What might be announced in the King’s Speech 2026?
The State Opening of Parliament and the 2026 King’s Speech are scheduled to take place on 13 May 2026.
Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2024-26: Progress of the bill
The "Hillsborough Law" would create a duty of candour for public officials and introduce parity of representation for bereaved families at inquests.
The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
The government has announced that it is establishing a statutory public inquiry into grooming gangs. The inquiry begins work on 13 April 2026.
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Research Briefing
Public inquiries
A public inquiry is an investigation set up by a minister to respond to events of major public concern or to consider controversial public policy issues.
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Research Briefing
Government reviews and investigations
Government can establish different types of review or investigation, including public inquiries, Committees of Privy Counsellors and Royal Commissions.
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Research Briefing
Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2024-26
The "Hillsborough Law" would create a duty of candour for public officials and introduce parity of representation for bereaved families at inquests.
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Insight
15 years of the Backbench Business Committee
The Backbench Business Committee was created in 2010 to schedule business in the House of Commons proposed by backbench MPs.
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Research Briefing
Northern Ireland: border polls
The UK Secretary of State has the power to hold a border poll. They must hold one if they think a majority of people in Northern Ireland favour a united Ireland.
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Research Briefing
Opposition parties in the House of Commons
In the House of Commons, specific rights, privileges and sources of funding are available to the Official Opposition and other opposition parties.
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Research Briefing
History of local government in English towns and cities
Historically, towns and cities could gain powers of self-government not available to other areas. Successive local government reforms have changed the system.
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Research Briefing
Pre-legislative scrutiny under the Conservative Governments of 2015-24
This briefing provides a summary of the development of pre-legislative scrutiny and the draft bills published during the 2015, 2017 and 2019 Parliaments.
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Research Briefing
Government consultations
Government departments and public bodies can consult the public on any policy to inform decision-making. In some cases, they are legally required to consult.