Research Briefing
This Note brings together documents relevant to the proposals to reform the Common Fisheries Policy and its scrutiny in the UK and EU. It is not an attempt to define policy in this area. For information on policy developments contact Oliver Bennett on extn 2263.
Research Briefing
Randomised badger culling trials (RBCT) carried out by the previous Government and policy to 2008 summarised.
Research Briefing
Shale deposits are extensive and development of shale gas could transform the UK’s energy supply. But at this stage there aren’t yet any wells in the UK recovering shale gas commercially – drilling is still only exploratory. Exploratory drilling still requires various permissions and is a cause of concern for some communities.
Research Briefing
On Thursday 5 December George Osborne will deliver his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons, setting out the state of UK finances and detailing new economic policy. One issue that the Chancellor is expected to talk about is green levies on energy bills.
Research Briefing
A new CAP refrorm package has been agreed for 2014-2020. This paper sets out the reactions and emerging implementation decisions of the four countries of the UK, and also of Ireland.
Research Briefing
Political agreement was reached on the major elements of the reform of the Common Agriculural Policy for 2014-2020 on 26 June 2013. This note sets out the main elements of the agreement with stakeholder comment. Some issues are still being discussed at European level following overall EU budget agreements and the flexibility of the reform deal means that key implmenentation decisions are to follow in the UK.
Research Briefing
Waste collection can be a contentious issue, particularly when local authorities decide to move away from weekly bin collection to alternate weekly collection (AWC). This note describes the reasons why authorities have chosen to do this, and related issues including the recently announced Weekly Collections Support Scheme.
Research Briefing
The Antarctic Bill is presented as a Private Member’s Bill by Neil Carmichael MP. This note sets out the issues discussed in the Bill Committee on 21 November 2012. These included: the timing of the enactment of the provisions relating to the liability annex, compatibility with existing shipping liability provisions, and the wider issue of the future of the British Antarctic Survey.
Research Briefing
In spite of generally excellent bilateral relations, Iceland and the UK have had a number of fisheries disputes. There are now increasing tensions between the two parties after Iceland started catching large quantities of mackerel. Iceland has been condemned for ‘plundering’ the stock and for threatening its long-term future. The stock is worth some £200 million to the UK economy. The dispute has become known as the Mackerel War.
Research Briefing
Chalara fraxinea is a fungus which is causing a serious disease of ash trees known as ash dieback. Ash dieback was discovered in the UK in February 2012 and a ban on ash imports introduced on 29 October 2012. This note provides information on the disease and the Government's actions to control it.
Research Briefing
2012 has seen Iceland gear up for parliamentary elections in 2013, with plans for a new constitution as it emerges from its financial crisis and proceeds with its application to join the EU.
Research Briefing
Food prices have hit historic peaks in the last few years. This note sets out recent trends internationally, UK policy responses and the follow through to UK prices and spending habits.
Research Briefing
This short note sets out the background to a current review of predation at fisheries by fish-eating birds, which is being undertaken by Defra. The Angling Trust's Action on Cormorants campaign has resulted in many Members receiving representations on this subject.
Total results (page 17 of 20)