Ruth Dixon has written a blog post for the House of Lords Library examining how lessons from the 2016–17 parliamentary session can be applied during current uncertainty resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

When a 'snap election' in 2017 led to the parliamentary session terminating one month early, Parliament was required to adapt its procedures and timetables to complete the government’s programme in the five sitting days remaining; Ruth reflects on how Parliament reacted during this time and was able to uphold its scrutiny function, particularly in the case of the Children and Social Work Act 2017. She argues that, in the face of radical changes resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, Parliament must use its powers effectively to uphold this vital function.

Ruth's blog was based on a research briefing written during her time as a Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) Academic Fellow, 2019–19. She discusses her fellowship in more detail on the University of Oxford website.