Research Briefing
Deploying the armed forces in the UK
This briefing looks at when the armed forces can be deployed in the UK, what they do, and the legal basis.
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Research Briefing
Defence and civil preparedness: a reading list
This briefing provides a list of useful reading and resources on the whole of society approach to defence and security, including some selected international comparisons.
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Research Briefing
What is a ‘whole of society’ approach to defence and security?
What is the government doing to prepare the UK for crisis or conflict?
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Research Briefing
Home defence: A new ‘Home Guard’?
The 2025 Strategic Defence Review recommended the government explore options to create a new Reserve-style force to protect critical national infrastructure.
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Research Briefing
Home defence: What is the War Book?
The government is working on new plans for the country in the event of a military attack. During the 20th century, plans were set out in the War Book.
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Research Briefing
Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and UK national security
The government published its national security assessment on Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security in January 2026. A debate on the assessment, introduced by Adrian Ramsay, is due to take place in Westminster Hall on 3 September 2026.
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Research Briefing
Syria in 2026: Interim government and Kurdish integration
Following President Assad’s fall in 2024, an interim Syrian parliament and government are in place. In 2026, steps are underway to integrate Kurdish areas.
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Research Briefing
Syria in 2026: Minority religious and ethnic groups after Assad
Extensive violence targeted some religious minorities in 2025. Tensions continued in 2026. The UK has called for accountability and an inclusive transition.
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Research Briefing
The contribution of the defence industry to UK regions and countries
The defence industry is estimated to contribute around £10 billion to £15 billion a year to the UK economy, mostly in South East and South West England.
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Research Briefing
Iran in 2026: Six months after the US/Israeli strikes
There are no talks between the US and Iran on ending the conflict. The US is imposing more economic sanctions. Iran’s high use of the death penalty persists.
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Research Briefing
Debate on impact of the 2016 EU membership referendum on the UK
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on 2 September 2026 on the impact of the 2016 EU membership referendum on the UK. Pete Wishart MP (SNP) will lead the debate.
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Research Briefing
Frequently asked questions: Cuba’s humanitarian crisis and US tensions in 2026
Cuba is experiencing a significant humanitarian crisis. US President Donald Trump has been increasing political and economic pressure on Cuba, adding new sanctions on the island's oil imports.
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Research Briefing
Military assistance to Ukraine: What has changed since January 2025?
How has military assistance to Ukraine changed since January 2025 when US President Donald Trump took office?
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Research Briefing
UK aid and women and girls
The development challenges facing women and girls, how much UK and global aid is spent on gender equality, and UK policy and action.
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Research Briefing
UK aid and climate change
Sets out the potential effects of climate change on global development goals, UK Government aid strategies on climate change, and how UK aid is spent.
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