Legislation at Westminster

Meg Russell is Professor of British and Comparative Politics in the Department of Political Science, University College London, where she is Director of the well-known research centre the Constitution Unit. She is widely recognized for her expertise on the UK parliament, and on legislatures more broadly, and has previously published substantial research on the House of Lords, House of Lords reform, select committees, MPs' representative roles, and the governance of the House of Commons. She is author or editor of five books, most recently The Contemporary House of Lords: Westminster Bicameralism Revived (OUP, 2013). She appears regularly in the media, is frequently cited by both academics and practitioners, and has formally acted as an adviser to the Royal Commission on Lords reform, the Leader of the House of Commons and several select committees. Daniel Gover is a researcher based in the School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University of London. Prior to this he worked as a research assistant at the Constitution Unit at University College London, and as a researcher in the House of Commons. He has published research on various topics related to the UK parliament, including the legislative process and 'English Votes for English Laws', and based on his findings has given evidence to several parliamentary select committees.

• 1: Introduction 2: Overview of the Legislative Process and Case Studies 3: Government Drafting and Handling of Legislation 4: The Role of the Opposition 5: The Role of Government Backbenchers 6: The Role of Non-party Parliamentarians 7: The Role of Outside Pressure Groups 8: The Role of Select Committees 9: The Role of Cross-party Working 10: Conclusion: Parliamentary Power and the Legislative Process

There are many, including inhabitants of the Palace of Westminster, that are prepared to offer their opinions on Parliament's shortcomings. There are few that are prepared, or capable, of conducting the detailed work which Russell and Gover have put in to produce this important book. The publication of Legislation at Westminster is a major landmark in the public debate on Parliament's effectiveness.