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.
In Focus
The summer of 2024 has seen heavy fighting across the front lines in Ukraine. Russian forces continue to press in the east of the country whilst a Ukrainian offensive penetrated across the border into Russia. The new Labour government has pledged to be steadfast in the UK's support for Ukraine and has announced further measures designed to aid Ukraine’s military effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian administration has reportedly developed a set of proposals for how they believe Russia can be forced to accept terms to end the conflict.
In Focus
Over 150,000 young people attend special educational needs schools or colleges in England. The special education sector is facing capacity and funding challenges, while demand for support increases. The Labour government has said it will improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, with specialist schools supporting pupils with the most complex needs. The government has added that it intends to take a considered approach, but the sector is calling for urgent action.
In Focus
Following government proposals to remove excepted hereditary peers from the House of Lords, this briefing presents statistics about the remaining hereditary peers and compares their attendance, votes and spoken contributions with the parliamentary activity of other members.
In Focus
The government has recently changed the entry requirements for certain non-EU goods being imported into Great Britain to enable them to move onwards under the Northern Ireland retail movement scheme. The House of Lords is due to consider a motion to annul the regulations that made these changes. This comes in the context of wider debates about the impact of the Windsor Framework on Northern Ireland.
In Focus
In its manifesto ahead of the 2024 general election, the Labour Party stated that if elected it would remove the current exemption from VAT and business rates for independent schools. The impact of this measure has been debated; some estimate a net benefit to the government of £1.3bn to £1.5bn, while others argue it could result in a net cost.
In Focus
Rural areas and communities face a number of challenges compared to urban areas. These include transport difficulties, less choice over services, education and employment, and poor broadband or mobile phone coverage. Some surveys have suggested that many people, particularly younger people, are considering leaving rural communities as a result. This briefing summarises some of these challenges and the government policies seeking to address them.
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