• In Focus

    Canadian Senate reform: A decade of membership changes and the road ahead

    The Senate of Canada shares many similarities with the House of Lords, notably regarding its appointed membership. Historically, Canadian prime ministers made Senate appointments to the benefit of their party, but in 2015 the Liberal government established a new Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments to assist with identifying suitable candidates. The board’s work helped inform 100 appointments in the 105-seat chamber, but it is unclear whether the process will continue. This briefing summarises developments.

  • In Focus

    AI in the NHS

    Artificial intelligence (AI) arguably has the potential to deliver considerable cost and time savings in healthcare by automating some administrative and clinical tasks. The government plans to expand the use of AI in the NHS but public sentiment is divided. This briefing explores the main concerns and outlines key questions for regulating this technology.

  • In Focus

    Identity cards 20 years on: 2005 Lords bill second reading debate

    In 2005, the then Labour government proposed the introduction of a national identity card scheme and register. Having passed the House of Commons, the government’s Identity Cards Bill reached the House of Lords, where it received a mixed response at its second reading. Speakers from across the House debated the principle and practicability of identity cards. Some members raised specific concerns, foreshadowing debates held later at committee and report stages. This briefing looks back at the bill’s second reading and summarises the key points made.

  • In Focus

    Broadcasting: Recent developments in the UK

    Recent developments in technology are changing how audiences access television and radio. This briefing explores changes in viewing habits, the rise of streaming services and market trends affecting broadcasters. It also considers what the government and Ofcom have said recently about regulatory priorities and the future of public service broadcasters. It also covers issues facing the BBC ahead of the process to review its charter, which is expected to begin soon.

  • In Focus

    Who is in the House of Lords? Members with backgrounds and professional experience in public life

    The Lords Library has drawn together lists of members who have held selected positions in public life. This non-exhaustive collection provides an introduction to the diversity of experience in the House of Lords, including political careers in central, local, devolved and international settings; senior positions in defence, public service, policing and law; and leadership in science, education, culture and sport.

  • In Focus

    UK demographics: Common Good Foundation report on population changes

    On 11 December 2025 the House of Lords is due to debate a report on demographic change in the UK. The report was written by Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts (Conservative) for the Common Good Foundation, a registered charity directed by Lord Glasman (Labour). This Library briefing contains summary information on the report, alongside statistics and further reading on the issue.

  • In Focus

    Wheelchair and community equipment services in England

    Local authorities and the NHS in England can provide equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility aids to people assessed as requiring support. However, several reports have highlighted problems with wheelchair and community equipment provision. Some stakeholders and parliamentarians have called on the government to do more to improve services. The government has said responsibility for commissioning and managing services lies with integrated care system bodies and local authorities.

  • In Focus

    Budget 2025: Summary of key announcements and economic and fiscal forecasts

    The chancellor delivered the government’s second budget on 26 November 2025. Overall, tax policy decisions were forecast to raise £26.6bn by 2030/31, increasing the tax take to 38% of GDP in the same year. The chancellor used this additional revenue to increase fiscal headroom to £21.7bn in 2029/30, up from £9.9bn forecast at the spring statement in March 2025. Spending decisions included removing the two-child limit in universal credit.

  • In Focus

    Election of a new lord speaker: 2026

    The lord speaker chairs the business of the House of Lords, along with deputies, and has other procedural, ceremonial and ambassadorial roles. As a result of the resignation of the current lord speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, an election for a new lord speaker will be held in January 2026.

  • In Focus

    Humanitarian situation in Sudan: November 2025

    Sudan’s current civil war continues to have a devastating impact on civilians, with UN agencies describing the conflict as both the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and the world’s largest displacement crisis. Amid reports of ongoing atrocities in and around El Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region and continuing hostilities elsewhere, the UK has been involved in diplomatic efforts calling for an end to the conflict and has increased funding for emergency humanitarian assistance.

  • In Focus

    Impact of litter on canal towpaths

    The Canal and River Trust manages most canal towpaths in England and Wales. Its responsibilities include maintaining canal infrastructure and managing litter. However, due to high waste-management costs and concerns over government funding from 2027, the trust has removed bins at several of its canal towpath locations. This has prompted local concerns about increased fly-tipping, increased litter and pollution.

  • In Focus

    Peerages: Can they be removed?

    On 30 October 2025, King Charles III signed a royal warrant directing the Duke of York to be removed from the roll of the peerage with immediate effect. As a result, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is no longer legally recognised as a peer in official documents. This briefing looks at what peerages are, and how they can be removed.

  • In Focus

    Plastic recycling targets

    This briefing examines existing plastic recycling waste targets and discusses whether those targets are being met. It also details successive governments’ policies on plastic recycling. It has been prepared ahead of Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville’s (Liberal Democrat) question for short debate on 20 November 2025 on the progress the government has made in achieving plastic recycling targets.

  • In Focus

    Private equity: Role in the UK economy

    The role of private equity in the UK economy has grown significantly in recent years. Observers debate whether this has been a positive development or has had a negative impact on businesses and key sectors of the economy. This article provides an overview of private equity and its role in the UK economy.

  • In Focus

    Domestic manufacture of medical nuclear radioisotopes

    Medical nuclear radioisotopes are used in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of health conditions. The UK has no domestic supply of the majority of radioisotopes needed by the health service, and many of the facilities responsible for global supply are several decades old. The UK government has said it is in regular contact with stakeholders and working to better understand the shape of future supply.

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