The legislative process and Library briefings on bills
As bills pass through the various stages of Parliament, the Library publishes briefings as at second reading, committee stage, ping pong, and Royal Assent.
Disinformation and its effects on society
Disinformation and misinformation is usually created to influence people and can be spread on social media. Assessing information is a key part of an MP’s role.
What is devolution?
The power to make laws in certain policy areas has been transferred from Parliament to legislatures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland through devolution.
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NATO’s Washington summit
The NATO summit in July 2024, the first for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focused on Ukraine's path to membership and challenges posed by Russia and China.
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AI in society
AI could add trillions of dollars a year to the global economy and increase labour productivity. But experts warn that bias and misinformation may spread.
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The UK energy system
UK energy prices rose from 2022. Prices have since fallen, but they remain relatively high, and this will likely be a high-priority for the new Parliament.
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What is net zero?
The government has made a legal commitment to reach net zero by 2050. This will be achieved by reducing emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere.
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Are we on target for the environment?
Priority areas of air quality, biodiversity, resources and waste, and water have targets to improve the environment. However, many are considered “off-track”.
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Electric vehicles
The transition to electric vehicles is a key part of plans to achieve net zero in the UK. However, there are still significant barriers to the transition.
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Will prisons run out of space?
Prison populations in England and Wales are projected overtake prison capacity. Progress to increase capacity has been slow, and other solutions may be needed.
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Policing and protests
Parliament has introduced new offences to manage protests. This approach has come under scrutiny due to protests about the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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Will record net migration continue?
Students, care workers and humanitarian visa schemes have contributed to record net migration. Immigration may fall in 2024 with no further policy changes.
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How does Parliament scrutinise tax and spending?
Parliament scrutinises how the government raises and spends money with the Spending Review; the Budget and associated Finance Bill; and the Estimates process.
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Why are local authorities going ‘bankrupt’?
Increasing financial pressures, rising populations, higher demand on social care and lower council incomes are putting local authorities under pressure.
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Atypical workers in the gig economy
Employment status affects eligibility for employment rights. However, atypical working has made it difficult to understand what these workers are entitled to.
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