theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-31 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-31 conversation_13

Lord Foster of Bath:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the Advertising Standards Authority’s measures to ensure gambling advertisements do not reach underage audiences; and what plans they have to review the authority’s performance as regulator. \p Baroness Twycross: The ASA is the UK’s independent frontline regulator of adverts and works closely with a network of partner regulators, including Ofcom and the Gambling Commission, which act as a legal backstop to the ASA’s day-to-day enforcement in some areas. While government cannot formally review the performance of the ASA we engage regularly with the regulator to understand issues of non-compliance with its codes and how it adapts and responds to changes in the advertising industry.

The Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) and Broadcast Committees of Advertising Practice (BCAP) Codes, enforced by the ASA, contain a wide range of provisions that are designed to protect children and ensure that gambling adverts are socially responsible. Operators must ensure that their advertising is not targeted at children and must not appear in media created for children or for which children make up 25% or more of the audience. Operators must also ensure that they take all reasonable steps to use data available to exclude individuals on the basis of their age or other relevant criteria.

We continue to monitor the best available evidence in this area and will consider appropriate action as necessary.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-31 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-31 conversation_14

Baroness Goudie:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to convene a cross-department unit on business and human rights that consults with civil society and those with lived experience of business harms on a frequent basis. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The Department for Business and Trade works closely with departments across government to prevent corporate human and labour rights abuses, and engages regularly with civil society on these matters. DBT operates the UK National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), which is governed by a Steering Board attended by representatives from FCDO, CMA, DESNZ, DWP, and external representatives from business, civil society and trade unions. In addition, DBT is working closely with the FCDO on a National Baseline Assessment on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This will contribute to the evidence base to inform the UK’s approach to tackling business-related human rights abuses.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-31 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-31 conversation_15

Lord Spellar:To ask His Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the number of individuals qualified to install solar panels onto the roofs of domestic properties; and how many individuals are currently in training for this occupation. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government does not hold this information.

Alongside the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, The Office for Clean Energy Jobs published an evidence annex that assessed the skills challenges for the Clean Energy Mission, including solar. This will be used with wider evidence and engagement to support skills planning and ensure that the UK has the workforce needed to become a clean energy superpower.

The Solar Taskforce has been focusing on identifying and taking forward the actions needed to deliver a resilient, high skilled, well-paid solar workforce. The resulting Solar Roadmap is due for publication in Spring 2025.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-31 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-31 conversation_16

Lord Spellar:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of qualified insulation installers in the country. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Department does not have an exact figure for the number of individual qualified insulation installers operating in the market. However, to be able to work on the Government’s energy efficiency schemes, a business installing fabric insulation must be registered with TrustMark to ensure compliance with PAS 2035/2030. As of January 2025, there are around 900 insulation installer businesses registered with TrustMark that can work on the Government’s energy efficiency schemes. The Government is working with the sector to improve our understanding of the retrofit supply chain to support delivery of the Warm Homes Plan.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_1

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what was (1) Spending Review 2021 allocation, (2) the forecast spending, (3) the full year outturn, (4) the caseload, and (5) the average award, for Access to Work in the (a) 2021–22, (b) 2022–23, (c) 2023–24, and (d) 2024–25, financial years. \p Baroness Sherlock: 1) The Departmental spending review settlement for SR 21 did not provide a specific funding allocation for Access to Work, only a baseline funding of £140m was quantified. The Access to Work funding was included in the overall Departmental funding settlement.

2) The forecast expenditure for Access to Work grants for 2024-25 is £290m. The forecast for Access to Work grant expenditure in prior years would have been updated throughout the year for internal Departmental use. The full year outturn figures for prior years are provided below.

3) Expenditure on Access to Work elements in nominal terms, by financial year.

Financial Year

Expenditure on Access to Work elements in nominal terms  (£ nominal)

2021/22

147,717,000

2022/23

179,679,000

2023/24

255,171,000

Source: Access to Work statistics: April 2007 to March 2024 - GOV.UK.

Figures are rounded to nearest £1000 and data for 2024/25 is not yet available. Figures relate to element expenditure only, therefore expenditure on Holistic Assessments is not included. These figures also include expenditure on the Mental Health Support service but do not include expenditure on the Transitional Employer Support Grant (TESG), therefore are not directly comparable with figures presented in part 2 of this response.

4) Number of people in receipt of payment for any Access to Work element, by financial year.

Financial Year

Number of people in receipt of a payment for any Access to Work element within each financial year

2021/22

29,370

2022/23

34,800

2023/24

49,920

Source: Access to Work statistics: April 2007 to March 2024 - GOV.UK. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and data for 2024/25 is not yet available.

5) Average annual amount received per person for Access to Work elements, by financial year (nominal terms).

Financial Year

Average amount received per person for Access to Work elements  (£ nominal)

2021/22

5,030

2022/23

5,160

2023/24

5,110

Figures have been derived by using nominal expenditure for Access to Work elements and the number of individuals in receipt of a payment for an Access to Work element from the Access to Work Official Statistics Publication. Figures relate to element expenditure and recipients only; therefore Holistic Assessments are not included. These figures also include expenditure on the Mental Health Support service but do not include expenditure on the Transitional Employer Support Grant (TESG).

Source: Access to Work statistics: April 2007 to March 2024 - GOV.UK. Figures are rounded to nearest £10 and data for 2024/25 is not yet available.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_2

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what the current departmental expenditure limit shortfall is for Access to Work; and what the departmental expenditure limit shortfall was in the (1) 2022–23, and (2) 2023–24, financial years. \p Baroness Sherlock: The SR 2021 settlement included baseline funding c£140m per annum. The forecast expenditure for 2024/25 is £290m.

The table below shows Access to Work outturn expenditure for 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Financial Year

Expenditure on Access to Work elements (£ nominal)

2022/23

179,679,000

2023/24

255,171,000

Source: Access to Work statistics: April 2007 to March 2024 - GOV.UK. Figures are rounded to the nearest £1000 and data for 2024/25 is not yet available. These figures also include expenditure on the Mental Health Support service but do not include expenditure on the Transitional Employer Support Grant (TESG)1, therefore are not directly comparable with SR settlement figures to be able to determine a shortfall.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_3

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the current projected spending for the 2024–25 financial year for Access to Work compared to the forecast expenditure for 2024–25 as determined at the Spending Review in 2021. \p Baroness Sherlock: The forecast expenditure for Access to Work grants for 2024-25 is £290m.

The SR 2021 settlement included baseline funding for Access to Work of c£140m.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_4

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of successful claims for (1) Personal Independence Payments, and (2) Employment and Support Allowance/Support Group Top Up in Universal Credit, were reached without medical evidence supplied by a healthcare professional who was not involved in the eligibility assessment, in the financial years (a) 2021–22, (b) 2022–23, (c) 2023–24, and (d) 2024–25. \p Baroness Sherlock: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

The Department does not hold data centrally on whether a health care professional had supplied any medical evidence prior to a claimant’s assessment. Obtaining such data would require a manual search of individual records.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_5

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what were the percentages of successful claimants for (1) Personal Independence Payments, and (2) the Work Capability Assessment, in the (a) 2021–22, (b) 2022–23, and (c) 2023–24, financial years, by assessment modality such as face-to-face, telephone, video, and paper-based. \p Baroness Sherlock: The percentage of successful claims for Personal Independence Payment at initial decision by financial year and assessment channel is provided in the table below:

Assessment Channel

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

Face to Face Assessment

45%

42%

44%

Paper Based Assessment

85%

85%

88%

Telephone Assessment

44%

46%

49%

Video Assessment

54%

44%

47%

1 The data provided does not include Scottish claimants.

2 The percentage of ‘successful claimants’ is calculated as the volume of clearances awarded out of the volume of clearances which were either awarded or were disallowed post-assessment due to failing the assessment.

The percentage of claimants recommended to be successful during their Work Capability Assessment for Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit by financial year and assessment channel is provided below:

Assessment Channel

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

Face to face assessment

77%

73%

74%

Paper based assessment

100%

100%

100%

Telephone assessment

71%

74%

79%

Video assessment

73%

76%

77%

1 Percentages are based on recommendations made by assessment providers for claimants undergoing ESA or Universal Credit work capability assessments. Recommendations are then considered, along with other evidence, by DWP Decision Makers when making a final decision. Outcome data is currently not available in a form that can be analysed within the cost limit.

2 We have assumed 'successful claimants' to be those recommended for the 'Support Group' or 'Work Related Activity Group' for ESA or the 'Limited capability for work and work-related activity' or 'Limited capability for work' groups for Universal Credit Health.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_6

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of Access to Work Claimants were in work when claiming Access to Work compared to those with a job offer or those who were or are self-employed for the (1) 2021–22, (2) 2022–23, (3) 2023–24, and (4) 2024–25, financial years. \p Baroness Sherlock: Available information on Access to Work claimants by employment status is in the following table:

Table 1. Proportion of individuals who received a payment for an Access to Work element within each financial year, by employment status.

Employment Status

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

Employed

78%

78%

76%

Self-employed

9%

10%

12%

Unemployed

13%

12%

12%

Notes
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_7

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government whether there is any upper limit on the proportion of assessments carried out for each assessment modality (face-to-face, telephony, video, paper-based) by providers of the Health Assessment Advisory Service. \p Baroness Sherlock: The feasibility of a paper-based assessment will always be considered in the first instance. Only where a paper-based review is not possible, will the claimant then be invited to an assessment.

The contracts between Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its assessment suppliers’ state that 80% of assessments should be carried out remotely (via telephone or video) and 20% carried out face-to-face, including home visits.

DWP remains committed to enabling a multi-channel assessment approach. Any future decisions will be evidence-based and to ensure this we will draw on existing evidence, as well as continuing to build our understanding via research and analysis.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_8

Lord Petitgas:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the teaching of (1) Latin, (2) classics, and (3) history of art, in the school curriculum; and what specific changes they have made to the curriculum and funding of these subjects since 5 July 2024. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The study of Latin, classics and history of art can teach us valuable lessons in history, politics and art that are as relevant in the 21st century as they were for the ancient world. All schools can choose to teach these subjects if they wish at any stage in a child’s education.

The department is working closely with the Centre for Latin Excellence to ensure that teachers delivering Latin through the Latin Excellence Programme to key stage 4 students are be prioritised for support before the programme ends on 28 February, and that all schools on the programme can continue to use its materials.

The art and design national curriculum includes in its aims that pupils should “know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation”.

The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, covering ages 5 to 18, chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE. The review's aim is for every child and young person to access a cutting-edge curriculum which is rich and broad, inclusive and innovative.

The review group will publish an interim report in early spring setting out its interim findings and confirming the key areas for further work, and it will publish its final report, with recommendations, this autumn. We will take decisions on what changes to make to the national curriculum in light of these recommendations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_9

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government how many pupils or students in state-funded schools and colleges in England took (1) core mathematics, (2) mathematics, (3) further mathematics, and (4) statistics, qualifications post-16 in each academic year since 2015. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The information requested can be found in the attached spreadsheet and at the links below. Due to the amount of data requested, it is provided as an attachment rather than within the main body of the answer.

The numbers of entries by students aged 16 to 18 in England for A level pure mathematics, mathematics, further mathematics and statistics from the 2015/16 to 2023/24 academic years are published by the department in the ‘A level and other 16 to 18 results’ statistical release is attached and can be found at the following links:

Data relating to Core Mathematics have been published on the Compare School and College Performance website since 2021/22 is attached and can be accessed at the following links:

Core Mathematics qualifications were introduced in 2014 to provide students who achieved a grade 9-4 in mathematics at GCSE, but are not taking AS or A level mathematics, with the opportunity to continue the subject within 16-19 study. The qualifications focus on the use and application of mathematics and statistics in real life scenarios and aims to prepare students for the mathematical demands of university study.

HL4647 attachment (xlsx, 398.3KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_10

Baroness Garden of Frognal:To ask His Majesty's Government what was the cash outlay for English domiciled students in the financial years (1) 2022–23 and (2) 2023–24 for fee and maintenance loans for (a) full-time and part-time 'foundation degree' students and (b) full-time and part-time ‘other undergraduate’ students. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: For English domiciled students in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years for fee and maintenance loans, the following breakdown of outlay is provided:

For the 2022/23 financial year:

Full-time students studying for foundation degrees:

Part-time students studying for foundation degrees:

Full-time students studying for ‘other undergraduate’ qualifications:

Part-time students studying for ‘other undergraduate’ qualifications:

For the 2023/24 financial year:

Full-time students studying for foundation degrees:

Part-time students studying for foundation degrees:

Full-time students studying for ‘other undergraduate’ qualifications:

Part-time students studying for ‘other undergraduate’ qualifications:

‘Other undergraduate’ includes all undergraduate courses not classified as first degrees and covers a wide range of qualifications from levels 4-6 as defined by the Higher Education Standards Authority (HESA). More information on HESA’s classification standards can be found here: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/support/definitions.

'Other undergraduate' qualifications include all 'foundation degree' qualifications. Funding for courses at levels 3-6 is also available through Advanced Learner Loans.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_11

The Lord Bishop of Norwich:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ban bottom trawling. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Bottom trawling can clearly be a damaging activity if it happens in the wrong place. We are considering next steps to manage bottom trawling, along with other fishing methods, where this might damage marine protected area features or benthic habitats, in the context of our domestic and international nature conservation obligations. We are keen to continue to work closely with fisheries and marine stakeholders as we develop our plans for future fisheries and marine management.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_12

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to ensure that the border control post at Stansted Airport which facilitates the movement of animals for breeding purposes and horse racing will not be at risk of closure. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Defra is confident that existing and new BCP infrastructure has sufficient capacity and capability to handle the volume of expected checks outlined in the Border Target Operating Model, with robust, dynamic, and effective operational measures ready to call upon if needed. Defra will continue to work with existing BCP operators to ensure they remain operational

It is worth noting that commercial ports are responsible for determining and setting their own rates for recovering costs at their facilities.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_13

The Lord Bishop of Norwich:To ask His Majesty's Government what progress has been made towards peatland restoration, and what consideration they have given to banning sales of peat compost and peat-containing products which contribute to the destruction of peatland habitats in the UK and in Europe. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government recognises the importance of England’s peatlands, and in our manifesto, we committed to expanding nature-rich habitats such as peatlands. This will contribute to ensuring nature’s recovery, one of Defra’s five priorities. That is why this Government is investing £400 million to protect and restore nature, including our peatlands.

We have ambitions to restore hundreds of thousands of hectares of peatlands across the country, and we are working to ensure that we have the most effective mechanisms in place to go further than we have before. Peatland restoration is currently funded via the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme, and going forwards will be primarily funded through Environmental Land Management schemes, such as the Landscape Recovery and Countryside Stewardship schemes.

Ministers are committed to protecting our nature-rich habitats, including peat bogs and are looking at next steps for measures to end the use of peat in horticulture. We continue to work alongside the horticultural sector to support progress on the peat free transition.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_14

Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the latest status in safeguarding the route for Crossrail 2; what is their timescale; and what steps they need to take to complete the safeguarding. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Although development of Crossrail 2 was paused in 2020, the route remains safeguarded to protect it from conflicting development. Officials from my department regularly discuss the scheme with Transport for London.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_15

Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of heavier electric vehicles on (1) the maintenance of roads across the country, and (2) the budgets needed going forward to maintain safe road surfaces. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The increasing weight of all road vehicles, both electric vehicles (EVs) and their petrol and diesel counterparts, is one of many factors affecting the condition of our roads. While EVs tend to be heavier than their equivalent petrol or diesel counterpart, on average all passenger cars have been increasing in weight for many years. This trend has been driven by consumer choice and improving safety features for passengers. It is the much heavier commercial vehicles, rather than passenger vehicles, that are the dominant factor determining road design and weight limits, and that cause the most wear and tear to road surfaces and other highway structures.

The Government is determined to enable local highway authorities in England to look after their highway networks, and it has already announced a funding uplift of £500 million for the 2025/26 financial year. It has also started the process of updating its guidance to local highway authorities on managing their highway infrastructure, and the revised guidance will reflect, where necessary, the impacts on local highway networks of new vehicle types as well as other changes such as the changing climate.

The Department is also committed to securing multi-year funding settlements for local authorities, to enable them to plan ahead more strategically for the long term, and to invest in appropriate materials and maintenance processes.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_16

Lord Jones of Penybont:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the completion of the Global Centre of Rail Excellence facility. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Department of Transport continues to engage closely with the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) in developing its proposal for world-class research, testing and certification site in South Wales. Department for Transport officials contribute through the cross-government GCRE steering group, which also includes representatives from the Department for Business and Trade and Welsh Government, to discuss options for Government support and to ensure alignment with the Government’s priorities such as the Industrial Strategy. Partnership with devolved governments will make the Industrial Strategy a UK wide effort and support the considerable sectoral strengths of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_17

Lord Spellar:To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to introduce legislation to enable hydrogen-powered off-road construction vehicles to be able to move locations via the public highway. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Following a consultation that closed in April 2024, the Department for Transport is developing an amendment to The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 to allow hydrogen-powered off-road machinery to be used on the road. Legislation is expected to be introduced alongside publication of the Government’s response to the public consultation in April.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_18

Lord Ravensdale:To ask His Majesty's Government why the civil nuclear new build sector was not identified as a key sector to be included within their Energy Skills Passport, launched on 22 January; and what plans they have to include it, given the UK's nuclear sector needs 40,000 net new entrants by 2030 to meet its growth ambitions. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Department is a strategic partner of the Energy Skills Passport project in collaboration with industry and Scottish Government. The passport is an industry led initiative overseen by Renewable UK and Offshore Energy UK and supported by the UK and Scottish Governments.

The Department and Scottish government are working with RUK/OEUK to identify how best to expand the passport in the future.

Through the Nuclear Skills Plan, we are committed to encouraging career transitions and accelerating learning and upskilling for new entrants into the nuclear sector.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_19

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to send a youth delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women in March, and if so, how they will be selected. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK government does not include youth representatives on the delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The Government works closely with civil society representatives before, during and after CSW. We held our pre-CSW consultation event on 4 February which was attended by more than 70 civil society representatives, including young people. The relationship that the Government delegation has with civil society representatives at CSW is often held up as a model of good practice.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-21 conversation_20

Baroness Berridge:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether it is generally understood by the public that individuals who are found guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility can be sentenced to hospital rather than prison \p Lord Timpson: Guidelines for sentencing for manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility are publicly available and published here: Manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility – Sentencing.

The guideline on sentencing offenders with mental disorders, developmental disorders, or neurological impairments outlines the criteria for sentencing someone to a hospital order under s.37 or hospital and limitation direction under s45A of the Mental Health Act 1983. These guidelines are also publicly accessible.

All guidelines are subject to wide public consultation, generally over a 12-week period. The Sentencing Council monitors and evaluates all definitive guidelines, as per its statutory duty to do so. The assessment covers the operation and effect of the guideline.

In order to be detained under these sections, the offender must be suffering from a mental disorder of a nature or degree which makes it appropriate for the offender to be detained in a hospital for medical treatment, and appropriate treatment is available.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_1

Lord Callanan:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that UK development aid to Cambodia is not used to indirectly support the objectives of the government of China in Cambodia. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK's development assistance support for Cambodia is strategically aligned with our goals of promoting livelihoods, climate resilience, education and healthcare. Our funding has contributed to the clearance of over 65,000 landmines, the education of thousands of students, trained hundreds of farmers in the use of climate-smart agriculture and improved access to healthcare for communities across the country. Every programme undergoes rigorous assessment before approval, including checks to ensure it delivers impact in line with Cambodia's needs and UK objectives and is distinct from the efforts of other governments.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_2

Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what was the evidential basis for the sum of £94.5 million in aid disbursement promised to the government of Syria at the recent bilateral meeting with the Foreign Secretary. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The decision to allocate £94.5 million in aid to Syria reflects our continued commitment to addressing one of the world's most protracted and severe humanitarian crises. Over 16 million people still require humanitarian assistance and 90 per cent of the population are living in poverty. The UK remains committed to the people of Syria and will continue to support the Syrian Government in its efforts to build a more secure and prosperous future for Syrians. A stable Syria is in the UK's interests.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_3

Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions the Foreign Secretary has had with the interim President of Syria on freedom of religion and belief, and whether specific reference was made to the persecution of Christians in Syria and the wider Middle East. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK strongly condemns the terrorist attack at Mar Elias Church. The Foreign Secretary expressed his condolences to President Al-Sharaa during his visit to Damascus on 5 July. We have consistently underlined the importance of protecting all civilians, both publicly and as part of our engagement with the Syrian Government, including during the Foreign Secretary's recent visit. We continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_4

The Lord Bishop of Leeds:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the proposed the Act on Amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act adopted by the Estonian Parliament on 18 June contravenes international standards and norms on the right to freedom of religion of belief, and whether they have made representations to the government of Estonia. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: His Majesty's Government has made no formal assessment of the Estonian Government's amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act, which has not yet received Presidential approval. The UK is committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief for all and we work closely with international partners, including through the Article 18 Alliance, of which Estonia is a member, to champion freedom of religion or belief around the world. Estonia consistently scores highly on measures of freedom of religion or belief in public rankings, such as those of Freedom House. We have made no representations to the government of Estonia on the law under consideration.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_5

The Lord Bishop of Southwark:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will recognise the new government of Syria, and what plans they have to help the new government to secure a fair and just administration of Syria. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The Foreign Secretary visited Damascus on 5 July to renew UK-Syria relations and reiterate UK support to the Syrian Government as it seeks to rebuild the economy and deliver an inclusive political transition. We welcome the progress made, including representative appointments to the Cabinet, a commitment to free and fair elections, and provisions on freedom of expression and freedom of religion and belief in the Constitutional Declaration. We will continue to work with the Syrian Government to ensure the political transition proceeds in a genuinely inclusive way and protects the rights of all Syrians, regardless of religious or ethnic background.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_6

The Lord Bishop of Southwark:To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of the suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias on 22 June, what support they have given to the new government of Syria to help to protect the Christian population against attack. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK strongly condemns the horrific terrorist attack at Mar Elias Church in Damascus, and remains committed to combatting terrorism in all forms. The Foreign Secretary expressed his condolences, and the UK's continued support to the people of Syria, to President Al-Sharaa during his visit to Damascus on 5 July. We have consistently underlined the importance of protecting all civilians, both publicly and as part of our engagement with the Syrian Government. The Foreign Secretary raised this most recently during his visit to Damascus. We will continue to advocate for the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all Syrians.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_7

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the issue of conflict-related sexual violence; and how they are engaging the United Nations to ensure that the commission of inquiry is established as a matter of urgency. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains one of the world's most severe. In Eastern DRC, conditions have worsened-of the 28 million people facing acute food insecurity nationwide, 10 million are in the three conflict-affected eastern provinces. Civilians face grave risks, including sexual and gender-based violence. The UK provided over £80 million in humanitarian aid last financial year and remains committed to helping those most in need. Following the M23/Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) conflict escalation in January and February, the UK gave emergency funding to Panzi Hospital to ensure it could continue supporting its globally recognized care for survivors of sexual violence in South Kivu. Through our partnership with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), we continue supporting essential sexual and reproductive health services. Human rights in the DRC are a UK priority. We work with the UN and others to promote them, including most recently at the Human Rights Council where the UK's Permanent Representative encouraged the establishment of the independent Commission of Inquiry. Our Ambassador and Ministers also regularly raise human rights concerns with the DRC government, urging accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_8

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are taking steps to refer the situation in Ethiopia to the International Criminal Court, following the approach taken with regard to Bangladesh and Myanmar, having regard to the mass forced displacement of Tigrayans from Ethiopia. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK is concerned by increasing risks of atrocities across the globe, including in Ethiopia. We raise our concern of risks of atrocities in both the multilateral space and bilaterally, where possible. We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in determining crimes against humanity, including in the context of Myanmar and Bangladesh.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_9

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government when they last conducted a joint analysis of conflict and stability for Ethiopia, and whether they will review the situation again to take account of the escalating conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: A Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability (JACS) Update was completed in June 2024 to refresh cross-government understanding of the drivers of conflict, insecurity and instability in Ethiopia and assess implications for UK response. The JACS continues to be used to inform regular monitoring of conflict and stability risks and to guide a cross-government approach to support peace and stability in Ethiopia.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_10

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what recent representations they have made to the government of Pakistan concerning the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, including the demolition of mosques, targeted killings and grave desecrations; and what steps they are taking to engage with Pakistan and its approach to supporting peacebuilding and the protection of religious freedom in that region. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: We are deeply concerned by the demolition of Ahmadi mosques in Pakistan and continue to monitor the situation. Our High Commission in Islamabad regularly raises concerns over the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels. The Minister for the Middle East raised the deteriorating situation for Ahmadi Muslims, including the impact of extremist groups such as Tehreek-e-Labbaik, with Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior in March 2025. In June 2025, ahead of Eid al-Adha, the Minister for the Middle East also raised the safety and dignity of Ahmadis seeking to practice their faith with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister. We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people in accordance with international standards.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_11

Lord Bailey of Paddington:To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to StandWithUs UK Report Voice of Students 2024/25, published on 7 May, what steps they are taking to support Jewish university students following increases in incidents of antisemitism on campuses. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The government is deeply concerned by the findings of the StandWithUs UK report.

Antisemitism is unacceptable, and universities must have robust policies and processes in place for preventing and tackling it. Whilst it is entirely right that universities protect freedom of speech and academic freedom on campus, this does not extend to hate, harassment or incitement. Last month, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education met with Vice Chancellors to discuss what more could be done to address the continued unacceptable level of antisemitism on our campuses.

From August 2025, the Office for Students’ (OfS) new condition of registration for preventing, addressing and investigating incidents of harassment will take effect and universities will be held to account for their action. Furthermore, under the Prevent duty, the OfS monitors and evaluates whether universities and other higher education (HE) providers have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism.

The government is also investing £7 million to tackle antisemitism in education, including support for Jewish student welfare in HE, and remains committed to ensuring that all students can study in safety and dignity.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_12

Lord Lucas:To ask His Majesty's Government, for each year following the coming into force of section 496 of the Education Act 1996, how many parental appeals have been made to the Secretary of State under that section, and how many such appeals have (1) been granted and (2) resulted in a request that the local authority reconsider the case. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The department’s School Complaints Compliance Unit (SCCU) considers how maintained schools and academies handle complaints on behalf of my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education. For maintained schools, SCCU considers whether a school has dealt with a complaint in line with education legislation and any relevant statutory policies. If they find a maintained school has not acted reasonably under education law, and identify a practical action to take, they can instruct the school accordingly. These actions are usually a technical or procedural change in a school’s policy, to ensure they carry out their duties in line with education legislation. If the school does not make the required changes, sections 496 and 497 of the Education Act 1996 allow my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education to intervene and issue a direction to the school.

The department does not hold data in relation to complaints about maintained schools prior to 2013. The table below shows the number of in scope complaints received by the SCCU about maintained schools. From 2013 to 31 August 2023, the SCCU did not record if complaints were from parents, but from 1 September 2023 onwards this has been recorded. No directions have been issued in relation to a complaint about a maintained school.

Calendar year

Number of in-scope maintained school complaints

Number of complaints partially upheld/upheld*

2013

12

6

2014

209

81

2015

273

44

2016

302

28

2017

340

23

2018

447

23

2019

354

35

2020

268

15

2021

259

20

2022

343

39

1 January to 31 August 2023

192

2

1 September to 31 December 2023

91

7

2024

330

53

Total

3420

376

*Outcome data split under sections 496 and 497 is not recorded.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-18 conversation_13

Lord Lucas:To ask His Majesty's Government, for each year following the coming into force of section 437 of the Education Act 1996, how many parental appeals have been made to the Secretary of State under that section, and how many such appeals have (1) been granted and (2) resulted in a request that the local authority reconsider the case. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: It is important that parents have a right of appeal when they disagree with a local authority’s decision to not revoke a School Attendance Order. Section 442 of the Education Act 1996 gives parents this right of appeal to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education. If a person is convicted under section 443 of the Education Act, they may be able to appeal the decision of the magistrate through the criminal courts in the usual way. Section 437 does not provide for a specific parental appeal process, but the parent could apply for the School Attendance Order to be revoked under section 442.

The government is committed to ensuring that the section 442 process is as robust and transparent as possible for those parents who make use of it. However, we are unable to publish the requested information as it could potentially lead to the identification of individuals and the outcomes of these requests, which would go against the intentions behind the revocation process.

This potential for identification and outcomes is due to the low number of individuals who have requested the revocation of a School Attendance Order within the specified timeframe.