issue brief

Mayor of London

The role of the Mayor of London was created under the Greater London Authority Act 1999 as part of the Labour government's commitment to restore a city-wide government for London.Read More

Medical Negligence and Compensation

'Medical negligence' describes when medical intervention in the treatment of a patient has materially contributed to a deterioration of a patient's condition.Read More

MI5

MI5, properly known as the Security Service, is the UK's security intelligence agency. Although the "MI" stands for "Military Intelligence", MI5 is a civilian agency without formal executive powers.Read More

MI6

MI6, properly known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), is the UK's external intelligence agency - that is, it is responsible for protecting and promoting British interests and security overseas. Read More

Millennium Development Goals

The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) - which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, all by the target date of 2015 - form a blueprint agreed to in September 2000.Read More

Millennium Dome

The Millennium Dome was the centrepiece of British celebrations for the dawning of the year 2000.Read More

MMR

MMR is a combined vaccine for the three potentially highly harmful childhood diseases - measles, mumps, and rubella (also known as German measles).Read More

Mobile Phone Base Stations/Masts

To send or receive calls, a handset must be within range of a mobile phone base station (sometimes referred to as a mast). A base station is a fixed radio receiver/transmitter with antennas mounted either on free-standing masts or on buildings.Read More

Mobile Phones – health concerns

Mobile phone use in the UK has risen rapidly over the past two decades, with the number of mobile connections currently standing at in excess of 81 million (2012).Read More

Mobile Phones – use while driving

As from 1 December 2003 it has been a specific offence to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device when driving. Read More

Monarchy

Monarchy is rule by an individual who is royal, and the system is usually hereditary. The term monarchy derives from the Greek, monos arkhein, meaning 'one ruler'.Read More

Monetary Policy Committee

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is a specialised economic advisory panel responsible for setting the short-term base interest rate.Read More

MPs’ Pay and Expenses

Responsibility for the regulation and administration of MPs' pay and expenses was transferred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) following the 2010 General Election. In 2011, IPSA was also made responsible for determining MPs' pay and pensions.Read More