Research Briefing
The Code of Conduct for Members – recent changes
This Note sets out recent changes to the Code of Conduct for Members and Guide to the Rules relating to the conduct of Members.
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Research Briefing
Election timetables
The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 made changes to the timetable for parliamentary elections. This briefing sets out the changes
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Research Briefing
House of Commons Commission Bill
The House of Commons Commission Bill 2014-15 amends the House of Commons (Administration) Act 1978 to make changes to the membership and remit of the House of Commons Commission.
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Research Briefing
Prime Minister’s Questions
This note outlines the procedures for the tabling of questions for and answering of questions at Prime Minister's Question Time. It also reviews the history of the Prime Minister facing questions in the Chamber of the House of Commons, the changes to Prime Minister's Questions, and the current situation.
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Research Briefing
The Administration of the House of Commons
On 22 January 2015 the House will debate the report of the House of Governance Committee. This note provides background to the debate and detail on how the House of Commons is governed, managed and structured.
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Research Briefing
House of Lords Reform – developments in the 2010 Parliament
Since the Government’s decision in the summer of 2012 to withdraw the House of Lords Reform Bill 2012-13, it has supported provisions in the House of Lords Reform Act 2014 to allow members of the House of Lords to resign, and to require those who do not attend and those convicted of serious offences to cease to be members.
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Research Briefing
Prerogative Powers and the Fixed-term Parliaments Act
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 is a contentious and often criticised piece of legislation, although it does have its supporters. The government and the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee have argued it has created a stable environment for longer-term government planning. The 2011 Act made provision for the next general election to be held on
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Research Briefing
The English Question
This Note explores the technical issues involved in identifying “England-only” legislation and gives some analysis of bills and divisions in the current session. It also gives a brief account of proposals for further devolution in England.
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Research Briefing
European Union (Referendum) Bill
This Private Member’s Bill was introduced to the Commons on 2 July 2014 and requires the holding of a referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union (EU) before the end of 2017. This Paper has been prepared as a guide in advance of the second reading on Friday 17 October.
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Research Briefing
House of Commons sitting of the UK Youth Parliament – November 2014
This special briefing paper has been produced to help Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) prepare for the House of Commons sitting of the UK Youth Parliament which takes place on 14 November.
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Research Briefing
Recall of MPs Bill 2014-15
The Recall of MPs Bill 2014-15 was introduced on 11 September 2014, and is scheduled to be debated on second reading on 14 October. There was a commitment to legislate to introduce a power of recall in the Coalition Agreement, and a draft bill was scrutinised by the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee in 2012.
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Research Briefing
Programming of legislation – recent proposals
The Procedure Committee's recommendation that a trial take place in 2014-15 Session of a three-day deadline for the tabling of amendments and new clauses/schedules at report stage of all programmed bills will be debated on 8 May 2014. It is hoped this will ensure a timetable could be agreed for report stage debates.
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Research Briefing
European Union (Referendum) Bill and the Parliament Acts
The European Union (Referendum) Bill could be presented for Royal Assent under the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949 if it is passed by the House of Commons and rejected again by the House of Lords.
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Research Briefing
Queen’s Speech 2014
This Standard Note gathers together announcements from ministers and speculation from commentators on the issues that might be included in the forthcoming Queen’s Speech.
Total results (page 13 of 20)