Research Briefing
Sitting Members imprisoned since 1945
Sitting Members of the House of Commons imprisoned since 1945, including the length of the sentence, reason for imprisonment and the date the House was notified.
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Insight
What are the effects of political financing?
The effects of money on politics are contested. However, academics generally agree that money affects the chances of electoral success.
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Research Briefing
Political financing: Donations, loans and state funding
‘Political financing’ refers to all money that is raised and spent for political purposes.
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Research Briefing
Can parliamentarians discuss the Royal Family?
There is no prohibition on criticising members of the Royal Family in Parliament, but MPs and peers are required to observe certain rules if they wish to do so.
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Research Briefing
Proxy voting in divisions in the House
On 23 September 2020, the House agreed to make the proxy voting scheme permanent, following the Procedure Committee's review of the pilot scheme. Temporary arrangements are in place to include long-term illness or injury as reasons for a proxy vote.
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Insight
Historic restrictions on members of the Catholic and Jewish faiths
The government says it will keep “under review” statutory restrictions on those of the Catholic and Jewish faiths advising the Crown on church appointments.
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Research Briefing
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly and UK delegations
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly provides a forum for parliamentarians from the NATO Member States to debate key defence and security challenges.
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Research Briefing
Parliamentary sovereignty
A short research briefing on the principle of parliamentary sovereignty, its origins and contemporary application.
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Research Briefing
Reserved matters in the United Kingdom
A briefing paper focusing on policy matters which remain "reserved" to Westminster following the devolution of certain executive and legislative powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Research Briefing
UK Youth Parliament
The UK Youth Parliament is going to meet in the House of Commons Chamber on 6 November 2025.
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Research Briefing
What is a Royal Charter?
A Royal Charter incorporates a body, turning it from a collection of individuals into a single legal entity.
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Insight
What is a Royal Warrant?
A Royal Warrant is a legal document authorising an appointment or specific action. These are signed by the King and mainly used for certain public appointments.
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Research Briefing
Ethnic diversity in politics and public life
In 2024/25, 16% of the UK population was from a minority ethnic background. How is this reflected in politics and public life?
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Research Briefing
The death of a monarch
The death of a monarch – and the accession of a new sovereign – involves the Cabinet, the Privy Council, Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the Church of England. This paper outlines the historical precedents for events that follow a demise of the crown.
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Insight
What are state visits?
State visits are formal international visits by heads of state. In the UK, the King hosts “inbound” state visits and embarks upon “outbound” state visits.
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