Royal commissions have fallen out of use over recent decades, but they could be set to make a return. The Conservative manifesto of 2019 promised to set up a royal commission on the criminal justice system. This briefing looks at the background to royal commissions.
Royal Commissions: Making a Comeback? (271KB PDF)
Royal commissions have fallen out of use over recent decades, but they could be set to make a return.
There have been no new royal commissions since Tony Blair established the Royal Commission on the Reform of the House of Lords in 1999. However, the Conservative Party manifesto for the 2019 election promised to set up a royal commission on the criminal justice system within the first year of government. The manifesto also contained a separate commitment to establish a constitution, democracy and rights commission, although it is not yet clear what form this commission will take.
A royal commission is a type of committee appointed for a specific investigatory or advisory purpose. The Queen appoints its members on the Government’s advice. Governments have often appointed royal commissions to address high-profile social concerns, issues that may be controversial, or matters of national importance. Royal commissions typically work by gathering evidence and producing a report. It is then up to the Government of the day to decide how to respond and whether to act on any of the recommendations.
Royal commissions have fewer powers than public inquiries established under the Inquiries Act 2005. The Act gives statutory inquiries explicit powers to compel witnesses to give evidence. In contrast, royal commissions in Australia and New Zealand have statutory powers similar to those under the Inquiries Act 2005.
Royal commissions have a long history, though their frequency has varied over time. Nearly 400 royal commissions were established between 1830 and 1900. This fell to 145 in the twentieth century. None were set up in the 1980s and only three in the 1990s. Commentators have suggested that over time, governments came to prefer other bodies or forms of public inquiry rather than royal commissions.
Royal Commissions: Making a Comeback? (271KB PDF)
In January 2026, the government announced a new scheme to support urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship. Called the ‘Places of worship renewal fund for England’, it replaced the ‘Listed places of worship grant scheme’ which had run since 2001. This briefing provides an overview of both schemes, the government’s reasoning for the change and the reaction of stakeholders.
Social media and other technologies have made it easier, quicker and cheaper for foreign powers to spread false information online aimed at undermining UK democracy. Such disinformation campaigns are one type of interference operation. In parallel, researchers have noted a link between declining public trust and societal polarisation, which can be exacerbated by online discourse. This briefing provides introductory reading to these issues, including recent reports and government announcements.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome, is a long-term health condition that is estimated to affect over 400,000 people in the UK. It is a fluctuating condition with symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems and brain fog. In 2025 the government published its final delivery plan on ME, which aimed to improve care and support for those with the condition.
