Research Briefing
Early Day Motions
Early day motions are written proposals through which MPs can express opinions or draw attention to an issue. They are not usually debated.
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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
Opposition day debates in the House of Commons since 1992
An opposition day is one on which an opposition party sets the agenda. Dates of debates, parties choosing the subject and the outcome of each debate are listed.
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Research Briefing
Secretary of State for Scotland
It is a hundred years since the contemporary post of Secretary of State for Scotland was created. Since the Scottish Parliament was established 1999, the Secretary of State has been responsible mainly for non-devolved matters affecting Scotland.
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Research Briefing
Speakers’ statements on ministerial policy announcements made outside the House
Statements made by the Speaker deprecating the making of key policy announcements before they are made in the House of Commons.
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Research Briefing
Maiden speeches in the House of Commons since 1918
Maiden speeches made by newly elected MPs since 1918, with links to Hansard where available.
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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
House of Commons ballot bills since 1997
Results of the House of Commons ballot for Private Members’ Bills (PMBs) in each session since 1997 to 1998
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Research Briefing
2024 King’s Speech: progress of legislation
What progress did bills announced in the 2024 King's Speech make in the first session of the 2024 Parliament?
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Research Briefing
E-petition debate relating to pro-Israel influence on UK politics and democracy
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on 22 June 2026 at 4.30pm on a petition related to pro-Israel influence on UK politics and democracy.
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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
Representation of the People Bill 2024-26
The bill’s proposals include lowering the voting age to 16 for all elections, allowing for automated electoral registration and making changes to political donations rules.
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Research Briefing
Conflict in Ukraine: A Parliamentary reading list (2014 – 2021)
Commons Library papers, Committee reports, parliamentary material and UK Government press releases since Crimea was seized by pro-Russian forces in 2014.
Total results (page 4 of 76)