Research Briefing
The election of a Speaker
This note briefly outlines the procedure for electing a Speaker. It reports the results of the election of new Speakers in 2009 and 2019; and the Procedure Committee's review of the 2009 election.
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Research Briefing
Parliament and the three extensions of Article 50
This paper explains the legal and political background to the three extensions of the UK’s EU-exit process under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). It sets out the UK Parliament’s role in the seeking and agreeing to those extension decisions of the European Council.
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Research Briefing
European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill 2019
The European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill 2019 was announced in the Queen's Speech on 14 October 2019.
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Research Briefing
The October 2019 EU UK Withdrawal Agreement
Boris Johnson's Government negotiated a new 'deal' with the European Union, formed of a Political Declaration and a Withdrawal Agreement. This paper focuses on the Withdrawal Agreement and how it compares to the one negotiated by Theresa May's Government.
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Research Briefing
Resignation from the House of Commons
Under a Resolution of the House of 2 March 1624, Members of Parliament cannot directly resign their seat. This means that MPs wishing to resign their seat must be appointed to one of two paid offices of the Crown. These are the Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds and the Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead. This briefing paper explains how this process works, and the historical background behind it.
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Research Briefing
Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Bill 2017-19
The Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Bill 2017-19 establishes the bodies that will be responsible for overseeing and delivering the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster. The Bill was introduced on 8 May 2019. It has been considered by both Houses and the House of Commons is scheduled to consider Lords amendments on 9 September 2019.
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Insight
Online petitions and parliamentary debate: How do UK parliamentary petitions grow over time?
Petitions have a long and chequered history as a tool to influence policymakers.
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Debate Pack
Gemma White’s report on Bullying and Harassment of MPs’ Parliamentary Staff
On 17 July 2019, there will be a general debate on Gemma White QC's Independent Inquiry Report on Bullying and Harassment of MP's Parliamentary Staff
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Research Briefing
Abortion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland: Do Westminster votes undermine devolution?
Yesterday (9 July) the House of Commons voted by large majorities to change the law regarding abortion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
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Insight
Abortion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland: Do Westminster votes undermine devolution?
Yesterday (9 July) the House of Commons voted by large majorities to change the law regarding abortion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
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Research Briefing
When might an early general election take place?
This Insight gives two illustrative examples of how the timetable might operate for an early general election.
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Insight
When might an early general election take place?
This Insight gives two illustrative examples of how the timetable might operate for an early general election.
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Research Briefing
The UK’s EU Withdrawal Agreement
This briefing looks in detail at the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated between the EU and UK and finalised on 14 November 2018. It was endorsed by EU Member State leaders at a special European Council summit on 25 November and the UK Prime Minister promoted it in the UK Parliament and around the country. The Agreement was debated at length in Parliament on several occasions and has been voted on three times. But the House of Commons has not endorsed it. A second extension of Article 50 took exit day to 31 October 2019, but once again the UK is faced with the possibility of leaving the EU without an agreement if this agreement or another one is not ratified by the UK and the EU.
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Insight
Amendments to Estimates Day motions explained
Amendments have been tabled to the Estimate Day motions. But, what are Estimates? How do Estimates Days work? Can Estimates be amended? And what happens once Estimates have been agreed?
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Research Briefing
Taking control of the Order Paper during Brexit
What does “taking control of the Order paper” mean? Why is it difficult? This Insight provides a guide to the Parliamentary procedures and numbers.
Total results (page 12 of 21)