Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 21 of 2026–27

The Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative). It would require new washing machines to have filters to capture microfibres, a form of microplastic shed from synthetic clothing. It would also impose a duty on the secretary of state to promote awareness of microfibre pollution. The bill’s second reading in the House of Lords is scheduled for 11 September 2026.

Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 21 of 2026–27

Nature’s Rights Bill [HL]: HL Bill 7 of 2026–27

The Nature’s Rights Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill sponsored by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party). The bill would recognise nature as a legal subject, granting it specific rights for protection and restoration. The bill would set out a legal framework for how this would operate, including an integrated rights framework and mechanisms for how nature’s rights would be implemented and enforced.

Nature’s Rights Bill [HL]: HL Bill 7 of 2026–27

Rural economy: UK government policy

Rural areas contribute a significant proportion of England’s economic output. The government has announced several policies intended to support growth in the rural economy, including farming. However, it has faced criticism for the delay in outlining its overall strategy for the agricultural sector. This briefing provides data on the rural economy and summarises government policy and stakeholder reaction

Rural economy: UK government policy

  • In Focus

    Electricity prices in Great Britain

    In recent years, electricity prices for both households and businesses have seen significant increases. This briefing sets out how electricity bills are calculated, how much on average they cost and how they compare internationally. It also provides commentary on why prices have been so high and gives an overview of government policy in this area.

  • 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

    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

    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

    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”.

  • Research Briefing

    Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill: HL Bill 148 of 2024–26

    The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill is intended to align UK law with an international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, the 'high seas'. The bill would enable the UK to enforce compliance for UK craft with internationally agreed protections, such as marine protected areas. It would also set out requirements for UK-based projects collecting genetic resources.

  • In Focus

    Impact of litter on canal towpaths

    The Canal and River Trust manages most canal towpaths in England and Wales. Its responsibilities include maintaining canal infrastructure and managing litter. However, due to high waste-management costs and concerns over government funding from 2027, the trust has removed bins at several of its canal towpath locations. This has prompted local concerns about increased fly-tipping, increased litter and pollution.

  • In Focus

    Plastic recycling targets

    This briefing examines existing plastic recycling waste targets and discusses whether those targets are being met. It also details successive governments’ policies on plastic recycling. It has been prepared ahead of Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville’s (Liberal Democrat) question for short debate on 20 November 2025 on the progress the government has made in achieving plastic recycling targets.

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