Research Briefing Archives

Research Briefing

The Tobin Tax : recent developments

Thursday, 15 May, 2014

The American economist James Tobin first made the suggestion for a tax on currency transactions to dissuade short term currency speculation in the 1970s. Recently the idea of a more general 'Tobin-like' tax on financial transactions has been discussed, in the wake of the global financial crisis. In January 2013 eleven Member States agreed to pursue the introduction of a Tobin-like tax, as consensus on an EU-wide tax proved impossible. The UK is not one of the participating States. This note looks at these developments, while a second note (SN1346) gives some historical background to the issue.
- Research Briefing
- Tax
Research Briefing

South Africa’s elections: no change?

Thursday, 15 May, 2014

On 7 May 2014, South Africa held its fifth national and provincial elections since the end of Apartheid. The African National Congress (ANC) triumphed once again, winning 62.15% of the vote - down 3.75% on its tally in 2009. The Democratic Alliance came second with 22.13%. - up 7.57% on 2009. But while there was no big opposition breakthrough, the ruling party cannot rest on its laurels - not least in Gauteng Province, the country's economic power-house, where its vote fell by over 10% to 53.59%. Debate also continues about creating a labour party to the left of the ANC.
Research Briefing

Women in combat: a bibliography

Wednesday, 14 May, 2014

Women may soon be able to serve in combat roles in the Armed Forces. The current policy excluding women from ground close combat roles is to be reviewed and will report before the end of 2014. This note provides a short overview and a bibliography of sources of further reading.
Research Briefing

Unemployment by Constituency, May 2014

Wednesday, 14 May, 2014

This paper contains labour market figures for parliamentary constituencies, as well as a summary of the latest national and regional statistics.
Research Briefing

Scottish referendum- the campaign rules

Tuesday, 13 May, 2014

This Note covers the campaign rules which are set out in the Scottish Independence Referendum Act 2013.
Research Briefing

Deregulation Bill: Committee Stage Report

Monday, 12 May, 2014

The Bill proposes a range of measures in line with the Government’s aim to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and public authorities.
- Research Briefing
- Business
- Crime
- Energy
- Housing and planning
- Prisons
- Rail
- Roads
- Work and incomes
Research Briefing

All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs): 2014 rule changes

Friday, 09 May, 2014

In November 2013, the Committee on Standards recommended changes to the rules on the registration of all-party groups. The Committee's report is scheduled to be debated on 13 May 2014.
- Research Briefing
- Parliament
Research Briefing

Consumer rights Bill: Progress of the Bill

Thursday, 08 May, 2014

This is a report on the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Consumer Rights Bill. It complements Research Paper 14/5 prepared for Commons Second Reading.
- Research Briefing
- Consumers
Research Briefing

Economic Indicators, May 2014

Tuesday, 06 May, 2014

This paper features analysis of the latest UK and international economic indicators. This month’s articles are The regional economic picture and The changing face of self-employment
Research Briefing

Constituent casework: war memorials

Tuesday, 06 May, 2014

Resources and information for Members' staff about war memorials.
Research Briefing

Water Bill 2013-14. Lords amendments

Tuesday, 06 May, 2014

This note provides information on the Water Bill’s Committee, Report and Third Reading stages in the Lords. It highlights amendments made to the Bill and also gives a brief account of other significant amendments discussed. It does not provide an exhaustive account of proceedings or document every amendment discussed.
Research Briefing

The US-Japan Security Treaty and the East China Sea

Thursday, 01 May, 2014

During a three day visit to Tokyo in late April 2014, US President Barack Obama confirmed that the islands in the East China Sea known as Senkaku by Japan and Diaoyu by China are covered by 1960 US-Japan Security Treaty, under which the US has pledged to come to Japan’s defence if its territory is attacked. Some observers have argued that Obama’s statements mark the first time a US president has clearly taken Japan’s side over islands. However, President Obama stressed that this was "not a new position". His remarks come at a time of growing Japanese nervousness about the state of its longstanding alliance with the US.
Research Briefing

The European Union: a democratic institution?

Tuesday, 29 April, 2014

The paper acknowledges the EU’s ‘democratic deficit’ and considers the causes of this. In the context of future EU Treaty reform, it considers possible remedies for the democratic deficit, including those proposed by the UK Government.
Research Briefing

Crimes and misdemeanours: penalties and punishment in the UK financial services sector.

Tuesday, 29 April, 2014

This note gives a broad outline of how financial crimes are defined and who is responsible for their policing.
Research Briefing

Democratic Legitimacy and the EU: reading list

Tuesday, 29 April, 2014

Is the European Union democratic? There is a vast amount of academic literature and a range of political views on the subject of the EU’s democratic legitimacy and how it might be improved.

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