Shortly after the opening of the debate on the Queen’s Speech on 18 May, rumours began to circulate about a controversial amendment to the traditional, formulaic Motion for an Address of thanks that was going to be tabled. That in itself is … [Read more...] about The Queen’s Speech: An Unsatisfactory Reply?
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The Constitution Society
Evidence from The Constitution Society published by House of Lords select committee inquiry into ‘The Union and Devolution’
The House of Lords Constitution Committee has recently published evidence submitted by The Constitution Society, as part of its inquiry into 'The Union and Devolution.' The published evidence can be viewed online here. A full list of evidence … [Read more...] about Evidence from The Constitution Society published by House of Lords select committee inquiry into ‘The Union and Devolution’
A United Kingdom Constitutional Convention
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Reform, Decentralisation and Devolution in the UK has published its paper 'A Parliament for Reform 2015-2020' The paper includes the following proposed wording for inclusion in the manifestos of all parties at … [Read more...] about A United Kingdom Constitutional Convention
Entrenchment and the United Kingdom constitution
In recent times developments in the UK system have suggested a more widespread attraction to the idea that some constitutional rules should have a protected position, and should not be as easy to alter as more regular laws and arrangements. Current … [Read more...] about Entrenchment and the United Kingdom constitution
Audio of Lord Steel and Dr Meg Russell discussion on Lords Reform
The Constitution Society was pleased to work with our friends at the Constitution Unit to deliver a high profile discussion on the latest attempts at Lords Reform. Chaired by Dr Ruth Fox from the Hansard Society with Lord Steel and, constitutional … [Read more...] about Audio of Lord Steel and Dr Meg Russell discussion on Lords Reform
Lords Reform: the Steel Bill and beyond
Lord Steel's bill allowing retirements and expulsion from the House of Lords has its second reading in the Lords on 28 March. While the core content of the bill has been widely welcomed, some concerns have been raised about a potential "loophole" … [Read more...] about Lords Reform: the Steel Bill and beyond
Sir John Elvidge APPG Meeting On Scottish Referendum
The latest meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the British Constitution was honoured to have as its main speaker, Sir John Elvidge, former Permanent Secretary to the Scottish government 2003 - 2010. Sir John opened the discussion of the … [Read more...] about Sir John Elvidge APPG Meeting On Scottish Referendum
PCRC Report: Constitutional legislation is ‘qualitatively different from other types of legislation’
The Commons Political and Constitutional Reform Committee (PCRC) has published its report on legislative standards [1]after an eighteen month inquiry. The Constitution Society welcomes the report as an important contribution to the campaign … [Read more...] about PCRC Report: Constitutional legislation is ‘qualitatively different from other types of legislation’
Resignation shines light on PCC powers
The resignation of Paris Brown, Britain's first 'Youth Police Commissioner', shines light on the powers of appointment elected Police and Crime Commissioners have and raises questions as to how appropriate these may be. The revelation that Ms … [Read more...] about Resignation shines light on PCC powers
APPG The Contemporary Relevance of Magna Carta – Podcast
The Constitution Society provides organisational and secretarial support for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the British Constitution, chaired by Lord Norton of Louth. The Group works to broaden legislators’ knowledge base and improve the … [Read more...] about APPG The Contemporary Relevance of Magna Carta – Podcast
APPG Police and Crime Commissioners – Podcast
The Constitution Society provides organisational and secretarial support for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the British Constitution, chaired by Lord Norton of Louth. The Group works to broaden legislators’ knowledge bahich they are … [Read more...] about APPG Police and Crime Commissioners – Podcast
Despite the speech, a referendum on EU membership seems unlikely
Cameron's much-delayed and anticipated speech on Britain's relationship with the rest of the European Union called for a substantial renegotiation of the terms of our membership as well as a repatriation of powers. The renegotiated settlement would … [Read more...] about Despite the speech, a referendum on EU membership seems unlikely