Constitution Unit Publications

The Unit formally publishes much of our own material. We have an extensive catalogue stretching back to 1996 all of which are available as pdf files to download as indicated by the pdf symbol . You can browse the catalogue by clicking the link below and hard copies can also be ordered.

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Fixed Term Parliaments
Robert Hazell (August 2010)

One of the coalition government's first constitutional reforms is fixed term parliaments, with a bill introduced on 22 July. The rapid pace has allowed no time for public consultation or debate. There has been no Green or White Paper, and no draft bill stage. Fixed term parliament raise important issues about the length of the term; how to allow for mid term dissolution; and how to reform the prerogative powers of dissolution and proclamation. The new Political and Constitutional Reform Committee in the Commons will hold some quick evidence sessions in September; and the Constitution Committee in the Lords is to conduct an inquiry into fixed term parliaments in the autumn.

This report is being submitted as evidence to both Select Committees. It is also being published to facilitate a wider debate, and to put into the public domain evidence about the experience of fixed term parliaments in other countries.

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat Agenda for Constitutional and Political Reform
Robert Hazell (June 2010)

The new Conservative– Liberal Democrat coalition government announced on 11 May 2010 has a very ambitious and wide ranging agenda for political and constitutional reform. It was first unveiled on 12 May, when David Cameron and Nick Clegg published the outline coalition agreement which had been negotiated between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in the preceding four days. The agreement contained in section 6 a list of proposals for constitutional and political reforms. On 20 May they published The Coalition: Our Programme for Government, which contains in section 24 a slightly expanded list of commitments for political reform. This briefing offers an analysis of those proposals, with comments on the likely timetable, possible difficulties of implementation, and any overseas experience where relevant.

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This page last modified 31 August, 2010 by v.spence@ucl.ac.uk