Research Briefing
The Infrastrucutre Bill 2014-15 provides a number of new powers and regualtions that relate to energy and climate change. The note provides information on some of these for the Commons Report stage debate.
Research Briefing
During the Scottish independence referendum campaign the three main UK parties committed to further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament. This note traces the commitment to a “timetable”, and summarises substantive new powers proposed by each party.
Research Briefing
An analysis of the Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill as brought from the House of Lords. Second Reading is on 2 February 2015. The intention of the Bill is to reform the Service Complaints System and strengthen independent oversight of that system by converting the role of the current Service Complaints Commissioner into a Service Complaints Ombudsman. The Bill also includes a power to make payments to charities, benevolent organisations and others for the benefit of the armed forces community.
Research Briefing
This note looks at the debates over devolving tax powers in the context of the passage of the Scotland Bill, and the introduction of the tax provisions in the 2012 Act.
Research Briefing
The Infrasctructure Bill 2014-15 contains new measures to control invasive non-native species. This paper provides an overview of debate on these parts of the Bill for the Commons' Report Stage.
Research Briefing
This note gives an overview of the debate over standardised packaging. As such, it is not a comprehensive account of the different arguments used by those who support its use, and those who oppose it. Much more detail on these arguments is given in the Government’s summary report to its public consultation. Similarly, this note does not seek to evaluate the different views that have been expressed as to the impact that standardised packaging might have on public health, the incidence of smuggling, and the compliance costs to business.
Research Briefing
The Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 has criminalised both forced marriage and breach of a Forced Marriage Protection Order. This note gives background.
Research Briefing
Labour market figures for parliamentary constituencies published in January 2015, and a summary of the latest national and regional statistics on employment, unemployment , vacancies and earnings
Research Briefing
The political scene in Bangladesh remains as turbulent as ever. Flawed elections in January 2014 were boycotted by the main opposition parties, leaving the field clear for the ruling Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina. There has been renewed protest action on the streets to mark the first anniversary of the elections, which has led to increased violence and at least ten deaths. Opposition leader Khaleda Zia was detained in her office for over two weeks by the authorities and faces trial for corruption. This briefing provides an overview of developments in the country since the 2014 elections.
Research Briefing
On 22 January 2015 the House will debate the report of the House of Governance Committee. This note provides background to the debate and detail on how the House of Commons is governed, managed and structured.
Research Briefing
This is latest in a series of technical legislative measures with the broad remit of updating insurance statute law.
Research Briefing
This note concerns HM Land Registry: section A considers the Government's proposals to change its commercial model from a Trading Fund, and section B provides a brief summary of the relevant proposals in the Infrastructure Bill currently before Parliament and a summary of proceedings during the Second Reading debate and at Committee Stage.
Research Briefing
This paper features analysis of the latest UK and international economic indicators.
Research Briefing
The Infrastructure Bill 2014-15 would make changes to the planning system: to change the process of development consent for nationally significant infrastructure projects, and to allow certain types of planning conditions to be regarded as discharged if a local planning authority took too long to determine an official application to discharge them. This note sets out these provisions and comment on them in more detail.
Research Briefing
This paper looks at the multiple challenges facing Nigeria as it prepares for presidential and legislative elections on 14 February 2015. These elections will take place amidst an atmosphere of even greater crisis and uncertainty than usual. Boko Haram’s insurgency in the north of the country continues unabated. There are fears that the country might break up if the election aftermath is poorly handled. However, some observers remain remarkably hopeful about Nigeria’s future, predicting that its enormous economic potential is on the verge of being realised at last.
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