In Focus
This article looks at the measures G20 nations have taken to help developing countries deal with the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. It particularly looks at the initiative to pause debt service payments, which is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 10 June 2020.
In Focus
Global organisations, such as the WHO, have expressed concern about the levels of fake news and disinformation that have spread during the coronavirus pandemic. This article looks at some examples of this disinformation, the Government’s response to it and the action that social media companies have taken to combat fake news and disinformation.
In Focus
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government closed schools for the majority of pupils for several months. Concerns have been raised that during this time the educational attainment gap would increase. This article discusses the issue and what the Government has done in response.
In Focus
Farm businesses receive direct payments based on the amount of agricultural land that they maintain. Farmers receive payments if they meet certain requirements, including crop diversification requirements. This articles discusses what direct payments are, in addition to the Government’s statutory instrument that would set aside the requirements to qualify for direct payments for 2020.
In Focus
This article focuses on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected public transport and what action the Government has taken on the issue.
In Focus
The National Risk Register provides an overview of the risks of major emergencies that could impact the UK in the next five years. This article details the risks contained in the register and the action taken by the Government to mitigate them. The register and how prepared the UK is for responding to emergencies is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 4 June 2020.
In Focus
Coronavirus is believed to have originated in a ‘wet market’ selling wild animals in the city of Wuhan in China. This has provoked debate about the relationship between unsanitary conditions in some markets and the spread of diseases from animals to humans. The article summarises international efforts to regulate live animal markets, particularly those in Asia and Africa.
In Focus
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen an increase in complaints of price gouging, with some household items being sold at inflated prices. This article summarises the campaign to combat price gouging and the existing powers available to achieve this in consumer law.
In Focus
Many countries have adopted or are in the process of developing coronavirus contact-tracing apps. Different apps use different models for handling sensitive personal data. This article looks at the approaches taken by different governments around the world on whether specific data protection legislation is required.
In Focus
The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 has its 50th anniversary in May 2020. As a result of the Act, councils were obliged for the first time to provide certain services for disabled people. This article examines the Act and gives an overview of changes in disabled rights since it was passed.
In Focus
To mark 75 years since the liberation of the Channel Islands, this article explores how the islands were occupied and how the occupation was debated in the House of Lords.
In Focus
The British Business Bank operates a series of loan schemes to support companies during the pandemic, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). This article summarises the schemes and policy debates around them. It includes data on loan take-up up to 22 April. Coronavirus support through the British Business Bank is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 30 April 2020.
In Focus
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen an increase in homeworking and other online activity, such as video streaming. This increase in demand has affected both telecoms providers and engineers. This article summarises the scale of this increased demand and the measures taken to meet it.
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