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House of Lords Library
In Focus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes mostly mild respiratory symptoms. However, for higher-risk groups such as very young children and older adults with chronic diseases RSV infection can be serious or even fatal. Measures introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus also changed the typical seasonal pattern of RSV infection in 2020 and 2021, leading the NHS to adapt its response.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
There have been a number of high-profile announcements regarding education in the last year, such as proposed changes to A-levels and T-levels announced in October 2023. However, it is unclear when these measures will be introduced. Elements of the Schools Bill, abandoned during the 2022–23 parliamentary session, will likely be included in the 2023 King’s Speech. Notably, the government has indicated it intends to introduce a register of children not in school.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
In 2020 and 2021 the House of Lords Covid-19 Committee conducted an inquiry into the long-term impact of people living more of their lives online as a result of the pandemic. This article summarises the committee’s findings and the government’s response to its report ahead of a House of Lords debate on the report.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
In December 2021, the House of Lords Risk Assessment and Risk Planning Committee published a report which examined the UK’s approach to risk assessment and management. It found that the Covid-19 pandemic had revealed that the UK’s risk management system was “deficient” and “too inflexible” to protect the country from risks. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the report on 12 January 2023. This article examines the report and the government’s response.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted how parliaments across the world operate. This article details how several parliaments have had to adapt. For example, the use of heat sensors in the Republic of Korea and reduced plenary sittings in the French Senate.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
In March 2021, the House of Lords Constitution Committee published the ‘Covid-19 and the Courts’ report. This made several recommendations to the Government, including for continued investment in remote hearing technology. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the report on 23 March 2022.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
Despite years of international attention on the issue, global gender gaps remain. Data published by the World Economic Forum in 2021 showed that global gender gaps remained in education, health, economics and politics. This article looks at findings from the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021, as well as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on women and girls.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
The NHS in England has set a national target for ambulances to respond to the most life-threatening incidents within 7 minutes on average. Response times for these incidents have been rising in recent months, averaging over 9 minutes in December 2021. NHS targets for responding to less urgent calls have also been missed. This article summarises ambulance response times data and Government statements on the issue.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
Recent Department of Education statistics show reductions in the number of hours spent teaching some arts subjects in secondary schools. The situation has worsened with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with much arts teaching reduced or stopped during lockdown. The 2019 Conservative manifesto included commitments to an “arts premium” for the funding of the arts, music and sports. The Government recently reiterated its commitment to arts subjects, saying they are “vital parts of children and young people’s education”.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
Around one billion doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered around the world. In the UK, more than 35 million people have received at least one dose. The vaccine developed at the University of Oxford, in partnership with AstraZeneca, is one of the major vaccines currently in circulation. This article covers the debate over supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe, as well as the rare blood clotting side-effect reported after a small number of first doses.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
The coronavirus pandemic has led to an increased focus on the NHS and whether it has enough staff to meet the country’s healthcare needs. NHS staffing after the pandemic is the subject of a question for short debate to be asked in grand committee in the House of Lords on 4 March 2021.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
In 2020, following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the House of Lords made several changes to the way it conducted its business. This included the use of virtual proceedings and sittings which featured both physical and remote participation. This briefing looks at the impact of those changes on member participation over the course of 2020.
House of Lords Library
In Focus
This article looks at the World Health Organisation's latest findings on the prevalence of HIV globally, studies into HIV status and Covid-19 and UNAIDS' call for global solidarity and shared responsibility.
House of Lords Library
Research Briefing
The Government’s Business and Planning Bill is intended to help the economy recovery from the effects the Covid-19 outbreak.
House of Lords Library
Research Briefing
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill is a Government bill being fast-tracked through Parliament with the intention of reducing the burden on businesses and providing flexibility and breathing space to keep them operating during the Covid-19 pandemic.
House of Lords Library
Research Briefing
On 11 May 2020, the Government advised the general public in England to use face coverings in enclosed public spaces where social distancing might not be possible, for example on public transport.
House of Lords Library
Research Briefing
This briefing examines recent Government policy to tackle loneliness in care homes in the UK.
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