Research Briefing
Fisheries Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the second reading of the Fisheries Bill [HL], scheduled to take place on 11 February 2020.
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Research Briefing
Coronavirus: A Public Health Emergency
The coronavirus was declared a public health emergency on 30 January 2020 by the World Health Organisation (WHO), only the sixth such emergency since 2009. The declaration followed reports on 31 December 2019 of an unknown virus causing a number of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, a city in eastern China. The virus was later identified as a new strain of coronavirus (Cov). This House of Lords Library briefing provides information about: the virus, including its spread and impact; what action the WHO and UK Government have taken; and the problem of disinformation in relation to the disease.
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Research Briefing
Online Political Advertising: On a Road to Regulation?
This House of Lords Library Briefing considers the evolution of online political advertising and details the legislative reforms that are being considered by the Government.
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Research Briefing
Extension of Franchise (House of Lords) Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages
This House of Lords Library Briefing provides background information on the Extension of Franchise (House of Lords) Bill [HL], ahead of its second reading in the House of Lords on 7 February 2020.
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In Focus
Bank of England: the gold standard
The Bank of England operates monetary policy in the UK. This article describes how, for much of its history, this involving maintaining the convertibility of the currency into bullion—the gold standard. More recently, the aims of policy have shifted, with the current target being to control inflation. However, debates continue about the appropriate targets of monetary policy, its links with fiscal policy and other aspects of the Bank’s operations.
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Current Affairs Digest
Current Affairs Digest: Constitution (January 2020)
Catch-up on articles about the constitution you may have missed from January 2020, including those on increasing the voting age and whether Britain needs a written constitution.
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Research Briefing
Policing in the UK: Serious and Organised Crime
The House of Lords Library Briefing explores the nature of Serious and Organised Crime in the UK. It includes statistics on the scale of the problem as well as information on the response by the Government and the National Crime Agency.
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Research Briefing
Policing in the UK: Governance, Oversight and Complaints
This House of Lords Library Briefing sets out how the police service in the UK is governed, including details of recent reforms. It also focuses on how the police are held accountable for their actions through systems of oversight and complaints.
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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
Bank of England: History, Role and Current Policy Debates
This House of Lords Library Briefing provides information on the Bank of England. It covers the Bank’s history, its role today and current policy debates around its activities.
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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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Research Briefing
Queen’s Speech January 2020: Debate in the House of Lords Day 1
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been published ahead of day 1 of the Lords debate on the December 2019 Queen's Speech, covering the following subjects: foreign affairs, defence, international development, trade, climate change and the environment.
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Research Briefing
Reports Pursuant to Section 3(5) of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019
This House of Lords Library Briefing provides an overview of the requirements in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 for the Government to publish reports on the progress made towards forming a Northern Ireland executive, and other matters.
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Research Briefing
Queen’s Speech January 2020: Debate in the House of Lords Day 2
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been published ahead of day 2 of the Lords debate on the December 2019 Queen’s Speech, covering the following subjects: home affairs, justice, constitutional affairs and devolved affairs.
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Research Briefing
House of Lords: Maiden and Valedictory Speeches, 2017-2019
This House of Lords Library briefing covers the maiden and valedictory speeches made during the course of the 2017--2019 parliament. The first and last speeches made by a Member of the House of Lords are significant occasions and, by tradition, are marked with respect by the House.
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