Home Affairs Archives

National Security (State Threats) Bill: HL Bill 35 of 2026–27

Friday, 19 June, 2026

The National Security (State Threats) Bill would create new powers for the home secretary to designate bodies engaged in state threat activity, equivalent to the proscription of terrorist organisations under the Terrorism Act 2000. The bill would create three new offences associated with designation of supporting, assisting, or receiving material benefit from a designated body. These offences would carry sentences of up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

National Security (State Threats) Bill: HL Bill 35 of 2026–27

Acute, primary and community healthcare

Friday, 19 June, 2026

There have been big differences in expenditure across different forms of healthcare for a number of years. In 2024/25, spending on acute care was £74.7bn, compared to £14.5bn on primary care and £13.8bn on community services. Both the 2024 Labour Party manifesto and the subsequent 10 year health plan for England contained an emphasis on shifting towards more care being delivered in local communities rather than in acute settings, dubbed a ‘neighbourhood health service’.

Threats to UK democracy: Disinformation, foreign interference and declining public trust

Thursday, 18 June, 2026

Social media and other technologies have made it easier, quicker and cheaper for foreign powers to spread false information online aimed at undermining UK democracy. Such disinformation campaigns are one type of interference operation. In parallel, researchers have noted a link between declining public trust and societal polarisation, which can be exacerbated by online discourse. This briefing provides introductory reading to these issues, including recent reports and government announcements.

Threats to UK democracy: Disinformation, foreign interference and declining public trust

In Focus

Recommendations of the Jo Cox Civility Commission

Friday, 12 June, 2026

Concerns about abuse and intimidation towards elected representatives have increased in recent years. The Jo Cox Civility Commission made a number of recommendations in a 2024 report to address this because of concerns that this activity would dissuade people from standing in elections and encourage existing representatives to stand down. The government has instigated a number of policies to tackle the abuse and intimidation of elected representatives.
In Focus

Declining birth rates and population ageing: Impact and government response

Monday, 01 June, 2026

The UK’s low and declining birth rate, alongside increasing life expectancy, is contributing to population ageing. This has raised concerns about potential effects on the size of the workforce, demand for public services and economic growth. This briefing considers these issues and sets out the government’s response to such concerns.
In Focus

House of Lords Autism Act 2009 Committee report: Recommendations, government response and recent developments

Friday, 29 May, 2026

The House of Lords Committee on the Autism Act 2009 called for the government to urgently develop a new autism strategy, tackling “persistent inequalities” experienced by autistic people in education, health, work, criminal justice and the community. The government has since commissioned an independent review into mental health conditions, autism and ADHD, launched a call for evidence to inform a mental health strategy, and announced a special educational needs reform bill.
In Focus

Protecting populations from atrocity crimes

Thursday, 28 May, 2026

The UK is required to contribute towards the prevention of atrocity crimes globally. Successive UK governments have used various mechanisms aimed at preventing mass atrocities. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised in recent years regarding the continued occurrence of large-scale violence worldwide. This has prompted some parliamentarians and external stakeholders to call on the government to do more to prevent such atrocities.
Research Briefing

Sporting Events Bill [HL]: HL Bill 3 of 2026–27

Tuesday, 26 May, 2026

The second reading of the Sporting Events Bill [HL] is due to take place in the House of Lords on 3 June 2026. The bill would establish a common legislative framework that could be applied to major sporting events in the UK. It would cover ticket touting, advertising and trading, unauthorised association and transport.
- Research Briefing
- Culture, Media & Sport
In Focus

Artificial intelligence: Impact on human relationships and society

Tuesday, 26 May, 2026

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.
In Focus

Funding for the arts

Friday, 22 May, 2026

Since 2010, various sources have reported that funding for the arts has decreased creating challenges for organisations and individuals in the sector. This briefing examines how the arts are currently funded, what challenges the sector faces and what recent action the government has taken in this area. It also provides an overview of a recent independent review of the Arts Council England.
In Focus

Local councillors: Impact of increasing abuse and intimidation

Wednesday, 20 May, 2026

The level of abuse and intimidation aimed at those seeking or holding elected office in local government has been increasing. The Local Government Association has found that almost three-quarters of local councillors in England report feeling personally at risk when fulfilling their role. The government has called such abuse and intimidation unacceptable and is pursuing a range of measures in response, including via the Representation of the People Bill.
Research Briefing

King’s Speech 2026: Culture, media and sport

Thursday, 07 May, 2026

This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about culture, media and sport.
- Research Briefing
- Culture, Media & Sport
Research Briefing

King’s Speech 2026: Justice

Thursday, 07 May, 2026

This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about justice.
Research Briefing

King’s Speech 2026: Home affairs

Wednesday, 06 May, 2026

This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about home affairs.
Research Briefing

King’s Speech 2026: Health

Wednesday, 06 May, 2026

This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about health.

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