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Acts of ParliamentDevolved GovernmentHouse of CommonsHouse of LordsLegislative ProcessWhitehallPolitical PartiesPublic InterestThe Political Process Display All
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Senedd Cymru Committees

There are three types of committees in the Senedd: standing committees, subject committees and regional committees. Senedd Committees normally meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays when the Senedd is in session.Read More

Senedd Cymru – An Overview

Senedd Cymru is the name given to the Welsh Parliament.  It changed its name from the National Assembly of Wales in 2020. An overview of its powers, membership, session times, and operations.Read More
Cummings and Johnson launch attacks on a range of enemies, including Europeans and 'activist lawyers'

Special Advisers

Special advisers are temporary civil servants, employed for the duration of an administration to provide a political dimension to the non-partisan work of the general civil service. The number of Special Advisors who later go on to become Members of Parliament is considerable. Read More
Commons motion on Syria: Analysis

Substantive Motions

Debates in the House of Commons take place on a motion to which amendments may be tabled. One special kind of substantive motion is one tabled by the Government to seek approval for expenditure.Read More
"For the most part, however, what the first minister served up as part of a long-trailed effort to "refresh" her administration"

Scottish Parliament – Question Time

The Scottish Executive is held accountable to the Scottish Parliament through Parliamentary Questions. These involve oral question sessions once a week, First Minister's Questions at noon on Thursday, and written answers for those questions not answered orally.Read More

Scottish Parliament – Committees

Scottish parliament committees are deliberative, coming up with proposals for new bills, taking evidence on current affairs and reporting on issues affecting Scotland. They resemble those from the European parliament more than those at Westminster.Read More
Peers in the House of Lords, London | Copyright: PA

Statements in Parliament

By convention, Parliament expects to be the first to be informed of important issues, including new government policy announcements and updates on developing situations.Read More
The Commons can be a cruel place - when the whole chamber's laughing at you

Second Reading

A debate on the Second Reading of a Bill is a debate on its general principles. It is normally held at least two weeks after the introduction of the Bill at First Reading.Read More
Another Westminster episode that ends badly - and leaves ordinary people disappointed

Standing Committees

Standing Committees are like miniature versions of the Commons itself. A new Standing Committee is set up for each Bill, although there are normally no more than eight at one time. Within the Standing Committee, a Bill is debated clause-by-clause.Read More