Rebecca McKee
@rebeccamckee.bsky.social
Senior Researcher at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk working across constitution/parliament and local growth/regional economic policy.
Former academic and citizens' assembly organiser 🫶
Former academic and citizens' assembly organiser 🫶
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
What is the relationship between government, parliament and the monarchy?
Read our latest explainer by @rebeccamckee.bsky.social and @aliceolilly.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
Read our latest explainer by @rebeccamckee.bsky.social and @aliceolilly.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
The monarch, royal family and parliament | Institute for Government
What is the relationship between government, parliament and the monarchy?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 3, 2025 at 12:28 PM
What is the relationship between government, parliament and the monarchy?
Read our latest explainer by @rebeccamckee.bsky.social and @aliceolilly.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
Read our latest explainer by @rebeccamckee.bsky.social and @aliceolilly.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
If you would like to know more about the crown and parliament @rebeccamckee.bsky.social and I explain all here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
The monarch, royal family and parliament | Institute for Government
What is the relationship between government, parliament and the monarchy?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 1, 2025 at 4:46 PM
If you would like to know more about the crown and parliament @rebeccamckee.bsky.social and I explain all here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
This piece is right to point out that the monarchy still plays an important constitutional role in UK government.
But it seems to rather conflate government and parliament and is quite a lot less clear on the (complicated but crucial) constitutional relationship between Parliament and the Crown
But it seems to rather conflate government and parliament and is quite a lot less clear on the (complicated but crucial) constitutional relationship between Parliament and the Crown
Andrew saga: Has politicians’ ‘no-comment’ approach to the royals had its day?
Andrew saga: Has politicians’ ‘no-comment’ approach to the royals had its day?
For years, ministers avoided speaking about the royal row - but this could be a turning point, writes Laura Kuenssberg.
www.bbc.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:45 PM
This piece is right to point out that the monarchy still plays an important constitutional role in UK government.
But it seems to rather conflate government and parliament and is quite a lot less clear on the (complicated but crucial) constitutional relationship between Parliament and the Crown
But it seems to rather conflate government and parliament and is quite a lot less clear on the (complicated but crucial) constitutional relationship between Parliament and the Crown
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
What is the relationship between government, parliament and the monarchy?
Our latest explainer takes a closer look at the monarch's powers and role in relation to parliament and the legislative process, and whether parliament can remove royal titles
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
Our latest explainer takes a closer look at the monarch's powers and role in relation to parliament and the legislative process, and whether parliament can remove royal titles
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
The monarch, royal family and parliament | Institute for Government
What is the relationship between government, parliament and the monarchy?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 1:11 PM
What is the relationship between government, parliament and the monarchy?
Our latest explainer takes a closer look at the monarch's powers and role in relation to parliament and the legislative process, and whether parliament can remove royal titles
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
Our latest explainer takes a closer look at the monarch's powers and role in relation to parliament and the legislative process, and whether parliament can remove royal titles
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
Have you seen @ifgacademy.bsky.social Support for MPs webpages, packed with super useful guides and explainers to help MPs understand parliament and government?
Perfect for MPs and their staff!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ifg-academy/...
Perfect for MPs and their staff!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ifg-academy/...
October 31, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Have you seen @ifgacademy.bsky.social Support for MPs webpages, packed with super useful guides and explainers to help MPs understand parliament and government?
Perfect for MPs and their staff!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ifg-academy/...
Perfect for MPs and their staff!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ifg-academy/...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
The mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu is a symptom of a failing system⛓️
The dramatic rise in prisoners released in error is just one aspect of a collapsing criminal justice system, argues @cassiarowland.bsky.social Rowland
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pris...
The dramatic rise in prisoners released in error is just one aspect of a collapsing criminal justice system, argues @cassiarowland.bsky.social Rowland
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pris...
The mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu is a symptom of a failing system | Institute for Government
The problems in criminal justice run far deeper than one high-profile error.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 10:59 AM
The mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu is a symptom of a failing system⛓️
The dramatic rise in prisoners released in error is just one aspect of a collapsing criminal justice system, argues @cassiarowland.bsky.social Rowland
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pris...
The dramatic rise in prisoners released in error is just one aspect of a collapsing criminal justice system, argues @cassiarowland.bsky.social Rowland
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pris...
New from me and @aliceolilly.bsky.social 👇
What is the relationship between government, parliament and the monarchy?
Our latest explainer takes a closer look at the monarch's powers and role in relation to parliament and the legislative process, and whether parliament can remove royal titles
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
Our latest explainer takes a closer look at the monarch's powers and role in relation to parliament and the legislative process, and whether parliament can remove royal titles
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mo...
The monarch, royal family and parliament | Institute for Government
What is the relationship between government, parliament and the monarchy?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 1:21 PM
New from me and @aliceolilly.bsky.social 👇
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
Rachel Reeves' failure to manage her housing arrangements properly is another reminder that Keir Starmer’s team need to take standards seriously, says @timdurrant.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
Rachel Reeves’ rental mistake is another standards warning to Keir Starmer’s ministers | Institute for Government
Standards slip-ups are distracting and damaging the Starmer government.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Rachel Reeves' failure to manage her housing arrangements properly is another reminder that Keir Starmer’s team need to take standards seriously, says @timdurrant.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
New role for Tom Riordan as envoy for northern growth, a new x government role working with mayors to 'co-develop' a plan for growth and investment in the north
Interesting to see how this docks into existing work mayors are doing e.g. 'the Great North'
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Interesting to see how this docks into existing work mayors are doing e.g. 'the Great North'
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
DHSC second perm sec to become envoy for northern growth
Riordan will work across government departments, with mayors and other external partners to co-develop a plan to support growth and investment acro...
www.civilserviceworld.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:27 PM
New role for Tom Riordan as envoy for northern growth, a new x government role working with mayors to 'co-develop' a plan for growth and investment in the north
Interesting to see how this docks into existing work mayors are doing e.g. 'the Great North'
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Interesting to see how this docks into existing work mayors are doing e.g. 'the Great North'
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
IfG DevoLab #3: How devolution can improve transport connectivity
📍This time our DevoLab will take place in Leeds, and will explore how mayors and local leaders can use devolved powers to improve regional transport connectivity.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devola...
📍This time our DevoLab will take place in Leeds, and will explore how mayors and local leaders can use devolved powers to improve regional transport connectivity.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devola...
October 28, 2025 at 2:11 PM
IfG DevoLab #3: How devolution can improve transport connectivity
📍This time our DevoLab will take place in Leeds, and will explore how mayors and local leaders can use devolved powers to improve regional transport connectivity.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devola...
📍This time our DevoLab will take place in Leeds, and will explore how mayors and local leaders can use devolved powers to improve regional transport connectivity.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devola...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
I spoke to BBC Verify this afternoon about the state of our prison system and how the mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu, the former asylum seeker convicted of sexual assault in Essex over the summer, might have happened
October 27, 2025 at 4:20 PM
I spoke to BBC Verify this afternoon about the state of our prison system and how the mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu, the former asylum seeker convicted of sexual assault in Essex over the summer, might have happened
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 Rebecca McKee
EVENT | The government's digital ID plan: why now and what for?💳
@rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social, @bigbrotherwatch.bsky.social, @labourtogether.bsky.social, @timdurrant.bsky.social
discuss the advantages and challenges of implementing digital IDs.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
@rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social, @bigbrotherwatch.bsky.social, @labourtogether.bsky.social, @timdurrant.bsky.social
discuss the advantages and challenges of implementing digital IDs.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
October 27, 2025 at 11:51 AM
EVENT | The government's digital ID plan: why now and what for?💳
@rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social, @bigbrotherwatch.bsky.social, @labourtogether.bsky.social, @timdurrant.bsky.social
discuss the advantages and challenges of implementing digital IDs.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
@rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social, @bigbrotherwatch.bsky.social, @labourtogether.bsky.social, @timdurrant.bsky.social
discuss the advantages and challenges of implementing digital IDs.
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
My thoughts on the recently shared Nick Timothy review for the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/shab...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/shab...
Shabana Mahmood must make the Home Office “fit for purpose” | Institute for Government
The Nick Timothy review reveals some familiar and worrying failings about the Home Office.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 3:18 PM
My thoughts on the recently shared Nick Timothy review for the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/shab...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/shab...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
🎧NEW @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast
- Royal trouble
- Inquiry woe
- Prisons crisis
@dannyshaw.bsky.social joins @cathhaddon.bsky.social @cassiarowland.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social to make sense of it all
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
- Royal trouble
- Inquiry woe
- Prisons crisis
@dannyshaw.bsky.social joins @cathhaddon.bsky.social @cassiarowland.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social to make sense of it all
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
The Prisons Crisis Strikes Back | Institute for Government
Former BBC journalist and Labour adviser Danny Shaw joins the podcast team to discuss the state of the criminal justice system.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 8:54 AM
🎧NEW @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast
- Royal trouble
- Inquiry woe
- Prisons crisis
@dannyshaw.bsky.social joins @cathhaddon.bsky.social @cassiarowland.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social to make sense of it all
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
- Royal trouble
- Inquiry woe
- Prisons crisis
@dannyshaw.bsky.social joins @cathhaddon.bsky.social @cassiarowland.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social to make sense of it all
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
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...
The problem with having so many inquiries is the many different ways they can go wrong & so many more opportunities for that to happen
This week the chair of the Sheku Bayoh inquiry in Scotland quit amid Scottish Police Federation concerns of his impartiality after private meetings with the family
This week the chair of the Sheku Bayoh inquiry in Scotland quit amid Scottish Police Federation concerns of his impartiality after private meetings with the family
October 24, 2025 at 8:23 AM
The problem with having so many inquiries is the many different ways they can go wrong & so many more opportunities for that to happen
This week the chair of the Sheku Bayoh inquiry in Scotland quit amid Scottish Police Federation concerns of his impartiality after private meetings with the family
This week the chair of the Sheku Bayoh inquiry in Scotland quit amid Scottish Police Federation concerns of his impartiality after private meetings with the family
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
CQC boss Julian Hartley has resigned from CQC in the wake of the Govt announcing an inquiry into maternity at his old trust. This was always going to be a problem for him - he had recused himself of any decisions on Leeds while at CQC but it was getting more difficult. 1/2
October 23, 2025 at 1:20 PM
CQC boss Julian Hartley has resigned from CQC in the wake of the Govt announcing an inquiry into maternity at his old trust. This was always going to be a problem for him - he had recused himself of any decisions on Leeds while at CQC but it was getting more difficult. 1/2
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
So, realistically, while any MP could try and table a substantive motion for the Commons to discuss, it would be up to the government to decide whether to make time for it to discuss it.
Relevant section of Erskine May here erskinemay.parliament.uk/section/4873...
Relevant section of Erskine May here erskinemay.parliament.uk/section/4873...
Incidental criticism of conduct of certain persons not permitted - Erskine May - UK Parliament
Information on the 'Incidental criticism of conduct of certain persons not permitted' section of Erskine May.
erskinemay.parliament.uk
October 23, 2025 at 9:36 AM
So, realistically, while any MP could try and table a substantive motion for the Commons to discuss, it would be up to the government to decide whether to make time for it to discuss it.
Relevant section of Erskine May here erskinemay.parliament.uk/section/4873...
Relevant section of Erskine May here erskinemay.parliament.uk/section/4873...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
To explain this a bit:
as the Speaker says- and as is set out in Erskine May- "unless the discussion is based upon a substantive motion, drawn in proper terms, reflections must not be cast in debate upon the conduct of the Sovereign, the heir to the throne, or other members of the royal family"
as the Speaker says- and as is set out in Erskine May- "unless the discussion is based upon a substantive motion, drawn in proper terms, reflections must not be cast in debate upon the conduct of the Sovereign, the heir to the throne, or other members of the royal family"
Lindsay Hoyle suggests government, not parliamentary rules, to blame for MPs not getting chance to debate Prince Andrew - www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
October 23, 2025 at 9:33 AM
To explain this a bit:
as the Speaker says- and as is set out in Erskine May- "unless the discussion is based upon a substantive motion, drawn in proper terms, reflections must not be cast in debate upon the conduct of the Sovereign, the heir to the throne, or other members of the royal family"
as the Speaker says- and as is set out in Erskine May- "unless the discussion is based upon a substantive motion, drawn in proper terms, reflections must not be cast in debate upon the conduct of the Sovereign, the heir to the throne, or other members of the royal family"
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
NEW REPORT Criminal justice is coming apart at the seams. Police, criminal courts & prisons can’t cope with the level of demand and performance keeps spiralling downwards. Early positive steps from the government won't be enough to turn things around
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Performance Tracker 2025: Criminal justice system | Institute for Government
The government must act to avoid the justice system returning to the crisis point seen when Labour entered office, or worse.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 6:44 AM
NEW REPORT Criminal justice is coming apart at the seams. Police, criminal courts & prisons can’t cope with the level of demand and performance keeps spiralling downwards. Early positive steps from the government won't be enough to turn things around
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
Pleased to be quoted in The i Paper on this, which has picked up the story I posted yesterday.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
October 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Pleased to be quoted in The i Paper on this, which has picked up the story I posted yesterday.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
The government has announced public inquiry into maternity failings at Leeds NHS Trust, after years of campaigning by families and repeated failings in maternity care
This follows reviews into failings at Shrewsbury & Telford, and Nottingham (ongoing) NHS Trusts by Donna Ockenden
This follows reviews into failings at Shrewsbury & Telford, and Nottingham (ongoing) NHS Trusts by Donna Ockenden
October 20, 2025 at 4:57 PM
The government has announced public inquiry into maternity failings at Leeds NHS Trust, after years of campaigning by families and repeated failings in maternity care
This follows reviews into failings at Shrewsbury & Telford, and Nottingham (ongoing) NHS Trusts by Donna Ockenden
This follows reviews into failings at Shrewsbury & Telford, and Nottingham (ongoing) NHS Trusts by Donna Ockenden
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
NEW: Part 1 of the brilliant @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Performance Tracker
@stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social have dug deep into local government services & finances
It’s.. gloomy
As @theguardian.com @kiranstacey.bsky.social reports
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
@stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social have dug deep into local government services & finances
It’s.. gloomy
As @theguardian.com @kiranstacey.bsky.social reports
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
English councils to remain poorer than in 2010 despite funding rise, says report
Exclusive: Impact of austerity cannot be undone by end of parliament despite above-inflation funding, analysis finds
www.theguardian.com
October 15, 2025 at 5:40 PM
NEW: Part 1 of the brilliant @instituteforgovernment.org.uk Performance Tracker
@stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social have dug deep into local government services & finances
It’s.. gloomy
As @theguardian.com @kiranstacey.bsky.social reports
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
@stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social have dug deep into local government services & finances
It’s.. gloomy
As @theguardian.com @kiranstacey.bsky.social reports
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Rebecca McKee
PSA: We have a new (and long) @instituteforgovernment.org.uk explainer out on the immigration and asylum policies of the major parties (of England...) following a flurry of announcements all year and around conference season, in particular.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/im...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/im...
Immigration and asylum: Labour, Conservative, Lib Dem, Reform and Green positions | Institute for Government
What have the different political parties announced on immigration and asylum in the run up to – and during – the 2025 autumn conference season?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 15, 2025 at 3:34 PM
PSA: We have a new (and long) @instituteforgovernment.org.uk explainer out on the immigration and asylum policies of the major parties (of England...) following a flurry of announcements all year and around conference season, in particular.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/im...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/im...