Themes

Future Parliament

The multi-billion-pound refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster presents an opportunity that comes once in a century-and-a-half to reform the leading institution of our democracy and its environs. What principles should shape reform of its culture and practices? How can innovation blend better with tradition? And how might public engagement be enhanced?

Latest

Blog / Reviewing Restoration and Renewal and planning for a post-pandemic Parliament

The Coronavirus pandemic has added to the questions surrounding the nature of the Parliament that should emerge from the Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal programme. But, with concerns over the programme's governance and public engagement rising, the report arising from the current review of the programme will not now be published this year.

Blog / The new review of Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster: five possible outcomes

The new review of the Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal project opens up a range of different outcomes for the future of the building. However, with the alarming state of the Palace not changed by the Coronavirus, the government should not use the pandemic as an excuse to downgrade or delay the much-needed repairs.

Blog / How Jersey's legislature has risen to the Covid-19 challenge

Jersey's States Assembly was the first legislature in the Commonwealth to hold a full virtual meeting, with all members able to participate, in order to get around the limitations imposed by the Covid-19 crisis. Mark Egan, Greffier of the States, describes how this was achieved and suggests that some of the States Assembly's Covid-19 innovations may stick.

Briefings / Proposals for a 'virtual' Parliament: how should parliamentary procedure and practices adapt during the Coronavirus pandemic?

There have been many calls for Parliament to become 'virtual' during the Coronavirus pandemic, using remote working to ensure proper scrutiny of government during the crisis. But how should a 'virtual' Parliament operate?

Blog / How are parliaments responding to the Coronavirus pandemic?

When countries are facing a national health emergency, the work of parliaments is as important as ever: to scrutinise government decisions, to authorise expenditure, to pass legislation. But how are legislatures around the world responding to the challenges posed by the pandemic, and what are the key issues involved in moving to a 'virtual' operation?