Research Briefing
The debate on the Queen's Speech is on motion for an Humble Address thanking Her Majesty for the Gracious Address. Under Standing Order No 33, the Speaker can select up to four amendments to the motion.
Research Briefing
This Standard Note sets out details of the operation of the 2010 Coalition Government and includes information about the various agreements to differ between the two governing parties.
Research Briefing
The Recall of MPs Bill 2014-15 received Royal Assent on 26 March 2015. The Bill had been amended in the House of Commons before being sent to the House of Lords. It was further amended in the Lords and the House of Commons considered and agreed to the Lords Amendments on 24 March 2015.
Research Briefing
History and development of the office of Lord Chancellor. This note summarises the history and development of the office of Lord Chancellor and also examines the changes that were made to the role following the enactment of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005.
Research Briefing
Proposals to change the procedure if the re-election of a Speaker is challenged after a general election are to be considered on 26 March 2015.
Research Briefing
The Osmotherly Rules (the Rules) give guidance on the role of civil servants and other Government officials appearing before select committees. The purpose of the Rules is to assist staff in Government departments dealing with requests for information from select committees, including: the provision of evidence, handling select committee reports and drafting responses to such reports.
Research Briefing
This Note sets out recent changes to the Code of Conduct for Members and Guide to the Rules relating to the conduct of Members.
Research Briefing
This Research Paper sets out the model timetables for Parliamentary general elections and by-elections. The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 made provision for a 25 day timetable for general elections and a timetable of up to 27 days for a by-election. This means that Parliament will be dissolved on 30 March 2015, 25 working days before the general election on 7 May 2015.
Research Briefing
What are the trends for women's equality in the UK and across the globe? This document provides background statistics for International Women's Day 2015, examining international comparisons and UK-specific data.
Research Briefing
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (the LDP) won a decisive victory in snap elections held in December 2014. One of the reasons for holding early elections was Abe’s desire to amend Japan’s ‘peace Constitution’ so that in future it expressly permits the country’s armed forces to come to the aid of allies under attack. This is known in Japan as the right of ‘collective self-defence’. In mid- 2014 the Japanese Cabinet approved interpreting the Constitution in this way. Abe is now seeking to give this new interpretation legal and constitutional underpinning. Important as it is, amending Article 9 of the Constitution is just one part of Abe’s plans on the defence and security front. Japan is now looking to enhance its defence capabilities so that it can play a greater role in promoting international “peace, stability and prosperity”. It will also increase its ability to respond effectively to any attack on the Senkaku Islands (as Japan calls them) in the East China Sea.
Research Briefing
The House of Commons Commission Bill 2014-15 amends the House of Commons (Administration) Act 1978 to make changes to the membership and remit of the House of Commons Commission.
Research Briefing
This note outlines the procedures for the tabling of questions for and answering of questions at Prime Minister's Question Time. It also reviews the history of the Prime Minister facing questions in the Chamber of the House of Commons, the changes to Prime Minister's Questions, and the current situation.
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