Events / Members

Mapping the Constitution with David Torrance

10 Dec 2024
Aerial photo of the United Kingdom showing air traffic lines, depicting a 'political pulse'

Dr David Torrance spoke to us about his major new project for the House of Commons Library: Mapping the UK Constitution.

6:00pm-7:15pm on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, at the Palace of Westminster followed by refreshments at a nearby venue

This is a meeting for Hansard Society members and their friends. Not already a member of the Hansard Society? Join us now!

We are delighted to welcome Dr David Torrance, the constitutional expert, author and researcher for the House of Commons Library. David will talk about his fascinating new project, mapping the UK Constitution.

Our meeting is hosted by the Chair of our Board of Trustees, Baroness Taylor of Bolton, alongside our Director, Dr Ruth Fox.

After the talk and Q&A with David, there will be an opportunity for socialising and refreshments at a nearby accessible bar.

The United Kingdom Constitution – A Mapping Exercise

The United Kingdom Constitution – A Mapping Exercise is a uniquely detailed Research Briefing written by David Torrance and published by the House of Commons Library.

First published on 26 November 2024, the work is “intended as a navigational aid to what can often appear an endless and impenetrable mass of constitutional information”. In nearly 300 pages, David captures the great range of formal and informal rules, conventions and procedures that determine how our country is run.

About our guest speaker

Dr David Torrance has worked for the House of Commons Library since 2018. He brings a wealth of expertise, with two decades of experience as a journalist and broadcaster focusing on Scottish politics. He’s authored several notable works, including biographies of Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon, as well as his latest book, The Wild Men: The Remarkable Story of Britain’s First Labour Government.

Latest / Highlights

News / Mandelson, Andrew and Epstein: Should there be parliamentary committee of inquiry? A conversation with Tom Tugendhat MP - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 133

After the Greens’ Gorton and Denton by-election win, we assess the fallout: pressure on the Prime Minister, possible party-switching, shifting alliances, and whether mainstream parties’ sub-30% vote share could revive electoral reform. Tom Tugendhat MP calls for a parliamentary “super-committee” to probe the Mandelson–Mountbatten-Windsor saga. Plus: Speaker drama over Mandelson’s arrest, and looming battles over the Spring Statement and billions in public spending. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS

28 Feb 2026
Read more

News / The forgotten pioneer: Who was Margaret Bondfield, Britain’s first female Cabinet Minister? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 132

Why is Britain’s first female Cabinet Minister largely forgotten? Historian Nan Sloane discusses her new biography of Margaret Bondfield, the trade unionist who became the first woman in the British Cabinet. Rising from harsh shop-floor conditions to national prominence, Bondfield took office as Minister of Labour in 1929 at the onset of the Great Depression. As economic crisis split the Labour Party, her reputation never recovered. Was she a pioneer, pragmatist, or unfairly judged? Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS

20 Feb 2026
Read more

Events / The Ukrainian Parliament after four years of war - Dr Sarah Whitmore

On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Dr Sarah Whitmore spoke to us about how the Ukrainian Parliament has functioned under wartime conditions. 6:00pm-7:30pm on Tuesday 24 February 2026 at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster

24 Feb 2026
Read more

News / What happens when you lose the party whip? A conversation with Neil Duncan-Jordan MP - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 131

Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan reflects on rebelling against the whip and calling for Keir Starmer to resign, as we assess the fallout from the Mandelson–Epstein affair and its implications for the Government’s legislative programme and House of Lords reform. We examine Gordon Brown’s sweeping standards proposals, question whether they would restore public trust, revisit tensions over the assisted dying bill in the Lord and discuss two key Procedure Committee reports on Commons debates and internal elections. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS

13 Feb 2026
Read more

Blog / Once again, there is still no alternative: the costed proposals for Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster

The Restoration and Renewal Client Board’s latest report once again confirms what Parliament has known for nearly a decade: the cheapest, quickest and safest way to restore the Palace of Westminster is for MPs and Peers to move out during the works. The “full decant” option was endorsed in 2018 and reaffirmed repeatedly since. Remaining in the building could more than double costs, extend works into the 2080s, and increase risks to safety, accessibility and security. With the Palace already deteriorating and millions spent each year on patchwork repairs, further delay would itself be an expensive course of action, one that defers decisions without offering a viable alternative.

07 Feb 2026
Read more

Categories

Themes

Contact

Legal

Fundraising Regulator logo