen again

The Hansard Society has had several events take place over the last month covering a range of issues including parliamentary reform, coalition government and reform of the ballot box voting system. Audio recordings from a number of these are available from the Hansard Society website - see below for links:

Hansard Society eNewsletter - May 2010

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:31:00 GMT

Has Devolution Delivered for Women?

Action needed if improvements in women's representation in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly are to be sustained.
The new report (pdf download) - written by Joyce McMillan (Hansard Society Scotland and The Scotsman) and Dr. Ruth Fox (Hansard Society) and supported by the British Council Scotland - shows that the battle for fair and equal representation of women is far from over. Despite some successes in the devolved legislatures, new action is urgently required if the progress is to be sustained. Has Devolution Delivered for Women? explores the last ten years of progress, analyses how it happened and the obstacles that now jeopardise it.

The new report was discussed on Tuesday May 25 at the Scottish Parliament. The event was chaired by Dr. Ruth Fox of the Hansard Society and speakers included Wendy Alexander MSP and Dr. Fiona Mackay, University of Edinburgh. A recording is available on our website.

More information about the Has Devolution Delivered for Women? project can be found on the Hansard Society's Women at the Top blog.

Why do young people feel disillusioned with politics?

The most recent HeadsUp Forum report highlights why young people feel disillusioned with and excluded from our political system.
Young people that took part in the HeadsUp general election debate, held between April 26 and May 14, exhibited different political priorities compared to most adults. It was clear they felt that these differences meant that their interests were not represented as well as those of adults. They were also dissuaded from getting involved in politics because of not being able to effect change.

Debates about what is the correct age to start voting are likely to continue for some time but MPs should heed the message that to avoid disengaging their younger constituents from politics altogether they must talk to them, listen to them and find new ways to connect with this politically passionate but sometimes cynical generation.

To read the full report click here.

Y Vote Mock Elections 2010: results!

Liberal Democrats won twice as many seats as the Conservatives and over three times as many seats as Labour with a massive 50.7% of seats across the country.
These results, produced by the participation of over 250,000 young people, show that the Liberal Democrats are young people's party of choice for government. The Conservative Party achieved 24.9% of the vote while Labour came third having been elected in only 15.9% of seats. This of course differs greatly from the real General Election in which Labour achieved 39% of the vote. Smaller parties achieved 8% of seats collectively, doing much better than smaller parties in the General Election where they achieved 4% of seats.

The Y Vote Mock Elections website is run by the Hansard Society and is supported by the Electoral Commission and the Department for Education (formerly Children, Schools and Families).

Upcoming Events

The Hansard Society has several events planned for the coming weeks - follow these links for full details including how to register: