Themes

Making better law

Acts of Parliament in the Parliamentary Archives, Houses of Parliament, Westminster. (© UK Parliament / Parliamentary Archives)

The process for making and scrutinising legislation at Westminster is often unsatisfactory and poorly understood. How does the process work? Who influences it? And how could it be improved?

News / What has Keir Starmer got in common with Robert Redford? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 42 transcript

The legislative process is underway following the King’s Speech, so what bills are planned? This week, Professor Philip Cowley, an expert on parliamentary rebellions, joins the podcast to discuss managing a mega-majority. Intriguingly, he reveals why Keir Starmer reminds him of Robert Redford.

12 Jul 2024
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News / New arrivals, absent friends and time-honoured ceremonies - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 41 transcript

Old stagers and complete newcomers: Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ministerial team is taking shape. But is it a good idea to turn newly-minted MPs straight into ministers? Looking ahead we also explore the upcoming Deputy Speaker elections and the allocation of Select Committee chairs.

12 Jul 2024
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News / Who will be the stars of the new Parliament? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 40 transcript

With a 50% new intake and 40% female representation, the latest parliamentary group promises exciting new talent. Renowned journalist and 'Tomorrow’s MPs' watcher Michael Crick shares his insights on the standout figures to watch in the coming years.

07 Jul 2024
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News / Supermajority vs. micro-opposition: Parliament after the general election? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 39 transcript

Government Ministers have been warning of the risks if Labour wins a ‘supermajority’. But does the concept have any real meaning in the House of Commons?

28 Jun 2024
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News / Will the parties reform Westminster? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 38 transcript

After a brief election-induced hiatus Mark and Ruth are back to look at the party’s manifesto plans to reshape Parliament and politics. They are joined by one of the country’s leading constitutional experts, Professor Meg Russell, Director of the Constitution Unit at University College London, to give us her verdict on the parties’ proposals to reform both the Commons and the Lords.

21 Jun 2024
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Guides / What is the King’s Speech?

06 Nov 2023
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Projects / Delegated Legislation Review

02 Nov 2021
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Blog / Ping-pong and packaging

13 Feb 2021
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Publications / A New Normal? Parliament after Brexit

09 Mar 2020
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Guides / What is a Presentation Bill?

13 Dec 2019
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Guides / What is a Ballot Bill?

13 Dec 2019