In Focus
The hospice sector has reported it is under financial pressure, with an estimated shortfall of £60mn in the current financial year. Hospices in the UK receive around a third of their funding from government, with the rest (over £1bn a year) raised by hospices themselves. There have been calls for this funding model to be reviewed.
In Focus
In July 2024, the government published amendments to its longstanding agreement with the US on the sharing of nuclear materials, technology, and information. The government has also reached a new agreement with the US and Australia to support the development of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet. The House of Lords is due to debate two reports by the House of Lords International Agreements Committee on these two agreements.
In Focus
The government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050. This 2050 target was introduced by the Conservative government. The current government has announced several policies, including measures intended to increase UK renewable energy production. On 24 October 2024, the House of Lords is scheduled to debate the economic impact of these policies, including their impact on jobs and growth.
In Focus
The summer of 2024 has seen heavy fighting across the front lines in Ukraine. Russian forces continue to press in the east of the country whilst a Ukrainian offensive penetrated across the border into Russia. The new Labour government has pledged to be steadfast in the UK's support for Ukraine and has announced further measures designed to aid Ukraine’s military effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian administration has reportedly developed a set of proposals for how they believe Russia can be forced to accept terms to end the conflict.
In Focus
Over 150,000 young people attend special educational needs schools or colleges in England. The special education sector is facing capacity and funding challenges, while demand for support increases. The Labour government has said it will improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, with specialist schools supporting pupils with the most complex needs. The government has added that it intends to take a considered approach, but the sector is calling for urgent action.
In Focus
Following government proposals to remove excepted hereditary peers from the House of Lords, this briefing presents statistics about the remaining hereditary peers and compares their attendance, votes and spoken contributions with the parliamentary activity of other members.
In Focus
The government has recently changed the entry requirements for certain non-EU goods being imported into Great Britain to enable them to move onwards under the Northern Ireland retail movement scheme. The House of Lords is due to consider a motion to annul the regulations that made these changes. This comes in the context of wider debates about the impact of the Windsor Framework on Northern Ireland.
In Focus
In its manifesto ahead of the 2024 general election, the Labour Party stated that if elected it would remove the current exemption from VAT and business rates for independent schools. The impact of this measure has been debated; some estimate a net benefit to the government of £1.3bn to £1.5bn, while others argue it could result in a net cost.
In Focus
Rural areas and communities face a number of challenges compared to urban areas. These include transport difficulties, less choice over services, education and employment, and poor broadband or mobile phone coverage. Some surveys have suggested that many people, particularly younger people, are considering leaving rural communities as a result. This briefing summarises some of these challenges and the government policies seeking to address them.
In Focus
Recent years have seen conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the country continues to face food insecurity. An estimated 16 million people needed food assistance by August 2024. This briefing provides a brief timeline of conflict and food insecurity issues in Ethiopia. It also summarises the current humanitarian situation in the country and UK government policy regarding assistance. The House of Lords is due to debate the subject on 17 October 2024.
In Focus
The United Nations has said that escalating global conflicts and climate-related emergencies have substantially affected progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals. These issues have also reversed progress in tackling extreme poverty around the world. This article looks at these interlinked issues, as well as some of the recommendations by international bodies and UK government policy commitments seeking to address these challenges.
In Focus
Farmers can help flood prevention. In England, farmers can receive payments for carrying out farming activities that support flood preparedness. The government also provides financial support to farmers impacted by severe flooding. A new Flood Resilience Taskforce has been launched to coordinate flooding preparation, as well as a Rural Flood Resilience Partnership to help farmers and rural communities build resilience to future flooding.
In Focus
The Labour Party’s 2024 general election manifesto said that, if elected, it would conduct a strategic defence review (SDR) in its first year in government. The new Labour government launched a review in July 2024. It is expected to report in the first half of 2025. The House of Lords is scheduled to hold a debate on the SDR on 9 October 2024.
In Focus
The Labour government has called for an “improved and ambitious relationship” with Europe, including a new UK-EU security pact and stronger bilateral partnerships with partners including France, Germany and Joint Expeditionary Force allies. This briefing outlines some of the actions proposed and undertaken by the UK government to improve ties since the July 2024 general election.
In Focus
While handling record demand, the social care sector in England is facing workforce, resource and funding pressures. There are also millions of people providing unpaid care. The new Labour government has announced an intention to create a ‘National Care Service’, and to improve NHS and social care integration as part of a 10-year plan for reform.
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