This House of Lords Library Briefing Pack contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming question for short debate on UK Aid programmes and human rights in Pakistan.
UK Aid Programmes: Human Rights in Pakistan (149 KB , PDF)
UK Aid Programmes: Human Rights in Pakistan (149 KB , PDF)
The government recently announced an independent review of physician and anaesthesia associates to be led by Professor Gillian Leng. This announcement followed a debate about the use of the roles in the NHS and concerns raised by some stakeholders about patient safety. The review has been widely welcomed by stakeholders as a way to move the debate forward.
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 the autumn budget the chancellor announced changes to inheritance tax reliefs. From April 2026, taxes would apply to agricultural assets over £1mn (or up to £3mn in certain circumstances). The government has said this will just affect the wealthiest landowners and disincentivise buying agricultural land to avoid tax. Farming groups have argued the policy is a threat to the future of family farming.
