In Focus
Studies indicate that biodiversity is declining. The UK and other countries are signed up to international agreements requiring national strategies that tackle biodiversity loss. The Labour government has been conducting a rapid review of the previous administration’s environmental improvement plan to develop a new strategy to protect the natural environment.
In Focus
On 6 March 2025, the House of Lords is scheduled to hold a debate marking International Women’s Day focused on the steps being taken to promote women’s participation and leadership in science and technology. The motion for the debate is sponsored by Baroness Gustafsson, the government minister for investment. This briefing provides an overview of data and research in this area, as well as information on government policy.
In Focus
Concerns have been raised about the environmental performance of water companies in recent years, particularly the frequency at which sewage has been released into rivers. In response, there have been calls to use the fines imposed on water companies to pay for restoration projects. This article summarises the background, and steps taken by the previous Conservative government and the current Labour government, relating to the environmental performance of water companies.
In Focus
Currently, developers are subject to copyright law when using large data sets to train artificial intelligence (AI) models. In December 2024, the government published proposals to change the way in which this material could be used. This included the establishment of a copyright exemption for AI developers and a new rights reservation model whereby copyright holders would need to opt-out from having their material used for training AI.
In Focus
Extreme rainfall and flooding in 2023 and 2024 impacted farmers and affected the supply of some domestically grown food. It is predicted that future climatic changes could impact agriculture and domestic food production, presenting both risks and opportunities. This briefing examines how the government is supporting farmers and growers to adapt to climate change.
In Focus
Tax measures announced in the autumn 2024 budget included reforms to agricultural property relief for inheritance tax, changes to employer national insurance contributions and the extension of VAT to private school fees. This briefing provides some context to assess the potential economic impact of these measures on the nations and regions of the UK.
Research Briefing
The Consumer Products (Control of Biocides) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill sponsored by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party). It would restrict the use of substances with antimicrobial properties, known as biocides, in cosmetic, personal care and other treated products, for example clothing and period products, subject to certain exemptions. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the bill at second reading on 17 January 2025.
In Focus
Nature and climate change are considered to be inextricably linked. Climate change is one of the drivers of biodiversity loss, along with factors including unsustainable food production and the overuse of natural resources. Nature is considered a key tool in combating rising global temperatures, for example forests and peatlands can play an important role in absorbing carbon emissions. This briefing summarises biodiversity loss, nature-based solutions to climate change and UK climate and nature policy.
Research Briefing
The Bus Services (No. 2) Bill is a government bill scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 8 January 2025. It is intended to make it easier for local transport authorities to franchise bus services in their area. It also includes measures on bus data, enforcement powers, accessibility of bus stops, safeguarding checks and training for bus drivers and zero-emissions buses.
In Focus
Advances in science and medicine led to rising life expectancy in the UK throughout the 20th century, but increases have slowed. Are we nearing the ceiling of life expectancy or will a new wave of research change everything? This briefing explores the science and policy implications of life extension.
In Focus
Noise and light pollution can be harmful to both humans and wildlife. This briefing looks at their effects and how noise and light are regulated.
In Focus
Renewable energy generation can depend on factors like weather conditions and daylight hours. Long-duration energy storage technologies store excess power for long periods to even out the supply. In March 2024, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee said increasing the UK’s long-duration energy storage capacity would support the UK’s net zero plans and energy security. The government has announced an investment support scheme, to launch in 2025.
In Focus
The rural economy in the UK is made up of a variety of different industries, including agriculture and tourism. Rural areas contribute a significant proportion of the UK’s economic output. However, figures for England indicate productivity in rural areas is lower when compared with urban areas. This briefing provides a summary of statistics on the rural economy and outlines some of the challenges for achieving economic growth.
In Focus
In the autumn budget the chancellor announced changes to inheritance tax reliefs. From April 2026, taxes would apply to agricultural assets over £1mn (or up to £3mn in certain circumstances). The government has said this would just affect the wealthiest landowners and disincentivise buying agricultural land to avoid tax. Farming groups have argued the policy is a threat to the future of family farming and the UK's food security.
Research Briefing
The Public Authority Algorithmic and Automated Decision-Making Systems Bill [HL] aims to regulate the usage of algorithmic and automated decision-making systems across the public sector, making the use of such systems more transparent and fair, and mitigating against the risks arising from such technologies such as bias and discrimination. It is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat). It is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 13 December 2024.
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