Parliament lies in the heart of British politics. Yet calls for parliamentary reform – of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords – have been frequent and both chambers have often been accused of weakness. Constitution Unit research has investigated how both chambers operate, the impact of past reforms, and options for future reform.
The Constitution Unit’s work on parliament is led by Professor Meg Russell.
The Politics of Parliamentary Procedure
A project led by Tom Fleming since 2023 exploring the process of procedural change in the UK House of Commons, to understand the extent, causes and consequences of government influence.
The Changing Role of the House of Lords
Ongoing research on the strength, legitimacy, influence and membership of the House of Lords led by Meg Russell, including a record of government defeats in the House of Lords since 2005.
MPs' Staff
A project which considered the role of MPs' staff in parliament, their employment conditions and whether they are descriptively representative of the UK, run by Dr Rebecca McKee and reporting in 2023.
Brexit, Parliament and the Constitution
Meg Russell's three year Senior Fellowship through the ESRC-funded UK in a Changing Europe programme, including commentary, events and a programme of detailed research. It ran between 2019 and 2022.
Options for an English Parliament
A project exploring what an English Parliament might look like and its effect on the wider constitutional settlement. It ran between 2016 and 2018.
An Elaborate Rubber Stamp? The Impact of Parliament on Legislation
A major research project on the legislative process which considers the impact of parliament on legislation before and after coalition government. It ran between 2011 and 2015.
Financial Privilege
Research into the use of financial privilege in the House of Commons against amendments passed by the House of Lords. This project ran between 2013 and 2014.
Legislative Committees at Westminster: The Case for Reform
Meg Russell's comparative project on the role and operation of legislative committees. This project finished in 2013.
The Impact of House of Commons Select Committees
A collaboration between Constitution Unit and select committee staff which analysed the impact of committee inquiries and recommendations. It ran between 2010 and 2011.
Image attribution: ‘Elizabeth Tower and Palace of Westminster, Summer 2024’ (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by House of Commons.