The Constitution Unit

Conference 2023 Panel 1: Parliament

Episode Summary

The last few years have seen frequent controversy about parliament’s role, and the government’s openness to parliamentary accountability. What are the proper scrutiny roles of MPs and peers? Do they have the opportunities and resources to fulfil these? If not, what reforms might be needed?

Episode Notes

The last few years have seen frequent controversy about parliament’s role, and the government’s openness to parliamentary accountability. Concerns have focused on parliament's ability to scrutinise primary legislation, delegated legislation, and international treaties, and on the role of the House of Lords. What are the proper scrutiny roles of MPs and peers? Do they have the opportunities and resources to fulfil these? If not, what reforms might be needed?

Speakers

Thangam Debbonaire MP – Labour MP for Bristol West and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons

Professor the Lord (Philip) Norton of Louth – Conservative peer, and Professor of Government at the University of Hull

Dr Brigid Fowler – Senior Researcher, Hansard Society

Alexander Horne – barrister, and Visiting Professor at Durham University

Chair: Dr Tom Fleming – Constitution Unit, UCL