Defence Archives

Research Briefing

Investigatory Powers Bill

Friday, 11 March, 2016

The Investigatory Powers Bill would overhaul the framework governing the use of surveillance by the intelligence and security agencies and law enforcement to obtain the content of communications and communications data. It follows three important reports published in 2015, all of which concluded that the law in this area is unfit for purpose and in need of reform, and a draft Bill that has been subjected to pre-legislative scrutiny by three parliamentary committees.
Research Briefing

Women in Combat

Friday, 04 March, 2016

Women will now be allowed to serve on the front line in the Infantry and Royal Marines. The Prime Minister announced on 8 July 2016 the lifting of the ban on women serving in ground close roles.
Research Briefing

EU referendum: UK’s EU reform negotiations and the Tusk package

Tuesday, 09 February, 2016

This Commons Library briefing paper looks at the Prime Minister’s proposals for EU reform, which he set out in a letter to the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, in November 2015, concerning four broad areas: economic governance, competitiveness, sovereignty and free movement. It also looks at Donald Tusk’s package of draft texts to address UK concerns, their implications and prospects for agreement.
Research Briefing

Iraq Historic Allegations Team

Friday, 22 January, 2016

This Commons Library briefing paper describes the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT): when and why it was set up; its mandate, staff and methods; and its achievements. Its puts these in the context of other related investigations and recent publicity.
Research Briefing

The 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review

Tuesday, 12 January, 2016

This Commons Library briefing paper examines how the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review will affect the armed forces.
Research Briefing

The UK National Security Council

Monday, 11 January, 2016

The Commons Library has published a briefing paper on the UK National Security Council (NSC). Using a Q&A format, the briefing provides basic information about its origins, mandate and operation.
Research Briefing

International Humanitarian Law: a primer

Friday, 08 January, 2016

This Commons Library briefing paper is an introductory guide to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Research Briefing

Regulation of Investigatory Powers: Codes of Practice

Tuesday, 05 January, 2016

New draft codes of practice providing guidance on equipment interference and the interception of communications were published in November 2015. They relate to the investigatory powers of law enforcement agencies and the intelligence and security agencies provided for by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and the and Intelligence Services Act 1994.
Research Briefing

Armed Forces Covenant and the 2015 Annual Report

Monday, 04 January, 2016

On 10 December 2015 the Government published its latest annual report on the Armed Forces Covenant. It highlights all of those areas where progress has been achieved over the last year and outlined some key priorities for the future. Among them is the extension of the Armed Forces Covenant to members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy. The Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2015 is the subject of a Westminster Hall Debate on Thursday 7 January 2016.
Research Briefing

The 2015 UK National Security Strategy

Monday, 14 December, 2015

The Commons Library has published a briefing which provides an overview and analysis of the 2015 UK National Security Strategy (NSS). Published on 23 November 2015, the NSS is incorporated into a single document with the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), which sets out the specific policies and capabilities flowing from the strategy.
Research Briefing

The EU’s response to the migration crisis: recent developments

Friday, 11 December, 2015

This note provides a brief update on recent developments in the EU's response to the migration crisis, including the EU's military operation against people smuggling in the Mediterranean. Documents related to the EU's response to the migration crisis are due to be debated in the House on 14 December.
Research Briefing

Armed Forces Bill 2015‑16

Friday, 11 December, 2015

The five-yearly Armed Forces Bill provides the legal basis for the UK's armed forces and its system of military law.
Research Briefing

Legal basis for UK military action in Syria

Tuesday, 01 December, 2015

What is the legal significance of the November 2015 UN Security Council Resolution for the UK and other states using force in Iraq and/or Syria?
Research Briefing

Syria: a reading list

Monday, 30 November, 2015

This is a reading list that covers the situation in Syria, the complexity of battling Syrian groups and of outside interventions, the legal implications of any UK intervention and other aspects that will form part of one of the House’s most significant debates of recent years.
Research Briefing

Draft Investigatory Powers Bill

Thursday, 19 November, 2015

The Draft Investigatory Powers Bill, published in November 2015, seeks to update and consolidate the legal framework governing the interception of communications and the acquisition of communications data by intelligence and law enforcement agencies

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