United Kingdom

House of Lords Backs Plans to Decriminalise Abortions

The House of Lords has backed plans to decriminalise abortions, following a vote by MPs last summer. This move, part of an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, aims to end police investigations into abortions under a 164-year-old law. The decision follows a BBC investigation into an increase in prosecutions under the Offences Against the Person Act.

Prison Cell Fire Safety Risks in England and Wales

The Ministry of Justice in England and Wales has admitted that tens of thousands of prison cells remain unsafe due to fire risks, reneging on a pledge to make them fire-safe by the end of 2027. This means a significant portion of the prison population will continue to be at risk. Legal action is being threatened by a penal reform charity.

Cancel VAT Registration Guidance

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has updated guidance on how businesses can cancel their VAT registration, either online or by post. The guidance details the process, including the use of specific forms like VAT 7 and VAT 50-51 for VAT group registrations, and clarifies when cancellation applies, particularly concerning asset sales.

ATED Statistics Release Date Announcement

HM Revenue & Customs announced that the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) statistics will be released on March 31, 2026. The statistics will include totals and breakdowns of ATED receipts and relief claims.

Mandatory Tax Adviser Registration with HMRC

HMRC will implement mandatory registration for tax advisers paid to interact with HMRC on behalf of clients starting May 18, 2026. This change replaces the current registration process and requires advisers to register through a new single digital system and meet specific conditions.

HMRC Tax Receipts and National Insurance Contributions Statistics

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced the upcoming release of UK tax receipts and National Insurance contributions statistics. The announcement provides the release date and time for this official statistical report, which summarizes tax revenues and expenditures.

TPR CEO Calls for Pension Industry Innovation

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) CEO has urged the UK pensions market to innovate to deliver a modern system providing long-term value and secure retirement income. The speech highlighted areas for innovation including endgame options for DB schemes, DC investments, default retirement plans, and the responsible use of AI, data, and administration.

HMRC Directions for Employees on Job Expenses Relief

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has published directions for employees on how to notify the agency of deductible job expenses and claim Income Tax relief. These directions are issued under the Taxes Management Act 1970 and the Income Tax (Pay As You Earn) Regulations 2003.

Lords Chamber Debates: End of Life Bill

The UK House of Lords held a debate on the End of Life Bill on March 20, 2026. This record reflects the proceedings from the uncorrected Hansard feed and is subject to correction.

House of Commons Debates - March 19, 2026

The UK Hansard Parliamentary Debates for March 19, 2026, have been published. This record includes debates from the House of Commons Chamber, covering topics such as Oral Answers to Questions and specific committee discussions like Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.