In Focus
The creative sector has been largely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In response, the Government introduced several measures, including the ‘culture recovery fund’. This article examines those measures, in addition to discussing the contribution of the sector to the economy and the impact of the pandemic on the sector.
In Focus
Racist abuse continues to blight English football. The three England players who missed a penalty in the UEFA Euro 2020 final were subject to online racist abuse from supporters after the match. To mark Black History Month 2021, this article looks at the personal experiences of some former players who experienced racist discrimination. It also examines the history of legislation around tackling racism in football and takes a brief look at what social media companies are doing to tackle online abuse.
In Focus
When announcing the introduction of a cap on care costs on 7 September 2021, the Government said that it would also be working with the financial services industry to encourage it to provide more products to help individuals cover their care costs. This In Focus discusses that aim, alongside reaction from the financial services sector and committee commentary on the subject.
In Focus
Since 2012, successive governments have set targets to reduce the number of people with learning disabilities and/or autism in inpatient settings, in favour of being cared for in the community. However, though progress has been made, to date these targets have not been achieved. Leading in turn to calls for further action and investment, and for funding incentives to ensure those with learning disabilities and/or autism are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
In Focus
The Government has outlined its commitment to improving trade and business links with Africa. In January 2020, it held a UK-Africa investment summit and, since leaving the EU, the UK has agreed eight free trade agreements with African countries and trading blocs. This article discusses the Government’s plans, and highlights commentary from the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee, in advance of a debate on 28 October 2021.
In Focus
This article discusses the potential impact of the end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the removal of the temporary uplift to the standard allowance of Universal Credit and the rise in fuel prices on the cost of living and on people’s ability to pay their monthly mortgage and rental payments. It also examines recent commentary on the subject.
In Focus
Planning and land use policies cover a wide range of considerations. These range from controlling the built environment to achieving environmental aims such as reducing emissions, as well as agricultural and economic objectives. Some groups have argued for the need for an overarching ‘land use framework’ to draw these together to ensure all policy aims can be met. The House of Lords is scheduled to debate this issue on 28 October 2021.
In Focus
On 28 October 2021, Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green party) is due to ask Her Majesty’s Government “what changes, if any, they plan to make to HM Treasury’s green book and related guidance to demonstrate global leadership as chair of COP26”. This article provides an overview of COP26 alongside an explanation of the ‘green book’ and recent changes made to it aimed at supporting the UK’s net zero target.
In Focus
On 28 October 2021, Lord Bowness (non-affiliated) is due to ask the Government “what assessment they have made of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe; and whether they have any proposals to improve that organisation”.
In Focus
As the Covid-19 pandemic progressed in March 2020, the Coronavirus Act 2020 came into force. This provided UK public bodies with a suite of powers to respond to the situation. Most provisions within the act are temporary and set to expire automatically in March 2022. The act requires these provisions to be scrutinised by Parliament periodically. This article considers what the act does, how it is scrutinised, and the UK and devolved governments’ Covid-19 plans for autumn/winter 2021–22.
In Focus
The UK, alongside other countries, is currently experiencing a shortage of HGV drivers. This has caused some UK supply chain issues, including the fuel shortage at the start of October 2021. The Government has laid out several actions to address the shortage, which have been met with mixed responses.
In Focus
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) published the command paper ‘Defence in a Competitive Age’ on 22 March 2021, setting out how the UK’s defence capabilities will support the Government’s integrated review of security, defence, development, and foreign policy. The command paper contained a range of measures, including how the UK will respond to current and future threats. This article summarises those provisions ahead of a forthcoming debate in the House of Lords on these issues.
In Focus
The Electoral Commission recently reported the highest level of public confidence in the way elections are run in the UK. Since the Pickles report in 2016, the Government has committed to increasing the security of the UK’s elections. The Elections Bill, currently in committee stage in the House of Commons, contains a range of measures intended to fulfil this ambition. One proposal, to introduce voter ID, has been widely criticised.
In Focus
Latin America accounts for over a fifth of all cases and almost a third of all deaths from Covid-19 worldwide. Vaccine rollouts are progressing across the region, but rates remain uneven. The economic toll of the pandemic has been severe, with recovery expected to take some time in many countries. This article provides a short summary of developments in the region arising from the pandemic ahead of a House of Lords debate on the subject.
In Focus
Successive MPs for the Isle of Wight have argued that ferry services between the island and the mainland are not competitive enough. A statutory instrument introduced in response to Covid-19 suspended some elements of competition law in relation to ferry services across the Solent. A motion due to be moved in the House of Lords expresses regret that the order revoking this suspension does not address competition issues.
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