The King of Jamaica and the Judicial Committee
The Government of Jamaica has asked King Charles III to refer legal questions regarding enslavement to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Historic restrictions on members of the Catholic and Jewish faiths
The Prime Minister announced on 10 September 2026 that the government will introduce a bill to correct "antiquated and archaic" prohibitions on those of the Catholic and Jewish faiths offering advice to the Crown on appointments to the Church of England. This briefing looks at the historic basis of these restrictions and how they work in practice.
Finances of the Monarchy
A briefing on the Finances of the Monarchy, including the Sovereign Grant, Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall and tax arrangements for members of the Royal Family.
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Research Briefing
Sovereign Grant Bill 2026-27
A briefing on the Sovereign Grant Bill 2026-27, which amends the Sovereign Grant Act 2011. The Sovereign Grant funds the Monarch's official duties as head of state.
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Research Briefing
Why does the UK not have a “written” constitution?
The UK does not have a codified “written” constitution. What are the arguments for and against having one?
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Research Briefing
Number 10 North
The Prime Minister has established No10 North in Manchester as a branch of the new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet. What are its responsibilities?
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Research Briefing
Funding for places of worship
A briefing on sources of funding - both public and private - for places of worship in the United Kingdom, often for repairs and renovation.
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Research Briefing
The United Kingdom constitution – a mapping exercise
A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.
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Research Briefing
The office and functions of the Prime Minister
A briefing paper on the office and functions of the Prime Minister
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Research Briefing
Prime Ministers
This briefing lists the Prime Ministers who have served in the United Kingdom since 1721. It also provides information on changes of Prime Minister between general elections since 1900.
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Research Briefing
The Civil Service
A briefing on the constitutional status and regulation of the Home Civil Service (Great Britain), the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Diplomatic Service.
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Research Briefing
The Privy Council: history, functions and membership
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council
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Research Briefing
How is a government formed?
A briefing on how a new government is formed under a combination of the royal prerogative (non-statutory powers) and statute (Acts of Parliament).
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Research Briefing
Secretary of State for Scotland
It is a hundred years since the contemporary post of Secretary of State for Scotland was created. Since the Scottish Parliament was established 1999, the Secretary of State has been responsible mainly for non-devolved matters affecting Scotland.
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Research Briefing
Commanding confidence
A briefing on the meaning of "confidence" in a parliamentary context.
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