Research Briefing
Israel/US-Iran conflict 2026: Background and UK response
US-Israel strikes and Iranian counter strikes, the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and UK actions and response.
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Research Briefing
Beneficial ownership registers in the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies
The UK Government expects all Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies to introduce public registers of beneficial ownership. What progress has been made?
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Research Briefing
The UK Overseas Territories and their Governors
The paper describes the role of UK-appointed Governors in the Overseas Territories to make law and policy on reserved topics, such as external affairs.
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Research Briefing
Iran: Introductory country profile
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February 2026. This briefing introduces Iran’s politics, human rights, economy, and international relations.
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Research Briefing
US military forces in the UK: Legal agreements
What are the agreements governing the US use of UK military bases?
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Research Briefing
Estimates Day debate: Spending of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
There will be a debate on 4 March 2026 to approve the spending of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for 2025/26.
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Research Briefing
The Independent Commission for Aid Impact and monitoring UK aid
What is the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, and how is UK aid monitored more generally?
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Research Briefing
The obligation to prevent genocide
This briefing sets out the international and UK law on genocide and discusses recent cases on this issue. There will be a general debate on obligation to assess the risk of genocide under international law in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the Commons chamber on Thursday 5 February 2026.
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Research Briefing
Iran protests 2026: UK and international response
Extensive protests occurred in Iran in January 2026 but security forces remained loyal. The US had threatened intervention. New UK sanctions are planned.
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Research Briefing
Women and children in armed conflict: UN data and UK aid
Global incidence of armed conflict is high. This brief summarises UN reports on the women, peace and security agenda and children in conflict, and UK policy.
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Research Briefing
UK aid for education
Global goals to increase access to education remain unachieved. UK bilateral aid for education fell from 2019 to 2023. Global and UK aid is expected to fall.
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Research Briefing
The UK’s “new Approach to Africa” 2025
The government has a seven-point framework for working with African states. These include climate, migration and investment. However, UK aid is falling.
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Research Briefing
Iran: What challenges face the country in 2026?
Iran begins 2026 with extensive protests sparked by its weak economy. Pressure remains on Hamas and Hezbollah to disarm. The US and Israel may conduct strikes.
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Insight
Africa in 2026: Conflict, elections and a new UK framework
What challenges and opportunities face the African continent in 2026? This brief discusses the G20 summit, elections, armed conflict, aid and UK engagement.
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Insight
The UK and international development: Global issues for 2026
Major aid donors will continue to cut aid budgets. UN agencies are planning reforms and reductions in their programmes.
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