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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In Focus
Abortion law in Northern Ireland
The law on abortion in Northern Ireland changed on 22 October 2019 following the enactment of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019. The Act required the UK Government to introduce regulations that would provide lawful access to abortion services and repeal certain offences relating to abortion in Northern Ireland. This article discusses the Government’s statutory instrument that would introduce such regulations.
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In Focus
Post Office’s Horizon accounting system: Calls for an independent inquiry
In December 2019, the High Court published a ruling concerning the Post Office’s Horizon electronic accounting system. This article outlines the dispute between sub-postmasters and the Post Office over the operation of this system. It also summarises calls for the Government to establish a public enquiry.
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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
Covid-19: International Response
A range of international bodies and coalitions are responding to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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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
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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