What happens when a devolved bill is referred to the UK Supreme Court?
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill (Northern Ireland) has been referred to the UK Supreme Court. We explain why, and how a bill reference works.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill (Northern Ireland) has been referred to the UK Supreme Court. We explain why, and how a bill reference works.
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.
This briefing looks at the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. What it does, questions over whether it breaks international law, why the Government is introducing the Bill, and the reaction to it including from the EU and political parties in Northern Ireland.
Research Briefing
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill 2022-2023 proposes to end legal proceedings concerning Troubles-related conduct and provide conditional immunity from prosecution for those who cooperate with investigations conducted by a newly established Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. It was introduced in the House of Commons on 17 May 2022. Second reading is scheduled for 24 May.
Research Briefing
The House of Lords has proposed changes to the Government's judicial review reforms. MPs will consider them on Tuesday 26 April 2022.
Research Briefing
The House of Lords amended the Judicial Review and Courts Bill. On Tuesday 26 April 2022 MPs will be asked whether they agree to those amendments.
Debate Pack
A Westminster Hall debate on the role of British and overseas judges in Hong Kong is scheduled for Wednesday 30 March 2022, from 9.30-11.00am. The debate will be led by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP.
Insight
Two public inquiries have been set up looking into the Covid-19 pandemic response. What will they examine and how long will they take?
Research Briefing
A briefing paper explaining the Inquiries Act 2005, issues arising from the holding of statutory public inquiries, and summary notes on the progress of active statutory inquiries.
Research Briefing
A briefing paper on some "key issues" in the forthcoming elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly
Research Briefing
Some public inquiries are underpinned by legislation. Those that are not, "non-statutory" inquiries, have more flexibility, but fewer legal powers.
Insight
Temporary provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020 will expire by 25 March 2022. How is the Government planning for this deadline?
Research Briefing
The Judicial Review and Courts Bill 2021-22 would reform rules affecting judicial reviews and bring in changes to the court system, including allowing remote access to inquests. It was considered by a Public Bill Committee over 11 sittings between 2 and 18 November 2021 and is due to have Commons report stage on 25 January 2022. This paper summarises the amendments made to the Bill in Committee and the main issues that were debated.
Research Briefing
Briefing on Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices [HL] Bill 2021-22 for Second Reading debate in the House of Commons, scheduled for 5 January 2022
Research Briefing
On 19 October 2021, the House of Commons will consider a motion to renew the temporary provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020. The motion is “That the temporary provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020 should not yet expire”.
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