• Research Briefing

    Investigatory Powers Bill

    The Investigatory Powers Bill would overhaul the framework governing the use of surveillance by the intelligence and security agencies and law enforcement to obtain the content of communications and communications data. It follows three important reports published in 2015, all of which concluded that the law in this area is unfit for purpose and in need of reform, and a draft Bill that has been subjected to pre-legislative scrutiny by three parliamentary committees.

  • Research Briefing

    The People’s Mujahiddin of Iran (PMOI)

    The People's Mujahiddin of Iran (PMOI) or Mujahiddin e Khalq (MEK) is a group of exiled Iranians opposed to the government of Iran. It is a member of a wider coalition known as the National Council of Resistance in Iran. PMOI/MEK was put on to the Government's list of proscribed terrorist organisations in March 2001. This note describes the proscription of the PMOI in the UK and EU and subsequent removal of the organisation from both the UK and EU proscription lists in June 2008 and January 2009 respectively.

  • Research Briefing

    Commons Library analysis: Policing and Crime Bill 2015-16

    The Policing and Crime Bill 2015-16 has its second reading on 7 March 2016. It includes provisions covering collaboration between police and fire services; reforms to the police complaints and discipline systems; new safeguards for pre-charge bail; powers for police staff and volunteers; and changes to firearms law. This briefing analyses the Bill and the policy background, and provides some relevant comment.

  • Debate Pack

    British support for stability in Egypt

    The House of Commons Library prepares a briefing in hard copy and/or online for most non-legislative debates in the Chamber and Westminster Hall other than half-hour debates.  Debate Packs are produced quickly after the announcement of parliamentary business. They are intended to provide a summary or overview of the issue being debated and identify relevant briefings and useful documents, including press and parliamentary material. More detailed briefings can be prepared for Members on request to the Library. This debate pack is intended to accompany the Commons Briefing paper ‘Egypt under Sisi’ (SN07146).

  • Research Briefing

    Egypt under Sisi

    The political aftermath of the military coup that removed Muslim Brotherhood has been rough on the Muslim Brotherhood and other opponents of the new government; the airline crash in the Sinai underlined growing security worries. Nevertheless, President al-Sisi remains popular with large segments of the population, however.

  • Debate Pack

    Debate Pack: European Affairs

    The House of Commons Library prepares a briefing in hard copy and/or online for most non-legislative debates in the Chamber and Westminster Hall other than half-hour debates.  Debate Packs are produced quickly after the announcement of parliamentary business. They are intended to provide a summary or overview of the issue being debated and identify relevant briefings and useful documents, including press and parliamentary material. More detailed briefing can be prepared for Members on request to the Library.

  • Research Briefing

    EU referendum: UK’s EU reform negotiations and the Tusk package

    This Commons Library briefing paper looks at the Prime Minister’s proposals for EU reform, which he set out in a letter to the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, in November 2015, concerning four broad areas: economic governance, competitiveness, sovereignty and free movement. It also looks at Donald Tusk’s package of draft texts to address UK concerns, their implications and prospects for agreement.

  • Debate Pack

    Persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims and other religious minorities in Pakistan

    The House of Commons Library prepares a briefing in hard copy and/or online for most non-legislative debates in the Chamber and Westminster Hall other than half-hour debates. Debate Packs are produced quickly after the announcement of parliamentary business. They are intended to provide a summary or overview of the issue being debated and identify relevant briefings and useful documents, including press and parliamentary material. More detailed briefing can be prepared for Members on request to the Library.