Science and the environment by topic
Science and the environment includes the following topic areas. Please click the links to access all of our briefings by topic:
Agriculture and farming
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Mental health of agricultural workers
Surveys suggest that people working in farming tend to have poorer mental health than the general population. While different pieces of research point to different causes of poor mental health among farmers, some causes cited more than once are bad or unpredictable weather and climate, financial pressures, isolation and negative portrayals of farming in the media. The government has said it is improving access to mental health services in rural communities.
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Rural economy: UK government policy
Rural areas contribute a significant proportion of England’s economic output. The government has announced several policies intended to support growth in the rural economy, including farming. However, it has faced criticism for the delay in outlining its overall strategy for the agricultural sector. This briefing provides data on the rural economy and summarises government policy and stakeholder reaction
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King’s Speech 2026: Energy, environment and animal welfare
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about energy, the environment and animal welfare.
Energy
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International energy markets explained
While energy demand has grown at a steady rate for most of the past decade overall, the global energy market has been affected by several shocks including the Covid-19 pandemic and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. This briefing looks at global energy consumption and the issues which affect energy prices around the world.
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Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill: HL Bill 38 of 2026–27
The Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill is a money bill that would implement three tax measures as part of the government’s package of support to tackle increased energy prices. The bill would increase the electricity generator levy, increase the rate of tax-free mileage allowance for employees, and provide a 12-month vehicle excise duty exemption for HGVs.
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Electricity prices in Great Britain
In recent years, electricity prices for both households and businesses have seen significant increases. This briefing sets out how electricity bills are calculated, how much on average they cost and how they compare internationally. It also provides commentary on why prices have been so high and gives an overview of government policy in this area.
Environment
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Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 21 of 2026–27
The Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative). It would require new washing machines to have filters to capture microfibres, a form of microplastic shed from synthetic clothing. It would also impose a duty on the secretary of state to promote awareness of microfibre pollution. The bill’s second reading in the House of Lords is scheduled for 11 September 2026.
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Nature’s Rights Bill [HL]: HL Bill 7 of 2026–27
The Nature’s Rights Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill sponsored by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party). The bill would recognise nature as a legal subject, granting it specific rights for protection and restoration. The bill would set out a legal framework for how this would operate, including an integrated rights framework and mechanisms for how nature’s rights would be implemented and enforced.
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Rural economy: UK government policy
Rural areas contribute a significant proportion of England’s economic output. The government has announced several policies intended to support growth in the rural economy, including farming. However, it has faced criticism for the delay in outlining its overall strategy for the agricultural sector. This briefing provides data on the rural economy and summarises government policy and stakeholder reaction
Science and technology
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Using patient data for research: Challenges and policy developments
Research using large-scale patient datasets has enabled advances in healthcare. However, scientists and data controllers face challenges including fragmented systems, complex governance and data security. While members of the public are largely in favour of their information being used to improve health outcomes, concerns remain about data breaches and commercial interests. Through the creation of the Health Data Research Service, the government aims to simplify access to health data and support innovation.
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Digital and technology policy and national sovereignty
Digital sovereignty has become a pressing policy issue as governments seek to balance economic opportunity, security and control over critical technologies. Particular concerns have been raised over the market dominance in several key areas by a small number of powerful companies, predominantly headquartered in the United States and China. Debate has focused on how the UK can adapt to this changing environment and to what extent it should seek to expand its own sovereign capabilities and to regulate overseas providers, whilst sustaining international collaboration.
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Space economy and the UK: Lords UK Engagement with Space Committee report
The House of Lords UK Engagement with Space Committee has examined the UK’s potential role in emerging economic opportunities presented by the growth of space exploration and commercialisation. To harness these opportunities, the committee said that the UK’s space sector requires clearer strategic direction, an updated funding structure, and better cross-government working. It called on ministers to champion the space sector as crucial to future economic growth and national resilience.
