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The Constitution Unit

The Constitution Unit
Democracy
Constitutional Reform
House Of Lords
House Of Commons
Public Trust
Devolution
Labour Party
Party Funding Regulations
UK Honours System
Political Donations
Electoral Reform
Prime Ministerial Influence
Transparency
Bipartisan Reform
UK Government
Select Committees
Honours Committees
Public Nominations
Politics Of Honours
European Convention On Human Rights

The Constitution Unit conducts timely, rigorous, independent research into constitutional change and the reform of political institutions. Our research has significant real-world impact, informing policy-makers engaged in such changes - both in the United Kingdom and around the world. On this channel, you will find the audio recordings of the Constitution Unit's past events.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes104Founded6 years ago
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Artwork for The Constitution Unit

Latest Episodes

On 12 May 2026, Professor Meg Russell FBA's time as Director of the UCL Constitution Unit culminated in her delivering a valedictory lecture at the Institute for Government. Professor Jennifer Hudson, Vice Provost (Faculties) at University College Lo... more

The government has begun the process of reviewing the BBC’s royal charter for its renewal beyond 2027. This process raises fundamental questions about the future of the organisation. How should public service broadcasting be governed in an era of wid... more

The 2026 Senedd (Welsh Parliament) election may be one of the most significant since the start of devolution. Much attention is rightly being given to the possibility of Plaid Cymru and Reform UK ending Labour’s long dominance of Welsh politics. But ... more

The 2024 election delivered an unusually fragmented opposition; almost half the non-government seats in the House of Commons were won by parties other than the Conservative 'Official Opposition'. Given current polling, the next general election is un... more

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Recent Guests

Meg Russell
Director, Constitution Unit at UCL
Constitution Unit, UCL
Episode: Professor Meg Russell's valedictory lecture as Director of the Constitution Unit
Jess Blair
Director of the Electoral Reform Society, Cymru
Electoral Reform Society, Cymru
Episode: How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics?
Laura McAllister
Professor of Public Policy and the Governance of Wales, Cardiff University
Cardiff University
Episode: How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics?
Paul Silk
Former clerk of the National Assembly for Wales; chair of devolution and reform panels
Independent, former Welsh Assembly official
Episode: How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics?

Hosts

Meg Russell
Director of the Constitution Unit; appears across episodes as a primary organizer and moderator.
Alan Renwick
Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit; frequently moderates and contributes to panels.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#240
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#78
Colombia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#146
Finland/Government
Apple Podcasts
#243
Austria/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Professor Meg Russell's valedictory lecture as Director of the Constitution Unit
Q: What should happen next to strengthen the system and limit unchecked executive power?
The answer emphasizes principled, bipartisan action to constrain executive patronage and improve scrutiny, including strengthening regulators, improving data on scrutiny, and ensuring Parliament maintains a robust, rules-based framework that can adapt to future challenges.
Professor Meg Russell's valedictory lecture as Director of the Constitution Unit
Q: Whether you think those within the system take enough responsibility for defending the system and its underlying principles.
Meg Russell argues that defending constitutional principles requires active engagement and reform where necessary, not just criticizing the system; leaders should advocate for well-considered, evidence-based changes while maintaining trust in democratic norms.
Can the House of Commons handle multi-party politics?
Q: Is there any chance of serious reform inside the House of Commons without proportional representation happening first?
The panelists suggest that meaningful reform without some shift in electoral outcomes is unlikely; incremental reforms and codification may occur, but a wholesale change would require broader political will and perhaps changes led by smaller parties.
How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics?
Q: Will the review mechanism introduced with the reforms be meaningful and work, or will it depend entirely on the election results?
The panel suggested that while a formal review mechanism exists, its effectiveness will hinge on the next government's willingness to pursue robust, citizen-focused reform; the outcome is not guaranteed and will be shaped by post-election political dynamics.
The Future of the ECHR – In Europe and UK
Q: Should the court be part of any discussions on reform?
Robert asserts that the court should not engage in political debates but can listen to intelligent voices discussing developments in international human rights law.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Constitution Unit

What is The Constitution Unit about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on constitutional reform, governance, and the intersection of law and policy in the UK. Across episodes, listeners are exposed to in-depth discussions about parliamentary scrutiny, devolution, electoral reform, and the role of institutions in safeguarding democratic standards. The conversations often feature policy-oriented analysis, practical implications for reform, and insights from leading academics and practitioners, making it a valuable resource for policymakers, lawyers, researchers, and government staff interested in how constitutional change translates into real-world governance. A notable strength is the consistent emphasis on evidence-based reform, cross-party dialogue, and the practical challenges of implementi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Constitution Unit?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Constitution Unit:

1. Parliament Matters
2. Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government
3. The Rundown by PoliticsHome
4. Senedd Sources
5. Double Jeopardy - UK Law and Politics

How many episodes of The Constitution Unit are there?

The Constitution Unit launched 6 years ago and published 104 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Constitution Unit?

Recent guests on The Constitution Unit include:

1. Meg Russell
2. Jess Blair
3. Laura McAllister
4. Paul Silk

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