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.

Submissions / Commons scrutiny of Secretaries of State in the House of Lords: Evidence to the House of Commons Procedure Committee

Following the appointment of the Rt Hon Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton to the role of Foreign Secretary on 13 November 2023, we submitted evidence to the Procedure Committee inquiry into the options for MPs to effectively scrutinise Secretaries of State in the House of Lords and the work of their departments.

18 Dec 2023
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Briefings / The Criminal Justice Bill: Concerns about the delegated powers

Ahead of the Criminal Justice Bill’s Committee stage in the House of Commons, this briefing paper focuses on three clauses in the Bill that contain delegated powers that are of particular concern and that highlight different aspects of the problems with the system of delegated powers.

11 Dec 2023
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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?

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Guides / What is the debate on the ‘Address’?

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

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

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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 the Estimates cycle?

07 Mar 2023
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Guides / What is a Money Bill?

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 Presentation Bill?

13 Dec 2019
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Guides / What is a Ballot 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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