theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_60
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, whether members of the UK armed forces will be held at readiness for NATO and the 50,000 strong combined joint force simultaneously. \p Luke Pollard: Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following the UK-France declaration announcement. This will be done in full consultation with NATO with respect to the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC).

As stated in the declaration the CJF will ensure the ability to plan and command a Combined Corps Capability. This corps can provide the Land component of a broader joint force combining all military functions, as part of NATO or bilaterally. The force will draw on corps level capabilities, including elements of the ARRC, as forces currently do under the CJEF Concept of Employment. It is not intended that the CJF will replace the ARRC, rather it will strengthen our warfighting corps through a deepened framework for interoperability and training.

As this will be a NATO Strategic Reserve Corps, it is anticipated that the forces held at readiness for NATO will include those held at readiness for the CJF. The CJF will be fully interoperable and able to act in lockstep with the Alliance, whilst also providing a resilient framework for bilateral operations. The CJF will complement our already significant contribution to the Alliance.

The current structure of the CJEF under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP) is for the use of high readiness national forces to respond to a crisis situation. There is no specified CJEF ‘state of readiness’. UK Troops offered to NATO as part of the Strategic Reserve Corps are currently held at Tier 3 with a readiness of 31-180 days.

The current command structure of the CJEF, under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP), does not discriminate between using those forces already held at readiness for NATO or otherwise.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the second Royal Air Force E-7 Wedgetail airframe (WT002) did not conduct test flights during the period when WT001 was grounded. \p Maria Eagle: The three aircraft arrived at the modification facility at STS Aviation Services in Birmingham between January 2021 and October 2022. Given their staggered arrival, the aircraft modification programmes are at varying degrees of completion.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_62
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will expand the qualifying criteria of the nuclear test medal so that veterans of the (a) 1960s, (b) 1970s and (c) 1980s who flew sampling missions through nuclear clouds of foreign nations are eligible. \p Al Carns: This Government has reset the relationship with Nuclear Test Veterans and the organisations that support them, and we remain committed to listening to their concerns and working collaboratively to address them.

As at 30 June 2025, officials had reviewed over 43,000 files, including files from the Merlin Database, as part of the exercise that is looking at concerns raised with me about some Nuclear Test Veterans’ medical records. I will update the House when we are in a position to share the findings of the exercise.

This Government continues to celebrate the stories of our Nuclear Test Veterans. Most recently, the Universities of South Wales and Liverpool led a government-funded oral history project which was published in early July.

In 2024, the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal (NTM) were expanded to include UK personnel who actively participated in all US atmospheric tests. Further requests for the expansion of the NTM eligibility criteria may be considered, and any formal proposal to do so would need to be endorsed by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (HD Committee) and approved by His Majesty The King.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_63
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to seek a Royal reception with His Majesty the King to honour nuclear testing veterans. \p Al Carns: This Government has reset the relationship with nuclear test veterans and the organisations that support them, and we remain committed to listening to their concerns and working collaboratively to address them.

As of 30 June 2025, officials have reviewed over 43,000 files, including files from the Merlin Database, as part of the exercise that is looking at concerns raised with me about some Nuclear Test Veterans’ medical records. I will update the House when we are in a position to share the findings of the exercise.

This Government continues to celebrate the stories of our nuclear veterans. Most recently the Universities of South Wales and Liverpool led a government-funded oral history project which was published in early July.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment specifically on Royal receptions, which are matters for The Royal Household.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_64
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 09 July 2025, what UK Armed Forces equipment will be used in the 50,000 strong combined joint force. \p Luke Pollard: Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following the UK-France declaration announcement.

There is no specialised CJF equipment used, beyond the equipment used by the UK Armed Forces for any other deployment. The equipment used by the force would be determined by the mission at hand.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_65
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his oral statement of 15 July 2025 on Afghanistan, Official Report, column 149-152, when was he first informed of the data protection breach. \p Luke Pollard: As outlined in the oral statement of 15 July 2025, the Secretary of State for Defence stated that:

As shadow Defence Secretary, I was initially briefed on the ARR by James Heappey, the former Armed Forces Minister, on 12 December 2023, and issued with the super-injunction at the start of that meeting.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has visited (a) Samlesbury and (b) Wharton assembly facilities for (i) F-35 and (ii) Typhoon aircraft since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: These aircraft are an important part of providing security for this country and providing jobs for industry across the UK, and the Secretary of State for Defence hopes to visit these facilities in the near future.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role Northern Ireland will play in the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review 2025. \p Maria Eagle: The SDR sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence and make the UK stronger both at home and abroad. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations will be a whole of UK Defence effort. We will publish a new Defence Investment Plan in the autumn set out our approach in detail.

All nations and regions across the UK play an important role in SDR implementation, driving jobs and prosperity through a new partnership with industry and our commitment to back UK business and use defence spending to grow the UK economy. Faster and more flexible procurement will create more opportunities for innovative businesses of all sizes to invest, grow skills, and put the UK and our Armed Forces at the forefront of civil and military technology.

The Defence dividend will benefit every nation and region in the UK, with Northern Ireland benefitting from, and contributing to, this national effort. We will support localised ecosystems and defence-related industries aligned to our national security priorities. We will work with local and devolved governments in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_68
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first, published on 02 June 2025, what percentage of the £4 billion for autonomous systems will be spent with British defence companies. \p Maria Eagle: The Strategic Defence Review recommends that an immediate priority for force transformation should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy within the UK's conventional forces. Autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers undersea, at sea, on land, and in the air. We will prioritise investment in UK-based defence firms, aiming to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance national security by fostering innovation and resilience within the sector. Investment opportunities with British Defence companies will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_69
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, how many additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles will be (a) ordered and (b) reconditioned. \p Maria Eagle: The MOD does not routinely provide detailed stockpile numbers for security reasons. The stockpile will compromise both new build and freshly reconditioned missiles.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what the in-service date is for the additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles that will be ordered. \p Maria Eagle: Storm Shadow is in service today. Further refurbishment and new procurement of Storm Shadow missiles will augment the existing stockpile.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_71
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, how many additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles will be (a) ordered and (b) reconditioned in (i) this and (ii) the next Parliament. \p Maria Eagle: The MOD does not routinely provide details of stockpiles for security reasons. Through a combination of continued refurbishment and new production the available stockpiles will be increasing in this Parliament. Production in the next parliament is expected to include new build of the replacement Future Cruise / Anti-Ship Weapon.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_72
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, whether the National Armaments Director was consulted on the UK and France's agreement to jointly develop air-to-air missiles for the RAF's fighter jets. \p Maria Eagle: The National Armaments Director is involved in key weapons decisions including those relating to the development of new air-to-air missiles.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 15 July 2025 to Question 66728 on Ajax Vehicles, which units within 3 Division will be equipped with Ares in the infantry troop carrying role. \p Maria Eagle: The Army intends to equip the Regular Infantry Units within 3 (UK) Division with Ares in the infantry troop carrying role: 1 MERCIAN, 1 Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, 1 Royal Welsh and 5 Rifles.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what contractual penalties will Boeing face if it fails to deliver the Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to the agreed capability standards; and how will these penalties be enforced. \p Maria Eagle: There is no additional cost to the Authority (MOD) due to the late delivery of the aircraft, as Boeing are contracted to deliver a fleet of three Wedgetail under a Firm Price contract. The contract does include incentivisation milestones which are subject to enforcement measures based on contractor performance.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what were the reasons for the nine-month gap between the first flight of the Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail (WT001) in September 2024 and its subsequent test flight. \p Maria Eagle: Between delivery to STS Aviation and its first flight in September 2024 the aircraft has undergone significant structural modification to support the Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar and mission systems. Since concluding previous flights in autumn 2024, the aircraft progressed into mission system installation as part of the build schedule.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the special clearance for the Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail is related to challenges in integrating the Northrop Grumman Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array MESA radar with the aircraft. \p Maria Eagle: The Wedgetail is not flying under any special clearance. The aircraft Test and Evaluation programme is being conducted under a Military Permit To Fly in accordance with Military Aviation Authority regulations. This allows the aircraft to be flown by Boeing during the test programme until delivery to the RAF. Once in Service the aircraft will have a Release to Service for flying. Safety is our number one priority, and we will always be compliant with regulations. The next stage of the test and evaluation programme is to calibrate the radar and this work commences on 18 July 2025. Once radar calibration has concluded, the Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar will be in a position to be live tested.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_77
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of deepening UK and France nuclear planning and research cooperation on UK sovereign nuclear capability. \p Maria Eagle: The UK and France work closely together on a range of nuclear research and technology matters, including as part of the 2010 TEUTATES Treaty. Our enhanced cooperation with France will not affect the UK’s sovereign nuclear capability which has always been and continues to be completely operationally independent.

There are mechanisms in place to ensure UK and French officials can engage on nuclear research with the appropriate levels of security.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_78
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, if he will list the personnel responsible for deciding whether the UK and France would enact a coordinated nuclear response. \p Maria Eagle: It remains the case that only the UK Prime Minister and the French President can authorise the use of their respective nation's nuclear weapons.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, whether he consulted sources external to his Department and the Defence Nuclear Organisation on the independence of the UK's nuclear capabilities when negotiating the UK-France Nuclear Partnership. \p Maria Eagle: Our nuclear deterrent has always been and continues to be completely operationally independent, with only the Prime Minister being able to authorise the use of our nuclear weapons. In line with the Northwood Declaration on 10 July, the UK and France each retain the ability to act independently of each other but can coordinate our nuclear deterrents should the situation demand it.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_80
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's joint press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the principle of co-ordination of the UK-French nuclear deterrents on the effectiveness of the UK’s independent continuous at sea deterrent. \p Maria Eagle: The possibility of coordinating UK and French independent nuclear deterrents adds a further level of strategic ambiguity, complicating the calculations of potential aggressors. Any adversary threatening the vital interests of our nations should know that they could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both the UK and France.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_81
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what organisation will be responsible for coordinating the operation of the UK-France Nuclear Partnership. \p Maria Eagle: As announced in the Northwood Declaration, a UK-France Nuclear Steering Group will be established to provide political direction for this work. It will be led by the Elysée and the Cabinet Office, and will coordinate across nuclear policy, capabilities and operations.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_82
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's joint press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what discussions he had with his French counterpart on the participation of France in the consultative process of the NATO Nuclear Planning Group. \p Maria Eagle: France does not participate in NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group. This is a matter for the French Government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, when he expects the coordination of UK and France's respective nuclear deterrents to be fully implemented. \p Maria Eagle: We will enhance our readiness to coordinate our respective deterrents through nuclear dialogue and exercises, under the auspices of the new UK-France Nuclear Steering Group.

We continually review our nuclear deterrence policy and posture in light of the international security environment and the actions of potential adversaries, to ensure we can meet the threats facing the UK and our NATO allies.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_84
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's joint press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, whether the National Armaments Director was consulted prior to the decision to increase UK-French nuclear research. \p Maria Eagle: Appropriate organisations and officials were involved in the consultation process for the Lancaster House treaty refresh, prior to the announcement, on the joint decision to strengthen coordination and deepen cooperation between the UK and France's respective nuclear deterrents and nuclear research.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_85
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what the evidential basis is for the the conclusion that the UK-France Nuclear Partnership will ensure continued support for Ukraine. \p Maria Eagle: The UK and France deepening nuclear collaboration, as set out in the declaration, is not a response to any specific event. The UK-France declaration does not set out a link between deepening our nuclear collaboration and our continued support for Ukraine.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_86
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July, whether the 300 MBDA jobs will be newly created jobs. \p Maria Eagle: Storm Shadow is an established programme in the UK, and continued build and processing will sustain 300 jobs.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_87
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, how many jobs this announcement will support. \p Maria Eagle: In the UK, 1300 jobs will be sustained and supported by the FC/ASW programme, with 300 jobs sustained and supported by the Storm Shadow programme.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_88
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 09 July 2025, how many jobs in total will this announcement create. \p Maria Eagle: In the UK, 1300 jobs will be sustained and supported by the FC/ASW programme, with 300 jobs sustained and supported by the Storm Shadow programme.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_89
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what the geographical breakdown is of the 1,300 highly skilled jobs that will be sustained. \p Maria Eagle: The jobs sustained and supported by the FC/ASW programme comprise approximately 900 roles in MBDA, 300 in the complex sub system supplier base with a further 100 in the commodities supply chain. The wider supply base supporting Storm Shadow is located throughout the UK, with MBDA roles spread over their established UK sites.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_90
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what the geographical breakdown is of the 1,300 highly skilled jobs that will be sustained. \p Maria Eagle: The jobs sustained and supported by the FC/ASW programme comprise approximately 900 roles in MBDA, 300 in the complex sub system supplier base with a further 100 in the commodities supply chain. The wider supply base supporting Storm Shadow is located throughout the UK, with MBDA roles spread over their established UK sites.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_91
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what the breakdown is of each role within the 1,300 jobs that will be sustained by the agreement. \p Maria Eagle: The jobs sustained and supported by the FC/ASW programme comprise approximately 900 roles in MBDA, 300 in the complex sub system supplier base with a further 100 in the commodities supply chain. The roles include engineering, programme management, supply chain management, manufacturing, logistics as well as supporting business delivery functions.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_92
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Jonathan Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Health on the potential merits of providing full spectrum medical cannabis to veterans with specific PTSD symptoms under the medical exemption certificate. \p Al Carns: The Government is committed to ensuring all veterans have access to the support they need, including health support. I have not had any discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care about medical cannabis.

If veterans are in need of support with their mental health, I encourage them to reach out to their GP or, for those in England, Op COURAGE: the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, which provides a broad range of specialist mental health and wellbeing care and support for service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also have their own specialist support pathways, through Veterans First Point Scotland, Veterans NHS Wales, and Veterans Welfare Services Northern Ireland, and each nations’ government is responsible for commissioning of treatment options.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_93
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much their Department has spent on translating documents into languages other than (a) English and (b) other native UK languages in each year since 2023; and what these languages were. \p Al Carns: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 61621.

Ministry of Defence: Translation Services (docx, 16.2KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 60 of his Department's joint policy paper entitled Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 19 May 2025, when did the (a) UK last monitor and (b) the EU last report to the UK the outcome of its monitoring of the implementation of the provisions of the Security and Defence Partnership. \p Luke Pollard: The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government delivering on our manifesto commitments to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO.

Implementation is progressing. Since May, the Defence Secretary has held discussions with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, where they discussed our ambition to explore the potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation under SAFE. The Foreign Secretary has also held talks with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas on the geopolitical challenges that face our continent. We look forward to the foreign and security policy dialogue between the High Representative, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary this autumn.

In addition, officials from across Government continue to hold consultations with their EU counterparts on a range of issues, including but not limited to Iran, Russia-Ukraine, and tackling irregular migration.

As the Defence Secretary has previously said to this House, he will ensure that any UK commitment– whether financial or non-financial – provides value for the UK taxpayer and supports our defence goals. We will continue to prioritise engagement and cooperation on the issues that are most important in helping to safeguard European security and prosperity – all in support of this government’s NATO First defence policy.

The Defence Secretary and I look forward to continuing to update the House on developments. The Defence Secretary’s offer still stands that he is happy to arrange a discussion with the Member of Parliament for South Suffolk who has shown such interest in these topics.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_95
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help ensure the fair regional distribution of funding from the £500 million support package for underrepresented entrepreneurs. \p Gareth Thomas: The new funding for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups will be fairly distributed across the UK. Since the British Business Bank's founding, the Bank has backed businesses in all nations and regions of the UK, helping to deliver significant economic impacts.

The 10 Year Impact Report shows that 84% of the supported businesses have been based outside of London. The estimated GVA impact from the Bank's support reaches or exceeds £1bn in each and every nation and region. This is accompanied by tens of thousands of jobs being supported in each nation and region as well as boosting economically significant job creation.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_96
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of Ofcom's decision to allow Royal Mail to cut Saturday deliveries and move to an alternating weekday model for second class letters on the delivery of letters from the NHS and Department for Work and Pensions. \p Justin Madders: A reliable and affordable universal postal service is crucial to the UK, and we are clear it must work for customers, workers and businesses that help drive growth across the country.

Ofcom has reviewed the future of the universal postal service so that it better reflects the changing needs of its users. The regulator concluded that reform is needed for the universal service to put it on a more sustainable footing, to prevent people from paying higher prices than necessary and to push Royal Mail to improve reliability.
wrans/answers2025-07-21 conversation_97
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to introduce paid carer’s leave for employees with caring responsibilities. \p Justin Madders: The Plan to Make Work Pay set out a commitment to review the implementation of carer’s leave and to look at where any improvements may be needed. This work is underway and will include examining the benefits of paid leave, while being mindful of the impacts on businesses.

To ensure transparency through this programme of work, we will set out a clear timeline for the remainder of the review in autumn this year. We will also run a public consultation in 2026 on employment support for those balancing work with unpaid care.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of secondary live event ticket sales price caps in other countries, in the context of potential price caps in the UK. \p Justin Madders: The government is committed to putting fans back at the heart of live events by clamping down on exploitative practices in the ticket resale market. We ran a consultation earlier this year to seek views on a range of proposals, including a price cap that would restrict the price at which tickets could lawfully be resold.

We are currently reviewing all the evidence that we received in response to our consultation, including insights on international comparisons and operational requirements. We will set out our plans in the government response, which we intend to publish later this summer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answers of 2 July 2025 and 11 July 2025 to Questions 62768 and 64918 on Pay: Publicity, whether he has considered releasing the (a) aggregate value of the payments made to and (b) the names of the six digital influencers hired for its campaign. \p Justin Madders: I refer the Rt. Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 2nd July 2025 to question 62768 (Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament) and the answer I gave on 11th July to question 64918 (Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has held discussions with Royal Mail on the adequacy of their response times to hon. Members raising casework matters about local postal services. \p Justin Madders: Ministers and officials have discussions with Royal Mail on a regular basis in its capacity as the universal service provider. Royal Mail endeavours to respond to all queries about postal services in a timely manner. Specific operational arrangements continue to be an internal matter for Royal Mail as an independent business.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of restrictive software licensing practices on (a) efficiency and (b) innovation in businesses. \p Justin Madders: There are currently no plans to make such an assessment by the Department. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is examining software licensing practices as part of its market investigation into cloud services. Its final report must be published by 4 August and Government will review the CMA's findings.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Competition and Markets Authority’s 5.6% budget reduction on (a) investigating and (b) challenging restrictive software licensing practices. \p Justin Madders: The June Spending Review set out the CMA's budget from 2026/27. The CMA has embarked on an operational transformation programme to ensure it can continue to deliver impactful outcomes, including in digital markets, while operating within its multi-year funding envelope.

The CMA's priorities across its work are set out in its Annual Plan 2025/26, which commits to using the new digital markets competition regime flexibly, proportionately and collaboratively to unlock opportunities for growth across the UK tech sector and the wider economy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how much their Department has spent on translating documents into languages other than (a) English and (b) other native UK languages in each year since 2023; and what these languages were. \p Justin Madders: The Department for Business and Trade does not routinely record the costs for translation of documents into other languages separately from other translation and interpretation costs. We can confirm the Department for Business and Trade spent £14,085.54 on translating documents into other languages from April 2023 - July 2025. Other expenses may be excluded from this as they are not recorded at this level of detail.

As the department for economic growth, we support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country. DBT employs teams based in priority markets around the world and those teams often use local language skills to help UK businesses access opportunities to export their goods and services globally. Likewise, they will use local language skills to promote the UK to a global audience, and in particular to attract high value investment to the UK.

Language service needs and spend are assessed to ensure these services offer good value for money for taxpayers while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure that funds directed to UK‑based suppliers under the national security initiative are (a) monitored and (b) reported. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Managing Public Money sets out expectations for all public services, including money spent procuring any goods and services. The standards are honesty, impartiality, openness, accountability, accuracy, fairness, integrity, transparency, objectivity, and reliability. All should be carried out in the spirit of, as well as to the letter of the law, in the public interest, to high ethical standards and achieving value for money.

It also sets out that there shall be adequate reporting arrangements to provide assurance to the board, the Accounting Officer and ultimately ministers about what is being achieved, to what standards and with what effect. Monitoring and evaluation are part of the development and planning of any intervention from the start. They are important to ensure successful implementation and the responsible, transparent management of public resources.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to (a) review and (b) update the list of strategically important sectors eligible for preferential national security procurement over the next three years. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: As stated in the public consultation document at the end of last month, the Government is considering plans that will allow Ministers to designate certain UK specific services, works or goods as nationally important to protecting UK national security - as part of our Plan for Change to secure Britain's future. The government is not inviting public consultation on this proposal but will engage with relevant national security stakeholders as necessary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what his planned timeline is for the rollout of innovation and growth hubs in London; what level of economic investment is expected to be allocated to those hubs in London over the next five years; and what criteria will be used to determine the location and focus of innovation and growth hubs in the UK. \p Gareth Thomas: The government is supporting innovation clusters nationwide, including the Department for Science and Innovation and Technology (DIST) led £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, with at least £30 million allocated to London and additional funding available through competitive bidding for other regions.

The Department for Business and Trade provide core funding to 41 Growth Hubs across England, with £15 million (including £540,700 for Grow London Local) committed for 2025/26. These offer businesses support and advice across all sectors and stages.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the delivery partners for the £500 million fund for underrepresented entrepreneurs have appropriate (a) governance and (b) accountability mechanisms in place. \p Gareth Thomas: The £500 million programme of investment for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups is a new initiative by the British Business Bank which has not yet opened for applications. This includes a £400m Investor Pathways Capital initiative, an addition of £50m in the Invest in Women Taskforce and an addition of £50m in the female-led funds that are aligned with the eight growth-driving sectors of the Industrial Strategy.

All Bank programmes, delivery partners and Fund Managers are subject to robust standards of monitoring, reporting, and independent evaluation with oversight by the Bank's investment committee and DBT. Performance of delivery partners is monitored, and the distribution of finance is tracked, including by diversity characteristics such as sex and ethnicity and a programme of early assessments, interim and final evaluations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the (a) Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office and (b) UK Ambassadors on the promotion of exports. \p Gareth Thomas: The Department engages regularly with other government departments including the FCDO. As set out in our Trade Strategy our overseas network is a critical asset for British businesses. The network is led by nine HM Trade Commissioners who work closely with HM Ambassadors and High Commissioners around the world to support UK exports. This includes helping businesses to build local relationships, providing advice on market conditions and regulations, and promoting UK goods and services in a unified "Team UK spirit".
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-21)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to encourage foreign direct investment. \p Sarah Jones: The Government has launched a modern Industrial Strategy, removing barriers to investment and improving access to finance to drive nationwide growth.

The expanded Office for Investment (OfI) now offers enhanced commercial expertise and a broader regional presence, working closely with Mayors and Devolved Administrations to connect investors with high-potential opportunities across the UK.

Additionally, UK Export Finance has strengthened its support for international investment through its new ‘Invest-to-Export’ Guarantee, helping overseas firms establish UK-based exporting facilities. These initiatives aim to create a more dynamic, attractive environment for strategic investment and long-term economic development.