Research Briefing
Can parliamentarians discuss the Royal Family?
There is no prohibition on criticising members of the Royal Family in Parliament, but MPs and peers are required to observe certain rules if they wish to do so.
-
-
Debate Pack
St. Andrew’s day and Scottish Affairs
A general debate on St Andrew's day is scheduled to take place in the House of Commons Chamber on Thursday 11 December 2025. The debate was scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee and will be led by Graeme Downie MP.
-
Insight
Settling the United Kingdom border
It is a century since the United Kingdom’s border on the island of Ireland was settled by international treaty.
-
Insight
Historic restrictions on members of the Catholic and Jewish faiths
The government says it will keep “under review” statutory restrictions on those of the Catholic and Jewish faiths advising the Crown on church appointments.
-
Research Briefing
Reserved matters in the United Kingdom
A briefing paper focusing on policy matters which remain "reserved" to Westminster following the devolution of certain executive and legislative powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
-
Research Briefing
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill 2024-26
The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill 2024-26 was introduced in the House of Commons on 14 October 2025. The second reading for the bill took place on 18 November 2025.
-
Research Briefing
What is a Royal Charter?
A Royal Charter incorporates a body, turning it from a collection of individuals into a single legal entity.
-
Insight
What is a Royal Warrant?
A Royal Warrant is a legal document authorising an appointment or specific action. These are signed by the King and mainly used for certain public appointments.
-
Research Briefing
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2024-25
A briefing on the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2024-25.
-
Research Briefing
The death of a monarch
The death of a monarch – and the accession of a new sovereign – involves the Cabinet, the Privy Council, Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the Church of England. This paper outlines the historical precedents for events that follow a demise of the crown.
-
Research Briefing
State visits to the UK
What are state visits? Who decides who is invited? Who pays the costs? What is the format of a state visit? Do they always include addresses to Parliament?
-
Insight
What are state visits?
State visits are formal international visits by heads of state. In the UK, the King hosts “inbound” state visits and embarks upon “outbound” state visits.
-
Research Briefing
What are letters patent?
Letters patent are a legal document which is authorised by the King. They are mainly used for certain sorts of public appointments.
-
Insight
What are letters patent?
Letters patent are a legal document which is authorised by the King. They are mainly used for certain sorts of public appointments.
-
Research Briefing
The Crown Dependencies
A briefing paper on the constitutional status of the Crown Dependencies, which are the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey (including Alderney and Sark) and the Isle of Man.
Total results (page 3 of 15)