The United Kingdom constitution – a mapping exercise
A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.
The office and functions of the Prime Minister
A briefing paper on the office and functions of the Prime Minister
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
Historic restrictions on members of the Catholic and Jewish faiths
Since the 19th century there have been statutory restrictions on members of the Catholic and Jewish faiths making – and advising the Crown on – appointments in the Church of England. This includes the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor, who advise the Monarch on bishops and other offices in the established church. This research briefing looks at the historic basis of these restrictions and how they work in practice.
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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
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
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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Research Briefing
Estimates Day debate: Spending of the Northern Ireland Office
An Estimates Day debate has been scheduled for 29 June on the spending of the Northern Ireland Office.
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Research Briefing
How is the Prime Minister appointed?
A briefing on what happens when a Prime Minister formally resigns and the King appoints a successor, based upon prime ministerial memoirs and other sources.
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Research Briefing
How are diplomats appointed?
Diplomatic representatives of the United Kingdom to other countries are appointed by the Monarch, usually on advice from the Foreign Secretary.
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Research Briefing
Scottish Devolution: Section 30 Orders
A briefing on Section 30 Orders, secondary legislation made under the Scotland Act 1998 to increase or restrict – temporarily or permanently – the Scottish Parliament’s legislative authority.
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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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