This page lists all of our research across our publication types.
In Focus
For many years companies and individuals have used distributed ledger technology (DLT) to create and trade cryptocurrencies. Now some banks are starting to use DLT to create ‘tokenised deposits’: digital representations of bank deposits that can be sent and received more easily than traditional bank money. This briefing looks into how tokenised deposits are being used and discusses the potential risks and benefits.
In Focus
The Arctic region has become the subject of increased international interest as rising temperatures, shrinking sea ice and expanding maritime access reshape the region’s strategic importance. Its natural resources, emerging shipping routes and its increasing role in military planning have drawn interest from countries including the United States, Russia and China. This briefing outlines views on the current approach of these three countries.
In Focus
Guidance given to members discourages them from reading their speeches. In 1936, the House resolved that the reading of speeches was both ‘alien’ to its customs and ‘injurious’ to debate. This briefing revisits this debate to find arguments both for and against members reading their speeches, discussion about whether it was a recent development and suggestions there were occasions where it was appropriate to do so.
Research Briefing
The government delivered its spring forecast statement on 3 March 2026, accompanied by the latest Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts for the UK economy. Meanwhile, the House of Commons concluded scrutiny of the Finance (No. 2) Bill on 11 March 2026. The bill would implement many of the taxation measures announced in the November 2025 budget. The House of Lords will consider both the statement and bill on 17 March 2026.
In Focus
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026 would expand the UK’s emissions trading scheme to include the domestic maritime sector. The government states this supports its climate change and net zero policies. However, concern has been expressed by some about the potential financial impact on the industry and a possible increased impact on Northern Ireland compared with other areas of Great Britain.
In Focus
The House of Lords International Agreements Committee has published a report on treaty scrutiny in Westminster. The committee described the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010’s framework for treaty scrutiny as a “weak and insufficient mechanism for securing meaningful accountability to Parliament” and called for it to be reformed. The government said it saw some difficulties in the committee’s proposals, but it was also “keen to work with the committee to help to mitigate or resolve, so far as possible, the issues which the committee has raised”.
In Focus
The committee’s report raised concerns about public risk from misinformation, disinformation and online harms. The committee recommended enhancing media literacy, including through national curriculum reforms, an industry levy to fund education, and better coordination of support for adults, especially parents. The government agreed on the importance of media literacy, citing measures under the Online Safety Act 2023, cross-government work, and forthcoming updated media literacy teaching following the curriculum review.
Research Briefing
The bill is a short, technical bill with two substantive clauses. The bill would amend existing legislation to increase the statutory limits on financial assistance the government can provide to support UK industry and exports. It would do this by increasing the funding limit in the Industrial Development Act 1982 to £20bn and in the Export and Investment Guarantees Act 1991 to £160bn.
Research Briefing
The Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill is a government bill that would remove the current two-child limit in universal credit across the UK from 6 April 2026. The government announced its intention to remove the limit at the November 2025 budget. The House of Commons has passed the bill. The House of Lords is scheduled to consider the bill at second reading and all remaining stages on 12 March 2026.
In Focus
The House of Lords will hold a debate marking International Women’s Day on 6 March 2026. This briefing looks at progress internationally towards meeting the UN’s sustainable development goal on gender equality. It also examines the impact on women and girls of reductions in UK and other developed-country international aid.
In Focus
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill would implement Labour’s manifesto commitment to introduce a ‘Hillsborough law’, including placing a new duty of candour and assistance on public authorities and officials at inquiries. Clause 11 would introduce a new offence of misleading the public. The bill’s report stage in the House of Commons has been postponed whilst the government consults families and stakeholders on how certain provisions would apply to intelligence services.
In Focus
The House of Lords European Affairs Committee published a report on the UK-EU reset in November 2025, describing it as “unfinished business”. Ahead of a debate on the committee’s report, this briefing looks at progress on implementing commitments made at the UK-EU summit in May 2025, including negotiations on a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement, emissions trading, participation in the EU electricity market and a youth experience scheme. It also summarises the committee’s findings and the government response.
In Focus
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
The House of Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee held an inquiry into the progress made by financial services regulators in strengthening the international competitiveness of the UK economy. The committee’s report, published in June 2025, highlighted cultural and regulatory barriers undermining this objective. The government and regulators stated that the committee’s recommendations align closely with planned and ongoing reforms. On 11 March 2026 the House of Lords is scheduled to debate the Financial Services Regulation Committee report ‘Growing pains: Clarity and culture change required’, published on 13 June 2025.
In Focus
This briefing provides details on the trade deal signed between the UK and India in July 2025. It includes information on parliamentary scrutiny of the deal, including the report by the House of Lords International Agreements Committee. The government expects the deal to boost UK trade with India and UK GDP. However, concerns have been raised over ongoing negotiations for a ‘double contributions convention’ with India and the potential impact of the deal on certain UK sectors.
Total results (page 7 of 220)