SLSC publishes 37th report of session 2024–26
The House of Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (SLSC) has published its 37th report of session 2024–26. Two instruments were drawn to the special attention of the House: the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1298) and the Advertising (Less Healthy Food and Drink) (Brand Advertising Exemption) Regulations 2025, SI 2025/1011. The Immigration Statement, laid on 4 September 2025, introduced a suspension on visa applications under the refugee family reunion route, which previously allowed individuals granted refugee status in the UK to apply to bring their partner and dependent children without conditions. The SLSC expressed concerns about the Home Office's policymaking process, highlighting the lack of impact estimates and uncertainty over whether the suspension is temporary or permanent. SI 2025/1011, laid on 10 September 2025, introduces an explicit exemption from restrictions on advertising less healthy food and drink products for brand advertising, intended to provide clarity to the Advertising Standards Authority ahead of the restrictions taking effect on 5 January 2026.