• In Focus

    Crime and misconduct within the Metropolitan Police

    In recent years, there has been a series of highly publicised controversies involving officers in the Metropolitan Police Service. Following criticism of her handling of the force, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service Dame Cressida Dick resigned in February 2022. Her successor, Sir Mark Rowley, has vowed to improve recruitment, conduct and discipline in the force. The government and other policing bodies have also committed to making improvements.

  • In Focus

    BBC World Service: Soft power and funding challenges

    The BBC World Service delivers news in over 40 languages through TV, radio and digital services. It has a weekly reach of 365 million people and is principally funded by the BBC licence fee, with some grants from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. In September 2022, the BBC announced plans to “accelerate its digital offering” which, it said, would lead to around 382 job losses and more language services being digital only. It said “tough choices” were necessary to make savings.

  • In Focus

    AI technology and the justice system: Lords committee report

    The House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee has considered the use of artificial intelligence technologies in the criminal justice system. It found benefits to using such technology to help apply the law, but also raised concerns about a potential risk to the public’s fundamental human rights and civil liberties. This article summarises the committee’s findings and recommendations, as well as the government’s response.

  • Research Briefing

    Protection for Whistleblowing Bill [HL]: HL Bill 27 of 2022–23

    The Protection for Whistleblowing Bill [HL] would introduce several protections for whistleblowers, including the establishment of an independent Office of the Whistleblower. The bill would also create offences relating to the treatment of whistleblowers and the handling of whistleblowing cases. It would also repeal the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

  • Current Affairs Digest

    Current Affairs Digest: Legal Affairs (November 2022)

    In September 2022, Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced to an audience of Young Conservatives that she was considering proposals to give anonymity to suspected criminals. Several high profile cases and a recent UK supreme court ruling have led to increased discussions about whether “trial by media” could undermine the criminal justice system. This article examines the reaction to the home secretary’s announcement and the supreme court ruling from legal and media sectors, as well as concerns raised by charities about the impact that suspect anonymity could have on victims of crime.

  • In Focus

    Human rights in India

    International governments and non-governmental organisations have raised concerns about the human rights situation in India. Recent allegations have been disputed by the Indian government, which has reiterated its commitment to human rights. This article focuses on some of the concerns raised, including in relation to Kashmir, and outlines the UK government’s response.

  • In Focus

    Horseracing industry: Support and funding

    The horseracing industry faces several challenges, including falling average attendances and lower prize money levels compared with international competitors. This article briefly outlines these challenges, and discusses the financial support made available to the industry, particularly through the horseracing betting levy.

  • Research Briefing

    Health Promotion Bill [HL]: HL Bill 24 of 2022–23

    The Health Promotion Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat) seeking to amend the name and focus of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. For example, it would require the newly defined office to work collaboratively with other departments on a national plan for sport. This follows recommendations from the National Plan for Sport and Recreation Committee intended to improve levels of physical activity in the country.

  • In Focus

    Celebrating national women’s sport teams’ achievements

    National women’s sport teams have seen multiple successes in recent years. England’s victory at the UEFA Women’s Championship 2022 shone the spotlight on how these successes should be honoured and legacies built upon. Recent data has shown that women’s sport audiences have increased since the women’s European championship, and the government has made several commitments to build upon this momentum.

  • In Focus

    Meeting housing demand: Built Environment Committee report

    In January 2022, the House of Lords Built Environment Committee published the report ‘Meeting housing demand’, which argued that the government should remove the “administrative and other blockers” that prevent increased housing supply. Ahead of a House of Lords debate on the report on 8 November 2022, this article summarises the report, the government’s response and recent developments in housing and planning reform policy.

  • In Focus

    Future of public service broadcasting

    The future of public service broadcasting has risen up the political agenda in recent years with debates about how the BBC should be funded and how broadcasters can compete in a competitive online media environment. Recent parliamentary committee inquiries in both the Lords and the Commons have looked at this issue. In April 2022 the government published a white paper on broadcasting and in the 2022 Queen’s Speech said it would introduce media legislation. The House of Lords is due to debate the future of public service broadcasting on 3 November 2022.

  • Research Briefing

    Public Order Bill: HL Bill 61 of 2022–23

    This government bill would introduce powers to address protestors that cause serious disruption. This includes new criminal offences such as those relating to: locking on; tunnelling; obstructing major transport works; interfering with key national infrastructure; and interfering with the access to, or provision of, abortion services. The bill would also introduce serious disruption prevention orders, as well as give the secretary of state the power to bring civil proceedings against those causing serious disruption as a result of protest-related activities. The bill has proven controversial, with some arguing that it could threaten the right to protest. The government states that the bill would plug what it argues are gaps in existing legislation to better protect the public from serious disruption caused by protestors.

  • In Focus

    Police and crime commissioners: Powers and functions

    Since 2012, directly elected politicians called police and crime commissioners (PCCs) have been responsible for the non-operational aspects of policing in most forces in England and Wales. In July 2020, the government announced a two-part review of the PCC model. This article provides background information on the responsibilities held by PCCs and summarises the findings of the government’s review.

  • In Focus

    Protests in Iran: Death of Mahsa Amini

    In recent weeks, Iran has seen widespread protests following allegations that the country’s morality police caused the death of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini. This briefing looks at how the protests have developed and the reaction of the Iranian authorities. It also considers how the international community, including the UK, has responded.

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