The war between Ukraine and Russia is in its third year, with no immediate resolution in sight. This has raised many questions about its endgame and the long-term implications for both countries. This briefing examines some of the potential scenarios for the war’s conclusion.
In recent years, there has been a fall in levels of trust and confidence in policing. This followed a series of high-profile scandals, some of which involved serious offences committed by serving police officers. This briefing explores the role of media coverage in changing public perceptions of policing and also reports on calls by various parties to improve the current levels of confidence.
A breakthrough in gene editing has brought hope of a pain-free life to thousands with sickle cell disease and beta-thalassaemia. But will it reach the people who need it most? This briefing looks at the literature on patient experiences, barriers to global access and potential UK rollout.
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.
Current Affairs Digest
Sentences of imprisonment for public protection (IPPs) were abolished in 2012. However, this abolition did not apply retrospectively to prisoners already serving IPPs. Recent prison population data on IPPs has shown over 1,200 prisoners have never been released. This briefing examines concerns raised by campaign groups, professional bodies and international partners about the impact of IPPs on prisoners’ release prospects and mental health.
Current Affairs Digest
In recent years, Central and West Africa have witnessed several successful military coups, raising concerns about the stability and democratic progress of the region. This briefing examines how regional and international bodies have reacted to these coups and discusses the potential implications for democracy and security in Africa.
Current Affairs Digest
Economic growth has long been assumed to be a desirable objective, for governments of all political persuasions. However, a variety of commentators are making the argument that we need to refresh or even rethink our understanding of growth. This briefing considers three arguments from the contemporary debate around growth. First, the case for a renewed drive for market-led growth. Second, the case for a more state-led and mission-oriented form of growth. And third, the case against growth altogether (degrowth).
Current Affairs Digest
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are changing medical diagnostics. Trained on vast datasets of images and research, AI tools are designed to interpret scans, refine images for clinical review and map anatomy ahead of treatment. AI has the potential to save clinician time, costs and workload. This briefing presents a range of studies on applications, accuracy and challenges.
Current Affairs Digest
In September 2023, Birmingham City Council filed a ‘section 114 notice’. In recent years several other councils have also faced financial challenges. This briefing explores some of the constitutional issues raised by the funding system for local authorities in England and summarises proposals for greater fiscal devolution to local government.
Current Affairs Digest
Anti-ageing, personalised cancer cures and robotic dosing implants: artificial intelligence is making headlines for its breakthroughs in the pharmaceutical world. But how close are they to being part of everyday medicine? And what are the risks of AI drug discovery?
Current Affairs Digest
There have been several large wildfires this year, including in southern Europe, Canada and Hawaii. These have taken place during a period of record high temperatures around the world. This article considers the environmental impact of these recent wildfires, and the significance of climate change.
Current Affairs Digest
Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) experienced two data breaches in July and August 2023. In the first breach, a laptop and documents were stolen from a private vehicle, exposing the names of over 200 officers and staff. In the second breach, the police service accidentally published the personal details of 10,000 officers and staff online. This article examines the ramifications of the data breaches and discusses the political reaction to them.
Current Affairs Digest
The government describes the Illegal Migration Bill as seeking to “prevent and deter unlawful migration”. The bill has proven controversial, with various organisations raising concerns about the bill’s impact on UK legal obligations under international law. This article draws together commentary on the bill’s interaction with international law, as well as presenting the government’s position on the issues.
Current Affairs Digest
In May 2023, Recep Tayyip Erdogan was re-elected president of Turkey, continuing his 20-year governance over the country. This article examines some of the questions arising from the election, including on Turkey’s economic direction and the country’s ongoing relationships with Russia and NATO.
Current Affairs Digest
In the spring budget in March 2023, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt announced reforms to disability benefits which he described as the “biggest change to our welfare system in a decade”. This article summarises the reforms, which were also published in a white paper, and reaction to them by disability groups and charities.
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