In Focus
House of Lords: Virtual sittings, participation and Covid-19
The UK’s second chamber has adapted in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But to what extent have some of the changes affected participation levels?
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In Focus
Abortion law in Northern Ireland
The law on abortion in Northern Ireland changed on 22 October 2019 following the enactment of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019. The Act required the UK Government to introduce regulations that would provide lawful access to abortion services and repeal certain offences relating to abortion in Northern Ireland. This article discusses the Government’s statutory instrument that would introduce such regulations.
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In Focus
Post Office’s Horizon accounting system: Calls for an independent inquiry
In December 2019, the High Court published a ruling concerning the Post Office’s Horizon electronic accounting system. This article outlines the dispute between sub-postmasters and the Post Office over the operation of this system. It also summarises calls for the Government to establish a public enquiry.
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In Focus
Packaging waste in the UK: Unpacking the issues
This article discusses the recent measures taken by the Government to tackle packaging waste. This includes producing guidance for packaging producers to adhere to and consulting on a tax on plastic packaging. In addition this article examines the impact that the recent Coronavirus pandemic has had on packaging waste, amid reports of councils suspending recycling collections and temporarily closing household waste and recycling centres.
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In Focus
Korea: Remembering the UK’s contribution
The Korean war began 70 years ago. This article summarises how the UK was involved in the conflict, including the extent of its contribution in support of the United Nations response. It also summarises how Parliament was kept informed of developments at the time.
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In Focus
Extremism in prisons: Are UK deradicalisation programmes working?
Following recent terrorist attacks in the UK, discussion has increased about deradicalisation programmes in UK prisons. This article discusses what deradicalisation programmes are, the effectiveness of the programmes, and the Government’s recent commitments to tackle terrorism.
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In Focus
Family Allowances Act 1945
In 1945, Parliament passed the Family Allowances Act. This article summarises the campaign to provide financial support to families with children and the passing of the Act. It also provides statistics on child benefits today.
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In Focus
Coronavirus: Commercial rent relief and furloughed space grants
The Government’s furlough scheme helps companies retain staff during the pandemic. This article considers proposals for a similar system covering physical premises, whereby the Government would help pay rent and services charges for companies in certain sectors. Similar schemes operate in Denmark and Sweden. The Government has not responded directly to the proposals, which are the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 15 June 2020.
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In Focus
Covid-19: The impact on victims of domestic abuse
Several domestic abuse charities have reported an increase in calls and web traffic during lockdown. This article examines how the coronavirus pandemic on domestic abuse cases and discusses what action the Government has taken to tackle such abuse. The impact that the pandemic is having on the victims of domestic abuse is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 29 June 2020.
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In Focus
Covid-19: Risking a rise in online child sexual abuse?
As the coronavirus pandemic has led to children spending more time online, concerns have been raised that there is an increased risk of online-facilitated child sexual abuse and exploitation. This article examines these concerns and what the Government has done to reduce the risks.
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In Focus
Coronavirus, guidance for the over-70s and age discrimination
People over the age of 70 have been identified as being at higher risk of serious illness as a result of Covid-19. This article summarises the advice given to the over-70s and the debate over whether government policy has resulted in age discrimination.
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In Focus
Covid-19: G20 and debt relief for poorer countries
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.
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In Focus
“An infodemic”: Coronavirus and disinformation
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.
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In Focus
Covid-19 and the educational attainment gap
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.
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