Who is the Cabinet Secretary and how are they appointed?
The Cabinet Secretary is the Head of the Home Civil Service. They are appointed by the Prime Minister following a recruitment process.
The United Kingdom constitution – a mapping exercise
A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.
How is a new Archbishop of Canterbury chosen?
A new Archbishop of Canterbury will be appointed following the resignation of Justin Welby on 12 November 2024. Timings are yet to be confirmed.
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Research Briefing
House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill 2024-25
The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill removes the right of hereditary peers to sit in the House of Lords.
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Research Briefing
Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill 2024-25
A bill briefing on the Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill [HL] 2024-25.
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Insight
Democratic consent mechanism and the Northern Ireland Assembly
The Northern Ireland Assembly must hold a vote by 27 December 2024 to decide if some EU trade laws will still apply in Northern Ireland.
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Research Briefing
Devolution in Wales: “A process, not an event”
A briefing paper on the devolution settlement in Wales, examining the events which led to the creation of the then National Assembly of Wales in 1999 and the subsequent expansion of the powers of what is now the Senedd (or Welsh Parliament) over the past quarter of a century.
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Research Briefing
Devolution in Scotland: “The settled will”?
A briefing paper on the devolution settlement in Scotland
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Insight
The King of Australia
The King is head of state in Australia as well as the UK. He also is Head of the Commonwealth. He will visit Australia with the Queen in October 2024.
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Research Briefing
The UK Supreme Court
Learn more about the UK Supreme Court, how it came into existence, and why it replaced the House of Lords as the UK's highest court.
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Insight
Magna Carta: Does it still matter?
Only three clauses of the Magna Carta remain in force: two apply to institutions, not individuals, and the third has mostly been superseded by other laws.
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Research Briefing
Scottish independence referendum: legal issues
A briefing paper on the legal issues surrounding a Scottish independence referendum
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Insight
Council of the Nations and Regions
It’s not yet clear how the Council of the Nations and Regions will fit into the existing system of intergovernmental relations, which was established in 2022.
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Research Briefing
Finances of the Monarchy
A research 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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