The UK is one of the few democratic countries that does not have a codified constitution. Instead, the UK has a set of constitutional arrangements contained in various statutes, judicial decisions, conventions and precedents. The prime minister, Andy Burnham, has said his devolution agenda strengthens the case for a written constitution. This briefing summarises some of the arguments that have been made for and against a written constitution.
The UK produces most of its food but is dependent on imports for produce such as fruit and vegetables. Various government and independent reports have identified issues such as climate change and trade disruptions as potential food security threats. The Starmer government published a ‘Land use framework’ and a ‘Farming roadmap 2050’ that set out actions for the food and farming sectors to adapt to some of these challenges.
In 2024/25, around 1,000 prisoners a month were released from prison homeless and went on to rough sleep in England and Wales. This briefing summarises the statistics on homelessness among those released from prison, the early prison release schemes, and the statutory duties on prisons to refer those at risk of homelessness to local authority housing services.
Research Briefing
The Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill is a money bill that would implement three tax measures as part of the government’s package of support to tackle increased energy prices. The bill would increase the electricity generator levy, increase the rate of tax-free mileage allowance for employees, and provide a 12-month vehicle excise duty exemption for HGVs.
In Focus
The UK is a signatory to the convention establishing an international claims commission for Ukraine. The commission would assess claims for compensation for damage and losses caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The House of Lords International Agreements Committee has broadly welcomed the convention, but also raised concerns about the scope and efficacy of the commission.
Research Briefing
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about economics, business and trade. It also summarises the current economic situation.
Research Briefing
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about welfare and pensions.
Research Briefing
The bill is a short, technical bill with two substantive clauses. The bill would amend existing legislation to increase the statutory limits on financial assistance the government can provide to support UK industry and exports. It would do this by increasing the funding limit in the Industrial Development Act 1982 to £20bn and in the Export and Investment Guarantees Act 1991 to £160bn.
Research Briefing
The National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill would give effect to the government’s policy, announced at the November 2025 budget, to abolish national insurance contributions (NICs) tax relief on employer salary sacrifice pensions contributions above £2,000 per year per employee. The bill would provide for future regulations to apply employee and employer NICs to salary sacrifice pensions contributions above this new threshold. The change would take effect from April 2029.
Research Briefing
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill is a government bill. It was introduced in the House of Lords on 20 October 2025 and is due to receive its second reading on 20 November 2025. The bill would introduce a revenue certainty mechanism to support the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the UK. It would do this by designating a counterparty (a company wholly owned by the government) to engage in contracts with SAF producers to guarantee the price of the sale of eligible SAF. The government has said that SAF is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, as SAF is a ‘drop-in fuel’ that does not require modifications to existing aircraft. Current supply of SAF is limited. The government has claimed the bill would support SAF production in the UK by providing revenue certainty and thereby reducing risk to investors in SAF production facilities. There was broad cross-party support for the bill during its House of Commons stages.
In Focus
On 12 April 2025, Parliament was recalled to fast-track the passage of the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025. The government has used the act to direct the operations of British Steel Ltd, which was in danger of collapse. British Steel operates the UK’s remaining blast furnaces at its site in Scunthorpe. This briefing summarises the challenges the UK steel industry has faced in recent years, how the act’s powers have been used in the case of British Steel, and wider government policy on steel.
Research Briefing
The Universal Credit Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 10 July 2025. It is due to receive its second reading and remaining stages on 22 July 2025. It is a government bill that was originally introduced in the House of Commons with the title Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. The speaker of the House of Commons has designated the bill as a money bill. Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) has tabled a non-fatal amendment to regret the motion to give the bill a second reading in the House of Lords.
In Focus
In January 2025 the House of Lords Constitution Committee published a report on the responsibility of the government (the executive) to oversee the constitution. It concluded that the UK’s constitutional arrangements would benefit from several improved safeguards, such as the appointment of a senior minister to advise on constitutional matters and for advisory bodies to be put on a statutory footing.
In Focus
In September 2024 the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee launched an inquiry into the scaleup challenges facing startup enterprises working with artificial intelligence (AI) and creative technology. In a report published in February 2025, the committee warned the UK risked becoming an incubator economy where UK startups developed innovative products and services before selling out or moving abroad. This briefing summarises the report’s recommendations and the government’s response.
In Focus
Small businesses are a major contributor to UK employment and private sector turnover. However, concerns have been raised about their ability to obtain external finance and banking services. Issues include high credit costs, lack of awareness of funding sources, and de-banking practices. This briefing summarises recent reports and surveys on small business finance, and government policy on the subject.
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