Approved work: Birthrate decline
New parliamentary research project approved to explore the impacts of birthrate decline

This POSTnote considers the arguments surrounding the patenting of human DNA and the issues raised.
Patenting Human DNA (224 KB , PDF)
The UK is active in a large international programme to decipher the human genetic code. A split has developed between those (led by the US Government but followed reluctantly by the UK) who are attempting to patent basic genetic information as soon as it is decoded, and those who believe that patents should only be considered after further inventive steps. This undermines the international cooperation on which the programme relies.
Patenting Human DNA (224 KB , PDF)
New parliamentary research project approved to explore the impacts of birthrate decline
New parliamentary briefing approved on the barriers to digital transformation projects.
Countries increasingly prioritise economic security in geopolitics and trade. How can the UK enhance its security while upholding rules-based free trade?