Devolution Archives - Page 2 of 7 - House of Lords Library

In Focus

The Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland: UK Government policy

Monday, 04 April, 2022

The UK Government has said it is committed to strengthening the Union between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. However, strong concerns have been raised about how the Union is affected by the Northern Ireland Protocol. Differences have also emerged between the UK Government and the devolved institutions over matters such as abortion and legacy issues. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the strengthening of the Union between Northern Ireland and Great Britain on 7 April 2022.
- In Focus
- Devolution
In Focus

Impact of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland on recent political developments in Northern Ireland

Monday, 28 February, 2022

Amid ongoing objections to the protocol from unionist parties, Northern Ireland’s First Minister recently resigned. This followed an attempt by the Minister for Agriculture, currently subject to legal challenge, to halt checks required by the protocol on goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain. This article considers the Government’s assessment of the protocol’s impact on recent political developments in Northern Ireland ahead of a debate in the House of Lords.
Research Briefing

Subsidy Control Bill

Thursday, 13 January, 2022

The bill would establish a new domestic subsidy control regime following the UK’s departure from the EU. It sets out principles and other requirements for public authorities to comply with when giving subsidies, as well as oversight and enforcement mechanisms. The bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 19 January 2022.
In Focus

Scotland’s contribution to the UK’s economy, wellbeing and quality of life

Thursday, 02 December, 2021

Assessing Scotland’s contribution to the wider UK economy and to UK wellbeing is complex. This article presents information on factors involved in this relationship, including data on the Scottish and UK economies and the effect of devolution on the UK economy as a whole. It also summarises surveys of peoples’ wellbeing in the UK.
Research Briefing

Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill

Friday, 05 November, 2021

The bill would implement aspects of the January 2020 New Decade, New Approach deal that require primary legislation in Westminster. The deal was agreed by the five main political parties in Northern Ireland, following talks in 2018 and 2019 to restore the Northern Ireland executive.
- Research Briefing
- Devolution
In Focus

‘Defence in a Competitive Age’ and threats facing the UK

Friday, 15 October, 2021

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) published the command paper ‘Defence in a Competitive Age’ on 22 March 2021, setting out how the UK’s defence capabilities will support the Government’s integrated review of security, defence, development, and foreign policy. The command paper contained a range of measures, including how the UK will respond to current and future threats. This article summarises those provisions ahead of a forthcoming debate in the House of Lords on these issues.
- In Focus
- Defence
- Devolution
- Security
In Focus

Common frameworks and the devolved nations

Wednesday, 29 September, 2021

Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the UK now has power to make decisions which used to be made at EU level. Several of these powers relate to policy areas that the devolved nations are individually responsible for. The UK and devolved governments have been developing common frameworks to ensure regulatory consistency in these policy areas.
Research Briefing

Northern Ireland Protocol: House of Lords committee reports and recent developments

Wednesday, 25 August, 2021

The House of Lords is due to debate two committee reports on the Northern Ireland Protocol on 13 September 2021. This briefing summarises the reports and recent developments relating to the protocol, including the Government’s July 2021 command paper that argued for discussions with the EU to find a “new balance” in the protocol.
Current Affairs Digest

Current Affairs Digest: Constitution (July 2021)

Monday, 05 July, 2021

Catch up on parliamentary and constitutional developments with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month include a look at recent local elections in the UK, and the case for a strong parliament.
In Focus

Devolution and government relations

Wednesday, 23 June, 2021

Two reports published in March 2021 concern UK ‘intergovernmental relations’ (IGR), the mechanisms through which the UK and devolved governments interact. First, the Dunlop Review made recommendations on how the UK Government should restructure to enhance its capabilities on matters affecting the union. Second, an update on a review of IGR being undertaken jointly by the four governments described progress in negotiations. The reports are being debated together on 1 July 2021.
Current Affairs Digest

Current Affairs Digest: Economics (May 2021)

Friday, 07 May, 2021

Catch up on economics articles you may have missed. This month we take an in-depth look at the funding of devolved governments.
In Focus

Queen’s Speech 2021: devolved affairs

Tuesday, 04 May, 2021

The Government has pledged to introduce reforms to foster a “culture of collaboration and cooperation” between the UK Government and the devolved administrations. It has stated its “steadfast commitment” to the union and to shaping its “common future”. This article discusses some of the key issues in devolved affairs that may be addressed in the forthcoming parliamentary session.
Current Affairs Digest

Current Affairs Digest: Economics (March 2021)

Monday, 08 March, 2021

Catch up on economics articles you may have missed. This month we take an in-depth look at the economics of Scottish independence.
In Focus

Brexit: Replacing EU funding in Wales

Thursday, 25 February, 2021

This article looks at the Government’s commitments to replace EU development funding in Wales, which has ceased because of Brexit. An oral question on the subject is due to be asked in the House of Lords on 3 March 2021.
In Focus

Women in elected office in the UK

Tuesday, 23 February, 2021

Following the election in 2019, the highest number of female MPs were elected to Parliament. This In Focus looks at the current levels of women in politics in the UK, including in the devolved administrations and local government. It then outlines some potential barriers to increased female participation and details some developments that have been made in this area in the last couple of years.

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