World affairs by topic
World affairs includes the following topic areas. Please click the links to access lists of publications by topic:
War in Ukraine
Find a selection of Lords Library research and resources relevant to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Defence
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Armed forces: UK future capability and requirements
This briefing examines the increasingly volatile international security environment and the UK government’s defence strategy and investment commitments to make the armed forces “fit for war in the 21st century”.
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Proposed legislation on defence readiness and national resilience
The 2025 strategic defence review recommended the government bring forward a defence readiness bill to provide for powers to mobilise reserves and industry should crisis escalate into conflict. Amid criticism that such a measure was not included in the May 2026 King’s Speech, the government has indicated it will introduce a bill later in the current parliament. There have been calls for the bill to cover national resilience matters more broadly when it is introduced.
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Armed Forces Bill: HL Bill 36 of 2026–27
The primary purpose of the Armed Forces Bill is to renew the Armed Forces Act 2006, continuing in force the main legislation governing the armed forces for a further five years. However, the government has stated the bill also provides an opportunity to renew the nation’s contract with the armed forces, strengthen national security, improve conditions of service, and introduce a package of measures relating to the service justice system.
International law
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Forced labour in UK supply chains: Joint Committee on Human Rights report
In July 2025, the Joint Committee on Human Rights published a report contending that goods which are produced or part-produced with forced labour are being sold to consumers in the UK. It also argued that the UK had fallen behind comparable countries in its approach to tackling forced labour. The committee called for new legislation to address the issue. The government responded that it was “actively exploring options to strengthen protections”.
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Genocide Determination Bill [HL]: HL Bill 13 of 2026–27
The bill would enable the High Court in England and Wales, the Court of Session in Scotland and the High Court in Northern Ireland, to make preliminary determinations on whether a genocide is occurring overseas, or if there is deemed to be a serious risk of one occurring. The bill would require the government to refer the preliminary determination to international bodies such as the International Court of Justice.
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Convention establishing an international claims commission for Ukraine
The UK is a signatory to the convention establishing an international claims commission for Ukraine. The commission would assess claims for compensation for damage and losses caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The House of Lords International Agreements Committee has broadly welcomed the convention, but also raised concerns about the scope and efficacy of the commission.
Foreign policy
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Health partnerships between the UK and organisations in Africa and Asia
The UK government and health organisations have established numerous health partnerships with organisations in Africa and Asia to support the development of healthcare in those countries. Independent evaluations conclude that many are effective, although some do not result in sustained changes to the broader health system. Recently, there have been concerns for the future of these programmes following reductions in aid funding and the conclusion of programmes without successor schemes.
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Genocide Determination Bill [HL]: HL Bill 13 of 2026–27
The bill would enable the High Court in England and Wales, the Court of Session in Scotland and the High Court in Northern Ireland, to make preliminary determinations on whether a genocide is occurring overseas, or if there is deemed to be a serious risk of one occurring. The bill would require the government to refer the preliminary determination to international bodies such as the International Court of Justice.
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Ukraine’s decentralisation reforms
Even as the war in the country continues, Ukraine has implemented significant reform and decentralisation of its public sector in an attempt to improve effectiveness as well as local and regional participation, accountability, and growth. Observers suggest Ukraine has made notable progress in these areas, but considerable obstacles remain. Addressing these challenges could, they argue, be key to Ukraine’s resilience and post-war recovery.
