Research briefings

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• House of Commons Trends Published 01 August 2013 | Research papers RP13/48 This paper sets out key statistics about the House of Commons. The aim is to provide comparisons over time, though periods may vary according to relevance and the availability of consistent data. Some are for Parliamentary sessions, some by calendar year and some by financial year. This should be borne in mind when comparing different sets of information. Topic: House of Commons, Members of Parliament
• The Quebec referendums Published 25 July 2013 | Research papers RP13/47 This paper gives a brief outline of separatism in Quebec, showing that many of the arguments in Canada are already being echoed in the debate about Scotland’s future relationship with the rest of the UK. Topic: Elections, International politics and government, North America
• Unemployment by Constituency, July 2013 Published 17 July 2013 | Research papers RP13/46 This paper contains labour market figures for parliamentary constituencies, as well as a summary of the latest national and regional statistics. Topic: Economic situation, Employment, Unemployment
• Defence Reform Bill Published 11 July 2013 | Research papers RP13/45 The Defence Reform Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 3 July 2013. Second Reading has been tabled for 16 July 2013. Topic: Armed forces, Defence equipment and procurement, Defence expenditure, Defence policy
• High Cost Credit Bill Published 10 July 2013 | Research papers RP13/44 This is a Private Members Bill introduced by Paul Blomfield. Topic: Financial services
• Economic Indicators, July 2013 Published 02 July 2013 | Research papers RP13/43 This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries. Topic: Economic situation
• Leaving the EU Published 01 July 2013 | Research papers RP13/42 The Treaty on European Union provides for a Member State to leave the EU, either on the basis of a negotiated withdrawal agreement or without one. If the UK were to leave the EU following a referendum, it is likely that the Government would negotiate an agreement with the EU, which would probably contain transitional arrangements as well as provide for the UK’s long-term future relations with the EU. There is no precedent for such an agreement, but it would in all likelihood come at the end of complex and lengthy negotiations. Topic: Economic policy, EU budget, EU defence policy, EU external relations, EU institutions, EU law and treaties, EU political integration, International law, International politics and government, International trade
• European Union (Referendum) Bill Published 28 June 2013 | Research papers RP13/41 Amended 09 July 2013 This Private Member’s Bill was introduced to the Commons on 19 June 2013 and is designed to require the holding of a referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union (EU) before the end of 2017. This Paper has been prepared as a guide in advance of the second reading on Friday 5 July. Topic: Elections, Europe
• Financial Services (Banking Reform) Bill: Committee Stage Report Published 25 June 2013 | Research papers RP13/40 This Bill follows a series of Acts passed since the financial crisis of 2008. Whereas other Acts established a new regulatory framework, this Bill sets out a new ‘architecture’ of the institutions themselves. Topic: Financial institutions, Financial services
• Comparison of the planning systems in the four UK countries Published 19 June 2013 | Research papers RP13/39 This paper has been prepared as an initiative of the Inter-Parliamentary Research and Information Network (IPRIN) with contributions from research staff working for each of the four UK legislatures. Topic: Planning, Regeneration
• Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill Published 17 June 2013 | Research papers RP13/38 This Bill was introduced to the Commons on 9 May 2013. This Paper provides background for the second reading debate on this Bill expected on 24 June 2013. The Bill creates a new method for appointing the Justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive, and allows for transparency in donations and loans to political parties, as well as ending dual mandates between the Assembly and the UK House of Commons. There are also some electoral administration reforms and miscellaneous changes to Northern Ireland law. Most of the provisions were subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee which published a report in March 2013. Topic: Northern Ireland Assembly
• Unemployment by Constituency June 2013 Published 12 June 2013 | Research papers RP13/36 This paper contains labour market figures for parliamentary constituencies, as well as a summary of the latest national and regional statistics Topic: Economic situation, Employment, Unemployment
• Pensions Bill Published 12 June 2013 | Research papers RP13/37 This paper has been prepared for Second Reading of the Pensions Bill on 17 June 2013 Topic: Pensions, Working age benefits
• Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill Published 04 June 2013 | Research papers RP13/34 Amended 06 June 2013 This Bill, which is wide-ranging, will receive its second reading in the House of Commons on 10 June 2013. Amongst other changes, it would reform the “tool kit” of remedies for anti-social behaviour; amend the law on dangerous dogs; introduce new firearms offences; criminalise forced marriage; give powers to the new College of Policing; implement some of the Winsor report’s recommendations on police remuneration; provide new powers for the Independent Police Complaints Commission; and make changes to compensation for miscarriage of justice. Topic: Anti-social behaviour, Crime, Criminal law, Police
• Economic Indicators, June 2013 Published 04 June 2013 | Research papers RP13/35 Amended 07 June 2013 This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries. Topic: Economic situation
• Members’ pay and expenses – current rates from 1 April 2013 Published 31 May 2013 | Research papers RP13/33 Amended 28 June 2013 This Research Paper reviews recent developments in Members’ pay and expenses, and in ministerial salaries. It sets out current rates and provides a summary of expense limits, from 2010/11, under the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority’s MPs’ Scheme of Business Costs and Expenses. Topic: Members of Parliament
• Children and Families Bill Committee Stage Report Published 31 May 2013 | Research papers RP13/32 Amended 25 June 2013 The Children and Families Bill introduces a wide range of legislation concerning adoption and children in care, aspects of family justice law, special educational needs, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England, child care, statutory rights to leave and pay for parents and adopters, time off work for ante-natal care, and the right to request flexible working. This paper complements Research Paper 13/11 prepared for the Commons Second Reading. Topic: Child care, Children and families, Divorce, Employment, Family law, Further education, Schools, Special educational needs
• Disputes over the British Indian Ocean Territory: a survey Published 22 May 2013 | Research papers RP13/31 Between 1968 and 1973 the British Government cleared the entire Chagos Archipelago of its inhabitants, opening the way for a US military base on the biggest island, Diego Garcia. The Archipelago was made a British overseas territory, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Two main disputes have arisen from these events. One has been between the Chagos Islanders and the British Government over the legality of the former’s removal and whether they have a right to return. The other has been between the UK and Mauritius about sovereignty over the BIOT. The UK has said that it will cede sovereignty to Mauritius once the BIOT is no longer required for defence purposes. Topic: International politics and government, Overseas territories
• Local Elections 2013 Published 22 May 2013 | Research papers RP13/30 This paper summarises the results of the local and mayoral elections held on 2 May 2013. Topic: Election results : UK
• Unemployment by Constituency May 2013 Published 15 May 2013 | Research papers RP13/29 This paper contains labour market figures for parliamentary constituencies, as well as a summary of the latest national and regional statistics. Topic: Economic situation, Employment, Unemployment