Our research on the constitution - House of Lords Library

The constitution by topic

Constitution includes the following topic areas. Please click the links to access lists of publications by topic:

Current Affairs Digest: Constitution (July 2021)

Catch up on parliamentary and constitutional developments with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month include a look at recent local elections in the UK, and the case for a strong parliament.
Devolution and government relations

Two reports published in March 2021 concern UK ‘intergovernmental relations’ (IGR), the mechanisms through which the UK and devolved governments interact. First, the Dunlop Review made recommendations on how the UK Government should restructure to enhance its capabilities on matters affecting the union. Second, an update on a review of IGR being undertaken jointly by the four governments described progress in negotiations. The reports are being debated together on 1 July 2021.
Current Affairs Digest: Economics (May 2021)

Catch up on economics articles you may have missed. This month we take an in-depth look at the funding of devolved governments.
- Devolution
- Economy

Current Affairs Digest: Constitution (July 2021)

Catch up on parliamentary and constitutional developments with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month include a look at recent local elections in the UK, and the case for a strong parliament.
Current Affairs Digest: Constitution (May 2021)

Catch up on parliamentary and constitutional developments with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month look at the politics of the campaign trial, and mark ten years since the referendum on the alternative vote electoral system.
Women in elected office in the UK

Following the election in 2019, the highest number of female MPs were elected to Parliament. This In Focus looks at the current levels of women in politics in the UK, including in the devolved administrations and local government. It then outlines some potential barriers to increased female participation and details some developments that have been made in this area in the last couple of years.

Devolution and government relations

Two reports published in March 2021 concern UK ‘intergovernmental relations’ (IGR), the mechanisms through which the UK and devolved governments interact. First, the Dunlop Review made recommendations on how the UK Government should restructure to enhance its capabilities on matters affecting the union. Second, an update on a review of IGR being undertaken jointly by the four governments described progress in negotiations. The reports are being debated together on 1 July 2021.
Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill [HL]

The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Bird (Crossbench), inspired by legislation passed in Wales in 2015. It aims to ensure UK policymaking accounts for the interests of future generations. The House of Lords has debated the subject twice in recent years. The bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 25 June 2021.
New powers for HMRC

The Government has proposed new powers for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to address tax avoidance, enhance information gathering, and improve tax compliance. These measures were the subject of a report from the House of Lords Economic Affairs Finance Bill subcommittee, which found that some of these powers were both disproportionate and poorly targeted.
- Economy
- Government

Environment Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages

The Environment Bill would establish a new environmental governance system, including the setting of long-term targets and the creation of an Office for Environmental Protection. It also includes measures on improving air quality, waste management and recycling, water management, biodiversity and conservation covenants. The bill is due to have it second reading in the House of Lords on 7 June 2021, having been carried over from the last session.
Motions on recent changes to planning rules

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order 2021 introduces several changes to the local planning framework. It makes it easier to convert a wider range of commercial buildings to residential use; allows further development of schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, prisons and ports; and implements a ‘retain and explain’ policy for certain statues, memorials and monuments. The House of Lords is set to debate motions to reject or ‘regret’ the changes.
Queen’s Speech 2021: housing, communities and local government

Ahead of the Queen’s Speech on 11 May 2021, this briefing outlines previous government policy commitments for housing, communities, and local government. It also examines potential legislation to be introduced in the upcoming parliamentary session.
- Housing
- Local Government

House of Lords: remote participation and hybrid proceedings

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the House of Lords agreed to introduce virtual participation in debates to allow for social distancing and help prevent the spread of the virus. It has also introduced remote voting in divisions. This In Focus article considers the impact of these changes and discussions about which changes should be retained.
Current Affairs Digest: Constitution (July 2021)

Catch up on parliamentary and constitutional developments with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month include a look at recent local elections in the UK, and the case for a strong parliament.
House of Lords: Largest Votes Recorded

What have been the largest ever votes in the House of Lords? This briefing provides a list of divisions since 1999 where 500 or more Members have voted.
- House of Lords
- Parliament