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Following the murder of Ann Widdecombe, we reflect on the dangers facing those in Parliament and public life. Earlier this year, former Lord Chancellor Sir Robert Buckland was appointed to lead the independent review into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Sir David Amess MP, examining whether any opportunities to prevent his death were missed. He joins us to discuss the risks facing politicians today, what more can be done to improve their safety, and how those protections can be strengthened without undermining the close relationship between MPs and the constituents they serve. We also look back at Ann Widdecombe's parliamentary career, including her memorable appearance at the Hansard Society's 2009 House of Commons Speaker election hustings, where she demonstrated the wit, independence and commitment to Parliament that defined her public life.
As Sir Keir Starmer names 26 new Peers, we examine the future of the House of Lords. This week, the Hansard Society hosted the first major speech by the Lord Speaker since his election earlier this year. In a wide-ranging address, he warned of the constitutional risks of embarking on poorly conceived reform of the Upper House, describing the Lords as a "constitutional trip switch" capable of forcing a rethink of flawed legislation that has not received adequate scrutiny in the Commons. Anyone seeking to rewire the system, he argued, must consider whether a reformed second chamber would continue to provide that safeguard – or instead "blow a constitutional fuse". We also discuss the newly published report on Retirement and Participation in the House of Lords, which proposes a phased mandatory retirement age, requiring all Peers to retire at 80 by 2034, alongside a minimum participation requirement that could see inactive members removed from the House.
And with the new Burnham Government expected to emerge from its chrysalis next week, we ask whether the House of Commons should have postponed its summer recess to scrutinise the incoming Prime Minister. We explore the constitutional mechanics and political realities of appointing a new Government and consider what Parliament's priorities should be when MPs return in September to begin holding the new administration to account.
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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.
Presenters: Mark D’Arcy and Ruth Fox
Producer: Richard Townsend
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