When our media and politicians use the term 'the country', they often mean 'England', rather than Great Britain. The subsequent confusion is used to promote the idea of the UK as united under the control of Westminster, while muffling the debate around England as a distinct national, political and
Sometimes, the self-referential, apolitical worlds of art and architecture intersect with politics in unexpected ways. In mid-December, as the students occupations spread, on the same day as the 'Day X 2' demonstration across central London organised by student protesters against cuts and fee rise
Supported by Bernard Jenkin and some others of his fellows, Bill Cash has sent a note to all Conservative MPs dated 7th January and titled "The EU Bill: Parliament,
While we must respect the organic nature of our institutions, we must also accept them as social constructs. We need to develop a new approach to social organisation that is radically democratic, encourages accountability and works to resist tribalism.
The shocked faces of Camilla and Prince Charles as they are attacked by a group of student demonstrators is now an iconic image. It has come to symbolise the potential of protest to break with the illusion of the separateness of worlds upon which the structures of power are built.
In writing 'The Silent State', Heather Brooke planted a giant bomb under the British parliamentary system. After years of diligent enquiry, blocked at every point by the Speaker and Commons officials, it was Brooke who forced into the open the squalid details of the systemic theft of public money
Views are being sought by January 10th on a document being described by some as the first step towards a British codified constitution.
Internationally respected human rights lawyer and academic Kevin Boyle died on 25 December, 2010. Stuart Weir pays tribute to a generous man and dedicated advocate of reform.
A damning report on the first past the post voting system has been released by ippr. Clare Coatman, of the Yes to Fairer Votes campaign, introduces the report.
As the archives of the early Thatcher government are released under the UK's 30 year rule, a wave of nostalgia for her is feeding into a right-wing attack on Britain's new coalition. How wrong can you get?
The higher education debate has failed to take account of the conservative perspective. The loud dispute over the reforms and their ability to support universities in their 'proper function' has drowned out the conservative argument that such criteria - of success, power and utility - should not b
As we head into 2011, the Coalition has still not fulfilled their pledge to end child detention. Clare Sambrook outlines the glaring gap between the government's words and deeds regarding a policy proven to cause children serious and lasting physical and mental harm.
