Research Briefing
In the event Scotland becoming an independent country, the Scottish and Westminster governments would have to address two main issues with regard to welfare provision: how to deliver benefits and tax credits in the initial transitional period following independence; and how the two countries' systems should relate to each other in the longer term.
Research Briefing
This note provides an update on political developments in Wales between January 2013 and July 2014.
Research Briefing
The Catalan Government hopes to hold a "consultation" on Catalan independence on 9 November 2014., but the Spanish Government hopes to prevent it from going ahead. This note provides an overview of the debate.
Research Briefing
A selection of resources on the referendum taking place on 18 September 2014 and the potential impact of independence. Standard Note as at 31 July 2013.
Research Briefing
Discussed the implications for pensions in the continuing UK in the event of Scotland becoming an independent country
Research Briefing
The Committee Stage of the Wales Bill is summarised in this note.
Research Briefing
This Note covers the campaign rules which are set out in the Scottish Independence Referendum Act 2013.
Research Briefing
The Wales Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons on 20 March 2014; it is due to have its second reading on 31 March 2014. The Bill devolves some tax-raising powers to the National Assembly for Wales. Stamp duty and landfill tax are devolved, while a power is created to reduce income tax by 10 pence in the pound and put a Welsh rate of income tax in its place. The Bill allows these powers over income tax to be devolved only if they are approved in a referendum, the calling of which is subject to parliamentary approval and a two-thirds majority in the Assembly.
Research Briefing
The Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill was amended at third reading in the Lords. This Note discusses the changes, which covered the size of the Assembly, the Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
Research Briefing
This note discusses the pros and cons of the currency options which would be available to an independent Scotland.
Research Briefing
This Note looks at the McKay Commission: Report of the Commission on the consequences of devolution for the House of Commons. The report called for the adoption of a constitutional convention that decisions at the United Kingdom level with a separate and distinct effect for England (or for England-and-Wales) should normally be taken only with the consent of a majority of MPs for constituencies in England (or England-and-Wales).
Research Briefing
The Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill was not amended in Committee. It returns for Report on 18 November 2013. The Government has tabled two amendments.
Research Briefing
This Bill was introduced to the Commons on 9 May 2013. This Paper provides background for the second reading debate on this Bill expected on 24 June 2013. The Bill creates a new method for appointing the Justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive, and allows for transparency in donations and loans to political parties, as well as ending dual mandates between the Assembly and the UK House of Commons. There are also some electoral administration reforms and miscellaneous changes to Northern Ireland law. Most of the provisions were subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee which published a report in March 2013.
Research Briefing
This Note sets out the main provisions of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) draft Bill published on 11 February 2013. The draft Bill is being given pre-legislative scrutiny by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, beginning on 25 February 2013. Their report is expected to be published by the end of this session.
Research Briefing
This note provides an update on political developments in Wales between January and December 2012. It updates the previous Library Standard Note (SN/PC/06177), Political Developments in Wales to December 2011.
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