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Support our work and help us champion a more informed public debate about Parliament and parliamentary democracy

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? 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).

Webinars / The Assisted Dying Bill: How will Parliament decide? Exploring the parliamentary process

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)

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?

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?

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.