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All of the below examples will be added to the updated textbooks and detailed essay plans (where relevant/better than the existing examples) on the Politics Explained website, which are both updated regularly.

Find full lists of recent examples (UK Politics, UK Government and US Politics and Government) from the past year in our 📋 2026 example packs!

UK Politics Examples

Direct Democracy

E-Petition Debate On Russia’s Influence In UK Politics - Example Of E-Petitions and the Influence of Direct Democracy:

• On 9th of February 2026, Parliament debated an e-petition titled “Hold a public inquiry into Russian influence in UK politics and democracy”, after it received over 114,000 signatures. 

  • The petition followed the conviction of Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform in Wales, who was found guilty of taking bribes to promote pro-Putin views while serving as an MEP.

• The petition gained significant momentum after being promoted by prominent journalists, campaigners, and political commentators, who urged supporters to sign and pressured the government to take stronger action. 

  • Alex Sobel, Labour MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, also backed the petition and called for immediate government legislation, noting that 168 of his constituents had signed. 

• The government responded by announcing significant electoral reforms to strengthen safeguards against foreign interference. It confirmed the Elections Bill will legislate against the use of cryptocurrency by foreign actors for covert political funding. 

  • Overall, this example demonstrates how direct democracy, particularly through the rise of e-petitions, can increase political participation and lead to meaningful policy change in the interests of the electorate. 

    • It supports the argument that the UK is not experiencing a participation crisis, as e-petitions on specific political issues can attract hundreds of thousands of signatures, showing that citizens remain engaged in politics between elections.

UK Government Examples

Parliament

Railways Bill (2026) - Example Of Public Bill Committee Scrutiny:

• The Government introduced the Railways Bill (2026), to establish Great British Railways to manage infrastructure and train operations. It entered its Committee Stage on the 20th of January 2026, and finished on the 10th of February 2026. There were 14 sessions of Committee stage before entering the Report stage. 

  • At Committee Stage, bills are examined by a Public Bill Committee, which carries out detailed scrutiny and proposes amendments. Public Bill Committees range in size from 16-50 MPs and reflect the party composition of the House. 

    • They perform line-by-line scrutiny of legislation, and take written and oral evidence from external experts. 

• The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport submitted evidence to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee, arguing the Bill lacks clear, durable plans for how non-GBR operators, devolved authorities and freight operators would be protected within the future railway system.

  • Whilst their effectiveness is often limited by the government rushing legislation, and fewer bills being subject to evidence taking, this example demonstrates how the House of Commons and Public Bill Committees are still providing meaningful parliamentary scrutiny,  particularly through evidence-based examination.

General Debate On The UK-India Free-Trade Agreement - Example Of Effective Parliamentary Scrutiny:

• On February 9th 2026, the UK House of Commons held a general debate on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, the most significant bilateral trade deal since Brexit. 

  • MP’s of all parties criticised the FTA for allowing Indian workers and their employers to evade paying National Insurance, whilst the Commons Business and Trade Committee highlighted potential adverse effects on UK domestic industries. 

• Although there is no constitutional requirement to hold a debate, it was scheduled on Government time, reflecting the Labour government’s commitment to parliamentary scrutiny of FTAs.

• There was a six-month gap between signature and laying due to enhanced post-Brexit scrutiny arrangements that apply to FTAs. 

  • The Trade Act 2021 established the Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) to scrutinise the agricultural provisions of new FTAs.

  • The Agriculture Act 2020 also required the Government to publish an assessment of whether the FTA maintains statutory protections on health, welfare, and the environment before it could be laid.

    • Alongside Government and TAC reports, the Commons Business and Trade Committee and the Lords International Agreements Committee scrutinised the agreement. 

• Overall, this demonstrates that even though trade remains a prerogative power, Parliament can still play a meaningful role in holding the executive to account and scrutinising treaties. 

Devolution

Scotland Introduces Bill On Assisted Dying Despite Drug Policy Being Reserved - Example Of Cooperation Between Devolved Bodies and Westminster:

• The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill 2026 is currently before the Scottish Parliament and would allow terminally ill adults to seek medical medical assistance to end their lives.

  • However, parts of the Bill relating to substances and medical devices fell outside of Holyrood’s legislative competence, meaning a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act was required. 

    • A Section 30 order allows the Scottish Parliament to legislate temporarily or permanently in policy areas normally reserved to Westminster, and must be approved by the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Scottish Parliament.

  • Following discussions with the Scottish Government, the UK Government approved the action. 

• This shows how devolution does not undermine unity or always result in tensions between different bodies. There are instances of collaboration between the UK and Scottish Governments to allow for policies to be passed on reserved areas, rather than a conflict of power.