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.

Rebuilding forensic science for criminal justice: Science and Technology Committee report

Undersea cables: Threats to the UK’s infrastructure

Undersea cables connect countries and continents and form the ‘backbone’ of the global internet. Up to 99% of the world’s telecommunications data runs through such cables, including financial transactions. The UK is reliant on such cables. However, concerns have been raised in recent years that these cables could be targeted by hostile parties, particularly in times of conflict. This briefing explores the threats posed to the UK’s undersea cables and government action to protect them.

Undersea cables: Threats to the UK’s infrastructure

  • In Focus

    Resettlement of refugees through community sponsorship

    The government has announced plans for a new community sponsorship route for refugee resettlement. Sponsors would be responsible for providing refugees with accommodation, integration support and help finding work. Applications for charities and non-profits to become sponsors are due to open in October 2026. The government has not yet announced how many refugees it expects to admit through this route or what support may be available to sponsors.

  • Research Briefing

    Courts and Tribunals Bill: HL Bill 57 of 2026–27

    The Courts and Tribunals Bill would introduce various reforms to courts and tribunals in England and Wales. The government said the measures would help reduce the court delays and improve efficiency, however proposals affecting jury trials, magistrates’ courts and appeal rights have proved controversial during the bill’s passage through the House of Commons. Its second reading in the House of Lords is due to take place on 27 October 2026.

  • In Focus

    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 29 October 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.

  • In Focus

    Screen use, artificial intelligence and social media: Impact on children and young people

    Screens, social media and AI are a key and increasingly common part of children and young people’s lives. The use of these technologies may include both positive and negative effects, with concerns focused on the overall impact on young people’s health, development and safety. The government has announced it will introduce new guidance and restrictions to attempt to tackle these issues, including plans for a ban on under-16s using social media.

  • In Focus

    Hormone treatments and age consent: Government policy

    Puberty blockers as a treatment for gender incongruence or dysphoria are currently only available for people under the age of 18 as part of an approved clinical trial. NHS England has also paused prescribing cross-sex hormones for people under 18. This briefing summarises the policy position on the use of hormone treatments ahead of a debate in the Lords on the appropriate age of consent.

  • In Focus

    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.

  • Research Briefing

    Health Bill: HL Bill 52 of 2026–27

    The Health Bill is intended to make changes to the NHS in England, including abolishing NHS England. It would also abolish Healthwatch and move the Heath Services Safety Inspectorate Board into the CQC. The bill would establish a single patient record, making patient data available across healthcare settings and directly to patients. In the House of Commons, amendments were made on visiting patients, medicines and medical devices regulation, and pharmaceutical services.

  • In Focus

    Reducing gambling harm among young people

    Concerns have been raised about the impact of gambling on children and young people, particularly in relation to online gambling and exposure to advertising. This briefing summarises current regulatory protections for children and vulnerable people in the way gambling is licensed in Great Britain, statistics on gambling participation and gambling harms among children and young adults, and proposals from campaigners, parliamentarians and the government to reduce gambling-related harm.

  • In Focus

    Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions (Macolin Convention): UK ratification

    The Macolin Convention aims to coordinate prevention, detection and sanction of match-fixing and similar fraud internationally. The UK signed in 2018 and intends to ratify in 2026. The government has said the UK already meets the convention’s requirements, but ratification would ensure quick information-sharing and involvement in ongoing governance. The House of Lords International Agreements Committee has reported on the agreement for special attention and debate given its legal and political significance.

  • In Focus

    Sports clubs and enterprise zones

    Enterprise zones and industrial strategy zones are designated areas intended to support local economic growth by offering certain benefits to business and local authorities. The government has also recognised the contribution of sport and sports clubs to the UK economy and local areas. The government has talked about the role of sports stadiums in helping local regeneration, but has not explicitly linked this to enterprise zone status.

  • In Focus

    Prison and probation services in England and Wales

    Prison and probation services in England and Wales are facing significant pressures, including limited prison capacity and increasing demands on probation. Parliamentary committees have examined prison conditions, rehabilitation and probation performance, raising concerns about the resilience and effectiveness of both services. The government has responded with reforms including sentencing changes, prison expansion, enhanced offender supervision and additional victim support. However, stakeholders have argued that more must be done.

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