Research Briefing
State Opening of Parliament – history and ceremonial
A briefing paper on the State Opening of Parliament, its history and ceremonial
-
-
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.
-
Research Briefing
The Crown Dependencies
A briefing paper on the constitutional status of the Crown Dependencies, which are the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey (including Alderney and Sark) and the Isle of Man.
-
Research Briefing
The royal prerogative and ministerial advice
A briefing paper on the royal prerogative and ministerial advice to the Crown on both the prerogative and statutory public appointments
-
Research Briefing
The Privy Council: history, functions and membership
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council
-
Research Briefing
The office and functions of the Prime Minister
A briefing paper on the office and functions of the Prime Minister
-
Insight
How is a Prime Minister appointed?
The Monarch appoints a Prime Minister under the royal prerogative, although the process is a very private event.
-
Insight
How is a government formed?
The Prime Minister advises the Monarch who should become members of the government. By convention, ministers will be MPs or members of the House of Lords.
-
Insight
How is a Speaker elected?
Business cannot begin in the House of Commons until it has elected one of its MPs to be Speaker – its presiding officer.
-
Insight
What is the Parliamentary Oath?
If an MP tries to take part in Commons business without having taken the Parliamentary Oath, they can be fined and it can trigger a by-election.
-
Insight
What happens in the Commons after the general election?
After a general election, MPs must elect a Speaker and then swear in. After the King’s Speech opens the parliamentary session, Commons business can begin.
-
Insight
2024 general election: What happens when the polls close?
The Library will be publishing verified results around a week after the 2024 general election. This Insight explains how votes are counted and results declared.
-
Research Briefing
Pre-election period of sensitivity
Government and local authority resources cannot be used for party political campaigning at any time. In the run up to an election, the pre-election period of sensitivity, particular care is taken. Government departments and councils will normally observe discretion about making new announcements or decisions that could influence voters.
-
Research Briefing
Local government finances
Local authorities in England spent £113.5 billion in 2022/23. This briefing looks at the funding that local authorities receive from central government, and where and how they spend it.
-
Research Briefing
The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
A briefing paper on the preparations for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, what took place on Coronation day and other events associated with the ceremony.
Total results (page 5 of 51)