In Focus
The prime minister’s trade envoys are a network of parliamentarians appointed to engage with countries where the UK government has identified trade and investment opportunities. There were 35 trade envoys covering 58 markets as of 16 May 2024. The government has said trade envoys support the UK’s economic growth by promoting trade in key markets. However, some parliamentarians have sought clarity on aspects of the trade envoy programme.
In Focus
In August 2023, the UK government published its ‘border target operating model’ (BTOM), which set out how the UK would gradually introduce full border controls on imports into Great Britain from the EU. The BTOM is being introduced gradually during 2024. The second phase is scheduled to commence on 30 April 2024 and is set to include the introduction of full sanitary and phytosanitary checks on certain goods imported from the EU. This briefing looks at the controls being introduced on 30 April 2024, as well as concerns raised by industries about how the changes could impact EU imports.
In Focus
Some separating couples apply to the family court to resolve disputes, such as where their child should live. Research has shown the negative impact that parental separation involving conflict can have on a child’s mental health and life chances. In January 2024, the government announced a reform programme of the family justice system to support families to resolve private family law disputes more quickly and protect children from lengthy court cases.
Research Briefing
This proposed law would clarify that litigation funding agreements (LFAs) do not constitute damages-based agreements (DBAs). The effect of this would be to give statutory confirmation that LFAs do not need to comply with the statutory and regulatory regime for DBAs to be enforceable. This would address recent concerns that many LFAs were unenforceable as a result of the UK Supreme Court’s ruling in R (PACCAR Inc) v Competition Appeal Tribunal [2023] UKSC 28.
In Focus
The number of young adults who own a home in the UK has fallen in recent decades. More families in England and Wales had adult children living with them in 2021 compared to 10 years earlier. Barriers to home ownership included increased property prices relative to incomes. Think tanks have considered whether alternative housing policies would help more young people get onto the property ladder. The government has also introduced various schemes aimed at supporting home ownership.
In Focus
The government’s long-term plan for housing includes a range of policies it says are aimed at regeneration, inner-city densification and housing delivery across England. In December 2023, the government announced the next stage of its long-term plan, including revisions to the ‘National planning policy framework’ (NPPF). This briefing summarises government housing policies within the long-term plan and NPPF revisions, as well as recent criticism of the government’s plan from parliamentarians.
Current Affairs Digest
Sentences of imprisonment for public protection (IPPs) were abolished in 2012. However, this abolition did not apply retrospectively to prisoners already serving IPPs. Recent prison population data on IPPs has shown over 1,200 prisoners have never been released. This briefing examines concerns raised by campaign groups, professional bodies and international partners about the impact of IPPs on prisoners’ release prospects and mental health.
In Focus
Financial education forms part of the school curriculum across all UK nations. However, concerns have been raised that financial education is not being adequately provided in UK schools. Research has shown the positive impact that financial education can have on the financial literacy of children and young people. Some financial organisations and charities have called for more to be done to support schools to deliver financial education.
In Focus
The government has described the NHS as one of the safest places in the world to give birth. However, multiple reports and independent investigations have highlighted ongoing problems in maternity care in England. This article summarises recent findings on the performance of NHS maternity services in England, as well as recent government and NHS policies aimed at improving the quality of maternity care.
In Focus
The House of Lords contains 26 Church of England archbishops and bishops known as the ‘lords spiritual’. Their automatic right to sit and vote in the House has been established by ancient usage and by statute. Criticism of the lords spiritual’s automatic representation in the House has led to calls for their removal. This briefing considers their role and participation in the House, as well as recent calls for reform.
Research Briefing
The Victims and Prisoners Bill would introduce various changes in the criminal justice system and beyond. This would include placing key victims’ code rights into law, requiring an infected blood scandal compensation body to be set up, and allowing the secretary of state to refer prisoner release decisions of the most serious offenders to the upper tribunal or high court. A proportion of the bill’s provisions have previously been the subject of Conservative Party manifesto commitments, government consultations, reviews and announcements. The bill was amended in various ways during its passage through the House of Commons.
In Focus
Black women were at a greater risk of maternal mortality in the UK during 2018–20 when compared to White women, according to recent findings. The underlying causes of this disparity remain a complex picture. This briefing looks at the latest research findings, as well as a recent parliamentary report on Black maternal health and the government’s response.
In Focus
The Ukrainian Holodomor, also known as the ‘great famine’, took place between 1932 and 1933. Agricultural policies introduced under Joseph Stalin’s Soviet regime have been blamed for the deaths of millions of people during this time. In recent years, various governments and parliaments have recognised the event as genocide. The UK government has said it would only refer to the event as genocide following a determination by a competent court.
In Focus
The King’s Speech is scheduled to be delivered on 7 November 2023. The speech will set out the government’s legislative and policy programme for the new parliamentary session. This briefing provides a summary of legislative announcements and policy proposals on crime and justice that may become the subject of legislation during the 2023–24 session. This includes information on the Victims and Prisoners Bill and policy announcements on criminal justice sentencing.
In Focus
The government “temporarily” withdrew the private parking code of practice in June 2022. This statutory guidance included a cap on the level of parking charges operators of private parking facilities could issue to motorists, as well as the removal of additional fees they could impose at the debt recovery stage. The government has since published a draft impact assessment and launched a call for evidence to review the impact of these provisions on operators.
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