In Focus
Universities UK has put forward proposals to reform the higher education sector to ensure that it is able to “deliver for the nation into the 2030s”. In a report published in September 2024, it called for five big shifts: expand opportunity; improve collaboration; generate local growth; secure future strength; and establish a global strategy. The government has said it would set out its plans for reform in the coming months.
In Focus
Labour’s manifesto committed the party to several House of Lords reforms ahead of a longer-term ambition to replace the House with an alternative second chamber. The Labour government has since introduced a bill to remove hereditary peers from the House’s membership as a first step in its reform programme. Further measures, for example around introducing a mandatory retirement age and a participation requirement, are expected to follow later in the parliament.
In Focus
The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, used her first budget to announce a significant increase in public spending, financed by a combination of tax rises and higher borrowing. Commentators noted that the extra day-to-day spending would mean better funded public services and that more spending on public investment could support the economy’s long-run growth potential. However, they also anticipated a squeeze in household income growth and highlighted the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast that there would be no medium-term boost to GDP from the measures.
In Focus
Hezbollah is an armed Shiite militia group, backed by Iran, which exerts considerable influence in Lebanon. It has been a proscribed in its entirety by the UK as a terrorist organisation since 2019. The current conflict between Hezbollah and Israel continues. Hezbollah has fired rockets at Israeli territory whilst Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes—including that which saw the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah—and has launched an armed incursion into southern Lebanon. The UK has called for an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement.
In Focus
This briefing examines taxes on employment in the UK and internationally, exploring the potential relationship between taxation and employment. It has been prepared ahead of the upcoming House of Lords debate on the government’s assessment of the impact of tax policy on employment.
In Focus
NATO guidelines suggest each member state should spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence. In line with pledges made by the previous Conservative administration, the Labour government has committed to raising UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. It is unclear over what time period that increase will occur, however, and ministers have further indicated that difficult choices on defence spending may be required in light of current economic conditions.
In Focus
The NHS sometimes prescribes weight management drugs to people with severe obesity and conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Many health professionals have argued that the drugs could positively impact people, alongside diet and exercise regimes. However, there are concerns that demand for the drugs could stretch existing NHS services and have led to people using them without a medical reason.
In Focus
Human rights groups, the United Nations and governments have raised concerns about the rights of minority faith communities across South Asia. Members of communities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have reported discrimination or persecution based on their faith. The UK government has said it will promote freedom of religion or belief through diplomatic relations.
In Focus
In defence terms, deterrence customarily refers to the practice of discouraging a hostile actor from undesired actions, such as a military attack. That principle has been evident in many forms in the UK’s defence posture for several decades, including the UK’s nuclear deterrent and membership of international alliances such as NATO. This briefing briefly examines those issues, and commitments made by the previous and present governments, ahead of a forthcoming debate in the House of Lords.
In Focus
Tensions have been rising among countries in the Horn of Africa in recent years, due to regional disputes and internal conflicts. For example, in January 2024, Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland to access one of its ports on the Gulf of Aden. Somalia has viewed the deal as a provocation, as Somaliland is not recognised by the international community and Somalia considers it part of its territory. This briefing examines those issues, as well as recent internal conflicts within Ethiopia and its relations with neighbouring Eritrea.
In Focus
Research has shown the impact the voluntary and community sector has on the economy, as well as on individuals participating in, and receiving assistance from, the sector. Several think tanks and sector organisations have called on the government to collaborate with civil society to address social and economic challenges. The government is developing a new ‘civil society covenant’ to reset its relationship with the sector and “boost growth”.
In Focus
Although it is hard to measure the true economic value of science and technology, the government and commentators agree on the importance of these sectors for UK economic growth, productivity and society. This briefing presents figures relating to the estimated economic contribution of science and technology across the UK, discusses challenges faced by related sectors, and summarises recent government policies announced to support their growth.
In Focus
The hospice sector has reported it is under financial pressure, with an estimated shortfall of £60mn in the current financial year. Hospices in the UK receive around a third of their funding from government, with the rest (over £1bn a year) raised by hospices themselves. There have been calls for this funding model to be reviewed.
In Focus
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
The government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050. This 2050 target was introduced by the Conservative government. The current government has announced several policies, including measures intended to increase UK renewable energy production. On 24 October 2024, the House of Lords is scheduled to debate the economic impact of these policies, including their impact on jobs and growth.
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