This landing page features a new series of Commons Library briefings on the policies, capabilities and programmes of the nuclear weapon states.
Documents to download
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Antarctica science and diplomacy (183 KB, PDF)
Several countries have established research stations in Antarctica, some of whom have made territorial claims. This includes the UK. The Antarctic Treaty entered into force 1961, signed by 12 countries. It prohibits new or expanded territorial claims in Antarctica. Several measures agreed by its signatories are designed to protect the Antarctic environment and wildlife. This includes a protocol prohibiting any activity relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research. Fishing has also been banned in much of Antarctica. Measures agreed in recent years have sought to limit tourist activity and improve maritime safety.
Recent research has highlighted the depletion of the ice sheets in Antarctica. Concerns over depletion of the ozone layer have however abated following the implementation of a 1987 protocol.
Documents to download
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Antarctica science and diplomacy (183 KB, PDF)
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The Environment Bill 2019-21 has completed it Committee Stage in the House of Commons. This paper is a summary of what happened in the Committee and how the Bill has changed. It considers key Government and Opposition amendments. It is prepared in advance of the Bill's next stages (Report and Third Reading) scheduled for 26 January 2021.
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This Commons Library briefing paper provides an overview of UK vaccination policy. It includes an introduction to the science of vaccination and covers UK vaccination programmes, as well as considering the response of the Government to the UK's loss of the World Health Organization's (WHO) measles elimination status.
