THREAD (1/3): MPs will today be debating the Restoration and Renewal project (#WestminsterRR). The latest news on the project was summarised in our most recent issue of Monitor, which you can access here: ucl.ac.uk/constitution-u…
In the wake of the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral last year, @A_Meakin and @andsalexandra discussed the risks posed to the Palace of Westminster by fire and other problems caused by the current condition of the parliamentary estate (2/3) #WestminsterRR
Finally, our blog (also from @A_Meakin) on how an MP's position on Brexit was an indicator of their approach to #WestminsterRR (as was their party affiliation and gender), is a fascinating read (3/3).
Amidst much current talk of the NI Protocol and the ERG, Meg Russell and @james_lisak's forthcoming book sheds new light on this saga.
The ERG voted for the Protocol, as part of Johnson's deal, but very reluctantly. They feared that Brexit would otherwise be lost.
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David Frost's subsequent comments are quite well known.
Less so are claims in ERG member Mark Francois' book that the group promised, in private talks with No. 10, to support the deal only on the strict understanding that the NI Protocol would be changed.
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Francois says this was 'conveyed very clearly in private to the PM & No 10'.
If true, this means Johnson privately pledged to change the legal agreement he'd just reached before parliament had voted on it, & before selling it in general election 2019 as 'oven ready'.
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The Truss premiership has seen economic & political turmoil & a historic Labour lead.
Director Meg Russell argues the current crisis has been built on a foundation of poor constitutional governance and practice, established under her predecessor.
3 legacy characteristics of Johnson’s constitutional regime have been notable in the current crisis:
🚨a strained relationship with the civil service
🚨tension over the role of constitutional regulators 🚨sidelining of parliamentary scrutiny.
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Johnson held little regard for constitutional checks and balances, and his approach to constitutional norms and standards appeared central to his downfall in July 2022:
As May recalled in the Commons last week, the DUP were part of that blocking majority.
But there were "others". She refrains from saying who, but voters against included Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab, Priti Patel, Jacob Rees-Mogg & Suella Braverman.
NEW MONITOR: The 80th edition of Monitor was published today. It provides analysis of the last 4 months of constitutional news and contains sections on parliament, elections, devolution, the courts, & the monarchy. It is free and available now: ucl.ac.uk/constitution-u…
2/8 The PARLIAMENT section includes analysis of the fractious relationship between the government and parliament (including its own backbenchers & a record number of Lords defeats), and concerns about the proper scrutiny of delegated legislation.
3/8 The PARLIAMENT section also reports on parliamentary standards, including suggested changes to the Code of Conduct, & the Ryder review.
It discusses plans for the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster, which once again appear to be in flux.
This report, on attitudes towards democracy in the UK, is extremely timely, and have been quoted by the press and politicians. This morning, former PM John Major quoted our findings.
Professor Alan Renwick @alanjrenwick introduces key aspects of this project.
First, this report is based on our survey of around 6500 people conducted last summer. This was before the Owen Paterson affair and the “partygate” issue.