Personal independence payment and other disability benefits and linked schemes

The disability benefits system in England and Wales has been criticised by several parliamentary committees and by campaigners. The 2024 Labour Party manifesto included several proposals for reform, and these proposals are currently being assessed by two reviews commissioned by the Starmer government. This briefing outlines the main benefits and support schemes available to disabled people and carers in England and Wales, the impact of the current system, and proposals for reform.

Personal independence payment and other disability benefits and linked schemes

Conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding: Role of the UN and UK

This briefing examines the role of the United Nations and the UK in conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding. It outlines recent UN reforms to its peacebuilding architecture, assesses the UK’s approach and funding commitments, and considers debates about the effectiveness of international efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace amid rising global instability and pressure on development budgets.

Conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding: Role of the UN and UK

Malvern Hills Bill [HL] Committee: Special report

The House of Lords is due to debate a select committee report on the Malvern Hills Bill [HL] on 29 October 2026. This private bill, introduced in the 2024–26 session, would consolidate the law governing the Malvern Hills Trust and make some changes to the trust’s governance and powers. Following a high number of petitions against the bill, the committee made some amendments. The bill cannot progress this session unless both Houses agree to revive it.

Malvern Hills Bill [HL] Committee: Special report

  • In Focus

    Screen use, artificial intelligence and social media: Impact on children and young people

    Screens, social media and AI are a key and increasingly common part of children and young people’s lives. The use of these technologies may include both positive and negative effects, with concerns focused on the overall impact on young people’s health, development and safety. The government has announced it will introduce new guidance and restrictions to attempt to tackle these issues, including plans for a ban on under-16s using social media.

  • In Focus

    Debate on proposals for a written constitution

    The UK is one of the few democratic countries that does not have a codified constitution. Instead, the UK has a set of constitutional arrangements contained in various statutes, judicial decisions, conventions and precedents. The prime minister, Andy Burnham, has said his devolution agenda strengthens the case for a written constitution. This briefing summarises some of the arguments that have been made for and against a written constitution.

  • In Focus

    Hormone treatments and age consent: Government policy

    Puberty blockers as a treatment for gender incongruence or dysphoria are currently only available for people under the age of 18 as part of an approved clinical trial. NHS England has also paused prescribing cross-sex hormones for people under 18. This briefing summarises the policy position on the use of hormone treatments ahead of a debate in the Lords on the appropriate age of consent.

  • In Focus

    UK-EU Agreement in respect of Gibraltar

    The UK and the EU have agreed a treaty that would create a new framework for Gibraltar’s relationship with the EU following the end of the Brexit transition period at the end of 2020. The arrangements are aimed at creating a fluid land border between Gibraltar and Spain. The treaty has been provisionally applied by the parties since 15 July 2026.

  • In Focus

    Local government: Democratic accountability, citizen participation and electoral reform

    The House of Lords is due to debate democratic accountability, citizen participation and electoral reform in local government. This briefing examines local government in England, including government plans for further devolution, arrangements for local audit and scrutiny, and how citizens participate in local decision-making. It also considers voting systems for council and mayoral elections and proposals for electoral reform.

  • In Focus

    Threats to UK food security

    The UK produces most of its food but is dependent on imports for produce such as fruit and vegetables. Various government and independent reports have identified issues such as climate change and trade disruptions as potential food security threats. The Starmer government published a ‘Land use framework’ and a ‘Farming roadmap 2050’ that set out actions for the food and farming sectors to adapt to some of these challenges.

  • In Focus

    Family businesses in the UK

    Family businesses play an important role in the UK economy but face a range of challenges. This briefing outlines the contribution of family businesses, some of the challenges they face, and wider economic and business pressures. It summarises some of the government support available, as well as recent policy developments.

  • In Focus

    UK-Poland defence and security treaty

    The UK and Poland have signed a new treaty on defence and security which provides a framework for cooperation across a range of policy areas, including foreign policy and defence innovation, economic resilience, and energy and climate security. It is not yet in force; the process of its ratification is ongoing. The treaty comes at a time of rising geopolitical tensions, particularly over the war in Ukraine and Russian activity on NATO’s eastern flank.

  • In Focus

    UK-EU competition cooperation agreement

    The UK-EU competition cooperation agreement would establish a formal framework for the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority and EU competition authorities to work together to enforce their respective competition laws. This would include duties for authorities to consider the interests of other parties when enforcing competition law and safeguards regarding the sharing and use of information. The agreement was signed in February 2026 but it is not in force at the time of writing.

  • In Focus

    Citizenship education in England

    Citizenship education focuses on the knowledge, skills and understanding to help prepare pupils to play a full and active role in society. In England, it is currently a compulsory part of the national curriculum for secondary school pupils, but not for primary. There have been various calls for this to change, and in 2025 the government announced that it would become compulsory for schools following the national curriculum at key stages 1 through 4 starting in 2028.

  • In Focus

    House of Lords Appointments Commission: Role and powers

    The House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC) vets nominations to the House and recommends non-party political members. While its advice is usually followed, it is not a statutory body and the prime minister can choose to disregard its advice. This briefing provides an overview of the role and powers of the commission and summarises recent debates concerning its reform.

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