Constitution Unit Conference 2026: How can public confidence in UK democracy be restored?
UCL Constitution UnitShow Notes
What can be done to restore public confidence in the health of British democracy? To what extent does it depend on politicians delivering tangible improvements in citizens’ everyday lives? And to what extent does it require wider institutional and cultural changes in our political institutions? With respect to the latter, how could such changes be delivered?
More from UCL Constitution Unit
We examine the arguments for and against electoral reform with leading speakers
An expert panel discusses the latest evidence about the health of democracy.
What do we know so far about Burnham’s agenda in the area of constitutional reform? What does past experience tell us about the practical challenges for delivering such an agenda? And – ahead of a forthcoming Constitution Unit report – what broader constitutional issues deserve renewed attention from any new or continuing Prime Minister?
This week we reflect on the career and ideas of Professor Meg Russell, one of the UK's leading experts on parliament and constitutional change.
Will the Representation of the People Bill be sufficient to deliver fair, safe, and secure elections? If not, what more needs to be done? And does safeguarding our elections require changes of culture and behaviour, as well as new legislation?