The Duchy of Cornwall Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Berkeley (Labour). The Bill received its first reading in the House of Lords on 3 July 2017 and is scheduled to have its second reading on 26 October 2018.
Duchy of Cornwall Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages (286 KB , PDF)
The Bill seeks to:
It would also provide for the:
This briefing sets out background to the creation of both the title and the Duchy, before examining these two issues, as addressed in the Bill, in more detail.
Duchy of Cornwall Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages (286 KB , PDF)
The government recently announced an independent review of physician and anaesthesia associates to be led by Professor Gillian Leng. This announcement followed a debate about the use of the roles in the NHS and concerns raised by some stakeholders about patient safety. The review has been widely welcomed by stakeholders as a way to move the debate forward.
The idea of civil service impartiality, defined as the ability to serve the government of the day without fear or favour, is one of the core values promoted by the civil service code. Several recent events have led to debate on whether the civil service has become more politicised and the extent to which that is desirable. This briefing examines that history, and the arguments for and against a more politicised civil service, ahead of a forthcoming debate in the House of Lords.
Ministers are needed in the House of Lords to take legislation through the House and answer for the government during questions and debates. Some cabinet ministers are appointed from the Lords. For example, the leader of the House of Lords is always a member of the Lords. This briefing looks at the role of ministers in the House of Lords and how they are scrutinised.
