This Lords Library briefing provides a brief timeline of principal developments during the process of the Iraq Inquiry (Chilcot). It particularly focusses on delays of the report’s publication.
A number of investigations into historical child sex abuse in the UK have been launched by the police and public institutions in recent years. This follows allegations that claims of child sex abuse made against public figures had not been properly investigated in the past. This briefing focuses on the existing guidance for conducting these investigations and provides background information on recent investigations that have taken place. It has been written in preparation for a debate that is due to take place in the House of Lords on 30 June 2016 on the case for introducing statutory guidelines relating to the investigation of cases of historical child sex abuse.
This House of Lords Library briefing provides information in advance of the second reading committee stage of the Intellectual Property (Unjustified Threats) Bill [HL] in the House of Lords on Wednesday 15 June 2016. This is a Law Commission bill and will follow a special procedure in the House.
This Lords Library briefing provides an overview of the Bus Services Bill and reaction to it, background to its introduction and a summary of the Bill’s clauses.
This Library briefing provides information on royal charters, outlining the Sovereign’s prerogative power to grant them, and briefly describing their function. It also provides an overview of two examples of royal charters—the self-regulation of the press and the BBC—and discusses Parliament’s role in their scrutiny.
The House of Lords is due to debate the Queen’s Speech over four days between 19 and 25 May 2016. This briefing is one of four prepared by the House of Lords Library to cover the themes of each day of debate.
The House of Lords is due to debate the Queen’s Speech over four days between 19 and 25 May 2016. This briefing is one of four prepared by the House of Lords Library to cover the themes of each day of debate.
The House of Lords is due to debate the Queen’s Speech over four days between 19 and 25 May 2016. This briefing is one of four prepared by the House of Lords Library to cover the themes of each day of debate.
This House of Lords briefing provides an overview of the events of 10–11 May 1941, when the German Air Force launched an air raid on London, and dropped bombs on the Palace of Westminster, destroying the House of Commons Chamber and damaging the House of Lords Chamber, Westminster Hall and the Clock Tower. It also briefly describes the arrangements made after the attack for the rebuilding of a new House of Commons Chamber. The briefing has been prepared to mark the 75th anniversary of the bombing.
This House of Lords Library briefing provides a list of the mover and seconder following each Queen’s Speech for the past 20 years, along with each Member’s party affiliation at the time.
The Lord Speaker is elected by Members of the House of Lords every five years. This House of Lords Library briefing provides an overview of the process for electing a Lord Speaker. It includes information on standing for election, voting and the triggers for an election. The primary role of the Lord Speaker is to preside over proceedings in the Chamber, including committees of the whole House. Details about the office of the Lord Speaker itself, as well as background to how the office came into being, are available in Lords Library briefing Principal Office Holders in the House of Lords (19 March 2015).
This House of Lords Library briefing presents lists of public offices and positions previously or currently held by Members of the House of Lords as at 23 March 2016.
This House of Lords Library briefing provides an overview of the provisions in the Bill, and a summary of the Bill’s proceedings in the House of Commons.