Tag: Robert Hazell
Disruptive or beneficial? Freedom of information in the UK
On 1 March, to some surprise, the Burns Commission concluded that the Freedom of Information Act was ‘generally working well’. Ben Worthy and Robert Hazell explain how the Commission came to this unexpected result and, drawing on the results three major research projects, argue that since it came into force in 2005 FOI has achieved its […]
The EU Referendum Bill raises important questions for the future conduct of referendums in the UK
The EU Referendum Bill completed its eventful passage through the House of Commons in September. As scrutiny begins in the House of Lords Alan Renwick and Robert Hazell assess the changes made so far, arguing that whilst new clauses preventing the referendum from being held on the same day as devolved and local elections are welcome, the […]
The new government’s constitutional reform agenda – and its challenges
Following the surprise election of a Conservative government with a small majority, Meg Russell and Robert Hazell offer an overview of the constitutional reforms which are likely to be prioritised and the associated difficulties that may arise. Similar PostsHow democratic is the House of Commons? How effectively does it control the UK government and represent citizens?How […]
Squatters and caretakers: why the current Cabinet Manual guidance on post-election protocol is insufficient
In the second of a short series of posts on the Constitution Unit blog about government formation after the election, Robert Hazell discusses the weaknesses of the Cabinet Manual in terms of offering guidance on role of the incumbent PM and the caretaker convention. Similar PostsThe House of Lords leadership row highlights the weaknesses in both Number […]
The English Question comprises two broad questions, with half a dozen different answers
The West Lothian Question has been back on the agenda in recent weeks following the Scottish Independence Referendum, and the promises made by the ‘No’ campaign to ensure a greater degree of self-government for Holyrood and the Prime Minister’s resultant pledge to introduce ‘English Voters for English Laws’. UCL’s Constitution Unit conducted a three-year research project […]
The House of Lords leadership row highlights the weaknesses in both Number 10’s decision-making and the current statutory provisions
The Prime Minister has angered peers by appointing Baroness Stowell as Leader of the House of Lords without appointing her to the Cabinet. In a scathing debate last Monday David Cameron was criticised for diminishing the status of the Lords Leader, and thus the chamber itself. Meg Russell and Robert Hazell highlight that the row, and the proposed solutions, […]
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