In Focus
The draft Social Security (Contributions) (Rates, Limits and Thresholds Amendments and National Insurance Funds Payments) Regulations 2021 would set the national insurance contributions rates, limits and thresholds for the upcoming 2021/22 tax year. They must be approved by both Houses of Parliament before becoming law. The House of Lords is due to debate the regulations on 8 February 2021.
In Focus
In 2018, the House of Lords Select Committee on the Bribery Act 2010 conducted post-legislative scrutiny of the legislation. This included examining whether it had led to stricter prosecution of corrupt conduct. In March 2019, the Committee published its report. This article summarises the report and the Government’s response.
In Focus
This article looks at the World Health Organisation's latest findings on the prevalence of HIV globally, studies into HIV status and Covid-19 and UNAIDS' call for global solidarity and shared responsibility.
In Focus
The draft Human Medicines (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 and the draft Medical Devices (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 seek to amend how clinical trials, medicines and medical devices will be regulated in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland after 31 December 2020, whilst taking into account the Northern Ireland Protocol. Under the Protocol, trade in goods between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and between Northern Ireland and EU Member States, will continue unaffected.
In Focus
The Conflict Minerals (Compliance) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 would implement EU regulation 2017/821 in Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021. This regulation sets out the obligations placed on EU importers of certain minerals originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas.
Research Briefing
This briefing examines the role of the security and intelligence services, law enforcement agencies and several public authorities in authorising covert human intelligence sources to participate in criminal conduct.
Research Briefing
This briefing examines recent government policy towards the administration of business rates on public lavatories in England and Wales.
In Focus
The Terezin Declaration on Holocaust Era Assets and Related Issues is a legally non-binding document outlining several measures towards property restitution belonging to the victims of Nazi persecution. This article provides a background to the Declaration and discusses recent UK legislation on property restitution. The Declaration and the restitution of property is due to be the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 20 July 2020.
In Focus
The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted how parliaments across the world operate. This article details how several parliaments have had to adapt. For example, the use of heat sensors in the Republic of Korea and reduced plenary sittings in the French Senate.
In Focus
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK Government introduced a new requirement that passengers on public transport wear facial coverings. This measure was intended to prevent the spread of the virus. This article looks at the regulations establishing this requirement, due to be debated in the House of Lords on 8 July 2020.
In Focus
This article discusses the recent measures taken by the Government to tackle packaging waste. This includes producing guidance for packaging producers to adhere to and consulting on a tax on plastic packaging. In addition this article examines the impact that the recent Coronavirus pandemic has had on packaging waste, amid reports of councils suspending recycling collections and temporarily closing household waste and recycling centres.
In Focus
Several domestic abuse charities have reported an increase in calls and web traffic during lockdown. This article examines how the coronavirus pandemic on domestic abuse cases and discusses what action the Government has taken to tackle such abuse. The impact that the pandemic is having on the victims of domestic abuse is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 29 June 2020.
In Focus
The National Risk Register provides an overview of the risks of major emergencies that could impact the UK in the next five years. This article details the risks contained in the register and the action taken by the Government to mitigate them. The register and how prepared the UK is for responding to emergencies is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 4 June 2020.
Research Briefing
How will government policy support the re-opening of museums, galleries and historic buildings affected by the coronavirus pandemic? This briefing examines recent developments.
Research Briefing
How has coronavirus impacted both food supply chains and food security in the UK? This briefing explores the latest facts and figures.
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