Research Briefing
Short Money
Short Money is allocated to opposition parties to support them in their parliamentary duties. Allocations are based on a party’s performance at the previous election.
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Research Briefing
Evolution and changing composition of departmental select committees
Departmental select committees were first established in 1979. This briefing paper charts changes in their number and size since 1979.
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Research Briefing
Commons committee stages taken in committee of the whole House
Bills since the 1997-98 session considered in the House of Commons by a committee of the whole House.
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Research Briefing
Chairs of Commons select committees since 2010
House of Commons select committee chairs in the 2024, 2019, 2017, 2015 and 2010 parliaments.
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Research Briefing
Committee of Privileges
This briefing outlines the remit and powers of the Committee of Privileges. It also provides brief details of matters referred to the Committee since 1979.
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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
The Parliament Acts
The Parliament Acts allow bills to be presented for Royal Assent without the consent of the House of Lords. How and when are these powers used?
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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
“Object!” How and why most private members’ bills fail to progress
With limited time available for debate on Fridays, private members’ bills are routinely blocked from progressing through the House of Commons.
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Research Briefing
Why does the UK not have a “written” constitution?
The UK does not have a codified “written” constitution. What are the arguments for and against having one?
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Research Briefing
Number 10 North
The Prime Minister has established No10 North in Manchester as a branch of the new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet. What are its responsibilities?
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Research Briefing
Appointments to the Chiltern Hundreds and Manor of Northstead Stewardships since 1880
Resignations of MPs from the House of Commons since 1880.
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Research Briefing
How might a cap on donations affect political party income in the UK?
Modelling suggests that a cap on political donations would have substantially reduced annual party income in the year of, and the year before, the 2024 general election.
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Research Briefing
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leaders and officials since 1971
List of DUP leaders and officials since 1971.
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Research Briefing
Liberal Democrat, SDP and Liberal Party leaders and officials since 1967
List of Liberal Party, SDP and Liberal Democrats leaders and officials since 1967.
Total results (page 2 of 76)