The House of Lords is due to debate the Queen’s Speech over four days between 19 and 25 May 2016. This briefing is one of four prepared by the House of Lords Library to cover the themes of each day of debate.
This House of Lords briefing provides an overview of the events of 10–11 May 1941, when the German Air Force launched an air raid on London, and dropped bombs on the Palace of Westminster, destroying the House of Commons Chamber and damaging the House of Lords Chamber, Westminster Hall and the Clock Tower. It also briefly describes the arrangements made after the attack for the rebuilding of a new House of Commons Chamber. The briefing has been prepared to mark the 75th anniversary of the bombing.
This House of Lords Library briefing provides a list of the mover and seconder following each Queen’s Speech for the past 20 years, along with each Member’s party affiliation at the time.
This Lords Library briefing presents information on the recently announced review to examine the progression of black and ethnic minority (BME) people within the labour market. It also sets out commentary from a selection of external bodies and the findings from a Government review into BME progression in the civil service. Finally, the briefing references various statistical sources of information on employment by BME status.
The Lord Speaker is elected by Members of the House of Lords every five years. This House of Lords Library briefing provides an overview of the process for electing a Lord Speaker. It includes information on standing for election, voting and the triggers for an election. The primary role of the Lord Speaker is to preside over proceedings in the Chamber, including committees of the whole House. Details about the office of the Lord Speaker itself, as well as background to how the office came into being, are available in Lords Library briefing Principal Office Holders in the House of Lords (19 March 2015).
This House of Lords Library briefing presents lists of public offices and positions previously or currently held by Members of the House of Lords as at 23 March 2016.
This House of Lords Library briefing provides an overview of the provisions in the Bill, and a summary of the Bill’s proceedings in the House of Commons.
This House of Lords Library briefing provides information on the prevalence of autism in the UK and sets out some of the policies and actions being implemented to help autistic people.
This House of Lords Library briefing presents a range of information about the membership of the House of Lords as the House was composed on Friday 11 March 2016.
This House of Lords Library briefing outlines some of the key statements on Europe made by Prime Ministers since 1970 and reproduces the manifesto commitments made at general elections by each party over the same period.