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This is a crucial time for our parliamentary democracy.

There is growing concern about the constitutional balance of power between Parliament and the executive, standards in public life and worrying levels of public cynicism about politics and politicians. There has never been a more important time to support the Society’s work.

By becoming a member, making a donation or simply subscribing to one of our shopping reward programmes, you can support our work to improve the way Parliament works and help us continue to deliver free events and projects to champion a more informed public debate about parliamentary democracy.

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Statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square. CC

Amid growing concern about the increase in executive power and the side-lining of Parliament, there has never been a more important time to support us in developing solutions to improve the way Parliament works and to champion more informed public debate about Parliament and parliamentary democracy.

Our members form a valuable network of people who care about Parliament, public life and politics and want our parliamentary institutions to prosper in the future.

If you are currently unable to commit to becoming a member, please consider making a single or recurring donation and support our work to improve the way Parliament works!

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Latest / Highlights

News / Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 27-30 April 2026

Ahead of prorogation, the Foreign Affairs Committee will question Morgan McSweeney and Sir Philip Barton about Lord Mandelson’s appointment as Ambassador to Washington. The week will be dominated by legislative “ping-pong” on four Bills: the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, the Pensions Schemes Bill, the Crime and Policing Bill, and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. MPs will also consider carry-over motions for the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill and the Public Office (Accountability) Bill. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden will face MPs’ questions. Peers will debate agricultural payment reforms, while select committees examine national security, social media harms, and environmental oversight. Proceedings may be curtailed by prorogation bringing an end to the Session on Wednesday.

News / Keir Starmer’s week of parliamentary torture over Mandelson appointment - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 140

Keir Starmer faced “ordeal by Parliament” this week after a tense Commons statement on Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship followed by an emergency debate, fraught PMQs, and probing select committee hearings about what he knew of security vetting. Joined by lobby journalist Tony Grew, we dissect the deepening political crisis - examining Starmer’s defence, Sir Ollie Robbins’ testimony, and Labour unrest - while asking whether prorogation could help the Prime Minister dodge another grilling at PMQs. And as the first session of this Parliament draws to a close, we look at the rising stars shaping the work of the Commons. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS

News / Dynamic alignment and Henry VIII powers: What will the Government’s EU reset mean for Parliament? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 139

A major “EU reset” bill could allow Ministers to dynamically align UK law with EU rules using so-called Henry VIII powers, raising fresh questions about Parliament’s role and scrutiny. We are joined by Professor Catherine Barnard to explore the trade-offs and implications. We also examine Parliament’s surprise block on Church of England governance reforms and ask whether shutting down Parliament for a two-week prorogation – when it cannot be recalled – is wise in an increasingly unstable world. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS

Submissions / Written Parliamentary Questions - Our evidence to the House of Commons Procedure Committee

The use of Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs) is rising sharply. Since July 2024, MPs have tabled questions at unprecedented levels. By late 2025 MPs were tabling over 600 per sitting day, more than double the long-term average. WPQs are a cornerstone of parliamentary scrutiny, helping MPs obtain information, challenge government policy and put issues on the public record. But this surge raises important questions about how Parliament balances transparency and accountability with the practical limits of the system. The House of Commons Procedure Committee is now examining the issue and has just published our submission containing our latest data and analysis.

News / Who really decides Immigration Rules: Parliament or the Home Secretary? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 137

Who really controls immigration law when Ministers can rewrite key rules with minimal parliamentary scrutiny? Jonathan Featonby of the Refugee Council explains the Home Secretary’s far-reaching powers over Immigration Rules. We also discuss the Crime and Policing Bill, where amendments on AI and abortion highlight the challenges posed by rushed law-making and executive overreach. And we look ahead to the next phase of the assisted dying debate, as supporters in the House of Commons prepare for a renewed legislative push in the next parliamentary Session. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS