• In Focus

    ‘Undergrounding’ electrical transmission cables

    There are 4,500 miles of overhead electricity transmission lines in England and Wales. This contrasts with just over 900 miles of underground cables. ‘Undergrounding’, the replacement of overhead cables with underground cables, is used in limited circumstances, such as in nationally designated landscapes. There have been calls for an increase in undergrounding. However, the government has pointed to several issues, including the higher cost of underground cables.

  • Research Briefing

    Data Protection and Digital Information Bill: HL Bill 30 of 2023–24

    The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill would amend existing data protection legislation and introduce new provisions in areas such as digital verification services and smart data. The bill was carried over from the last session and is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 19 December 2023.

  • In Focus

    King’s Speech 2023: Energy security and net zero

    The government has committed to reducing the UK’s carbon emissions and household energy costs while increasing energy security. In September 2023, the government announced it would be pushing back some of its previously announced net zero related deadlines, including those for the transition to electric vehicles and the phasing out of fossil fuel boilers for off-gas-grid homes. This briefing provides a summary of the government’s recent announcements.

  • In Focus

    ‘Investing in energy: Price, security, and the transition to net zero’: Economic Affairs Committee report

    In February 2022, the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee launched an inquiry into how the government could support investment in UK energy in order to achieve greater security of supply, improve affordability and meet the UK’s net zero targets. This article summarises the committee’s conclusions and the then government’s response to its recommendations. It also provides an overview of subsequent developments in the government’s energy policies.

  • In Focus

    The future UK-EU relationship: Report by the House of Lords European Affairs Committee

    Since the Windsor Framework was agreed in February 2023, the UK and the EU agree their relationship has been on a positive trajectory. In light of this, a recent House of Lords committee report made recommendations about further opportunities for UK-EU cooperation on foreign policy, defence and security, energy security, climate change and mobility of people.

  • In Focus

    The role of nuclear in the UK’s energy supply

    The government has outlined its ambitions to significantly increase the UK’s nuclear power capacity, arguing it is the only reliable energy technology available that is able to provide a baseload level of low-carbon electricity on a large scale. However, such plans have faced criticism, particularly regarding the cost and deliverability challenges associated with large-scale nuclear projects. This article considers the debate around the future of nuclear power ahead of a House of Lords debate on the subject on 7 September 2023.

  • In Focus

    Geothermal energy: Potential for heat and power in Great Britain

    Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses heat from the Earth's subsurface to generate power and provide heating and cooling. It potentially offers several opportunities as a sustainable and reliable energy solution. However, its adoption faces challenges, including potential environmental impacts and high costs. This article examines geothermal energy in further detail and discusses the action that successive governments have taken on it.

  • Research Briefing

    Electricity Transmission (Compensation) Bill: HL Bill 108 of 2022–23

    Electricity network operators can apply to compulsorily acquire land or land rights without the consent of landowners when installing and maintaining network infrastructure. If approved, landowners are entitled to compensation from the network operator. If a compensation dispute arises between a landowner and network operator, the level of compensation can be determined by a tribunal. The Electricity Transmission (Compensation) Bill would require the secretary of state to lay proposals before Parliament for the use of alternative dispute resolution processes to determine levels of compensation in electricity-related land acquisition cases.

  • In Focus

    Mission zero: Independent review of net zero

    By 2050, the UK is legally required to have reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% from 1990 levels. An independent review considered how this ‘net zero’ target could maximise economic growth whilst also increasing energy security and affordability for consumers and businesses. The review recommended that the government takes action to ensure the UK benefits from the investment and economic growth opportunities that net zero presents.

  • In Focus

    Net zero transformation: Industry and Regulators Committee report

    In March 2022, the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee published a report on net zero transformation, examining the government’s policy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The committee argued that current plans “lack the necessary level of policy detail” and proposed a range of recommendations. This article summarises the report, the government’s and Ofgem’s responses, as well as other developments concerning the UK’s net zero strategy.

  • In Focus

    Cost of living: The healthcare ecosystem

    This article explores how the rising cost of living has affected the UK healthcare ecosystem. Rising energy prices and food insecurity can lead to an increasingly ill population, while staff shortages and high hospital bills add pressure to the health system. In November 2022, the UK government announced an £8bn spending increase for health and adult social care, but some organisations have said it is not enough.

  • In Focus

    Cost of living: Impact of rising costs on disabled people

    Disabled individuals and their households have, on average, lower incomes than their non-disabled counterparts. They often incur additional costs related to the treatment and mitigation of their disability. Furthermore, they typically spend a greater share of their income on food and energy, the commodities driving the current surge in inflation. In recognition of Disability History Month—running from 16 November to 16 December this year—this article considers how disabled individuals and their households are impacted by the rising cost of living.

  • In Focus

    Battery strategy: Science and Technology Committee report

    The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the Science and Technology Committee’s report ‘Battery strategy goes flat: Net zero target at risk’ on 23 November 2022. This article provides an overview of the committee’s recommendations and the government’s response. It also summarises recent statements from the government on supporting battery production and development and the expansion of low-carbon technologies.

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