Law making in Scotland
This module is only available to learners who have completed three OpenLearn courses from the Law in Scotland programme.The module consolidates the knowledge you'll have gained from these OpenLearn...
View ArticleUnparliamentary language: the benefits of swearing in politics
Getting it wrong can be career-limiting, but getting it right can be hugely advantageous says Dr Philip Seargeant. Dr Philip Seargeant.First published on Tue, 03 Jul 2018 as Unparliamentary language:...
View ArticleHow does a Bill move through Parliament?
The passage of a Bill through the two houses gives a chance for refining and shaping the eventual legislation - or rejecting it altogether. First published on Fri, 25 Aug 2017 as How does a Bill move...
View ArticleWhat happens when a Bill is drafted?
Getting the Bill right is important. If it's going to become part of UK law, it needs to be carefully written - and supported. First published on Fri, 25 Aug 2017 as What happens when a Bill is...
View ArticleWhat are the three types of Bill?
Laws start their lives as Bills in the Houses of Parliament. Here's a quick guide to the three type of Bill. First published on Fri, 25 Aug 2017 as What are the three types of Bill?. To find out more...
View ArticleWhat is Royal Assent - and why don't laws come into force straight away?
The Monarch's sign-off on a Bill is the last stage in making laws in the United Kingdom. But there's sometimes a delay before the new law comes into force. First published on Fri, 25 Aug 2017 as What...
View ArticleAfter the General Election: A collection
A short campaign, and a reversal of fortune. As politicians attempt to make sense of the new shape of the House of Commons, and find a way forward, dig into our commentary from the OU and beyond. First...
View ArticleIs a landslide dangerous for Theresa May?
Mo' members, mo' problems? Could a large majority bring a downside for Theresa May? Perhaps, warns Benjamin Martill. First published on Thu, 18 May 2017 as Is a landslide dangerous for Theresa May?. To...
View ArticleElection days: 1769 - when 296 votes beat 1148
The radical John Wilkes had been pursued by the courts following his publication of a semi-pornographic parody of the work of Alexander Pope. His supporters returned him to the Commons as MP for...
View ArticleHow can Theresa May escape from the Fixed Term Parliaments Act?
Since 2011, legislation has locked the length of a parliamentary session at five years. In theory. Petra Schleiter explains the escape clause Theresa May hopes to trigger. Petra Schleiter.First...
View ArticleHow far was the Brexit vote "the will of the people" - and what...
Some MPs who believe Brexit to be a bad idea still voted for the Article 50 bill, often claiming "the people have spoken". Oxford's Benito Muller has some thoughts. Professor Benito Muller.First...
View ArticleHow is the internet helping ensure parliamentary accountability in Bangladesh?
Although Bangladeshi MPs are slow to adopt Facebook and other methods of directy communication with constituents, a new service is closing the gap between representatives and the people. Rezwan.First...
View ArticleWhat happens now MPs have voted yes to the Article 50 bill?
This week, the UK's House of Commons voted yes at the first reading of the bill which would allow the triggering of Article 50. But what happens next? Andrew Crines.First published on Fri, 03 Feb 2017...
View ArticleInside The Commons
This major four-part series from inside the House Of Commons gives viewers unparalleled access to places where cameras are normally forbidden. First published on Fri, 30 Sep 2016 as Inside The Commons....
View ArticleOpenLearn Live: 4th August 2016
A currency crisis creates a split in the Labour Party. Then more free learning across the day. The OpenLearn team.First published on Thu, 04 Aug 2016 as OpenLearn Live: 4th August 2016. To find out...
View ArticleA letter that starts the renegotiation process – Cameron writing to Tusk
What does David Cameron's 'list of demands' sent to the European Union actually mean? Anne Wesemann.First published on Tue, 17 Nov 2015 as A letter that starts the renegotiation process – Cameron...
View ArticleThe European Union Referendum Bill - A law giving us a say
As we settle in to our new Conservative Government, Anne Wesemann discusses the EU Referendum and David Cameron's promise of a referendum before the end of 2017. Anne Wesemann.First published on Fri,...
View ArticleJames Dickson: The second youngest MP since the Great Reform Act
The story of the youngest MP elected between The Great Reform Act and 2015 is a twisty one of parental wrongdoing and self-sacrifice. The OpenLearn team.First published on Mon, 11 May 2015 as James...
View ArticleThe spaces of politics
What are the spaces of politics beyond the usual buildings of parliament? Three Open University academics tell us in this video. Dr Geoff Andrews.First published on Fri, 13 Feb 2015 as The spaces of...
View ArticleAn English Parliament: The best way to save the UK?
Can an English parliament break the constitutional logjam? James Dennison believes it could. First published on Wed, 15 Oct 2014 as An English Parliament: The best way to save the UK?. To find out more...
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