• Research Briefing

    The future of sanctions

    The UK has a new legislative framework for imposing sanctions post-Brexit. What effect would the UK's departure from the EU have on sanctions policy here and in the EU? What is the broader international outlook?

  • Research Briefing

    Public procurement and contracts

    Procurement accounts for about a third of public spending in the UK. This briefing looks at the legislation and guidance that governs procurement, and government policy in this area. It also looks at problems with procurement and contracts, and offers some pointers on how to find out more about particular contracts.

  • Research Briefing

    Household recycling in the UK

    This Commons Library Briefing Paper discusses UK trends in recycling and the applicable legislation at both EU and UK level. It provides an overview of the EU circular economy proposals and explains recycling policy across the UK. It also includes information on common barriers to recycling and local authority approaches to overcoming these barriers. A section on Brexit is also included.

  • Research Briefing

    Immigration detention in the UK: an overview

    This Library briefing paper provides an overview of the policy and practice of immigration detention in the UK. It addresses long standing criticisms as well as the recent reforms designed to reduce the numbers of vulnerable people detained and the duration of detention.

  • Research Briefing

    Brexit: UK agriculture policy

    Brexit requires the UK to have a new agriculture policy. The UK Government and devolved legislatures have set out proposals for supporting farmers whilst enhancing the environment. This Commons Library briefing has been updated ahead of publication of an Agriculture Bill in order to set out the policy context. The Library will provide distinct briefing on the Bill ahead of its Second Reading.

  • Research Briefing

    High Speed 2 (HS2) Phase 2b and beyond

    This paper provides general information on the proposed high-speed rail line between London and the North of England (HS2). It gives a brief overview of the scheme, its costs, compensation arrangements and development of the Phase 2b scheme to the North of England. It also discusses Northern Powerhouse Rail, which is planned to integrate with HS2 in the North, and the development of high speed rail to and within Scotland.

  • Research Briefing

    High Speed 2 (HS2) Phase 1

    This paper provides general information on the proposed high-speed rail line between London and the North of England (HS2). It gives a brief overview of the scheme, its costs, compensation arrangements and the Act which gives statutory and planning authority for the construction of Phase 1 of the scheme between London and the West Midlands. Construction is planned to begin soon; contracts have been let. The Government is in the process of finding an operator for the first HS2 services on the route.

  • Research Briefing

    People claiming unemployment benefits by constituency, August 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. The unemployment rate of 4.0% in May-July 2018 was the joint lowest rate since 1975, while the employment rate remains at a very high level historically and the inactivity rate remains at a very low level. Average weekly pay both including and excluding bonuses grew faster than prices, although the growth in earnings remains relatively weak.

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