This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about economics, business and trade. It also summarises the current economic situation.
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about foreign affairs.
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about the constitution.
In Focus
The draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 would make changes to three sets of assimilated regulations which concern chemicals in Great Britain. The government has said that the changes would rectify a number of issues that could not be addressed at EU exit. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Northern Ireland, divergence from the EU, efficiency savings and further legislation.
In Focus
The House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee published a report in October 2025 examining how Northern Ireland politicians and stakeholders can participate in the Windsor Framework structures. Its findings overlapped with those of an independent review of the Windsor Framework commissioned by the government. In response, the government set out how it was working to engage stakeholders and facilitate democratic scrutiny. It is also creating a new ‘one stop shop’ to help businesses understand the rules that apply under the Windsor Framework.
In Focus
The House of Lords European Affairs Committee published a report on the UK-EU reset in November 2025, describing it as “unfinished business”. Ahead of a debate on the committee’s report, this briefing looks at progress on implementing commitments made at the UK-EU summit in May 2025, including negotiations on a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement, emissions trading, participation in the EU electricity market and a youth experience scheme. It also summarises the committee’s findings and the government response.
In Focus
The government is negotiating an EU ‘reset’ involving an animal and plant health agreement, the UK joining the EU’s electricity market and linking up emissions trading systems. The Liberal Democrats are calling for a bespoke UK-EU customs union, but the Conservatives and Reform UK argue against measures they believe would undermine UK sovereignty. This briefing examines proposals for a customs union and the implications of closer connections with the EU single market.
In Focus
The UK has schemes to allow young people from specific countries to come to the UK to live and work for a limited period of time. In April 2024, the European Commission made a proposal to the European Council to open negotiations with the UK on agreeing a youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU. The Labour government has stated that it has no plans for a scheme with the EU. Several organisations have expressed support for it, but others have expressed concern that it would be a return to a form of freedom of movement.
In Focus
The House of Lords European Affairs Committee welcomed the EU and UK response to the war in Ukraine “in general terms”. In its January 2024 report, the committee said some areas of UK-EU cooperation had been broadly effective. The committee said the report’s aim was to consider a longer-term approach and make recommendations to strengthen the UK-EU response. It called for more formal arrangements in several security and foreign policy areas.
In Focus
The government has recently changed the entry requirements for certain non-EU goods being imported into Great Britain to enable them to move onwards under the Northern Ireland retail movement scheme. The House of Lords is due to consider a motion to annul the regulations that made these changes. This comes in the context of wider debates about the impact of the Windsor Framework on Northern Ireland.
In Focus
The Labour government has called for an “improved and ambitious relationship” with Europe, including a new UK-EU security pact and stronger bilateral partnerships with partners including France, Germany and Joint Expeditionary Force allies. This briefing outlines some of the actions proposed and undertaken by the UK government to improve ties since the July 2024 general election.
In Focus
In August 2023, the UK government published its ‘border target operating model’ (BTOM), which set out how the UK would gradually introduce full border controls on imports into Great Britain from the EU. The BTOM is being introduced gradually during 2024. The second phase is scheduled to commence on 30 April 2024 and is set to include the introduction of full sanitary and phytosanitary checks on certain goods imported from the EU. This briefing looks at the controls being introduced on 30 April 2024, as well as concerns raised by industries about how the changes could impact EU imports.
In Focus
Educational trips and exchanges can help young people develop language and life skills. However, school leaders, travel organisations, and the House of Lords European Affairs Committee have raised concerns that fewer trips are taking place, pointing to factors including travel complexities post-Brexit and budget considerations. The government has acknowledged the importance of trips and exchanges, highlighting the Turing scheme and the recent agreement to simplify travel requirements for school visits with France.
Current Affairs Digest
This briefing considers the impact of a recent judgment by the Northern Ireland High Court to disapply provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 on the basis they are incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights and the Windsor Framework Brexit agreement.
In Focus
The union between England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland is governed both by legislation and the statutory frameworks of devolution settlements, and non-legislative measures that cover joint decision making and dispute resolution. Events such as the UK’s exit from the European Union have the potential to put the union under strain. This briefing explores suggested reforms which proponents argue would strengthen the UK union.
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