Impartial research and information

Research for Commons business

View research covering all major bills, the top balloted private members' bills, and most non-legislative debates.

Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill: Progress of the bill

What changes have MPs in committee made to the Border Security Bill ahead of report stage on 12 May 2025?

• Asylum
• Criminal law
• Immigration

Taxation of state pension

The state pension is liable to income tax, though pensioners are unlikely to pay tax in practice if their only income is the state pension.

• Pensions
• Tax

Syria: What is the situation five months after Assad’s fall?

A government has been declared, but violence is ongoing, including against minorities. The UK has removed some sanctions and wants an inclusive transition.

• Middle East
• World affairs

Middle East instability in 2023-25

View research relating to the Middle East, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the response of the UK, UN and others.

The conflict in Ukraine

View research relating to the conflict in Ukraine, including military assistance, sanctions, international legal issues and efforts to resolve the conflict.

Leasehold reform in England and Wales: What’s happening and when?

Find out about the implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 and further proposed reforms.

• Home ownership
• Housing and planning

Eligibility for home fee status and student support in England

Find out how students are assessed for home or international/overseas status when being charged tuition fees or applying for student support.

• Education
• Higher education
• Social policy

The EU Entry/Exit system and EU travel authorisation system

The EU is planning to introduce new requirements for non-EU nationals to provide fingerprints and obtain a travel authorisation to enter the EU.

• Europe
• Immigration
• The EU