theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_45

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to (1) prevent future major wildfires, and (2) ensure fire and rescue services are adequately equipped to control those that do occur. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: As the lead government department for wildfire, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) maintains regular engagement with a range of other government departments, operational partners and key stakeholders to monitor and review sector led improvements and mitigations. This includes The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Cabinet Office, along with National Bodies including the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and England and Wales Wildfire Forum (EWWF)

Since 2024, the Government has funded a National Resilience Wildfire Advisor to assess what additional wildfire national capabilities might be needed to increase resilience to the wildfire risk and to ensure coordination of approaches across the sector. MHCLG also supports fire and rescue authorities in responding to incidents by providing national resilience capabilities, including High Volume Pumps (HVP).

At a local level, each fire and rescue authority is required to plan for the foreseeable risks in their area (including wildfire), through their Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), and having regard to the views of other key local responders.

The 2025/26 Local Government Finance Settlement, published on 3 February, sets out funding allocations for all local authorities, including Fire and Rescue Authorities. Standalone Fire and Rescue Authorities will see an increase in core spending power of £69.1m in 2025/26. Including the National Insurance Contribution Grant, this is an increase of 3.6 per cent in cash terms compared to 2024/25. Decisions on how their resources are best deployed to meet their core functions are a matter for each Fire and Rescue Authority.

The Government will continue to work closely with stakeholders across the sector to ensure Fire and Rescue Services have the resources they need to protect communities.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_46

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking, if any, to promote stability in the property market. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The government’s Plan for Change includes our commitment to deliver 1.5 million new homes in England in this Parliament. This sends a clear signal to the market of the scale of our ambition in boosting housing supply.

We are supporting a healthy and sustainable market through bold planning reforms, a significant package of investment including £39 billion for the Social and Affordable Homes Programme confirmed at the Spending Review, and supporting first-time buyers in purchasing their own home through a new permanent Mortgage Guarantee Scheme.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_47

Lord Patten:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the need to end youth homelessness. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: I refer the noble Lord to the answer given to Question UIN 60575 on 24 June 2025.

UIN 60575 (pdf, 79.5KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_48

Lord Beamish:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment that have made of the role that low-Earth-orbit satellite broadband technologies will play in its recently updated Resilience Action Plan. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Resilience Action Plan sets out the Government’s strategic vision for a stronger, more resilient nation. It recognises that resilience across all sectors, including telecoms, is vital to withstanding and recovering from an increasingly wide range of risks.

Low Earth-orbit satellite technology has an increasing role in telecoms resilience. For example, in instances where terrestrial networks might fail, Low Earth Orbit satellite connections can be rapidly deployed to provide broadband coverage.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_49
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_49

Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s reported response to concerns raised by staff about the Alan Turing Institute in December 2024 relating to: transparency around its financial position, duty of care obligations applying to publicly funded research institutions, and protections for staff raising concerns about governance and leadership. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Alan Turing Institute (ATI) is an independent organisation and is responsible for dealing with complaints raised by its staff or about its actions and decisions. As such, UKRI did not investigate the anonymous whistleblowing complaint but shared it with the appropriate whistleblowing team at ATI for them to investigate. The response to an independent review of that complaint was provided to UKRI in line with UKRI’s standard processes.

The government has been clear on the need for the Institute to deliver value for money and maximum impact for taxpayers, and we will continue our work to support that ambition.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_50
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_50

Lord Beamish:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions (1) Ministers and (2) officials have had with Ofcom regarding the modernisation of satellite regulations at the International Telecommunication Union; and what assessment they have made of the potential of such modernisation to enhance the UK’s security capabilities. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: Ofcom represents the UK at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The Government works closely with Ofcom to ensure international satellite regulations align with UK technology and policy goals, and that strategic priorities are reflected in international negotiations.

In the proposed Statement of Strategic Priorities, the Government expects Ofcom to lead in shaping the international spectrum framework to support UK space services.

As reflected in the Space Regulatory Review, officials are working to embed national security and interest considerations proportionately across all licensable space activities, including space spectrum.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_51
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_51

Lord Oates:To ask His Majesty's Government when they will announce a new funding round for the Energy Catalyst programme. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: DSIT’s departmental-level ODA allocation was confirmed by the Chancellor in June’s Spring Statement. The full detail of DSIT's spending plans from 2026 April are still being considered. We are unable to confirm whether a new funding round will be announced for the Energy Catalyst Programme. We expect to be in a position to provide further information on what activities DSIT’s ODA will support later on this year.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_52
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_52

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to introduce restrictions on the publication of AI-generated images of historical events. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Online Safety Act protects users from illegal content and children from age in-appropriate content. Government has no current plans to introduce restrictions on the publication of AI-generated images of historical events.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_53
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_53

Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government what comparative analysis they have made of the total effective tax burden on the hospitality sector versus other UK sectors. \p Lord Livermore: The Government recognises that the nature and rate of taxes on business is important to the hospitality sector, and the success and competitiveness of the UK.

The UK hospitality sector is largely made up of small businesses. The Government has protected the smallest businesses from the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500. This means that 865,000 employers will pay no employer NICs at all this year.

To deliver our manifesto pledge, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000 from 2026-27.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_54
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_54

Lord Hampton:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to normalise tax laws to allow dependents of UK Armed Forces in Cyprus to work for UK companies while in Cyprus. \p Lord Livermore: The government has no plans to amend its rules on the taxation of cross-border employment income as they apply to military dependents living in the Sovereign Base Area of Cyprus.

There are no UK tax rules that prevent a person from working for a UK employer whilst they are resident in Cyprus. This includes individuals living within the Sovereign Base Area. Whether a country has the right to tax employment income will depend on where the person is resident and how much time is spent working in the other country.

The UK has a comprehensive Double Taxation Agreement with the Republic of Cyprus. This is based on the Model Tax Convention produced by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and regulates which country has the right to tax income in which circumstances. The UK and Cyprus have well established international rules which address how income is taxed when a person is resident in one country and works in another. These rules operate so that an individual is not taxed twice on the same income.

Where a person is resident in the Sovereign Base Area, they are not considered a tax resident in either the UK or Cyprus; instead, they are subject to the tax rules of the Base. There is a provision within the law of the Sovereign Base Area allowing for a credit for any tax paid elsewhere. This ensures that residents of the Sovereign Base Area do not suffer double taxation on income earned from employment outside of the Sovereign Base Area.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_55
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_55

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the rise in long-term borrowing costs, and what steps they are taking to mitigate further growth of those costs. \p Lord Livermore: The government does not comment on specific market moves.

As the Governor of the Bank of England recently noted, the underlying driver of recent moves in yield curves is global. This means it is more important than ever to have fiscal rules that provide stability.

Sound public finances are essential to economic and financial stability and delivering economic growth. That is why we will continue to meet this government’s non-negotiable fiscal rules.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_56
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_56

Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government how much annually managed expenditure the Treasury made available to the Northern Ireland Executive in each of the past three financial years for the purpose of funding the non-domestic renewable heating initiative; and how much was actually drawn down in each of those years. \p Lord Livermore: Programmes are funded by the UK Government in Annually Managed Expenditure (AME) if they are demand-led and volatile in a way that could not adequately be controlled by the devolved governments. Where a devolved government offers broadly similar terms for an AME programme, the UK Government will fund the cost of this programme. Where a devolved government wishes to offer more generous terms for an AME programme, then the excess over that implied by adopting broadly similar terms for that programme (and therefore broadly comparable costs) must be met by the devolved government.

The Northern Ireland Executive received the following AME funding for the non-domestic renewable heating initiative; £27.97m in 2023-24, £33.47m in 2024-25, and £33.47m in 2025-26.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_57
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_57

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of additional Government expenditure arising from the war in Ukraine in each of the past three years. \p Lord Livermore: Following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, the UK has committed £21.8 billion for Ukraine.

The UK has been at the forefront in providing military, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine for as long as it takes. This has included:

The UK will continue to honour the Prime Minister’s commitment to provide Ukraine with £3bn of military support each year until the end of the decade or for as long as needed. Securing a lasting peace for Ukraine is in the UK and wider Europe’s economic and security interests.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_58
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-16 conversation_58

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations, if any, they have received so far this year from the Welsh government ales about a review of the operation of the Barnett formula. \p Lord Livermore: The Welsh Government has made regular representations to the UK Government this year on reviewing the operation of the Barnett formula at both official and ministerial level, and in person between the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language at the Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_1

Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to applying exclusion clauses under public procurement regulations to prevent Fujitsu from bidding for new contracts until the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry concludes. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: In January 2024, Fujitsu said it would withdraw from bidding for contracts with new Government customers until the Post Office Horizon inquiry concludes – and it would only bid for work with existing Government customers where it already has an existing customer relationship with them, or where there is an agreed need for Fujitsu’s skills and capabilities. Fujitsu's bid approach is detailed in correspondence deposited in the Houses of Parliament libraries on 4 March 2024 (DEP2024-0247).

Details of public sector awards are publicly available on Contracts Finder & Find a Tender services. In addition to extensions available under Fujitsu’s existing contracts, Contracts Finder and Find a Tender provide details of twelve new Fujitsu contracts since July 2024. These awards are compliant with Fujitsu's commitment not to bid for work with new customers. The majority are for services already provided by Fujitsu and were put in place to ensure continuity of services whilst competitive procurements are being set up.

The Government is determined to hold those responsible for the Horizon scandal to account, and will continue to make rapid progress on compensation and redress. Fujitsu’s role in Horizon is one of the issues which is being reviewed by Sir Wyn Williams’s statutory inquiry. The Cabinet Office has been monitoring the situation, in addition to continuing its usual monitoring of Fujitsu as a strategic supplier. The Government will carefully consider volume 1 of the report, to be published on 8 July, which is limited in scope. Once the inquiry establishes the full facts, we will review its final report and consider any further action, as appropriate.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_2

Baroness Finn:To ask His Majesty's Government how many Assessment Advisory Panels for public appointments (1) the Director General, Propriety and Constitution Group, and (2) the Director General, Propriety and Ethics, have served on since 2019; what assessment they have made of the appropriateness for individuals in those roles to sit on Assessment Advisory Panels given their responsibilities for sponsoring the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments and advising on ethical issues in the appointments process; and whether they have made an assessment of the risk of conflict of interest where individuals in those roles may later be required to investigate or advise on complaints relating to campaigns on which they have served. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Director General of the Cabinet Office's Propriety and Constitution Group (previously Director General of Propriety and Ethics), since taking up the role in March 2021, has served as a member of an Advisory Assessment Panel on seven (7) public appointment recruitment campaigns.

The Governance Code on Public Appointments has a rigorous and well established process for assessing and managing potential conflicts of interest in all regulated public appointments processes, which has been in effect across a number of administrations. The process covers potential personal and professional conflicts of interest for both independent panel members and the departmental or sponsor body representatives. As per the Governance Code on Public Appointments, ministers must agree the composition of all Advisory Assessment Panels.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_3

Lord Agnew of Oulton:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to page 43 of their policy paper Spending Review 2025: Departmental Efficiency Plans, published on 11 June, what was the average span of managerial control across the Cabinet Office by grade in 2024–25; and how many line management posts they expect will be removed to achieve the £5 million saving identified through organisational restructure by 2028–29. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The average span of control of line managers by grade in FY 2024/25 has been presented in the table below.

Line Manager Grade

Average Span of Control

Perm Sec

12.5

SCS3

7.6

SCS2

5.3

SCS1

4.5

Grade 6

3.5

Grade 7

2.0

SEO

3.1

HEO

3.3

EO

6.2

In line with the 2025 Spending Review, we are restructuring the Cabinet Office into a more strategic, specialised, and smaller department. Our focus is on identifying budgetary savings rather than meeting a specific headcount target.

So far, 540 employees have been approved to leave through the Voluntary Exit Scheme.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_4

Baroness Harding of Winscombe:To ask His Majesty's Government why the Competition and Markets Authority has not yet announced the third investigation regarding the designation of strategic market status of digital activity, as announced on 7 January; and when they plan to do so. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: On 24 June the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that it anticipates considering further Strategic Market Status investigations in early 2026. As the UK’s independent competition authority, the CMA operates the digital markets regime independently from the Government and decides whether to launch Strategic Market Status investigations. The CMA’s independence maintains trust, upholds impartial decision making and is a strength of the UK’s regulatory and business environment.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_5

Lord Sikka:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch on 18 June (HL8190), what assessment they have made of analysis published by Tax Policy Associates on 17 May suggesting that 900,000 UK registered companies have no UK resident directors. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: No specific assessment has been made in respect of the analysis in question. Relevant legislation does not impose UK residency requirements upon company directors.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_6

Lord Sikka:To ask His Majesty's Government who receives the fines levied upon insolvency practitioners. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: Fines levied against insolvency practitioners are a disciplinary measure applied and collected by one of the three Recognised Professional Bodies which, under the oversight of the Insolvency Service operating on behalf of the Secretary of State, are responsible for authorising and regulating insolvency practitioners.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_7

Lord Sikka:To ask His Majesty's Government how many business liquidations remain incomplete (1) 5 years, (2) 10 years and (3) 15 years or more after their commencement; and how many have been investigated for undue delay. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The information is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_8

Lord Sikka:To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of businesses subject to pre-pack administration survive longer than (1) 5 years, (2) 10 years, and (3) 15 years. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The information is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_9

Baroness Anelay of St Johns:To ask His Majesty's Government what support they have provided to the Kosovo Centre for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors in the financial years 2021–25 and what assistance they plan to provide during the financial year 2025–26. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK has supported the work of the Kosovo Rehabilitation Centre for Torture victims (KRCT) to provide medical, gynaecological, psycho-rehabilitation services, as well as legal support and economic empowerment programmes to survivors since 2014. Since 2021 we have provided approximately £1 million with funding for this financial year currently standing at £57,000. This funding helps support KRCT's work to address stigma, enable survivors to speak out about their experiences and help others to seek the justice they deserve, and aims to remove the deadline for survivors to apply for status recognition.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_10

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recent attacks on churches in El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces; what steps they are taking to ensure those responsible are held accountable under international humanitarian and human rights law; and what support they are providing to those affected by the conflict in Sudan, including internally displaced people in El Fasher, and religious minorities. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK condemns the reported bombing of churches in El Fasher, North Darfur, which killed and injured multiple people. We will continue to recognise the issue of Christian persecution globally, alongside the persecution of other individuals on the basis of their religion or belief. The UK is using its position as penholder at the UN Security Council and leader of the core group on Sudan at the Human Rights Council to keep a spotlight on, and take actions in response to, the human rights situation in Sudan. Our Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief, David Smith, made a statement at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 4 March, highlighting our concerns regarding the coercion of non-Muslims in Sudan to change their beliefs through denial of work, food aid, and education. We are providing support to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to enable their human rights monitoring and reporting, and in October 2024, led the renewal of the UN Fact Finding Mission's investigative mandate on Sudan. The UK also strongly supports the International Criminal Court's active investigation into the situation in Darfur, including allegations of crimes committed since April 2023. At the London Sudan conference, the Foreign Secretary announced £120 million which will deliver life-saving services to more than 650,000 people, including North Darfur.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_11

Lord Boateng:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of civil society, youth and religious organisations in negotiating reconciliation and restorative justice in (1) conflict areas with disputed boundaries, and (2) Nagaland. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: His Majesty's Government recognises the vital role that civil society, youth, and religious organisations play in fostering reconciliation and promoting restorative justice in conflict-affected regions. These actors are often uniquely placed to build trust, mediate dialogue, and support inclusive peacebuilding processes at the grassroots level.

In relation to conflict areas with disputed boundaries, the Government continues to support initiatives that empower local communities and civil society actors to engage in dialogue, reduce tensions, and promote peaceful coexistence. With regard to Nagaland, while the UK does not have a direct role in the peace process, we continue to monitor developments closely.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_12

Lord Boateng:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the human rights impact of the conflict in Myanmar on the indigenous people of Nagaland; and when Government representatives last visited Naga territories in (1) India, and (2) Myanmar. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK remains deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in Myanmar and its impact on all communities, including those in border regions. We are aware of reports that the violence and instability have affected indigenous populations in neighbouring areas, including the Naga people. We condemn all human rights atrocities committed in Myanmar, notably by the military regime. In April, we co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council resolution on Myanmar calling for the military regime to fully respect and protect the human rights of all persons in Myanmar, including ethnic and religious minorities. British Officials have not recently visited the Naga territories in India, and have not been able to visit Naga territories in Myanmar since the coup in February 2021.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_13

Lord Boateng:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of their obligations, as a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to the indigenous people of Nagaland. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK is committed to human rights globally. We recognise the important global contribution that all Indigenous Peoples make to climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and inclusive and sustainable development, and support global efforts to recognise and advance their contribution.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_14

Lord Boateng:To ask His Majesty's Government, as a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, what steps they are taking to address the concerns of the indigenous people of Nagaland about the public auction of the body parts of their ancestors. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: We recognise the important global contribution that all Indigenous Peoples make to climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and inclusive and sustainable development, and support global efforts to recognise and advance their contribution.

It is for businesses and auction rooms to consider the consent and licensing provisions of the UK Human Tissue Act 2004. Those who sell or purchase human remains may also be subject to their own professional standards and codes of conduct.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_15

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what diplomatic and multilateral steps they are taking to ensure the release of all political prisoners in Myanmar, including individuals detained for exercising their rights to freedom of religion or belief. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK continues to call for the release of those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar both bilaterally and through multilateral fora. On 1st February, the Foreign Secretary called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all those arbitrarily detained. In April, we co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Myanmar, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been arbitrarily detained, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_16

Lord Booth-Smith:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to expand diabetes prevention programmes. \p Baroness Merron: There are no plans to expand the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme this year. The programme continues to be delivered at existing levels, with 160,000 places available nationally in 2025/2026.

The programme has been available nationally since 2018. Offered as a face to face or digital service, nearly 1.8 million general practice referrals have been made to date. Independent evaluation has shown that the programme is highly effective, with those completing the programme reducing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 37% compared to those who do not attend.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_17

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the continuing need for COVID-19 vaccinations. \p Baroness Merron: The independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises the Department on the approach to vaccination and immunisation programmes. The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to prevent serious disease, leading to hospitalisation and/or mortality, arising from COVID-19.

The JCVI has advised that the available national data continues to demonstrate that older people and those who are immunosuppressed are at greatest risk of hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.

On 13 November 2024, the JCVI published advice on the COVID-19 vaccination programme for spring 2025, autumn 2025, and spring 2026. This advice is available on the GOV.UK website, in an online only format.

On 26 June 2025, the Government accepted the JCVI’s advice that for autumn 2025, a COVID-19 vaccination should be offered to adults aged 75 years old and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and the immunosuppressed aged six months old and over.

The Government will respond in due course to the JCVI’s COVID-19 vaccination advice for spring 2026.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_18

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of made of any increase in measles infections, and what is their response to such an increase. \p Baroness Merron: In 2024, England recorded 2,911 laboratory confirmed measles cases, the highest annual total since 2012. Approximately 60% of these cases were in children under 10 years old, highlighting a long-term decline in routine childhood vaccination rates.

To address this, a national measles, mumps, and rubella catch-up campaign was launched, delivering an extra 180,000 vaccine doses between September 2023 and April 2024.

Measles cases began to decline from mid-July 2024, although small outbreaks continued in some areas. Since 1 January 2025, 420 laboratory confirmed cases have been reported, with a noticeable rise in activity since April, especially in London.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) continues to work with local and national partners, including NHS England and the Department, to manage outbreaks, improve vaccination coverage, and tailor services to under-vaccinated communities.

You can view the latest data on the Measles Dashboard, which is available in an online only format.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_19

Lord Wills:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of (1) the number of postcodes in England where private care agencies refuse to provide services, and (2) the level of deprivation in such postcodes. \p Baroness Merron: A limited amount of information on care packages handed back by home care agencies has been collected by the Department since September 2022. We have recently reviewed how this information is gathered and are starting to gather more detailed information. However, we are unable to publish the data as the majority is supplied on a voluntary basis, and is therefore not representative.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_20

Lord Botham:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how the decision to limit Brineura access from January 2026 aligns with the Rare Diseases Framework; and what action they will take to ensure continued progress in rare disease treatment equity. \p Baroness Merron: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently updating its guidance on the use of cerliponase alfa (Brineura) for the treatment of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2, and has not yet published final guidance. Brineura is currently available for eligible patients via the managed access agreement.

Working under the UK Rare Diseases Framework, the Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases. The framework sets out improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs as a priority, and health equity as a cross-cutting theme. As part of our work to address health inequities we commissioned a scoping review to further develop the evidence base which was published alongside the 2025 England Rare Diseases Action Plan. NHS England has developed a health inequalities toolkit to support people working within highly specialised services to improve equity in their everyday service delivery.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_21

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that engagement with the alcohol industry by the Department for Health and Social Care is in line with the Principles for engaging with industry stakeholders. \p Baroness Merron: External engagement is a fundamental part of what United Kingdom ministerial Government departments do. We recognise the importance of promoting transparency through engagement and the need to take a balanced and proportionate approach. Details of ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations, including engagement with the alcohol industry, are published quarterly in arrears on the GOV.UK website, in an online only format.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_22

Lord Sikka:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will commission an independent inquiry into how hip replacements containing cobalt have affected the lives of patients. \p Baroness Merron: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is committed to ensuring that all medical devices on the United Kingdom’s market meet stringent safety and performance standards. It continuously monitors the safety of orthopaedic implants using data from adverse incident reports, national registries, and clinical input to identify emerging risks.

Currently, the MHRA has not identified a safety signal to suggest that cobalt chrome components used more broadly in hip replacements pose an increased or unacceptable risk to patients. Therefore, there are no plans to commission an independent inquiry into hip replacements containing cobalt chrome.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_23

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of families in England who care for one or more autistic children; and the proportion of these needing additional care and support to ensure that their child can continue to live at home. \p Baroness Merron: This specific estimate has not been made. However, the Department for Education does hold data on the number of children that local authorities report as being autistic and who are receiving support via an education, health, and care plan or a Children in Need plan.

Local authorities have statutory duties to support certain groups of children in their area. Under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, local authorities are under a general duty to provide support for children who are unlikely to reach or maintain a satisfactory level of health or development, or if their health or development will be significantly impaired without the provision of services, or if the child is disabled.

As a general duty, there is flexibility for local authorities to deliver a range of services based on their own specific circumstances and understanding of local needs.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_24

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will ensure that the Care Quality Commission considers complaints and concerns from a resident, a relative or a friend in cases of a resident being evicted from a care home after concerns were raised about the standards of care. \p Baroness Merron: The Department does not hold data on evictions from care homes as a result of raising concerns about standards of care.

Guidance on complying with the Consumer Protection Act issued by the Competition and Markets Authority advises that discrimination or victimisation against complainants, including through an eviction, is likely to breach consumer law. Where providers fail to treat residents and their representatives fairly and infringe consumer law, enforcers, residents, and other compliance partners may take action against them.

In addition, by law, all health and social care services must have a procedure for dealing efficiently with complaints, and anyone who has seen or experienced poor-quality care has the right to complain to the organisation that provided or paid for the care. If they are not satisfied with the way a provider or local authority has dealt with a complaint, they may escalate it to the local government and Social Care Ombudsman who can investigate individual concerns.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) also encourages the public to share their experience through an online feedback mechanism, called give feedback on care, which allows individuals to raise concerns about the services they receive from providers. While the CQC does not have power to intervene in decisions providers’ make to issue a ‘notice to quit’ they do review how providers handle complaints as part of their assessments. The CQC takes this matter seriously, and continues to look at ways to improve both their analysis of provider data and the incorporation of individual feedback into their assessments.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_25

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to increase access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as PET scans, blood tests and AI-supported retinal imaging, to enable earlier and more accurate dementia diagnosis. \p Baroness Merron: The Government’s Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme has already invested £13 million into a range of biomarker innovation projects, which include a broad range of biomarker technologies, ranging from an artificial intelligence tool designed to improve the accuracy of blood tests for dementia, to using retinal scans to detect early-onset dementia decades before symptoms.

Some of these innovations could support improved diagnosis in the future, if validated for clinical use.

The Government is committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service in England to increase diagnostic capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new capacity, including magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_26

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of local authorities in England who publish statistics on the number of people with autism in their area. \p Baroness Merron: Information is not held centrally on the number of local authorities in England that publish statistics on the number of autistic people in their area, and no estimate has been made.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_27

Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the role of self-care for minor and self-treatable conditions is reflected in the NHS 10 Year Plan to support the shift from sickness to prevention. \p Baroness Merron: Support for self-care is an essential service that all pharmacies must provide, and can include the provision of advice, information, and where appropriate, the sale of over-the counter-medicines to patients, carers, and the general public to support their self-care for minor ailments. This gives patients easy access to advice from highly trained and skilled healthcare professionals in the community and relieves pressure in other areas of the National Health Service.

Under Pharmacy First, NHS 111, general practices, and accident and emergency departments can refer patients to see a pharmacist for advice on a minor illness, which may include the sale of over-the-counter medicines. They can also refer patients to one of the Pharmacy First seven clinical pathways, as part of which pharmacies can supply prescription-only medicines to patients. Patients can also walk into a pharmacy for treatment as part of the seven clinical pathways.

The 10-Year Health Plan describes a shared vision for the health and care system in 2035, drawing directly from the extensive engagement that has been undertaken with the public, patients, and staff. The plan includes how care models and pathways will need to change or evolve to better meet their needs, and the cultural and behavioural changes we want to see.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_28

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government how they are preparing diagnostic and clinical services for the anticipated arrival of new disease-modifying treatments for dementia. \p Baroness Merron: NHS England has established a dedicated national programme team which is working in partnership with other national agencies and with local health systems to co-ordinate the preparations for the potential roll out of new treatments for dementia.

These plans assume that, if new treatments are approved by the regulators, significant additional diagnostic capacity, including amyloid positron emission tomography and computed tomography, lumbar puncture, and magnetic resonance imaging, will be needed both to identify patients who are most able to benefit and to provide important safety monitoring for potential adverse effects during treatment.

The Government is committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service in England to increase diagnostic capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new capacity, including magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_29

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of local authorities in England who have a named team leader on autism-related matters; and how many do not. \p Baroness Merron: No such estimate has been made by the Department.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-08 conversation_30

Baroness Walmsley:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that cigarette filter tips are included in the definition of relevant products in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill that are not allowed to be advertised or promoted. \p Baroness Merron: The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 prohibits any advertisements whose purpose or effect is to promote a tobacco product. The Advertising Standards Authority’s rules state that marketing communications for cigarette filters should not encourage people to start smoking or increase their consumption.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill restates the restrictions on the advertising of tobacco products. We have no current plans to introduce additional restrictions on the advertising of filters through the bill.