About

Understand how Parliament works and what needs to change — Sign up for expert analysis

Stay informed with the Hansard Society

Want to understand how Parliament really works — and how it could work better?

Sign up to receive expert analysis, research, podcasts, and event updates from the Hansard Society. You’ll also get the Parliament Matters Bulletin, our weekly guide to what’s coming up in the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Please enter your details using the link below.

Your details are safe with us. We will not pass your information on to other organisations for marketing purposes. You can read our privacy policy for more information.

News / Parliament vs. Prince Andrew - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 111

This week, we explore how far Parliament can go in holding members of the Royal Family to account, as pressure grows for MPs to scrutinise Prince Andrew’s finances and royal titles. We ask whether Nigel Farage should get a right of reply at Prime Minister’s Questions amid his growing prominence, and examine Labour’s reshuffle of select committee posts and calls for greater transparency in how they’re filled. Plus, a look back at the rebuilding of the House of Commons Chamber, 75 years after its postwar reopening. Please help us by completing our Listener Survey. It will only take a few minutes.

24 Oct 2025
Read more

News / Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 20-24 October 2025

MPs will focus on the Bill to implement the UK–Mauritius Treaty transferring sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, the Sentencing Bill, and the Renters’ Rights Bill which is expected to be sent for Royal Assent. They will also discuss Scottish devolution and Black History Month, while the Northern Ireland Secretary gives evidence on the Windsor Framework and the legacy of the Troubles. In the Lords, the new Select Committee to consider the assisted dying bill begins its work. Peers will also examine the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the Fraud Recovery Bill, and the Deprivation of Citizenship Orders Bill. They will hear from the Bank of England Governor, and consider the proposed suspension of former Lord Speaker, Baroness D’Souza.

19 Oct 2025
Read more

News / Parliament’s spying scandal: Why was the China case dropped? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 110

It’s been a tumultuous week in Westminster, with three ministerial statements on the China spying case and fresh questions about the collapse of charges against two alleged spies. We are joined by Cambridge public law expert Professor Mark Elliott to untangle the legal and political fallout, from espionage claims inside MPs’ offices to confusion over whether China was ever designated an “enemy state.” We also explore looming government challenges — the Budget, Afghan data leak, local election setbacks — and the membership of the new Select Committee to consider the assisted dying legislation in the House of Lords. Please help us by completing our Listener Survey. It will only take a few minutes.

17 Oct 2025
Read more

Briefings / Assisted dying - The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Rolling news

Stay informed with updates and analysis on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill as it moves through Parliament. Learn about the debates, procedures, decisions, and key milestones shaping the assisted dying legislation.

15 May 2025
Read more

News / What are the Usual Channels? A short history of Westminster whipping - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 108

In this episode, we talk to political journalist Seb Whale about his new book, The Usual Channels, which reveals the hidden world of Westminster’s whips. Seb charts how party discipline has evolved – from the stormy politics of the 1970s and the Maastricht battles of the 1990s to the legendary “black book,” the Brexit showdowns and the short-lived Liz Truss premiership. He explains how the whips’ office has adapted to a modern Parliament – especially with the influx of women MPs – and why, even today, whips still wield decisive influence over MPs’ careers and remain indispensable despite the pressures of contemporary politics. Please help us by completing our Listener Survey. It will only take a few minutes.

26 Sep 2025
Read more