Second chambers around the world: Size and membership
In light of the UK government’s recent proposals to reform the House of Lords, this briefing presents facts and figures comparing the House of Lords with other second chambers around the world.
Documents to download
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Local Government Elections (Referendum) Bill (150 KB , PDF)
The Local Government Elections (Referendum) Bill [HL] received its first reading in the House of Lords on 28 June 2017, and is scheduled to have its second reading on 15 December 2017.
The Bill contains one operative clause. It would compel the Secretary of State to introduce a bill to provide that local authorities in England must hold a referendum on introducing proportional representation for local government elections if certain conditions are met. These conditions are that there has been a petition to the Government or to the United Kingdom Parliament signed by at least 10 percent of the electors in the local area, requesting a referendum; and that the local government body for that area has passed a resolution that a referendum should be held.
Related Links
Documents to download
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Local Government Elections (Referendum) Bill (150 KB , PDF)
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UK Covid-19 Inquiry report: Resilience and preparedness
On 18 July 2024, the independent UK Covid-19 Inquiry published its first report, which focused on the UK’s pandemic resilience and preparedness. It contained 10 key recommendations. The chair of the inquiry, Baroness Heather Hallett, has urged the UK government and the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to implement her recommendations promptly. On 3 September 2024, the House of Lords is scheduled to debate the inquiry’s report.
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Lengths of prorogation since 1900
Prorogation is the mechanism by which parliamentary sessions are ended. This House of Lords Library briefing sets out the start and end dates of each parliamentary session since 1900, together with the number of calendar days between the end of the previous session and the start of the new one.
