Could Andy Burnham let mayors raise more taxes?
What taxes can regional mayors raise and could this change with a new Prime Minister?
The United Kingdom constitution – a mapping exercise
A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.
The Privy Council: history, functions and membership
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council
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Research Briefing
Secretary of State for Scotland
It is a hundred years since the contemporary post of Secretary of State for Scotland was created. Since the Scottish Parliament was established 1999, the Secretary of State has been responsible mainly for non-devolved matters affecting Scotland.
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Research Briefing
Estimates Day debate: Spending of the Northern Ireland Office
An Estimates Day debate has been scheduled for 29 June on the spending of the Northern Ireland Office.
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Research Briefing
Scottish Devolution: Section 30 Orders
A briefing on Section 30 Orders, secondary legislation made under the Scotland Act 1998 to increase or restrict – temporarily or permanently – the Scottish Parliament’s legislative authority.
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Research Briefing
Members of Parliament holding dual mandates
MPs who also held seats in the European Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly, Scottish Parliament, and Senedd Cymru / National Assembly for Wales, since 1973.
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Research Briefing
Senedd Cymru/ Welsh Parliament elections 2026
Elections to the Senedd Cymru/ Welsh Parliament took place on 7 May 2026. Plaid Cymru won the most seats, followed by Reform UK Wales.
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Research Briefing
Scottish Parliament elections 2026
Elections to the Scottish Parliament took place on 7 May 2026. The Scottish National Party won the most seats, followed by Labour and Reform UK.
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Research Briefing
How is the First Minister of Wales appointed?
A briefing on how the First Minister of Wales is nominated and appointed.
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Research Briefing
How is the First Minister of Scotland appointed?
A briefing on the process for nominating and appointing the First Minister of Scotland.
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Research Briefing
The United Kingdom and independence
A briefing on how the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is currently constituted and the mechanisms by which a part of the UK could secede from it.
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Research Briefing
State Opening of Parliament – history and ceremonial
A briefing paper on the State Opening of Parliament, its history and ceremonial
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Research Briefing
What impact do digital imprints have on voters?
Election campaign material produced by political parties, candidates and non-party campaigners must carry an ‘imprint’ on both digital and printed material. The Representation of the People Bill includes some reforms to the current digital imprints regime.
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Research Briefing
Independent review of the Windsor Framework and the government’s response
This briefing provides an overview of the independent review into the functioning of the Windsor Framework carried out by Lord Murphy in the first half of 2025, the recommendations made in his report to the UK government, and the government’s response
Total results (page 1 of 24)