Research Briefing
Windrush Compensation Scheme
The Government has set up a scheme to compensate those affected by the Windrush scandal. This briefing explains the scheme and considers criticisms of it so far.
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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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Research Briefing
Windrush Compensation Scheme (Expenditure) Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages
This government bill would provide parliamentary authorisation for Windrush compensation scheme payments. While the bill has received cross-party support, opposition parties have remained critical of the compensation scheme.
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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
Covid-19 and the police: New powers but more pressure?
This article examines the potential pressures the Covid-19 pandemic may put on policing, along with the changes that have been made to help forces manage.
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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
Ministerial Code
The Ministerial Code sets out the standards of conduct expected of ministers. It has garnered renewed media interest with recent allegations of potential breaches, with particular reference to alleged bullying of civil servants.
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Research Briefing
Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages
This House of Lords Library briefing provides information on the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill [HL] in advance of its second reading, due to take place in the House of Lords on 13 March 2020.
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Current Affairs Digest
Current Affairs Digest: Constitution (February 2020)
Catch-up on articles about Britain's constitution that you may have missed from February 2020, including a global study measuring levels of satisfaction with democracy.
Total results (page 24 of 42)