Research Briefing
An introduction to defence procurement
This Commons Library briefing explains some of the core aspects of defence procurement including sovereign capabilities, single source contracting and the regulatory framework.
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Research Briefing
The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill 2017-19
The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill 2017-19 was published on 20 December 2018 and its First Reading in the House of Commons took place that day. MPs will next consider the Bill at Second Reading, which will take place on Wednesday 16 January 2019.
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Research Briefing
Crossrail 2
This paper provides information on the proposed Crossrail 2 project, including the latest information around its funding and expected timeline for completion.
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Research Briefing
Crossrail (Elizabeth Line)
This paper provides information on the Crossrail project, including the latest information around its costs and expected timeline for completion.
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Research Briefing
European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 3) Bill 2017-19
Yvette Cooper presented a Private Member's bill, the European Union (No. 3) Bill 2017-19, on Monday 21 January 2019. The Bill would create a legal mechanism whereby the House of Commons can instruct the Prime Minister to ask the European Council for an extension to Article 50 in the absence of an approval resolution for an exit deal from the EU.
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Research Briefing
People claiming unemployment benefits by constituency, December 2018
This paper provides figures for the number of people claiming unemployment benefits (the “claimant count”) by parliamentary constituency, as well as a summary of the latest labour market statistics for the UK as a whole.
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Research Briefing
Cool conflicts in Russia’s near neighbourhood
For many former Soviet States, proximity to a resurgent Russia has given rise to territorial conflicts and thousands of deaths. This paper looks at the areas of conflict, the causes of the conflicts, Russia's role and international attempts to broker peace.
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Research Briefing
Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill 2017-19
The Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill 2017-19 (HC Bill 219) was published on Wednesday 6 June 2018. Consideration of Lords amendments by the House of Commons is scheduled for 22 January 2019
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Research Briefing
Tenant Fees Bill 2017-19: update on progress in Parliament
The Tenant Fees Bill will abolish most upfront fees for tenants in England and cap security deposits at the equivalent of five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is less than £50,000. This paper provides background to the Bill, including information on current practice in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It explains the Bill's provisions and summarises reactions from tenants, landlords and letting agents. This paper has been updated to include issues raised during Public Bill Committee and subsequent Parliamentary stages. Consideration of Lords amendments is scheduled to take place on 23 January 2019.
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Research Briefing
European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Nick Boles MP presented a Private Members Bill on Tuesday 15 January 2019 to require the Government to request an extension to the Article 50 Brexit process in certain circumstances. This paper explains how this Bill proposes to give Parliament greater control over the Government's negotiations with the European Union. This Bill is expected to be superseded on Monday 21 January 2019 by another Bill in the name of Yvette Cooper, but which does not provide a statutory role for the Liaison Committee.
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Research Briefing
Healthcare (International Arrangements) Bill 2017-19
This briefing paper analyses the Healthcare (International Arrangements) Bill 2017-19. The Bill is one of a series of 'Brexit Bills' intended to adjust UK legislation in preparation for Brexit. The aim is to allow the UK to maintain reciprocal healthcare arrangements with the EU and its Member States post-Brexit.
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Research Briefing
VAT : European law on VAT rates
All Member States have limited discretion in setting VAT rates under EU VAT law. This note discusses the development of European law in this area, and the implications this has for the UK setting its own VAT rates.
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Research Briefing
Somalia: January 2019 update
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (known as Farmajo) was elected Somalia's president by parliament on 8 February 2017. During the campaign he promised to renew the fight against corruption and suggested that he would be open to talks with al-Shabaab. He came into office with a reputation for competence. However, two years on, this reputation is being severely tested.
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Research Briefing
EU assurances to the UK on Brexit
The EU and UK negotiators agreed the texts of a Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration on a framework for a future EU-UK relationship, and the time came for the UK Parliament to vote on it. But on 15 January Parliament rejected the two documents by 230 votes. The EU has said there will be no renegotiating the texts but has offered assurances on the intention that the backstop arrangement to prevent a hard Irish border would be temporary if it had to be introduced. This paper looks at what the EU has offered by way of 'clarifications' and 'assurances' on the backstop and whether the EU would offer an extension to Article. 50 might .
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Research Briefing
Tax, marriage & transferable allowances
Since the introduction of independent taxation in 1990, all individuals have been assessed for tax as separate persons, entitled to their own personal tax allowance, to set against their liability to income tax. This note looks at the debate there has been about allowing partners to transfer their allowance to their spouse, so that the tax system might 'recognise' marriage.
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