World Affairs Archives

In Focus

International Agreements Committee: Treaty on AUKUS naval nuclear propulsion and amendments to UK-US Mutual Defence Agreement

Monday, 21 October, 2024

In July 2024, the government published amendments to its longstanding agreement with the US on the sharing of nuclear materials, technology, and information. The government has also reached a new agreement with the US and Australia to support the development of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet. The House of Lords is due to debate two reports by the House of Lords International Agreements Committee on these two agreements.
In Focus

War in Ukraine: Update October 2024

Wednesday, 16 October, 2024

The summer of 2024 has seen heavy fighting across the front lines in Ukraine. Russian forces continue to press in the east of the country whilst a Ukrainian offensive penetrated across the border into Russia. The new Labour government has pledged to be steadfast in the UK's support for Ukraine and has announced further measures designed to aid Ukraine’s military effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian administration has reportedly developed a set of proposals for how they believe Russia can be forced to accept terms to end the conflict.
In Focus

Ethiopia: Conflict and food insecurity 40 years on from the 1984 famine

Thursday, 10 October, 2024

Recent years have seen conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the country continues to face food insecurity. An estimated 16 million people needed food assistance by August 2024. This briefing provides a brief timeline of conflict and food insecurity issues in Ethiopia. It also summarises the current humanitarian situation in the country and UK government policy regarding assistance. The House of Lords is due to debate the subject on 17 October 2024.
- In Focus
- Foreign Policy
In Focus

Sustainable development goals and the impact of global conflict, extreme poverty and climate-related emergencies

Thursday, 10 October, 2024

The United Nations has said that escalating global conflicts and climate-related emergencies have substantially affected progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals. These issues have also reversed progress in tackling extreme poverty around the world. This article looks at these interlinked issues, as well as some of the recommendations by international bodies and UK government policy commitments seeking to address these challenges.
In Focus

Strategic defence review

Wednesday, 02 October, 2024

The Labour Party’s 2024 general election manifesto said that, if elected, it would conduct a strategic defence review (SDR) in its first year in government. The new Labour government launched a review in July 2024. It is expected to report in the first half of 2025. The House of Lords is scheduled to hold a debate on the SDR on 9 October 2024.
- In Focus
- Defence
In Focus

UK and Europe: Cultural, diplomatic and security relations

Tuesday, 01 October, 2024

The Labour government has called for an “improved and ambitious relationship” with Europe, including a new UK-EU security pact and stronger bilateral partnerships with partners including France, Germany and Joint Expeditionary Force allies. This briefing outlines some of the actions proposed and undertaken by the UK government to improve ties since the July 2024 general election.
In Focus

Civil war in Sudan: Is there a path to peace?

Friday, 06 September, 2024

While international attention has largely been focused on the Middle East and Ukraine, the civil war in Sudan continues. The UN has characterised the conflict as the “world’s largest hunger crisis”. As peace negotiations stall, concerns are rising not only for the people of Sudan but also about the conflict spreading to neighbouring states.
- In Focus
- Foreign Policy
In Focus

Second chambers around the world: Size and membership

Thursday, 05 September, 2024

In light of the UK government’s recent proposals to reform the House of Lords, this briefing presents facts and figures comparing the House of Lords with other second chambers around the world.
In Focus

Impact of war and conflict on children

Thursday, 22 August, 2024

This briefing provides a summary of a recent report by the international children’s rights charity Save the Children entitled ‘Stop the war on children: Let them live in peace’, as well as UK government policy in this area. It has been prepared ahead of Baroness Anelay of St Johns’ (Conservative) upcoming debate on 12 September 2024 on the government’s assessment of the impact of international conflict on children and the recommendations proposed in Save the Children’s report.
Research Briefing

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 3 of 2024-25

Tuesday, 23 July, 2024

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill seeks to allow the UK government to treat the CPA and the ICRC in a manner comparable to international organisations of which the UK is a member. This status change would allow the government to confer certain privileges and immunities on the two organisations. A previous version of the bill was introduced in the 2023-24 parliamentary session.
- Research Briefing
- Foreign Policy
Research Briefing

King’s Speech 2024: Foreign affairs and international development

Friday, 12 July, 2024

Research briefing setting out the government’s commitments covering foreign affairs and international development for the House of Lords debate on the 2024 King’s Speech.
Research Briefing

King’s Speech 2024: Defence

Thursday, 11 July, 2024

Research briefing setting out the government’s commitments covering defence and the armed forces for the House of Lords debate on the 2024 King’s Speech.
- Research Briefing
- Defence
Current Affairs Digest

Current Affairs Digest: International Affairs (May 2024)

Wednesday, 29 May, 2024

The war between Ukraine and Russia is in its third year, with no immediate resolution in sight. This has raised many questions about its endgame and the long-term implications for both countries. This briefing examines some of the potential scenarios for the war’s conclusion.
In Focus

From the Hansard archives: North Atlantic Treaty 1949

Wednesday, 29 May, 2024

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is 75 years old this summer. This briefing looks back through the Hansard archives to the debate where the House approved the signing of the treaty and finds some themes raised by members that still resonate today.
- In Focus
- International Law
In Focus

Questions to the foreign secretary: 21 May 2024

Monday, 20 May, 2024

Members of the House of Lords will ask Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton a series of oral questions on 21 May 2024. Topics include the government’s assessment of Israel's compliance with an International Court of Justice order regarding Gaza; the number of vessels transporting Russian oil; the UK’s priorities for cooperation with South Africa after forthcoming elections; and what the UK is doing to address conflict-induced food insecurity.

Total results (page 6 of 36)