UCL Constitution Unit
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UCL Constitution Unit
@conunitucl.bsky.social
The UK's leading research centre on constitutional change, covering parliament, government, democracy, elections and more.

Sign up to hear about our blog posts, events and publications 👉 https://mailchi.mp/ucl/constitution-unit.
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The latest edition of our triannual constitutional review is now available!

Monitor 91 warns that 'changes feel timid and reluctant in the face of serious threats' and explains what is happening across the constitutional spectrum.

Read it 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....

Or browse our thread 👇
Reposted by UCL Constitution Unit
👨‍🏫 Now Tom Fleming from @conunitucl.bsky.social and @ucl.ac.uk is exploring procedure committees in the @houseofcommons.parliament.uk from 1854

#PSAParl25
November 28, 2025 at 11:04 AM
What will the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill change? What else is happening to local government funding, organisation and police and crime commissioners?

The new edition of our constitutional review explains the government's plans.

Read more 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
November 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM
We have a new blog platform!

The Constitution Unit's popular blog is now hosted at blogs.ucl.ac.uk/constitution..., which excitingly sits within @ucl.ac.uk's domain.

There are still some issues to sort out, so please bear with us, but also let us know what you think and if you have any problems 👇
November 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Is citizenship education up to scratch?

Last week we and @uclspp.bsky.social hosted Hattie Andrews @politicsproject.bsky.social, Emma Connolly @uclspeechlab.bsky.social and Hans Svennevig @citizenshippgceioe.bsky.social @ioe.bsky.social to discuss how the subject can be strengthened.

Watch 👇
Votes at 16: Is Citizenship Education up to Scratch?
In July 2025, the UK government announced that the voting age would be lowered to 16. This reform, among others, aims to broaden the country’s democratic base and modernize the political system. Yet…
www.youtube.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM
What makes the new Ethics and Integrity Commission different from the Committee on Standards in Public Life? Should it be underpinned by statute?

The new edition of our constitutional review explains why there are concerns over its non-statutory nature.

Read more 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
November 27, 2025 at 8:01 AM
ON THE BLOG: Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity

In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity
In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
constitution-unit.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:58 AM
Reposted by UCL Constitution Unit
Really looking forward to speaking at this event tomorrow on democracy, and hearing the perspectives of other participants.

There's an option to attend online for those who can't join in person - just follow the link below for details.
@alanrenwick.bsky.social is speaking at an in-person event at Kensington Central Library tomorrow night.

Co-organised with Operation Black Vote and @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social, the event is part of a series about how democracy works and how to shape political decisions.

Sign up 👇
Use your voice | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
www.rbkc.gov.uk
November 26, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Which civilians play the most important roles in controlling the armed forces?

Tomorrow, 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 26, 2025 at 5:05 PM
@alanrenwick.bsky.social is speaking at an in-person event at Kensington Central Library tomorrow night.

Co-organised with Operation Black Vote and @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social, the event is part of a series about how democracy works and how to shape political decisions.

Sign up 👇
Use your voice | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
www.rbkc.gov.uk
November 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
ON THE BLOG: Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity

In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity
In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
constitution-unit.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:07 PM
What five principal areas does the government’s elections policy paper actually cover?

And what five 'sins of omission' does it make?

The new edition of our constitutional review gives a digestible, expert analysis.

Read more 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
November 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Reposted by UCL Constitution Unit
The government’s progress on constitutional & ethical standards has been welcome but underwhelming. It should go further to put the business appointments rules and the new standards regulator on a statutory basis, protect the electoral process and ensure the independence of the Electoral Commission
ON THE BLOG: Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity

In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity
In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
constitution-unit.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:07 AM
NEW BLOG: Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity

In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity
In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
constitution-unit.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Reposted by UCL Constitution Unit
The latest edition of our triannual constitutional review is now available!

Monitor 91 warns that 'changes feel timid and reluctant in the face of serious threats' and explains what is happening across the constitutional spectrum.

Read it 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....

Or browse our thread 👇
November 25, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Reposted by UCL Constitution Unit
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 👇
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 👇
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
ON THE BLOG: Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity

In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity
In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
constitution-unit.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Reposted by UCL Constitution Unit
The Constitution Unit's latest round-up of constitutional developments in the UK is out now!
The latest edition of our triannual constitutional review is now available!

Monitor 91 warns that 'changes feel timid and reluctant in the face of serious threats' and explains what is happening across the constitutional spectrum.

Read it 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....

Or browse our thread 👇
November 25, 2025 at 8:24 AM
How are people chosen for honours? How does the system work behind the scenes? Could it be improved?

On 9 December, join Sue Owen, Peter Riddell and Dominic Grieve to discuss just this at our free, online event.

Sign up 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
November 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
The latest edition of our triannual constitutional review is now available!

Monitor 91 warns that 'changes feel timid and reluctant in the face of serious threats' and explains what is happening across the constitutional spectrum.

Read it 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....

Or browse our thread 👇
November 25, 2025 at 7:01 AM
NEW BLOG: Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity

In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity
In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
constitution-unit.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Reposted by UCL Constitution Unit
Sorry to miss this- looks a great event to sign up for!
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 👇
Legislative Oversight of the Armed Forces
Which civilians play the most important roles in controlling the armed forces?
www.ucl.ac.uk
November 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
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 👇
Legislative Oversight of the Armed Forces
Which civilians play the most important roles in controlling the armed forces?
www.ucl.ac.uk
November 24, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Reposted by UCL Constitution Unit
Reminder:

I'll be speaking about our book on legislatures and armed forces at UCL with Dominic Grieve and Veronika Fifak on 27 Nov at 18:15.
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 👇
Legislative Oversight of the Armed Forces
Which civilians play the most important roles in controlling the armed forces?
www.ucl.ac.uk
November 24, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Between 2019 and 2021, we led the Working Group on Unification Referendums on the Island of Ireland.

This examined how any future referendum on the constitutional status of Northern Ireland would be best designed and conducted.

Find out more 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
November 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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 👇
Legislative Oversight of the Armed Forces
Which civilians play the most important roles in controlling the armed forces?
www.ucl.ac.uk
November 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM