In Focus
To mark LGBT+ History Month, this article examines the history behind Jez Dolan’s ‘Wolfenden’. Hanging in Portcullis House, this artwork was commissioned by Parliament in 2015 to commemorate the 1957 Wolfenden Report. The article discusses the artwork, the history of the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the part played by the House of Lords in the process.
In Focus
An ongoing decline in the global state of democracy has been identified by a number of recent reports, with restrictions introduced to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbating the issue. In December 2021, the United States held the ‘summit for democracy’ aimed at bolstering democracy. In the same month Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, called for democratic nations to form a “network of liberty” that spans the world.
In Focus
In May 2021, the Court of Appeal ruled there was an unlawful incompatibility between provisions in the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation. In response, the Government introduced the Data Protection Act 2018 (Amendment of Schedule 2 Exemption) Regulations 2022 to remedy the issue. These will come into force on 31 January 2022. Critics have alleged that the regulations introduce insufficient data protection safeguards.
In Focus
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free trade agreement between 11 countries. The UK has applied to join CPTPP. This briefing summarises the House of Lords International Agreements Committee’s report on the UK’s negotiating objectives for CPTPP, and the Government’s response.
In Focus
In December 2021, the Government published proposed changes to the Highway Code which it said would improve safety for vulnerable road users, particularly cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders. On 27 January 2022, the House of Lords is due to debate a regret motion on the proposals. The motion expresses concern that the Government has failed to sufficiently educate the public about them.
In Focus
The NHS in England has set a national target for ambulances to respond to the most life-threatening incidents within 7 minutes on average. Response times for these incidents have been rising in recent months, averaging over 9 minutes in December 2021. NHS targets for responding to less urgent calls have also been missed. This article summarises ambulance response times data and Government statements on the issue.
In Focus
The Government has introduced regulations to allow EEA-issued train driving licences to continue to be valid in the Channel Tunnel and cross-border area. The regulations would allow it to implement a proposed bilateral agreement with France.
In Focus
The Digital Economy Act 2017 (Commencement of Part 3) Bill is a private member’s bill sponsored by Lord Morrow. It would oblige the Government to commence, or bring into force, sections of the Digital Economy Act 2017 relating to online pornography that have yet to be activated and which the Government plans to repeal and replace. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the bill at second reading on 28 January 2022.
In Focus
Social media platforms can be sources of learning, advice and support for children and young people. However, concern has been expressed about the use of these platforms as conduits for abuse, cyberbullying and content promoting self-harm. The Government’s upcoming Online Safety Bill aims to improve safety of children online.
In Focus
In recent years, Qatar has experienced significant tensions with its Gulf neighbours following its support for controversial regional actors, including Iran. Following a resolution in early 2021, relations have improved, though a rapprochement with some countries remains slow. The UK enjoys a good relationship with Qatar and recently issued a joint communique with the Gulf Cooperation Council on strengthening ties with the region. However, observers have continued to raise concerns regarding human rights in Qatar, and the treatment of migrant workers ahead of the forthcoming World Cup.
In Focus
The Government has committed to phasing out global fossil fuel subsidies and to changing the way that oil and gas is licensed in the UK. However, environmental organisations have argued that outside interests, such as oil companies and climate sceptics, have too much influence on the oil and gas industry in the UK. This includes at board level of the industry’s regulator, the Oil and Gas Authority, and through political donations.
In Focus
The Representation of the People (Young People’s Enfranchisement) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill sponsored by Lord Adonis (Labour). The bill would reduce the voting age to 16 for UK parliamentary elections and all local elections in England. There have been several discussions in Parliament about extending the right to vote in UK Parliamentary elections and local elections to include 16 and 17 year-olds. In Scotland and Wales, 16 and 17 year-olds can vote in local and devolved elections, but not UK Parliamentary elections.
In Focus
According to UK law, electric scooters can only be used on private land. However, the Government is considering whether the law should be changed. As part of this consideration, the Department for Transport introduced legislation in July 2020 to enable rental e-scooter trials to take place on public roads and cycle lanes across the UK. The Government awaits the outcome of these trials before making a decision on whether to change the law.
In Focus
On 17 January 2022, the House of Lords is due to consider the agreement between the UK, Australia and the United States to exchange naval nuclear propulsion information. This article examines the details of the agreement. It also considers the international reaction to the formation between the three AUKUS security partnership countries.
In Focus
Even prior to the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan suffered from high levels of poverty and corruption and significant human rights issues. It was also heavily dependent on foreign aid. Many of these challenges have been exacerbated by the change of regime. This briefing summarises the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee’s report into UK policy towards Afghanistan and the Government’s response. It also considers recent developments and the potential future direction of UK policy.
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