The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill is a government bill which is intended to help tackle economic crime, better protect national security and enable Companies House to deliver a better service for UK individuals and businesses.
The OFCOM (Duty regarding Prevention of Serious Self-harm and Suicide) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill that has been introduced in the House of Lords by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (Crossbench). Amongst its provisions, the bill would require Ofcom to establish a unit to advise the government on the extent of content on social media platforms which could be seen to encourage self-harm or suicide.
The national risk register provides an overview of the risks of major emergencies that could impact the UK, looking ahead two years at a time. These risks include natural disasters, terrorism and disease outbreaks. With the last register published in 2020 and, therefore, expected to be refreshed imminently, this article examines whether successive governments have mitigated the risks detailed in the register.
In Focus
Armed conflict affects many aspects of life. As well as the humanitarian toll it takes, conflicts often involve damage to and the destruction of cultural heritage as well as the looting of artefacts. This article looks at how cultural heritage has been deliberately targeted in recent conflicts, considers what international protections exist and discusses if they are fit for purpose.
Research Briefing
The National Security Bill would update the UK’s national security architecture to deal with modern and evolving threats from hostile states, including espionage, sabotage and foreign electoral inference.
In Focus
This article considers freedom of expression in the UK ahead of the House of Lords debate on the Communications and Digital Committee report ‘Free for all? Freedom of expression in the digital age’ on 27 October 2022. It provides background information on freedom of expression, including restrictions and the online context, and sets out the committee’s recommendations and the government’s policy. It also includes links to commentary on the proposed Online Safety Bill.
In Focus
The House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee published a report in 2021 calling for the government to produce a “single, coherent China strategy”. The committee report focused on the UK-China security and trade relationship. It concluded that a clear plan was needed on how to balance the UK’s ambition for increased economic engagement with China and the need to protect the UK’s national security and its values.
In Focus
The regulatory landscape is evolving to try to keep pace with the emergence of new technologies and online activities. The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee advocates the creation of a statutory body to coordinate digital regulation and prevent gaps between the responsibilities of different regulators. The government rejects this suggestion but is legislating to give some existing regulators new duties on digital regulation and cooperation with each other.
In Focus
On 6 July 2022, the British and US intelligence services jointly said China would pose the biggest security threat facing the West over the next decade. Relations between China and the UK have deteriorated in recent years and experts have expressed concern over Chinese ambitions in several areas. This article provides a brief overview of recent UK-China relations and those security threats.
In Focus
Microchips are essential for the manufacture of electronic goods and for providing modern infrastructure. Any interruptions to their supply could threaten national security. This article gives an overview of the microchip industry and summarises current commentary on the related national security concerns.
Research Briefing
The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill is government legislation intended to introduce security requirements for smart devices and to assist the rollout of telecoms infrastructure for emerging technologies, including 5G and gigabit capable internet. This briefing examines the legislation ahead of its consideration in the House of Lords.
In Focus
Since the beginning of the 2022 Russian attack on Ukraine, there have been calls for the government to reconsider the policies outlined in its 2021 integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy. On 9 June 2022, the House of Lords will debate the impact of the conflict in Ukraine, including its effect on the UK’s defence and foreign policy. This briefing looks at what the implications of the conflict might be on the UK’s strategic priorities as set out in the integrated review.
In Focus
The Queen’s Speech is taking place on 10 May 2022. This will set out the Government’s legislative and policy programme for the new parliamentary session. This article provides a summary of legislative and policy proposals for justice, including a draft victims bill and parole system reform.
In Focus
The Queen’s Speech is due to take place on 10 May 2022. The Government will use the speech to outline its plans for the new parliamentary session. This article considers what home affairs related announcements the Government might make, including plans for new legislation relating to counter-state threats and economic crime, and amendments to the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
In Focus
This article considers some of the legislation that may be announced in the Queen’s Speech on 10 May 2022 relating to digital, culture, media and sport. For example, this could include legislative reforms to broadcasting and digital regulation. The article also sets out information on the bills being carried over to the new session.
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