In Focus
The government has tabled motions in both Houses of Parliament for an humble address on Northern Ireland to be presented to the King. This follows the publication in January 2024 of a command paper on ‘Safeguarding the union’ and the restoration of Northern Ireland’s devolved institutions in February 2024.
In Focus
The Arbitration Bill [HL], currently before the House of Lords, is an example of a Law Commission bill. But what are Law Commission bills, what procedures apply to this category of proposed legislation and how else may proposals from the Law Commission reach the statute book? This briefing provides an overview.
In Focus
The government’s long-term plan for housing includes a range of policies it says are aimed at regeneration, inner-city densification and housing delivery across England. In December 2023, the government announced the next stage of its long-term plan, including revisions to the ‘National planning policy framework’ (NPPF). This briefing summarises government housing policies within the long-term plan and NPPF revisions, as well as recent criticism of the government’s plan from parliamentarians.
In Focus
The Queen’s Speech at the start of the 2022–23 session included 20 bills. A further 13 bills were announced in the government’s background briefing to the speech, including five carry-over bills. Changes in government leadership then resulted in some changes to policy during the 2022–23 session. This briefing looks at how the government’s legislative agenda changed during the last session and how many of these bills have been carried over into the new session.
In Focus
Seating in the House of Lords is defined by precedence and tradition. Tudor laws laid the groundwork for the layout of the current chamber. However, changes to the makeup of the membership and roles in the House have affected how the chamber has been used over time. This briefing explains who sits where and why, then takes a closer look at the tradition of sitting on the steps of the throne.
In Focus
The Elections Act 2022 included provisions for the government to issue a strategy and policy statement for the Electoral Commission. The government has said the statement is necessary to improve public confidence in the commission. A range of organisations, including the Electoral Commission, have opposed the statement, calling it incompatible with the commission’s independence.
In Focus
On 31 January 2024, the government published a command paper on ‘Safeguarding the union’ and accompanying draft secondary legislation, seeking to address concerns about Northern Ireland’s place in the union and arrangements for the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Following negotiations with the DUP, this is intended as a step towards restoring the Northern Ireland executive.
Research Briefing
The Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill would prevent public authorities from participating in or expressing support for boycott, divestment and sanctions campaigns. The bill would allow the government to exempt states and territories from its provisions by regulations, with the exception of Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the Occupied Golan Heights.
In Focus
The government is introducing a fast-track bill to extend the deadline for forming a new Northern Ireland executive until 8 February 2024. The bill is expected to complete all its parliamentary stages on 24 January 2024.
In Focus
Intergovernmental relations (IGR) within the UK refers to engagement between the UK government and the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In 2022, following a review, a new three-tier IGR structure was introduced. However, its full implementation has been impacted by the absence of a Northern Ireland executive since February 2022. The Scottish and Welsh governments have welcomed improvements brought about by the new structure but have also criticised the UK government’s attitude towards engagement with the devolved administrations at times.
Research Briefing
The Post Office (Horizon System) Compensation Bill is a government bill which provides the secretary of state for business and trade with the financial authority to make compensation payments to those individuals who were the victims of the Horizon system scandal. It would mean that compensation could continue to be paid under one of the schemes, known as the Group litigation order (GLO) scheme. Currently, the power to pay compensation under this scheme ceases in August 2024. The bill would also allow the secretary of state to pay compensation to individuals in other compensation schemes and arrangements and in respect of other matters identified in High Court judgments given in proceedings relating to the Horizon system, such as the failure by the Post Office to pay suspension pay to postmasters. The second reading of the bill in the House of Lords is due on 16 January 2024. The bill would extend and apply to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It would commence at royal assent.
In Focus
This briefing provides an overview of the current standing of UK parliamentary democracy and standards in public life ahead of a Lords debate in January 2024, complementing two previous Library briefings on these subjects. It summarises research by the Constitution Unit which reported public concern about the functioning of democracy. It then covers recent reports and statements, including from the Committee on Standards in Public Life and its previous chair, Lord Evans of Weardale.
In Focus
The origins of the House of Lords are traceable through the developments of the parliamentary system in England, with the term itself first used during the reign of Henry VIII. Although the House’s purpose, powers and composition have changed considerably over time, a constant has been the importance placed by the Lords on its customs and traditions. Many of these customs and traditions are unwritten and exist due to historical precedent, while some are written articles. However, all are important to the daily functioning of the House, and many have developed into their current form through a long process of ritual and tradition.
In Focus
In 2023, the cost of a first-class stamp exceeded £1 for the first time in history. Fifty years ago, as the price reached 3.5 pence, the House discussed the rising cost of stamps and its potential impact on the sending of Christmas cards. This briefing summarises the debate from 17 October 1973.
In Focus
In a report published in early 2022, the House of Lords Covid-19 Committee called for a “reset” of the state through a new emphasis on governing for the long-term and a new focus on wellbeing. The committee’s recommendations spanned a range of policy areas, from addressing health disparities and supporting families through to expanding devolution and improving public service resilience and preparedness. The government responded to the committee’s recommendations in July 2022.
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