Parliamentary Affairs (vol 71, issue 1, 2018)

Journal

Parliamentary Affairs (vol 71, issue 1, 2018)

1 Jan 2018

Articles on topics including divisions within the Parliamentary Conservative Party following the Brexit referendum, a new analysis of representatation and majoritarianism in the UK House of Commons, Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster, and the affect of parenthood and gender on political leadership.

Articles

Policy, Office and Votes: Conservative MPs and the Brexit ReferendumLuke Moore
Incitement to Hatred and Countering Terrorism: Policy Confusion in the UK and AustraliaKatharine Gelber
Majoritarianism Reinterpreted: Effective Representation and the Quality of Westminster DemocracyFelicity Matthews
Representing the Region on the Floor: Socioeconomic Characteristics of Electoral Districts and Legislative SpeechmakingHanna Bäck, Marc Debus
Digital Communication and Representational Interactivity: an Analysis of www.WriteToThem.com in ScotlandHartwig Pautz
Parliament and the Representation of Indigenous Issues: The Canadian CaseMichael D Morden
The Politics of Parliamentary Restoration and Renewal: Decisions, Discretion, DemocracyMatthew Flinders, Leanne-Marie Cotter, Alix Kelso, Alex Meakin
The Politics of Symbols: Reflections on the French Government’s Framing of the 2015 Terrorist AttacksFlorence Faucher, Laurie Boussaguet
Politics and Parenthood: An Examination of UK Party Leadership Elections (editors' choice)Jessica C Smith

Latest / Highlights

News / Dynamic alignment and Henry VIII powers: What will the Government’s EU reset mean for Parliament? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 139

A major “EU reset” bill could allow Ministers to dynamically align UK law with EU rules using so-called Henry VIII powers, raising fresh questions about Parliament’s role and scrutiny. We are joined by Professor Catherine Barnard to explore the trade-offs and implications. We also examine Parliament’s surprise block on Church of England governance reforms and ask whether shutting down Parliament for a two-week prorogation – when it cannot be recalled – is wise in an increasingly unstable world. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS

Submissions / Written Parliamentary Questions - Our evidence to the House of Commons Procedure Committee

The use of Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs) is rising sharply. Since July 2024, MPs have tabled questions at unprecedented levels. By late 2025 MPs were tabling over 600 per sitting day, more than double the long-term average. WPQs are a cornerstone of parliamentary scrutiny, helping MPs obtain information, challenge government policy and put issues on the public record. But this surge raises important questions about how Parliament balances transparency and accountability with the practical limits of the system. The House of Commons Procedure Committee is now examining the issue and has just published our submission containing our latest data and analysis.

News / Will key Government bills pass by the end of the parliamentary Session? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 138

With the King’s Speech set for 13 May, attention turns to the end of the current parliamentary Session and the frantic “wash-up” period before prorogation, likely in late April. We assess which Bills can still make it through in the remaining sitting days. With major Lords amendments on issues including revenge porn, social media access for under-16s, court transcripts and AI safety, Ministers face intense pressure and possible concessions. We also examine the political stakes around the Chagos Islands Bill and the stalled Hillsborough Law. The episode also answers listener questions on parliamentary procedure and reform, before exploring the sharp rise in Written Parliamentary Questions and what it means for effective scrutiny in Westminster. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS

News / Who really decides Immigration Rules: Parliament or the Home Secretary? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 137

Who really controls immigration law when Ministers can rewrite key rules with minimal parliamentary scrutiny? Jonathan Featonby of the Refugee Council explains the Home Secretary’s far-reaching powers over Immigration Rules. We also discuss the Crime and Policing Bill, where amendments on AI and abortion highlight the challenges posed by rushed law-making and executive overreach. And we look ahead to the next phase of the assisted dying debate, as supporters in the House of Commons prepare for a renewed legislative push in the next parliamentary Session. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS

News / Jury trials under threat? The Courts and Tribunals Bill explained - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 136

Plans to restrict the right to a jury trial have cleared their Second Reading in the Commons, but the proposals in the Courts and Tribunals Bill face growing resistance, including from Labour rebels. We discuss the legal and constitutional implications with barrister Lord Macdonald of River Glaven, examining what the reforms could mean for defendants’ rights and the criminal courts system. We also assess the passage of legislation removing hereditary Peers from Parliament, and the late compromise that eased opposition in the House of Lords. Meanwhile Sir Lindsay Hoyle clashes with the Chief Whip over delays in the division lobby, and newly released papers on Peter Mandelson’s Washington appointment raise fresh political questions. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS