Current Affairs Digest
Current Affairs Digest: Science (June 2020)
Catch up on science articles you may have missed from June 2020. This month we look at the issue of structural racism in healthcare, and the development of nuclear fusion.
-
-
In Focus
Coronavirus and the case for a universal basic income
A universal basic income (or UBI) is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without a means-test or work requirement. This article examines arguments for and against introducing a UBI, particularly in light of the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.
-
In Focus
Erasmus+: UK participation post-Brexit
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme for education, training, youth and sport. This article examines the prospects for the UK’s continued participation in the scheme after the end of the Brexit transition period.
-
In Focus
Home insulation and the net zero target
Insulating homes decreases the amount of fuel needed to heat them, reducing carbon emissions. Increasing the number of insulation measures installed is necessary if the UK is to meet its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This article looks at the link between carbon emissions and insulation, and what the Government is doing to increase insulation levels.
-
In Focus
Nursing students: What is the Government doing to encourage recruitment?
This article provides statistics on applications and enrolments to nursing degrees in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. Nursing enrolments have declined following changes to the bursary scheme for nursing students in 2017. The ability of universities to offer courses in the autumn of 2020 has also been impacted by coronavirus. The article summarises Government policy intended to encourage nursing student recruitment.
-
In Focus
Abortion law in Northern Ireland
The law on abortion in Northern Ireland changed on 22 October 2019 following the enactment of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019. The Act required the UK Government to introduce regulations that would provide lawful access to abortion services and repeal certain offences relating to abortion in Northern Ireland. This article discusses the Government’s statutory instrument that would introduce such regulations.
-
Research Briefing
Covid-19: Face Masks
On 11 May 2020, the Government advised the general public in England to use face coverings in enclosed public spaces where social distancing might not be possible, for example on public transport.
-
In Focus
Coronavirus, guidance for the over-70s and age discrimination
People over the age of 70 have been identified as being at higher risk of serious illness as a result of Covid-19. This article summarises the advice given to the over-70s and the debate over whether government policy has resulted in age discrimination.
-
In Focus
Covid-19 and the educational attainment gap
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government closed schools for the majority of pupils for several months. Concerns have been raised that during this time the educational attainment gap would increase. This article discusses the issue and what the Government has done in response.
-
Research Briefing
Coronavirus and the Economy
Coronavirus (Covid-19) has had major implications for the UK economy. There have been debates about a number of possible changes to economic policy when the UK enters the recovery phase. These include: possible major reforms to fiscal policy; whether the Government should facilitate the reallocation of jobs and capital away from the hardest hit sectors of the economy; what measures could be taken if the virus exacerbates inequalities in the UK; and whether the recovery is an opportunity to bring about fundamental changes in the economy and society.
-
Current Affairs Digest
Current Affairs Digest: Science (May 2020)
Catch up on science articles you may have missed from April and May 2020. Articles this month include a look at the psychology of lockdown, and 200 years of Florence Nightingale.
-
In Focus
Coronavirus: Profiteering during the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen an increase in complaints of price gouging, with some household items being sold at inflated prices. This article summarises the campaign to combat price gouging and the existing powers available to achieve this in consumer law.
-
Research Briefing
Homelessness and Covid-19: Next Steps
The Government has recently announced plans to support rough sleepers during and after the pandemic, including a specialist taskforce. Various charities have also published recommendations for preventing a spike in homelessness once the ‘lockdown’ ends.
-
In Focus
Fiftieth anniversary of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 has its 50th anniversary in May 2020. As a result of the Act, councils were obliged for the first time to provide certain services for disabled people. This article examines the Act and gives an overview of changes in disabled rights since it was passed.
-
Research Briefing
Covid-19: Improving Income Equality and Sustainability
The current health emergency is likely to have a disproportionately negative effect on the economic position of lower-paid people, young people, and women.
Total results (page 30 of 49)