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
This afternoon, independent MP @shockatadam.bsky.social will seek to present a Ten Minute Rule Bill to make provision about the detection, treatment and monitoring of glaucoma.
What is a Ten Minute Rule Bill and how do they become law? Our guide explains🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...
What is a Ten Minute Rule Bill and how do they become law? Our guide explains🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...
What is a Ten Minute Rule Bill?
Ten Minute Rule Bills are essentially policy aims put into legislative language in order to secure a 10-minute speaking slot during 'primetime' in the House of Commons Chamber after Question Time on…
www.hansardsociety.org.uk
January 20, 2026 at 10:46 AM
This afternoon, independent MP @shockatadam.bsky.social will seek to present a Ten Minute Rule Bill to make provision about the detection, treatment and monitoring of glaucoma.
What is a Ten Minute Rule Bill and how do they become law? Our guide explains🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...
What is a Ten Minute Rule Bill and how do they become law? Our guide explains🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
TUESDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today?
🌍 Foreign Secretary faces oral questions
📜 Diego Garcia Bill returns to the Commons
🪖 Former Defence Secretaries give evidence on Afghan data breach
Read more below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
🌍 Foreign Secretary faces oral questions
📜 Diego Garcia Bill returns to the Commons
🪖 Former Defence Secretaries give evidence on Afghan data breach
Read more below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 19-23 January 2026
Labour MPs may stage a backbench rebellion in the Commons over amendments to the Hillsborough Law (the Public Office (Accountability) Bill). MPs will also debate changes to four other bills. The…
www.hansardsociety.org.uk
January 20, 2026 at 9:11 AM
TUESDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today?
🌍 Foreign Secretary faces oral questions
📜 Diego Garcia Bill returns to the Commons
🪖 Former Defence Secretaries give evidence on Afghan data breach
Read more below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
🌍 Foreign Secretary faces oral questions
📜 Diego Garcia Bill returns to the Commons
🪖 Former Defence Secretaries give evidence on Afghan data breach
Read more below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
WEDNESDAY: What is coming up in Parliament today?
🪖 Debate on Ukraine, replacing re-scheduled debate on Hillsborough Law
❓ Prime Minister's Questions
🎓 Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill begins Lords Report Stage
Read more below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
🪖 Debate on Ukraine, replacing re-scheduled debate on Hillsborough Law
❓ Prime Minister's Questions
🎓 Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill begins Lords Report Stage
Read more below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
January 14, 2026 at 7:00 AM
WEDNESDAY: What is coming up in Parliament today?
🪖 Debate on Ukraine, replacing re-scheduled debate on Hillsborough Law
❓ Prime Minister's Questions
🎓 Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill begins Lords Report Stage
Read more below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
🪖 Debate on Ukraine, replacing re-scheduled debate on Hillsborough Law
❓ Prime Minister's Questions
🎓 Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill begins Lords Report Stage
Read more below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
The Select Committee Chairs’ letter below highlights the @electoralcommission.org.uk's concerns about cryptocurrency donations. Its Chair, John Pullinger, discussed these and wider risks in the upcoming Elections Bill on our latest @hansardsociety.bsky.social podcast.
🎧 Listen: buff.ly/j3jZKbV
🎧 Listen: buff.ly/j3jZKbV
January 12, 2026 at 2:21 PM
The Select Committee Chairs’ letter below highlights the @electoralcommission.org.uk's concerns about cryptocurrency donations. Its Chair, John Pullinger, discussed these and wider risks in the upcoming Elections Bill on our latest @hansardsociety.bsky.social podcast.
🎧 Listen: buff.ly/j3jZKbV
🎧 Listen: buff.ly/j3jZKbV
🧵Sky News has a piece running today about a big increase in written parliamentary questions. @samcoatessky.bsky.social says a
senior government source has suggested MPs may be using AI to submit written questions to ministers.
news.sky.com/story/number...
senior government source has suggested MPs may be using AI to submit written questions to ministers.
news.sky.com/story/number...
Number of written questions to government departments doubles in a year
A senior government source has suggested MPs may be using AI to submit written questions to ministers.
news.sky.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:13 PM
🧵Sky News has a piece running today about a big increase in written parliamentary questions. @samcoatessky.bsky.social says a
senior government source has suggested MPs may be using AI to submit written questions to ministers.
news.sky.com/story/number...
senior government source has suggested MPs may be using AI to submit written questions to ministers.
news.sky.com/story/number...
🧵If the Government goes ahead with legislation granting "sweeping powers" to align parts of the UK economy with EU rules - dynamically or otherwise - MPs should insist on a dedicated EU select committee to hold Ministers to account. 1/
Exc - Keir Starmer is preparing an EU reset bill with sweeping powers to align the UK with EU regulation which could go beyond what was agreed in May.
Details of the deal are not finished but the bill will go through parliament in parallel with EU negotiations
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Details of the deal are not finished but the bill will go through parliament in parallel with EU negotiations
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Starmer prepares for parliamentary battles over imminent EU ‘reset’ bill
Planned legislation could hand ministers significant powers to forge closer regulatory ties with Brussels
www.theguardian.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:22 PM
🧵If the Government goes ahead with legislation granting "sweeping powers" to align parts of the UK economy with EU rules - dynamically or otherwise - MPs should insist on a dedicated EU select committee to hold Ministers to account. 1/
Reposted by Ruth Fox
NEW: How much power does the monarchy really have today? 🤔
We are joined by author & former royal correspondent Valentine Low to explore the Palace, Parliament and power - from Queen Victoria to Boris Johnson. 🎧
Listen now 👉 buff.ly/opCKZCu
We are joined by author & former royal correspondent Valentine Low to explore the Palace, Parliament and power - from Queen Victoria to Boris Johnson. 🎧
Listen now 👉 buff.ly/opCKZCu
January 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM
NEW: How much power does the monarchy really have today? 🤔
We are joined by author & former royal correspondent Valentine Low to explore the Palace, Parliament and power - from Queen Victoria to Boris Johnson. 🎧
Listen now 👉 buff.ly/opCKZCu
We are joined by author & former royal correspondent Valentine Low to explore the Palace, Parliament and power - from Queen Victoria to Boris Johnson. 🎧
Listen now 👉 buff.ly/opCKZCu
Lots of people don’t know the difference between Government and Parliament. Disappointing to learn US State Department officials are among them.
Constitutional literacy: still an existential security concern.😉
Constitutional literacy: still an existential security concern.😉
United States government strengthens the position of Liberal Democrats in UK politics
December 24, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Lots of people don’t know the difference between Government and Parliament. Disappointing to learn US State Department officials are among them.
Constitutional literacy: still an existential security concern.😉
Constitutional literacy: still an existential security concern.😉
Absolutely! Back when BBC Parliament did wall-to-wall, serious coverage, Christmas Day regularly pulled in its best ratings of the year. Proof that we’re happily indulging the political nerd instinct - even (especially?) on one of the biggest holidays
of the year. And it really was great fun.
of the year. And it really was great fun.
Nothing says "Merry Christmas!" like an episode of the Parliament Matters podcast!
It was a pleasure to join Ruth and Mark to discuss why it's so hard to be prime minister, why we're burning through PMs so quickly, and whether our politics is quite as bad as we think.
It was a pleasure to join Ruth and Mark to discuss why it's so hard to be prime minister, why we're burning through PMs so quickly, and whether our politics is quite as bad as we think.
🎙️ NEW: Is being Prime Minister now an impossible job? 🤯
We are joined by historian @robertsaunders.bsky.social from the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social to unpack why recent PMs burn out so fast: Brexit, COVID, new media pressure, and a broken leadership pipeline.
🎧 Listen: buff.ly/bhvHQf6
We are joined by historian @robertsaunders.bsky.social from the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social to unpack why recent PMs burn out so fast: Brexit, COVID, new media pressure, and a broken leadership pipeline.
🎧 Listen: buff.ly/bhvHQf6
December 23, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Absolutely! Back when BBC Parliament did wall-to-wall, serious coverage, Christmas Day regularly pulled in its best ratings of the year. Proof that we’re happily indulging the political nerd instinct - even (especially?) on one of the biggest holidays
of the year. And it really was great fun.
of the year. And it really was great fun.
Reposted by Ruth Fox
🎙️ NEW: Is being Prime Minister now an impossible job? 🤯
We are joined by historian @robertsaunders.bsky.social from the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social to unpack why recent PMs burn out so fast: Brexit, COVID, new media pressure, and a broken leadership pipeline.
🎧 Listen: buff.ly/bhvHQf6
We are joined by historian @robertsaunders.bsky.social from the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social to unpack why recent PMs burn out so fast: Brexit, COVID, new media pressure, and a broken leadership pipeline.
🎧 Listen: buff.ly/bhvHQf6
December 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM
🎙️ NEW: Is being Prime Minister now an impossible job? 🤯
We are joined by historian @robertsaunders.bsky.social from the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social to unpack why recent PMs burn out so fast: Brexit, COVID, new media pressure, and a broken leadership pipeline.
🎧 Listen: buff.ly/bhvHQf6
We are joined by historian @robertsaunders.bsky.social from the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social to unpack why recent PMs burn out so fast: Brexit, COVID, new media pressure, and a broken leadership pipeline.
🎧 Listen: buff.ly/bhvHQf6
Interesting development on the #AssistedDying bill.
Lord Falconer, the bill's sponsor has a motion listed on the House of Lords Order Paper for Thu 8 Jan (the day before the next Cmtt stage debate) calling for "further time" for consideration of the Bill.
Lord Falconer, the bill's sponsor has a motion listed on the House of Lords Order Paper for Thu 8 Jan (the day before the next Cmtt stage debate) calling for "further time" for consideration of the Bill.
December 19, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Interesting development on the #AssistedDying bill.
Lord Falconer, the bill's sponsor has a motion listed on the House of Lords Order Paper for Thu 8 Jan (the day before the next Cmtt stage debate) calling for "further time" for consideration of the Bill.
Lord Falconer, the bill's sponsor has a motion listed on the House of Lords Order Paper for Thu 8 Jan (the day before the next Cmtt stage debate) calling for "further time" for consideration of the Bill.
Reposted by Ruth Fox
The government should have acted to regulate appointments through its House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill.
Amendments to limit new peers and cap the chamber's size at 650 (the size of the Commons) were proposed, but rejected.
Change is badly needed.
constitution-unit.com/2025/07/01/1...
Amendments to limit new peers and cap the chamber's size at 650 (the size of the Commons) were proposed, but rejected.
Change is badly needed.
constitution-unit.com/2025/07/01/1...
10 reasons why the hereditary peers bill should be amended to constrain Prime Ministerial patronage and the size of the House of Lords
The government’s House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill reaches its report stage in the chamber this week – presenting a serious moment for possible amendments. Meg Russell argues that peers should…
constitution-unit.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:09 PM
The government should have acted to regulate appointments through its House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill.
Amendments to limit new peers and cap the chamber's size at 650 (the size of the Commons) were proposed, but rejected.
Change is badly needed.
constitution-unit.com/2025/07/01/1...
Amendments to limit new peers and cap the chamber's size at 650 (the size of the Commons) were proposed, but rejected.
Change is badly needed.
constitution-unit.com/2025/07/01/1...
Reposted by Ruth Fox
🎙️ New episode: What really happens after Budget Day?
(Yes — there really are 101 Ways and Means resolutions…)
🧾 How the Budget becomes the Finance Bill
🇪🇺 @lordrickettsp.bsky.social on dynamic alignment with the EU
🔟 More sitting Fridays for the assisted dying bill
🔗 Listen ⤵️ buff.ly/M6S6kdP
(Yes — there really are 101 Ways and Means resolutions…)
🧾 How the Budget becomes the Finance Bill
🇪🇺 @lordrickettsp.bsky.social on dynamic alignment with the EU
🔟 More sitting Fridays for the assisted dying bill
🔗 Listen ⤵️ buff.ly/M6S6kdP
November 28, 2025 at 8:00 AM
🎙️ New episode: What really happens after Budget Day?
(Yes — there really are 101 Ways and Means resolutions…)
🧾 How the Budget becomes the Finance Bill
🇪🇺 @lordrickettsp.bsky.social on dynamic alignment with the EU
🔟 More sitting Fridays for the assisted dying bill
🔗 Listen ⤵️ buff.ly/M6S6kdP
(Yes — there really are 101 Ways and Means resolutions…)
🧾 How the Budget becomes the Finance Bill
🇪🇺 @lordrickettsp.bsky.social on dynamic alignment with the EU
🔟 More sitting Fridays for the assisted dying bill
🔗 Listen ⤵️ buff.ly/M6S6kdP
1/ It’s Budget Day - so why does the Deputy Speaker, in their capacity as Chair of Ways and Means usually preside over the debate? The story goes back to the 17th century, when MPs feared the Speaker was too close to the Crown, especially on matters of money.
November 26, 2025 at 8:37 AM
1/ It’s Budget Day - so why does the Deputy Speaker, in their capacity as Chair of Ways and Means usually preside over the debate? The story goes back to the 17th century, when MPs feared the Speaker was too close to the Crown, especially on matters of money.
In a world of rising instability, with ministers and military leaders warning of growing conflict risks, parliamentary oversight of the armed forces is more vital than ever. This event with international expert @plagasse.bsky.social will be interesting.
Sign up 👇
Sign up 👇
Which civilians play the most important roles in controlling the armed forces?
This Thursday, join @plagasse.bsky.social, Dominic Grieve and @profveronika.bsky.social to discuss Philippe Lagassé's new book, Overseen or Overlooked? Legislators, Armed Forces, and Democratic Accountability.
Sign up 👇
This Thursday, join @plagasse.bsky.social, Dominic Grieve and @profveronika.bsky.social to discuss Philippe Lagassé's new book, Overseen or Overlooked? Legislators, Armed Forces, and Democratic Accountability.
Sign up 👇
Legislative Oversight of the Armed Forces
Which civilians play the most important roles in controlling the armed forces?
www.ucl.ac.uk
November 25, 2025 at 10:25 AM
In a world of rising instability, with ministers and military leaders warning of growing conflict risks, parliamentary oversight of the armed forces is more vital than ever. This event with international expert @plagasse.bsky.social will be interesting.
Sign up 👇
Sign up 👇
Reposted by Ruth Fox
TUESDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today?
🪖 Debate on new Northern Ireland Troubles legislation
🌍 Chagos Islands legislation begins Lords Committee Stage
🔋 Energy Secretary faces oral questions
More detail below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
🪖 Debate on new Northern Ireland Troubles legislation
🌍 Chagos Islands legislation begins Lords Committee Stage
🔋 Energy Secretary faces oral questions
More detail below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
November 18, 2025 at 7:00 AM
TUESDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today?
🪖 Debate on new Northern Ireland Troubles legislation
🌍 Chagos Islands legislation begins Lords Committee Stage
🔋 Energy Secretary faces oral questions
More detail below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
🪖 Debate on new Northern Ireland Troubles legislation
🌍 Chagos Islands legislation begins Lords Committee Stage
🔋 Energy Secretary faces oral questions
More detail below 🔽
www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...
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 👇
buff.ly/2XhI15f
Read + subscribe to get it in your inbox every Sunday morning 👇
buff.ly/2XhI15f
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…
buff.ly
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
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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