Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast UCL Constitution Unit
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The health of democracy in 2026 | 13 Oct 2026 | 01:01:41 | |
Recent years have seen widespread concern about the erosion of democratic norms and institutions around the world. This webinar will explore the latest evidence about the health of democracy in 2026. Have global levels of democracy declined? If so, how widespread or severe is that decline? How satisfied are citizens with the way democracy works? Do disillusioned citizens want less democracy or just a different kind of democracy? And have any countries succeeded in stemming or reversing democratic ‘backsliding’? We’ll discuss these questions with three leading experts. Speakers Professor Claudia Landwehr – Professor of Political Theory and Public Policy at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Dr Seema Shah – Head of Democracy Assessment at International IDEA Professor Jan Teorell – Professor of Political Science at Stockholm University and co-leader of the ‘Varieties of Democracy’ project Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| What next for constitutional reform in the UK? | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:58:58 | |
Andy Burnham’s campaign to return to Westminster has pushed reform of the UK’s constitution up the political agenda. This expert panel steps back from the fast-moving political fallout of the Makerfield by-election to ask what comes next for constitutional reform. What do we know so far about Burnham’s agenda in this area? What does past experience tell us about the practical challenges for delivering such an agenda? And – ahead of a forthcoming Constitution Unit report – what broader constitutional issues deserve renewed attention from any new or continuing Prime Minister? Speakers: Frances Foley – Our Common Home, formerly Deputy Director of Compass Dr Catherine Haddon – Senior Fellow, Institute for Government Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow, UCL Constitution Unit Chair: Dr Tom Fleming – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Six Prime Ministers and a Brexit: Meg Russell Reflects on British Democracy | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:43:55 | |
Six prime ministers, a Brexit referendum, and an (unlawful) prorogation of parliament — it has been an extraordinary decade to lead the UCL Constitution Unit. Meg Russell steps back from that role and joins host Emily McTernan to reflect on a career spanning nearly three decades, from advising Robin Cook as Leader of the House of Commons to shaping parliamentary reform from the outside. Along the way, they discuss what this turbulent period reveals about the fragility of British democracy, the erosion of constitutional norms, and who is ultimately responsible for protecting our political system. Mentioned in this episode: Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitution Unit Conference 2026: The Representation of the People Bill | 25 Jun 2026 | 01:01:56 | |
Parliament is currently considering the Representation of the People Bill. As well as lowering the voting age for UK elections to 16, this legislation contains a host of changes in other areas, including voter registration, voter ID, political finance, and the role of the Electoral Commission. Will these changes be sufficient to deliver fair, safe, and secure elections? If not, what more needs to be done? And does safeguarding our elections require changes of culture and behaviour, as well as new legislation? Speakers:
Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitution Unit Conference 2026: What next for standards in public life? | 25 Jun 2026 | 01:01:28 | |
Improving standards in public life was a key plank of Labour’s promise to be different from its predecessors in government. In opposition, the party promised better behaviour and stronger systems of regulation. In office, it has introduced a number of changes, such as the creation of the promised Ethics and Integrity Commission. However, the government has faced multiple standards-related scandals, particularly in the fallout from Lord Mandelson’s appointment – and subsequent dismissal – as Ambassador to the United States. So has the government taken sufficient steps to strengthen standards in public life? How have recent events affected its plans? And what more remains to be done? Speakers:
Chair: Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow, Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitution Unit Conference 2026: Making policy on difficult issues | 24 Jun 2026 | 01:01:14 | |
The last year has seen much discussion of how policymakers should approach changing the law in unusually difficult policy areas. In particular, failed attempts to legalise ‘assisted dying’ at Westminster and Holyrood have highlighted the challenges of legislating in areas that involve ethical debates as well as more practical questions of policy design. Meanwhile, the UK government has announced a ‘Peoples’ Panel’ on Digital ID, which adds to questions of whether innovative processes could help. This panel discusses how the policymaking process can best be designed to handle particularly controversial issues. Might it require reforms to how legislation is prepared, drafted, and debated? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using backbench bills, and of more direct public involvement? Speakers:
Chair: Dr Tom Fleming – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitution Unit Conference 2026: How should political parties choose their leaders? | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:59:20 | |
Uncertainty over Keir Starmer’s future has revived interest in the question – familiar from previous Conservative governments – of how political parties should select and remove their leaders. This raises various important issues, including the process by which MPs can remove incumbent leaders, the respective roles of MPs and party members in choosing a replacement, and – in an era of greater devolution – whether politicians beyond Westminster should be able to throw their hat into the ring. This panel will therefore ask: are UK political parties’ leadership selection rules fit for purpose? Speakers:
Chair: Professor Meg Russell – Director of the Constitution Unit to May 2026 Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitution Unit Conference 2026: How can public confidence in UK democracy be restored? | 24 Jun 2026 | 01:01:35 | |
The British public’s faith in the political system is in serious need of repair. This is particularly urgent given international fears about a wider turn away from democracy in many countries including the United States. Labour’s 2024 manifesto promised to ‘deepen’, ‘strengthen’ and ‘protect’ democracy in the UK. But what can be done to restore public confidence in the health of British democracy? To what extent does it depend on politicians delivering tangible improvements in citizens’ everyday lives? And to what extent does it require wider institutional and cultural changes in our political institutions? With respect to the latter, how could such changes be delivered? Speakers:
Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitution Unit Conference 2026: UK–EU relations ten years after the referendum | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:59:25 | |
This opening panel is held 10 years to the day since the 2016 ‘Brexit’ referendum result was announced. As was predicted at the time, neither the referendum nor the UK’s eventual departure from the EU in 2020 definitively settled the UK–EU relationship, which has continued to evolve. Recent discussions have focused particularly on the Labour government’s efforts to achieve closer cooperation with the EU, and its plans for more ongoing alignment with EU rules. Particular challenges also remain in Northern Ireland. So, ten years after the referendum, what is the current state of UK–EU relations? What has changed since Labour took office? And what further changes might be coming? Speakers:
Chair: Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow, Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Professor Meg Russell's valedictory lecture as Director of the Constitution Unit | 20 May 2026 | 01:04:27 | |
On 12 May 2026, Professor Meg Russell FBA's time as Director of the UCL Constitution Unit culminated in her delivering a valedictory lecture at the Institute for Government. Professor Jennifer Hudson, Vice Provost (Faculties) at University College London, introduced the lecture, while Dr Hannah White, Director of the Institute for Government, concluded it. Audience questions have been removed from this recording. Professor Russell had led the Unit since 1 October 2015. She arrived at UCL in 1998, becoming Professor of British and Comparative Politics in 2014 and a Fellow of the British Academy in 2020. She is a leading authority on parliaments comparatively and the UK parliament, including a particular interest in the House of Lords. Professor Russell will continue to be based at UCL, and from September will drop to a 50% contract, continuing to teach, write and contribute to policy debates. She is succeeded as Director by Professor Alan Renwick, with Dr Tom Fleming serving as Deputy Director. Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| The future of BBC governance | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:59:58 | |
The government has begun the process of reviewing the BBC’s royal charter for its renewal beyond 2027. This process raises fundamental questions about the future of the organisation. How should public service broadcasting be governed in an era of widespread polarisation and distrust? How can any future governance arrangements ensure both independence and accountability? And what role should there be there for the public? We discuss these questions and others with an expert panel. Speakers: Professor Dame Diane Coyle – Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge and former Vice Chair of the BBC Trust Professor Georgina Born – Professor of Anthropology and Music at UCL Sameer Padania – Fellow at Demos Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Useful reading: Georgina Born and Justin Lewis (eds.) (2025) Public service media: funding and governance options. The British Academy. Diane Coyle (2024) ‘The Governance of the BBC’, The Political Quarterly, 95(1), pp. 20–24. Sameer Padania, Hannah Perry, and Polly Curtis (2026) Our BBC: A blueprint for a more independent and future-proofed BBC. Demos. Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics? | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:59:42 | |
The 2026 Senedd (Welsh Parliament) election may be one of the most significant since the start of devolution. Much attention is rightly being given to the possibility of Plaid Cymru and Reform UK ending Labour’s long dominance of Welsh politics. But this is also the first election since major reforms introduced a new electoral system, new constituencies, shorter electoral terms, and a move from 60 to 96 Senedd members. So what should we expect from the elections? How will these reforms affect the election result, the work of the Senedd, and the wider shape of Welsh politics? And are further reforms needed to safeguard and strengthen Welsh democracy? We discuss these questions with an expert panel. Speakers: Jess Blair – Director of Electoral Reform Society Cymru Professor Laura McAllister – Professor of Public Policy and the Governance of Wales at Cardiff University and former Co-Chair of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales Sir Paul Silk – former Clerk to the National Assembly for Wales and Chair of the Commission on Devolution in Wales Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Can the House of Commons handle multi-party politics? | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:59:58 | |
The 2024 election delivered an unusually fragmented opposition; almost half the non-government seats in the House of Commons were won by parties other than the Conservative 'Official Opposition'. Given current polling, the next general election is unlikely to see a return to simple 'two-party' politics. In that context, does the Commons need to change its culture, practices, or procedures to better reflect an era of more fragmented politics? What particular challenges face smaller parties in the Commons? How can they maximise their impact? We discussed these questions with the Green Party's Westminster leader, a former senior Commons official, and an academic expert.
Speakers: Dr Ellie Chowns MP – Green Party Westminster Leader and MP for North Herefordshire Paul Evans – former House of Commons clerk Dr Louise Thompson – Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Manchester
Chair: Professor Meg Russell – Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Demystifying the UK honours system | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:59:39 | |
The UK awards hundreds of honours each year to mark notable achievements and contributions to society. These awards – such as knighthoods, damehoods, and OBEs – can be a source of pride and a cause of controversy. So how are people chosen for these honours? How does the system work behind the scenes? And could it be improved? Ahead of the New Year Honours, we’ll discuss these questions with an expert panel. Speakers: Dame Sue Owen – former member of the Arts and Media, Economy, and Sport Honours Committees and former Permanent Secretary at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Sir Peter Riddell – former member of the Parliamentary and Political Service Honours Committee, former Commissioner for Public Appointments, and Honorary Professor at UCL Dominic Grieve KC – former Attorney General for England and Wales, and Conservative MP for Beaconsfield 1997–2019 Chair: Professor Meg Russell – Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| The Future of the ECHR – In Europe and UK | 10 Nov 2025 | 01:23:41 | |
Please note that, in places, the microphones momentarily failed to record the proceedings at this event. We apologise. In the UK, calls for the withdrawal from the European Convention of Human Rights are becoming louder and more persistent. The government has promised to look into the case for reform of the Convention, but at present there are no details about what this would look like. Yet, the discussions about the future of the ECHR are not limited to the UK. Across the Council of Europe many states are considering the case for renegotiation of current obligations under the Convention, particularly in the context of migration. In Denmark, the government is reviewing the practice of its courts and drafting a proposal for a new agreement that would amend the current text of the Convention and allow the government to limit its obligations in relation to particular groups of migrants. How are these developments at European level relevant for the discussion in the UK? A panel of expert speakers familiar with the developments in Denmark, UK, and the Council of Europe speak about the pressures that human rights and especially the European Convention find themselves under and what the options are for states seeking a reform of the system. Speakers: Former Judge Robert Spano, Former President of European Court of Human Rights, Partner at Gibson Dunn Professor Jens Elo Peters Rytter, Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Copenhagen Professor Colm O’Cinneide, Professor of Constitutional and Human Rights Law, UCL Professor Alice Donald, Professor in Human Rights Law, Middlesex University London Chair: Professor Veronika Fikfak, Professor of Human Rights and International Law, UCL Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Do the government's electoral reforms go far enough? | 24 Oct 2025 | 01:00:03 | |
The UK government published an elections policy paper in the summer, including proposals for votes at 16, automated electoral registration, and strengthened political finance rules. With an Elections Bill expected in November, this panel will assess the government’s proposals and consider whether they will be sufficient to ensure electoral integrity. For example, are tighter rules needed on political donations? Should more be done to protect the independence of the Electoral Commission? Should requirements for truthfulness in political speech be strengthened? Speakers: Cat Smith MP – Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre Rose Whiffen – Senior Research Officer, Transparency International UK Tom Hawthorn – Head of Policy, Electoral Commission Professor David Howarth – Professor of Law and Public Policy, University of Cambridge, former UK Electoral Commissioner (2010–18), and former Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge (2005–10) Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| How should the UK's parliaments scrutinise international agreements? | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:59:14 | |
Many of the highest-profile political issues – including trade, security, and immigration – are now shaped by international treaties and agreements. These agreements are negotiated by ministers and officials, and recent years have seen complaints that the UK’s parliaments lack the scrutiny tools they need. So why does parliamentary scrutiny of international agreements matter? Does the current system allow for adequate scrutiny? And if not, what needs to change? Speakers: Lord (Peter) Goldsmith KC – Chair of the House of Lords International Agreements Committee Arabella Lang – Head of Public Law at the Law Society Clare Adamson MSP – SNP MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, and Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee. Chair: Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow, Constitution Unit Further reading:
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| England’s ‘devolution revolution’: prospects and challenges | 20 Jul 2025 | 01:14:24 | |
The UK government has promised a ‘devolution revolution’ in England, with major changes to the structure of regional and local government, and has published a detailed white paper setting out its plans. How might these changes affect the delivery of public services and quality of local democracy? How will they change the place of local government in the wider constitutional structure? What else might be needed to ensure that ministers achieve their goals? We discussed these questions with an expert panel including two current and former council leaders. Speakers:
Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Labour’s Constitutional Agenda in Office: Constitution Unit Conference 2025 - Reflections on Labour’s constitutional agenda | 19 Jul 2025 | 01:16:55 | |
This summer marks a year since Labour’s landslide victory at the 2024 general election. The party’s manifesto contained a number of pledges for reforming the UK’s constitution and political institutions. So how have those pledges fared since Labour took office? Which promises have been delivered? What unexpected changes have been introduced? And what further reforms will – or should – be on the government’s agenda? This online conference took stock of constitutional developments in the last year, and looked ahead, with a range of senior speakers including parliamentarians, academics, and commentators. This closing session brought together a cross-party senior panel to offer reflections on the Labour government’s constitutional agenda, and possible alternative priorities. Speakers:
Chair: Professor Meg Russell FBA – Director of the Constitution Unit
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Labour’s Constitutional Agenda in Office: Constitution Unit Conference 2025 - Reforming the House of Commons | 18 Jul 2025 | 01:13:46 | |
This summer marks a year since Labour’s landslide victory at the 2024 general election. The party’s manifesto contained a number of pledges for reforming the UK’s constitution and political institutions. So how have those pledges fared since Labour took office? Which promises have been delivered? What unexpected changes have been introduced? And what further reforms will – or should – be on the government’s agenda? This online conference took stock of constitutional developments in the last year, and looked ahead, with a range of senior speakers including parliamentarians, academics, and commentators. The newly established Modernisation Committee has set out broad objectives of reforming standards, working practices, and procedure in the House of Commons. The Commons Procedure Committee has also announced a large number of inquiries. What are the priority areas for Commons reform? What should any reforms aim to achieve, and how can they balance competing priorities, for example of strengthening scrutiny and easing MPs’ working lives? How can reforms successfully attract broad support and allow the Commons to work more effectively? Speakers:
Chair: Dr Tom Fleming – Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics, UCL Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Labour’s Constitutional Agenda in Office: Constitution Unit Conference 2025 - The rule of law | 17 Jul 2025 | 01:09:20 | |
This summer marks a year since Labour’s landslide victory at the 2024 general election. The party’s manifesto contained a number of pledges for reforming the UK’s constitution and political institutions. So how have those pledges fared since Labour took office? Which promises have been delivered? What unexpected changes have been introduced? And what further reforms will – or should – be on the government’s agenda? The rule of law The Lord Chancellor and the Attorney General have both placed great emphasis on this new government upholding the rule of law. What does this mean in practice? Has the government delivered on this aspiration, and what more is needed to do so? What challenges has it faced? Speakers:
Chair: Professor Veronika Fikfak – Professor of Human Rights and International Law, UCL
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Labour’s Constitutional Agenda in Office: Constitution Unit Conference 2025 - The electoral system in a multiparty era | 16 Jul 2025 | 01:15:08 | |
This summer marks a year since Labour’s landslide victory at the 2024 general election. The party’s manifesto contained a number of pledges for reforming the UK’s constitution and political institutions. So how have those pledges fared since Labour took office? Which promises have been delivered? What unexpected changes have been introduced? And what further reforms will – or should – be on the government’s agenda? The electoral system in a multiparty era The growth of multiparty politics raises questions about whether the First Past the Post electoral system can still be justified. What are the arguments for and against reform? What alternative systems might be considered? And, with ministers saying they will maintain the status quo, is there any way reform could actually come about? Speakers:
Chair: Professor Alan Renwick - Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Labour’s Constitutional Agenda in Office: Constitution Unit Conference 2025 - Standards in public life | 15 Jul 2025 | 01:12:14 | |
This summer marks a year since Labour’s landslide victory at the 2024 general election. The party’s manifesto contained a number of pledges for reforming the UK’s constitution and political institutions. So how have those pledges fared since Labour took office? Which promises have been delivered? What unexpected changes have been introduced? And what further reforms will – or should – be on the government’s agenda? Standards in public life The Labour Party put standards and ethics at the heart of its attacks on the previous Conservative government, promising to bring in a ‘politics of service’. Has the party's conduct in office lived up to this rhetoric? How has it changed the regulation of standards in government and parliament? What further changes are needed in this area, and what is the best means to ensure that these are delivered? Speakers:
Chair: Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow, Constitution Unit
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Labour’s Constitutional Agenda in Office: Constitution Unit Conference 2025 - Opening keynote from Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:49:37 | |
This summer marks a year since Labour’s landslide victory at the 2024 general election. The party’s manifesto contained a number of pledges for reforming the UK’s constitution and political institutions. So how have those pledges fared since Labour took office? Which promises have been delivered? What unexpected changes have been introduced? And what further reforms will – or should – be on the government’s agenda? This online conference took stock of constitutional developments in the last year, and looked ahead, with a range of senior speakers including parliamentarians, academics, and commentators. Opening keynote from Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office In this opening keynote address, Nick Thomas-Symonds summarised the government’s approach to the constitution, and priorities for constitutional reform. What has been achieved so far, and what are the most important priorities for the future? Which key principles underpin the government’s plans? Speaker: Nick Thomas-Symonds MP is Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with responsibility for the constitution and EU relations. He has been the Labour MP for Torfaen since 2015 and his previous posts include Shadow Home Secretary and Shadow Solicitor General. He is a former barrister and academic. Chair: Professor Meg Russell FBA – Director of the Constitution Unit
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| AI and democracy | 19 May 2025 | 01:13:58 | |
Artificial intelligence (AI) is predicted to transform many aspects of our lives in the coming years. One of these is the functioning of the democratic system. AI could shift how election campaigns are conducted and how citizens receive and process information. It could also fundamentally alter patterns of power across society. So what potential effects of AI on democracy should we be particularly aware of? To what degree are there opportunities as well as dangers? And how should policy-makers respond? We discussed these questions with an expert panel. Speakers:
Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Additional reading: 'The Real Dangers of Generative AI' by Danielle Allen and E. Glen Weyl
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Reform of Stormont: Options for Discussion | 09 May 2025 | 01:28:15 | |
Talk of possible reforms to the Stormont institutions has been growing recently, spurred by concerns about repeated institutional collapses, perceived inequities between different parts of society, and criticisms of the institutions' record in governance. But what options for reform are there, and what impacts might these have if implemented? A newly published report from the Constitution Unit at University College London addresses these questions. It does not draw conclusions, but aims to promote wider, more coherent and better-informed debate. This public event, hosted in collaboration with the Democracy Unit at Queen’s University Belfast, offered an occasion for such debate. The report’s authors were joined by leading experts to explore the ideas and possible ways forward. Speakers:
Chair: Professor John Garry, Director of the Democracy Unit, Queen’s University Belfast Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Are the UK’s party funding regulations fit for purpose? | 25 Apr 2025 | 01:15:47 | |
Political parties are central to the functioning of representative democracy in the UK, playing a crucial role during and between elections. How parties fund their activities is thus a vital question, and one that has been much discussed in recent months. New controversies have shone a light on long-standing debates about who can donate to political parties, how much they can donate, and the transparency of their donations. So what are the strengths and weaknesses of the UK’s party funding regulations? Are the current regulations sufficiently robust, fair, and transparent? And if not, how might they be improved? We discussed these questions with an expert panel.
Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitutional Reform in the UK | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:43:02 | |
Politics in the UK has been in turmoil in recent years — Brexit, Covid, movements for independence in Scotland and Northern Ireland, rule-breaking Prime Ministers and now the shockwaves from Donald Trump’s return to the White House. These pressures have tested the UK’s political system, raising serious questions about whether constitutional reforms are needed. In this episode, we dive into a new report from the UCL Constitution Unit, which examines possible constitutional changes, their likelihood of passing, and whether they could truly address the challenges the UK faces. Our guests are two of the report’s authors:
Our host, Alan Renwick, also a co-author of the report, leads the discussion on possible constitutional reforms, their feasibility, and what reforms could be on the horizon. Mentioned in this episode:
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Improving parliamentary scrutiny of legislation | 13 Mar 2025 | 01:14:15 | |
Recent years have seen frequent complaints about the quality of legislative scrutiny by parliament, and particularly by the House of Commons. Various commentators and experts have argued that the scrutiny of proposed laws is too often rushed and/or inadequate, leading to worse policy outcomes for citizens. This online seminar will explore a number of important questions. What problems are there with the legislative process? Have they got worse? And what can be done to fix them? Speakers:
Chair: Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow, Constitution Unit
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| The Politics of Parliamentary Reform | 06 Feb 2025 | 00:34:32 | |
Parliament is at the heart of democracy—it’s where voters are represented, laws are debated, and key decisions are made. But who really controls what gets discussed and how time is allocated? In the UK, that power lies overwhelmingly with the government, leaving most MPs with little say over what they debate. That seems odd—after all, parliament is supposed to be sovereign. So why does it allow the government, a supposedly subordinate body, to set its agenda? To unravel this, Prof Alan Renwick is joined by Dr Tom Fleming, Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics at UCL and a member of the UCL Constitution Unit.
Mentioned in this episode:
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Making a success of votes at 16 | 31 Jan 2025 | 01:16:24 | |
The Labour government has committed to lowering the voting age for Westminster elections from 18 to 16. This proposal raises a number of questions for policymakers to consider. What might be the consequences of widening the franchise in this way? What practical steps will be required to implement this change and – just as importantly – to ensure it works well? In particular, how might teaching about politics in schools need to change? And what can be learned from other elections, in the UK and beyond, in which 16 and 17 year olds are able to vote? An expert panel discusses these questions. Speakers:
Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Improving election discourse in the UK | 16 Dec 2024 | 01:14:53 | |
This year’s UK general election saw a range of concerns about the quality of election discourse. Alongside evidence of many candidates facing abuse and intimidation, the campaign also saw the spread – particularly online – of misinformation and disinformation. Meanwhile, Labour and the Conservatives were accused of a ‘conspiracy of silence’ about the costing of party manifesto pledges, and voters faced difficulties knowing where to turn for trustworthy sources of information. These challenges all threaten to undermine the UK’s democratic process. So how can they be tackled? This webinar will bring together experts from the Electoral Commission, Full Fact, and the Jo Cox Civility Commission to discuss options for practical solutions. Speakers:
Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| How to be an effective opposition | 06 Nov 2024 | 01:13:58 | |
Opposition parties play a crucial role in parliamentary democracy, scrutinising the government and putting forward alternative policies. But what makes opposition parties effective, both inside parliament and beyond? As the Conservative Party announced its new leader, this expert panel with first-hand experience of life in opposition discussed the task facing them and the other opposition parties. Speakers:
Chair: Professor Meg Russell – Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| How to be an effective select committee chair | 29 Oct 2024 | 01:09:36 | |
This autumn the House of Commons has elected a raft of new select committee chairs who will play an important role in holding the government to account over the coming years. But there are many ways to chair a select committee, and new chairs will need to think carefully about what they want to achieve and how to go about it. This webinar brings together three senior former MPs and select committee chairs to discuss their experiences, and their reflections on how to use the role most effectively.
Chair: Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow at the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Prospects for the House of Commons Modernisation Committee | 16 Sep 2024 | 01:14:44 | |
The House of Commons has established a new Modernisation Committee with a remit ‘to consider reforms to House of Commons procedures, standards, and working practices’. This reflects a Labour manifesto commitment, and echoes the Modernisation Committee appointed in 1997 under the last Labour government. As the committee gets up and running this autumn, it faces a number of important questions. How should it approach its work, what issues might it address, and what lessons can it learn from past efforts to reform the Commons? We discussed these questions with an expert panel. Speakers:
Chair: Professor Meg Russell – Director of the Constitution Unit Useful reading:
For those interested in keeping up to date with the Modernisation Committee, you can subscribe to its email list using this link. Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitution Unit Conference 2024: House of Lords reform | 02 Jul 2024 | 01:12:50 | |
The composition and role of the House of Lords are subject to frequent question. Since the last major change by a Labour government in 1999, proposals for further reform have ranged from wholesale change – e.g. creating an elected second chamber of the nations and regions – to smaller alterations to change the appointments system or to limit the chamber’s size. To what extent should a new government prioritise House of Lords reform, and what specifically should be the priorities? If the Conservatives lose office, what challenges might be posed by their still being the largest single group in the upper chamber? Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitution Unit Conference 2024: Rule of law | 01 Jul 2024 | 01:12:43 | |
The role of courts and judges has been controversial in recent years, with criticism of both domestic judges and the European Court of Human Rights. Several government bills have raised difficult questions about the respective roles of government, parliament, and the courts. Has the rule of law been undermined by recent trends in policymaking or political discourse? If so, what should be done to bolster and protect it in the future? Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitution Unit Conference 2024: Devolution within England | 28 Jun 2024 | 01:14:15 | |
The last two decades have seen major changes in the structure of sub-national government within England, with the gradual devolution of powers to a range of new mayors and combined authorities. How should this patchwork of devolution be built upon? Should structures be more consistent across the country? Should further powers be devolved, and – if so – to whom? What steps are required to ensure that this devolved power faces appropriate scrutiny and accountability? Speakers:
Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Constitution Unit Conference 2024: Standards in government and parliament | 27 Jun 2024 | 01:12:45 | |
The 2019–24 parliament has been dogged by complaints of low standards of conduct by our politicians. Rishi Sunak has committed to upholding the ideals of ‘integrity, professionalism, and accountability’, while Labour has promised to overhaul how standards are regulated in government and parliament. What are the priorities in this area for a new government to address? Does this require cultural changes, institutional reforms, or both? Which changes or reforms might be most effective? Speakers:
Chair: Professor Meg Russell FBA – Director of the Constitution Unit Episode links:
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Opinion Polls | 14 Jun 2024 | 00:54:18 | |
The podcast originally appeared on 'Uncovering Politics' from UCL's Department of Political Science. In the run up to the UK General Election we have a special episode on opinion polls. Opinion polling is a staple of modern elections, captivating political enthusiasts with fluctuating numbers but also sparking controversy. Polls are sometimes criticized for inaccuracies, notably in the Brexit referendum and the 2016 US presidential election. Polling methods, including sampling and voter prediction, are hotly debated. The emergence of MRP polls, which accurately estimated results in the 2017 UK election, has added to the intrigue, despite producing widely varying predictions for the outcome of the current UK election. So what should we make of the polls? And how can we best interpret all the numbers to understand what’s really going on? Our guest is Prof Ben Lauderdale. Ben is Professor of Political Science here at UCL, a former Senior Data Science Advisor to the polling firm YouGov, the original brain behind the development of MRP methods and general polling guru. UCL’s Department of Political Science and School of Public Policy offers a uniquely stimulating environment for the study of all fields of politics, including international relations, political theory, human rights, public policy-making and administration. The Department is recognised for its world-class research and policy impact, ranking among the top departments in the UK on both the 2021 Research Excellence Framework and the latest Guardian rankings. Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Priorities for new MPs' induction in the next parliament | 05 Jun 2024 | 01:15:21 | |
Whatever the result of the upcoming general election, a large number of new MPs will enter the House of Commons. A well-designed induction programme will be crucial for helping them to find their feet and become effective parliamentarians. So what do new MPs need to know about their roles in parliament and beyond? How might this differ from in the past, and how might such induction best be delivered? We discussed these questions with experts from the Hansard Society and Institute for Government, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, and a former MP. Speakers
Chair: Professor Meg Russell – Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Changes and challenges in regulating elections | 30 Apr 2024 | 01:12:58 | |
Recent years have seen many changes to election regulations in the UK. These changes affect key aspects of how elections are fought and administered, including party spending, voter identification, the voting rights of citizens living abroad, and the electoral system used to elect mayors and police and crime commissioners. So what has changed, what effects might these changes have, and what challenges do they present for parties, candidates, and electoral administrators? An expert panel discussed these questions a week before the 2 May local elections. Speakers
Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Read a briefing from the Hansard Society on general election rules and regulations: https://www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications/briefings/general-election-rules-and-regulations. Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Should military action require parliamentary approval? | 11 Apr 2024 | 01:13:43 | |
The UK’s recent air strikes on the Houthis in Yemen have renewed discussion about parliament’s role in approving military action. The government is not constitutionally required to consult parliament on military deployments, and can choose whether and when to seek MPs’ approval. So what is parliament’s current role? Should this be changed, as some opposition parties have suggested? If so, what are some of the possibilities and challenges? In this webinar, an expert panel discuss parliament’s current role, and whether reform is desirable or feasible. Speakers: David Lidington – Chair of the Royal United Services Institute, former Conservative MP for Aylesbury, and former Minister for the Cabinet Office, Lord Chancellor, and Leader of the House of Commons Dr Veronika Fikfak – Associate Professor in International Law, University College London Dr James Strong – Senior Lecturer in British Politics and Foreign Policy, Queen Mary University of London Chair: Lisa James – Research Fellow, Constitution Unit Diagram of parliamentary war convention Useful reading:
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Do protests affect what politicians say? | 13 Mar 2024 | 00:32:56 | |
Protest is a fundamental part of democracy. From thousands attending pro-Palestine marches in London, to farmers driving their tractors into Paris, Berlin, and Cardiff, to Just Stop Oil spraying UCL’s famous portico orange – protests are rarely out of the spotlight. But what do protests actually achieve? Do they affect political debate and policy outcomes? A new study sheds light on that, focusing on the impact of climate protests here in the UK on what MPs talk about – both in parliament itself and online. One of the co-authors of that article is Tom Fleming, Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics, who joins us for this episode. Mentioned in this episode:
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| UK Governance Project: proposals for reform | 05 Mar 2024 | 01:14:23 | |
On 1 February a cross-party expert commission, the UK Governance Project, chaired by former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve, published its report. It makes various proposals for improving governance standards in the UK, aimed at restoring high standards of integrity in public office, enhancing the role of parliament, improving working between ministers and the civil service, and protecting democracy. What are the commission’s proposals? How could they be implemented? Could they improve how the UK is governed? This webinar will discuss the commission’s report with its chair, Dominic Grieve, and Helen MacNamara, another member of the commission, with opportunities for the audience to put questions to its authors. Speakers:
Chair: Professor Meg Russell – Director of the Constitution Unit Further reading: Read a summary of the report on our blog by Dominic Grieve Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales: UK-Wide Implications | 01 Mar 2024 | 01:16:18 | |
The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales launched its final report in January 2024. Its recommendations – which assessed options for ‘entrenched devolution’, full federalism, and Welsh independence – have implications for the whole UK. How would such arrangements be viewed outside Wales? How would they function in practice? Would they affect constitutional debates in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland? This webinar discusses these UK-wide implications with an expert panel including the Commission’s Co-chair, Professor Laura McAllister. Speakers:
Chair: Alan Renwick - Professor of Democratic Politics and Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| How Parliaments Question Prime Ministers | 25 Jan 2024 | 00:37:22 | |
How parliaments hold ministers (particularly prime ministers) to account is a fundamental part of parliamentary democracy. And one of those mechanisms of accountability involves asking questions. We take a good hard look at how – and how effectively – parliaments question prime ministers. We are joined by Dr Ruxandra Serban, Associate Lecturer in Democratic and Authoritarian Politics here in the UCL Department of Political Science. Her research focuses directly on parliamentary questioning processes. Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| The Future of Power-Sharing in Northern Ireland | 19 Jan 2024 | 00:40:31 | |
Peace in Northern Ireland is widely recognised as one of the leading achievements of politics in recent decades. The Good Friday, or Belfast Agreement, reached in 1998 by the British and Irish governments and most of the main Northern Ireland political parties brought an end to thirty years of violent conflict in which over three and a half thousand people were killed. It did so in part by establishing a system of power-sharing government. A new Northern Ireland Assembly would be elected by proportional representation, so no one group could dominate. Within the new Northern Ireland Executive, representatives of Northern Ireland’s two political traditions would have to work together. Over the years since the Agreement was reached, the power-sharing institutions have worked well some of the time. But for others they have worked badly or not at all. Since February 2022 their functioning has once again been suspended. Public anger at this situation is intense. Negotiations for restoring the institutions are ongoing. But, as yet, there has been no breakthrough. Indeed, the situation has become so grave that many think the future viability of power-sharing government is now in doubt. And there are suggestions that the settlement reached in 1998 may need to be revisited. In this episode we’re joined by two experts: Alan Whysall is an Honorary Senior Research Associate at the Constitution Unit here within the UCL Department of Political Science. He was previously a senior civil servant in the Northern Ireland Office, where he worked for many years on the Northern Ireland peace process – including the talks that led to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Conor Kelly is a Research Assistant at the Constitution where he has worked on multiple projects relating to Northern Ireland, most recently examining perceptions of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement among politicians and the public in Northern Ireland.
Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| The Future of Democracy in the UK: Public Attitudes and Policy Options | 08 Dec 2023 | 01:14:53 | |
Over the past two years, a Constitution Unit team has been examining public attitudes to democracy in the UK. The project’s final report draws together the findings – from two large-scale surveys and a citizens’ assembly – and reflects on implications for policy-makers. It examines what kind of democracy people in the UK want and consider what changes in policy or behaviour may be needed in response. Marking the report’s launch, this seminar gathered several leading figures from Westminster, together with an expert on public attitudes and members of the project team, to explore the findings and identify possible next steps. Speakers:
Useful Links: Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||
| Mark D’Arcy - Reflections on over 20 years of reporting on parliament | 25 Oct 2023 | 01:15:39 | |
Mark D’Arcy recently retired after spending 21 years covering events at Westminster for the BBC. During that time he built up an unparalleled knowledge of the institution, its procedures and dynamics, with insider access to innumerable key players and a ringside seat at important political moments large and small. This conversation discussed his key reflections on parliament and parliamentary journalism, and how they have changed in the last two decades. Features: Mark D'arcy in conversation with Professor Meg Russell You can see the next Constitution Unit event here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/events/2023/nov/future-democracy-uk-public-attitudes-and-policy-options Mark D'Arcy on the UK&EU podcast: https://ukandeu.ac.uk/podcasts/mark-darcy-on-his-career-at-the-bbc-and-how-brexit-has-changed-parliament/ The Hansard Sociey: https://www.hansardsociety.org.uk/ (we will add a link to Marks new podcast with them when it becomes available) Subscribe to our mailing list here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/subscribe Links: Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/social-historical-sciences/constitution-unit Mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit | |||