• Research Briefing

    English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill: HL Bill 150 of 2024–26

    The government states the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is a “landmark” piece of legislation. Arguing that England is one of the most centralised developed countries, it says the bill would transfer power to England’s regions, “fix the foundations” of local government, empower communities and “drive growth”. However, some opposition members argue the measures would instead centralise decision making and have criticised the lack of accountability measures for mayors.

  • In Focus

    Budget 2025: Summary of key announcements and economic and fiscal forecasts

    The chancellor delivered the government’s second budget on 26 November 2025. Overall, tax policy decisions were forecast to raise £26.6bn by 2030/31, increasing the tax take to 38% of GDP in the same year. The chancellor used this additional revenue to increase fiscal headroom to £21.7bn in 2029/30, up from £9.9bn forecast at the spring statement in March 2025. Spending decisions included removing the two-child limit in universal credit.

  • In Focus

    Election of a new lord speaker: 2026

    The lord speaker chairs the business of the House of Lords, along with deputies, and has other procedural, ceremonial and ambassadorial roles. As a result of the resignation of the current lord speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, an election for a new lord speaker will be held in January 2026.

  • In Focus

    Humanitarian situation in Sudan: November 2025

    Sudan’s current civil war continues to have a devastating impact on civilians, with UN agencies describing the conflict as both the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and the world’s largest displacement crisis. Amid reports of ongoing atrocities in and around El Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region and continuing hostilities elsewhere, the UK has been involved in diplomatic efforts calling for an end to the conflict and has increased funding for emergency humanitarian assistance.

  • Research Briefing

    Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill: HL Bill 148 of 2024–26

    The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill is intended to align UK law with an international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, the 'high seas'. The bill would enable the UK to enforce compliance for UK craft with internationally agreed protections, such as marine protected areas. It would also set out requirements for UK-based projects collecting genetic resources.

  • In Focus

    Ministers in the House of Lords: Role and accountability to Parliament

    Ministers are needed in the House of Lords to take legislation through the House and answer for the government during questions and debates. Some cabinet ministers are appointed from the Lords. For example, the leader of the House of Lords is always a member of the Lords. This briefing looks at the role of ministers in the House of Lords and how they are scrutinised.

  • In Focus

    Impact of litter on canal towpaths

    The Canal and River Trust manages most canal towpaths in England and Wales. Its responsibilities include maintaining canal infrastructure and managing litter. However, due to high waste-management costs and concerns over government funding from 2027, the trust has removed bins at several of its canal towpath locations. This has prompted local concerns about increased fly-tipping, increased litter and pollution.

  • Research Briefing

    Victims and Courts Bill: HL Bill 141 of 2024-26

    The Victims and Courts Bill would introduce various justice reforms, including: compelling offenders to attend their sentencing hearings, restricting parental responsibility for certain sex offenders and clarifying victims’ rights for making disclosures relating to criminal conduct. The bill would also introduce measures to extend the powers of the victims’ commissioner, expand the eligibility for appointing crown prosecutors and increase sentencing review time limits for law officers under the unduly lenient sentences scheme.

  • In Focus

    Peerages: Can they be removed?

    On 30 October 2025, King Charles III signed a royal warrant directing the Duke of York to be removed from the roll of the peerage with immediate effect. As a result, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is no longer legally recognised as a peer in official documents. This briefing looks at what peerages are, and how they can be removed.

  • In Focus

    Plastic recycling targets

    This briefing examines existing plastic recycling waste targets and discusses whether those targets are being met. It also details successive governments’ policies on plastic recycling. It has been prepared ahead of Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville’s (Liberal Democrat) question for short debate on 20 November 2025 on the progress the government has made in achieving plastic recycling targets.

  • In Focus

    Private equity: Role in the UK economy

    The role of private equity in the UK economy has grown significantly in recent years. Observers debate whether this has been a positive development or has had a negative impact on businesses and key sectors of the economy. This article provides an overview of private equity and its role in the UK economy.

  • In Focus

    Domestic manufacture of medical nuclear radioisotopes

    Medical nuclear radioisotopes are used in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of health conditions. The UK has no domestic supply of the majority of radioisotopes needed by the health service, and many of the facilities responsible for global supply are several decades old. The UK government has said it is in regular contact with stakeholders and working to better understand the shape of future supply.

  • In Focus

    Economic and taxation policy: Impact on growth, jobs and prosperity

    Ahead of the 26 November 2025 autumn budget, there is growing speculation about potential tax increases. This briefing considers the Labour government’s approach to taxation and the economy so far, including its manifesto commitments and tax decisions set out in the 2024 budget. The briefing also includes statistics and commentary relating to UK jobs, growth and prosperity figures. It has been prepared for a House of Lords debate on 13 November 2025.

  • In Focus

    Impact of government policies on biodiversity and the countryside

    The UK has been described as “one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth”. Legally binding biodiversity targets apply under the Environment Act 2021. Work is underway to gather data to measure progress towards them. Government policies to improve biodiversity include local nature recovery strategies, environmental land management schemes, biodiversity net gain and introducing a nature restoration levy through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. However, nature groups have argued the levy may work to reduce environmental protection.

  • Research Briefing

    Sentencing Bill: HL Bill 142 of 2024–26

    The Sentencing Bill is a government bill that started in the House of Commons. It received its first reading in the House of Lords on 30 October 2025 and is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 12 November 2025.

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