Research Briefing

This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.

The United States held an election on Tuesday 3 November 2020, with advance voting – both in person and postal – taking place ahead of election day.

This briefing explains the role and main outputs of the National Infrastructure Commission.

After transition the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) provisions no longer apply to the UK and formal cooperation in these areas does not form part of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached at the end of December 2020. Instead, the UK Government envisages a flexible, ad hoc approach that will make use of channels of broader dialogue with the EU. How this will work in practice remains to be seen.

This paper collates data on the number of applications and total support provided under the UK Government coronavirus business support schemes. The attached excel spreadsheet allows users to view data by Parliamentary constituency.

After nearly two years of negotiation, on 5 November 2020 the EU agreed the rules on third state participation in its defence capability development initiative: PESCO. Post Brexit, those rules will now apply to the UK.

There are 14 British Overseas Territories across the globe with a total population of 260,000. The Territories differ greatly in their level of economic and social development and their population size. Since March 2020 the UK Government has been working with the Overseas Territories to ensure they receive the help they need to manage outbreaks of Covid-19.

This Commons briefing paper gives an overview of some commonly raised issues about land law.

The coronavirus outbreak has impacted the UK economy in many ways. The magnitude of the recession caused by the virus is unprecedented in modern times. This briefing examines the economic impact of the crisis to date and outlines the key issues for the outlook. It summarises policy measures introduced to mitigate the economic effects of Covid-19 and details the impact on the public finances.

This note sets out the rules regarding the tax treatment of alcohol and tobacco purchases made by passengers, which have been amended as a consequence of the UK's exit from the EU Single Market from 1 January 2021.

The National Security and Investment Bill 2019-21 was announced in the Queen’s Speech on 19 December 2019. It was introduced in the House of Commons on 11 November 2020. Its Second Reading took place on 17 November 2020, with remaining stages scheduled for Wednesday 20 January 2021.