News and coverage

News

News and coverage

News, press releases, selected coverage, and media appearances and contributions.

Hansard Society staff are happy to speak to the media about our research and recommendations. The Society’s research team features regularly in broadcast, print and online media, and staff write and contribute to news and comment articles.

Latest

News / Will Parliament pay a price for promises to WASPI women? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 61

As Christmas approaches, Westminster eases into its pre-festive lull. Yet, a major political storm clouds the year’s end: the fallout from the Government’s decision not to compensate the WASPI women. This controversy highlights a recurring dilemma in politics—the risks of opposition parties over-promising and the inevitable backlash when those promises confront the harsh realities of governing. And as a seasonal stocking filler, Ruth and Mark talk to the authors of two fascinating books that uncover hidden aspects of parliamentary history.

News / Will Parliament pay a price for promises to WASPI women? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 61 transcript

News / Parliament Matters Bulletin: What's coming up in Parliament this week? 16-20 December 2024

MPs will review five bills, including the Water (Special Measures) Bill, and debate two e-petitions on Israel and Palestine, including one on halting arms exports to Israel which may raise sub judice concerns. Six Select Committees will see membership changes following front bench reshuffles, and Peers will consider proposals for four new inquiry committees for 2025. The Defence Committee Chair will raise concerns about poor service accommodation, while Angela Rayner, Yvette Cooper, Shabana Mahmood, Wes Streeting and Michael Gove face Select Committees.

News / Licence to scrutinise: spooks, hereditary peers and assisted dying - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 60 transcript

The Public Bill Committee to scrutinise the ‘assisted dying’ bill has been appointed. Our Researcher, Matthew England analyses its composition. Ruth and Mark assess the latest debate to abolish hereditary peers’ voting rights in the House of Lords and tensions over reform. As the Intelligence and Security Committee returns to oversee national security, while the Liaison Committee prepares to question PM Keir Starmer, we also explore the challenges of accountability in high-profile sessions.

News / Licence to scrutinise: spooks, hereditary peers and assisted dying - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 60

In this week’s episode the ‘assisted dying’ bill takes centre stage as the newly chosen members of the Public Bill Committee gear up for detailed scrutiny of the legislation. With 23 members, including two ministers, this committee promises a mix of seasoned voices and first-time MPs debating a very difficult issue. We are joined by Hansard Society researcher, Matthew England, who breaks down the committee’s composition, party balance, and the strategic dynamics that will influence the bill’s trajectory.