In Focus
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.
In Focus
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.
Current Affairs Digest
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.
Research Briefing
A range of international bodies and coalitions are responding to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research Briefing
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.
Research Briefing
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.
Research Briefing
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.
Current Affairs Digest
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.
Research Briefing
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.
In Focus
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.
In Focus
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.
Research Briefing
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.
In Focus
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.
In Focus
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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