The Burnham question: A new approach to whipping Westminster?Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 148
Latest work and highlights
At a time when democracy is under growing pressure, a resilient and effective Parliament matters more than ever. The Hansard Society is the UK’s independent charity dedicated to strengthening Parliament. As Westminster's "critical friend", we provide insight into how Parliament works, why it matters, and how it can be more effective. Founded in 1944 as a non-partisan membership organisation, the Society's first members were Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee. We receive no public funding from Government or Parliament. Our independence – and our impact – depend on the support of our members and donors. Join us or donate to help safeguard and strengthen parliamentary democracy for the future.
28 June 2026 | BULLETIN
Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 29 June – 3 July 2026
25 June 2026 | BLOG
Are there too many Urgent Questions in the House of Commons?
Dr Ruxandra Serban
17 June 2026 | BLOG
Must MPs choose between improving the assisted dying bill and using the Parliament Act?
Matthew England
7 May 2026 | BRIEFING
The assisted dying bill: How could the Parliament Act be used?
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – the bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales – fell at the close of the 2024-2026 parliamentary session, after running out of time in the House of Lords. Attention has now shifted to whether the bill could return in the next session and, if so, whether it could be enacted using the procedures set out in the Parliament Act. This briefing explains the Parliament Act procedure, examines previous uses of the Act and the procedural lessons that may be drawn from them, and looks at the constitutional issues involved.
The Commons debates that will authorise £1.15 trillion of public spending
The Government is seeking Parliament's approval for £1.5 trillion of departmental spending this financial year. MPs will debate the Government's Main Estimates – its annual spending plans – later this month. Our Guide to the Estimates Cycle explains how the process works and why these debates matter.
Are there too many Urgent Questions in the House of Commons?
The number of Urgent Questions (UQs) has increased significantly since 2010. Research by Dr Ruxandra Serban shows that far more UQs are now granted per sitting day than before John Bercow's speakership. But what purpose do UQs serve, which departments face the most questions, and which ministers tend to respond?
UK-EU relations: Does Parliament need a new EU Scrutiny Committee?
As the Government negotiates new agreements with the EU that could commit the UK to "dynamic alignment" with EU rules, Parliament will need stronger scrutiny arrangements. In evidence to the House of Lords we set out how Parliament can monitor regulatory developments, assess their implications and ensure Ministers are held to account.
Why is the number of Written Parliamentary Questions rising so rapidly?
The use of Written Parliamentary Questions has risen dramatically since July 2024, with MPs tabling questions at unprecedented levels. By late 2025, more than 600 were being submitted on each sitting day — more than double the long-term average. Our evidence to the Commons Procedure Committee explains why.
Devolution: How should inter-parliamentary relations evolve?
Despite the importance of relations between Westminster and the devolved nations, there are currently no formal mechanisms through which the two Houses of Parliament and the devolved legislatures can regularly engage on issues of shared concern. We proposes a new Inter-Parliamentary Body to improve relations across the UK.
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Democracy is in trouble
"To get things done in a democracy requires a willingness to compromise, to painstakingly search for the common ground. Being prepared to make compromises in order to make progress does not mean compromising on our values. Rather, it is precisely the way to defend them."
Rt Hon Theresa May MP The Churchill-Attlee Democracy Lecture
The future of the House of Lords
"The Lords has the capability and the expertise to improve laws and improve lives. But our system only works because the House of Commons, who are elected by voters, have the final say. Our members have ideas, but what’s crucial is that the status of their ideas is advisory. Again, our work complements the work of the elected Chamber, rather than competing with it."
Rt Hon the Lord McFall of Alcluith The Lord Speaker Parliamentary Affairs 75th Anniversary Lecture
