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  • House of Lords Library

    In Focus

    Covid-19 vaccine: Where are we?

    This article looks at the current candidates for a Covid-19 vaccine, focusing on the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca project, and the Moderna candidate from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The article highlights the new mRNA technology being developed in some projects. It also looks at what the Government is doing to support vaccine development.

  • House of Lords Library

    In Focus

    Human rights concerns in India

    For several years, concerns have been raised by international governments and human rights organisations about alleged human rights violations in India. Concerns include the protection of religious minorities in the country. India has disputed the allegations, reiterating its commitment to human rights. This article looks at some of those incidences, as well as concerns raised by human rights organisations.

  • House of Lords Library

    In Focus

    Cadet forces: funding and social impact

    The cadet forces are voluntary youth organisations that are based on the traditions of the armed forces but are not part of them. The Government says they offer “challenging and enjoyable activities”. They receive some government funding. Independent analysis suggests that they provide benefits both for participants and wider society. An ongoing government scheme aims to increase the number of cadet units in state schools.

  • House of Lords Library

    In Focus

    UK Windrush Day: update on the Windrush scheme

    Following the 70th anniversary celebrations in 2018, the Government announced a national Windrush Day on 22 June each year, to pay tribute to the Windrush generation and their descendants. In this article, we examine who the Windrush generation are and the various Windrush schemes implemented by the Government since acknowledging the unfair treatment of members of the Windrush generation.

  • House of Lords Library

    In Focus

    Foreign languages: skills in the workforce

    Surveys consistently indicate just under two in three Britons are unable to hold a conversation in a language other than their mother tongue. A number of organisations have drawn attention to this so-called ‘language deficit’ and its impact on trade and employment. This article looks at calls to improve language skills in England in the context of the Government’s ambition for a ‘Global Britain’.

  • House of Lords Library

    In Focus

    Domestic abuse of older people

    Evidence suggests domestic abuse affects hundreds of thousands of older people in the UK every year. Reports since the first national lockdowns have also drawn attention to how the situation for many older victims has deteriorated due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This article examines what constitutes ‘elder abuse’, as well as risk factors, prevalence rates, and government action.

  • House of Lords Library

    Research Briefing

    Economic Assessments for the European Union

    The UK must send an assessment of its economic position to the European Union. Parliament is required to approve the documents which form the basis of this assessment.

  • House of Lords Library

    Research Briefing

    Covid-19: Improving Income Equality and Sustainability

    The current health emergency is likely to have a disproportionately negative effect on the economic position of lower-paid people, young people, and women.

  • House of Lords Library

    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.

  • House of Lords Library

    Current Affairs Digest

    Current Affairs Digest: World Affairs (May 2021)

    Catch up on world affairs with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month look at the crisis in Myanmar, and the state of gender equality around the world.

  • House of Lords Library

    Current Affairs Digest

    Current Affairs Digest: Social Policy (May 2021)

    Catch up on social affairs with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month ask whether it is time for a new Beveridge report, and how best to make healthy food widely available.

  • House of Lords Library

    In Focus

    Queen’s Speech 2021: education

    Developments in the education sector have been dominated by mitigating the impacts of Covid-19, including school and university closures. In addition, the Government has announced proposals for legislative change to strengthen freedom of speech in universities and reviews covering a number of areas, such as the regulation of children’s social care, better provision for those with special educational needs and combatting sexual abuse in schools.

  • House of Lords Library

    In Focus

    Queen’s Speech 2021: devolved affairs

    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.

  • House of Lords Library

    In Focus

    Queen’s Speech 2021: UK-EU relationship

    The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement formally entered into force on 1 May 2021, having applied provisionally since the start of the year. However, there are still aspects of the post-Brexit relationship between the UK and the EU that remain to be settled or fully implemented. This article looks at some key dates and deadlines likely to come up in the new parliamentary session.

  • House of Lords Library

    In Focus

    Queen’s Speech 2021: digital, culture, media and sport

    The Queen’s Speech is taking place on 11 May 2021. This will set out the Government’s legislative and policy programme for the new parliamentary session. This article provides a summary of the Government’s proposals for digital, culture, media and sport that may be included in the speech.