A new Secretary General: Issues facing the Commonwealth in 2025
Shirley Botchwey will become the seventh Commonwealth Secretary General. She has said she wants improving climate resilience to be her legacy.
The United Kingdom constitution – a mapping exercise
A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.
Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill 2024-25
A bill briefing on the Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill 2024-25. This makes provision for Catholics to be eligible to hold the office of Lord High Commissioner, which is the King's representative at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
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Research Briefing
Oaths of Allegiance
An updated briefing paper on oaths of allegiance taken by senior office holders in the UK. This includes the Parliamentary Oath taken by MPs and peers and the judicial oath taken by judges.
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Constituency casework
Honours: refusal and removal
Constituents may approach their MP stating that the holder of an honour should have this removed, due to their conduct. An MP can't arrange this, but can explain the process and perhaps support a campaign. A further Casework Article covers the process of nomination and award of honours.
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Constituency casework
Honours: Nomination and award
Constituents may write to their MP requesting that someone be nominated or asking for support for a nomination. An MP may make a nomination, as with any member of the public. The MP would have to be familiar with the work or voluntary role the candidate is carrying out.
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Insight
How are diplomats appointed?
Diplomatic representatives of the UK to other countries are appointed by the Monarch, on advice from the Foreign Secretary.
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Insight
How is a new Archbishop of Canterbury chosen?
A new Archbishop of Canterbury will be appointed following the resignation of Justin Welby on 12 November 2024. Timings are yet to be confirmed.
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Research Briefing
Devolution in Scotland: “The settled will”?
A briefing paper on the devolution settlement in Scotland
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Insight
The King of Australia
The King is head of state in Australia as well as the UK. He also is Head of the Commonwealth. He will visit Australia with the Queen in October 2024.
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Insight
Magna Carta: Does it still matter?
Only three clauses of the Magna Carta remain in force: two apply to institutions, not individuals, and the third has mostly been superseded by other laws.
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Research Briefing
Cost of a bank holiday
The latest government estimate is that an additional bank holiday would cost the economy £2.4 billion.
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Research Briefing
Scottish independence referendum: legal issues
A briefing paper on the legal issues surrounding a Scottish independence referendum
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Research Briefing
Finances of the Monarchy
A research briefing on the Finances of the Monarchy, including the Sovereign Grant, Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall and tax arrangements for members of the Royal Family.
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