Since Nicolás Maduro’s capture in January 2026 relations with the US have strengthened; interim President Delcy Rodríguez has signed an agreement granting the US preferential access to Venezuelan oil fields, the Commons Library notes.
Presents statistics on leasehold housing stock and transactions in England, providing data relevant to ongoing reforms of the leasehold system and showing trends in ownership and market activity.
Constituency-level tables giving population counts by single-year and grouped ages across UK parliamentary constituencies, enabling analysis of age structure for MPs, researchers and local planners using the Library's compiled data set.
Sets out recent data and analysis on police service strength and workforce diversity across UK forces, examining officer numbers, demographic composition and trends to inform parliamentary scrutiny and policy discussion.
Describes how the planning system in England operates, covering application decisions, local planning authorities’ roles, appeals and circumstances under which planning permission can be overturned.
House of Commons Library publishes FAQs on banking, credit, mortgages, investments and financial‑service fraud, providing concise answers for MPs, advisers and the public on common consumer finance queries.
Explains that installations of energy‑saving materials, including solar panels, on eligible buildings are zero‑rated for VAT until 31 March 2027, and outlines which materials and building types qualify for the relief.
The House of Commons Library assesses North Korea in 2026, concluding Kim Jong‑un’s regime appears secure short‑to‑medium term, Beijing remains a supporter, and Pyongyang is increasing material support to Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
A House of Commons Library paper finds school exclusions in England have risen since the pandemic, examines trends and possible causes, and summarises related government policy responses and debates.
Evidence review
An e‑petition on reducing sentence discounts for guilty pleas in controlling or coercive cases will be debated in Westminster Hall on 19 October 2026, opened by MP Irene Campbell.
Hairdressers and barbers in the UK remain unregulated as a profession, though they fall under existing consumer protection laws; the Commons Library briefing outlines the current legal framework and implications.
The Commons Library explains how to object to an alcohol premises licence: objections must relate to one or more statutory licensing objectives, such as preventing crime and disorder, to be admissible.
Lap dancing clubs in England and Wales will ordinarily require a local authority sex establishment licence, with licensing processes and conditions set by councils to regulate operation and activities.
Guidance for MPs on helping constituents obtain military service records sets out what kinds of records exist, how to request them and practical steps for accessing personnel files and service history.
A short House of Commons Library overview summarises policy and debates on mobile phone use in English schools, outlining current rules, enforcement approaches and arguments for and against restrictions.
Paper traces the creation of departmental select committees from 1979 and charts changes in their number and size, outlining how committee composition and structure have evolved over time.
A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for 14 October 2026 to scrutinise government oversight of underperforming NHS trusts, focusing on accountability arrangements and intervention powers for poorly performing hospital organisations.
An interactive House of Commons Library dashboard provides constituency-level data on people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), allowing users to view counts and distributions of PIP claimants across UK parliamentary constituencies.
Iraq has appointed a new president and prime minister in 2026. Key challenges highlighted include how to disarm or integrate Iran‑backed militias into state armed forces, alongside broader stability and governance issues.
Short Money provides funding to opposition parties to support their parliamentary duties; allocations are determined by a party’s performance at the previous general election and are intended to cover staffing and running costs for opposition business.
A House of Commons Library record lists Bills since the 1997–98 session that have been considered in the Commons by a committee of the whole House, documenting instances where the entire chamber sat as a committee to examine legislation.
A Westminster Hall debate on manufacturing skills will take place on 20 October, chosen by the Backbench Business Committee and to be opened by Richard Quigley MP, highlighting parliamentary scrutiny of skills policy.
A Westminster general debate is scheduled for 12 October on Baby Loss Awareness Week, offering MPs an opportunity to raise issues around miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death and related support and services.
A Westminster Hall debate on compensation for Equitable Life policyholders is scheduled for 22 October 2026, providing MPs a forum to discuss ongoing compensation issues and the handling of legacy claims relating to Equitable Life.