MPs condemn “rushed and piecemeal” constitutional reform

A committee of MPs has criticised the government’s constitutional reform agenda. The Justice Select Committee’s report also condemned the number of unelected peers working as ministers.

Lords claim government was under-prepared for swine flu epidemic

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has criticised the government’s preparations for the swine flu outbreak.

Peers mark the end of an era as Law Lords depart for Supreme Court

The House of Lords has paid tribute to the Lords of Appeal in Ordinary ahead of the formation of the new Supreme Court.

Civil servants do not monitor websites for comments about ministers

A government minister has revealed that staff in her department “do not monitor any websites to track the source of remarks posted about ministers.”

Attorney-General’s role in prosecution decisions “clarified” in review

Significant reforms to the role of the Attorney-General have been confirmed in a written answer from ministers. The changes do not require legislation.

Parliament begins 82-day summer recess

The House of Lords and the House of Commons have gone into recess. They will return on October 12th.

MPs reject McKinlay’s call for Lords ministers to answer Commons questions

On Monday night a debate concerning the creation of a new select committee (Reform of the House of Commons Committee) was held.

Jack Straw proposes the end of hereditary peers in Lords reform bill

The election of hereditary peers to the House of Lords will be ended by new legislation proposed by the government.

UK’s new Supreme Court will start work on October 1st

The Supreme Court implementation programme remains on time and within budget, according to a statement from ministers.

Government won’t say how many children are detained in immigration centres

A minister in the House of Lords has said calculating the number of children of asylum seekers were detained at two immigration removal centres would be too expensive.