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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Removing sanitary and phytosanitary checks at EU borders
The UK and the EU are expected shortly to conclude negotiations on an agreement to remove the majority of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls and certification requirements on goods moving between Great Britain and the EU. Critics of the prospective deal have raised concerns about the UK dynamically aligning to EU law and have suggested the UK should look to other international models for reducing EU border checks, such as the EU’s agreement with New Zealand.
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Threats to UK food security
The UK produces most of its food but is dependent on imports for produce such as fruit and vegetables. Various government and independent reports have identified issues such as climate change and trade disruptions as potential food security threats. The Starmer government published a ‘Land use framework’ and a ‘Farming roadmap 2050’ that set out actions for the food and farming sectors to adapt to some of these challenges.
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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.
Energy
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Proposed national policy statement for fusion energy generation
National policy statements (NPSs) guide decision making for nationally significant infrastructure projects. In recent years, successive governments have worked towards designating a new fusion energy generation NPS (EN-8) for England and Wales. Currently, the government is holding a public consultation on its draft NPS which is also subject to a process of parliamentary scrutiny. This briefing provides an overview of fusion energy generation, the government’s policy in this area and its work to produce the draft NPS.
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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.
Environment
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Soil science: Education and research
Soil plays important roles in supporting agriculture, biodiversity, carbon storage and other services. However, human activities have resulted in soil degradation across much of the UK. Soil science is the study of the properties of soil to better understand how it can be managed sustainably. Some argue a need for increased provision of soil science education and for more research to close evidence gaps.
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Surviving drought: Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee report
The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee published its report ‘Surviving drought: Reclaim the rain’ on 21 May 2026. It observed England was on course for a public water supply deficit of 5bn litres a day by 2055, before making 17 recommendations for the government. The government responded to the report on 14 July 2026, accepting 11 of the committee’s 17 recommendations, rejecting two and partially accepting four.
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Malvern Hills Bill [HL] Committee: Special report
The House of Lords is due to debate a select committee report on the Malvern Hills Bill [HL] on 2 December 2026. This private bill, introduced in the 2024–26 session, would consolidate the law governing the Malvern Hills Trust and make some changes to the trust’s governance and powers. Following a high number of petitions against the bill, the committee made some amendments. The bill cannot progress this session unless both Houses agree to revive it.
Science and technology
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Soil science: Education and research
Soil plays important roles in supporting agriculture, biodiversity, carbon storage and other services. However, human activities have resulted in soil degradation across much of the UK. Soil science is the study of the properties of soil to better understand how it can be managed sustainably. Some argue a need for increased provision of soil science education and for more research to close evidence gaps.
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Rebuilding forensic science for criminal justice: Science and Technology Committee report
In February 2026, a House of Lords Science and Technology Committee report concluded that long-standing issues in forensic science services were a threat to the criminal justice system and the wider public. Sir Keir Starmer’s government rejected the committee’s central recommendation to establish a national institute of forensic science, arguing that improvements would be implemented through its longer-term plan to create a new national police service.
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Proposed national policy statement for fusion energy generation
National policy statements (NPSs) guide decision making for nationally significant infrastructure projects. In recent years, successive governments have worked towards designating a new fusion energy generation NPS (EN-8) for England and Wales. Currently, the government is holding a public consultation on its draft NPS which is also subject to a process of parliamentary scrutiny. This briefing provides an overview of fusion energy generation, the government’s policy in this area and its work to produce the draft NPS.
