This page lists all of our research across our publication types.
In Focus
In its manifesto ahead of the 2024 general election, the Labour Party stated that if elected it would remove the current exemption from VAT and business rates for independent schools. The impact of this measure has been debated; some estimate a net benefit to the government of £1.3bn to £1.5bn, while others argue it could result in a net cost.
In Focus
Rural areas and communities face a number of challenges compared to urban areas. These include transport difficulties, less choice over services, education and employment, and poor broadband or mobile phone coverage. Some surveys have suggested that many people, particularly younger people, are considering leaving rural communities as a result. This briefing summarises some of these challenges and the government policies seeking to address them.
In Focus
Recent years have seen conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the country continues to face food insecurity. An estimated 16 million people needed food assistance by August 2024. This briefing provides a brief timeline of conflict and food insecurity issues in Ethiopia. It also summarises the current humanitarian situation in the country and UK government policy regarding assistance. The House of Lords is due to debate the subject on 17 October 2024.
In Focus
The United Nations has said that escalating global conflicts and climate-related emergencies have substantially affected progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals. These issues have also reversed progress in tackling extreme poverty around the world. This article looks at these interlinked issues, as well as some of the recommendations by international bodies and UK government policy commitments seeking to address these challenges.
Research Briefing
The Environmental Targets (Public Authorities) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill which would create a new requirement for public bodies specified in the bill to contribute towards meeting environmental targets established under the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Environment Act 2021. This would include requirements to contribute towards the UK’s target to meet net zero greenhouse gas emissions, improve the UK’s biodiversity and reduce pollution and waste.
In Focus
Farmers can help flood prevention. In England, farmers can receive payments for carrying out farming activities that support flood preparedness. The government also provides financial support to farmers impacted by severe flooding. A new Flood Resilience Taskforce has been launched to coordinate flooding preparation, as well as a Rural Flood Resilience Partnership to help farmers and rural communities build resilience to future flooding.
Research Briefing
The Water (Special Measures) Bill [HL] is a government bill that would give regulators new powers to regulate the way private water companies operate in England and Wales. This includes the introduction of new penalties for water companies and the power to block executive bonuses. The bill would also make changes to the special administration regime for water companies to ensure the government and regulators were notified ahead of any winding up petitions.
Research Briefing
Schools are currently required to actively promote British values. These values were taken from the 2011 Prevent strategy. The Education (Values of British Citizenship) Bill [HL] would require any statement relating to British values for education purposes, made by public authorities in England and Wales, to include certain values, some of which are different from those currently set out.
In Focus
The Labour Party’s 2024 general election manifesto said that, if elected, it would conduct a strategic defence review (SDR) in its first year in government. The new Labour government launched a review in July 2024. It is expected to report in the first half of 2025. The House of Lords is scheduled to hold a debate on the SDR on 9 October 2024.
Research Briefing
This private member’s bill would expand the criteria of who qualifies as a family member of a refugee and people granted humanitarian protection. Additionally, it would seek to reintroduce legal aid for such cases.
Research Briefing
This proposed law would introduce a new “think again” procedure in the House of Lords so members could ask the House of Commons to consider their concerns before a draft affirmative statutory instrument is approved.
In Focus
The Labour government has called for an “improved and ambitious relationship” with Europe, including a new UK-EU security pact and stronger bilateral partnerships with partners including France, Germany and Joint Expeditionary Force allies. This briefing outlines some of the actions proposed and undertaken by the UK government to improve ties since the July 2024 general election.
Research Briefing
Bringing passenger railway services into public ownership was a commitment in the Labour Party’s manifesto ahead of the 2024 general election. The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill would implement this policy. It would remove the existing presumption that passenger railway service contracts are awarded to private companies. Instead, it would require the government to award contracts to publicly owned companies when existing ones expire.
In Focus
While handling record demand, the social care sector in England is facing workforce, resource and funding pressures. There are also millions of people providing unpaid care. The new Labour government has announced an intention to create a ‘National Care Service’, and to improve NHS and social care integration as part of a 10-year plan for reform.
Research Briefing
The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill [HL] contains measures seeking to update the UK’s product safety, regulation and metrology framework. The government says the bill aims to ensure the UK is better placed to address modern day safety issues, respond to opportunities that deliver economic growth and to deliver a level playing field for businesses operating online or on the high street.
Total results (page 25 of 185)