The Constitution Unit

The Constitution Unit

The Constitution Unit conducts timely, rigorous, independent research into constitutional change and the reform of political institutions. Our research has significant real-world impact, informing policy-makers engaged in such changes - both in the United Kingdom and around the world. On this channel, you will find the audio recordings of the Constitution Unit's past events.

  1. 10 hr ago

    Six Prime Ministers and a Brexit: Meg Russell Reflects on British Democracy

    Six prime ministers, a Brexit referendum, and an (unlawful) prorogation of parliament — it has been an extraordinary decade to lead the UCL Constitution Unit. Meg Russell steps back from that role and joins host Emily McTernan to reflect on a career spanning nearly three decades, from advising Robin Cook as Leader of the House of Commons to shaping parliamentary reform from the outside. Along the way, they discuss what this turbulent period reveals about the fragility of British democracy, the erosion of constitutional norms, and who is ultimately responsible for protecting our political system. Mentioned in this episode: Meg Russell's valedictory lecture Links: Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit Mailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-list Blog: constitution-unit.com

    44 min

  2. 1 day ago

    Constitution Unit Conference 2026: The Representation of the People Bill

    Parliament is currently considering the Representation of the People Bill. As well as lowering the voting age for UK elections to 16, this legislation contains a host of changes in other areas, including voter registration, voter ID, political finance, and the role of the Electoral Commission. Will these changes be sufficient to deliver fair, safe, and secure elections? If not, what more needs to be done? And does safeguarding our elections require changes of culture and behaviour, as well as new legislation?  Speakers: Phoebe Arnold – Policy Lead at Full Fact John Pullinger – Chair of the Electoral Commission Philip Rycroft – former senior civil servant, and author of the 2026 review into countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit Mailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-list Blog: constitution-unit.com

    1hr 2min

  3. 1 day ago

    Constitution Unit Conference 2026: What next for standards in public life?

    Improving standards in public life was a key plank of Labour’s promise to be different from its predecessors in government. In opposition, the party promised better behaviour and stronger systems of regulation. In office, it has introduced a number of changes, such as the creation of the promised Ethics and Integrity Commission. However, the government has faced multiple standards-related scandals, particularly in the fallout from Lord Mandelson’s appointment – and subsequent dismissal – as Ambassador to the United States. So has the government taken sufficient steps to strengthen standards in public life? How have recent events affected its plans? And what more remains to be done?  Speakers: Baroness (Ruth) Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent – Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office, Baroness-in-Waiting (Government Whip), and Labour peer Doug Chalmers – Chair of the Ethics and Integrity Commission Dr Susan Hawley – Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption Lord (Mark) Pack – Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Cabinet Office Chair: Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow, Constitution Unit  Links: Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit Mailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-list Blog: constitution-unit.com

    1hr 1min

  4. 1 day ago

    Constitution Unit Conference 2026: Making policy on difficult issues

    The last year has seen much discussion of how policymakers should approach changing the law in unusually difficult policy areas. In particular, failed attempts to legalise ‘assisted dying’ at Westminster and Holyrood have highlighted the challenges of legislating in areas that involve ethical debates as well as more practical questions of policy design. Meanwhile, the UK government has announced a ‘Peoples’ Panel’ on Digital ID, which adds to questions of whether innovative processes could help. This panel discusses how the policymaking process can best be designed to handle particularly controversial issues. Might it require reforms to how legislation is prepared, drafted, and debated? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using backbench bills, and of more direct public involvement?  Speakers: Lord (Charlie) Falconer of Thoroton – Labour peer, former minister, and Lords sponsor of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Dr Ruth Fox – Director of the Hansard Society Professor Jane Suiter – Director of Dublin City University’s Institute for Future Media, Democracy and Society Chair: Dr Tom Fleming – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit Mailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-list Blog: constitution-unit.com

    1hr 1min

  5. 2 days ago

    Constitution Unit Conference 2026: How should political parties choose their leaders?

    Uncertainty over Keir Starmer’s future has revived interest in the question – familiar from previous Conservative governments – of how political parties should select and remove their leaders. This raises various important issues, including the process by which MPs can remove incumbent leaders, the respective roles of MPs and party members in choosing a replacement, and – in an era of greater devolution – whether politicians beyond Westminster should be able to throw their hat into the ring. This panel will therefore ask: are UK political parties’ leadership selection rules fit for purpose? Speakers: Lord (Graham) Brady of Altrincham – Conservative peer and former Chair of the Conservative Party’s 1922 Committee Sienna Rodgers – Deputy Editor of The House magazine and former editor of LabourList Dr Robert Saunders – Reader in Modern British History at Queen Mary University of London Chair: Professor Meg Russell – Director of the Constitution Unit to May 2026 Links: Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit Mailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-list Blog: constitution-unit.com

    59 min

  6. 2 days ago

    Constitution Unit Conference 2026: How can public confidence in UK democracy be restored?

    The British public’s faith in the political system is in serious need of repair. This is particularly urgent given international fears about a wider turn away from democracy in many countries including the United States. Labour’s 2024 manifesto promised to ‘deepen’, ‘strengthen’ and ‘protect’ democracy in the UK. But what can be done to restore public confidence in the health of British democracy? To what extent does it depend on politicians delivering tangible improvements in citizens’ everyday lives? And to what extent does it require wider institutional and cultural changes in our political institutions? With respect to the latter, how could such changes be delivered?  Speakers: Polly Curtis – Chief Executive of Demos Anneliese Dodds MP – Labour MP for Oxford East and former Minister for Women and Equalities and for International Development Professor Marc Stears – Director of the UCL Policy Lab Sue Tibballs – Chief Executive of Involve Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Director of the Constitution Unit  Links: Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit Mailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-list Blog: constitution-unit.com

    1hr 2min

  7. 2 days ago

    Constitution Unit Conference 2026: UK–EU relations ten years after the referendum

    This opening panel is held 10 years to the day since the 2016 ‘Brexit’ referendum result was announced. As was predicted at the time, neither the referendum nor the UK’s eventual departure from the EU in 2020 definitively settled the UK–EU relationship, which has continued to evolve. Recent discussions have focused particularly on the Labour government’s efforts to achieve closer cooperation with the EU, and its plans for more ongoing alignment with EU rules. Particular challenges also remain in Northern Ireland. So, ten years after the referendum, what is the current state of UK–EU relations? What has changed since Labour took office? And what further changes might be coming?   Speakers: Professor Katy Hayward – Professor of Political Sociology at Queen’s University Belfast Professor Anand Menon – Director of the UK in a Changing Europe and Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King’s College London Lord (Jock) Stirrup – Crossbench peer and chair of the House of Lords European Affairs Committee Chair: Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow, Constitution Unit  Links: Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit Mailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-list Blog: constitution-unit.com

    59 min

  8. 20 May

    Professor Meg Russell's valedictory lecture as Director of the Constitution Unit

    On 12 May 2026, Professor Meg Russell FBA's time as Director of the UCL Constitution Unit culminated in her delivering a valedictory lecture at the Institute for Government. Professor Jennifer Hudson, Vice Provost (Faculties) at University College London, introduced the lecture, while Dr Hannah White, Director of the Institute for Government, concluded it. Audience questions have been removed from this recording. Professor Russell had led the Unit since 1 October 2015. She arrived at UCL in 1998, becoming Professor of British and Comparative Politics in 2014 and a Fellow of the British Academy in 2020. She is a leading authority on parliaments comparatively and the UK parliament, including a particular interest in the House of Lords. Professor Russell will continue to be based at UCL, and from September will drop to a 50% contract, continuing to teach, write and contribute to policy debates. She is succeeded as Director by Professor Alan Renwick, with Dr Tom Fleming serving as Deputy Director. Links: Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit Mailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-list Blog: constitution-unit.com

    1hr 4min
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About

The Constitution Unit conducts timely, rigorous, independent research into constitutional change and the reform of political institutions. Our research has significant real-world impact, informing policy-makers engaged in such changes - both in the United Kingdom and around the world. On this channel, you will find the audio recordings of the Constitution Unit's past events.

Information

  • Creator
    The Constitution Unit
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UCL Constitution Unit 2025
  • Show Website
    The Constitution Unit

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