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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.

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Webinars / The Assisted Dying Bill: How do Private Members' Bills work?

As we approach the Second Reading of the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Commons later this month, join us for this online discussion to learn more about the parliamentary process behind this Private Member’s Bill (PMB). This event is ideal for anyone interested in what might unfold in the upcoming debate, the distinct procedural challenges PMBs encounter compared to government bills, and how these parliamentary rules could ultimately shape the outcome of the Assisted Dying Bill. 6:00pm - 7:15pm, Tuesday 26 November 2024 Online (via Zoom)

26 Nov 2024
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Events / The inaugural Churchill-Attlee Democracy Lecture, given by the Rt Hon Theresa May MP - transcript

To mark the Hansard Society’s 80th anniversary, we have launched the Churchill-Attlee Democracy Lecture in honour of our first members, Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee. The inaugural lecture was given by former Prime Minister the Rt Hon Theresa May MP on 14 May 2024. All proceeds from ticket sales went to our 80th Anniversary Appeal. Below is a transcript of the event.

14 May 2024
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Events / The inaugural Churchill-Attlee Democracy Lecture, given by the Rt Hon Theresa May MP

To mark the Hansard Society’s 80th anniversary, we have launched the Churchill-Attlee Democracy Lecture in honour of our first members, Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee. The inaugural lecture was given by former Prime Minister the Rt Hon Theresa May MP on 14 May 2024. All proceeds from ticket sales went to our 80th Anniversary Appeal. See below for a video recording and transcript of the event.

14 May 2024
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Workshops / The ‘Retained EU Law’ Act: Practitioners’ Workshop

Gain a competitive edge in today’s evolving legislative landscape. Join our exclusive training webinar on the parliamentary process for implementation of changes to Retained EU Law (REUL). Equip you and your team with invaluable insights to navigate this complex legislation seamlessly. Understand its implications, anticipate the challenges and harness the opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to say ahead of the game and maximise your influence. [CLOSED] 30 June, 12:30pm-2:00pm Online (Zoom)

30 Jun 2023
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Webinars / ‘Serious Disruption’: Parliament, Public Order Acts and protest regulations – What’s going on?

On 13 June, Members of the House of Lords are due to consider a ‘fatal’ motion, aimed at killing the Government’s controversial draft regulations that would lower the threshold of what constitutes ‘serious disruption’ by protestors. However, the legislation, procedures and events in Parliament are complex and confusing. This event outlined exactly what’s going on. [Closed] 12:30pm, 9 June 2023 Online (Zoom) and hosted by Blackstone Chambers

09 Jun 2023
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News / Parliament Matters Bulletin: What's coming up in Parliament this week? 18-22 November 2024

MPs will debate creating an independent Armed Forces Commissioner to support service members and their families. Five Cabinet Ministers and the Bank of England Governor are among those giving evidence to Select Committees. Peers will consider the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill in Grand Committee. MPs will consider the £2.26 billion Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill, funded by frozen Russian assets. The House of Commons will also debate Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

17 Nov 2024
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Webinars / The Assisted Dying Bill: How do Private Members' Bills work?

As we approach the Second Reading of the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Commons later this month, join us for this online discussion to learn more about the parliamentary process behind this Private Member’s Bill (PMB). This event is ideal for anyone interested in what might unfold in the upcoming debate, the distinct procedural challenges PMBs encounter compared to government bills, and how these parliamentary rules could ultimately shape the outcome of the Assisted Dying Bill. 6:00pm - 7:15pm, Tuesday 26 November 2024 Online (via Zoom)

26 Nov 2024
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News / The Assisted Dying Bill: Is more parliamentary time needed? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 55

Could one of the most consequential Private Members’ Bills in nearly fifty years - the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted dying - be stopped not due to its content but because MPs fear they won’t have time to scrutinise it properly?

15 Nov 2024
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News / The Official Opposition: how to be effective in Parliament - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 54

Following Kemi Badenoch’s election, this episode explores the challenges she faces as the new Leader of the Opposition. What does it take to build an effective Opposition? What strategic decisions, policy initiatives, and personnel choices must she navigate? What resources and procedural tools can she use to challenge the Government and build a compelling public profile? How does she balance party cohesion with presenting a credible alternative government and preparing for future elections?

12 Nov 2024
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News / Urgent Questions: Answering your questions about how Parliament works - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 52

In this episode, we discuss a variety of intriguing questions from listeners about the traditions and inner workings of Parliament. Topics include conduct in the Commons chamber, the practice of whipped votes, the origins of the Private Members' Bill ballot, and the unusual presence of ministers on select committees. We also discuss why MPs often refer to question numbers rather than asking questions directly in the Chamber, and consider the prospects for a future House of Lords committee dedicated to scrutinising EU-related issues affecting Northern Ireland.

06 Nov 2024
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Briefings / 14 things to look out for in Parliament this Autumn

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

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Reports / Proposals for a New System for Delegated Legislation: A Working Paper

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Services / Statutory Instrument Tracker® app

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