The Constitution Society
@consoc.bsky.social
The Constitution Society is an independent educational foundation which works to promote public understanding of the UK constitution.
Misleading ads during elections aren’t just bad politics — they can break the law. ⚖️
UK election rules protect candidates’ reputations, but the system is messy, outdated, and in need of reform. https://consoc.org.uk/uk-elections-law/
UK election rules protect candidates’ reputations, but the system is messy, outdated, and in need of reform. https://consoc.org.uk/uk-elections-law/
UK elections law: complex, fragmented and in need of reform? - The Constitution Society
Elijah Granet examines UK elections law and its intricacies after weeks of cancerous debate in this blog for the Constitution Society.
consoc.org.uk
January 16, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Misleading ads during elections aren’t just bad politics — they can break the law. ⚖️
UK election rules protect candidates’ reputations, but the system is messy, outdated, and in need of reform. https://consoc.org.uk/uk-elections-law/
UK election rules protect candidates’ reputations, but the system is messy, outdated, and in need of reform. https://consoc.org.uk/uk-elections-law/
We're advertising for our 2026/7 Contributing Writer posts - a great opportunity to write on contemporary constitutional issues. Follow the link below for more information ⬇️
https://consoc.org.uk/contributing-writer-ad-2026/
https://consoc.org.uk/contributing-writer-ad-2026/
Contributing Writer Opportunities: Write for the Constitution Society - The Constitution Society
The Constitution Society is seeking contributing writers to author blogs and content on a range of political and legal topics.
consoc.org.uk
January 15, 2026 at 3:04 PM
We're advertising for our 2026/7 Contributing Writer posts - a great opportunity to write on contemporary constitutional issues. Follow the link below for more information ⬇️
https://consoc.org.uk/contributing-writer-ad-2026/
https://consoc.org.uk/contributing-writer-ad-2026/
Why does parliamentary scrutiny matter? Kate Dewsnip argues that effective scrutiny produces better laws, holds the Executive to account, and opens the door to wider policy influence. https://consoc.org.uk/the-purpose-of-legislative-scrutiny/
The purpose of legislative scrutiny - The Constitution Society
Kate Dewsnip explains the purpose and benefits of legislative scrutiny in this blog for the Constitution Society.
consoc.org.uk
January 15, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Why does parliamentary scrutiny matter? Kate Dewsnip argues that effective scrutiny produces better laws, holds the Executive to account, and opens the door to wider policy influence. https://consoc.org.uk/the-purpose-of-legislative-scrutiny/
When the Good Friday Agreement was signed, incorporating the ECHR into Northern Ireland law was a symbol of hope and justice. A generation later, that promise risks being eroded. https://consoc.org.uk/is-westminster-backtracking-on-human-rights-in-northern-ireland/
25 years on is Westminster backtracking on human rights in Northern Ireland? - The Constitution Society
Stuart Wallace examines the relationship between the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the ECHR for the Constitution Society.
consoc.org.uk
January 14, 2026 at 9:01 AM
When the Good Friday Agreement was signed, incorporating the ECHR into Northern Ireland law was a symbol of hope and justice. A generation later, that promise risks being eroded. https://consoc.org.uk/is-westminster-backtracking-on-human-rights-in-northern-ireland/
Devolution in Northern Ireland: over 25 years, countless challenges — and somehow, it still works (mostly). https://consoc.org.uk/devolution-and-the-belfast-good-friday-agreement/
Devolution and the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement: a stuttering failure? - The Constitution Society
Kelly Shuttleworth considers the legacy of devolution and the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement for the Constitution Society.
consoc.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Devolution in Northern Ireland: over 25 years, countless challenges — and somehow, it still works (mostly). https://consoc.org.uk/devolution-and-the-belfast-good-friday-agreement/
With the announcement of a review of foreign interference in our elections, is this a matter of democracy or party politics? Mark Bennister investigates: https://consoc.org.uk/dirty-money-international-interference/
Dirty Money and the Need for Disinfectant - The Constitution Society
Mark Bennister reflects on the Government's decision to launch an independent review into foreign interference in UK elections
consoc.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 12:02 PM
With the announcement of a review of foreign interference in our elections, is this a matter of democracy or party politics? Mark Bennister investigates: https://consoc.org.uk/dirty-money-international-interference/
If Parliament starts taking delegated legislation seriously, will the courts stop? Shaba Shakil argues they shouldn’t. https://consoc.org.uk/what-could-si-procedures-in-parliament-mean-for-the-courts/
What could proposals to reform SI procedure in Parliament mean for the courts? - The Constitution Society
Saba Shakil argues that improved parliamentary procedure should be an asset to judicial review in helping hold the executive to account
consoc.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 9:01 AM
If Parliament starts taking delegated legislation seriously, will the courts stop? Shaba Shakil argues they shouldn’t. https://consoc.org.uk/what-could-si-procedures-in-parliament-mean-for-the-courts/
Every March, all eyes turn to the Chancellor’s red box. But the real story lies in the centuries of convention that govern who gets to open it. The Budget is not just an economic event. It’s a constitutional one. http://consoc.org.uk/the-budget-getting-and-spending/
The Budget – getting and spending - The Constitution Society
The constitutional and conventional context of the UK Budget remains poorly understood. Professor Colin Talbot explains.
consoc.org.uk
January 9, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Every March, all eyes turn to the Chancellor’s red box. But the real story lies in the centuries of convention that govern who gets to open it. The Budget is not just an economic event. It’s a constitutional one. http://consoc.org.uk/the-budget-getting-and-spending/
MPs’ staff are the unseen backbone of Parliament. Their workloads have surged since the pandemic, but resources haven’t kept pace. If we want better MPs — and better lawmaking — we need better-resourced offices. https://consoc.org.uk/mps-offices-are-at-capacity/
MPs' offices are at capacity - The Constitution Society
We need to provide MPs and their staff with the resources and time they need to do the job, argues Laura Gherman
consoc.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 9:01 AM
MPs’ staff are the unseen backbone of Parliament. Their workloads have surged since the pandemic, but resources haven’t kept pace. If we want better MPs — and better lawmaking — we need better-resourced offices. https://consoc.org.uk/mps-offices-are-at-capacity/
As the Government has announced plans to delay local elections, Tasneem Ghazi investigates how appropriate such delays are in our latest blog post. Read it now at: https://consoc.org.uk/delaying-local-government-elections/
Delaying Local Government Elections: Electoral Advantage or Genuine Reform? - The Constitution Society
Tasneem Ghazi considers the circumstances around the delay to dozens of local government elections and asks if these are appropriate.
consoc.org.uk
January 7, 2026 at 11:35 AM
As the Government has announced plans to delay local elections, Tasneem Ghazi investigates how appropriate such delays are in our latest blog post. Read it now at: https://consoc.org.uk/delaying-local-government-elections/
Civil servants serve the Government of the day — Sue Gray didn’t break the constitution. But the row over her move shows how fragile constitutional trust can be when convention meets politics. Colin Talbot discusses https://consoc.org.uk/sue-gray-and-the-labour-party/
Sue Gray and the Labour Party - The Constitution Society
Colin Talbot analyses the constitutional implications of the efforts to a appoint Sue Gray as Kier Starmer's Chief of Staff.
consoc.org.uk
January 7, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Civil servants serve the Government of the day — Sue Gray didn’t break the constitution. But the row over her move shows how fragile constitutional trust can be when convention meets politics. Colin Talbot discusses https://consoc.org.uk/sue-gray-and-the-labour-party/
Parliamentary sovereignty works in Britain because it’s caged by convention.
In Israel, the cage is missing. Elijah Granet discusses https://consoc.org.uk/israel-reforms-and-the-uk/
In Israel, the cage is missing. Elijah Granet discusses https://consoc.org.uk/israel-reforms-and-the-uk/
A fair comparison? Israel's reforms and the UK - The Constitution Society
Elijah Granet assesses proposed Israeli reforms and examines whether they're really comparable to the United Kingdom.
consoc.org.uk
January 6, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Parliamentary sovereignty works in Britain because it’s caged by convention.
In Israel, the cage is missing. Elijah Granet discusses https://consoc.org.uk/israel-reforms-and-the-uk/
In Israel, the cage is missing. Elijah Granet discusses https://consoc.org.uk/israel-reforms-and-the-uk/
Two years on from Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation, her constitutional legacy still divides opinion.
She pushed the limits of devolution, but independence looks further away than ever.
What’s the path now for Scotland’s future? https://consoc.org.uk/sturgeons-legacy-to-the-constitution/
She pushed the limits of devolution, but independence looks further away than ever.
What’s the path now for Scotland’s future? https://consoc.org.uk/sturgeons-legacy-to-the-constitution/
A tale of two paradoxes: Sturgeon's legacy to the constitution - The Constitution Society
After her resignation as First Minister last week, what is Nicola Sturgeon’s legacy to the UK constitution?
consoc.org.uk
January 5, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Two years on from Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation, her constitutional legacy still divides opinion.
She pushed the limits of devolution, but independence looks further away than ever.
What’s the path now for Scotland’s future? https://consoc.org.uk/sturgeons-legacy-to-the-constitution/
She pushed the limits of devolution, but independence looks further away than ever.
What’s the path now for Scotland’s future? https://consoc.org.uk/sturgeons-legacy-to-the-constitution/
The UKSC's ruling in Allister confirmed the Northern Ireland Protocol is lawful — but it also raised big constitutional questions. Parliamentary sovereignty may have won the day, but debates about constitutional change are far from over. https://consoc.org.uk/the-allister-ruling-and-why-it-matters/
On orthodoxy and unanswered questions: the Allister ruling and why it matters - The Constitution Society
The specific orthodoxy of Allister could be said to belie the importance of this decision for the constitution and understandings of it.
consoc.org.uk
January 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
The UKSC's ruling in Allister confirmed the Northern Ireland Protocol is lawful — but it also raised big constitutional questions. Parliamentary sovereignty may have won the day, but debates about constitutional change are far from over. https://consoc.org.uk/the-allister-ruling-and-why-it-matters/
Democracy isn’t optional. ⏳ With turnout falling and elections skewed towards the old and wealthy, compulsory voting could be the wake-up call UK politics desperately needs. https://consoc.org.uk/compulsory-voting-uk/
The case for compulsory voting in the UK - The Constitution Society
The evidence is clear: compulsory voting would be a simple, effective, and realistic means of producing a more representative electorate.
consoc.org.uk
December 31, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Democracy isn’t optional. ⏳ With turnout falling and elections skewed towards the old and wealthy, compulsory voting could be the wake-up call UK politics desperately needs. https://consoc.org.uk/compulsory-voting-uk/
Should "proprotiationaly" be grounds for judicial review? Is it already? Charlotte O'Brien explores in our latest blog post. Read it now at: https://consoc.org.uk/proportionality-and-reasoning-in-judicial-review/
Proportionality and reasoning in judicial review - The Constitution Society
Charlotte O'Brien argues that proportionality should be considered a grounds in its own right for judicial review.
consoc.org.uk
December 30, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Should "proprotiationaly" be grounds for judicial review? Is it already? Charlotte O'Brien explores in our latest blog post. Read it now at: https://consoc.org.uk/proportionality-and-reasoning-in-judicial-review/
The UK Government’s Bill of Rights Bill? Stuck, incoherent, and potentially harmful. From human rights in England to Brexit-era confusion, it’s time for a truly modern, British approach. ⚖️ https://consoc.org.uk/britain-needs-an-ambitious-bill-of-rights/
Post-Brexit Britain needs an ambitious Bill of Rights rooted in integrity and purpose - The Constitution Society
A ‘Modern’ British Bill of Rights should therefore be drafted with unity, clarity, dignity, and conviction at the core of its purpose.
consoc.org.uk
December 30, 2025 at 9:01 AM
The UK Government’s Bill of Rights Bill? Stuck, incoherent, and potentially harmful. From human rights in England to Brexit-era confusion, it’s time for a truly modern, British approach. ⚖️ https://consoc.org.uk/britain-needs-an-ambitious-bill-of-rights/
From Chris Mullin to Greg Clark: select committee chairs have always moved between scrutiny and ministerial office. Recent research confirms the “alternative career path” is mostly a myth. 🏛️ https://consoc.org.uk/a-revolving-door-between-the-front-bench-and-select-committees/
Should there be a revolving door between the front bench and the committee corridor? - The Constitution Society
Former Clerk of Committees Andrew Kennon reflects on research by the Hansard Society on career moves from committee chairs to ministerial posts.
consoc.org.uk
December 29, 2025 at 9:01 AM
From Chris Mullin to Greg Clark: select committee chairs have always moved between scrutiny and ministerial office. Recent research confirms the “alternative career path” is mostly a myth. 🏛️ https://consoc.org.uk/a-revolving-door-between-the-front-bench-and-select-committees/
From Brexit to Boris, the UK’s flexible constitution has shown its cracks. Time to write down the rules: a constitution for the people, the nations, and the law. https://consoc.org.uk/why-the-uk-needs-a-written-constitution/
Why the United Kingdom needs a written constitution - The Constitution Society
Our objectives are better guaranteed by writing down the rules of our constitution than leaving it to competitive elites articulating institutional self interest in terms of constitutional truth.
consoc.org.uk
December 23, 2025 at 9:02 PM
From Brexit to Boris, the UK’s flexible constitution has shown its cracks. Time to write down the rules: a constitution for the people, the nations, and the law. https://consoc.org.uk/why-the-uk-needs-a-written-constitution/
What were the recent outcomes of the Covid-19 Inquiry, and might the proposed Hillsborough Law prevent a reoccurrence of some of the problems? Kate Dewsnip investigates: https://consoc.org.uk/outcomes-of-the-covid-19-inquiry/
Trust Lost, Lessons Learned: Outcomes of the COVID-19 Inquiry - The Constitution Society
Kate Dewsnip examines the outcomes of the Covid-19 Inquiry and asks whether in future more might be done to prevent reoccurring issues.
consoc.org.uk
December 22, 2025 at 11:45 AM
What were the recent outcomes of the Covid-19 Inquiry, and might the proposed Hillsborough Law prevent a reoccurrence of some of the problems? Kate Dewsnip investigates: https://consoc.org.uk/outcomes-of-the-covid-19-inquiry/
Partygate, fiscal chaos, breaches of norms: recent UK governments have tested the limits of constitutional practice. A PM’s oath and, perhaps one day, a written constitution may be needed to restore trust. https://consoc.org.uk/constitutional-combustion-continues/
Post-Johnson, constitutional combustion continues. But the fire can be extinguished - The Constitution Society
Professors Peter Hennessy and Andrew Blick discuss post-Johnson constitutional combustion and the need for a Prime Ministerial Oath.
consoc.org.uk
December 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Partygate, fiscal chaos, breaches of norms: recent UK governments have tested the limits of constitutional practice. A PM’s oath and, perhaps one day, a written constitution may be needed to restore trust. https://consoc.org.uk/constitutional-combustion-continues/
Forty-four days in office. The Truss administration collapsed almost as quickly as Charles I’s final fifty-five days from trial to execution. History remembers character and consequence: one king became a martyr, the other a cautionary footnote. https://consoc.org.uk/the-trials-of-king-charles-i/
The trials of King Charles I - The Constitution Society
History chooses who to remember and who to forget, and it will probably forget Liz. It has not forgotten Charles Stuart, though.
consoc.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Forty-four days in office. The Truss administration collapsed almost as quickly as Charles I’s final fifty-five days from trial to execution. History remembers character and consequence: one king became a martyr, the other a cautionary footnote. https://consoc.org.uk/the-trials-of-king-charles-i/
What is the significance of the government's intention to reduce the use of trial by jury? Stuart Wallace considers the proposed changes in our latest blog post. Read it now at: https://consoc.org.uk/the-end-of-trial-by-jury/
The End of Trial by Jury in the United Kingdom? - The Constitution Society
Stuart Wallace examines new proposals by the government to reduce the number of trials by jury in the United Kingdom.
consoc.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 3:35 PM
What is the significance of the government's intention to reduce the use of trial by jury? Stuart Wallace considers the proposed changes in our latest blog post. Read it now at: https://consoc.org.uk/the-end-of-trial-by-jury/
“Constitutional reform in the UK is unfinished business: a fair settlement for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England is essential to prevent fracture and maintain legitimacy.” https://consoc.org.uk/constitutional-change-is-unfinished-business/
Constitutional change is unfinished business in the UK - The Constitution Society
Some believe that constitutional matters are just a diversion from people’s real concerns, but it's wrong to say the public is disengaged.
consoc.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 9:01 AM
“Constitutional reform in the UK is unfinished business: a fair settlement for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England is essential to prevent fracture and maintain legitimacy.” https://consoc.org.uk/constitutional-change-is-unfinished-business/
Ideology meets reality: The Truss government’s bold fiscal plans show how party rules, executive power, and convention collide – and how the UK system can push back. https://consoc.org.uk/the-fiscal-statement-disaster/
The constitution and the fiscal statement disaster - The Constitution Society
The self-inflicted difficulties of the Liz Truss government have a variety of constitutional dimensions. Professor Andrew Blick examines them.
consoc.org.uk
December 17, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Ideology meets reality: The Truss government’s bold fiscal plans show how party rules, executive power, and convention collide – and how the UK system can push back. https://consoc.org.uk/the-fiscal-statement-disaster/