Briefings on the topics that matter

‘Research in brief’ is our first publication of the 2024 Parliament: a series of explainers, ‘in brief’, of some of the concepts, policy areas and issues that this Parliament is likely to face.

These articles were written by some of the around 100 subject specialists at the Commons Library and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), who ensure MPs and their staff have access to impartial, reliable, timely and accurate information on important issues so they can effectively scrutinise legislation, prepare for debates and support their constituents.

This page lists links to each of the articles in the publication, and includes a PDF version of the publication for download at the bottom of the page. Each article also links to more in-depth briefings on the Library and POST website, should you wish to learn more about a topic.

You can read more about how the Library and POST support the work of Parliament on the Library’s About us page and on the POST website.

    Social policy

    The economy and finance

    Home affairs

  • Policing and protests

    Parliament has introduced new offences to manage protests. This approach has come under scrutiny due to protests about the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

    Policing and protests
  • Will prisons run out of space?

    Prison populations in England and Wales are projected overtake prison capacity. Progress to increase capacity has been slow, and other solutions may be needed.

    Will prisons run out of space?

    Environment and technology

  • Electric vehicles

    The transition to electric vehicles is a key part of plans to achieve net zero in the UK. However, there are still significant barriers to the transition.

    Electric vehicles
  • Are we on target for the environment?

    Priority areas of air quality, biodiversity, resources and waste, and water have targets to improve the environment. However, many are considered “off-track”.

    Are we on target for the environment?
  • What is net zero?

    The government has made a legal commitment to reach net zero by 2050. This will be achieved by reducing emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere.

    What is net zero?
  • The UK energy system

    UK energy prices rose from 2022. Prices have since fallen, but they remain relatively high, and this will likely be a high-priority for the new Parliament.

    The UK energy system
  • AI in society

    AI could add trillions of dollars a year to the global economy and increase labour productivity. But experts warn that bias and misinformation may spread.

    AI in society

    The UK’s global position

  • The UK in a volatile world

    Global uncertainty poses questions about the international order, democracy, key international relationships, and the UK’s readiness for conflict. 

    The UK in a volatile world
  • NATO's Washington summit

    The NATO summit in July 2024, the first for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focused on Ukraine's path to membership and challenges posed by Russia and China.

    NATO's Washington summit

    Supporting the work of MPs

Full download

A summary in British Sign Language

A video summary of the publication in British Sign Language and text subtitles.