Prison and probation services in England and Wales

Prison and probation services in England and Wales are facing significant pressures, including limited prison capacity and increasing demands on probation. Parliamentary committees have examined prison conditions, rehabilitation and probation performance, raising concerns about the resilience and effectiveness of both services. The government has responded with reforms including sentencing changes, prison expansion, enhanced offender supervision and additional victim support. However, stakeholders have argued that more must be done.

Prison and probation services in England and Wales

Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (Restoration of Powers and Responsibilities) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 20 of 2026–27

The bill would make the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) primarily responsible for certain youth justice functions, provide a formal role for the Welsh government in some youth justice decisions, and restrict the UK government’s ability to alter the YJB’s functions through secondary legislation.

Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (Restoration of Powers and Responsibilities) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 20 of 2026–27

Jury trials: International models and reform proposals

Whilst layperson jury trials have been a longstanding feature of the England and Wales criminal justice system, some countries have taken a different approach. If enacted, the Courts and Tribunals Bill would remove jury trials for some criminal cases in England and Wales. This briefing identifies some different approaches taken in other countries in light of the recent proposals for court reform in England and Wales.

Jury trials: International models and reform proposals

  • Research Briefing

    Genocide Determination Bill [HL]: HL Bill 13 of 2026–27

    The bill would enable the High Court in England and Wales, the Court of Session in Scotland and the High Court in Northern Ireland, to make preliminary determinations on whether a genocide is occurring overseas, or if there is deemed to be a serious risk of one occurring. The bill would require the government to refer the preliminary determination to international bodies such as the International Court of Justice.

  • In Focus

    Rule of law: Lords Constitution Committee report

    The House of Lords Constitution Committee published its report on the rule of law in November 2025. This followed concerns of a reported decline in adherence to the rule of law globally and domestically. The committee examined different understandings of the rule of law in the UK and its operation within government, Parliament and the judiciary. The committee made several recommendations, which the government responded to in February 2026.

  • In Focus

    Bosnia and Herzegovina: Political and security situation

    Recent tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina have raised concerns about stability and security in the country, particularly due to reports of external influence and recent secessionist rhetoric in Republika Srpska. This briefing outlines recent developments, international responses and the UK government’s position on Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of a House of Lords debate on the subject.

  • In Focus

    Protecting populations from atrocity crimes

    The UK is required to contribute towards the prevention of atrocity crimes globally. Successive UK governments have used various mechanisms aimed at preventing mass atrocities. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised in recent years regarding the continued occurrence of large-scale violence worldwide. This has prompted some parliamentarians and external stakeholders to call on the government to do more to prevent such atrocities.

  • In Focus

    Clean power 2030 action plan: Impact on rural communities

    The government’s ‘Clean power 2030 action plan’ (December 2024) set out a transition towards clean, low carbon electricity in Great Britain. This included plans to expand energy infrastructure and transmission networks. However, some MPs and campaign organisations have raised concerns about the impact of expanded network infrastructure on rural communities. To support local areas, the government is considering a proposal to introduce community benefits for low carbon energy infrastructure.

  • In Focus

    Cancer outcomes and plans to improve them

    Cancer diagnoses in England have increased over time. Evidence also shows the UK has lagged behind comparable countries on cancer mortality rates (deaths per 100,000 people). Researchers have identified a link between consistent cancer policy and improved cancer outcomes. Various policies to improve England’s cancer outcomes have been announced in recent years, the most recent being the government’s ‘National cancer plan for England’ published in February 2026.

  • In Focus

    Preventing mass atrocities

    The UK has a duty to punish and help prevent atrocity crimes like genocide from occurring globally. Successive UK governments have used various mechanisms to help prevent mass atrocities. However, concerns have been raised in recent years about the prevalence of incidents of large-scale violence continuing to occur around the world. This has led some parliamentarians and external stakeholders to call on the government to do more to prevent atrocities.

  • In Focus

    Wheelchair and community equipment services in England

    Local authorities and the NHS in England can provide equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility aids to people assessed as requiring support. However, several reports have highlighted problems with wheelchair and community equipment provision. Some stakeholders and parliamentarians have called on the government to do more to improve services. The government has said responsibility for commissioning and managing services lies with integrated care system bodies and local authorities.

  • Research Briefing

    Victims and Courts Bill: HL Bill 141 of 2024-26

    The Victims and Courts Bill would introduce various justice reforms, including: compelling offenders to attend their sentencing hearings, restricting parental responsibility for certain sex offenders and clarifying victims’ rights for making disclosures relating to criminal conduct. The bill would also introduce measures to extend the powers of the victims’ commissioner, expand the eligibility for appointing crown prosecutors and increase sentencing review time limits for law officers under the unduly lenient sentences scheme.

  • In Focus

    Peerages: Can they be removed?

    On 30 October 2025, King Charles III signed a royal warrant directing the Duke of York to be removed from the roll of the peerage with immediate effect. As a result, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is no longer legally recognised as a peer in official documents. This briefing looks at what peerages are, and how they can be removed.

Total results (page 1 of 10)