Insight
Public spending: What’s unusual about this year’s Main Estimates?
Parliament will have less opportunity to scrutinise this year’s Main Estimates for government departments’ spending, although this often happens after elections.
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Research Briefing
MPs’ second jobs
A debate on MPs' second jobs is scheduled to take place on 25 July 2024.
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Research Briefing
MPs and constituency etiquette
This note discusses the conventions that have developed as a result of the relationship between individual MPs and their constituencies. It covers the issues of constituency casework, raising matters relating to another Member’s constituency in the House, and visits and speaking engagements in other constituencies. The Note deals also with the related matter of local precedence.
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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
Delegated powers and framework legislation
Not all laws are made directly by Parliament. Some are made by ministers, known as delegated powers. These have been used more frequently, and with important constitutional consequences, in recent years.
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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.
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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.
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Research Briefing
The office and role of Speaker
A research briefing on the office and role of the Speaker of the House of Commons
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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
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Research Briefing
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
The office and functions of the Prime Minister
A briefing paper on the office and functions of the Prime Minister
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Research Briefing
Emergency debates in the House of Commons since 1979
Applications for emergency debates made in the House of Commons since 1979, including the outcome of each application from 1992, and details of the debates following successful applications.
Total results (page 3 of 18)