British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 15 of 2026–27

The British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill sponsored by Lord Weir of Ballyholme (Democratic Unionist Party). The bill would restrict any cession or transfer of sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) unless certain requirements were met, including the consent of the Chagossian people and an act of parliament. It would also see the UK remain sovereign over the military base on Diego Garcia.

British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 15 of 2026–27

Conduct of Undercover Policing and Surveillance Operatives Bill [HL]: HL Bill 9 of 2026–27

The Conduct of Undercover Policing and Surveillance Operatives Bill is a private member’s bill introduced in the House of Lords. It would make it an offence for a person deployed as a covert human intelligence source (CHIS) to engage in an intimate sexual relationship with any person they have been deployed to target, who is a member of the group they have been deployed to target, or whom they encounter during their deployment.

Conduct of Undercover Policing and Surveillance Operatives Bill [HL]: HL Bill 9 of 2026–27

Funding for listed places of worship: Recent changes

In January 2026, the government announced a new scheme to support urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship. Called the ‘Places of worship renewal fund for England’, it replaced the ‘Listed places of worship grant scheme’ which had run since 2001. This briefing provides an overview of both schemes, the government’s reasoning for the change and the reaction of stakeholders.

Funding for listed places of worship: Recent changes

  • In Focus

    Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME): An overview

    Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome, is a long-term health condition that is estimated to affect over 400,000 people in the UK. It is a fluctuating condition with symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems and brain fog. In 2025 the government published its final delivery plan on ME, which aimed to improve care and support for those with the condition.

  • In Focus

    Building Safety Regulator: Lords Industry and Regulators Committee report

    In December 2025, the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee published its report ‘The Building Safety Regulator: Building a better regulator’. The committee found that delays caused by the regulator’s approval processes had delayed or disincentivised refurbishments, safety upgrades and the remediation of dangerous cladding in high-rise buildings. It made recommendations aimed at these addressing the issues. The government accepted the intent of the recommendations and set out information on how it would take them forward.

  • In Focus

    Electricity prices in Great Britain

    In recent years, electricity prices for both households and businesses have seen significant increases. This briefing sets out how electricity bills are calculated, how much on average they cost and how they compare internationally. It also provides commentary on why prices have been so high and gives an overview of government policy in this area.

  • In Focus

    Funding for the arts

    Since 2010, various sources have reported that funding for the arts has decreased creating challenges for organisations and individuals in the sector. This briefing examines how the arts are currently funded, what challenges the sector faces and what recent action the government has taken in this area. It also provides an overview of a recent independent review of the Arts Council England.

  • In Focus

    Draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026: Fatal motion

    The draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 would make changes to three sets of assimilated regulations which concern chemicals in Great Britain. The government has said that the changes would rectify a number of issues that could not be addressed at EU exit. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Northern Ireland, divergence from the EU, efficiency savings and further legislation.

  • Research Briefing

    Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Bill: HL Bill 178 of 2024–26

    The Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Bill is a government bill that would allow public money to be used to build a memorial to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire and fund associated works related to archives, an exhibition and second site where elements of the tower could be laid to rest. It is a money bill which received cross-party support in the House of Commons.

  • In Focus

    Girls’ participation in sport: Improving access

    In 2025, England women celebrated both a home Rugby World Cup win and the retention of football’s UEFA Women’s Championship title. The women’s cricket team also reached the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup, and the Netball Super League was relaunched. Despite this professional success, girls play less sport than boys at both school and the grassroots level. This briefing explores the sports participation gap and what action the government has taken in this area.

  • In Focus

    Transnational repression in the UK: Joint Committee on Human Rights report

    In the UK, the term transnational repression is widely accepted to refer to instances of intimidation, violence and harassment by a state against people in another state. Evidence has suggested that various countries, including China, Russia and Iran, have conducted transnational repression on UK soil in recent years. In its report, the Joint Committee on Human Rights explored the issue, its impact on human rights and whether enough support and protections are available. This briefing provides an overview of the committee’s findings and the government’s response.

  • In Focus

    ‘Better prisons, less crime’: Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee report

    In July 2025, the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee published its report ‘Better prisons, less crime’ following an inquiry into prison culture which focused on governance, leadership and staffing. The committee found that “prisons are currently operating in a state of crisis” and made recommendations aimed at addressing issues it had identified. The government accepted the majority of these recommendations and said that many were already a work in progress.

  • In Focus

    Hospitality and retail sectors: Impact of government policy

    In recent years, both the hospitality and retail sectors have experienced a number of challenges, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The government has announced various policies which have affected these sectors, most recently in the 2025 budget. This briefing provides an overview of both the retail and hospitality sectors, recent government policy that has impacted them and industry reaction to the government’s measures.

  • In Focus

    Modern foreign language education in England

    In recent years, concerns have been raised about the state of modern foreign language education in England. These concerns have mainly focused on a decrease in the number of students studying the subjects and a shortage of specialist teachers. Various commentators have described these issues as a ‘vicious circle’ arguing that they are linked. The government has set out various measures aimed at addressing these issues, including the use of financial incentives, but has said it would not introduce visa waivers.

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