Guides

European Council

The European Council brings together the heads of government of the member states and the Commission at least twice a year, and typically four times a year (twice per Presidency). As such, each meeting of the European Council is often referred to as a 'Summit' or simply 'Council' – in conjunction with the name of...Read More

European Courts

There are two European courts, which have the task of interpreting and enforcing EU law: the European Court of Justice and the European Court of the First Instance. Both are based in Luxembourg. These bodies should not be confused with the European Court of Human Rights, which is an arm of the Council of Europe,...Read More

European Monetary Union

Economic and monetary union (EMU) was a goal for the EU proclaimed as far back as the 1960s, but one which was not pursued with much vigour or success until the late 1980s, when the Single European Act added a chapter to the treaties formally setting the EU on the road to EMU. Not only...Read More

European parliament

The European parliament (EP) is the world’s largest multinational parliamentary body, representing over 456 million citizens. It was originally constituted as the assembly of the ECSC, adopting the title ‘European parliament’ in 1962. As well as exercising an increasingly important legislative and supervisory role, the EP functions as the primary source of democratic authority and...Read More

European Parliament

The European Parliament is the world's largest multinational parliamentary body, representing over 490 million citizens. It was originally constituted as the Assembly of the ECSC, adopting the title 'European Parliament' in 1962. As well as exercising an increasingly important legislative and supervisory role, the EP functions as the primary source of democratic authority and legitimacy...Read More

European Union

The European Union is a supranational and international organisation that brings together 27 member states under a common system of law, established by a series of treaties. The member states are as follows: Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Italy, Netherlands, UK, Ireland, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania,...Read More

Executive (Scotland)

The Scottish Executive (or cabinet) is made up of the first minister, the two law officers (the lord advocate and the solicitor general) and other Scottish ministers. The party or coalition of parties with the majority of seats in the parliament forms the executive. The first minister is elected by MSPs and is normally the...Read More

Executive (Wales)

The Assembly Government (sometimes referred to as the Welsh Executive or the Cabinet) is formed by the party or parties with the majority of seats in the Assembly. The First Minister (sometimes referred to as the First Secretary) is elected by Assembly Members (AMs) and, as such, is normally the leader of the largest party....Read More

Executive Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies

Before the Next Steps reforms introduced in 1988, all government activity took place within Whitehall Departments headed by Ministers. The aim of the reforms was to 'hive off' activities to arms-length organisations, or Executive Agencies, whilst retaining accountability to Ministers and to Parliament. To this end, each agency has a chief executive, who is responsible...Read More

Expenditure

Government spending is controlled by the Treasury, which must account for all expenditure by departments. Treasury Ministers and officials must approve all policies that would require expenditure and, as such, play a role in the formulation and implementation of all substantive government policy. The majority of spending by departments is agreed in negotiations between the...Read More

Factors affecting progress through the Council (EU)

A number of factors affect the speed with which any proposal will achieve a common position. The urgency of the proposal The controversy the proposal generates and the support or opposition of member states The extent to which the commission has anticipated objections to the proposal and can offer reassurances The complexity of the provisions...Read More

First Reading (Commons)

A Bill may be introduced to the Commons for the first time or it may arrive from the Lords having completed its passage through the Upper House. The introduction (also known as the presentation or bringing in) of a Bill takes the form of its formal First Reading. The introduction of Bills always takes place...Read More

First Reading (Lords)

The introduction (also known as the presentation or bringing in) of a Bill takes the form of its formal First Reading. There is no debate at this stage. In most cases, the Clerk at the Table on the floor of the Chamber reads out the name of the Bill, which is its First Reading.Read More

Government Bills (Commons)

Government Bills are Public Bills that are introduced by Government Ministers. They have normally been mentioned in the Queen's Speech for the Session in which they are introduced, but they do not have to have been. They are the Government's chief means of implementing policy and of seeking Parliamentary approval for so doing.Read More

Government Bills (Lords)

Government Bills are Public Bills that are introduced by Government Ministers. They have normally been mentioned in the Queen's Speech for the Session in which they are introduced, but they do not have to have been. They are the Government's chief means of implementing policy and of seeking Parliamentary approval for so doing.Read More

Green Paper

Green Papers are consultative papers on the options that the Government has determined are available to it in a certain policy area, sometimes including suggestions for legislation. They tend to be drawn rather widely and may equivocate on government preferences. Green Papers are drafted by civil servants with Ministers. The Government formally seeks views on...Read More

Green party

The Green party is enjoying a new era, with its first MP making a real impact in parliament. Leader Caroline Lucas was elected as the MP for Brighton Pavilion in the 2010 general election. She has made an impressive start to her parliamentary career, winning respect from other MPs who usually listen courteously to her...Read More

History (Scotland)

'There shall be a Scottish parliament' Scotland Act 1998, section 1(1) The Scottish parliament has the authority to initiate and pass primary legislation and to vary the basic rate of income tax by up to three pence in the pound from the UK-wide rate. The transfer of powers from London to Edinburgh took place on...Read More

History (Wales)

The National Assembly for Wales (the Welsh Assembly) has the authority to pass secondary legislation affecting Wales as well as executive powers over the implementation of UK laws in Wales. It is not a parliament in the strictest sense of the word, as it cannot pass primary legislation or raise taxes, but it does debate...Read More