Research
Browse by topic, from Brexit and the EU to world affairs. We produce in-depth analysis on legislation, debates and topical issues.
Research for Lords business
Authoritative research covering all major bills and debates
Our work
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Collections
Access our print and online collections, including books, journals and newspapers. Available with a parliamentary login.
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Data dashboards
Explore interactive data visualisations about the House of Lords. Includes data on current membership and regional representation.
200 Years of the House of Lords Library
The Library marks its 200th anniversary in 2026. Browse the associated Royal Gallery display, view our celebratory video and read more about our history.
Latest research
Read the most recent research on legislation, debates and topical issues
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Representation of the People Bill: HL Bill 47 of 2026–27
The bill is a government bill that would make a range of changes to the legal framework concerning elections, including extending the franchise for UK parliamentary elections and other reserved elections to 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill was amended during both its committee and report stages in the House of Commons, with many of the government’s later amendments implementing recommendations from the Rycroft review on countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics.
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Private members’ bills in the House of Lords
Members of the House of Lords who are not ministers can introduce private members’ bills. With limited time available, they rarely become law without government, and usually cross-party, support. This briefing provides a profile of private members’ bills in the Lords including examples of the types of private members’ bills introduced and commentary on the reasons why a member might table a private member’s bill.
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Prison and probation services in England and Wales
Prison and probation services in England and Wales are facing significant pressures, including limited prison capacity and increasing demands on probation. Parliamentary committees have examined prison conditions, rehabilitation and probation performance, raising concerns about the resilience and effectiveness of both services. The government has responded with reforms including sentencing changes, prison expansion, enhanced offender supervision and additional victim support. However, stakeholders have argued that more must be done.
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