Interested in technology? There’s a new BBC R&D newsletter

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BBC Research & Development is the cutting-edge team within the BBC responsible for many innovations in broadcasting and online technologies over the decades, like colour, stereo, and DAB – you can find out more about their history in this article from the BBC 100 website.

They publish a range of accessible articles on their website, and have a regular podcast. Now they have launched a newsletter to help people stay up to date with their latest work in technology, engineering and research.

There are two options:

  • email alerts sent each time a new article is published on the R&D website
  • an occasional roundup that collects recent articles.

To subscribe use this form.

Constituency data: Deprivation in England

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The House of Commons Library has created an interactive dashboard shows deprivation data for constituencies and small areas in England and you can find it here: Constituency data: Deprivation in England

The Library briefing paper Deprivation in English constituencies, 2025 provides more information and statistics.

Help to shape the External Services Fair 2026

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The External Services Fair will be returning this year on Thursday 22 October 2026. This event is designed to give Members and Members’ staff the opportunity to engage directly with a range of external bodies that support you in your casework. This is a unique opportunity to connect with representatives from a range of Government Departments and External Organisations.

We are asking for your suggestions on which Government Departments and external organisations you would like to be represented at the event this year. Please complete this short form to share your suggestions: External Services Fair 2026 – Fill in form

Virtual Session: Sands Baby Loss Charity

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The Wellness Working Group is hosting a session with Sands Baby Loss Charity:

Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Date: Tuesday 28 July 2026
Location: Online via Teams

We are so pleased that Northern Ireland has become the first part of the UK to offer paid leave to parents who experience pregnancy or baby loss before 24 weeks.

To learn about these changes and also how to creating a supportive work environment for a colleague who may have experienced baby loss as well as how to navigate the other various bereavement statutory employment entitlements when it comes to pregnancy loss and baby death please join us for this session.

To register and receive the link to the meeting, please email mpsstaff-wwg@parliament.uk from your Parliamentary account.

Behind the Scenes with the Official Report

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Join Hansard reporters for a 90-minute session in which we explain how we accurately report Members’ speeches and the proceedings of Parliament. We talk about who are our readers are, the challenges of parliamentary reporting and which are the most popular debates, and we finish up with a tour of our offices and where we sit in the Chamber to best see all the action.

We are holding sessions on the mornings and afternoons of Tuesday 21 and Tuesday 28 July, at 11 am and 1.30 pm. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of Hansard to come along, and we welcome staff from all parts of the House.

For further information or to book your place on a session, please email hansardoutreach@parliament.uk

Library talk – Local government reorganisation: Vantage point summer 2026

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Time: 10:30 – 11:30
Date: 9 July 2026
Location: Online via Teams
Booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=9728

This talk will analyse the decisions made on local government reorganisation in March 2026, and the implications of any developments since. It will then reiterate the timetable for the implementation of the policy. It will also trace the implications for Government decisions on the remainder of two-tier areas in England.

Working Through Cancer Network Event: 9 July

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Time: 14:15 – 15:15
Date: Thursday 9 July 2026
Location: Online and PCH
Open to: parliamentary staff
Information/booking: dan.horrocks@parliament.uk

You are warmly invited to the next Working Through Cancer Network event where you can hear more about the purpose of the network, the support we are building and how to get involved.

We are delighted that The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, will be joining us to speak about his personal experience of cancer, the challenges of balancing treatment with public life and the insights he has gained from navigating a cancer diagnosis whilst serving in one of the most senior roles in Government.

About the Network
The Working Through Cancer Network exists to support parliamentary staff and others affected by cancer — whether as a patient, carer, line manager, or colleague. We are also developing practical support, including a buddy system and guidance for navigating the help available in Parliament.

RSVP
If you’re planning to attend, in person or online, please RSVP to dan.horrocks@parliament.uk so we can get an idea of numbers.

We hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a thoughtful and inspiring discussion.

Second jobs for MPs: upcoming debate

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In advance of the debate in Westminster Hall on 1 July looking at the question of second jobs for MPs the House of Commons Library has produced a comprehensive briefing document. It covers the current situation and Code of Conduct, the historical position, and the work of the Committee on Standards in Public Life

You can read it here: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10055

Bank of England: Setting interest rates and the Monetary Policy Committee

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Training session with the Bank of England

Time: 13:00 – 15:00
Date: Tuesday 7 July 2026
Location: Parliament
Further information and booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=2339

Inflation, Setting Interest Rates & the MPC

Join Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) member Megan Greene, for a Lunch & Learn followed by Q&A on how the Bank of England sets interest rates to meet the 2% inflation target.