The Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill would prohibit the sale, offering for sale, or advertisement in England and Northern Ireland of low-welfare animal activities which take place abroad. The activity types covered would be set out in regulations, but would include those where animals are subject to unnecessary suffering or are kept in confinement.
The British Nationality (Regularisation of Past Practice) Bill would deal with a legal issue that has come to light which casts doubt on the British citizenship of some people born in the UK to European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss nationals between 1 January 1983 and 1 October 2000. The bill would amend the British Nationality Act 1981 to effectively confirm the British citizenship of these individuals.
The Social Security (Additional Payments) (No. 2) Bill would provide for additional payments to be made in the 2023/24 financial year to help vulnerable households with the increased cost of living. It was introduced in the House of Commons on 7 February 2023 and completed its Commons stages on 6 March 2023. The bill has been certified as a money bill. This limits the extent to which the House of Lords can propose significant changes.
Research Briefing
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill is a government bill which is intended to help tackle economic crime, better protect national security and enable Companies House to deliver a better service for UK individuals and businesses.
Research Briefing
The Stamp Duty Land Tax (Temporary Relief) Bill would give statutory effect to the reduction in certain stamp duty rates brought in by Liz Truss’s government and which are already in effect. The reductions would apply until 31 March 2025.
In Focus
The House of Lords Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee (DPRRC) and the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (SLSC) published reports in November 2021 criticising the government’s use of delegated powers. The committees are concerned about the amount delegated powers are used and how they are being used, and say it is negatively impacting parliamentary scrutiny. The government has defended its use of delegated powers but has accepted some of the committees’ recommendations to improve the system.
Current Affairs Digest
Why did the Republicans fare less well than expected in the US midterms? What were the fears about election deniers and their impact on democracy? This article looks at some of the explanations put forward.
In Focus
UK aid spending reduced by £3bn, or 21%, from 2020 to 2021. This article looks at statistics on aid spending and how it is being spent. It also includes a summary of the government’s current international development strategy and commentary on some of the issues affecting UK aid spending. The House of Lords will hold a debate on the subject on 15 December 2022.
In Focus
The horseracing industry faces several challenges, including falling average attendances and lower prize money levels compared with international competitors. This article briefly outlines these challenges, and discusses the financial support made available to the industry, particularly through the horseracing betting levy.
Research Briefing
The Health Promotion Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat) seeking to amend the name and focus of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. For example, it would require the newly defined office to work collaboratively with other departments on a national plan for sport. This follows recommendations from the National Plan for Sport and Recreation Committee intended to improve levels of physical activity in the country.
In Focus
A range of issues have been raised about housing in England, including the supply and affordability of homes and their quality and suitability for the future. This article provides a selection of statistics on these issues, as well as further reading and commentary on the long-term policies needed to deal with them.
In Focus
There have been reports of increased delays in ambulance handovers in England, with concerns raised about the effect of this on patient health and the ability of ambulances to attend other emergencies. This article provides statistics on ambulance handovers and information on what the government and the NHS are trying to do to alleviate handover delays. It also covers the recent ambulance workers unions’ announcement of possible strike action.
In Focus
This article considers freedom of expression in the UK ahead of the House of Lords debate on the Communications and Digital Committee report ‘Free for all? Freedom of expression in the digital age’ on 27 October 2022. It provides background information on freedom of expression, including restrictions and the online context, and sets out the committee’s recommendations and the government’s policy. It also includes links to commentary on the proposed Online Safety Bill.
In Focus
This article presents statistics and information on violent crime, burglaries and gang activity in England and Wales ahead of a House of Lords debate on 20 October 2022. It also provides details on and reaction to the government’s attempts to address these issues, including its ‘beating crime plan’ and efforts to increase police numbers.
In Focus
This page provides links to useful sources of information on the situation in Ukraine, including government statements, press resources and background briefings.
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