Research Briefing
Who will be the UK's new judge for the European Court of Human Rights? This Commons Library briefing paper looks at the two-stage process, the UK candidates, and recent criticisms and reforms.
Research Briefing
Impeachment was a means by which Parliament could prosecute and try individuals, normally holders of public office, for high treason or other crimes and misdemeanours. Impeachment is considered obsolete, as it has been superseded by other forms of accountability, and the rules underpinning the procedure have not been adapted to modern standards of democracy or procedural fairness
Research Briefing
The Investigatory Powers Bill was introduced on 1 March 2016 and received its second reading on 15 March.There were sixteen sittings of the Public Bill Committee, including two evidence sessions. The Bill is due to have its report stage on 6 June 2016.
Research Briefing
This Commons Library briefing paper reviews the power of select committees “to send for persons, papers and records”, that is to obtain oral and written evidence. The Paper considers arguments that have been made to increase select committees’ abilities to enforce these powers without recourse to the House. It reviews the arguments for requiring witnesses to give evidence on oath to select committees.
Research Briefing
This paper is about statistics and policy related to the Digital Economy, which includes computer programming, telecommunications, manufacturing, publishing and data processing.
Research Briefing
A House of Commons Library Briefing on attempts to reform the Electronic Communications Code (ECC), including the Coalition Government's withdrawn amendment to the Infrastructure Bill in early 2015, and the proposals for reform in the May 2016 Queen's Speech.
Research Briefing
This Commons Library briefing paper looks at 'no win, no fee' funding arrangements in the UK. Following the withdrawal of civil legal aid, many litigants are reliant on such arrangements for access to justice. Unable to afford lawyers' fees, they enter into agreements whereby they will not pay their lawyers should they lose but must pay an extra success fee in the event that they are successful.
Research Briefing
Arrangements for the governance, regulation and financial scrutiny of the BBC look set to change when a new Royal Charter is agreed. This paper examines what is currently in place and what is proposed.
Research Briefing
The Fire Brigades Union is campaigning for a statutory duty for firefighters to attend floods. There is an online petition, and the issue has been debated in Parliament. This Briefing Paper sets out the background and the arguments.
Research Briefing
Most farming organisations are taking a 'remain' or neutral position ahead of the EU Referendum on the grounds that there is too much uncertainty around a potential UK approach to farming outside the EU and its Common Agricultural Policy. However, others are starting to set out what a new approach to UK agriculture, outside the EU, might look like.
Research Briefing
This Commons Library briefing looks at the new Settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union agreed at the European Council on 17-19 February 2016. The Settlement consists of seven texts: a Decision and a Statement of Heads of State or Government and five Declarations.
Research Briefing
There have been many calls for reform of the law on victims' rights in England and Wales. This Briefing Paper looks at how the Victims' Code has developed; funding and commissioning of services; and proposals for new legislation from the main parties and others.
Research Briefing
Analysis of the latest UK and international economic indicators.
Research Briefing
Elections to the Scottish Parliament took place on 5 May 2016. The Scottish National Party won the largest number of seats (63), but lost the majority they held in the preceding Parliament. The Conservative Party came second with 31 seats, their best performance at any Scottish Parliament elections. Turnout was 55.7%, an increase of 5.3% points from 2011.
Research Briefing
This Commons Library briefing discusses the international summit on anti-corruption held in London on 12 May 2016 and what so far has emerged from it.
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