In Focus
Improvements in life expectancy have slowed in the UK since the early 2010s. A recent study argued there have been over 300,000 excess deaths during this period, when comparing trends in life expectancy with those from before 2011. The authors of the study argue this is a result of austerity policies pursued by the government. The subject is due to be debated in the House of Lords on 12 January 2023.
In Focus
The creative industries have been identified as a driver of economic growth and employment by the government and industry stakeholders. The government has said it will publish a ‘sector vision’, setting out its strategy for increasing growth in the creative industries sector. Initially set for publication in 2021, the sector vision has been delayed until 2023. This briefing considers recent developments in the formation of the government’s strategy for the arts and creative industries.
In Focus
The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the Science and Technology Committee’s report ‘Battery strategy goes flat: Net zero target at risk’ on 23 November 2022. This article provides an overview of the committee’s recommendations and the government’s response. It also summarises recent statements from the government on supporting battery production and development and the expansion of low-carbon technologies.
In Focus
During the first week following his accession to the throne, King Charles III addressed members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons in Westminster Hall. This article looks at this speech and the speeches made by Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall. This article also looks at other speeches made in Westminster Hall to members of both Houses during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
In Focus
The rising cost of living has been associated with a reduction in wellbeing, including increased anxiety and worsening mental health. Charities and campaign groups have said the impact of increased costs has been worse for households already on lower incomes. Since becoming prime minister, Liz Truss has said the government’s priority is to increase economic growth while announcing at the same time an increase in government support for household energy bills. However, the opposition has said the government has not provided adequate support for households struggling with the rising cost of living.
In Focus
The world is currently experiencing a food crisis. UK consumers are also facing rapid food price inflation. Both the UK government and international bodies, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have identified climate change and biodiversity loss as major contributing factors to food insecurity in the UK and around the world. This briefing considers the nature and extent of this impact and government policies to improve UK food security.
Research Briefing
This private member’s bill seeks to establish a new regulatory regime for private burial grounds and cemeteries in England and Wales.
In Focus
In November 2021, the House of Lords Public Services Committee published a report entitled ‘Children in crisis: the role of public services in overcoming child vulnerability’. The report made several recommendations, including that the government ringfence the funding available for early intervention services provided by local authorities. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate this report on 11 July 2022.
In Focus
In 2021, the government published ‘Defence in a competitive age’ outlining changes to the size and structure of the British army. This included changes to the 3rd (UK) Division, one of the British army’s two deployable divisions and the UK’s principal combat formation. This article focuses on the current warfighting capabilities of the 3rd (UK) Division and the proposals to change its composition.
Research Briefing
The Local Authority (Housing Allocation) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Mann (non-affiliated). The bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 8 July 2022. The bill would require local planning authorities to establish targets for the allocation of land for new housing in England in consultation with their local communities. The timescales for meeting these targets would be set by the secretary of state.
In Focus
Since the beginning of the 2022 Russian attack on Ukraine, there have been calls for the government to reconsider the policies outlined in its 2021 integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy. On 9 June 2022, the House of Lords will debate the impact of the conflict in Ukraine, including its effect on the UK’s defence and foreign policy. This briefing looks at what the implications of the conflict might be on the UK’s strategic priorities as set out in the integrated review.
In Focus
The Government has committed to reduce UK carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 and improve the security of the UK’s energy supply. It has said it intends to improve strategic planning in the UK’s electricity and gas infrastructure through the establishment of an independent future system operator. It has also said it will introduce measures intended to increase the use of hydrogen gas and carbon capture technology in the UK energy sector.
In Focus
The 2019 Conservative Party manifesto included commitments to protect the natural environment and improve animal welfare. However, the Government has yet to fulfil its manifesto commitment to introduce legislation banning imports of hunting trophies. The Government has proposed changes to the ways in which natural landscapes are managed following the 2019 landscapes review. It has also said it is considering measures to permit greater use of some gene-edited organisms in agriculture.
In Focus
The UK Government has said it is committed to strengthening the Union between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. However, strong concerns have been raised about how the Union is affected by the Northern Ireland Protocol. Differences have also emerged between the UK Government and the devolved institutions over matters such as abortion and legacy issues. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the strengthening of the Union between Northern Ireland and Great Britain on 7 April 2022.
In Focus
The House of Lords made several changes to its procedures during the Covid-19 pandemic. This included the use of virtual sittings and sittings which featured both physical and remote participation. This article provides a chronology of these developments.
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