Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place each year on 27 January, marking the date of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945. It commemorates the Holocaust during the second world war and subsequent genocides. This year’s commemoration was the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. In 2025, King Charles III became the first British head of state to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

Renters’ Rights Bill: HL Bill 60 of 2024–25

The Renters' Rights Bill would enact significant reform of the private rental sector (PRS). The bill’s provisions are centred on the PRS in England, though some measures would apply to Scotland and Wales. Many of the provisions in the bill are similar to the Renters (Reform) Bill 2023–24 introduced by the then Conservative government, but with several key differences including ending rental bidding and curtailing rent payments in advance of a tenancy.

Renters’ Rights Bill: HL Bill 60 of 2024–25

Challenges to a rules-based international order

A rules-based international order is typically used to refer to the system of political, legal, and economic rules which have arguably governed international relations since the second world war. It has been a long-established concept in UK foreign affairs doctrine. However, in recent years, many commentators suggest that a growing strain has been placed upon this system and that a new commitment to global stability and security is required.

Challenges to a rules-based international order
  • Research Briefing

    Public Authority Algorithmic and Automated Decision-Making Systems Bill [HL]: HL Bill 27 of 2024–25

    The Public Authority Algorithmic and Automated Decision-Making Systems Bill [HL] aims to regulate the usage of algorithmic and automated decision-making systems across the public sector, making the use of such systems more transparent and fair, and mitigating against the risks arising from such technologies such as bias and discrimination. It is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat). It is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 13 December 2024.

  • In Focus

    Politicisation of the civil service

    The idea of civil service impartiality, defined as the ability to serve the government of the day without fear or favour, is one of the core values promoted by the civil service code. Several recent events have led to debate on whether the civil service has become more politicised and the extent to which that is desirable. This briefing examines that history, and the arguments for and against a more politicised civil service, ahead of a forthcoming debate in the House of Lords.

  • In Focus

    Threat posed by Hezbollah

    Hezbollah is an armed Shiite militia group, backed by Iran, which exerts considerable influence in Lebanon. It has been a proscribed in its entirety by the UK as a terrorist organisation since 2019. The current conflict between Hezbollah and Israel continues. Hezbollah has fired rockets at Israeli territory whilst Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes—including that which saw the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah—and has launched an armed incursion into southern Lebanon. The UK has called for an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement.

  • In Focus

    UK defence spending: 2.5% of GDP target

    NATO guidelines suggest each member state should spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence. In line with pledges made by the previous Conservative administration, the Labour government has committed to raising UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. It is unclear over what time period that increase will occur, however, and ministers have further indicated that difficult choices on defence spending may be required in light of current economic conditions.

  • In Focus

    Deterrence as part of the UK’s defence policy

    In defence terms, deterrence customarily refers to the practice of discouraging a hostile actor from undesired actions, such as a military attack. That principle has been evident in many forms in the UK’s defence posture for several decades, including the UK’s nuclear deterrent and membership of international alliances such as NATO. This briefing briefly examines those issues, and commitments made by the previous and present governments, ahead of a forthcoming debate in the House of Lords.

  • In Focus

    War in Ukraine: Update October 2024

    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

    Public service productivity

    Public services productivity in the UK fell sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic and is yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. The Conservative government pledged new investment in an attempt to boost the effectiveness of public services prior to the general election. The new Labour government has also placed emphasis on this issue and has indicated further measures will be set out in the forthcoming budget statement.

  • In Focus

    Civil war in Sudan: Is there a path to peace?

    While international attention has largely been focused on the Middle East and Ukraine, the civil war in Sudan continues. The UN has characterised the conflict as the “world’s largest hunger crisis”. As peace negotiations stall, concerns are rising not only for the people of Sudan but also about the conflict spreading to neighbouring states.

  • In Focus

    UEFA European Football Championship 2028

    The UK and the Republic of Ireland are due to jointly host the European Football Championship in 2028 (EURO 28). The UK government hopes it will deliver £2.4bn in socio-economic benefits to cities and communities across the UK. EURO 28 will be held in 10 venues across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. However, there have been recent concerns over the costs of the development of one of those venues: Casement Park in Belfast.

  • In Focus

    Questions to the foreign secretary: 21 May 2024

    Members of the House of Lords will ask Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton a series of oral questions on 21 May 2024. Topics include the government’s assessment of Israel's compliance with an International Court of Justice order regarding Gaza; the number of vessels transporting Russian oil; the UK’s priorities for cooperation with South Africa after forthcoming elections; and what the UK is doing to address conflict-induced food insecurity.

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