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
Recall of parliament
How can parliament be recalled?
How is the Speaker of the House of Commons elected?
What is the process for electing a Speaker of the House of Commons?
Prorogation of parliament: what happens to legislation?
In some circumstances outstanding bills can be carried over into the next parliamentary session. These are referred to as ‘carry-over’ bills.
The prime minister's powers over the date of an early election
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act limited the prime minister’s power over the date of an early election.
Benn Act / EU Withdrawal (No.2) Act
The EU Withdrawal (No.2) Act, known as the ‘Benn Act’, forced the government to act to stop a no-deal Brexit on 31 October.
UK–EU future relationship: what difference would a Brexit deal make?
This explainer illustrates some of the key differences between an agreement and no agreement outcome.