Publications

Publications

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.

Briefings / The Assisted Dying Bill: A guide to the Private Member's Bill process

This briefing explains what to watch for during the Second Reading debate of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on 29 November. It outlines the procedural and legislative issues that will come into play: the role of the Chair in managing the debate and how procedures such as the 'closure' and 'reasoned amendments' work. It looks ahead to the Committee and Report stage procedures that will apply if the Bill progresses beyond Second Reading. It also examines the government's responsibilities, such as providing a money resolution for the Bill and preparing an Impact Assessment, while addressing broader concerns about the adequacy of Private Members’ Bill procedures for scrutinising controversial issues.

27 Nov 2024
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Publications / What’s the point of petitions? What the last century reveals about petitioning and people power in modern Britain

Petitioning has been one of the most popular and persistent forms of political participation since the dawn of mass democracy in Britain. But little is known about its development throughout much of the 20th Century. Contrary to received wisdom at the time or since, petitioning did not become irrelevant or old-fashioned in the era of universal suffrage. Moreover, petitioners often held more subtle or sophisticated definitions of ‘success’ than those who condemned the practice as ineffective.

25 Oct 2024
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Briefings / 14 things to look out for in Parliament this Autumn

When parliamentarians return to Westminster on October 7, all eyes will be on the Budget — the major parliamentary event on the immediate horizon. However, as the Government’s legislative agenda picks up speed and select committees get underway, there will be many other important developments to track. In the months ahead, we’ve identified 14 key issues worth watching closely, particularly as some of them may provide crucial signals about how this Government’s approach to and treatment of Parliament compares to its predecessors.

04 Oct 2024
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Guides / How is Parliament recalled?

If a crisis or major national event occurs during a period when Parliament is adjourned, there are often demands from MPs, the media and the public for Parliament to be ‘recalled’. But the House of Commons Standing Orders stipulate that only Government Ministers - in reality, the Prime Minister - can ask the Speaker to recall the House. In recent years the House of Lords has generally been recalled at the same time as the House of Commons.

07 Aug 2024
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Briefings / Back to Business: Setting up Select Committees

The chairs of most House of Commons Select Committees are now elected. But how is the distribution of Select Committee chairs between the parties determined? What is the process for electing the chairs and members ? Will term limits affect any potential chairs? Select Committee seats are allocated to reflect the balance of parties in the House: will the minor parties have any representation?

03 Jul 2024
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Briefings / Back to Business: Private Members' Bill ballot

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Briefings / Back to Business: Election of the Speaker

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Briefings / Back to Business: State Opening of Parliament and King's Speech

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Briefings / Back to Business 2024: A guide to the start of the new Parliament

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Guides / How is Parliament recalled?

07 Aug 2024
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Briefings / Back to Business: Swearing-in

03 Jul 2024
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Guides / What is the King’s Speech?

06 Nov 2023
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Guides / Can MPs amend the Budget?

12 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is the Finance Bill?

12 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is the Budget?

11 Mar 2023
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Guides / What are Estimates?

07 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is a Money Bill?

07 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is the Estimates cycle?

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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undefined / Procedural and constitutional guides

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