Research Briefing
How to understand and calculate percentages
What are percentages, why are they useful, how do you calculate them and what are the potential pitfalls when using them?
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Research Briefing
What is a billion? And other large numbers
Is there a UK definition of a billion? Is there a system for naming very large and very small numbers of units?
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Research Briefing
Military action: Parliament’s role
Does parliament have a say in deploying UK military forces?
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Research Briefing
The removal of titles and honours
In October 2025 the King “initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew”. This briefing examines how titles and other honours may be removed.
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Research Briefing
Women in Politics and Public Life
Around 41% of MPs are female, and around 32% of peers. Women are increasingly present in public life, though representation is often lower at senior grades.
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Research Briefing
What is an unincorporated association?
An unincorporated association is a permissible donor in UK politics and is usually a members club. The Labour Party have proposed tightening the rules around their donations in the upcoming elections bill.
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Research Briefing
Is there a by-election when an MP changes party?
When an MP defects to another party, this is called 'crossing the floor'. Crossing the floor does not usually trigger a by-election in the MP's constituency.
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Research Briefing
General election 2024 results
Full results and analysis of the 4th July 2024 general election, where Labour won a majority in Parliament
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Research Briefing
Taking control of the Order Paper
What does "taking control of the Order paper" mean? Why is it difficult?
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Debate Pack
E-petition debate: Give the British Public the Right to Vote No Confidence in the Government
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on 2 March 2026 on an e-petition calling for members of the public to be given the right to vote no confidence in the government. The debate will be opened by John Lamont MP. The Petitions Committee agreed to the debate in response to e-petition 734311 that attracted over 120,000 signatures.
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Research Briefing
How much legislation does the UK Parliament consider?
The UK Parliament passed an average of 36 acts a year over the last 10 years.
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Research Briefing
Motion for a return (humble address)
The House of Commons can use its power to call for ‘persons, papers and records’ to obtain government papers.
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Research Briefing
Addresses to Members of both Houses of Parliament
Heads of state and dignitaries who have addressed MPs and members of the House of Lords since 1935.
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Research Briefing
Hybrid bills receiving Royal Assent since 1979
Hybrid bills are public bills containing provisions that would affect the general public as well as the interests of certain individuals or organisations.
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Research Briefing
Ministers in the House of Lords
Cabinet Ministers are sometimes members of the House of Lords. This paper sets out recent examples and considers the accountability arrangements for Cabinet Ministers in the Lords. It also looks at the appointment of ministers from outside Parliament.
Total results (page 8 of 76)