Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill: HL Bill 32 of 2026–27

The Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill is a government bill intended to strengthen the cyber security of organisations in the UK that provide essential services, such as healthcare, drinking water and energy. It would amend the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018 to include additional sectors and update incident reporting duties. It would also confer powers on the secretary of state to amend the legislation and issue directions to organisations when necessary for national security. The bill is scheduled for its second reading in the House of Lords on 14 July 2026.

Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill: HL Bill 32 of 2026–27

Law on the regulation of fertility treatment

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 regulates in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and human embryo research in the UK. Recently, there have been calls for reform to reflect changes in societal attitudes and scientific developments since the act was last updated in 2008. The government has said it is considering recommendations made by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the sector’s independent regulator.

Law on the regulation of fertility treatment

Artificial intelligence: Impact on human relationships and society

Over half of adults and young people in the UK use generative artificial intelligence (AI), which can produce human-like content and dialogue. Uses range from work and study to therapy and companionship. Academics and other commentators have considered whether using AI as a friend could be detrimental to users’ ability and desire to maintain relationships with other humans. This briefing also provides a short overview and suggested further reading on AI’s other impacts on society.

Artificial intelligence: Impact on human relationships and society

  • In Focus

    AI regulation in the UK: Debate on the need for cross-sector legislation

    The UK does not have AI-specific legislation or regulators. The government previously planned to introduce an AI bill to “ensure the safe development and use of AI models” but has since opted for a more targeted approach. Supporters of cross-sector legislation argue it is required to mitigate a broad range of current and future AI risks while critics claim this approach may stifle innovation through excessive regulatory burdens.

  • In Focus

    Draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026: Fatal motion

    The draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 would make changes to three sets of assimilated regulations which concern chemicals in Great Britain. The government has said that the changes would rectify a number of issues that could not be addressed at EU exit. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Northern Ireland, divergence from the EU, efficiency savings and further legislation.

  • In Focus

    Cyber security and the UK government

    Cyber security is becoming an increasingly salient issue as society becomes more dependent on digital services and the capabilities of malicious actors evolve. The government is a significant target for cyber attacks, particularly those aiming to disrupt public services or conduct espionage. This briefing provides an introduction to cyber security and recent plans to strengthen government cyber security.

  • In Focus

    Media literacy: Lords Communications and Digital Committee report

    The committee’s report raised concerns about public risk from misinformation, disinformation and online harms. The committee recommended enhancing media literacy, including through national curriculum reforms, an industry levy to fund education, and better coordination of support for adults, especially parents. The government agreed on the importance of media literacy, citing measures under the Online Safety Act 2023, cross-government work, and forthcoming updated media literacy teaching following the curriculum review.

  • In Focus

    Public Order Act 2023 (Interference with Use or Operation of Key National Infrastructure) Regulations 2025

    New government regulations would designate UK life sciences facilities as key national infrastructure, extending police powers to act against protest activity at such facilities. The government argues the changes are necessary to protect these sites from ongoing disruptive activity, much of which is directed against the use of animals in scientific research. Campaigners have criticised the plans as an infringement on the right to protest and unnecessary legislative overreach.

  • In Focus

    Superintelligent AI: Should its development be stopped?

    Artificial superintelligence (ASI) is a hypothetical future form of AI with cognitive functions and highly developed thinking skills more advanced than any human. While some have claimed it might be possible “in a few thousand days”, others are more sceptical about its development. Concerns have been raised that ASI presents an existential threat to humanity and its creation should be prevented or more strictly regulated.

  • In Focus

    Potential future risks from autonomous AI systems

    Some experts argue that future autonomous AI systems may be able to evade human oversight and control. The likelihood and potential impacts of such “loss of control” incidents are debated as the trajectory of future AI advancement is uncertain. To address this risk, the UK has adopted non-statutory principles to guide responsible development and use but currently lacks AI-specific regulations or legislation.

  • In Focus

    Managing nitrogen use and pollution: Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee report

    The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee has argued that policies governing nitrogen use and pollution in the UK need to be strengthened. It has called for better regulation, a ‘circular approach’ to nitrogen management (based on more efficient use and recycling) and a more coordinated strategy on nitrogen pollution. This briefing highlights some key points from the committee’s report and the government’s response to it.

  • In Focus

    AI in the NHS

    Artificial intelligence (AI) arguably has the potential to deliver considerable cost and time savings in healthcare by automating some administrative and clinical tasks. The government plans to expand the use of AI in the NHS but public sentiment is divided. This briefing explores the main concerns and outlines key questions for regulating this technology.

  • Research Briefing

    Rare Cancers Bill: HL Bill 124 of 2024–26

    The Rare Cancers Bill is intended to incentivise research and investment into rare cancers, which tend to be more difficult to diagnose and treat than common cancers. The bill would require the secretary of state to promote research into rare cancers and to review licencing for medicines which treat rare conditions. It would also create a national speciality lead to promote and advise on research, as well as improved data sharing for contacting potential trial participants.

  • Research Briefing

    Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill: HL Bill 148 of 2024–26

    The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill is intended to align UK law with an international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, the 'high seas'. The bill would enable the UK to enforce compliance for UK craft with internationally agreed protections, such as marine protected areas. It would also set out requirements for UK-based projects collecting genetic resources.

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