QSD on Tackling the Rise in Religiously-Identified Conflicts and Violence, in the Light of the Recent Visit by Pope Francis to the Central African Republic

Documents to download

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.
Genocide Determination Bill [HL]: HL Bill 13 of 2026–27

The bill would enable the High Court in England and Wales, the Court of Session in Scotland and the High Court in Northern Ireland, to make preliminary determinations on whether a genocide is occurring overseas, or if there is deemed to be a serious risk of one occurring. The bill would require the government to refer the preliminary determination to international bodies such as the International Court of Justice.
Cohabitation Rights Bill [HL]: HL Bill 14 of 2026–27

The Cohabitation Rights Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames (Liberal Democrat). The bill would provide certain protections for cohabiting couples, for example in the event one of them dies. Its second reading is scheduled for 17 July 2026.
- Family & Civil Law