In Focus
House of Lords: Virtual sittings, participation and Covid-19
The UK’s second chamber has adapted in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But to what extent have some of the changes affected participation levels?
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In Focus
Coronavirus Bill: What happened in the House of Lords?
This article summarises the scrutiny of the Coronavirus Act 2020 in the House of Lords. The Act was emergency legislation passed by Parliament in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The Act provided the Government with a range of powers to tackle the disease, including: the closure of schools and nurseries; powers to detain those suspected of having the virus; and restrictions on public gatherings.
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Research Briefing
Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission
The Government has proposed setting up a constitution, democracy and rights commission to consider broad aspects of the UK’s constitution. This would look at issues including the relationship between the government, parliament, and the courts; the functioning of the royal prerogative; the role of the House of Lords; and access to justice.
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Research Briefing
House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) (Abolition of By-Elections) Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages
This proposed law seeks to end hereditary by-elections in the House of Lords.
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Research Briefing
House of Lords in 2020: Profile of Membership
This House of Lords Library briefing presents a range of information on the membership of the House of Lords as at 17 January 2020. All figures are for the membership as at this date unless otherwise stated.
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Research Briefing
Extension of Franchise (House of Lords) Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages
This House of Lords Library Briefing provides background information on the Extension of Franchise (House of Lords) Bill [HL], ahead of its second reading in the House of Lords on 7 February 2020.
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Research Briefing
Regional Representation in the House of Lords
This House of Lords Library briefing presents data on the regional background of the House of Lords within the context of continued interest in the composition of the House of Lords.
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Research Briefing
State Openings of Parliament: Reduced Ceremonial
With reference to state openings in 2019, 2017, March 1974 and 1939, this briefing discusses the differences between a traditional state opening and one with reduced ceremonial elements.
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Research Briefing
House of Lords: Maiden and Valedictory Speeches, 2017-2019
This House of Lords Library briefing covers the maiden and valedictory speeches made during the course of the 2017--2019 parliament. The first and last speeches made by a Member of the House of Lords are significant occasions and, by tradition, are marked with respect by the House.
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Research Briefing
House of Lords: Statistics on Size and Composition, November 2019
This House of Lords Library briefing provides summary data on the size and composition of the House of Lords. The information is taken from the House of Lords registry database and is correct as at 29 November 2019.
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In Focus
Parliament Act 1949: Reducing the power to delay
How can the House of Commons pass laws the Lords disagrees with? The answer lies in two key pieces of legislation. The Parliament Act 1911 provided that any public bill rejected by the House of Lords could still be passed as long as three sessions over a two-year period had elapsed from its original second reading to its final third reading in the House of Commons. The Parliament Act 1949, passed 70 years ago, reduced that time period to one year and two sessions.
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Research Briefing
Salisbury Convention: A Decade of Developments
According to the Salisbury Convention, the House of Lords gives a second reading to government bills that seek to implement manifesto commitments, does not subject manifesto bills to wrecking amendments and returns manifesto bills to the Commons in reasonable time. This House of Lords Library Briefing examines the development of the convention and looks at the debates on how it applied after the 2010 and 2017 general elections, which both produced a hung parliament.
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Research Briefing
Lord Sinha of Raipur and the Government of India Act 1919
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared to mark the 100th anniversary of the Government of India Act 1919 receiving royal assent and the role of the peer of non-European descent, Lord Sinha, in piloting the Act through the Lords.
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Research Briefing
House of Lords Act 1999: Twenty Years On
This House of Lords Library Briefing provides background information on the passing of the House of Lords Act 1999.
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Research Briefing
Ethnic and Religious Diversity in the House of Lords
This House of Lords Library Briefing provides background information on ethnic and religious representation in the House of Lords.
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