Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social
Researcher at the Constitution Unit, working on the Constitutional Principles and Health of Democracy project. Co-author, The Parliamentary Battle over Brexit.
Reposted by Lisa James
New post: Tyranny, anarchy and the rule of law: Reflections on a major report by the Constitution Committee
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/20/t...
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/20/t...
Tyranny, anarchy and the rule of law: Reflections on a major report by the Constitution Committee
The House of Lords Constitution Committee’s new report on the rule of law provides an excellent overview of the concept and of the many challenges it finds itself under in the UK today. But the rep…
publiclawforeveryone.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:17 AM
New post: Tyranny, anarchy and the rule of law: Reflections on a major report by the Constitution Committee
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/20/t...
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/20/t...
The @houseoflords.parliament.uk Constitution Committee report on the rule of law is now out.
It's good to see the committee include legislative scrutiny as a key means of upholding the rule of law (and mention some recent problems with quality of scrutiny).
committees.parliament.uk/committee/17...
It's good to see the committee include legislative scrutiny as a key means of upholding the rule of law (and mention some recent problems with quality of scrutiny).
committees.parliament.uk/committee/17...
Rule of law: holding the line between anarchy and tyranny - Committees - UK Parliament
The rule of law in the UK is being weakened, and everyone must take steps to protect it against further erosion, says the House of Lords Constitution Committee.
committees.parliament.uk
November 20, 2025 at 10:26 AM
The @houseoflords.parliament.uk Constitution Committee report on the rule of law is now out.
It's good to see the committee include legislative scrutiny as a key means of upholding the rule of law (and mention some recent problems with quality of scrutiny).
committees.parliament.uk/committee/17...
It's good to see the committee include legislative scrutiny as a key means of upholding the rule of law (and mention some recent problems with quality of scrutiny).
committees.parliament.uk/committee/17...
Good thread on what looks like a rather unusual appointment process all round 👇
1/4 Lisa Nandy may have explained her mistake, but questions remain about the appointment process for Chair of the Independent Football Regulator, mainly for DCMS. Pages 11-12 of the Commissioner's decision notice are worth reading: publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/u...
November 7, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Good thread on what looks like a rather unusual appointment process all round 👇
Reposted by Lisa James
I did a lecture on the impact of Brexit on British politics. Watch it here if you're really bored www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztqL...
Reflections on the Brexit Revolution: 2025-26 Mackenzie-Stuart Lecture
YouTube video by Cambridge Law Faculty
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:25 AM
I did a lecture on the impact of Brexit on British politics. Watch it here if you're really bored www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztqL...
Reposted by Lisa James
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk comment from me
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The government must explain and defend its grooming gang inquiry decisions | Institute for Government
Some disagreement when setting up an inquiry isn’t necessarily bad – but how it is handled matters.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 27, 2025 at 5:26 PM
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk comment from me
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
Reposted by Lisa James
Some - cautious - good news on the govt’s civil service gagging rules
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
A welcome clarification on the rules ‘gagging’ civil servants | Institute for Government
New guidance on civil servants speaking in public is a welcome return to common sense.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Some - cautious - good news on the govt’s civil service gagging rules
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
Reposted by Lisa James
NEW BLOG: How does politics work in Northern Ireland?
@lisajames.bsky.social, @conorjkelly.bsky.social and @alanrenwick.bsky.social explain Northern Ireland's politics and political structures, including power-sharing, the impact of Brexit and debates over Northern Ireland's future.
@lisajames.bsky.social, @conorjkelly.bsky.social and @alanrenwick.bsky.social explain Northern Ireland's politics and political structures, including power-sharing, the impact of Brexit and debates over Northern Ireland's future.
How does politics work in Northern Ireland?
Politics in Northern Ireland has long been dominated by two alternative constitutional visions: remaining part of the United Kingdom, or unifying with Ireland. In this post – part of the Unit’s new and updated briefing series on key constitutional topics – Lisa James, Conor J. Kelly and Alan Renwick discuss Northern Ireland’s distinctive politics and political structures, and explain the UK government’s role in supporting long-term stability.
constitution-unit.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:01 AM
NEW BLOG: How does politics work in Northern Ireland?
@lisajames.bsky.social, @conorjkelly.bsky.social and @alanrenwick.bsky.social explain Northern Ireland's politics and political structures, including power-sharing, the impact of Brexit and debates over Northern Ireland's future.
@lisajames.bsky.social, @conorjkelly.bsky.social and @alanrenwick.bsky.social explain Northern Ireland's politics and political structures, including power-sharing, the impact of Brexit and debates over Northern Ireland's future.
Reposted by Lisa James
Does the elections white paper go far enough?
Next Friday, join @catsmithmp.bsky.social, @rosewhiff.bsky.social, Tom Hawthorn and David Howarth at our free, online event to consider if the government's plans are sufficient to ensure electoral integrity.
Sign up 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
Next Friday, join @catsmithmp.bsky.social, @rosewhiff.bsky.social, Tom Hawthorn and David Howarth at our free, online event to consider if the government's plans are sufficient to ensure electoral integrity.
Sign up 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
October 16, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Does the elections white paper go far enough?
Next Friday, join @catsmithmp.bsky.social, @rosewhiff.bsky.social, Tom Hawthorn and David Howarth at our free, online event to consider if the government's plans are sufficient to ensure electoral integrity.
Sign up 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
Next Friday, join @catsmithmp.bsky.social, @rosewhiff.bsky.social, Tom Hawthorn and David Howarth at our free, online event to consider if the government's plans are sufficient to ensure electoral integrity.
Sign up 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
Reposted by Lisa James
The UCL Constitution Unit has an excellent briefing series on UK politics that is perfect for students of all ages and levels. The latest release includes a briefing on #NorthernIreland, which I co-authored.
Read it for free here: www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo...
@conunitucl.bsky.social
Read it for free here: www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo...
@conunitucl.bsky.social
October 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
The UCL Constitution Unit has an excellent briefing series on UK politics that is perfect for students of all ages and levels. The latest release includes a briefing on #NorthernIreland, which I co-authored.
Read it for free here: www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo...
@conunitucl.bsky.social
Read it for free here: www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo...
@conunitucl.bsky.social
We've updated all our briefings - explaining how key parts of the constitution work, and why they matter to a healthy democracy.
Want to know how the territorial constitution works? What the UK's constitutional regulators do? Or why the quality of political discourse matters? We have you covered.
Want to know how the territorial constitution works? What the UK's constitutional regulators do? Or why the quality of political discourse matters? We have you covered.
It is briefings day!
We are releasing newly updated versions of our briefings, plus three new ones!
The series covers topics from the constitutional principles that underpin democracy to the role of citizens' assemblies.
Use this mega-thread to browse them.
And find out more 👇
We are releasing newly updated versions of our briefings, plus three new ones!
The series covers topics from the constitutional principles that underpin democracy to the role of citizens' assemblies.
Use this mega-thread to browse them.
And find out more 👇
Constitution Unit publishes new briefings on constitutional principles and the health of democracy
The Constitution Unit has today published new and updated briefings as part of its Constitutional Principles and the Health of Democracy project.
www.ucl.ac.uk
October 15, 2025 at 10:04 AM
We've updated all our briefings - explaining how key parts of the constitution work, and why they matter to a healthy democracy.
Want to know how the territorial constitution works? What the UK's constitutional regulators do? Or why the quality of political discourse matters? We have you covered.
Want to know how the territorial constitution works? What the UK's constitutional regulators do? Or why the quality of political discourse matters? We have you covered.
Reposted by Lisa James
Giving this talk tmr!
I‘m giving a public talk at UCL on Thurs 16 Oct. The title is “Bureaucracy and distrust: the civil service in the constitution” looking at the civil service’s constitutional foundations, and how it might respond to a populist govt. @sirJJkc.bsky.social will chair!
www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/events/...
www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/events/...
Hybrid | CLP - Bureaucracy and Distrust: The Civil Service in the Constitution
This lecture will be delivered by Dr Ben Yong, as part of the Current Legal Problems Lecture Series 2025-26
www.ucl.ac.uk
October 15, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Giving this talk tmr!
Reposted by Lisa James
We have an updated ministerial code! The new code makes clear that ministers "are expected" to pay back any severance payment if they quickly get a new ministerial job or are found to have broken the rules on post-government jobs
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Ministerial Code
Ministerial Code setting out the standards of conduct expected of ministers and how they discharge their duties.
www.gov.uk
October 13, 2025 at 10:45 AM
We have an updated ministerial code! The new code makes clear that ministers "are expected" to pay back any severance payment if they quickly get a new ministerial job or are found to have broken the rules on post-government jobs
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Lisa James
Really enjoyed this piece.
"Lawyers and academics therefore find themselves in the difficult position of ... trying to reason people away from a view or belief they never reasoned themselves into to begin with. We are bringing facts to a vibes fight."
"Lawyers and academics therefore find themselves in the difficult position of ... trying to reason people away from a view or belief they never reasoned themselves into to begin with. We are bringing facts to a vibes fight."
Alan Greene: Bringing facts to a vibes fight: Kayfabe and debates on the UK and the ECHR ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/10/09/a...
Alan Greene: Bringing facts to a vibes fight: Kayfabe and debates on the UK and the ECHR
It is now 25 years since the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) entered into force and far from this endurance cementing its legitimacy, the judicial protection of human rights in the UK finds itself in t…
ukconstitutionallaw.org
October 10, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Really enjoyed this piece.
"Lawyers and academics therefore find themselves in the difficult position of ... trying to reason people away from a view or belief they never reasoned themselves into to begin with. We are bringing facts to a vibes fight."
"Lawyers and academics therefore find themselves in the difficult position of ... trying to reason people away from a view or belief they never reasoned themselves into to begin with. We are bringing facts to a vibes fight."
Reposted by Lisa James
1/ Concerns are rising in Westminster over the Chagos deal and the UK’s trade agreements with the US, EU & India.
If we want better economic, trade and foreign-policy decisions, MPs need the tools – and the will – to hold government to account. 👇
If we want better economic, trade and foreign-policy decisions, MPs need the tools – and the will – to hold government to account. 👇
Today's free, online event is now starting!
Join Lord (Peter) Goldsmith, @arabellalaw.bsky.social and @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social to discuss how the UK's parliaments should scrutinise international agreements.
You can still sign up to watch and ask questions 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
Join Lord (Peter) Goldsmith, @arabellalaw.bsky.social and @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social to discuss how the UK's parliaments should scrutinise international agreements.
You can still sign up to watch and ask questions 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
September 24, 2025 at 12:43 PM
1/ Concerns are rising in Westminster over the Chagos deal and the UK’s trade agreements with the US, EU & India.
If we want better economic, trade and foreign-policy decisions, MPs need the tools – and the will – to hold government to account. 👇
If we want better economic, trade and foreign-policy decisions, MPs need the tools – and the will – to hold government to account. 👇
Really looking forward to chairing this event on the scrutiny of international agreements next week - a timely topic, always fascinating, and a great opportunity to discuss (among other things) the new report on treaty scrutiny by the @houseoflords.parliament.uk International Agreements Committee
How should the UK's parliaments scrutinise international agreements with countries like Mauritius, the US and India?
Next Wednesday, Lord (Peter) Goldsmith, @arabellalaw.bsky.social, @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social will discuss this at our free, online event.
Sign up 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
Next Wednesday, Lord (Peter) Goldsmith, @arabellalaw.bsky.social, @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social will discuss this at our free, online event.
Sign up 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
September 16, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Really looking forward to chairing this event on the scrutiny of international agreements next week - a timely topic, always fascinating, and a great opportunity to discuss (among other things) the new report on treaty scrutiny by the @houseoflords.parliament.uk International Agreements Committee
Reposted by Lisa James
Thoughts from me on the UK government's elections policy paper.
In short: many good things, but several points don't go far enough, and there is one big mistake.
In short: many good things, but several points don't go far enough, and there is one big mistake.
NEW BLOG: Government plans for electoral reform are welcome but contain one serious error of judgement
@alanrenwick.bsky.social argues much of what the government proposes is good. But the newly appointed ministers responsible for elections will need to make further progress on some crucial matters
@alanrenwick.bsky.social argues much of what the government proposes is good. But the newly appointed ministers responsible for elections will need to make further progress on some crucial matters
Government plans for electoral reform are a welcome start, but contain one surprising and serious error of judgement
Much of what the government proposes is good. But the newly appointed ministers responsible for elections will need to make further progress on some crucial matters
constitution-unit.com
September 12, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Thoughts from me on the UK government's elections policy paper.
In short: many good things, but several points don't go far enough, and there is one big mistake.
In short: many good things, but several points don't go far enough, and there is one big mistake.
Reposted by Lisa James
Correcting the reports.
UK withdrawal from the ECHR absolutely breaches the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.
ukandeu.ac.uk/explainers/t...
UK withdrawal from the ECHR absolutely breaches the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.
ukandeu.ac.uk/explainers/t...
The European Convention on Human Rights and the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement - UK in a changing Europe
This explainer examines the relationship between the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the European Convention on Human Rights. It explores the role that...
ukandeu.ac.uk
September 9, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Correcting the reports.
UK withdrawal from the ECHR absolutely breaches the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.
ukandeu.ac.uk/explainers/t...
UK withdrawal from the ECHR absolutely breaches the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.
ukandeu.ac.uk/explainers/t...
Reposted by Lisa James
The assisted dying bill begins its substantive Lords scrutiny this Friday.
Re-posting my piece on what we should expect now that the Lords has the bill. theconversation.com/assisted-dyi...
#assisteddyingbill
Re-posting my piece on what we should expect now that the Lords has the bill. theconversation.com/assisted-dyi...
#assisteddyingbill
Assisted dying: what happens now the House of Lords has the bill?
Peers would be on dicey political ground if they tried to stop the bill passed by MPs – but they may run into problems over timing.
theconversation.com
September 8, 2025 at 8:53 AM
The assisted dying bill begins its substantive Lords scrutiny this Friday.
Re-posting my piece on what we should expect now that the Lords has the bill. theconversation.com/assisted-dyi...
#assisteddyingbill
Re-posting my piece on what we should expect now that the Lords has the bill. theconversation.com/assisted-dyi...
#assisteddyingbill
Reposted by Lisa James
This is vile. I cannot see how anyone on the left at this time could think intimidating think tank workers and vandalising their workplace for having different politics is legit.
This isn’t liberal. This isn’t democratic. This is, simply, wrong and should be condemned as such.
This isn’t liberal. This isn’t democratic. This is, simply, wrong and should be condemned as such.
On where UK Bluesky does have a blind spot, I haven’t seen anything on here about the vandalism of Policy Exchange’s office (see below). This kind of stuff should be called out and criticised and I’m very happy to do so.
August 29, 2025 at 3:58 PM
This is vile. I cannot see how anyone on the left at this time could think intimidating think tank workers and vandalising their workplace for having different politics is legit.
This isn’t liberal. This isn’t democratic. This is, simply, wrong and should be condemned as such.
This isn’t liberal. This isn’t democratic. This is, simply, wrong and should be condemned as such.
Reposted by Lisa James
I have some good news for election nerds - "The British General Election of 2024" will be out this autumn, and if you're quick you can grab a 25% pre-order discount from Waterstone's by ordering your copy by 31st July, just enter code SUMMER25 www.waterstones.com/book/the-bri...
July 29, 2025 at 3:25 PM
I have some good news for election nerds - "The British General Election of 2024" will be out this autumn, and if you're quick you can grab a 25% pre-order discount from Waterstone's by ordering your copy by 31st July, just enter code SUMMER25 www.waterstones.com/book/the-bri...
Reposted by Lisa James
How can government legislate better to deliver major infrastructure projects? Fantastic new paper from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk on how to improve the little-known hybrid bill procedure! www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Hybrid bills: Parliament’s role in delivering major infrastructure | Institute for Government
How to improve the hybrid bill legislative process.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
July 24, 2025 at 9:56 AM
How can government legislate better to deliver major infrastructure projects? Fantastic new paper from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk on how to improve the little-known hybrid bill procedure! www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Lisa James
The latest edition of our regular constitutional review is now available!
Monitor 90 describes this government's constitutional reform scorecard as 'mixed'. It says that much remains to be done and progress in some areas has been disappointing.
Read it 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
Monitor 90 describes this government's constitutional reform scorecard as 'mixed'. It says that much remains to be done and progress in some areas has been disappointing.
Read it 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
July 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM
The latest edition of our regular constitutional review is now available!
Monitor 90 describes this government's constitutional reform scorecard as 'mixed'. It says that much remains to be done and progress in some areas has been disappointing.
Read it 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
Monitor 90 describes this government's constitutional reform scorecard as 'mixed'. It says that much remains to be done and progress in some areas has been disappointing.
Read it 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
Reposted by Lisa James
Today the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill is set to have its second day of report stage in the Lords.
We will mainly be looking out for amendment 23, from Crossbencher Lord (Terry) Burns. This would cap the chamber's size at 650 and limit prime ministerial appointments.
A thread 👇
We will mainly be looking out for amendment 23, from Crossbencher Lord (Terry) Burns. This would cap the chamber's size at 650 and limit prime ministerial appointments.
A thread 👇
July 9, 2025 at 6:01 AM
Today the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill is set to have its second day of report stage in the Lords.
We will mainly be looking out for amendment 23, from Crossbencher Lord (Terry) Burns. This would cap the chamber's size at 650 and limit prime ministerial appointments.
A thread 👇
We will mainly be looking out for amendment 23, from Crossbencher Lord (Terry) Burns. This would cap the chamber's size at 650 and limit prime ministerial appointments.
A thread 👇
Reposted by Lisa James
House of Commons procedure: why does it matter and how does it change?
@hannahkelly.bsky.social, @lisajames.bsky.social and Meg Russell explain that House of Commons procedure provides a roadmap for decision-making and helps to set the balance of power between different actors.
Read it 👇
@hannahkelly.bsky.social, @lisajames.bsky.social and Meg Russell explain that House of Commons procedure provides a roadmap for decision-making and helps to set the balance of power between different actors.
Read it 👇
House of Commons procedure: why does it matter and how does it change?
House of Commons procedure combines formal rules with conventions and precedents, providing the framework for conducting business and making decisions. Hannah Kelly, Lisa James and Meg Russell expl…
constitution-unit.com
July 8, 2025 at 6:00 AM
House of Commons procedure: why does it matter and how does it change?
@hannahkelly.bsky.social, @lisajames.bsky.social and Meg Russell explain that House of Commons procedure provides a roadmap for decision-making and helps to set the balance of power between different actors.
Read it 👇
@hannahkelly.bsky.social, @lisajames.bsky.social and Meg Russell explain that House of Commons procedure provides a roadmap for decision-making and helps to set the balance of power between different actors.
Read it 👇
Today marks one year since the 2024 general election, so here’s something I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the government’s progress on its manifesto pledges for constitutional reform.
constitution-unit.com/2025/06/13/l...
constitution-unit.com/2025/06/13/l...
Labour and the constitution: (almost) one year on
The Constitution Unit’s annual conference takes place next week, bringing together a wide range of speakers to discuss ‘Labour’s Constitutional Agenda in Office’. Starting with a keynote address by…
constitution-unit.com
July 4, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Today marks one year since the 2024 general election, so here’s something I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the government’s progress on its manifesto pledges for constitutional reform.
constitution-unit.com/2025/06/13/l...
constitution-unit.com/2025/06/13/l...