Current Affairs Digest: World Affairs (July 2021)
Catch up on world affairs with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month include a look at Israel's new leader, and elections in Peru.
Importance of foreign aid programme
Aid spending is targeted at improving the lives of people around the world. This includes tackling global diseases, humanitarian assistance, eliminating poverty, reducing the impact of climate change and making progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, many believe aid spending improves the global standing of the UK and builds better trade links. The Government has recently been criticised for announcing a reduction in aid spending.
Reduction in the UK’s 0.7 percent ODA target
In the 2020 spending review, the Government cut aid spending from a target of 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) to 0.5%. Ministers said the UK would spend £10 billion on overseas development assistance (ODA) in 2021–22, this compares with £14.5 billion in 2020. The decision has been controversial, with several politicians and aid organisations expressing concerns about the impact of the reduction.
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In Focus
Queen’s Speech 2021: foreign affairs, defence and international development
At the Queen’s Speech on 11 May 2021, the Government will outline its legislative agenda for the next parliamentary session. This article considers what may be announced in the areas of foreign affairs, defence and international development.
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In Focus
UK development aid and the Integrated Review
In the 2020 spending review, the Government cut aid spending from a target of 0.7% of GNI to 0.5%. The Government said in its recent integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy it would use aid spending “more strategically” to increase the UK’s impact as a force for good. On 28 April 2021, the House of Lords is due to debate the reduction in aid spending and its impact on achieving the integrated review’s objectives.
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Current Affairs Digest
Current Affairs Digest: World Affairs (March 2021)
Catch up on world affairs with a selection of articles you may have missed. Articles this month include a look at faith in Nigeria, and the lasting impact of the Arab Spring.
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In Focus
Safeguarding the rights of the global LGBTI+ community
Covid-19 has impacted the work of LGBTI+ organisations around the world. This article looks at a recent report by the Baring Foundation which calls for increased spending by the UK Government on global LGBTI+ rights and outlines the current spending commitments in this area.
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In Focus
Sanctions (EU Exit) (Consequential Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
Since the passage of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, the Government has been preparing for the UK to implement sanctions once it is no longer covered by the EU’s legal framework. The draft Sanctions (EU Exit) (Consequential Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 would amend existing sanctions regulations made under the 2018 act to ensure that references in other pieces of primary and secondary legislation are up to date.
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Current Affairs Digest
Current Affairs Digest: International Affairs (April 2020)
Catch-up on international affairs articles you may have missed from April 2020, including what impact coronavirus might have on Gaza.
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Research Briefing
Israel-Palestine: The New US Peace Deal
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the debate due to take place on 27 February 2020 in the House of Lords on the motion moved by Baroness Tonge (Non-affiliated) that “this House takes note of the United States’ proposals for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, announced on 28 January”.
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Research Briefing
Iran and Stability in the Middle East
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the debate in the House of Lords on Iran and stability in the Middle East.
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Research Briefing
Implications of the Use of Drones following the Assassination of Qasem Soleimani
This House of Lords Library Briefing contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming question for short debate on the implications of the use of drones following the assassination of Qasem Soleimani.
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Research Briefing
Situation in Syria and Iraq Following Turkey’s Invasion of Syria
This House of Lords Library Briefing contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming question for short debate on the situation in Syria and Iraq following Turkey’s invasion of Syria.
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Research Briefing
Queen’s Speech: Debate in the House of Lords Days 1 and 2
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been published ahead of days 1 and 2 of the Lords debate on the Queen’s Speech, covering the following subjects: exiting the European Union, trade, foreign affairs and defence.
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Research Briefing
Peace to Prosperity: United States Plan for Palestine
This House of Lords Library Briefing Pack contains a selection of material relevant for the forthcoming Question for Short Debate on the United States’ Peace to Prosperity economic plan for Palestine.
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