Blogs - Hansard Society

Welcome

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

Providing a platform for debate on the reform of Parliament;
Pushing the boundaries of technology and its public engagement potential;
Creating free resources to help citizenship teachers present the curriculum in an innovative way;
Bringing students from across the globe to study the British political system.

Connecting young people with democracy

Exploring the social and political impacts of technology

Could eDemocracy make the democratic deficit worse?

The internet had a bit-part in last week’s local government elections but its importance in central and local government continues to increase. Those of us who advocate for eDemocracy as a way of increasing participation need to also consider strategies for getting more people online and using the internet effectively. Failure to do this could make the democratic deficit worse.
From government online to opposition online
Getting personal makes blogging a success
On a web and a prayer
Lords of the Blog interviewed by Catch 21

Monitoring devolution and its effect on Scotland

Become a Hansard Society Scotland Research Scholar!

The Hansard Society/ University of Edinburgh Research Scholars Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for postgraduate students and professionals to develop applied knowledge of structures of government and policy processes in the UK, with a particular emphasis on Scotland, and gain invaluable experience at the heart of the British political system. If you’re interested in doing a unique political internship in Edinburgh and studying British politics at its world famous University, there’s still time to apply for Autumn 2008.
The National Conversation
MPs in Schools Scotland resource packs
Hansard Society Scotland at 2007 SNP Conference

Research and ideas on Parliament and politics

New publication on the impact of a hung parliament on British politics

There has been increasing speculation that the next UK general election might produce a parliament in which no single party holds a majority of seats – a ‘hung parliament’. It is over 30 years since the last hung parliament so what would be the modern day consequences for Parliament, the political parties, individual MPs, and the public? A new Hansard Society publication examines the impact of a hung parliament on British politics.
Parliament must do more to scrutinise government spending
Playing to its strengths: Parliament and Select Committees
Constitutional conundrums
Hung-up over Nothing? The Impact of a Hung Parliament on British Politics

Learning about British politics from the inside

Still time to apply for the Autumn 08 Hansard Scholars Programmes!

If you’re interested in doing a unique political internship in Westminster and studying British politics at the London School of Economics, you will certainly be interested in the Autumn 2008 Hansard Scholars Programme. 2008 really will be a fascinating time to be involved in British politics and you can be a part of this – witnessing the changes, conflicts and developments first hand as they emerge.
Hansard Scholars Visit Edinburgh
What they've said about the Hansard Scholars Programme
Hansard Scholars Programme - Frequently Asked Questions