The United Kingdom constitution – a mapping exercise
A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.
Church Appointments (Repeal of Discriminatory Provision) Bill 2026-27
A briefing on the Church Appointments (Repeal of Discriminatory Provision) Bill 2026-27
The King of Jamaica and the Judicial Committee
The Government of Jamaica has asked King Charles III to refer legal questions regarding enslavement to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
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Research Briefing
Historic restrictions on members of the Catholic and Jewish faiths
The Prime Minister announced on 10 September 2026 that the government will introduce a bill to correct "antiquated and archaic" prohibitions on those of the Catholic and Jewish faiths offering advice to the Crown on appointments to the Church of England. This briefing looks at the historic basis of these restrictions and how they work in practice.
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Research Briefing
Sovereign Grant Bill 2026-27
A briefing on the Sovereign Grant Bill 2026-27, which amends the Sovereign Grant Act 2011. The Sovereign Grant funds the Monarch's official duties as head of state.
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Research Briefing
The office and functions of the Prime Minister
A briefing paper on the office and functions of the Prime Minister
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Research Briefing
Prime Ministers
This briefing lists the Prime Ministers who have served in the United Kingdom since 1721. It also provides information on changes of Prime Minister between general elections since 1900.
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Research Briefing
The Privy Council: history, functions and membership
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council
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Research Briefing
How is a government formed?
A briefing on how a new government is formed under a combination of the royal prerogative (non-statutory powers) and statute (Acts of Parliament).
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Research Briefing
Cost of a bank holiday
The Prime Minister has hinted that he would consider a bank holiday if England win the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. How much could this cost the economy?
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Research Briefing
Commanding confidence
A briefing on the meaning of "confidence" in a parliamentary context.
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Research Briefing
How is the Prime Minister appointed?
A briefing on what happens when a Prime Minister formally resigns and the King appoints a successor, based upon prime ministerial memoirs and other sources.
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Research Briefing
Debate on the Address: movers and seconders since 1900
Movers and seconders of the motion of the Debate on the Address since 1900.
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Research Briefing
How are diplomats appointed?
Diplomatic representatives of the United Kingdom to other countries are appointed by the Monarch, usually on advice from the Foreign Secretary.
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Research Briefing
Scottish Devolution: Section 30 Orders
A briefing on Section 30 Orders, secondary legislation made under the Scotland Act 1998 to increase or restrict – temporarily or permanently – the Scottish Parliament’s legislative authority.
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