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Leading research on parliaments and political engagement.

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For over 70 years the Hansard Society has produced leading research on parliaments, political engagement and democratic innovation. The majority of our publications are available to download for free.

Publications / Delegated Legislation: What types are there, and how are they made?

Delegated legislation is the most common form of legislation in the United Kingdom. It is the legislation of everyday life, impacting millions of citizens daily. But the terminology and procedures that surround it are complex and often confusing. This explainer unpacks delegated legislation - the terminology and Parliament's role in scrutinising it - to reveal more about how delegated legislation really works.

05 Dec 2023
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Briefings / 6 things to look out for in Parliament in the next Session

When parliamentarians reassemble at Westminster on 7 November for the start of the new Session, all eyes will be on the legislative programme to be announced in the King’s Speech. Speculation about the likely date of the next general election is rife at Westminster, but until the date is settled there are a lot of parliamentary issues still to be tackled. We’ve picked out a few things to look out for on the political horizon.

07 Nov 2023
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Guides / What is the King’s Speech?

The King’s Speech is the vehicle through which the Government sets out its legislative programme for a new Session of Parliament. The Speech is the central element of the State Opening of Parliament. The King’s Speech may also be referred to as the 'Gracious Speech'. It is written by the Government; the Monarch simply reads it out. However, the references which the Monarch makes in the Speech to 'my Government' reaffirm the constitutional fact that, formally, the Government is the King's Government and is appointed by him.

06 Nov 2023
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Guides / What is the State Opening of Parliament?

State Opening is the ceremony that takes place to formally mark the start of a new Session of Parliament. It is a historic ceremony rich in constitutional symbolism. Most importantly, it is the only regular occasion on which all three of Parliament's constituent elements – the Sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons – normally meet together.

06 Nov 2023
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Guides / The King’s Speech and State Opening of Parliament: A procedural and constitutional guide

State Opening, with the King’s Speech at its centre, is the key ceremonial and constitutional event at the start of a new Session of Parliament. Our 3 short guides below set out what the occasion is, what happens on the day, and how the King’s Speech is then debated.

06 Nov 2023
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Guides / What is the debate on the ‘Address’?

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Publications / Letter to the Prime Minister: A new approach to politics and reform of delegated legislation

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Briefings / Legislative logjam: What is the state of the Government’s programme at the one-year mark?

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Guides / How are Select Committee Chairs elected?

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Guides / What is the King’s Speech?

06 Nov 2023
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Guides / What is the Finance Bill?

12 Mar 2023
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Guides / Can MPs amend the Budget?

12 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is the Budget?

11 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is the Estimates cycle?

07 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is a Money Bill?

07 Mar 2023
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Guides / What are Estimates?

07 Mar 2023
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Publications / A New Normal? Parliament after Brexit

09 Mar 2020
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Guides / What is a Ballot Bill?

13 Dec 2019
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Guides / What is a Presentation Bill?

13 Dec 2019
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Briefings / What next for e-petitions?

18 May 2012
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Reports / MPs and Politics In Our Time

01 Jan 2005
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Reports / Opening Up The Usual Channels

02 Dec 2002
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Guides / Private Members' Bills (PMBs)

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