Better relations between men and women: the role of sex and relationships education in schools
This article looks at recent evidence of sexual harassment and abuse amongst young people and how sex and relationships education can improve behaviour.
Nuclear power in the UK
The House of Lords is due to debate a motion moved by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) that “this House takes note of the role of civil nuclear power in meeting the United Kingdom’s (1) electricity needs, and (2) energy security”. This article gives an overview of nuclear power in the UK. It looks at issues such as its role in meeting carbon reduction targets, safety and the disposal of radioactive waste.
Detention of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been detained in Iran since 2016. The UK Government has called her detention arbitrary and has lobbied the Iranian Government for her release. Her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, and her MP, Tulip Siddiq, have called on the Government to do more to secure her freedom.
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In Focus
Urban water and sanitation in developing countries: impact of climate change
Many people around the world do not have access to safe and adequate drinking water and sanitation facilities. Increasingly extreme weather patterns, resulting in both more droughts and more floods, are predicted to place more stress on water and sanitation services. This article looks at access to water and sanitation in developing countries, why it matters and what the UK Government is doing in this area.
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In Focus
Community care for people with learning disabilities and/or autism
Since 2012, successive governments have set targets to reduce the number of people with learning disabilities and/or autism in inpatient settings, in favour of being cared for in the community. However, though progress has been made, to date these targets have not been achieved. Leading in turn to calls for further action and investment, and for funding incentives to ensure those with learning disabilities and/or autism are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
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In Focus
Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe
On 28 October 2021, Lord Bowness (non-affiliated) is due to ask the Government “what assessment they have made of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe; and whether they have any proposals to improve that organisation”.
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In Focus
Solent ferry services: regret motion
Successive MPs for the Isle of Wight have argued that ferry services between the island and the mainland are not competitive enough. A statutory instrument introduced in response to Covid-19 suspended some elements of competition law in relation to ferry services across the Solent. A motion due to be moved in the House of Lords expresses regret that the order revoking this suspension does not address competition issues.
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In Focus
Meeting the demand for nurses: looking abroad?
The UK has significant unmet demand for nurses. This country has a history of recruiting nurses from overseas, and the Government aims to encourage more nurses trained abroad to come to work in the UK. However, the Government also takes into account ethical considerations relating to the recruitment of nurses from countries which themselves have a shortage of healthcare staff.
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In Focus
Queen’s Speech 2021: constitution
The Government has stated its intention to introduce several measures relating to the constitution. These include a review of the constitution, repeal of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 and legislation to improve the integrity of elections.
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In Focus
Regret motion: pharmaceutical services
On 26 April 2021, the House of Lords is due to debate a regret motion by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on the National Health Service (Charges and Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. The purpose of the regulations is to make it easier for pharmacies to distribute specific medicines during a pandemic. However, there are concerns about the financial pressures on pharmacies in England.
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In Focus
Lord speaker election: April 2021
The lord speaker, along with their deputies, chairs the business of the House of Lords and has certain other procedural, ceremonial and ambassadorial functions. As a result of the resignation of the current Lord Speaker, Lord Fowler, an election for a new lord speaker will be held in April 2021.
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In Focus
Challenging for equality in Parliament: How women won their place in the House of Lords
To mark International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we take a look at how women fought for and won their right to sit in the House of Lords.
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In Focus
International haulage: Government support
The UK’s new trading relationship with the European Union and the coronavirus pandemic have affected international haulage. On 4 March 2021, Lord Taylor of Holbeach is due to ask the Government what steps they are taking to support hauliers transporting goods internationally.
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In Focus
NHS staffing after Covid-19
The coronavirus pandemic has led to an increased focus on the NHS and whether it has enough staff to meet the country’s healthcare needs. NHS staffing after the pandemic is the subject of a question for short debate to be asked in grand committee in the House of Lords on 4 March 2021.
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In Focus
Representation of women in the House of Lords
It has been over 60 years since women gained the right to join the House of Lords. Today, just under a third of members are women. Why is the number of women not equal to that of men?
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