• Research Briefing

    Pedicabs (London) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 2 of 2023–24

    The Pedicabs (London) Bill is a government bill which would provide Transport for London with powers to regulate pedicabs, also known as cycle rickshaws, for example by introducing a licensing regime and standards for operators, drivers and their vehicles. The bill would extend to England and Wales, but only apply in England to pedicabs operated within Greater London. The bill was promised in the 2023 King’s Speech and was introduced into the House of Lords on 8 November 2023. It is due to receive its second reading on 22 November 2023.

  • In Focus

    King’s Speech 2023: Culture, media and sport

    This briefing provides details on government proposals for media legislation and regulation of football and the gambling sector. The government has published consultations and papers on these subjects and therefore they may come up in the 2023 King’s Speech. The briefing also links to further reading and briefly summarises other subjects that may be touched upon involving the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

  • In Focus

    King’s Speech 2023: Home affairs

    This briefing explores what home affairs related announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 7 November 2023. It includes information on potential new offences, new powers for the dismissal of police officers and possible changes to community safety partnerships. It also looks at potential legislation relating to modern slavery and a Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Draft Bill.

  • In Focus

    King’s Speech 2023: Crime and justice

    The King’s Speech is scheduled to be delivered on 7 November 2023. The speech will set out the government’s legislative and policy programme for the new parliamentary session. This briefing provides a summary of legislative announcements and policy proposals on crime and justice that may become the subject of legislation during the 2023–24 session. This includes information on the Victims and Prisoners Bill and policy announcements on criminal justice sentencing.

  • In Focus

    Forced to face justice: Will ordering attendance at sentencing hearings work?

    In response to several high-profile offenders refusing to attend their sentencing hearings, the government has announced new powers for judges and prison officers to enable some offenders to be forced to do so. While this announcement has been widely welcomed, concerns have also been raised about the practicalities of the policy. This briefing explores the background to the decision as well as some of the responses it has received.

  • In Focus

    Access to music education in schools

    Music forms part of the national curriculum up to key stage three. However, evidence suggests there is significant variability between schools in the provision of music teaching. The government has committed to improving and expanding music teaching in schools through measures in the ‘National plan for music education’, published in June 2022.

  • In Focus

    Current state of the Organization for Security and Co-operation

    The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is a multilateral institution, which deals with a wide range of security-related issues including conflict prevention, human rights and economic and environmental activities. It is described as a forum for political dialogue and joint action. Its decisions are not legally binding and are taken by consensus on a political basis. However, the war in Ukraine has raised questions over its future role.

  • In Focus

    Family migration: Justice and Home Affairs Committee report

    This briefing summarises the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee report on family migration, and the government’s response to the report. Stressing the importance of family life, the committee made a number of recommendations to make family migration pathways simpler and more flexible. However, the government defended how family migration was managed, saying that it balanced the need to protect public finances whilst providing pathways to many that need them.

  • Current Affairs Digest

    Current Affairs Digest: Home Affairs (September 2023)

    Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) experienced two data breaches in July and August 2023. In the first breach, a laptop and documents were stolen from a private vehicle, exposing the names of over 200 officers and staff. In the second breach, the police service accidentally published the personal details of 10,000 officers and staff online. This article examines the ramifications of the data breaches and discusses the political reaction to them.

  • In Focus

    The future UK-EU relationship: Report by the House of Lords European Affairs Committee

    Since the Windsor Framework was agreed in February 2023, the UK and the EU agree their relationship has been on a positive trajectory. In light of this, a recent House of Lords committee report made recommendations about further opportunities for UK-EU cooperation on foreign policy, defence and security, energy security, climate change and mobility of people.

  • In Focus

    Climate change-induced migration: UK collaboration with international partners

    Climate change is likely to increase migration flows over the coming decades. Increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events are expected to increase “forcible displacements”, and the “slow-onset” impacts of climate change are expected to make the hardest hit regions uninhabitable. The UK is involved with several international forums which aim to discuss and cooperate on these issues.

  • In Focus

    Horseracing industry: Government support and recent developments

    Horseracing is the second largest sport in the UK in terms of attendance and revenues generated. However, the horseracing industry faces several challenges, including declining attendances and lower prize money levels compared with international competitors. This article summarises the government support provided to the racing industry, the proposed reforms in the government’s gambling white paper of April 2023, and the reaction to protests at racecourses over the summer of 2023.

  • In Focus

    Citizens’ rights after Brexit: Report and follow-up work of the House of Lords European Affairs Committee

    In July 2021 the House of Lords European Affairs Committee published a report examining citizens’ rights in the UK and EU after Brexit. The committee raised concerns about the European Union settlement scheme for EU citizens wishing to continue to reside in the UK, among other things. The committee wrote to the home secretary in 2023 asking further questions. This briefing looks at some of the issues raised in the report, the committee’s follow-up work and the government’s responses.

  • In Focus

    Housing in rural and coastal communities

    Issues such as the growth in short-term lettings and second homes disproportionately impact housing issues in rural and coastal areas. This exacerbates an already complex housing situation nationally. Charities and campaign groups have called for government intervention, arguing that the negative impacts, such as a shortage of affordable housing, are hollowing out rural and coastal areas.

Total results (page 13 of 68)