In Focus
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome, is a long-term health condition that is estimated to affect over 400,000 people in the UK. It is a fluctuating condition with symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems and brain fog. In 2025 the government published its final delivery plan on ME, which aimed to improve care and support for those with the condition.
In Focus
Concerns about abuse and intimidation towards elected representatives have increased in recent years. The Jo Cox Civility Commission made a number of recommendations in a 2024 report to address this because of concerns that this activity would dissuade people from standing in elections and encourage existing representatives to stand down. The government has instigated a number of policies to tackle the abuse and intimidation of elected representatives.
In Focus
Recent tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina have raised concerns about stability and security in the country, particularly due to reports of external influence and recent secessionist rhetoric in Republika Srpska. This briefing outlines recent developments, international responses and the UK government’s position on Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of a House of Lords debate on the subject.
In Focus
Concerns have been raised about levels of welfare spending in the UK and increasing numbers of young people not in education, employment or training. This briefing sets out statistics, government policy and commentary on welfare and youth employment. This includes the government’s youth guarantee, its ‘Get Britain working’ policies and the interim report by Alan Milburn on young people and work.
In Focus
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
In Focus
The government established a taskforce in July 2024 to develop a strategy to reduce child poverty in the UK. Published in December 2025, the strategy included a combination of previously implemented and new policies. While charities, think tanks and other groups generally welcomed the strategy, particularly the removal of the two-child universal credit limit and extension of free school meals, some argued for further reforms to the social security system.
In Focus
In December 2025, the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee published its report ‘The Building Safety Regulator: Building a better regulator’. The committee found that delays caused by the regulator’s approval processes had delayed or disincentivised refurbishments, safety upgrades and the remediation of dangerous cladding in high-rise buildings. It made recommendations aimed at these addressing the issues. The government accepted the intent of the recommendations and set out information on how it would take them forward.
In Focus
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
The UK’s low and declining birth rate, alongside increasing life expectancy, is contributing to population ageing. This has raised concerns about potential effects on the size of the workforce, demand for public services and economic growth. This briefing considers these issues and sets out the government’s response to such concerns.
In Focus
Evidence indicates that diagnosis of common mental health conditions including depression and anxiety has been increasing over the past decade. With this trend particularly prevalent in the 16 to 24 age group, government-commissioned reviews have been exploring the impacts on education, work and participation in society and the economy. The government has also announced a call for evidence in May 2026 ahead of a new mental health strategy.
In Focus
In October 2025, the House of Lords Public Services Committee published a report on reforming the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). It said several key areas must be improved to enable the CMS to work more effectively. The government accepted some recommendations and rejected others. The committee said it was pleased about certain actions the government had taken but it was disappointed by the lack of progress made in many areas.
In Focus
The House of Lords Committee on the Autism Act 2009 called for the government to urgently develop a new autism strategy, tackling “persistent inequalities” experienced by autistic people in education, health, work, criminal justice and the community. The government has since commissioned an independent review into mental health conditions, autism and ADHD, launched a call for evidence to inform a mental health strategy, and announced a special educational needs reform bill.
In Focus
The government argues that a next generation of new towns is necessary in England to drive economic growth and tackle housing shortages. The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has published two reports on the government’s new towns programme, calling for strong leadership and dedicated resources to ensure the programme can deliver on its ambitious targets.
In Focus
The UK is required to contribute towards the prevention of atrocity crimes globally. Successive UK governments have used various mechanisms aimed at preventing mass atrocities. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised in recent years regarding the continued occurrence of large-scale violence worldwide. This has prompted some parliamentarians and external stakeholders to call on the government to do more to prevent such atrocities.
In Focus
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 regulates in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and human embryo research in the UK. Recently, there have been calls for reform to reflect changes in societal attitudes and scientific developments since the act was last updated in 2008. The government has said it is considering recommendations made by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the sector’s independent regulator.
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