UCL Constitution Unit

Description

The Constitution Unit is a politically independent research centre, with a sharply practical focus, based in the UCL Department of Political Science. Founded by Professor Robert Hazell in 1995 to conduct detailed research on constitutional reform in the UK, the Unit continues to produce rigorous, timely and independent research and maintain close working relationships with policymakers, including representatives of all political parties. Its work has had a significant real-world impact over the past 25 years.

The Unit produces reports, books, academic publications and a triannual constitutional review. It also hosts a popular blog, a lively events series and has an active social media presence on Bluesky, X and LinkedIn. Its experts are often cited and called upon by UK and international media and frequently consulted by policymakers. It is led by Professor Meg Russell, Professor Alan Renwick and Dr Tom Fleming.

The Unit produces research on parliament, government, democracy, elections and more. Its most recent projects include: Constitutional Principles and the Health of Democracy (led by Professor Russell), Democracy in the UK after Brexit (led by Professor Renwick) and The Politics of Parliamentary Procedure (led by Dr Fleming), as well as ongoing research into The Changing Role of the House of Lords (also led by Professor Russell). Its previous projects include: Brexit, Parliament and the Constitution, the Working Group on Unification Referendums on the Island of Ireland, Mechanics of a Further Referendum on Brexit, Doing Democracy Better, the Independent Commission on Referendums, the Citizens’ Assembly on Brexit and An Elaborate Rubber Stamp? The Impact of Parliament on Legislation.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

1995

Contact details

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Categorisation

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University affiliation(s)

University College London (UCL)
London