Rowan Hall
@rowaninlondon.bsky.social
Impact Research Fellow @conunitucl.bsky.social | All views are my own
Reposted by Rowan Hall
The Speaker's Conference on the security of MPs, candidates and elections published its second report yesterday.
Our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social, is repeatedly cited, including about political literacy.
Read it 👉 publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cm....
Our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social, is repeatedly cited, including about political literacy.
Read it 👉 publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cm....
October 28, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The Speaker's Conference on the security of MPs, candidates and elections published its second report yesterday.
Our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social, is repeatedly cited, including about political literacy.
Read it 👉 publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cm....
Our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social, is repeatedly cited, including about political literacy.
Read it 👉 publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cm....
Watch our event live on YouTube!
Today's event is now starting!
Join @catsmithmp.bsky.social, @rosewhiff.bsky.social, Tom Hawthorn and David Howarth to ask if the government's electoral reform plans go far enough.
Sign up to watch on Zoom and ask questions 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
Or, excitingly, watch live on YouTube 👇
Join @catsmithmp.bsky.social, @rosewhiff.bsky.social, Tom Hawthorn and David Howarth to ask if the government's electoral reform plans go far enough.
Sign up to watch on Zoom and ask questions 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
Or, excitingly, watch live on YouTube 👇
Do the government’s electoral reforms go far enough?
YouTube video by UCL Constitution Unit
www.youtube.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Watch our event live on YouTube!
Reposted by Rowan Hall
Hadn’t, in truth, really absorbed the scale of what the Conservatives are proposing on ILR and immigration more broadly until this week’s Sunday Times interviews. Some thoughts on that in today’s note:
Tory deportation plan would upend Britain
Proposing such a radical bill with little public support is a gift to Nigel Farage
www.ft.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Hadn’t, in truth, really absorbed the scale of what the Conservatives are proposing on ILR and immigration more broadly until this week’s Sunday Times interviews. Some thoughts on that in today’s note:
Come for the 18 briefings in webpage form, stay for the 18 briefings in PDF form!
These are fantastic resources covering topics ranging from democratic backsliding to parliamentary scrutiny to free and fair elections.
These are fantastic resources covering topics ranging from democratic backsliding to parliamentary scrutiny to free and fair elections.
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 7:42 AM
Come for the 18 briefings in webpage form, stay for the 18 briefings in PDF form!
These are fantastic resources covering topics ranging from democratic backsliding to parliamentary scrutiny to free and fair elections.
These are fantastic resources covering topics ranging from democratic backsliding to parliamentary scrutiny to free and fair elections.
Reposted by Rowan Hall
Say hello to literally the only protesters outside Tory conference this year
October 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Say hello to literally the only protesters outside Tory conference this year
Our excellent (and topical) lunchtime discussion about parliamentary treaty scrutiny.
Constitution Unit superfans may notice that we did some slightly different things today, like shortening the length to an hour and streaming live on YouTube. It should also be out as a podcast episode very soon.
Constitution Unit superfans may notice that we did some slightly different things today, like shortening the length to an hour and streaming live on YouTube. It should also be out as a podcast episode very soon.
How should the UK's parliaments scrutinise international agreements?
Earlier today we hosted Lord (Peter) Goldsmith, @arabellalaw.bsky.social and @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social to discuss just this.
A recording is now available on YouTube and should be in our podcast feed very soon.
Watch it 👇
Earlier today we hosted Lord (Peter) Goldsmith, @arabellalaw.bsky.social and @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social to discuss just this.
A recording is now available on YouTube and should be in our podcast feed very soon.
Watch it 👇
How should the UK's parliaments scrutinise international agreements?
YouTube video by UCL Constitution Unit
www.youtube.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Our excellent (and topical) lunchtime discussion about parliamentary treaty scrutiny.
Constitution Unit superfans may notice that we did some slightly different things today, like shortening the length to an hour and streaming live on YouTube. It should also be out as a podcast episode very soon.
Constitution Unit superfans may notice that we did some slightly different things today, like shortening the length to an hour and streaming live on YouTube. It should also be out as a podcast episode very soon.
Reposted by Rowan Hall
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 4:03 PM
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....
Reposted by Rowan Hall
My column in tomorrow's paper:
Starmer and Badenoch are handling the far-right march all wrong
A look back to the days of Enoch Powell suggests a better model
www.ft.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:37 PM
My column in tomorrow's paper:
Reposted by Rowan Hall
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.
Noticeably Pat McFadden has not been replaced as Minister for Intergovernmental Relations yet.
The role did lay dormant before, between July and September 2024, when Union and devolution policy was transferred from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to the Cabinet Office.
The role did lay dormant before, between July and September 2024, when Union and devolution policy was transferred from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to the Cabinet Office.
The list of the government reshuffle appointments (so far) has been published on the Govt website. Douglas Alexander returns as Scottish Secretary (a role he previously held 18 years ago) & Sir Alan Campbell becomes the new Leader of the House (what does that mean for the Modernisation Cttee?)
Ministerial appointments: 5 September 2025
The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.
www.gov.uk
September 5, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Noticeably Pat McFadden has not been replaced as Minister for Intergovernmental Relations yet.
The role did lay dormant before, between July and September 2024, when Union and devolution policy was transferred from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to the Cabinet Office.
The role did lay dormant before, between July and September 2024, when Union and devolution policy was transferred from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to the Cabinet Office.
Reposted by Rowan Hall
Rayner’s resignation letter
September 5, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Rayner’s resignation letter
We had so many interesting and thoughtful contributions at our conference in June, which really do help to explain where both the political and expert worlds stand on constitutional reform.
Watch each session 👉 www.youtube.com/playlist?lis....
Listen to each session 👉 linktr.ee/constitution....
Watch each session 👉 www.youtube.com/playlist?lis....
Listen to each session 👉 linktr.ee/constitution....
NEW BLOG: Labour’s Constitutional Agenda in Office: Constitution Unit Conference 2025
@rowaninlondon.bsky.social summarises the contributions of politicians and experts at our annual conference in June. A recording of each session is available in full on YouTube and as episodes of our podcast.
@rowaninlondon.bsky.social summarises the contributions of politicians and experts at our annual conference in June. A recording of each session is available in full on YouTube and as episodes of our podcast.
Labour’s Constitutional Agenda in Office: Constitution Unit Conference 2025
The Constitution Unit’s annual conference took place on 18 and 19 June. Politicians and experts, including nine MPs, came together to discuss constitutional paths taken and not (yet) taken by this government. This blog post by Rowan Hall summarises their contributions across the six sessions, which are available in full on YouTube and in podcast form.
constitution-unit.com
August 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
We had so many interesting and thoughtful contributions at our conference in June, which really do help to explain where both the political and expert worlds stand on constitutional reform.
Watch each session 👉 www.youtube.com/playlist?lis....
Listen to each session 👉 linktr.ee/constitution....
Watch each session 👉 www.youtube.com/playlist?lis....
Listen to each session 👉 linktr.ee/constitution....
Reposted by Rowan Hall
I think it is hard to underestimate how important this website is for the Rule of Law in the UK. Before 2010, if you wanted to find out what statutes were actually in force you essentially needed a subscription to a very expensive commercial product like Halsbury's Statutes.
Turns out legislation.gov.uk is 15 years old today. How the time flies @jenitennison.com!
Legislation.gov.uk
The official home of UK legislation, revised and as enacted 1267-present. This website is managed by The National Archives on behalf of HM Government. Publishing all UK legislation is a core part of t...
legislation.gov.uk
July 29, 2025 at 7:59 PM
I think it is hard to underestimate how important this website is for the Rule of Law in the UK. Before 2010, if you wanted to find out what statutes were actually in force you essentially needed a subscription to a very expensive commercial product like Halsbury's Statutes.
Reposted by Rowan Hall
Our grandparents knew titanic warfare, genocide, economic dislocation, smashed cities & hideous disease. They clung to the ideals of liberal democracy as if their lives depended on it
These people have known only peace, prosperity, safety and it has blown their minds. They hunger for dislocation.
These people have known only peace, prosperity, safety and it has blown their minds. They hunger for dislocation.
Questions to which the Answer is Not Many
From a Telegraph columnist - who has been on a long journey over the years.
From a Telegraph columnist - who has been on a long journey over the years.
July 23, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Our grandparents knew titanic warfare, genocide, economic dislocation, smashed cities & hideous disease. They clung to the ideals of liberal democracy as if their lives depended on it
These people have known only peace, prosperity, safety and it has blown their minds. They hunger for dislocation.
These people have known only peace, prosperity, safety and it has blown their minds. They hunger for dislocation.
Reposted by Rowan Hall
The Backbench Business Committee is 15! 🎂
An important part of the 'Wright reforms', the creation of this select committee with the power to schedule debates in the House of Commons is a key example of our real-world 'impact'. It came about thanks to research led by Meg Russell.
Find out more 👇
An important part of the 'Wright reforms', the creation of this select committee with the power to schedule debates in the House of Commons is a key example of our real-world 'impact'. It came about thanks to research led by Meg Russell.
Find out more 👇
UCL research helps give Commons backbenchers greater control over parliamentary debates
The House of Commons' Backbench Business Committee was established in 2010 following research by Professor Meg Russell which suggested that such a committee, with responsibility for programming a new category of backbench business, would open Westminster up to important debates that might not otherwise have taken place.
www.ucl.ac.uk
July 21, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The Backbench Business Committee is 15! 🎂
An important part of the 'Wright reforms', the creation of this select committee with the power to schedule debates in the House of Commons is a key example of our real-world 'impact'. It came about thanks to research led by Meg Russell.
Find out more 👇
An important part of the 'Wright reforms', the creation of this select committee with the power to schedule debates in the House of Commons is a key example of our real-world 'impact'. It came about thanks to research led by Meg Russell.
Find out more 👇
Reposted by Rowan Hall
'They should be the start of an ongoing process of fundamental democratic renewal. And on some of the matters requiring further change, the need for action is urgent.'
Read our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social's, instant analysis of the elections white paper for @uclpolicylab.bsky.social 👇
Read our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social's, instant analysis of the elections white paper for @uclpolicylab.bsky.social 👇
Plans for electoral reform mark a major step forward in reforming our democracy
Speaking at the civil society summit, Sir Keir Starmer outlined a range of democratic reforms, including the introduction of votes for 16-year-olds. Professor Alan Renwick provides his in-depth…
www.ucl.ac.uk
July 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM
'They should be the start of an ongoing process of fundamental democratic renewal. And on some of the matters requiring further change, the need for action is urgent.'
Read our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social's, instant analysis of the elections white paper for @uclpolicylab.bsky.social 👇
Read our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social's, instant analysis of the elections white paper for @uclpolicylab.bsky.social 👇
Reposted by Rowan Hall
IMO the question of votes at 16 is largely a normative one, but arguments focused on competency are very problematic (surely nobody would argue we should take away the vote as people age and cognitively decline?!).
July 17, 2025 at 10:57 AM
IMO the question of votes at 16 is largely a normative one, but arguments focused on competency are very problematic (surely nobody would argue we should take away the vote as people age and cognitively decline?!).
Reposted by Rowan Hall
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....
An interesting feature of the English devolution bill that I think has been underdiscussed: the abolition of the committee system and seeming phase out of executive mayors for local authorities.
Maybe this uniformity will help with accessibility, but I hope that it will be brought up in parliament!
Maybe this uniformity will help with accessibility, but I hope that it will be brought up in parliament!
July 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
An interesting feature of the English devolution bill that I think has been underdiscussed: the abolition of the committee system and seeming phase out of executive mayors for local authorities.
Maybe this uniformity will help with accessibility, but I hope that it will be brought up in parliament!
Maybe this uniformity will help with accessibility, but I hope that it will be brought up in parliament!
Reposted by Rowan Hall
The government has announced that the voting system for mayoral and PCC elections will be changed back to SV.
Our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social, said last year that the switch to FPTP in 2022 harmed democracy and called for it to be reversed 👉 constitution-unit.com/2024/05/24/t....
Our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social, said last year that the switch to FPTP in 2022 harmed democracy and called for it to be reversed 👉 constitution-unit.com/2024/05/24/t....
July 10, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The government has announced that the voting system for mayoral and PCC elections will be changed back to SV.
Our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social, said last year that the switch to FPTP in 2022 harmed democracy and called for it to be reversed 👉 constitution-unit.com/2024/05/24/t....
Our Deputy Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social, said last year that the switch to FPTP in 2022 harmed democracy and called for it to be reversed 👉 constitution-unit.com/2024/05/24/t....
Reposted by Rowan Hall
The House of Lords is now debating the amendment from Lord (Terry) Burns, which would cap the size of the Lords at 650 members and thereby limit prime ministerial appointments.
Read the amendment 👉 bills.parliament.uk/bills/3755/s....
And use our thread to get up to speed 👇
Read the amendment 👉 bills.parliament.uk/bills/3755/s....
And use our thread to get up to speed 👇
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 7:45 PM
The House of Lords is now debating the amendment from Lord (Terry) Burns, which would cap the size of the Lords at 650 members and thereby limit prime ministerial appointments.
Read the amendment 👉 bills.parliament.uk/bills/3755/s....
And use our thread to get up to speed 👇
Read the amendment 👉 bills.parliament.uk/bills/3755/s....
And use our thread to get up to speed 👇
Tonight is the night! The hereditary peers bill (and, importantly, the Burns amendment) is set to be debated this evening.
Read our thread to find out all you need to know and get a flavour of our House of Lords reform work over the past two weeks!
Read our thread to find out all you need to know and get a flavour of our House of Lords reform work over the past two weeks!
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 6:10 AM
Tonight is the night! The hereditary peers bill (and, importantly, the Burns amendment) is set to be debated this evening.
Read our thread to find out all you need to know and get a flavour of our House of Lords reform work over the past two weeks!
Read our thread to find out all you need to know and get a flavour of our House of Lords reform work over the past two weeks!
Reposted by Rowan Hall
A great piece from @iandunt.bsky.social about Lord (Terry) Burns's amendment to the hereditary peers bill to restrict prime ministerial appointments to, and the size of, the House of Lords, set to be debated tomorrow.
It also cites our recent opinion polling 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
It also cites our recent opinion polling 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
No-one is paying attention. No-one gives a damn. But one man is valiantly trying to make Labour stick by its manifesto commitment on constitutional reform. Tomorrow, we find out if he's succeeded.
iandunt.substack.com/p/this-wedne...
iandunt.substack.com/p/this-wedne...
This Wednesday: The last best hope for Lords reform
No-one is paying attention. No-one gives a damn. But one man is valiantly trying to make Labour stick by its manifesto commitment.
iandunt.substack.com
July 8, 2025 at 12:01 PM
A great piece from @iandunt.bsky.social about Lord (Terry) Burns's amendment to the hereditary peers bill to restrict prime ministerial appointments to, and the size of, the House of Lords, set to be debated tomorrow.
It also cites our recent opinion polling 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
It also cites our recent opinion polling 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
Reposted by Rowan Hall
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 👇
Last week I escaped containment to make my national radio debut!
As the hereditary peers bill (including Lord [Terry] Burns's amendment) is set to be debated again in the House of Lords on Wednesday, I discussed our new opinion polling on Lords reform.
Our polling 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
As the hereditary peers bill (including Lord [Terry] Burns's amendment) is set to be debated again in the House of Lords on Wednesday, I discussed our new opinion polling on Lords reform.
Our polling 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
'Public support is certainly not in favour of just getting rid of everyone, but it is in favour of reform and going further than the government's current plans.'
@rowaninlondon.bsky.social appeared on Today in Parliament last week to discuss our new House of Lords reform opinion polling.
Listen 👇
@rowaninlondon.bsky.social appeared on Today in Parliament last week to discuss our new House of Lords reform opinion polling.
Listen 👇
Rowan Hall discusses opinion polling about House of Lords reform on BBC Radio 4 Today in Parliament
The Constitution Unit's Impact Research Fellow, Rowan Hall, appeared on BBC Radio 4 Today in Parliament to discuss our new opinion polling concerning attitud...
www.youtube.com
July 7, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Last week I escaped containment to make my national radio debut!
As the hereditary peers bill (including Lord [Terry] Burns's amendment) is set to be debated again in the House of Lords on Wednesday, I discussed our new opinion polling on Lords reform.
Our polling 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....
As the hereditary peers bill (including Lord [Terry] Burns's amendment) is set to be debated again in the House of Lords on Wednesday, I discussed our new opinion polling on Lords reform.
Our polling 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution....