Members of the House of Commons may now vote by proxy in certain circumstances. In contrast, the practice has been prohibited in the House of Lords for over 150 years. What is the background to the rule against proxy voting in the second chamber?
The House of Lords is scheduled to debate four statutory instruments relating to the financial services and markets sector on 10 November 2020. Three of them relate to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. The House of Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee has not raised concerns about any of the regulations. The House of Commons is yet to consider them.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 place a prohibition on people gathering in groups of more than six in England; in effect implementing the Government’s ‘rule of six’ policy. Exemptions apply, for example if individuals are members of the same household or two linked households (a support bubble). The House of Lords is due to debate a motion to regret the rules on 6 October 2020.
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In Focus
In May 2019, the House of Lords EU Committee published a report into the future of UK-EU surface transport links. Continuing disagreement between UK and EU negotiators over aspects of the future relationship in transport matters has helped put the brakes on progress in the current negotiations, with talks on the future of road haulage rights in particular reportedly at a standstill.
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In Focus
A government advisory body has updated its recommendations on how much of the UK’s electricity should be generated from renewables. What sparked the change?
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Research Briefing
This bill seeks to set the number of constituencies used in UK general elections. It would also amend how boundaries are drawn and changes are implemented.
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In Focus
This year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of two of the three allied tripartite heads of government conferences held during the second world war. What happened at these summits, and how was the UK Parliament kept updated on these key milestones 75 years ago?
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In Focus
The Draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Section 75—Designation of Public Authority) Order 2020 relates to Brexit. It would designate the newly created Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements as a “public authority” for the purposes of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, and therefore subject to certain statutory equality duties. The House of Lords is due to debate the order on 8 July 2020.
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In Focus
There is no fixed number of seats in the House of Lords, and its make up can change week by week. This piece provides a snapshot of its composition in June 2020.
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Research Briefing
There is no fixed number of seats in the House of Lords, and its make up can change week by week. This Library briefing provides a snapshot of its composition on 12 June 2020.
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In Focus
The UK’s second chamber has adapted in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But to what extent have some of the changes affected participation levels?
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In Focus
The Korean war began 70 years ago. This article summarises how the UK was involved in the conflict, including the extent of its contribution in support of the United Nations response. It also summarises how Parliament was kept informed of developments at the time.
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Research Briefing
There has been concern over what Beijing’s decision to implement a national security law in Hong Kong could mean for freedoms in the territory.
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Research Briefing
A range of international bodies and coalitions are responding to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Research Briefing
The current health emergency is likely to have a disproportionately negative effect on the economic position of lower-paid people, young people, and women.
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