Spot oil prices were around $75 per barrel in early July 2021. They crashed after the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown led to a dramatic cut in demand. Prices fell from almost $70 a barrel in early January to below $20 per barrel in late April 2020. Oil prices peaked in July 2008 at almost $150 per barrel and were in the $100-125 range for much of 2011 to early 2014.
The purchasing and administration of Covid-19 vaccines has been dominated by richer economies. In April 2020, the Covax initiative was established to ensure fair access to vaccines. This paper sets out how Covax works, the challenges it faces, and the contributions of the UK and other high-income economies to the global distribution of vaccines.
Iran held a presidential election on 18 June 2021, with Ebrahim Raisi securing a majority of votes and winning the election.
Research Briefing
This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements, urgent questions and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.
Debate Pack
A Westminster Hall debate on the EU Review into Palestinian school textbooks is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 30 June, from 9:25-10:55am. The debate will be opened by Caroline Ansell MP.
Insight
This Insight looks at the Iranian election result and what effect Ebrahim Raisi could have on the Iran nuclear deal.
Research Briefing
Israel held parliamentary elections on 23 March 2021. No single party gained a majority and, after two months of talks, a new coalition government has formed.
Debate Pack
A Westminster Hall debate on e-petitions 585313 and 585314, relating to Israel and Palestine, is scheduled for Monday 14 June 2021, from 4:30-6:00pm. The debate will be led by Catherine McKinnell MP.
Research Briefing
Syria held a presidential election on 26 May 2021, with President Assad securing a fourth term in office.
Research Briefing
The Library has published a series of briefings on international dimensions of the coronavirus pandemic since March 2020, ranging from general surveys of its impact on developing countries to assessments of its effects in specific situations. Links to these briefings can be found here.
Insight
What are the causes of the fighting and the wider political context in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories?
Research Briefing
This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.
Debate Pack
A Westminster Hall debate on Land rights for religious minorities including Baha’is in Iran is scheduled for Thursday 22 April from 1.30pm until 3.00pm. The debate will be led by Jim Shannon MP.
Research Briefing
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has been in power in Egypt since 2013. Concerns continue to be raised regarding human rights in the country and the treatment of Sisi's political opponents. Internationally, Egypt's relationship with Sudan and Ethiopia have been strained since the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam began in 2011, but there is opportunity for greater stability in its relations with Libya, Turkey and the Gulf States.
Research Briefing
This landing page features a new series of Commons Library briefings on the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, and the subsequent Defence Command Paper, which were both published in March 2021.
Total results (page 1 of 19)
