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Leading historian Peter Hennessy

October 14, 2026 · 38 min

Show notes

From the House of Lords to Whitehall, Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield has spent decades studying the people and institutions that shape Britain.


'The British constitution belongs to all of us’


As he steps away from the House of Lords, the leading historian and former Crossbench Peer shares his thoughts on the constitution, the civil service, Parliament, Nato, leadership, and the values that hold a democracy together. He also warns that Britain’s unwritten constitution is vulnerable to political hijack by a government exploiting its conventions.


‘It's an absorbing succession of shock waves’


In this deeply personal interview, he also reflects on living with Parkinson's disease, discussing the constitution with the Queen, serving in the House of Lords, and the institutions he believes are worth protecting. An essential listen for anyone interested in how Britain is governed.

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All episodes of Lord Speaker’s Corner

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