Research Briefing
The Queen’s Speech in May 2021 announced a new bill to provide the security services with the tools they need to tackle the threat from hostile activity by states. The Government subsequently published a consultation on proposals for legislation to counter state threats which closed in July 2021. This briefing paper examines the background to these proposals and concerns about the implications for press freedom.
Research Briefing
Talks on restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the Iran nuclear deal) and bringing Iran back into compliance have been stalled since June 2021. At the same time, Iran has continued to escalate its nuclear activities. What are the prospects for the JCPOA?
Research Briefing
It has been just over one year since the disputed Presidential election in Belarus and President Lukashenko has consolidated his grip on power. What is the human rights situation in the country now and how has the West responded?
Research Briefing
On 30 June 2020, the People’s Republic of China’s parliament passed a new National Security Law for Hong Kong, bypassing the territory’s own Legislative Council. This paper looks at the law and events in Hong Kong since it passed.
Research Briefing
This paper provides an overview of the governance and dispute settlement provisions of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The Agreement establishes a network of committees to oversee its implementation. There is also an arbitration mechanism for disputes between the UK and EU, but with exemptions and variations for different policy areas.
Research Briefing
Interest in space as a military domain is increasing. What are the leading space powers doing, and what role does the UK see for itself going forward?
Debate Pack
A Westminster Hall debate on e-petitions 585313 and 585314, relating to Israel and Palestine, is scheduled for Monday 14 June 2021, from 4:30-6:00pm. The debate will be led by Catherine McKinnell MP.
Research Briefing
The Library has published a series of briefings on international dimensions of the coronavirus pandemic since March 2020, ranging from general surveys of its impact on developing countries to assessments of its effects in specific situations. Links to these briefings can be found here.
Research Briefing
This paper looks at how Parliament scrutinises international treaties, and its powers to delay ratification of treaties.
Research Briefing
This briefing explains what has changed for UK qualified professionals who seek to practice in the EU market and vice versa. It summarises the provisions in the Agreement under which the UK and EU can come to sector-by-sector mutual recognition arrangements in the future.
Research Briefing
This briefing covers the outcome of the UK and EU negotiations on commitments to have a level playing field for open and fair competition – an important part of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
Research Briefing
The United Nations is a key part of UK foreign policy. But how does the UN work? And what is the UK's influence in the UN?
Research Briefing
The Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill 2019-2021 was introduced in the House of Commons in March 2020. It was introduced in the House Lords unamended in November 2020. The Lords made a number of amendments and now the Bill is in a period of ping pong. The Commons will consider the latest Lords amendments on 27 April 2021. This paper has been updated accordingly.
Research Briefing
This landing page features a new series of Commons Library briefings on the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, and the subsequent Defence Command Paper, which were both published in March 2021.
Research Briefing
One of the dominant headlines of the Government's Integrated Review: Global Britain in a Competitive Age, was the decision to raise the cap on the UK's nuclear stockpile, for the first time since the end of the Cold War.
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