Explainers
Our explainers cover key subjects relating to our work, setting out key facts and figures and answering the most important questions about government.
Explore our explainers
Law officers
There are three UK government law officers: the attorney general, the solicitor general and the advocate general.
Party conferences
Every autumn, UK political parties hold their annual conferences – gatherings of politicians, party members and affiliated groups.
The GB–EU border
This explainer sets out the checks that take place at the GB–EU border.
Cabinet manual
The cabinet manual is a document which sets out rules and procedures for the operation of government.
Devolution and the NHS
In the UK, the NHS is the umbrella term for the four health systems of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Outsourcing and privatisation
What is the difference between privatisation and outsourcing?
Major projects in government
Major projects in government are large-scale development initiatives that aim to modernise and strengthen the UK’s infrastructure.
Devolution: UK internal market
The UK internal market refers to the rules that underpin free trade across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
WTO Anti-subsidy and Countervailing Measures Agreement
Since 1995 global trade has been underpinned by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Anti-subsidy and Countervailing Measures Agreement.
Article 49: rejoining the EU
Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union establishes how a country can join the EU.