News

News and coverage

News, press releases, selected coverage, and media appearances and contributions.

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Hansard Society staff are happy to speak to the media about our research and recommendations. The Society’s research team features regularly in broadcast, print and online media, and staff write and contribute to news and comment articles.

News / Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 10-14 February 2025

MPs will debate the Government’s new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill for the first time, as well as two bills that have faced multiple defeats in the House of Lords: the Water (Special Measures) Bill and the Data (Use and Access) Bill. MPs will begin their clause-by-clause scrutiny of the assisted dying bill in Committee. Peers will continue consideration of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and the Great British Energy Bill. Sue Gray, the Prime Minister’s former Chief of Staff, will be introduced in the House of Lords. The Welsh First Minister will appear before the Welsh Affairs Committee, and the Treasury Committee will hold a special evidence session in Darlington.

09 Feb 2025
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News / Assisted dying bill: Special series #3 - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 72 transcript

The assisted dying bill is about to undergo detailed scrutiny by the Public Bill Committee - a group of 23 MPs tasked with reviewing the Bill’s text and proposing amendments to refine and improve it. But what exactly happens during this amendment process? Former House of Commons Clerk, Paul Evans CBE, breaks it down. Plus, we hear from Dr. Ben Spencer MP, a former consultant psychiatrist turned parliamentarian, who has proposed dozens of amendments to the Bill.

07 Feb 2025
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News / Assisted dying bill: Special series #3 - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 72

The assisted dying bill is about to undergo detailed scrutiny by the Public Bill Committee - a group of 23 MPs tasked with reviewing the Bill’s text and proposing amendments to refine and improve it. But what exactly happens during this amendment process? Former House of Commons Clerk, Paul Evans CBE, breaks it down. Plus, we hear from Dr Ben Spencer MP, a former consultant psychiatrist turned parliamentarian, who has proposed dozens of amendments to the Bill.

07 Feb 2025
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News / Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 3-7 February 2025

MPs will debate legislation expanding Government powers to investigate and recover assets from public sector or social security fraud. The Commons will vote on motions to uprate benefits and pensions, and allocate police and local government grants. In the Lords, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, Renters’ Rights Bill, and Data (Use and Access) Bill will progress. Commons backbench debates will cover support for coalfield communities and financial education. Select committees will examine party funding and election interference, AI and copyright, cladding, and education reform.

02 Feb 2025
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News / Welfare cap breached by £8.6 billion: Do MPs care? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 70

The Government is now taking difficult decisions on everything from social security to a third runway at Heathrow which could cause splits in their own ranks. But why are MPs not paying more attention to the mechanisms the House of Commons has established to control the social security budget and repeal or reform old EU laws? And the House of Lords provides good news for Sir Paul McCartney but bad news for ticket touting by “posh people” at the Royal Albert Hall.

31 Jan 2025
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