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.
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been produced in preparation for a debate due to take place on 8 January 2020 on motions pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Act 2019 and the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been published ahead of day 3 of the Lords debate on the December 2019 Queen’s Speech, covering the following subjects: economic affairs, business and public services
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.
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.
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.
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.
This House of Lords Library briefing provides summary data on the size and composition of the House of Lords. The information is taken from the House of Lords registry database and is correct as at 29 November 2019.
According to the Salisbury Convention, the House of Lords gives a second reading to government bills that seek to implement manifesto commitments, does not subject manifesto bills to wrecking amendments and returns manifesto bills to the Commons in reasonable time. This House of Lords Library Briefing examines the development of the convention and looks at the debates on how it applied after the 2010 and 2017 general elections, which both produced a hung parliament.
This House of Lords Library briefing has been prepared to mark the centenary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919. It provides a summary of the provisions of the Act and an overview of some of the debates had at the time about introducing and implementing gender equality legislation.
The House of Lords Library provides statistics on sessions since 1900 that have lasted for more than 12 months and lists the years in which there has been no Queen’s/King’s Speech.
This House of Lords Library Briefing provides extracts from political party manifestos since 1970 charting the various positions taken on Europe over the last five decades.
This House of Lords Library Briefing provides an overview of prerogative powers in the UK. It includes a discussion of powers reserved to the monarch, and examples of how they have been used.
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared to mark the 100th anniversary of the Government of India Act 1919 receiving royal assent and the role of the peer of non-European descent, Lord Sinha, in piloting the Act through the Lords.
This House of Lords Library Briefing provides information on recent developments in connection with the availability of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in England.