Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill
This article considers the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which would increase the maximum sentence available in the worst cases of animal cruelty to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
Peatland burning: New regulations for blanket bog habitats
In February 2021, the Government introduced new regulations banning the burning of certain types of vegetation on protected blanket bog peatland without a licence in England. On 18 March 2021, the House of Lords will debate a motion criticising the new regulations as not adequately protecting peatland or reducing UK carbon emissions. This article summarises what the regulations do and what the reaction to them has been since they were announced.
Agricultural tenancy reform
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.
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In Focus
Regulation of organic products and genetically modified organisms
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.
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Research Briefing
Trade Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages
This government bill would introduce measures to support the UK in implementing an independent trade policy, having left the European Union.
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In Focus
UK import restrictions: Controlling the spread of Xylella
Xylella fastidiosa is a bacteria that can cause severe disease and death in certain plants. This article explains what the disease is and discusses recent restrictions on plant imports that the UK Government has imposed to reduce the risk of it being introduced to the UK. Xylella is due to be the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 8 July 2020.
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In Focus
Direct payments to farmers: Derogation from crop diversification requirements for 2020
Farm businesses receive direct payments based on the amount of agricultural land that they maintain. Farmers receive payments if they meet certain requirements, including crop diversification requirements. This articles discusses what direct payments are, in addition to the Government’s statutory instrument that would set aside the requirements to qualify for direct payments for 2020.
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Research Briefing
Agriculture Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages
The House of Lords stages of the Agriculture Bill began on 18 May 2020 with first reading.
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Research Briefing
Coronavirus: Food Supply and Food Security
How has coronavirus impacted both food supply chains and food security in the UK? This briefing explores the latest facts and figures.
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Research Briefing
Future UK-EU Relationship: Approach to Negotiations
On 31 January 2020, the UK left the EU under the terms of the withdrawal agreement. This provided for an implementation period during which most EU laws, including new laws, would continue to apply to the UK. The transition period will last until 31 December 2020, unless the UK and EU agree an extension.
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Research Briefing
Green Economy: Promoting Resource Efficiency and Zero Carbon Usage
Is it possible to grow the economy and protect the environment?
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Research Briefing
Trade Standards Commission
This House of Lords Library briefing contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming question for short debate on 25 February 2020 on what steps the Government are taking to establish a trade standards commission in advance of negotiating trade deals.
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Research Briefing
Fisheries Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the second reading of the Fisheries Bill [HL], scheduled to take place on 11 February 2020.
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Research Briefing
Native Trees: Pests and Diseases
This House of Lords Library briefing provides information ahead of the House of Lords debate on the threats posed by pests and diseases to native trees in the United Kingdom.
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