• In Focus

    Draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026: Fatal motion

    The draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 would make changes to three sets of assimilated regulations which concern chemicals in Great Britain. The government has said that the changes would rectify a number of issues that could not be addressed at EU exit. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Northern Ireland, divergence from the EU, efficiency savings and further legislation.

  • In Focus

    Clean power 2030 action plan: Impact on rural communities

    The government’s ‘Clean power 2030 action plan’ (December 2024) set out a transition towards clean, low carbon electricity in Great Britain. This included plans to expand energy infrastructure and transmission networks. However, some MPs and campaign organisations have raised concerns about the impact of expanded network infrastructure on rural communities. To support local areas, the government is considering a proposal to introduce community benefits for low carbon energy infrastructure.

  • In Focus

    Cyber security and the UK government

    Cyber security is becoming an increasingly salient issue as society becomes more dependent on digital services and the capabilities of malicious actors evolve. The government is a significant target for cyber attacks, particularly those aiming to disrupt public services or conduct espionage. This briefing provides an introduction to cyber security and recent plans to strengthen government cyber security.

  • In Focus

    Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026

    The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026 would expand the UK’s emissions trading scheme to include the domestic maritime sector. The government states this supports its climate change and net zero policies. However, concern has been expressed by some about the potential financial impact on the industry and a possible increased impact on Northern Ireland compared with other areas of Great Britain.

  • In Focus

    Media literacy: Lords Communications and Digital Committee report

    The committee’s report raised concerns about public risk from misinformation, disinformation and online harms. The committee recommended enhancing media literacy, including through national curriculum reforms, an industry levy to fund education, and better coordination of support for adults, especially parents. The government agreed on the importance of media literacy, citing measures under the Online Safety Act 2023, cross-government work, and forthcoming updated media literacy teaching following the curriculum review.

  • In Focus

    UK flour milling sector

    The flour milling sector produces flour for a variety of foods, including bread, biscuits, cakes and other products. This briefing provides an overview of the contribution of the flour milling sector to the UK economy, including its contribution to employment.

  • In Focus

    Waste crime: Role of the Environment Agency

    In September 2025, the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee held a short inquiry into waste crime. It argued the issue was critically under-prioritised and expressed concern that the Environment Agency had failed to pursue repeated reports of serious waste crime. The government has said that it is making reforms in this area and is investing in the Environment Agency.

  • In Focus

    Public Order Act 2023 (Interference with Use or Operation of Key National Infrastructure) Regulations 2025

    New government regulations would designate UK life sciences facilities as key national infrastructure, extending police powers to act against protest activity at such facilities. The government argues the changes are necessary to protect these sites from ongoing disruptive activity, much of which is directed against the use of animals in scientific research. Campaigners have criticised the plans as an infringement on the right to protest and unnecessary legislative overreach.

  • In Focus

    Superintelligent AI: Should its development be stopped?

    Artificial superintelligence (ASI) is a hypothetical future form of AI with cognitive functions and highly developed thinking skills more advanced than any human. While some have claimed it might be possible “in a few thousand days”, others are more sceptical about its development. Concerns have been raised that ASI presents an existential threat to humanity and its creation should be prevented or more strictly regulated.

  • In Focus

    Potential future risks from autonomous AI systems

    Some experts argue that future autonomous AI systems may be able to evade human oversight and control. The likelihood and potential impacts of such “loss of control” incidents are debated as the trajectory of future AI advancement is uncertain. To address this risk, the UK has adopted non-statutory principles to guide responsible development and use but currently lacks AI-specific regulations or legislation.

  • In Focus

    Environmental improvement plan 2025

    The government published a revised environmental improvement plan in December 2025, containing updated targets and government commitments for improving the environment. These plans and targets are required under the Environment Act 2021. The government hopes the new plan will improve clarity on the actions to be taken to improve the environment. However, some have argued it does not go far enough to recognise the urgency of the situation.

  • In Focus

    Managing nitrogen use and pollution: Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee report

    The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee has argued that policies governing nitrogen use and pollution in the UK need to be strengthened. It has called for better regulation, a ‘circular approach’ to nitrogen management (based on more efficient use and recycling) and a more coordinated strategy on nitrogen pollution. This briefing highlights some key points from the committee’s report and the government’s response to it.

  • In Focus

    Historical responsibility for colonial mining pollution

    Mining can have major impacts on the environment with one study putting the current global environmental costs of mining annually at £0.3tn, representing 0.5% of the world’s annual GDP. Widespread mining took place in British colonies during colonial rule. Commentators such as Action for Southern Africa have argued that instances of historic pollution, and how mining industries deal with them, present “a warning for what could come as the energy transition accelerates”.

  • In Focus

    AI in the NHS

    Artificial intelligence (AI) arguably has the potential to deliver considerable cost and time savings in healthcare by automating some administrative and clinical tasks. The government plans to expand the use of AI in the NHS but public sentiment is divided. This briefing explores the main concerns and outlines key questions for regulating this technology.

  • Research Briefing

    Rare Cancers Bill: HL Bill 124 of 2024–26

    The Rare Cancers Bill is intended to incentivise research and investment into rare cancers, which tend to be more difficult to diagnose and treat than common cancers. The bill would require the secretary of state to promote research into rare cancers and to review licencing for medicines which treat rare conditions. It would also create a national speciality lead to promote and advise on research, as well as improved data sharing for contacting potential trial participants.

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