Ruth Fox
@ruthfox.bsky.social
Director of @HansardSociety. Subscribe to our newsletter at: http://hansardsociety.org.uk/connect
Non-parliamentary tweets most likely to be about @BarnsleyFC.
Non-parliamentary tweets most likely to be about @BarnsleyFC.
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Parliament Matters is read by MPs, peers, civil servants + journalists — but it’s written to explain Westminster for everyone.
Read + subscribe to get it in your inbox every Sunday morning 👇
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Read + subscribe to get it in your inbox every Sunday morning 👇
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Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 10-14 November 2025
Peers begin clause-by-clause scrutiny of the assisted dying Bill, after a Joint Committee on Human Rights evidence session on its impact on disabled people. David Lammy takes Justice questions in the…
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November 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Parliament Matters is read by MPs, peers, civil servants + journalists — but it’s written to explain Westminster for everyone.
Read + subscribe to get it in your inbox every Sunday morning 👇
buff.ly/2XhI15f
Read + subscribe to get it in your inbox every Sunday morning 👇
buff.ly/2XhI15f
Reposted by Ruth Fox
What’s coming up in Westminster this week? 👀
— Assisted dying bill in the Lords
— David Lammy in the Commons for questions
— Crime & Policing Bill: kicks off its 12-day Lords committee marathon
Full preview in our Parliament Matters bulletin. Link is in the post below 👇
— Assisted dying bill in the Lords
— David Lammy in the Commons for questions
— Crime & Policing Bill: kicks off its 12-day Lords committee marathon
Full preview in our Parliament Matters bulletin. Link is in the post below 👇
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM
What’s coming up in Westminster this week? 👀
— Assisted dying bill in the Lords
— David Lammy in the Commons for questions
— Crime & Policing Bill: kicks off its 12-day Lords committee marathon
Full preview in our Parliament Matters bulletin. Link is in the post below 👇
— Assisted dying bill in the Lords
— David Lammy in the Commons for questions
— Crime & Policing Bill: kicks off its 12-day Lords committee marathon
Full preview in our Parliament Matters bulletin. Link is in the post below 👇
Reposted by Ruth Fox
🎧 Weekend listening...
How the Glorious Revolution, Whigs & Tories — and the race to fund war — forged modern party politics.
This week we talk to George Owers about his magnificent book, Rage of Party.
Listen here via your preferred podcast app ⤵️
pod.link/1714627828/e...
How the Glorious Revolution, Whigs & Tories — and the race to fund war — forged modern party politics.
This week we talk to George Owers about his magnificent book, Rage of Party.
Listen here via your preferred podcast app ⤵️
pod.link/1714627828/e...
November 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM
🎧 Weekend listening...
How the Glorious Revolution, Whigs & Tories — and the race to fund war — forged modern party politics.
This week we talk to George Owers about his magnificent book, Rage of Party.
Listen here via your preferred podcast app ⤵️
pod.link/1714627828/e...
How the Glorious Revolution, Whigs & Tories — and the race to fund war — forged modern party politics.
This week we talk to George Owers about his magnificent book, Rage of Party.
Listen here via your preferred podcast app ⤵️
pod.link/1714627828/e...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
🧵 #OTD 75 years ago MPs returned to a rebuilt House of Commons Chamber, nine years after the original was destroyed in the Blitz.
The rebuilding wasn’t without controversy. With Britain still recovering from war, some questioned the cost and use of labour, including German POWs....
The rebuilding wasn’t without controversy. With Britain still recovering from war, some questioned the cost and use of labour, including German POWs....
October 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🧵 #OTD 75 years ago MPs returned to a rebuilt House of Commons Chamber, nine years after the original was destroyed in the Blitz.
The rebuilding wasn’t without controversy. With Britain still recovering from war, some questioned the cost and use of labour, including German POWs....
The rebuilding wasn’t without controversy. With Britain still recovering from war, some questioned the cost and use of labour, including German POWs....
Reposted by Ruth Fox
What’s happening in Westminster this week?
Our Parliament Matters Bulletin breaks down the key debates and decisions — from the China spying inquiry to major bills on sentencing & planning.
Stay informed — no spin, just facts.
Link is in the post below👇
Our Parliament Matters Bulletin breaks down the key debates and decisions — from the China spying inquiry to major bills on sentencing & planning.
Stay informed — no spin, just facts.
Link is in the post below👇
October 26, 2025 at 10:15 AM
What’s happening in Westminster this week?
Our Parliament Matters Bulletin breaks down the key debates and decisions — from the China spying inquiry to major bills on sentencing & planning.
Stay informed — no spin, just facts.
Link is in the post below👇
Our Parliament Matters Bulletin breaks down the key debates and decisions — from the China spying inquiry to major bills on sentencing & planning.
Stay informed — no spin, just facts.
Link is in the post below👇
Reposted by Ruth Fox
🟢 The House of Commons will shortly begin today's sitting.
Find out what MPs are due to discuss and vote on - including details of bills, motions, debates and select committees - using our Parliament Matters Bulletin.
Check it out below 🔽
buff.ly/qvlyUSb
Find out what MPs are due to discuss and vote on - including details of bills, motions, debates and select committees - using our Parliament Matters Bulletin.
Check it out below 🔽
buff.ly/qvlyUSb
October 21, 2025 at 10:01 AM
🟢 The House of Commons will shortly begin today's sitting.
Find out what MPs are due to discuss and vote on - including details of bills, motions, debates and select committees - using our Parliament Matters Bulletin.
Check it out below 🔽
buff.ly/qvlyUSb
Find out what MPs are due to discuss and vote on - including details of bills, motions, debates and select committees - using our Parliament Matters Bulletin.
Check it out below 🔽
buff.ly/qvlyUSb
NEW: The membership of the new Select Committee to consider the #AssistedDying Bill will be confirmed on Tuesday in the House of Lords. It will be chaired by Lord Hope of Craighead, former Convenor of the Crossbench Peers and former Deputy President of the Supreme Court.
October 12, 2025 at 11:19 AM
NEW: The membership of the new Select Committee to consider the #AssistedDying Bill will be confirmed on Tuesday in the House of Lords. It will be chaired by Lord Hope of Craighead, former Convenor of the Crossbench Peers and former Deputy President of the Supreme Court.
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Pop quiz for Parliament-watchers 👀
What’s the longest Bill of this session?
👇
What’s the longest Bill of this session?
👇
October 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Pop quiz for Parliament-watchers 👀
What’s the longest Bill of this session?
👇
What’s the longest Bill of this session?
👇
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Parliament returns on Monday.
Our Parliament Matters Bulletin has everything you need to know about the week ahead in Westminster.
Subscribe today and get it in your inbox tomorrow👇
buff.ly/z6Snp2s
Our Parliament Matters Bulletin has everything you need to know about the week ahead in Westminster.
Subscribe today and get it in your inbox tomorrow👇
buff.ly/z6Snp2s
Understand how Parliament works and what needs to change — Sign up for expert analysis
Sign up to our newsletter
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October 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Parliament returns on Monday.
Our Parliament Matters Bulletin has everything you need to know about the week ahead in Westminster.
Subscribe today and get it in your inbox tomorrow👇
buff.ly/z6Snp2s
Our Parliament Matters Bulletin has everything you need to know about the week ahead in Westminster.
Subscribe today and get it in your inbox tomorrow👇
buff.ly/z6Snp2s
Reposted by Ruth Fox
🎧 What happens when the most powerful person in the country suddenly… isn’t?
With Margaret Thatcher’s centenary approaching, and her legacy still dividing the Tory faithful, we talk to @expremiers.bsky.social about his new book exploring her life and politics after No 10.
With Margaret Thatcher’s centenary approaching, and her legacy still dividing the Tory faithful, we talk to @expremiers.bsky.social about his new book exploring her life and politics after No 10.
Former Prime Ministers: The role of Parliament in life after No 10 - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 109
In this episode, we speak with Peter Just, author of a new book, Margaret Thatcher: Life After Downing Street. Peter explores how Thatcher reinvented herself after her departure to maintain her…
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October 6, 2025 at 7:30 AM
🎧 What happens when the most powerful person in the country suddenly… isn’t?
With Margaret Thatcher’s centenary approaching, and her legacy still dividing the Tory faithful, we talk to @expremiers.bsky.social about his new book exploring her life and politics after No 10.
With Margaret Thatcher’s centenary approaching, and her legacy still dividing the Tory faithful, we talk to @expremiers.bsky.social about his new book exploring her life and politics after No 10.
Reposted by Ruth Fox
🎧 PODCAST - Former Prime Ministers: The role of Parliament in life after No 10
We talk to @expremiers.bsky.social about his new book on Margaret Thatcher's time after No 10, and about how other ex-PMs have spent their parliamentary afterlife.
Listen below🔽
buff.ly/rFR12hP
We talk to @expremiers.bsky.social about his new book on Margaret Thatcher's time after No 10, and about how other ex-PMs have spent their parliamentary afterlife.
Listen below🔽
buff.ly/rFR12hP
Parliament Matters: A podcast about the institution at the heart of our democracy
Join two of the UK’s leading parliamentary experts, Mark D’Arcy and Ruth Fox, as they guide you through the often mysterious ways our politicians do business and explore the running controversies…
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October 3, 2025 at 2:36 PM
🎧 PODCAST - Former Prime Ministers: The role of Parliament in life after No 10
We talk to @expremiers.bsky.social about his new book on Margaret Thatcher's time after No 10, and about how other ex-PMs have spent their parliamentary afterlife.
Listen below🔽
buff.ly/rFR12hP
We talk to @expremiers.bsky.social about his new book on Margaret Thatcher's time after No 10, and about how other ex-PMs have spent their parliamentary afterlife.
Listen below🔽
buff.ly/rFR12hP
1/ Whatever you think of digital ID, the process matters.
And in 2025, this is still how we make big public policy. 👇
And in 2025, this is still how we make big public policy. 👇
September 26, 2025 at 4:18 PM
1/ Whatever you think of digital ID, the process matters.
And in 2025, this is still how we make big public policy. 👇
And in 2025, this is still how we make big public policy. 👇
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. 👇
Reposted by Ruth Fox
BLOG | Treaty scrutiny: addressing the accountability gap
In this guest blog, chair of @HLIntAgreements Lord Goldsmith KC outlines the Committee’s new report calling for stronger parliamentary oversight of treaties.
Read the blog post below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/treaty-...
In this guest blog, chair of @HLIntAgreements Lord Goldsmith KC outlines the Committee’s new report calling for stronger parliamentary oversight of treaties.
Read the blog post below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/treaty-...
Treaty scrutiny: addressing the accountability gap
In this guest blog, Lord Goldsmith KC, Chair of the House of Lords International Agreements Committee (IAC), sets out the findings of the Committee’s latest report urging reform of Parliament's…
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September 23, 2025 at 11:54 AM
BLOG | Treaty scrutiny: addressing the accountability gap
In this guest blog, chair of @HLIntAgreements Lord Goldsmith KC outlines the Committee’s new report calling for stronger parliamentary oversight of treaties.
Read the blog post below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/treaty-...
In this guest blog, chair of @HLIntAgreements Lord Goldsmith KC outlines the Committee’s new report calling for stronger parliamentary oversight of treaties.
Read the blog post below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/treaty-...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Our briefing breaks down:
• Day 1 highlights & why they matter today
• Who’s speaking in today’s debate
• Key motions & amendments for decision
• What a possible select committee could mean for the #AssistedDying Bill’s next stages
buff.ly/yQo0MBe
• Day 1 highlights & why they matter today
• Who’s speaking in today’s debate
• Key motions & amendments for decision
• What a possible select committee could mean for the #AssistedDying Bill’s next stages
buff.ly/yQo0MBe
Assisted dying bill: What will happen at Second Reading on Friday 19 September?
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - the Bill to legalise assisted dying - has passed through the House of Commons and now reached the House of Lords. A rare two-day Second Reading debate…
www.hansardsociety.org.uk
September 19, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Our briefing breaks down:
• Day 1 highlights & why they matter today
• Who’s speaking in today’s debate
• Key motions & amendments for decision
• What a possible select committee could mean for the #AssistedDying Bill’s next stages
buff.ly/yQo0MBe
• Day 1 highlights & why they matter today
• Who’s speaking in today’s debate
• Key motions & amendments for decision
• What a possible select committee could mean for the #AssistedDying Bill’s next stages
buff.ly/yQo0MBe
Reposted by Ruth Fox
It's a big day for the #AssistedDying Bill as the House of Lords decides on its Second Reading. Thanks to @politico.eu for sharing our briefing on today’s speakers, votes & amendments in their London Playbook newsletter.
Link to the briefing is in the post below. 👇
Link to the briefing is in the post below. 👇
September 19, 2025 at 7:30 AM
It's a big day for the #AssistedDying Bill as the House of Lords decides on its Second Reading. Thanks to @politico.eu for sharing our briefing on today’s speakers, votes & amendments in their London Playbook newsletter.
Link to the briefing is in the post below. 👇
Link to the briefing is in the post below. 👇
Reposted by Ruth Fox
UPDATE - Assisted dying bill: what will happen at tomorrow's debate?
Following a compromise deal to establish a select committee to consider the bill, we've updated our blog on what to expect at tomorrow's debate.
Read below🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/assiste...
Following a compromise deal to establish a select committee to consider the bill, we've updated our blog on what to expect at tomorrow's debate.
Read below🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/assiste...
Assisted dying bill: What will happen at Second Reading on Friday 19 September?
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - the Bill to legalise assisted dying - has passed through the House of Commons and now reached the House of Lords. A rare two-day Second Reading debate be...
www.hansardsociety.org.uk
September 18, 2025 at 4:53 PM
UPDATE - Assisted dying bill: what will happen at tomorrow's debate?
Following a compromise deal to establish a select committee to consider the bill, we've updated our blog on what to expect at tomorrow's debate.
Read below🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/assiste...
Following a compromise deal to establish a select committee to consider the bill, we've updated our blog on what to expect at tomorrow's debate.
Read below🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/assiste...
🧵NEWS re the assisted dying bill. @politico.eu's London Playbook newsletter reported earlier that a deal was being negotiated between Lord Falconer (the BIll's sponsor in the Lords) & Baroness Berger who had tabled 2 motions to commit the Bill to a select committee if it gets a 2nd Reading on Friday
September 17, 2025 at 7:48 PM
🧵NEWS re the assisted dying bill. @politico.eu's London Playbook newsletter reported earlier that a deal was being negotiated between Lord Falconer (the BIll's sponsor in the Lords) & Baroness Berger who had tabled 2 motions to commit the Bill to a select committee if it gets a 2nd Reading on Friday
Amid all the Westminster drama, vital decisions shaping our daily lives are flying under the radar.
Our impartial @hansardsociety.bsky.social
Parliament Matters Bulletin cuts through the noise - spotlighting what really happens in Parliament every week.
Stay informed. Read & subscribe now👇
Our impartial @hansardsociety.bsky.social
Parliament Matters Bulletin cuts through the noise - spotlighting what really happens in Parliament every week.
Stay informed. Read & subscribe now👇
MONDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today?
🟢 Employment Rights Bill (Lords amendments)
🔴 Planning and Infrastructure Bill (Committee)
🏫 Westminster Hall: Debate on SEND reform
More detail below 🔽
buff.ly/0tKmK69
🟢 Employment Rights Bill (Lords amendments)
🔴 Planning and Infrastructure Bill (Committee)
🏫 Westminster Hall: Debate on SEND reform
More detail below 🔽
buff.ly/0tKmK69
September 15, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Amid all the Westminster drama, vital decisions shaping our daily lives are flying under the radar.
Our impartial @hansardsociety.bsky.social
Parliament Matters Bulletin cuts through the noise - spotlighting what really happens in Parliament every week.
Stay informed. Read & subscribe now👇
Our impartial @hansardsociety.bsky.social
Parliament Matters Bulletin cuts through the noise - spotlighting what really happens in Parliament every week.
Stay informed. Read & subscribe now👇
Scandals, resignations, reshuffles grab headlines.
But what will really affect all our lives is what Parliament is actually doing - new laws, policy, spending.
Our impartial Parliament Matters Bulletin keeps the focus on Westminster’s work each week. 👇
But what will really affect all our lives is what Parliament is actually doing - new laws, policy, spending.
Our impartial Parliament Matters Bulletin keeps the focus on Westminster’s work each week. 👇
New ministers face a packed week in Parliament.
🗓️ Don’t miss a moment—get the Parliament Matters Bulletin, your daily Westminster guide, every Sunday.
Read & subscribe 👉 buff.ly/keUa6Bf
🗓️ Don’t miss a moment—get the Parliament Matters Bulletin, your daily Westminster guide, every Sunday.
Read & subscribe 👉 buff.ly/keUa6Bf
September 7, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Scandals, resignations, reshuffles grab headlines.
But what will really affect all our lives is what Parliament is actually doing - new laws, policy, spending.
Our impartial Parliament Matters Bulletin keeps the focus on Westminster’s work each week. 👇
But what will really affect all our lives is what Parliament is actually doing - new laws, policy, spending.
Our impartial Parliament Matters Bulletin keeps the focus on Westminster’s work each week. 👇
Reposted by Ruth Fox
Departure of Powell means we'll be onto the 11th Leader of the Commons since the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster programme programme started (Oct 2012) and with no actual decision on when the work will start and how it should be done #WestminsterRR
Reshuffle has started
Lucy Powell out as Leader of the Commons
Ian Murray out as Scottish Secretary
Lucy Powell out as Leader of the Commons
Ian Murray out as Scottish Secretary
September 5, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Departure of Powell means we'll be onto the 11th Leader of the Commons since the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster programme programme started (Oct 2012) and with no actual decision on when the work will start and how it should be done #WestminsterRR
Watch this space 👀 … I wouldn’t be surprised if Parliament is prorogued just before the local elections. That way the Govt can swiftly pivot to the King’s Speech and a new legislative programme in the week after what might be bruising election results.
NEW: The government has announced that this session of parliament will last until spring 2026. Among other things, that means that the assisted dying bill has another 7-8 months to complete its passage through the Lords, increasingly the likelihood of it becoming law.
August 28, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Watch this space 👀 … I wouldn’t be surprised if Parliament is prorogued just before the local elections. That way the Govt can swiftly pivot to the King’s Speech and a new legislative programme in the week after what might be bruising election results.
Help us reform delegated legislation, strengthen parliamentary democracy… and yes, as a Trustee, you kind of get to be my boss as well! 😉
Apply to join the Hansard Society Board. More details here 👉
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/about/career...
Apply to join the Hansard Society Board. More details here 👉
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/about/career...
🧵Join our Board! We are recruiting a new Treasurer & Trustees.
We have a unique role at Westminster: trusted, impartial, and focused on making Parliament more effective.
Right now, we’re at the forefront of the campaign to reform delegated legislation, an issue vital to democratic accountability.
We have a unique role at Westminster: trusted, impartial, and focused on making Parliament more effective.
Right now, we’re at the forefront of the campaign to reform delegated legislation, an issue vital to democratic accountability.
August 18, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Help us reform delegated legislation, strengthen parliamentary democracy… and yes, as a Trustee, you kind of get to be my boss as well! 😉
Apply to join the Hansard Society Board. More details here 👉
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/about/career...
Apply to join the Hansard Society Board. More details here 👉
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/about/career...
How will the House of Lords handle the #AssistedDying Bill? Our latest podcast unpacks the unwritten rules, key players & likely twists as it heads for 2nd reading next month.
Follow Parliament Matters in your favourite podcast app to keep track of future developments.
Follow Parliament Matters in your favourite podcast app to keep track of future developments.
🎙️ NEW EPISODE: On 12 Sept, the House of Lords debates the Assisted Dying Bill. We get an insider’s guide from ex-Clerk of the Parliaments Sir David Beamish who explains the legislative process in the Upper House and its unique procedures.
🎧 buff.ly/6H7WAnb
🎧 buff.ly/6H7WAnb
August 13, 2025 at 1:48 PM
How will the House of Lords handle the #AssistedDying Bill? Our latest podcast unpacks the unwritten rules, key players & likely twists as it heads for 2nd reading next month.
Follow Parliament Matters in your favourite podcast app to keep track of future developments.
Follow Parliament Matters in your favourite podcast app to keep track of future developments.
🧵1/ Something appears to have gone wrong with a new piece of legislation (and shows why even Government departments should be using our Statutory Instrument Tracker!) Here's what happened 👇
The Government appears to have made an affirmative SI - specifically, a legislative reform order requiring approval by both Houses - before it has been approved by the Commons. Maybe I'm missing something?
www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/91...
www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/91...
The Legislative Reform (Disclosure of Adult Social Care Data) Order 2025
Schedule 9 to the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2) includes provision for the Secretary of State or the Minister for the Cabinet Office to carry out data matching exercises or to arrange...
www.legislation.gov.uk
July 28, 2025 at 6:06 PM
🧵1/ Something appears to have gone wrong with a new piece of legislation (and shows why even Government departments should be using our Statutory Instrument Tracker!) Here's what happened 👇