• In Focus

    Ambulance handovers: Delays and threat of strike action

    There have been reports of increased delays in ambulance handovers in England, with concerns raised about the effect of this on patient health and the ability of ambulances to attend other emergencies. This article provides statistics on ambulance handovers and information on what the government and the NHS are trying to do to alleviate handover delays. It also covers the recent ambulance workers unions’ announcement of possible strike action.

  • In Focus

    Stability in the financial markets: Impact on pensions, mortgages and the rental market

    Volatility in the financial markets can have impacts throughout the financial system. This article looks at the role of the Bank of England in maintaining financial stability and its recent intervention to prevent “dysfunction” in the gilt market from causing “contagion” to credit conditions for UK households and businesses. In particular, the article looks at how recent financial market volatility may have affected pensions, mortgages and the rental market.

  • In Focus

    Police and crime commissioners: Powers and functions

    Since 2012, directly elected politicians called police and crime commissioners (PCCs) have been responsible for the non-operational aspects of policing in most forces in England and Wales. In July 2020, the government announced a two-part review of the PCC model. This article provides background information on the responsibilities held by PCCs and summarises the findings of the government’s review.

  • In Focus

    Protests in Iran: Death of Mahsa Amini

    In recent weeks, Iran has seen widespread protests following allegations that the country’s morality police caused the death of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini. This briefing looks at how the protests have developed and the reaction of the Iranian authorities. It also considers how the international community, including the UK, has responded.

  • In Focus

    British passports, citizenship, and barriers for people born in the Republic of Ireland

    A person is eligible to apply for a British passport if they have British nationality. This includes a person who has British citizenship. Discussions have increased recently about how Irish citizens who were not born in Northern Ireland, but who are now resident there, can obtain British passports without cost. This article considers the eligibility criteria for a British passport, the citizenship process, and recent parliamentary scrutiny of the issue.

  • In Focus

    Freedom of expression online: Communications and Digital Committee report

    This article considers freedom of expression in the UK ahead of the House of Lords debate on the Communications and Digital Committee report ‘Free for all? Freedom of expression in the digital age’ on 27 October 2022. It provides background information on freedom of expression, including restrictions and the online context, and sets out the committee’s recommendations and the government’s policy. It also includes links to commentary on the proposed Online Safety Bill.

  • In Focus

    Addresses to both Houses in Westminster: Reigns of King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II

    During the first week following his accession to the throne, King Charles III addressed members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons in Westminster Hall. This article looks at this speech and the speeches made by Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall. This article also looks at other speeches made in Westminster Hall to members of both Houses during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

  • In Focus

    Schools Bill: Regulation of academies and trusts

    Introduced on 11 May 2022, the Schools Bill is currently awaiting its third reading. This article looks at the background to the bill and its progress in Parliament. Although the bill was initially made up of 69 clauses, on 30 June 2022 the government announced that 18 clauses dealing with the regulation of academies and trusts would be removed. The government stated that new proposals on academy trust termination and intervention powers, which made up the bulk of the 18 clauses removed, would be brought forward in the Commons. There is speculation that the government may now “abandon” the bill.

  • In Focus

    Net zero and behaviour change

    The government has set a target for the UK to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Various groups and individuals have argued that behaviour change is essential to meeting this goal. The government has announced some policies aimed at progressing this; however, there has been criticism that its actions do not go far enough.

  • In Focus

    Cost of living: Impact on public wellbeing

    The rising cost of living has been associated with a reduction in wellbeing, including increased anxiety and worsening mental health. Charities and campaign groups have said the impact of increased costs has been worse for households already on lower incomes. Since becoming prime minister, Liz Truss has said the government’s priority is to increase economic growth while announcing at the same time an increase in government support for household energy bills. However, the opposition has said the government has not provided adequate support for households struggling with the rising cost of living.

  • In Focus

    Violent crime, burglaries and gang activity

    This article presents statistics and information on violent crime, burglaries and gang activity in England and Wales ahead of a House of Lords debate on 20 October 2022. It also provides details on and reaction to the government’s attempts to address these issues, including its ‘beating crime plan’ and efforts to increase police numbers.

  • In Focus

    UK-China relations: International Relations and Defence Committee report

    The House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee published a report in 2021 calling for the government to produce a “single, coherent China strategy”. The committee report focused on the UK-China security and trade relationship. It concluded that a clear plan was needed on how to balance the UK’s ambition for increased economic engagement with China and the need to protect the UK’s national security and its values.

  • In Focus

    Sentences of imprisonment for public protection

    Imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentences were indeterminate sentences given to serious offenders who posed a significant risk of serious harm to the public. Although the IPP sentence was abolished in 2012, thousands of people subject to such a sentence are still in prison. The House of Commons Justice Committee recently called on the government to address what it said was a “unique injustice” caused by the continued operation of IPP sentences.

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