This page lists all of our research across our publication types.
The UK is one of the few democratic countries that does not have a codified constitution. Instead, the UK has a set of constitutional arrangements contained in various statutes, judicial decisions, conventions and precedents. The prime minister, Andy Burnham, has said his devolution agenda strengthens the case for a written constitution. This briefing summarises some of the arguments that have been made for and against a written constitution.
Puberty blockers as a treatment for gender incongruence or dysphoria are currently only available for people under the age of 18 as part of an approved clinical trial. NHS England has also paused prescribing cross-sex hormones for people under 18. This briefing summarises the policy position on the use of hormone treatments ahead of a debate in the Lords on the appropriate age of consent.
The UK and the EU have agreed a treaty that would create a new framework for Gibraltar’s relationship with the EU following the end of the Brexit transition period at the end of 2020. The arrangements are aimed at creating a fluid land border between Gibraltar and Spain. The treaty has been provisionally applied by the parties since 15 July 2026.
Research Briefing
The House of Lords (Alternative Second Chamber Bill) [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Baroness Smith of Llanfaes (Plaid Cymru). It would require the secretary of state to carry out a consultation regarding proposals for replacing the House of Lords with an alternative second chamber. The bill specifies whom the secretary of state would be required to consult with and the timeframe of that consultation.
Research Briefing
The British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill sponsored by Lord Weir of Ballyholme (Democratic Unionist Party). The bill would restrict any cession or transfer of sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) unless certain requirements were met, including the consent of the Chagossian people and an act of parliament. It would also see the UK remain sovereign over the military base on Diego Garcia.
In Focus
In September 2026, the House of Lords Procedure and Privileges Committee announced a consultation on the sitting times of the House of Lords. It is asking members for their views on earlier start and finish times on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This briefing has been produced to support a debate on the subject.
In Focus
The House of Lords is due to debate democratic accountability, citizen participation and electoral reform in local government. This briefing examines local government in England, including government plans for further devolution, arrangements for local audit and scrutiny, and how citizens participate in local decision-making. It also considers voting systems for council and mayoral elections and proposals for electoral reform.
In Focus
The UK produces most of its food but is dependent on imports for produce such as fruit and vegetables. Various government and independent reports have identified issues such as climate change and trade disruptions as potential food security threats. The Starmer government published a ‘Land use framework’ and a ‘Farming roadmap 2050’ that set out actions for the food and farming sectors to adapt to some of these challenges.
In Focus
Family businesses play an important role in the UK economy but face a range of challenges. This briefing outlines the contribution of family businesses, some of the challenges they face, and wider economic and business pressures. It summarises some of the government support available, as well as recent policy developments.
Research Briefing
The Health Bill is intended to make changes to the NHS in England, including abolishing NHS England. It would also abolish Healthwatch and move the Heath Services Safety Inspectorate Board into the CQC. The bill would establish a single patient record, making patient data available across healthcare settings and directly to patients. In the House of Commons, amendments were made on visiting patients, medicines and medical devices regulation, and pharmaceutical services.
Research Briefing
The Sovereign Grant Bill is a government bill which would amend how the sovereign grant is set. This is a grant paid to the King to support the work of the sovereign. The bill would enable the size of the sovereign grant to be reduced following the completion of a 10-year works project on Buckingham Palace. The bill received cross-party support and was not amended in the House of Commons.
In Focus
The UK and Poland have signed a new treaty on defence and security which provides a framework for cooperation across a range of policy areas, including foreign policy and defence innovation, economic resilience, and energy and climate security. It is not yet in force; the process of its ratification is ongoing. The treaty comes at a time of rising geopolitical tensions, particularly over the war in Ukraine and Russian activity on NATO’s eastern flank.
In Focus
The UK-EU competition cooperation agreement would establish a formal framework for the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority and EU competition authorities to work together to enforce their respective competition laws. This would include duties for authorities to consider the interests of other parties when enforcing competition law and safeguards regarding the sharing and use of information. The agreement was signed in February 2026 but it is not in force at the time of writing.
Data dashboard
This page provides interactive data on the current membership of the House of Lords.
In Focus
Citizenship education focuses on the knowledge, skills and understanding to help prepare pupils to play a full and active role in society. In England, it is currently a compulsory part of the national curriculum for secondary school pupils, but not for primary. There have been various calls for this to change, and in 2025 the government announced that it would become compulsory for schools following the national curriculum at key stages 1 through 4 starting in 2028.
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