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.

Using patient data for research: Challenges and policy developments

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”.

Forced labour in UK supply chains: Joint Committee on Human Rights report

Jury trials: International models and reform proposals

Whilst layperson jury trials have been a longstanding feature of the England and Wales criminal justice system, some countries have taken a different approach. If enacted, the Courts and Tribunals Bill would remove jury trials for some criminal cases in England and Wales. This briefing identifies some different approaches taken in other countries in light of the recent proposals for court reform in England and Wales.

Jury trials: International models and reform proposals

  • In Focus

    Reforming the police: Proposed changes for professional development, accountability and representation

    In January 2026, the government set out comprehensive reforms to policing in England and Wales. These included proposals aimed at the police workforce, such as the introduction of a licence to practise, changes to the rules on vetting and dismissal and new policies aimed at improving the wellbeing of officers. This briefing examines the government’s workforce plans and the reaction of some stakeholders.

  • In Focus

    Preparing for an ageing society: Lords Economic Affairs Committee report

    In December 2025, the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee published a report on preparing for an ageing society. It urged the government to address the economic challenges this poses, arguing that the greatest impact would come from supporting those in their mid-50s to mid-60s to remain in or return to work. The government said it was responding to the pressures of an ageing society through a number of measures.

  • 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

    Creative industries: Potential impact of T-levels, V-levels and post-16 qualification reforms

    The government is introducing new V-levels and expanding T-levels as part of post-16 qualification reforms. The government has said the changes will simplify routes into employment and higher education and enable vocational study to sit alongside A-levels. However, stakeholders have questioned whether the new qualifications will meet the needs of the creative sector and students looking to enter the creative industries.

  • Research Briefing

    Conduct of Undercover Policing and Surveillance Operatives Bill [HL]: HL Bill 9 of 2026–27

    The Conduct of Undercover Policing and Surveillance Operatives Bill is a private member’s bill introduced in the House of Lords. It would make it an offence for a person deployed as a covert human intelligence source (CHIS) to engage in an intimate sexual relationship with any person they have been deployed to target, who is a member of the group they have been deployed to target, or whom they encounter during their deployment.

  • In Focus

    Homelessness and rough sleeping among released prisoners

    In 2024/25, around 1,000 prisoners a month were released from prison homeless and went on to rough sleep in England and Wales. This briefing summarises the statistics on homelessness among those released from prison, the early prison release schemes, and the statutory duties on prisons to refer those at risk of homelessness to local authority housing services.

  • Research Briefing

    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.

  • In Focus

    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.

  • In Focus

    Rule of law: Lords Constitution Committee report

    The House of Lords Constitution Committee published its report on the rule of law in November 2025. This followed concerns of a reported decline in adherence to the rule of law globally and domestically. The committee examined different understandings of the rule of law in the UK and its operation within government, Parliament and the judiciary. The committee made several recommendations, which the government responded to in February 2026.

  • In Focus

    Freedom of expression in the arts

    The organisation Freedom in the Arts published a report in 2026 detailing its concerns about cancellations and boycotts in the arts sector. The report set out a number of findings and recommendations on the issue. This briefing summarises the report and provides government and Arts Council England statements on freedom of expression in the arts ahead of a House of Lords debate.

  • In Focus

    Cultural and economic contribution of live music in the UK

    The UK’s music industry has been described as “a cultural and economic powerhouse”. The live music sector in particular has been labelled a “significant contributor” to this success, generating £6.68bn in consumer spending and supporting over 230,000 jobs in 2024. However, stakeholders have argued the sector is facing challenges, particularly at the grassroots level. This briefing explores these issues and provides an overview of the government’s policies in this area.

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