How much does the defence industry contribute to UK regions?
The defence industry is estimated to contribute around £10 billion to £12 billion a year to the UK economy, mostly in South East and South West England.
The King of Canada
As well as being the UK’s head of state, King Charles is also head of state in 14 other Commonwealth Realms, including Canada.
Syria: What is the situation five months after Assad’s fall?
A government has been declared, but violence is ongoing, including against minorities. The UK has removed some sanctions and wants an inclusive transition.
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Economic update: Trade tariffs lower growth forecasts
International organisations have lowered their growth forecasts since the US imposed tariffs on goods imports in April.
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How is a pope elected?
When a pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals convenes to elect a new pope.
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Why do benefits sometimes increase by less than inflation?
Benefits increase yearly but due to time lags with the way they are calculated (based on inflation), claimants can end up with less money in real terms.
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Stalking protection orders
The government intends to strengthen the use of stalking protection orders as part of its plan to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.
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Why am I paying a council tax premium on my second home?
From 1 April 2025, English councils will be able to charge a council tax premium on second homes. Some second homes will be exempt from the premium.
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Why am I paying an empty homes premium on my council tax?
What is the empty homes premium, when does it apply and what plans are there to extend it to second homes?
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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.
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Which children are most likely to be in poverty in the UK?
The government’s child poverty strategy is due to be published in spring 2025. The latest data shows 31% of children were in relative poverty after housing costs in 2023/24.
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UK to spend 2.5% of gross domestic product on defence by 2027
In February 2025, Labour took a step towards a manifesto promise by committing to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2027.
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How did the Commons respond to the covid-19 pandemic?
The House of Commons changed many of its working practices in response to the covid-19 pandemic. Some of these changes were retained, but most were not.
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Intergovernmental relations during the covid-19 pandemic
The covid-19 pandemic changed the way that the UK Government worked with the devolved administrations, but also created intergovernmental tensions.
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Law or guidance? Public health restrictions during the covid-19 pandemic
Laws and guidance were both used to help contain the spread of covid-19, although their remit and enforceability was not always clear.
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