Why are there still hereditary peers in the House of Lords? The ancient triumvirate of the British constitution – the Monarchy, the Lords and the Commons – is a historical trait whose origins can be traced all the way back to the 11th century. Such history... Posted 05 Mar 2021
Voters in Northern Ireland demand more transparency in politics New research by the Electoral Commission has shown the public in Northern Ireland wants to see more transparency in politics. The research, conducted by Ipsos Mori through a series of online focus groups, asked people... Posted 05 Mar 2021
Reporting back from our ERS members’ workshop Following the 2019 election, we set about revising our campaigning plans for the new political situation in Westminster. As with everything over the last year, the process was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, but we... Posted 04 Mar 2021
UK government’s mandatory voter ID plans slammed by US civil rights groups Leading US civil rights groups have sounded the alarm over UK government plans to exclude those who lack ID from the polling station. Posted 04 Mar 2021
This loophole is letting lobbying go under the radar in Scotland A major loophole in Scotland’s lobbying register is undermining transparency – with voters left in the dark about lobbying during the pandemic. Posted 04 Mar 2021
The Blaenau Gwent Climate Assembly is a first for Wales This community could be about to change how communities in Wales help decide on climate policy. In just a few days time Wales will host its very first Climate Assembly. It could be a game-changer... Posted 01 Mar 2021
Parliament is considering turning its back on new ways of working Both houses of Parliament have long been associated with inaccessibility, with working patterns designed around the diaries of married, middle-aged men. MPs who were ill, pregnant or hundreds of miles away in their constituencies often... Posted 26 Feb 2021
Campaigners call for Government to back franchise extension across the UK May’s elections will see an exciting democratic first as voters head to the polls: 16 and 17-year-olds in Wales will be able to vote in elections for the Senedd. This exciting breakthrough comes following legislation... Posted 25 Feb 2021
ERS Cymru leads calls for political parties to engage with new voters ahead of Wales’ May elections May’s election will be the first that 16 and 17 year olds and all resident foreign nationals are able to vote in Wales, representing around 100,000 potential electors. Now a coalition of 32 leading civil... Posted 22 Feb 2021
One-party politics is over: Why pressure is building for proportional representation Debate is growing about the need for a fair, democratic voting system. This week an editorial in the Guardian noted how the pandemic shows how giving governments 100% of the power – with only minority support is... Posted 19 Feb 2021