This House of Lords Library Briefing has been published ahead of the scheduled second reading of the Extradition (Provisional Arrest) Bill [HL] on 4 February 2020.
Extradition (Provisional Arrest) Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages (271 KB , PDF)
The Extradition (Provisional Arrest) Bill [HL] was announced in the December 2019 Queen’s Speech. Its primary purpose is to create a power of arrest, without warrant, for the purpose of extraditing people for serious offences. This would apply to certain countries specified by the bill. In cases where these specified countries make a valid extradition request (as defined under the bill) a designated authority in the UK would be able to issue a certificate in respect of the request. The issuing of this certificate would allow a constable, customs officer, or a service police officer to arrest the individual specified without the need to apply to a court. The Government intends for the designated authority in the UK to be the National Crime Agency.
Were the UK to lose access to the European arrest warrant, provisions in the bill would allow for the Government to apply the new power of arrest to extradition requests made by some or all EU member states.
The bill would also make consequential amendments and create a power for the Government to make further consequential amendments to primary legislation through regulations. The bill consists of two clauses and one schedule.
Extradition (Provisional Arrest) Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages (271 KB , PDF)
On 29 March 2023, the House of Lords is due to debate regulations that would implement the Stormont brake in domestic law. These regulations were approved by the House of Commons on 22 March 2023. The Stormont brake is a key part of the Windsor Framework agreed between the UK and the EU. This briefing explains the background to the brake and how it would work, and includes reaction from political parties.
Newly recruited prison officers can draw their full occupational pension between the ages of 65 to 68, depending on their date of birth. The prison officers’ union argues such officers do a demanding physical job and regularly face violence, so requiring them to work until their late 60s is inappropriate and harmful. Ministers say they are open to discussions with the union but there are no plans to adjust prison officers’ retirement age.
In 2022, the House of Lords European Affairs Committee examined the relationship between the UK and EU in financial services. In its report, the committee said the UK’s financial services sector remained strong and that some challenges presented by Brexit had proven to be less significant than predicted. However, it warned the government against complacency, saying that ministers must ensure their future approach delivered for the sector and the wider UK economy.
