• In Focus

    Equality in death? The Commonwealth War Graves Commission

    On 8 May 2025, the country will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the second world war in Europe. Many of the commemorations will take place in cemeteries where those who died during the conflict are remembered. This briefing focuses on the organisation behind these cemeteries, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It looks at how the commission developed and recent work on one of its key principles: equality in death.

  • In Focus

    Reforming the House of Lords in the shadow of the Parliament Act

    In March 1925, the House of Lords debated a motion calling for legislation to be introduced to reform the House of Lords. Whilst composition was among the issues raised, debate focused on the loss of the House’s powers, which were curtailed by the Parliament Act 1911. The 1911 act had also called for the House to be reconstituted on a popular rather than hereditary basis. This briefing looks back at the discussion.

  • In Focus

    Reforming the civil service

    The government has said it wants to reform the civil service by reducing its size and improving its performance. This briefing considers the measures the government has announced, and the reaction to them from unions and commentators.

  • In Focus

    Ready to learn: Increasing the number of five-year-olds with a good level of development

    In its 2024 general election manifesto the Labour Party identified young children not being ready to start school as a barrier to achievement. It stated that “too many children arrive at primary school not ready to learn”. In December 2024 the prime minister said increasing the number of children who start school at a good level of development was one of his government’s six milestones for the current parliament. This briefing looks at what defines school readiness, how many children meet the standard and how the government has said it will make improvements.

  • In Focus

    UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership agreement: House of Lords International Agreements Committee report

    The UK signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine in January 2025, setting out commitments to cooperate on defence and security, as well as in other policy fields. The House of Lords International Agreements Committee supported the rationale behind the agreement, but said it lacked detail and a plan for implementation. It recommended the agreement should be reviewed in the event Russia and Ukraine reach a peace settlement.

  • In Focus

    US tariffs: Background, perspectives and impact on the UK

    The US has announced significant increases in tariffs on imports, although has delayed full implementation. Many economists view tariffs unfavourably, arguing that they raise prices, reduce competition and risk retaliation. But others suggest that tariffs may benefit the country that applies them. UK exports to the US face an additional 10% tariff. This could be negative for UK exports and the economy. But there could be some upsides for the UK if the US goes ahead with higher “reciprocal” tariffs on many of the UK’s competitors.

  • In Focus

    Peerages created following prime ministerial resignations

    UK prime ministers may draw up a resignation honours list on their departure from office, in which they may request that the reigning monarch grant honours to any number of people. Such honours may include peerages, knighthoods and damehoods, or other awards. However, not all have chosen to draw up such a list. This briefing lists those prime ministers who have requested that peerages be conferred on their departure from office.

  • In Focus

    Science and Technology Committee report on seizing the opportunity of engineering biology

    Engineering biology involves designing and building new biological systems, molecules, or organisms. It has potential applications ranging from medicines and manufacturing to making new materials or more resilient crops. The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has urged the government to seize the opportunities presented by this technology and warned that without urgent action the UK risks losing the potential benefits of remaining a world-leader in the field.

  • In Focus

    Constitution Committee report on the governance of the union

    The House of Lords Constitution Committee has re-examined relations between the UK government and devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland following the introduction of new intergovernmental relations structures in January 2022 and its own earlier inquiry on the subject. In a report published in September 2024, the committee urged the government to add a new principle of positive engagement to the principles underpinning the new structures.

  • In Focus

    The future of news: Report by the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee

    In November 2024, the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee published a report examining the future of the news sector in the UK. While acknowledging the sector’s strengths, it expressed concerns about declining trust and revenue, threats to investigative reporting and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI). It made several recommendations to the government and others, including dedicating resources to address the challenges of AI and developing a media literacy strategy.

  • In Focus

    Public inquiries: Enhancing public trust—report by the House of Lords Statutory Inquiries Committee

    In November 2024, the House of Lords Statutory Inquiries Committee published a report examining public inquiries established under the Inquiries Act 2005. While recognising their positive impact, the committee criticised elements of the public inquiry system, such as governments failing to implement agreed inquiry recommendations. To address this, the committee proposed several reforms, including the formation of a parliamentary committee to oversee inquiries and ensure government accountability for implementing recommendations.

  • In Focus

    Media Freedom Coalition and the UK’s actions to ensure the safety and security of journalists worldwide

    The UK co-founded and is a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, which advocates for media freedom, the safety of journalists, and holding those who harm journalists to account. More than 50 journalists have been killed every year since 2019, often with impunity. They can also be subject to detention and legal intimidation. The previous government worked with the UN and other multilateral organisations to promote media freedom, and the current government has said it will protect independent journalism.

  • In Focus

    ‘National debt: It’s time for tough decisions’: House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee report

    In 2024 the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee conducted an inquiry into the sustainability of the UK’s national debt, following a sharp rise in public sector indebtedness in recent years. This briefing provides a summary of the committee’s findings and the government’s response, ahead of a debate in the House of Lords on 25 April 2025.

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