Research Briefing
This note sets out the main principles that determine the shape and size of the European Union (EU) Budget for the period 2007-2013. It outlines the budget setting processes, contributions the UK makes, details of the UK abatement, and contributions by other Member States.
Research Briefing
This paper has been prepared for the Second Reading of the Justice and Security Bill in the House of Commons, which is due to take place on 18 December 2012. The Bill, which has proved contentious, was originally introduced in the House of Lords on 28 May 2012. It is aimed at modernising and strengthening the oversight of the intelligence and security services and would allow the civil courts to use closed material procedures to hear sensitive evidence in cases that raised national security concerns. It would also preclude the courts from ordering the disclosure of sensitive information in certain circumstances. The Bill was revised significantly in the Lords and was introduced in the House of Commons on 28 November 2012.
Research Briefing
This note reviews major political developments since the 2007/08 crisis, whose legacies Kenya is still struggling to overcome. Elections are scheduled for March 2013 but two of the candidates seeking high office - Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto - are due to stand trial at the International Criminal Court in the following month. Meanwhile, Kenyan troops have now been in southern Somalia for over a year and helped re-take the strategic port of Kismayo in September 2012. But there remains uncertainty about Kenya's objectives in Somalia.
Research Briefing
2012 has seen Iceland gear up for parliamentary elections in 2013, with plans for a new constitution as it emerges from its financial crisis and proceeds with its application to join the EU.
Research Briefing
The Energy Bill [Bill 100 of 2012-13] seeks to implement ‘electricity market reform’ and through this achieve ‘secure, clean and affordable’ electricity supplies. The Bill was introduced to the Commons on 29 November 2012 and will have its Second Reading debate on 19 December 2012. A draft Bill was subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee.
Research Briefing
On 17 May 2012 the Conservative MP for South East Cornwall, Sheryll Murray, was drawn twelfth in the Private Members Bill ballot. On 20 June Ms Murray introduced the Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill in the House of Commons. The Bill and accompanying Explanatory Notes were published on 12 October. The Bill received Second Reading in the House of Commons on 19 October; Committee stage on 7 November, Report stage and Third Reading on 30 November and is awaiting Second Reading in the Lords. The Bill has support from both the Government and the Opposition.
Research Briefing
This is a report on the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Growth and Infrastructure Bill. It complements Research Paper 12/61 prepared for Commons Second Reading
Research Briefing
This paper contains labour market figures for parliamentary constituencies, as well as a summary of the latest national and regional statistics.
Research Briefing
This Note outlines the three Treaty amendments that have been adopted under amended Article 48 TEU since the Lisbon Treaty came into force and how these amendments have been ratified in the UK.
Research Briefing
This short note outlines the religious organisation exceptions to the Equality Act 2010 that apply to the Church of England’s decision regarding female bishops. It also touches upon some aspects of EU anti-discrimination law.
Research Briefing
A report by the Electoral Commission on continuous electoral registration in Northern Ireland, published in November 2012, found that there had been ‘a significant and worrying decline in both the accuracy and completeness of Northern Ireland’s electoral register’ since 2008. The Note looks at the introduction of individual electoral registration in Northern Ireland and the abolition of the annual canvass.
Research Briefing
This short note looks at UK - Commonwealth trade statistics. It has been prepared for a Westminster Hall Private Members’ Debate on Commonwealth Trade on Wednesday 12 December 2012.
Research Briefing
A guide to the main amendments agreed to during the Report and Thrid Reading stages of the Financial Services Bill 2012
Research Briefing
2013 will be another important year for Pakistan. Federal and provincial elections will be held during the first half of the year. If, as seems increasingly likely, the Pakistan People’s Party-led Government sees out its full term in office and hands over to a civilian successor, it will be the first time in Pakistan’s history that this has happened. But the political and economic situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable.
Research Briefing
This note summarises the main points of the Autumn Statement.
Total results (page 419 of 639)