Research Briefing

Parliamentary constituency boundaries are reviewed periodically by independent Boundary Commissions. This House of Commons Library briefing summarises the current rules and procedures for boundary changes and how they have changed over time. It also gives an overview how the number of MPs has reached the current number.

This House of Commons Library Briefing Paper looks at the role and powers of the Privy Council.

Headline student numbers have increased to new records following a short dip after to the 2012 reforms. There are however ongoing concerns about numbers outside this group where trends have not been so positive, including part-time undergraduates, some postgraduates students, overseas students from some countries, especially Nigeria and Malaysia, mature students and some disadvantaged groups. There is also considerable concern about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and student numbers, particularly those from overseas and uncertainty about the impact of Brexit on EU student numbers.

This Library briefing paper provides a history of England's coronavirus "lockdown laws"

This paper provides an overview of the rules surrounding COVID-19 and returning to work. It discusses the lockdown legislation, employer's health and safety obligations and when workers can refuse to go to work.

This Library briefing paper explains the types of coronavirus restrictions and requirements imposed by the UK's lockdown laws.

This paper provides a timeline of the major events leading up to the EU referendum and subsequent dates of note, including Brexit Day itself.

Appointments to the Board of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority are made by Her Majesty following an humble Address, from the House of Commons.

This note considers how much the UK contributes to the EU budget and how much it receives back. Potential payments to the EU on or after Brexit - such as the exit bill - are also discussed.

This House of Commons briefing provides information on the Erasmus+ programme and discusses the future position of the UK with regard to the scheme post Brexit. On 24 December 2020 the Prime Minister announced that the UK would no longer participate in Erasmus+ and would develop its own replacement programme - the Turing Scheme.

This House of Commons Library briefing provides an overview of the UK Government’s policies to support care leavers in key areas.

This short Library briefing paper discusses police powers in relation to unauthorised encampments. It also discusses current Government proposals to reform the policing of unauthorised encampments.

The financial settlement - often labelled the 'exit bill' or 'divorce bill' - sets out how the UK and EU are settling their outstanding financial commitments to each other. This briefing covers the settlement in detail including the settlement’s origins, negotiations and the legal form it takes in the Withdrawal Agreement.

The financial settlement - often labelled the 'exit bill' or 'divorce bill' - sets out how the UK and EU are settling their outstanding financial commitments to each other.

Parliament has been recalled to adopt the legislation required to implement the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This briefing provides an overview of the Agreement and the Bill to implement it