Research Briefing
“I’m afraid if I told you that…”: The law officers’ convention
The law officers’ convention ensures that government ministers do not need to disclose if they have sought legal advice from their senior legal advisers.
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Research Briefing
Pre-legislative scrutiny under the Conservative Governments of 2015-24
This briefing provides a summary of the development of pre-legislative scrutiny and the draft bills published during the 2015, 2017 and 2019 Parliaments.
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Insight
“I’m afraid if I told you that…”: The law officers’ convention
The law officers’ convention ensures that government ministers do not need to disclose if they have sought legal advice from their senior legal advisers.
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Research Briefing
Government consultations
Government departments and public bodies can consult the public on any policy to inform decision-making. In some cases, they are legally required to consult.
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Research Briefing
Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill 2024-25
A bill briefing on the Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill 2024-25. This makes provision for Catholics to be eligible to hold the office of Lord High Commissioner, which is the King's representative at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
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Research Briefing
The law officers: a constitutional and functional overview
This paper provides an overview of the constitutional status and functions of the law officers of the United Kingdom. This includes the law officers of the UK Government and those that advise the three devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Research Briefing
Unitary local government
A briefing on unitary local government in England, proposals for creating new unitary authorities, Government policy, historical practice, and academic analysis
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Research Briefing
Is my council going to be abolished?
The government said it will invite all two-tier local authority areas to restructure into unitary authorities, which is likely to result in fewer, larger authorities.
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Insight
Is my council going to be abolished?
The government said it will invite all two-tier local authority areas to restructure into unitary authorities, which is likely to result in fewer, larger authorities.
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Research Briefing
UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership agreement
In January 2025, the UK and Ukraine signed a 100-year partnership agreement. The agreement aims to build military, economic and cultural ties.
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Insight
UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership agreement
In January 2025, the UK and Ukraine signed a 100-year partnership agreement. The agreement aims to build military, economic and cultural ties.
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Research Briefing
Assimilated law reform: Moving towards alignment?
The government says it revoked or reformed 40 pieces of assimilated law (derived from EU law) between June and December 2024.
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Research Briefing
Local Government Finance Settlement 2025/26
Local authorities in England will have £69.4 billion to spend in 2025/26. Here we look at the changes in this year’s funding, and the longer-term context.
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Insight
Assimilated law reform: Moving towards alignment?
The government says it revoked or reformed 40 pieces of assimilated law (derived from EU law) between June and December 2024.
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Research Briefing
Oaths of Allegiance
An updated briefing paper on oaths of allegiance taken by senior office holders in the UK. This includes the Parliamentary Oath taken by MPs and peers and the judicial oath taken by judges.
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