Research and analysis from impartial experts
The Library has published a series of briefings on international dimensions of the coronavirus pandemic since March 2020, ranging from general surveys of its impact on developing countries to assessments of its effects in specific situations. Links to these briefings can be found here.…
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The Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Bill was introduced on 20 May 2020. Second Reading in the House of Commons is due to take place on 9 June 2020.…
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House of Commons Library briefing on access to patient health records, electronic patient records, NHS data security, and the use of confidential information by the NHS. …
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The investigation of former British soldiers who served in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles” is currently receiving a significant amount of media and parliamentary attention as a result of several ongoing court cases. It is, however, the result of a process which began over a decade ago. …
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This briefing examines the available statistics on terrorism since 2001 in Great Britain.…
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This reading list brings together briefings on Brexit by the Parliamentary libraries and the Devolved Assembly research services with reports by Parliamentary and Devolved Assembly committees following the result of the EU Referendum on 23 June 2016.…
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The Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Bill 2019-20 was introduced on 11 February 2020. All stages in the House of Commons are due to take place on 12 February 2020. The Bill has been introduced in response to the terrorist attacks on London Bridge in November 2019 and in Streatham in February 2020. The offenders in each of these attacks had been released from prison automatically without the involvement of the Parole Board. The Bill would end the automatic early release of certain terrorist offenders.
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The Forensic Science Regulator and Biometrics Strategy 2019-20 was introduced by Darren Jones MP following the Private Members’ Bills Ballot on 9 January 2020. First reading took place on 5 February 2020 and the Bill’s second reading is due on 24 April 2020.…
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This paper describes the functions and powers of the Intelligence and Security Committee, which is responsible for scrutinising the UK’s intelligence and security agencies. It outlines reforms to the Committee under the Justice and Security Act 2013, and summarises recent inquiries. It also explains the recent controversy surrounding the Committee’s inquiry on Russian activity against the UK and the Government’s refusal to permit publication of the report prior to the 2019 election. …
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With the rise of online services and ‘smart’ devices connected to the internet, cyber security is not just an issue for small businesses anymore…
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Proscription has been put forward as a powerful deterrent, a way of tackling lower-level support for terrorism, and a signal of rejection by society. However, questions have been raised as to its utility in combating terrorism. This paper sets out the grounds for proscription, the related offences under the Terrorism Act 2000, and some of the issues relating to the deproscription process. …
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The Turkish incursion into north eastern Syria has caused concerns about refugees, ISIS prisoners and the future stability of Syria.…
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The No-deal Brexit: A guide to Commons Library research is an annotated bibliography of sources published by the House of Commons Library on a potential no-deal Brexit. It will be updated regularly. Links to the papers included in the resource are available on this page, the downloadable version includes additional comment on some of the selected papers.…
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Donald Trump has declared the talks with the Taliban “dead”. Where does that leave Afghanistan?…
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This Library Paper summarises what the law says on the domestic use of CCTV.…
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This Library Briefing Paper looks at the General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018, and when MPs can process personal information.…
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