News and Comment

The latest news and commentary from the Electoral Reform Society.

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How did Switzerland get proportional representation?

In the early 1890s, a handful of Swiss cantons (states) held the first public elections in Europe to truly use proportional representation (PR). The success of these early votes meant that over the next few...

Posted 06 Jan 2023

Switzerland PR cartoon

Why does the Northern Ireland Assembly keep collapsing?

In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was reached by multi-party consensus to bring an end to the violence in Northern Ireland and establish the current political system. Unlike the...

Posted 04 Nov 2022

The DUP and Sinn Fein have to form a government together

What is a Ten Minute Rule bill?

One of the most exciting parts of Westminster proceedings is the Ten Minute Rule bill. Here’s a quick outline of some of the key features of this sort of Bill. A Ten Minute Rule bill...

Posted 27 Oct 2022

Westminster

What is a Private Members’ bill?

One of the most noteworthy ways that MPs can push their agendas is through the Private Members’ Bill. Here’s a quick analysis on some of the key features of Private Members’ Bill. Private Members’ bills...

Posted 20 Oct 2022

Westminster at night

What is an Early Day Motion?

The Early Day Motion (EDM) is a little-known but quietly critical part of Westminster. Here’s a quick guide on some of the key features of an Early Day Motion: An EDM is a motion submitted...

Posted 13 Oct 2022

Big Ben

What is a Select Committee?

One of the most important aspects of British democracy is the Select Committee. Select Committees are groups of parliamentarians chosen by their colleagues to conduct scrutiny of the government. Here’s a quick explanation of some...

Posted 06 Oct 2022

Select Committee

What is an All Party Parliamentary Group or APPG?

One of the lesser-known institutions of Westminster is the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). Here’s a quick overview on some of the key features of an APPG: An APPG is a group of MPs and Peers...

Posted 29 Sep 2022

Westminster

What is a Westminster Hall debate?

You may not know, but there are Parliamentary debates that occur outside of the Commons or Lords and these occur in Westminster Hall. Here’s a quick primer on some of the key features of a...

Posted 22 Sep 2022

Westminster Hall Debate