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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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.
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Draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026: Fatal motion
The draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 would make changes to three sets of assimilated regulations which concern chemicals in Great Britain. The government has said that the changes would rectify a number of issues that could not be addressed at EU exit. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Northern Ireland, divergence from the EU, efficiency savings and further legislation.
Energy
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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.
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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.
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Clean power 2030 action plan: Impact on rural communities
The government’s ‘Clean power 2030 action plan’ (December 2024) set out a transition towards clean, low carbon electricity in Great Britain. This included plans to expand energy infrastructure and transmission networks. However, some MPs and campaign organisations have raised concerns about the impact of expanded network infrastructure on rural communities. To support local areas, the government is considering a proposal to introduce community benefits for low carbon energy infrastructure.
Environment
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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
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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.
Science and technology
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Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill: HL Bill 32 of 2026–27
The Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill is a government bill intended to strengthen the cyber security of organisations in the UK that provide essential services, such as healthcare, drinking water and energy. It would amend the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018 to include additional sectors and update incident reporting duties. It would also confer powers on the secretary of state to amend the legislation and issue directions to organisations when necessary for national security. The bill is scheduled for its second reading in the House of Lords on 14 July 2026.
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Law on the regulation of fertility treatment
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 regulates in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and human embryo research in the UK. Recently, there have been calls for reform to reflect changes in societal attitudes and scientific developments since the act was last updated in 2008. The government has said it is considering recommendations made by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the sector’s independent regulator.
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Artificial intelligence: Impact on human relationships and society
Over half of adults and young people in the UK use generative artificial intelligence (AI), which can produce human-like content and dialogue. Uses range from work and study to therapy and companionship. Academics and other commentators have considered whether using AI as a friend could be detrimental to users’ ability and desire to maintain relationships with other humans. This briefing also provides a short overview and suggested further reading on AI’s other impacts on society.
