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House of Lords Library
In Focus
Declines in biodiversity could lead to economic and political instability and potentially threaten the survival of life on earth. The Government has taken a range of steps to counter biodiversity loss, although measures of success are mixed. The independent Dasgupta review has recommended placing monetary values on natural capital. Two forthcoming international conferences provide opportunities for further global initiatives on biodiversity.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
The Government published the outcome of its year-long integrated review (IR) of foreign policy, defence, security and international development in March 2021. The IR sets out a strategic framework for achieving the UK’s national security and international policy objectives between now and 2025. The House of Lords is due to debate the IR on 22 April 2021.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
The British Library Board (Power to Borrow) Bill would grant the British Library board new powers to borrow money. This private member’s bill, introduced in the House of Commons, has received cross-party support. Having completed its initial stages in the Commons on 12 March 2021, it is scheduled to be debated at second reading in the House of Lords on 19 March 2021. This article summarises the bill’s provisions and its passage through the Commons.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
As part of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, the UK Government has committed to halving the UK’s per capita food waste by 2030. In 2018, the UK produced around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste, a 15% reduction from 2007. The Government supports several initiatives as part of its resources and waste strategy, but there have been calls for it to introduce statutory regulations to meet its targets, instead of relying on voluntary agreements.
House of Lords Library
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on world affairs with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month include a look at faith in Nigeria, and the lasting impact of the Arab Spring.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
The Town and Country Planning (Border Facilities and Infrastructure) (EU Exit) (England) Special Development Order 2020 (SI 2020/928) has sped up the planning process for land to be used as inland border facilities in specified areas of England. The Government stated this is necessary due to the increased border control measures needed now the UK has left the EU. On 11 February 2021, the House of Lords will debate a motion ‘regretting’ the legislation.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
The draft Tax Credits, Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance Uprating Regulations 2021 would set the annual rates of child tax credit and working tax credits from 6 April 2021, and the weekly rates of child benefit and guardian’s allowance from 12 April 2021. The draft regulations must be approved by Parliament before becoming law. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the regulations on 8 February 2021.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
Each year, both Houses of Parliament are required to approve legislation which allows the armed forces to continue to operate throughout the world. This statutory instrument extends the current legislation until the end of 2021. It is expected that a new Armed Forces Act will come into force before the end of the year.
House of Lords Library
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on Brexit developments with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month look at British influence post-Brexit, and trade relations between the EU and China.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
The draft Social Security (Contributions) (Rates, Limits and Thresholds Amendments and National Insurance Funds Payments) Regulations 2021 would set the national insurance contributions rates, limits and thresholds for the upcoming 2021/22 tax year. They must be approved by both Houses of Parliament before becoming law. The House of Lords is due to debate the regulations on 8 February 2021.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
Following the end of the transition period with the EU, UK musicians can no longer travel and work freely across the EU. In some countries, such as Spain and Germany, musicians will have to apply for a work permit if they want to be paid for performances. The EU and the UK have both said that they put forward proposals to prevent this outcome, but they could not come to an agreement.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
Covid-19 has impacted the work of LGBTI+ organisations around the world. This article looks at a recent report by the Baring Foundation which calls for increased spending by the UK Government on global LGBTI+ rights and outlines the current spending commitments in this area.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
On 9 November 2020, the House of Lords voted to remove from the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill controversial clauses relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol. This article explains what these votes were about and considers what might happen in relation to these clauses in the bill’s further parliamentary stages.
House of Lords Library
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on a selection of articles you may have missed from October and November 2020. Brexit articles this month include results from the British Social Attitudes survey, and how Australia is impacted by the Brexit negotiations.
House of Lords Library
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on economics articles you may have missed from September and October 2020. This month we look at household savings during the Covid-19 pandemic, and whether the furlough scheme is discriminatory.
House of Lords Library
Research Briefing
The bill would provide for the next business rates revaluation to take effect from 1 April 2023. This briefing considers: the background to the bill, including recent government proposals to change the frequency of revaluation; what the bill would do; and what happened to it during its passage through the House of Commons.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
In August and September 2020, the Government made several changes to the planning system in England. It introduced secondary legislation creating new permitted development rights and making changes to use classes. Five of these statutory instruments are being debated in the House of Lords on 27 October 2020. This article provides a summary of these instruments and the scrutiny they have received so far in Parliament.
House of Lords Library
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on social policy articles you may have missed from August and September 2020. This month we look at the early years workforce, and the challenges facing 'generation Covid'.
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