theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_125
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_125

David Simmonds:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2024 to Question 15198 on Business Rates, what estimates her Department has made of business rate receipts in England in each financial year from 2024-25 onwards. \p James Murray: The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) publish non-domestic ratings receipts data and forecasts for the financial year ahead in England. As such, projections for non-domestic rates income for 2025-26 will be published in due course by MHCLG.

For 2024-25, local authorities estimate the non-domestic rating income to be £26.3 billion: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-non-domestic-rates-collected-by-councils-in-england-forecast-2024-to-2025/national-non-domestic-rates-collected-by-councils-in-england-forecast-for-2024-to-2025
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_126
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_126

David Simmonds:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 12 December 2024 to Question 17827 on Private Education: Business Rates, what estimate she has made of the number of independent schools which receive discretionary business rate relief from their local authority to top up the 80% mandatory charitable rate relief; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the removal of mandatory charitable relief on funding by local authorities of discretionary rate relief for independent schools. \p James Murray: Under the existing discretionary relief powers provided by the Local Government Finance Act 1988 local authorities are permitted to award relief of any level to any ratepayers, where they feel it reasonable to do so and it is in the interest of local council taxpayers.

Existing discretionary relief powers are provided by the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and will be unaffected by the ending of charitable rate relief for private schools

Central Government does not collect data on specific recipients of discretionary relief.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_127
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_127

David Simmonds:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department has taken to change to the valuation of airports for business rates in the last two years; and what representations (a) the Valuation Office Agency and (b) her Department have received on the issue. \p James Murray: I refer the member to the answer given to UIN 19700.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_128
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_128

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the impact of family-owned businesses on the local economy; and what assessment has she made of the potential impact of changes to the Business Property Relief on local communities. \p James Murray: At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government took a number of difficult but necessary decisions on tax, welfare, and spending to restore economic stability, fix the public finances, and support public services. These were tough decisions given the situation we inherited from the previous administration, but the Government has taken them in a way that makes the tax system fairer and more sustainable.

The Government published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief at www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

In accordance with standard practice, a tax information and impact note will be published alongside the draft legislation before the relevant Finance Bill.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_129
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_129

Jake Richards:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of the cost to her Department of not claiming back child benefit from parents who have lost a child in the year since the original payment. \p James Murray: The estimated cost of not claiming back Child Benefit payments from parents who have lost a child in the year since the payment was made is not readily available and could only be produced at disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_130
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_130

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, for what purposes (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have used AI in the last 12 months. \p Ian Murray: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the Government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth, transform how we deliver public services, and boost living standards for working people across the Country. A small number of officials in the department have had access to the Cabinet Office Redbox copilot project to extract, summarise and synthesise information. The communications team also use the internal GCS Assist tool to support elements of communications planning.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_131
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_131

Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) air and (b) ground stewards were in post in the RAF in each year since 2010; and what the requirement was in each of those years. \p Luke Pollard: The number of Logistics (Air Ground Stewards) in the Royal Air Force in each year since 2010 is as follows:

Ground Stewards

Total

01 April 2010

482

01 April 2011

464

01 April 2012

435

01 April 2013

408

01 April 2014

395

01 April 2015

390

01 April 2016

392

01 April 2017

372

01 April 2018

349

01 April 2019

333

01 April 2020

330

01 April 2021

339

01 April 2022

331

01 April 2023

312

01 April 2024

291

Data is unable to be broken down by Air Steward and Ground Steward specialisation.

I am withholding the information requested for the workforce requirement as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_132
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_132

Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many veterinary officers were in post in the Army in each year since 2010; and what the requirement was in each of those years. \p Luke Pollard: The number of veterinary officers in post for the Army since 2010 are as follows.

Year*

Total

2024

41

2023

43

2022

45

2021

45

2020

41

2019

40

2018

43

2017

41

2016

35

2015

35

2014

41

2013

41

2012

37

2011

36

2010

35

*The figure for each year was extrapolated from the number in post on 01 April for each respective year

We do not routinely release the workforce requirement figures of Army regiments or specialist professions as doing so is likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_133
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_133

Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many nurses were in post in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army and (c) RAF in each year since 2010; and what the requirement was in each service in each of those years. \p Luke Pollard: I hope that my Rt Hon friend will understand that I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

Whilst a statistical release of overall Armed Forces strength is published annually, strength and capability statistics for certain specialisations are not released.

Releasing the current strength and requirement of medical service personnel could be exploited by our adversaries to target, disrupt and degrade an important element of Armed Forces capability.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_134
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_134

Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many chefs were in post in the Army in each year since 2010; and what the requirement was in each of those years. \p Luke Pollard: The number of chefs in post for the Army since 2010 are as follows:

Year*

Total

2024

868

2023

920

2022

945

2021

973

2020

992

2019

1,061

2018

1,136

2017

1,186

2016

1,222

2015

1,281

2014

1,586

2013

1,969

2012

2,296

2011

2,556

2010

2,547

*The figure for each year was extrapolated from the number in post on 01 April for each respective year

We do not routinely release the workforce requirement figures of Army regiments or specialist professions as doing so is likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_135
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_135

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the US lease on the Diego Garcia military base expires. \p Luke Pollard: There is no lease with respect to Diego Garcia. US presence and operations in the British Indian Ocean Territory are governed by a series of international agreements, beginning with a 1966 Exchange of Notes between the US and UK.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_136
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_136

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2024 to Question 20149 on Torpedoes: Procurement, how much of the cost is the through life management of the programme. \p Maria Eagle: The total funds allocated for the Spearfish torpedo programme are approximately £1154 million which includes the approximate cost of £626 million for the through life management of the programme.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_137
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_137

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Q123 of the evidence given by the Minister of State for Development and Africa to the International Development Committee on 7 January 2025 HC 531Y what the terms of reference are for the Overseas Development Assistance Board. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Chief Secretary to the Treasury and I will co-chair the re-established Ministerial Official Development Assistance (ODA) Board. The ODA Board scrutinises ODA spend, driving value for money for the UK taxpayer and a stronger strategic focus to ODA spending across government. Its remit includes managing pressures on the ODA budget and overseeing and monitoring ODA spending across government.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_138
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_138

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on whether violations of international humanitarian law have been committed by warring parties in Sudan. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Foreign Secretary has raised the humanitarian situation in Sudan with many of his counterparts, including the Foreign Ministers of Sierra Leone, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar. The Foreign Secretary also hosted a roundtable on the humanitarian situation in Sudan during the UK's UN Security Council presidency in November, including with the African Union, Algeria and Egypt in attendance. As penholder at the UN Security Council and leader of the Core Group on Sudan at the UN Human Rights Council, the UK has consistently drawn attention to appalling reports of international humanitarian and human rights law violations. In December 2024, the UK Special Representative to Sudan, Richard Crowder, led a UK delegation to Port Sudan, where he met with several members of the Sudanese Armed Forces and pressed directly for improved humanitarian access. On 18 October 2024, the UK led a joint statement, along with ten other donors, which condemned the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian efforts and called upon warring parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_139
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_139

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the UK’s annual spend is on International Climate Finance by country. \p Anneliese Dodds: In line with our international obligations the details of our annual International Climate Finance (ICF) spend are published through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, including by recipient country or region. Previous data covering 2019 and 2020 ICF spend can be found here: https://unfccc.int/BR5. Supporting data submitted as part of the First Biennial Transparency Report under the Paris Agreement covering 2021 and 2022 is awaiting publication.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_140
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_140

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact on biodiversity of proposals for the Morgan and Morecambe windfarm (a) cabling corridor and (b) substations. \p Michael Shanks: National Energy System Operator (NESO) considered the environmental impacts of the proposed Morgan and Morecambe windfarms cabling corridor and substation as part of its Holistic Network Design (HND).[1]

The developers, BP and EnBW, have submitted detailed environmental assessments addressing the impacts on biodiversity as part of the Morgan and Morecambe transmission project planning application.[2]

[1] https://www.neso.energy/publications/beyond-2030/holistic-network-design-offshore-wind

[2] https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/EN020032/EN020032-000718-Morgan%20and%20Morecambe%20Offshore%20Wind%20Farms%20Examination%20Library.pdf
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_141

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme trustees about the review of that Scheme. \p Sarah Jones: I met with the Chair and Trustee representatives of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme on 16 December where they outlined their proposals for changes to the Scheme.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_142

Helena Dollimore:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much his Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers between 4 July 2022 and 4 July 2024. \p Michael Shanks: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero was created in February 2023, so no data is held for prior to this time.

There has been no spend on either (a) media or (b) voice training for Ministers between February 2023 and 4th July 2024 in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-24 conversation_143

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland; and what steps he plans to take to help ensure (a) its decisions are transparent and (b) it is held accountable for its decisions. \p Hilary Benn: Decisions regarding parades in Northern Ireland are an operational matter for the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland in line with the legislation contained within the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998. Details of any determinations made by the Commission are published on their website as a matter of course. The Parades Commission continues to have the full support of the Government.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_1

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure long term access to the Fisheries Conservation and Management Zone of the British Indian Ocean Territory. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK will assist Mauritius in implementing a new Mauritian Marine Protected Area in the Archipelago, which will extend to technical, financial, capacity-building assistance, fostering long-term sustainable management.  The parties will work with international conservation organisations to ensure the implementation of science-backed strategies for conservation.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_2

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2025 to Question 29073 on FCDO: Flags, what flags have been flown at ground level but visible from the public highway since 5 July 2024. \p Catherine West: The bisexual flag was flown in September 2024 and the Union flag was flown in November 2024 on the internal Quad flag poles.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_3

Saqib Bhatti:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to ringfence official development assistance for women and girls in Afghanistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review based on various factors including impact assessments.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_4

Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Saudi counterpart on the case of Manahel al-Otaibi. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office have monitored the case of Manahel Al-Otaibi and will continue to do so. We have raised the case with the Saudi authorities. The British Embassy in Riyadh has attempted to observe Ms Al-Otaibi's trials. We will continue to discuss human rights, including individual cases of concern, with the Saudi government.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_5

Mrs Elsie Blundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress he has made on appointing a special envoy for complex detention cases. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to strengthening support for British Nationals overseas, including through the appointment of an Envoy for complex detention cases. Further details will be announced in due course.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_6

Harpreet Uppal:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with (a) locally-led mutual aid networks and (b) civil society on funding for peacebuilding programmes. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Ministers meet regularly with mutual assistance networks during their visits to countries facing humanitarian needs. During his visit to the Chad-Sudan border in January 2025, the Foreign Secretary announced £20 million in additional funding to support people in Sudan and Chad, including support to mutual aid groups, such as the Emergency Response Rooms. The previous Minister for Development also met with these networks during recent visits to both Sudan and Ethiopia where they are involved in both relief and peacebuilding, and where we have allocated UK Official Development Assistance to peacebuilding programmes in Tigray. A major purpose of the Integrated Security Fund is to provide support to civil society actors in conflict environments. Similarly, the UK continues to invest in the Peacebuilding Fund, the UN's primary mechanism supporting conflict prevention and peacebuilding activity in over 40 countries including Sudan, South Sudan, West Africa, and the Sahel. The FCDO engages regularly with civil society working on conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, including on funding for programmes.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_7

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria his Department uses to assess applications to the John Bunyan Fund. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's John Bunyan Fund provides funding to overseas posts to support the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all around the world. UK posts are invited to submit applications that support the central objective of the fund: to curtail FoRB violations and abuses. Diplomatic missions have full control over the exact design and scope of project work to best develop an intervention that suits their specific in-country context and priorities and is complementary to any other financing they receive.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_8

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to end all (a) non-humanitarian aid, (b) trade, (c) financial services and (d) exports to Russia. \p Stephen Doughty: In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK has put in place an unprecedented package of sanctions.

The UK has locked most of the Russian banking sector out of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), frozen Russia's sovereign assets and adopted a wide range of trade and financial sanctions measures, covering most areas of the Russian economy with the exception of trade in humanitarian goods such as food and medicine.

We will continue to bear down on Russia, ratcheting up economic pressure until it ends its brutal invasion of Ukraine.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_9

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of establishing a Special Envoy for Children within his Department. \p Stephen Doughty: As a ratifier of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UK Government is committed to the promotion, protection and realisation of children's rights at home and overseas. Whilst the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not have a dedicated Special Envoy on Children, Ministers and Senior Officials regularly raise and advocate for increased awareness and action on cross-cutting issues affecting children through diplomatic and international engagement.

This is a priority for the Foreign Secretary: in January, he launched a new campaign to advocate for family-based care for children around the world, recognising the specific vulnerabilities faced by children in need of care and protection. Further, in November Baroness Chapman, Minister for International Development and Latin America and the Caribbean, represented the UK at the first Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_10

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of (a) overspends and (b) underspends in the International Climate Finance budget. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK has met all of its climate finance targets to date.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_11

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what amount of International Climate Finance funding is (a) allocated and (b) distributed via other Government departments. \p Stephen Doughty: Between 2021-22 and 2023-24 the amount spent on International Climate Finance was £4,111 million by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, £1,179 million by the Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero / Department for Science and Technology and £250 million by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs. Figures for 2024-25 and subsequent years will be published in due course.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_12

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much and what proportion of expenditure on international climate finance will have been with (a) multilateral organisations and (b) development banks in each financial year between 2020-21 and 2025-26. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK Government spend on International Climate Finance (ICF) was £1,560 million in 2020-21, £1,623 million in 2021-22, £1,641 million in 2022-23, and £2,277 million in 2023-24. Financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 are not complete and so figures are not available. The proportion of ICF spent through multilateral organisations was 41% in 2020-21, 23% in 2021-22, 39% in 2022-23, and 46% in 2023-24. The proportion of ICF spent on development banks, included under multilateral organisations, was 0% between 2020-21 and 2022-23, and 16% in 2023-24.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_13

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help protect persecuted Christians in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are closely monitoring the treatment of all civilians in Syria, including those from the Christian community. In my Statement in Parliament on 10 March, and in the Foreign Secretary's public statement on 9 March, we made clear that the interim authorities must ensure the protection of all Syrians. I raised this with the Syrian Interim Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, on 17 March, we consistently emphasise the need for a Syrian-led political transition that leads to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_14

Monica Harding:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to prioritise (a) maintaining and extending financial commitments to multilateral organisations and (b) bilateral aid to partner countries, in the context of the reduction in ODA. \p Stephen Doughty: The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review based on various factors including impact assessments.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_15

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to ensure that aid reclassified as international climate finance provides additional finance to developing countries. \p Stephen Doughty: All UK International Climate Finance (ICF) supports developing countries with capital investment, technical assistance, and capacity building to help drive the transition to low-carbon, climate resilient and nature positive development paths. Since 2011 UK ICF programmes have directly supported over 110 million people adapt to the effects of climate change; reduced or avoided over 105 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and provided over 82 million people with improved access to clean energy.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_16

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of the value of the (a) seabed and (b) other parts of the marine portfolio of the area within 200 nautical miles of the British Indian Ocean Territory. \p Stephen Doughty: The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) has some of the most biodiverse waters on the planet with over 220 species of coral, 855 species of fish and 355 species of molluscs. Since its designation as a Marine Protected Area in 2010, the BIOT Administration has managed environmental policy across the archipelago, with marine conservation efforts supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Blue Belt Programme. The agreement between the UK and Mauritius will be supported by an enhanced partnership on conservation under which the UK will support Mauritius to establish a Marine Protected Area that protects the globally significant ecosystems in the Archipelago.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_17

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help (a) support economic (i) development and (i) diversification and (b) reduce reliance on financial services in British Overseas Territories. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) promotes economic development in Official Development Assistance-eligible territories primarily through budget support and essential capital programmes. These amounted to £100.53million in Financial Year 24/25 and, with advisory input, enables the development of diversified private sector economies.

While non-aided Overseas Territories (OTs) are responsible for their own public finance decisions and economic policy, the FCDO provides technical assistance and project funding to improve diversification. This has included, but is not limited to, funding a financial adviser, contributing to the airport redevelopment in Anguilla and providing infrastructure expertise available to all OTs. The FCDO continues to engage with the OTs on matters related to diversification.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_18

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2025 to Question 32981 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of (a) the transfer of sovereignty and (b) the consequences of the protections being changed of the current marine protected area on (i) biodiversity, (ii) protection of reefs, (iii) fish species and numbers and (iv) other plant and animal life. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK will assist Mauritius in implementing a new Mauritian Marine Protected Area in the Archipelago, which will extend to technical, financial, capacity-building assistance, fostering long-term sustainable management.  The parties will work with international conservation organisations to ensure the implementation of science-backed strategies for conservation.
wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_19

Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of impact of (a) indirect flights via Turkey and (b) other travel restrictions on UK nationals travelling to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. \p Stephen Doughty: We recognise that the status quo in Cyprus creates serious challenges for the Turkish Cypriot community, including in relation to international travel. The Government believes a just and lasting settlement is the best way of resolving these challenges and improving the lives of all Cypriots. On 18 March, I attended talks in Geneva brokered by the UN Secretary General where I encouraged all sides to engage constructively towards a Cyprus Settlement.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_20

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 35024 on Overseas Trade: Russia, if the Department will publish the licenses issued on trade insurances by UK-based companies with a final destination of Russia. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Between 1 September 2023 and 31 December 2023, the latest period covered by statistic publications covering licensing decisions for Professional and Business Services (PBS) and Individual Financial Services, no licences were issued for insurance services, and 9 licences were issued for PBS. The PBS licences also cover IT consultancy and design services. The Russia Sanctions statutory guidance sets out specific PBS activities which DBT deems likely to be consistent with the aims of the sanctions and may consider licensing. Pensions and Travel Services are not directly caught under the Russia sanctions.

The Russia Sanctions Statutory Guidance outline what goods and services are sanctioned: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-sanctions-guidance.

The Export Control Joint Unit publishes information on services licences linked to trade sanctions on an annual basis as part of the United Kingdom Strategic Export Controls Annual Report which includes PBS and Individual Financial Services licences. The 2023 Report is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-strategic-export-controls-annual-report-2023. The 2024 Annual Report is due to be published before Summer Recess.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_21

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to promote exports from (a) defence and (b) aerospace manufacturers. \p Sarah Jones: DBT works with defence and aerospace companies to open markets, tackle trade disputes, provide SME support, and connect business to export opportunities.

Through the Aerospace Growth Partnership and Aerospace Technology Institute programme we support industry to increase supply chain productivity, competitiveness, innovation and exports. In defence, we work with industry to develop campaigns which pursue a ten-year pipeline of global opportunities. In 2023 the UK won £14.5bn defence orders; and in 2024 exported £23bn of domestically produced aerospace goods.

The Industrial Strategy will set out our further support for these sectors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_22

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of foreign direct investment screening mechanisms on UK economic sovereignty. \p Sarah Jones: The UK balances an open investment environment to facilitate growth while protecting the areas of our economy that are the most sensitive to national security. The National Security and Investment Act supports our economic sovereignty by giving us power to intervene where we need to, while allowing the vast majority of inward investment to proceed.

The NSI Act was inspired by, and brought the UK’s approach to investment screening in line with, many other countries, including our close allies. The Act is a product of close international cooperation to ensure the UK’s investment screening regime draws on global best practice.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_23

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps are being considered to reduce financial burdens on small and independent high street businesses. \p Gareth Thomas: This government is committed to creating a fairer business rates system for small businesses on the high street. From 2026-27, we will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values of less than £500,000.

We recognise that businesses will need support during this period of transition. RHL relief will be extended for one year at 40% and the small business multiplier will be frozen for one year. This package is worth over £1.5 billion in 2025-26 and is aimed at supporting the most vulnerable businesses.

Our new Business Growth Service will make it easier for businesses across the UK to get the help, support and advice they need. It will bring together existing offers including Business Support Service and the network of local Growth Hubs across England. Our forthcoming Small Business Strategy will set out how we intend to further support small businesses on the high street and beyond.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_24

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps to help protect Post Office services in rural areas. \p Gareth Thomas: We recognise the key role Post Offices play in their communities, and branches in some rural areas are particularly important as the Post Office often acts as a community hub. We are listening carefully to stakeholders to ensure the whole network, including these important rural branches, is sustainable.

The Government-set Access Criteria ensures that however the network changes, services remain within local reach of all citizens. Government’s minimum access criteria for Post Offices mean that 99% of the UK population must be within three miles of their nearest post office outlet and 90% must be within one mile of their nearest post office outlet.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_25

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the contribution of Midlands Engine to (a) attracting international investment and (b) supporting export growth for Midlands businesses. \p Gareth Thomas: Midlands Engine have undertaken a range of valuable work and have supported collaboration on shared growth opportunities. This has included launching the Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio at The UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum in May 2024 and holding a Midlands Wide Kings Awards Event to encourage more firms to export.

Following the recent consultation, the Government has confirmed its decision not to extend core funding for Midland Engine and other pan-regional partnerships. We are moving to a different model of economic collaboration, where we are keen to support new models driven by mayors and their partners.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_26

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of aligning UK General Product Safety Rules (GPSR) with EU GPSR rules. \p Justin Madders: The UK enjoys a high level of product safety. As outlined in the Government’s response to the Product Safety Review consultation, undertaken by the previous Government, we will now develop options for further consultation on updating the UK’s product safety framework. Decisions taken by the Government on regulations will be focused on supporting growth across the UK. We will draw on evidence gathered through our strong relationships with stakeholders, including industry, trade associations and consumer groups when considering any future changes to product safety regulation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_27

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of a free trade agreement between the UK and Israel on the use of (a) surveillance and (b) cybersecurity technologies manufactured by UK businesses in Gaza. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Any export of controlled items requires approval under the UK's Export Controls regime - this is not affected by whether there is an FTA in place or not.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_28

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34072 on Export Controls: Russia, if he will list each export licence granted by his Department for exports of toilet and cleansing preparations to Russia since September 2023. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Between 1 September 2023 and 30 September 2024, the latest period covered by official statistics in development, no export licences were issued for goods for a) medicinal and pharmaceutical, b) organic chemicals, c) cars, or d) toilet and cleaning preparations to Russia.

The Export Control Joint Unit publishes information on these types of export licences on a quarterly basis as part of the Strategic export controls: licensing statistics quarterly reports. This includes the number of licence outcomes (issued, refused, revoked) each quarter by licence type. The latest quarterly statistics in development publication covers licence information up to 30 September 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/strategic-export-controls-licensing-statistics-1-july-to-30-september-2024.

Licensing decisions between 1 October and 31 December 2024 are planned to be published in May 2025 as part of the next quarterly statistics publication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_29

Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many staff his Department has seconded from Hakluyt since July 2024. \p Justin Madders: The Department for Business and Trade has hosted no secondees from Hakluyt since July 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_30

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate he has made of the potential cost to the public purse for establishing the Fair Work Agency. \p Justin Madders: The Employment Rights Bill is the first phase of delivering our plan to Make Work Pay, supporting employers, workers, and unions to get Britain moving forward.

Establishing the Fair Work Agency will create a strong, recognisable single brand so individuals know where to go for help and lead to a more effective use of resources

We are committed to ensuring that the Fair Work Agency is established on a sound financial footing and operates effectively in fulfilling its mandate. We will set out details about the approach we will take to implementation and annual costs in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_31

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had discussions with Scottish universities on the development of an industrial strategy. \p Sarah Jones: The Government recognises the crucial role of universities in the UK’s innovation ecosystem and in delivering the skills needed to drive growth as part of the Industrial Strategy. My officials have discussed our Industrial Strategy plans with Universities Scotland.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_32

Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many of his Department's officials have been seconded from (a) the Institute for Economic Affairs, (b) the Policy Exchange, (c) the Adam Smith Institute and (d) Labour Together since July 2024. \p Justin Madders: Thank you to my Hon. Friend for his question. I can inform him that the Department for Business and Trade has hosted no secondees from (a) the Institute for Economic Affairs, (b) the Policy Exchange, (c) the Adam Smith Institute and (d) Labour Together since July 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_33

Paul Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help prevent the online sale of carbon monoxide alarms that do not comply with UK trading standards. \p Justin Madders: All consumer products placed on the UK market must be safe. Businesses that produce or import products have obligations to ensure they are safe before placing them on the market, and relevant British Standards can assist those making carbon monoxide alarms available to comply.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards undertakes market surveillance and engages with online marketplaces to remove unsafe products and reduce the risk of non-compliant products being sold online. The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will also give the Government powers to introduce new duties on online marketplaces to increase the safety of products available online.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-19 conversation_34

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2025 to Question 28604 on Construction: Employers' Contributions, whether he has held discussions with the construction industry on the potential impact of changes to employers’ National Insurance contributions on the workforce available to that industry. \p Sarah Jones: The vast majority of firms in the construction sector are small or microbusinesses, which will see no gain or change overall. The Government has protected small businesses and charities from the impact of the increase to Employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500, and 865,000 employers will pay no NICs in 2025-26. Eligible employers will be able to employ up to four full-time workers on the National Living Wage and pay no employer NICs.