The Privy Council: history, functions and membership
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council

This paper looks at the multiple challenges facing Nigeria as it prepares for presidential and legislative elections on 14 February 2015. These elections will take place amidst an atmosphere of even greater crisis and uncertainty than usual. Boko Haram’s insurgency in the north of the country continues unabated. There are fears that the country might break up if the election aftermath is poorly handled. However, some observers remain remarkably hopeful about Nigeria’s future, predicting that its enormous economic potential is on the verge of being realised at last.
Nigeria 2015: analysis of election issues and future prospects (2 MB , PDF)
This paper looks at the multiple challenges facing Nigeria as it prepares for presidential and legislative elections on 14 February 2015.
These elections will take place amidst an atmosphere of even greater crisis and uncertainty than usual. Boko Haram’s insurgency in the north of the country continues unabated. Over the last year, President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling People’s Democratic Party have been accused of a complacent and incompetent response to the insurgency.
These developments, combined with deep divisions within the country’s elite, have resurrected old fears that the country might break up if the election aftermath is poorly handled.
However, some observers remain remarkably hopeful about Nigeria’s future, predicting that its enormous economic potential is on the verge of being realised at last.
The paper surveys the coming elections and then explores these hopes and fears about Nigeria’s future. It goes on to describe Nigeria’s relationships with the US, UK, EU, China and India before ending with a detailed country profile of Nigeria.
Nigeria 2015: analysis of election issues and future prospects (2 MB , PDF)
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council
In response to Russian military action in Ukraine, Western allies and other partners across the globe have imposed an unprecedented package of coordinated sanctions against Russia. What has been announced and are further measures likely? This briefing paper should be taken as correct at the time of writing.
Commons Library publications on the rising cost of living in the UK, including cause of inflation, the effect on households, and Government support.