Research Briefing
UK to spend 2.5% of gross domestic product on defence by 2027
In February 2025, Labour took a step towards a manifesto promise by committing to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2027.
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Research Briefing
Spring Statement 2025: Background briefing
Ahead of the 2025 Spring Statement on 26 March, this briefing explains what will happen on the day and summarises the economic situation.
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Research Briefing
How did the Commons respond to the covid-19 pandemic?
The House of Commons changed many of its working practices in response to the covid-19 pandemic. Some of these changes were retained, but most were not.
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Research Briefing
Intergovernmental relations during the covid-19 pandemic
The covid-19 pandemic changed the way that the UK Government worked with the devolved administrations, but also created intergovernmental tensions.
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Research Briefing
Law or guidance? Public health restrictions during the covid-19 pandemic
Laws and guidance were both used to help contain the spread of covid-19, although their remit and enforceability was not always clear.
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Research Briefing
Constituency casework: schools in England
This House of Commons Library briefing provides an introduction and reference guide to the key schools-related topics often raised with Members by constituents.
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Constituency casework,Research Briefing
Making a Freedom of Information request (parliament.uk)
How to request information from public authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Research Briefing
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2024-25
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2024-2025 had its First Reading in the House of Commons on 11 March 2025. Second Reading is scheduled for 24 March 2025. The Bill, and its Explanatory Notes, can be found on the Parliamentary website.
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Research Briefing
Countering Islamic State/Daesh in Africa, Syria and Iraq 2025
Global activity by Islamic State (IS) continues. What is the status of counter-IS forces in West Africa, Somalia, Syria and Iraq?
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Research Briefing
Recent developments in Afghanistan
The Taliban government in Afghanistan continues to face challenges. Human rights and their policies toward women and girls has attracted international criticism.
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Research Briefing
UK aid, nutrition and the Nutrition for Growth summit 2025
The global nutrition for growth summit will be held in March. What is the state of global nutrition and what role does UK aid play?
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Research Briefing
Bank and public holidays
Bank holidays are those created under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 and are days when financial dealings may be suspended.
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Research Briefing
The communication of State Pension age increases for women born in the 1950s
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has investigated the communication of State Pension age increases to women born in the 1950s.
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Research Briefing
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill 2024-25: Progress of the Bill (Lords stages)
The House of Lords agreed to several amendments to the National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill 2024-25. The consideration of the Lords' amendments in the Commons is scheduled to take place on 19 March.
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Research Briefing
Countering Russian influence in the UK
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK has applied sanctions and changed rules around visas and corporate transparency to counter Russian influence.
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