In Focus
As part of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, the UK Government has committed to halving the UK’s per capita food waste by 2030. In 2018, the UK produced around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste, a 15% reduction from 2007. The Government supports several initiatives as part of its resources and waste strategy, but there have been calls for it to introduce statutory regulations to meet its targets, instead of relying on voluntary agreements.
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on the world of science with a selection of articles you may have missed from February 2021. Articles this month look at noise levels under the sea, and how decision making is harder for those with anxiety and depression.
In Focus
Malaria remains a deadly disease for many countries. A complex parasite causes the illness, which means it has proved difficult to vaccinate against. Currently, only one vaccine candidate has received regulatory approval, and no candidate has ever been fully launched and distributed. Why is malaria so difficult to vaccinate against, and which vaccine candidates are currently in development?
In Focus
In recent years, the Government has introduced several measures concerning the UK space industry. This included passing legislation to create a regulatory framework for commercial space activities and funding to build the country’s first spaceport. This In Focus examines the recent size and health of the UK space industry, including its contribution to the wider UK economy. It also covers several measures taken by the Government to date, such as the creation of the National Space Council.
In Focus
As part of measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus, many retail outlets were closed for long periods during 2020. In conjunction with changes in consumer behaviour resulting from reduced socialising and travel, this had a big impact on the global fashion industry. There are concerns about job losses in clothing stores and in the supply chain as a result of these changes. But ahead of London fashion week this month, people are also asking if this is an opportunity for the fashion industry to make permanent changes to how it operates, for the good of both people and the planet.
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on the world of science with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month include a look at developments in antimatter research, and whether we should be taking more vitamin D supplements during the pandemic.
In Focus
In October 2017, the Tenancy Reform Industry Group highlighted potential barriers to productivity in the farming sector caused by agricultural tenancy laws and proposed ideas for reform. This article provides a summary of that report and action the Government has taken since.
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on articles from the world of science you may have missed from October and November 2020. This month we take a look at the new Hyperloop transport system, and the recent discovery of water on the moon.
In Focus
The Ozone Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 would implement the Northern Ireland protocol specifically in relation to restricting the use of ozone depleting substances (ODS) and fluorinated greenhouse gases (F gases). It would mean that EU law on these issues would apply to Northern Ireland following the transition period. It would also implement controls on the movement of relevant gases, substances and equipment between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
In Focus
On 8 December 2020, the House of Lords will debate government proposals to further amend the rules that will govern the domestic regime for regulating the chemicals industry following the end of the Brexit transition period. Concerns have been raised regarding the administration of this new system and its impact on UK businesses. This article summarises the new draft regulations and the reaction to the Government’s proposals.
In Focus
The Legislative Reform (Renewal of Radio Licences) Order 2020 is a specific kind of statutory instrument called a legislative reform order (LRO). Such orders are designed to reduce certain burdens caused by legislation. These particular orders would extend analogue radio licences due to expire from 2022 for a further ten-year period on the condition that they also provide a service on an appropriate digital radio multiplex.
Current Affairs Digest
Catch up on articles from the world of science you may have missed from October 2020. This month we take a look at dark matter, and whether any human experience can really be classed as universal.
In Focus
Certain regulations on vehicles and carbon dioxide emission targets are currently regulated by the EU. The UK Government has put in place statutory instruments intended to retain these regulations when the transition period ends for leaving the EU. This article looks at three draft SIs which make amendments to current legislation to ensure the regulations can function effectively after the transition period, and that the UK meets its obligations under the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol.
In Focus
The regulation of organic products, and of genetically modified organisms, is based on EU law. The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 brings this EU law into UK statute, so that it will continue to have effect after the end of the transition period. Amendments since have ensured that the retained law refers to the UK system, not the EU. However, under the Northern Ireland Protocol, Northern Ireland will remain subject to the EU’s laws. This article looks at two statutory instruments that further amend the 2019 regulations so that they refer only to Great Britain, enabling Northern Ireland to continue to meet EU law.
In Focus
The High Speed Rail (West Midlands–Crewe) Bill would provide approval for phase 2a of the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway line. Phase 2a would run between the West Midlands, where it would link with phase 1 of HS2, and Crewe. The bill is scheduled to begin its committee stage in the House of Lords on 9 November 2020.
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