The government published its plan to reduce storm overflow spills and their harmful impacts in August 2022. Under the plan, water companies will have to meet several time-bound targets to limit storm overflow use and eliminate ecological harm from their discharges by 2050. The government was required to publish this plan by 1 September 2022 under the Environment Act 2021.
This private member’s bill would provide that powers devolved to Senedd Cymru must not be amended or withdrawn without a super-majority vote of its elected members.
![Government of Wales (Devolved Powers) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 17 of 2022-23](https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/content/uploads/sites/2/2020/01/Devolution-VIGs-1232x924.jpg)
The Falklands War took place between April and June 1982, following an invasion of the Islands by the Argentine military junta. This briefing has been prepared to mark the 35th anniversary of the Falklands War. It provides background to the British and Argentine Governments' claim to sovereignty over the Islands; a summary of the events of the war; and an overview of recent political developments.
In Focus
Conflict over sovereignty rights to the Falkland Islands has been ongoing for centuries. In the modern era this dispute has been between the United Kingdom and Argentina, which escalated into war 40 years ago, when Argentina invaded the Islands. This article examines the competing sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands.
Research Briefing
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill 2022–23 is intended to address the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles by establishing a new independent commission for reconciliation and information recovery, limiting criminal investigations and legal proceedings, and providing for a new oral history initiative and memorialisation strategy.
In Focus
Treated and untreated sewage is released into inland waters and the sea. This is permitted in specified circumstances and is regulated by the Environment Agency, the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) and by statute. There has been increasing concern about the level of sewage pollution in England’s waters, and the government has stated that improving water quality is a priority.
In Focus
The UN establishes commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions to investigate human rights abuses across the world. These bodies are mandated by a variety of UN entities, including the human rights council (HRC). The HRC is the principal intergovernmental UN body for promoting and protecting human rights, and for acting on human rights abuses. This article provides an overview of the investigative bodies it, and other UN entities establish to investigate violations of human rights and humanitarian law.
In Focus
Since devolution in the UK in the late 1990s, intergovernmental relations (IGR) have been necessary for joint decision-making on areas of shared responsibility and for dispute resolution. The political and institutional structures that support IGR have been evolving since this time. However, there have been calls for a UK-wide constitutional commission to examine the relationships and arrangements between the four nations of the UK.
In Focus
The government states artificial intelligence (AI) has “huge potential to rewrite the rules of entire industries, drive substantial economic growth and transform all areas of life”. Its ambition is to be a “AI superpower” that leads the world in innovation and development. On 25 May 2022, the House of Lords will debate a Liaison Committee report which examined the government’s implementation of AI policy.
In Focus
The Government has argued that devolution has “empowered communities” and provided “huge benefits across the United Kingdom”. Its stated aim is to continue to collaborate with the devolved administrations, “work[ing] together to deliver for the British people”. This article discusses some of the key issues in devolved affairs that may be addressed in the forthcoming parliamentary session.
In Focus
Haiti is recovering from a series of crises, notably the assassination of its president, Jovenel Moïse, on 7 July 2021, and an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 in south-western Haiti on 14 August 2021. The earthquake killed more than 2,240 people and injured some 12,700 others. This article examines some of the challenges faced by Haiti in the wake of these two crises.
In Focus
The usual path into teaching is through initial teacher training (ITT). Successful trainees are awarded Qualified Teaching Status (QTS). As part of its Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy, the Government launched a review of the ITT provider market which looked at training quality and the supply of trainees. This article provides an overview of ITT and outlines the review’s proposals ahead of a House of Lords debate on the matter.
In Focus
Covert human intelligence sources (CHIS) have been used for decades to prevent or secure prosecutions for serious crimes, such as terrorism and human trafficking. The Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 provided statutory powers to organisations, such as the intelligence agencies and law enforcement bodies, to authorise criminal activity by CHIS. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Criminal Conduct Authorisations) (Amendment) Order 2021 makes some necessary changes to existing legislation.
In Focus
Equality in human rights for LGBT+ people varies globally. Many are vulnerable to violations, including violent attacks and social isolation. The United Nations (UN) has repeatedly confirmed that discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics is contrary to international human rights law. Despite this, over 70 countries worldwide criminalise adult same-sex relationships. The UK Government commits funds to targeted international LGBT+ rights programmes. However, it has recently faced criticism for its New Plan for Immigration.
In Focus
The Government has pledged to introduce reforms to foster a “culture of collaboration and cooperation” between the UK Government and the devolved administrations. It has stated its “steadfast commitment” to the union and to shaping its “common future”. This article discusses some of the key issues in devolved affairs that may be addressed in the forthcoming parliamentary session.
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