The government’s constitutional commission: what should it cover?

In the Queen’s Speech in December, the government confirmed that it intends to establish a new constitution, democracy and rights commission in this Parliament. The commission offers an opportunity to reflect on some of the challenges to the UK constitution. At present, however, the scope and terms of reference of the commission remain unclear. This expert panel discussed what issues the new commission should address, and recommendations to ensure the body is as effective as possible. Our panel included: Lord Sumption, former Supreme Court justice Gina Miller, campaigner and founding partner of SCM Direct Gisela Stuart, member of the Constitutional Reform Group Steering Committee and chair of Wilton Park Dr Catherine Haddon, senior fellow at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Bronwen Maddox, director of the Institute for Government. There was an opportunity for audience questions.