theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_733
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_733

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the graduate route visa scheme on levels of innovation. \p Feryal Clark: The Government is committed to making the UK the destination of choice for top international talent, who have an important impact on innovation and entrepreneurship in the UK. Their impact is particularly noticeable in the UK’s leading startup ecosystem; a quarter of Tech Nation-endorsed Global Talent Visa (GTV) holders are founders, and 39% of the UK’s fastest growing start-ups have at least one foreign born co-founder. In addition to providing a pipeline of entrepreneurs, international talent contributes significantly to innovation in key growth-driving sectors, and makes up 37% of higher education research staff.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_734

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure social media companies (a) remove and (b) report (i) illegal counterfeit currency and (ii) fraudulent foreign exchange trading. \p Feryal Clark: The illegal content duties under the Online Safety Act came into force on 17 March 2025. Social media services must now have systems and processes in place to proactively protect users from illegal fraudulent content. Ofcom’s illegal content Codes of Practice recommended that certain services at risk of fraud have dedicated reporting channels for trusted flaggers, such as the National Crime Agency, to report fraud. Providers must take the safety measures recommended in Codes or use other effective measures to protect users.

Ofcom can take enforcement action if providers do not act promptly to address the risks on their services.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how the Government will fine firms that fail to inform Ofcom of age assurance processes that prevent children’s access to online content. \p Feryal Clark: The Online Safety Act 2023 establishes Ofcom as independent regulator for online safety in the UK. Ofcom has powers to sanction services in-scope of the Act who do not comply with their duties under the Act, including the child safety duties and age assurance provisions.

Ofcom’s enforcement powers will include directing services to take measures to comply with their duties, fining companies up to £18 million, or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue (whichever is the greater), and initiating business disruption measures.

Ofcom has published enforcement guidance illustrating how it will calculate penalties in a proportionate, case-by-case way.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to limit phone line rental charges for analogue landlines; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of phone-only line rental charges following the transition to Voice over Internet Protocol landlines. \p Sir Chris Bryant: The Department does not have plans to limit phone line rental charges for analogue landlines as this is a matter for industry. However, under Ofcom’s telephony universal service conditions, BT and KCOM (in Hull) are required to offer a voice service to everyone, on request, at an affordable price. The telephony universal service obligation (USO) does not specify the technology that providers should use to meet this obligation, therefore the migration to digital landlines does not change the telephony USO.

It is worth noting that many other telecoms providers offer fixed voice services, however unlike BT and KCOM (in Hull) they do not have an obligation to do so. Ofcom’s telephony universal service conditions can be found at this link:  https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/telecoms-infrastructure/universal-service-obligation
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

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Mr James Frith:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department plans to issue guidance to help social media companies implement (a) C2PA Content Credentials and (b) other provenance standards to help (i) tackle disinformation and (ii) ensure a viable opt-out tool for rightsholders in the UK, in the context of the Ofcom's responsibilities in the Online Safety Act 2023. \p Feryal Clark: The Online Safety Act (OSA) represents our key legislative tool for tackling mis/disinformation and requires platforms to remove illegal mis/disinformation from their services. Our immediate focus is on quick and effective implementation. We will then look at where we could build on the OSA.

The government recently closed a consultation on AI and copyright and welcomed engagement from stakeholders on issues including labelling AI-generated and modified content, and options for enhancing control for rightsholders in the context of the UK’s AI and copyright regime. We are reviewing all responses to ensure any proposals taken forward properly support all sectors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

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Dame Caroline Dinenage:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what estimate he has made of the number of employees required for Ofcom’s Online Safety Directorate to effectively carry out its duties. \p Feryal Clark: In 2023/24, Ofcom had 189 full-time equivalent posts in the Online Safety Group. This does not include staff who work on online safety in other groups such as legal, enforcement and research.

The government has ensured Ofcom has the funding it needs to deliver online safety regulation effectively, with £72.6 million allocated for online safety spend in 2025/26. This additional funding will result in additional staff for the Online Safety Group and other divisions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_739

Bob Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department plans to increase funding for the development of non-animal human-relevant testing methods. \p Feryal Clark: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology are considering funding into alternatives for animal testing as part of the Spending Review and cannot commit funding amounts in advance of this process.

The Government already invests £10m annually in the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) to accelerate the development and adoption of 3Rs approaches. The NC3Rs is currently undergoing a five year funding review that will determine future allocation of resources. A significant amount of research funding in the UK also goes to underpinning technologies that have the potential to deliver the 3Rs.
wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_740
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_740

Seamus Logan:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether she plans to implement the recommendations of the report by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights entitled Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 3 March 2025. \p Dame Nia Griffith: Relevant departments are currently considering the Committee’s concluding observations in detail. The Government will give written responses to three priority areas that the Committee has identified for specific follow-up by 2027.

The Government will respond to the rest of the recommendations before the UK’s next reporting cycle starts in 2030.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, which organisations the Minister for Equalities has met with since 5 July 2024. \p Dame Nia Griffith: Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on gov.uk. Data for Equalities Ministers is included in the releases by the Departments in which they are operationally based - for example, data for Minister Phillipson and Minister Smith is available at:

www.gov.uk/government/collections/dfe-ministers-quarterly-returns

www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-ministerial-overseas-travel-and-meetings-october-to-december-2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

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Susan Murray:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to protect the rights of older women. \p Dame Nia Griffith: The Equality Act 2010 contains strong protections for older women in a variety of settings, including work and the provision of services. The Act prohibits discrimination because of age and harassment related to age. In addition, the Employment Rights Bill will introduce robust measures to further safeguard working women, including gender and menopause action plans.

The Government recognises the challenges some older women can face and is committed to ensuring that support systems are in place These include improving older people’s participation online through the new Digital Inclusion Action plan, employment support through Jobcentres, and addressing healthcare inequality in the 10 Year Health Plan, to ensure the NHS is there for anyone who needs it, whenever they need it.
wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_743
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, what requirements re-elected Members of Parliament have to declare political donations received in the period from the dissolution of Parliament to their swearing in as a Member of Parliament. \p Nick Smith: This is not a matter for the House of Commons Commission.

The rules are set out in the Code of Conduct and the Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members, approved by the House on 12 December 2022 (HC 1083).

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmcode/1083/1083-1.pdf

Members seeking advice on the registration of specific interests should contact the Registrar of Members’ Interests.
wrans/answers2025-11-10 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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John Milne:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her Department's publication entitled Suspensions and permanent exclusions by young career status, published on 10 July 2025, what steps her Department help reduce (a) suspension and (b) permanent exclusion rates among young carers. \p Olivia Bailey: Whilst schools can use sanctions to improve behaviour, in the most serious cases, exclusion may be necessary. The statutory ‘Suspension and permanent exclusion’ guidance is clear that school leaders should consider early intervention to address the underlying causes of disruptive behaviour.

‘Keeping children safe in education’ also sets out school staff should be alert to the potential need for early help for young carers and requires designated safeguarding leads to be trained to understand and respond to their needs.

The department is committed to ensuring every child can succeed and learn in a safe, calm environment. To support this, we have committed to providing access to mental health support in every school and ensuring earlier intervention for pupils at risk of exclusion. Our new attendance and behaviour hubs will directly target the schools with the highest need, as well as wider support for schools in all corners of the country.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-10 conversation_2

Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much of the savings to the public purse made through changes to large programme Uplift funding for the International Baccalaureate diploma will be allocated to each pupil undertaking (a) maths and (b) high-value A-Level programmes. \p Josh MacAlister: The department has made significant investments into 16 to 19 education funding. The base rate of funding per student has increased to £5,105 in academic year 2025/26 up over 5% on last year. But we must make this funding work hard, tilting it towards key priorities. That is why we have announced that we will focus the Large Programme Uplift (LPU) funding, which is on top of the base rate, on large programmes which include mathematics, further mathematics and other high value A levels. These programmes will retain the LPU funding. Funding saved from the LPU will be used to help to ensure there are enough suitable places in post-16 education for every young person that wants one.

We will set out the full 16 to 19 funding priorities for academic year 2026/27 in due course. Institutions receiving 16 to19 funding will retain the freedom to decide what programmes of study to offer, including the International Baccalaureate.
wrans/answers2025-11-10 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Mary Glindon:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an estimate of the number of Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund applications that received match-funding in (a) Newcastle upon Tyne and (b) North Tyneside in (i) 2023-24 and (ii) 2024-25. \p Josh MacAlister: The table below confirms the information requested.

Financial year

Newcastle upon Tyne

North Tyneside

Applications

Match funded

Applications

Match funded

2023/24

57

2

53

0

2024/25

43

1

44

1
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to ensure the Curriculum review includes a focus on practical financial skills. \p Georgia Gould: The Curriculum and Assessment Review's final report was published on 5 November. As part of its focus on preparing learners for a changing world, the Review has recommended updating or strengthening five areas of applied knowledge: financial literacy, media literacy, digital literacy, oracy and climate education.

The government’s response to the Review’s report was published on the same day. Through our reforms, children will be better prepared for the modern world.

Improved financial literacy, taught from an early age, will help children and young people master money skills. The department will do this by making citizenship compulsory in key stages 1 and 2. Additionally, references to financial education in the mathematics and citizenship programmes of study will be strengthened, and the relevant content sequenced appropriately, so that content can then be applied to practical situations, contexts, and problems. We will ensure that key concepts relevant to financial education, such as calculating interest, are first introduced in mathematics.
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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what lessons her Department has learned from the experience of the Strengthening Chess in Primary Schools grant made in the 2023-24 financial year. \p Georgia Gould: ​​My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced £1.5 million in funding from 2026 to support participation in chess, which includes funding for chess in schools. The department will reflect upon insights gathered from the strengthening chess in primary schools grant in developing arrangements for use of the new funding. Further details will be announced in due course.​
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to support children in schools who have suffered acquired brain injuries. \p Georgia Gould: ​​Children who have had a brain injury can be affected in different ways. Some brain injuries will result in a special educational need (SEN) or a medical need, whilst others may affect a child in other ways.

​In whatever way a brain injury manifests, it is essential that the pupil’s individual needs are identified and supported appropriately. Support should be tailored to their own learning barriers, irrespective of their diagnosis. This is underpinned by the range of statutory duties on schools to support children with SEN, disabilities or medical conditions. Depending on the impact that an acquired brain injury has on the child accessing education, they may be entitled to support under any or all of these duties. For example:

​A mainstream school must use its ‘best endeavours’ to provide the right support for all its pupils with SEN.

​Schools must make arrangements to support their pupils with medical conditions.

​Schools must make reasonable adjustments to their practices, procedures and policies and not discriminate against their disabled pupils.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of difference in exclusion rates between boys and girls. \p Olivia Bailey: Statistics on the suspensions and permanent exclusions rates for boys and girls up to the 2023/24 academic year can be found in the following publication: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/suspensions-and-permanent-exclusions-in-england/2023-24. This has been available since 10 July 2025.

This government is clear schools can use sanctions as a measure to improve behaviour, and in the most serious cases, exclusion may be necessary to ensure every child can achieve and thrive.

​We trust head teachers to use their professional judgement, based on the individual circumstances of each case, when considering excluding a pupil. Any decision to exclude must be lawful, reasonable, and fair. The statutory ‘Suspension and permanent exclusion’ guidance is clear that, in all cases, school leaders should consider early intervention strategies to address the underlying causes or contributing factors of a pupil’s disruptive behaviour before issuing an exclusion.

As a part of our Plan for Change, we are committed to turning the tide on poor behaviour and rising exclusions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has provided funding to universities for schemes that exclude white applicants. \p Josh MacAlister: The department has not directly awarded funding to any such schemes within higher education.
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UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-10 conversation_9

Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on the number and proportion of pre-schools that rely on fundraising to cover (a) operational and (b) staffing costs in the South West. \p Olivia Bailey: The early years funding rates for the 2025/26 financial year for Gloucestershire are £5.71 for the 3 and 4 year-old entitlement, £7.94 for the 2 year-old entitlements, and £10.75 for children under 2s. This is slightly below national average due to relative differences in local costs of delivery and the proportion of children with additional needs which are reflected in the Early Years National Funding Formula (EY NFF) used to set local authority rates.

Regarding levels of additional needs, the EY NFF uses data on free school meals and the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (for the 2s and under formula only), disability living allowance and English as an additional language. The formulae also include an area cost adjustment to reflect variations in local staff and premises costs.

The department does not hold data on the proportion of settings using fundraising to support their income.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-10 conversation_10

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help reduce levels of funding pressures for nurseries. \p Olivia Bailey: It is the department’s ambition that all families have access to high quality, affordable and flexible early education and care, giving every child the best start in life. This is key to the government’s Plan for Change, which starts with reaching the milestone of a record number of children being ready for school. That also means ensuring the sector is financially sustainable and confident as it continues to deliver entitlements and high quality early years provision going forward.

In the 2025/26 financial year alone, the department has provided over £8 billion for the early years entitlements, increasing to over £9 billion in 2026/27. We have announced the largest ever increase to Early Years Pupil Premium since its introduction and have delivered a significant tranche of supplementary funding of £75 million through the Early Years Expansion Grant.

The early years market is vibrant and diverse, made up of a range of for-profit and not-for-profit provider types. The department aims to distribute funding fairly, efficiently and transparently across the country and across provider types. The hourly funding rate paid to local authorities is designed to recognise the average costs across different provider types, reflecting staff and non-staff costs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to support schools to (a) improve behaviour management and (b) reduce exclusions. \p Olivia Bailey: This government is clear that schools can use sanctions as a measure to improve behaviour, and in the most serious cases, exclusion may be necessary to ensure that schools are calm and safe learning environments. Schools also have a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 not to discriminate against pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The statutory ‘Suspension and permanent exclusion’ guidance is clear that, in all cases, school leaders should consider early intervention strategies and multi-agency assessments to address the underlying causes or contributing factors towards a pupil’s disruptive behaviour before issuing an exclusion. This includes situations where a pupil has SEND. Schools should arrange such assessments when concerns arise, rather than waiting for a specific trigger.

As part of our Plan for Change, the government is committed to tackling poor behaviour and rising exclusions. We have committed to providing access to mental health support in every school and ensuring earlier intervention for pupils with SEND. The new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs will target schools with the greatest need, while offering wider support nationally to help build strong, inclusive school cultures.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to extend free breakfast clubs beyond primary schools. \p Olivia Bailey: The rollout of free breakfast clubs prioritises primary-aged children, as this is where the evidence of impact is strongest. A report published by the Education Endowment Foundation found that attainment improved in primary-aged children who attended a breakfast club, and teachers also marked an improvement in pupil behaviour.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Emma Lewell:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what contingency plans the government has to (a) identify and (b) remove asbestos in schools scheduled for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete remediation. \p Josh MacAlister: The department takes the safety of children and those who work with them incredibly seriously.

By the end of this parliament, every school and college in England, that is not being fully or substantially rebuilt, will be reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) free.

For those schools needing to be rebuilt, under the School Rebuilding Programme every project will be in delivery by the end of the Parliament, with over half already underway.

When asbestos is encountered in the process of removing RAAC, it will also be removed.

More broadly, responsible bodies are duty-holders for asbestos management within their buildings and must follow requirements and standards set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The department requires responsible bodies to have robust asbestos management plans in place to manage their buildings effectively, in line with their legal duties, drawing on appropriate professional advice. HSE advice remains that it is generally safest to manage asbestos-containing materials in place, providing they are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed.
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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 3 October 2024 to Question 73744 on Private Education, whether the matter of the financial impact of VAT on private school fees was discussed at the meeting on 22 July 2025. \p Olivia Bailey: The impact of VAT changes on private schools with Independent Schools Council membership was discussed at the meeting on 22 July.
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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding has been allocated for teacher training under the reading initiative in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle and (d) the North East. \p Georgia Gould: The government has committed £27.7 million to support and drive high and rising standards in reading in the 2025/26 financial year. This funding will deliver a range of support for schools, including new training for primary schools delivered through the 34 English Hubs, to help children progress from the early stages of phonics through to reading fluently by the time they leave primary school, and new support and training for secondary schools to support reading at key stage 3.

Hexham, Northumberland and Newcastle are served by St Michael’s English Hub. Schools can find their local English Hub on the English Hubs website: https://englishhubs.net/.
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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many employment tribunal claims have been lodged against her Department in each of the last five years by (a) unfair dismissal and (b) claims under the Equality Act 2010. \p Olivia Bailey: The table below shows the number of Employment Tribunal claims made against the department in the last five years.

Year (calendar)

Number of claims

(a) Claiming unfair dismissal

(b) Claims under the Equality Act

2025*

<5

Nil

<5

2024

<5

Nil

<5

2023

9

<5

5

2022

8

<5

<5

2021

13

<5

7

*For the period 1 January 2025 to 30 September 2025.
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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many people work in her Department's (a) Human Resources and Transformation Directorate and (b) Public Sector Equality Duty team. \p Olivia Bailey: As at the end of October 2025, the full-time equivalent (FTE) headcount of the department’s Human Resources Directorate was 139.

Public Sector Equality Duty work in the department sits within the department's central Strategy Group and is resourced by 1.7 FTE staff. In addition, the department has a model of maintaining dispersed capacity across the department to comply with its duties.
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Damian Hinds:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on the costs incurred by schools for implementing smartphone bans during the school day. \p Olivia Bailey: Departmental guidance on mobile phones in schools, published in February 2024, is clear that schools should prohibit the use of devices with smart technology throughout the school day, including during lessons, transitions and breaks.

The department expects all schools to take steps in line with this guidance to ensure mobile phones do not disrupt pupils’ learning.

Research from the Children’s Commissioner published in April 2025, with responses from nearly all schools and colleges in England, shows that the overwhelming majority of schools (99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools) already have policies in place that limit or restrict the use of mobile phones during the school day.

The department does not hold information on costs incurred by schools to implement mobile phone bans. Each school is responsible for deciding how they apply this guidance and how to accommodate the needs of their pupils.
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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on the use (a) isolation or (b) internal exclusion rooms by (a) SEND status, (b) gender, (c) ethnicity and (d) free school meal eligibility. \p Olivia Bailey: The department does not hold data on the use of isolation or internal exclusion rooms, sometimes referred to as removal.

The department trusts headteachers to use their professional judgement, based on the individual circumstances, when issuing a sanction.

Schools should consider any underlying causes behind a pupil’s misbehaviour before issuing any form of sanction, including where a pupil has special educational needs or disabilities, or an unmet need.

The ‘Behaviour in schools’ guidance outlines expectations around the use of removal from the classroom. Schools should also ensure that removal is used consistently, proportionately, and in a way that supports the pupil’s reintegration into the classroom.
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Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when applications will open for the second round of Best Start breakfast clubs. \p Olivia Bailey: The government is committed to deliver on its pledge to provide a free breakfast club in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. This will ensure every child, regardless of circumstance, has a supportive start to the school day.

So far, we have delivered 2.6 million breakfasts and offered places to almost 180,000 pupils across the country. Following the success of the early adopters, we will start the first phase of national rollout of the clubs from April 2026. We are investing a further £80 million into the programme to fund approximately 2,000 additional schools between April 2026 and March 2027. This will benefit around 500,000 more children.

Further information, including specifics on eligibility, funding and expectations for schools will be provided later in the autumn term. This will include detailed guidance as well as a wider package of support.
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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when she plans to respond to Question 82435 tabled by the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire on 15 October 2025. \p Josh MacAlister: The response to Written Parliamentary Question 82435 was published on 4 November 2025.
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Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment has her Department has made of the adequacy of provision of school uniform for children with physical disabilities. \p Olivia Bailey: Decisions regarding school uniform policies are the responsibility of school governing boards and they should consider the needs of all pupils when developing their policies on school uniform. To support schools, the department has published non-statutory guidance on developing and implementing their school uniform policy, which includes advice on meeting their equality obligations. This guidance can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform/school-uniforms.

The guidance states that a school uniform should be inclusive, and we expect schools to be considerate when implementing their policy so that their uniform can be worn by all pupils.

The guidance also states that schools should be willing to allow for some individual variations to their uniform policy, where necessary, to avoid indirect discrimination. For instance, reasonable adjustments must be made, as appropriate, for pupils with a disability.
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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to support parents with the cost of school uniform in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Olivia Bailey: I refer the hon. Member for Surrey Heath to the answer of 10 November 2025 to Question 79046.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when she will make an emergency inspection of the Bramley Hill School in Surrey. \p Olivia Bailey: Private schools must meet the Independent School Standards, at all times, and are inspected at least every three years.

Bramley Hill was inspected by Ofsted in March 2024 when all the Independent School Standards were found to be met.

Concerns about safeguarding in a private school can be raised by contacting the Local Authority Designated Officer if an allegation is made against a member of staff, or the department if there are concerns about the school’s overall safeguarding culture or compliance.

Where information suggests that children may be at risk, an emergency inspection can be commissioned.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that families are able to afford school uniforms in Lancashire. \p Olivia Bailey: The cost of school uniform, particularly of branded items, remains a key concern for parents. Whilst uniforms play a valuable role in creating a sense of common identity among pupils and reducing visible inequalities, too many schools still require high numbers of branded uniform items despite statutory guidance stating branded items should be kept to a minimum. Currently 24% of primary and 71% of secondary schools still require five or more branded items, with some parents saying they were asked to provide ten or more.

This is why the department has introduced legislation to limit the number of branded items of uniform and physical education kit that schools can require, to bring down costs for parents and remove barriers from children accessing sport and other school activities. This will give parents more choice in where to purchase uniform and allow them greater flexibility to make the spending decisions that suit their circumstances.

The department intends to introduce this limit from September 2026. On 23 October, we published updated statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms.

This includes draft statutory guidance to support schools in implementing any necessary changes within the proposed limit.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Jack Rankin:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the estimated average cost per child of breakfast food is at school breakfast clubs according to the latest available data. \p Olivia Bailey: The government is delivering on its pledge to provide a free breakfast club in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. This will ensure every child, regardless of their circumstances, has a supportive start to the school day.

The department has confirmed over £30 million of funding for free breakfast clubs for the current 2025/26 financial year and around £80 million for the 2026/27 financial year. Schools will be funded for the running of a breakfast club, including food, staffing and day-to-day delivery. Learning from the early adopters, we will provide further information, including specifics on eligibility, funding, and expectations for schools, later in the autumn term.

The department does not collect data on how much money schools spend per child on breakfast food.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Dame Siobhain McDonagh:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her counterparts in Bangladesh on the (a) anti-Ahmadi protests planned in Bangladesh for 15 November and (b) upholding freedom of religion for Ahmadi Muslims and other religious communities. \p Seema Malhotra: The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). We continue to support those goals through regular dialogue with the Interim Government of Bangladesh, to ensure that the rights of religious minorities, including the Ahmadiyya community, are respected, and that these communities are protected from discrimination.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic discussions she has had with her Chinese counterparts on the detention of Church leader Zhang Chunlei; and what steps she is taking to ensure his release. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon. Member to my answer to question 83339 on 23 October.
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John Glen:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the airstrike on a Buddhist festival in Sagaing Region, Myanmar; and what diplomatic steps she is taking with international counterparts to help ensure the protection of civilians in that country. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon. Member to my answer to question 75108 on 17 September.
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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many employment tribunal claims relating to (a) unfair dismissal and (b) claims under the Equality Act 2010 have been lodged against her Department in each of the last five years. \p Seema Malhotra: Employment Tribunal decisions are publicly available at https://www.gov.uk/employment-tribunal-decisions.
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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff in her Department are recorded as having a (a) mental health condition and (b) physical disability by the grade of those staff. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 6 November in response to Question 86710.
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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many performance reviews were undertaken for staff in (a) her Department and (b) its agencies in each of the last five years; in how many cases performance was rated as unsatisfactory or below; how many staff left as a result of such a rating; and what proportion of full-time equivalent staff this represented. \p Seema Malhotra: The full range of requested information is not readily available in comprehensive form, and could only be collated and verified for the purposes of answering this question at disproportionate cost.
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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff left her Department by the grade of those staff in each of the last five years. \p Seema Malhotra: Information on the number of civil servants leaving each government department and organisation by responsibility level for the years 2021 to 2025 is published annually through the 'Civil Service data browser' as part of Civil Service Statistics 2025, an accredited official statistics publication. Information can be accessed through the Civil Service data browser for 2021 through 2025 at the following web address: https://civil-service-statistics.jdac.service.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff in her Department (a) did not retain employment following completion of their probationary period and (b) had their probationary period extended in each of the last five years. \p Seema Malhotra: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's (FCDO) probation policy and guidance advises managers on the steps to take to assess a new employee's suitability for the post and to provide support to enable them to succeed. It also advises on the steps to take where performance, attendance or conduct are not satisfactory. This can include exiting the employee or extending their probation to provide further evidence for a final decision on their suitability. The FCDO holds information on extensions to probation and dismissals during probation since September 2020. Prior to then information held is for the FCO only.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 77564 on Lord Mandelson, if she will publish her Department's HR guidance on the process to be followed once a head of mission is withdrawn. \p Seema Malhotra: HR procedures routinely draw from a range of established diplomatic protocols and policies.
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Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her international counterparts on reports of the (a) detention and (b) killing of the Falun Gong in China. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 April 2025 to Question 43452.
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Tracy Gilbert:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance he provides on whether JobCentre Work Coaches can accept (a) discounts and (b) similar benefits from clients. \p Andrew Western: Job Centre Work Coaches must uphold the highest standards of propriety and regularity. Under the Bribery Act 2010, it is a criminal offence to offer, give, request, or accept any financial or other advantage intended to improperly influence official duties. This includes gifts, cash, discounts, or hospitality.

As a general rule, staff should decline all gifts, including cash, vouchers, goods, or services.

All offers must be reported and recorded in the Departmental Gifts and Hospitality Register.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if his Department will review the adequacy of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations to ensure that hazardous medicinal products with reprotoxic effects are controlled to the same standard as (a) carcinogens and (b) mutagens. \p Sir Stephen Timms: I refer the Honourable Member to the previous answer 84440.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-10)

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Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to promote the use of (a) biological safety cabinets, (b) closed‑system drug‑transfer devices and (c) other engineering controls during (i) preparation and (ii) administration of hazardous medicinal products; and whether he plans to provide funding for NHS trusts to implement these controls. \p Sir Stephen Timms: I refer the Honourable Member to the previous answer 84144.