In Focus
House of Lords: Virtual sittings, participation and Covid-19
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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Current Affairs Digest
Current Affairs Digest: Constitution (May 2020)
Catch up on articles you may have missed on the constitution, government and parliament from May 2020. Articles this month take a closer look at Covid-19 and human rights legislation.
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Research Briefing
EU Committee Report: Beyond Brexit: How to Win Friends and Influence People
The House of Lords EU Committee’s report on the UK’s influence on the EU after Brexit will be debated on 12 May 2020.
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Research Briefing
Royal Commissions: Making a Comeback?
Royal commissions have fallen out of use over recent decades, but they could be set to make a return. The Conservative manifesto of 2019 promised to set up a royal commission on the criminal justice system. This briefing looks at the background to royal commissions.
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Current Affairs Digest
Current Affairs Digest: Constitution (April 2020)
Catch up on articles you may have missed about the constitution, government and parliament from April 2020. Articles this month look at types of governance, and the virtual running of parliament in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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In Focus
Coronavirus: How have parliaments adapted?
In early 2020, parliaments across the world reacted to the coronavirus pandemic. In response to a statement on potential changes to the running of House of Lords business in March, this article looks at how other parliaments have adapted to meet the needs of social distancing. It considers proxy voting, remote voting and virtual sittings.
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In Focus
Women, hereditary peerages and gender inequality in the line of succession
Fewer than 90 peerages can be inherited by a female heir, and may pass in the female line. This article examines proposals put forward by campaign groups, and some parliamentarians, which would see a change in the rules preventing women inheriting titles.
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Research Briefing
Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission
The Government has proposed setting up a constitution, democracy and rights commission to consider broad aspects of the UK’s constitution. This would look at issues including the relationship between the government, parliament, and the courts; the functioning of the royal prerogative; the role of the House of Lords; and access to justice.
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In Focus
Who holds the purse strings? Financial privilege and the House of Lords
The limited role of the House of Lords in scrutinising government spending and taxation has developed gradually over time. This article summarises the history of the House of Lords’ role and the development of the financial privilege of the House of Commons.
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In Focus
Coronavirus Bill: What emergency powers does the Government already have?
The Government recently introduced the Coronavirus Bill 2020, which would give it new emergency powers. This article looks at the powers the Government already has to deal with emergencies.
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Research Briefing
Coronavirus Bill: emergency Covid-19 legislation
The bill proposes new laws that would provide the Government, and various public bodies, with powers to manage the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.
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In Focus
Canadian Senate reform: What has been happening?
The Senate of Canada has moved to a former train station, where it will sit during the Ottawa Parliament’s own restoration and renewal programme. But this is not the only change that has affected Canada’s second chamber in recent years. The architecture of its appointments process has also been undergoing an overhaul.
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Research Briefing
European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the second reading of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill on 13 January 2020. Committee stage is due to take place on 14, 15 and 16 January 2020, with report and third reading scheduled for 20 and 21 January 2020.
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Research Briefing
State Openings of Parliament: Reduced Ceremonial
With reference to state openings in 2019, 2017, March 1974 and 1939, this briefing discusses the differences between a traditional state opening and one with reduced ceremonial elements.
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