• In Focus

    US tariffs: Background, perspectives and impact on the UK

    The US has announced significant increases in tariffs on imports, although has delayed full implementation. Many economists view tariffs unfavourably, arguing that they raise prices, reduce competition and risk retaliation. But others suggest that tariffs may benefit the country that applies them. UK exports to the US face an additional 10% tariff. This could be negative for UK exports and the economy. But there could be some upsides for the UK if the US goes ahead with higher “reciprocal” tariffs on many of the UK’s competitors.

  • Research Briefing

    Tobacco and Vapes Bill: HL Bill 89 of 2024–25

    The bill aims to create a 'smoke-free generation' by banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, alongside other measures to tackle smoking and tobacco harms. It would also further regulate vaping, curbing its appeal to children, while enabling adult smokers to use vapes as a quitting tool. The bill is similar to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which fell at dissolution 2024.

  • In Focus

    ‘National debt: It’s time for tough decisions’: House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee report

    In 2024 the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee conducted an inquiry into the sustainability of the UK’s national debt, following a sharp rise in public sector indebtedness in recent years. This briefing provides a summary of the committee’s findings and the government’s response, ahead of a debate in the House of Lords on 25 April 2025.

  • In Focus

    Costs of net zero by 2050

    The UK’s target of achieving net zero by 2050 was set under then prime minister Theresa May in 2019. To date, there has been political consensus on the target between Conservative and Labour governments. In March 2025, the Leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch announced that her party no longer supported the target, in part because she did not believe it was affordable. This briefing examines the costs associated with achieving net zero by 2050 and how progress to the target has been legislated for under the Climate Change Act 2008.

  • In Focus

    Modern Slavery Act 2015: Lords committee post-legislative scrutiny

    In October 2024, a House of Lords committee published a post-legislative review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The committee argued that the legislation was no longer world-leading. It suggested developments worldwide had led to the UK falling behind internationally and that recent immigration legislation had limited the act’s support infrastructure for victims. It called on government policy to recognise the difference between migrants coming to the UK willingly and victims of trafficking.

  • In Focus

    ‘A plan to fix our broken food system’: House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee report

    In October 2024, a report from the House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee concluded that poor-quality diets were contributing to an obesity crisis in England. It said that successive governments had failed to tackle the issue, and more regulation was now needed. This briefing summarises the committee’s recommendations, the government’s response in January 2025, and reaction to both reports.

  • Research Briefing

    Finance Bill: Bill 77 of 2024-25

    The government introduced the Finance Bill in the House of Lords on 4 March 2025. The House is scheduled to debate the bill at second reading and all remaining stages on 19 March 2025.

  • In Focus

    Human body parts for sale, on display and in collections: Law, policy and campaigns for repatriation

    In the UK, human body parts can legally be held in museums and private collections, as well as offered for sale. Many items were collected in colonial contexts, without the consent of communities. Indigenous groups are campaigning for the return of their ancestors’ remains. This briefing sets out the relevant background and law on this issue in the UK.

  • In Focus

    Open access operators and government plans for rail reform

    Open access operators are independent train operators that run passenger rail services on the national network, often in competition with services provided by franchised operators. The government is currently reforming the railway, bringing train operations into public ownership and planning to establish a single body, Great British Railways, to manage the network and deliver passenger services. Concerns have been raised about what this might mean for open access operators.

  • In Focus

    Free trade agreements with India and Southeast Asian nations

    In February 2025, the UK government announced that it was resuming negotiations with India with the aim of agreeing a free trade deal. This followed work by the previous Conservative government which initially opened trade talks in 2021. An overview of these talks is provided in this briefing alongside information about the UK’s relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Relevant trade statistics are also included.

  • In Focus

    International Women’s Day 2025: Women in science and technology

    On 6 March 2025, the House of Lords is scheduled to hold a debate marking International Women’s Day focused on the steps being taken to promote women’s participation and leadership in science and technology. The motion for the debate is sponsored by Baroness Gustafsson, the government minister for investment. This briefing provides an overview of data and research in this area, as well as information on government policy.

  • In Focus

    Post Office Horizon IT scandal: Progress of compensation

    The Post Office introduced the Horizon computer system into branches from 1999. The system, used for accounting and stock-taking, inaccurately recorded losses and money missing in branches. The Post Office has identified 700 convictions in cases it prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 in which Horizon evidence may have featured. Compensation schemes have been established by the Post Office and the Department for Business and Trade. However, progress in making payments has been criticised for being too slow.

  • In Focus

    Closure of bank branches: Impact on rural communities

    Over the last three decades, the number of bank branches in the UK has declined due to advances in technology and changing customer habits. Stakeholders have argued that these closures have negatively affected rural communities. In recent years, successive governments and the Financial Conduct Authority have taken action aimed at ensuring sufficient access to banking services, including for rural communities. This briefing provides an overview of these measures, as well as information on the number of bank closures and their impact on rural communities.

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