theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_280
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_280

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has agreed trackable benchmarks for UK-EU security collaboration programmes. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, working with Cabinet Office, Ministry of Defence and other partners are closely tracking and assessing delivery of the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership. We hold six-monthly dialogues with the EU led by the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary, along with regular dialogues at official level on a range of areas. Cooperation has already intensified on priorities such as support to Ukraine, tackling hybrid threats, and stability in the Western Balkans.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_281
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_281

Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Cuban counterpart on reports of gender-based violence against women human rights defenders. \p Chris Elmore: Our relationship with Cuba allows for frank dialogue, including on matters on which we do not agree. Our Ambassador in Havana has raised recent human rights cases with the Ministry of External Relations, and we work with likeminded partners to make clear our shared position. We will continue to raise concerns where we have them through diplomatic channels, in both London and Havana.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_282
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_282

Lillian Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, steps he is taking to support community-owned and co-operative businesses to have a leading role in high-street renewal. \p Blair McDougall: Our Plan for Small Business, published in July, places high streets at the centre of economic renewal, recognising them as vital centres of growth, employment and local identity. This plan, alongside MHCLG’s Pride in Place Strategy, reflects the role of communities and local leaders in shaping their high street environments.

Co-operatives, Mutuals and the wider social economy combine entrepreneurial drive with a commitment to supporting workers and communities. That is why we are committed to doubling the size of the Co-operative and Mutuals sector; benefitting both high streets and other business environments.

At Budget 2025, DBT launched a Call for Evidence on business support for Co-operative and Non-Financial Mutuals that runs until 18 February: Business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals - GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_283
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_283

Gareth Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2025 to Question 93633, if he will publish that assessment. \p Chris Bryant: To protect negotiation-sensitive information the Department for Business and Trade will not be publishing a full assessment of the potential economic impact of mutual recognition agreements on conformity assessment between the UK and EU. This Government remains committed to tackling barriers to trade with the EU, addressing areas of mutual benefit to both the UK and EU.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_284
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_284

Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether there has been a Government response to the 'Common charger for electrical devices: call for evidence', launched on 9 October 2024; and what his policy is on chargers for electrical devices. \p Kate Dearden: The Call for Evidence sought views on whether standardised charger requirements, similar to those adopted by the EU under Directive (EU) 2022/2380 and applying in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, would benefit businesses, consumers, and the environment. Many manufacturers already use common chargers to meet the EU rules and have indicated they will extend this approach across the UK to avoid supply chain complexity.

The Government will publish its response in the new year, setting out policy direction. Meanwhile, businesses may continue using either UKCA or CE marking to sell common charger radio equipment in Great Britain.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_285
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_285

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what criteria his Department uses to determine which sectors are prioritised for UK-EU regulatory co-operation. \p Blair McDougall: The Government does not use a single fixed set of metrics. A range of data is utilised, including the importance of sectors impacted and the level of regulatory burden businesses are facing. The UK-EU Trade Cooperation Agreement (TCA) includes a series of Annual Trade Specialised Committees (TSCs). Agendas and minutes are published here. Regulatory cooperation takes place across these committees. More information on the UK-EU Trade Partnership Council can also be found here. The Domestic Advisory Group, which advises on implementation of the TCA, also monitors the TCA’s operation, including regulatory cooperation.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_286
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_286

Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to improve the (a) employment rights and (b) income security of self-employed workers in the healthcare sector. \p Kate Dearden: The Government is committed to strengthening protections for the self-employed, benefitting those in healthcare, including a new right to a written contract, and extension of health and safety and blacklisting protections. The parental leave and pay review will consider whether support meets the needs of self-employed parents. The Non-Disclosure Agreements measure in the Employment Rights Bill includes a power to apply the measure beyond the standard definitions of employee and worker.

We will also take forward the most significant legislative reforms to tackle late payments in over 25 years, helping ensure that the self-employed are paid on time.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_287
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_287

Gareth Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what further steps he will take to help small businesses take advantage of the UK's trade deals. \p Chris Bryant: Our department is helping businesses take advantage of trade deals through engagement, guidance, and practical support. Events to promote understanding of FTAs have been held in all parts of the UK this year, including during International Trade Week.

Guides to ensure business have clear advice on taking advantage of FTAs have been published on recent FTAs, and are being prepared for the UK-India FTA. SMEs can also access support on FTAs through the new Business Growth Service.

The Government’s Plan for Small Businesses strengthens the business environment, improves finance access, creates growth opportunities, and boosts SME competitiveness across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_288
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_288

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate his Department has made of a) the average energy cost faced by UK steel producers in the most recent year, b) the equivalent cost faced by producers in France and Germany, and c) the potential impact of this cost gap on the competitiveness of UK steelmaking. \p Chris McDonald: The Government is committed to delivering a steel strategy setting out a long-term vision for the UK steel industry articulating what is needed to create a competitive business environment in the UK and the actions required to get there.

UK steel producers that benefit from British Industry Supercharger support and the current Network Charging Compensation scheme paid industrial electricity prices of £93 per MWh in 2025 (a 60% relief). The increase in compensation for network charges from 60% to 90%, which was announced in the Industrial Strategy and will be delivered from 1 April 2026, will reduce electricity prices for steel producers by a further £7 to £10 per MWh approximately.

The equivalent cost faced by industrial electricity users in France and Germany is £69/MWh and £60/MWh respectively. Using average electricity intensity factors for electric arc furnace-based steel production, the difference to UK producers equates to approximately £8-£13 per tonne of crude steel.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_289
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_289

Catherine West:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure (a) a sustainable postal service and (b) the employment rights of postal workers. \p Blair McDougall: Ofcom has a primary duty to secure the provision of a universal postal service, having regard to its financial sustainability and efficiency. On 10 July this year, Ofcom announced changes to the universal postal service obligation intended to have a significant positive impact on the financial sustainability of the universal service and support its continued provision.

All employers must comply with their legal obligations to ensure that their staff receive the rights and protections to which they are entitled. The government will establish the Fair Work Agency (FWA) in April 2026. This will deliver a much-needed upgrade to the enforcement of workers’ rights. The government is committed to giving the FWA the resources it needs to do its job.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_290
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_290

Rebecca Paul:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has collected data on the number of Breathing Space certifications which are subsequently cancelled due to ineligibility. \p Blair McDougall: The Insolvency Service collects data regarding Breathing Space applications in England and Wales; this includes the number of applications subsequently cancelled due to ineligibility. 374,529 Breathing Space applications were registered between 4 May 2021, when the scheme was launched, and 3 December 2025. Of these, 2,292 registrations have been subsequently cancelled due to ineligibility, representing 0.6% of applications. The criteria for ineligibility is taken from the official Breathing Space guidance.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_291
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_291

Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress he has made on supporting small and medium-sized businesses in North East Somerset and Hanham constituency. \p Blair McDougall: The Government’s Plan for Small Businesses, published in July, sets out the measures that the government is taking to support small businesses across the UK. This includes tackling late payments, boosting access to finance, and removing red tape to enable small businesses, including those in North East Somerset and Hanham constituency, to grow and thrive. SMEs can access DBT’s wealth of business and export support via business.gov.uk.

The West of England Growth Hub is where SMEs in North East Somerset and Hanham constituency can benefit from specialist business advice and help on how to grow and access new markets.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_292
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_292

Navendu Mishra:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Royal Mail’s efforts to meet its Quality of Service targets in SK Stockport postcode areas. \p Blair McDougall: Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, is responsible for monitoring Royal Mail’s performance and ensuring that Royal Mail complies with its legal obligations. Ofcom takes compliance with its regulatory targets seriously and this involves conducting thorough investigations where failures have been identified.

In October, Ofcom fined Royal Mail £21 million for failing to meet its quality-of-service targets and has told Royal Mail it must urgently publish and deliver a credible plan that delivers major and continuous improvement.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_293
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_293

Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 24 November to question 92054 on Independent Football Regulator: Political Parties, if she will publish the data on the additional political donations made by David Kogan. \p Stephanie Peacock: All political donations required to be declared by the Governance Code on Public Appointments are publicly disclosed on the Electoral Commission donation register. The additional donations, beneath the thresholds required by the Governance Code, disclosed by Mr Kogan when he appeared before the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on 07 May 2025, are recorded in the transcript of that hearing.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_294
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_294

Jess Asato:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse. \p Ian Murray: DCMS is committed to supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse.

Our domestic abuse charter provides comprehensive advice to employees and their managers including how to identify abuse, actions to take, and links to organisations providing advice and support.

There is currently no dedicated line manager training on responding to domestic abuse. A training product for managers is currently under development in the Cabinet Office. Once available, we will promote the take-up of this training product in our department.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_295
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_295

Melanie Onn:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what support her department is providing to local authorities to help them increase levels of library use ahead of the national year of reading in 2026. \p Ian Murray: Public libraries are central to the success of the National Year of Reading’s campaign to engage people of all ages with reading. The Reading Agency has been appointed to work with sector partners to deliver and support public library engagement. The Summer Reading Challenge in 2026, and World Book Night, the annual celebration of reading for adults on 23 April 2026, will be key moments for libraries during the National Year of Reading 2026. Throughout the year, The Reading Agency will provide public libraries with resources, toolkits, and print and digital materials to support their work.

This is part of the broader programme of government support for the National Year of Reading including the £5 million funding for secondary schools to purchase books the Chancellor announced during her budget speech.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_296
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_296

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will set out what steps were taken in the Autumn Budget 2025 in respect of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. \p Ian Murray: No decision on the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme was made during Autumn Budget 2025. Funding after March 2026 will be considered as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport works through the output of the Spending Review and Departmental business planning process.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_297
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_297

Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will provide a breakdown of the costs incurred by her Department, from 4 July 2024 to date, in the establishment of the Independent Football Regulator. \p Stephanie Peacock: Details on DCMS’s public spending can be found in DCMS’s Annual Report and Accounts, available on GOV.UK. Spending on the passage of the Football Governance Act and the establishment of the Independent Football Regulator is a subset of the reported spend of the Sport and Gambling Directorate. All relevant costs relating to the creation of the Independent Football Regulator will be recovered from clubs via a levy, ensuring that there is nil cost to the public purse.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_298
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_298

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Prime Minister plans to recuse himself from the appointments process for non-executive board members of the independent football regulator. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Football Governance Act 2025 is clear that decisions regarding the appointment of Non-Executive Members of the Independent Football Regulator are made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_299
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_299

Andrew Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has (a) made an assessment of the current classification of deaf sport within UK sporting-funding frameworks, (b) what consideration her Department has given to the disparity in funding provided to Deaflympic athletes compared with Paralympic athletes, and (c) what steps she is taking to ensure that deaf athletes are not systematically overlooked in future funding decisions. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government is dedicated to making sport across the country accessible and inclusive for everyone, including d/Deaf people.

Sport England are exploring a series of talent pilots for deaf athletes. These pilots will see Sport England, National Governing Bodies, and UK Deaf Sport working together to explore issues around accessibility and suggest potential solutions. Sport England has also awarded UK Deaf Sport £150,000 to fund a specialist Talent Inclusion post to further the work of the pilots.

The Government, through the UK Sport grant, supports Olympic and Paralympic success. Beyond this the Government does not provide additional funding to performance sport, in line with our approach to a great many other areas of individual sporting performance.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_300
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_300

Sir Mark Hendrick:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what data her Department holds on gender disparities in access to youth sports training facilities; and what steps she is taking to decrease those disparities. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government is determined to ensure that everyone has access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. The Government has invested £98 million through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme across the UK in 2025/26, funding projects such as new and upgraded grass pitches, pitch maintenance equipment and floodlights. Following the Spending Review we have committed another £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the UK over the next four years. We are now working closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what communities need and will then set out further plans.

We are committed to supporting every aspect of women’s sport and ensuring all women and girls, no matter their background, are able to participate in sport and physical activity. We will more than double priority access to grassroots football pitches for women and girls in England over the next five years as part of a series of plans to honour the success of the Lionesses following the team’s victory at Euro 2025, as well as dedicating flagship sites and pitches to the Lionesses.

The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport in England through Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding in areas of greatest need to tackle inactivity levels through community-led solutions.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_301
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_301

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to strengthen pathways between (a) school cricket programmes and (b) local community cricket clubs in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Stephanie Peacock: In June, the Government announced a new PE and School Sport Partnership Network to ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality sport and extracurricular activity. A national network will be developed to build strong partnerships between schools, local clubs and National Governing Bodies to identify and break down barriers to sport for children who are less active.

In addition, at least £400 million is going to be invested into new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities in communities right across the UK, supporting the Government's Plan for Change. We are now working closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what communities need, including for children and young people, and will then set out further plans.

The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery Funding. This includes long term investment to the England and Wales Cricket Board, which receives up to £13.4 million for five years to invest in community cricket initiatives, and into England Netball, which receives up to £26.2 million over five years to invest in Netball.

In the Surrey Heath constituency specifically, in the last financial year, 2024-25, Sport England invested £314,995 to improve access to sport and physical activity.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_302
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_302

Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what data relating to local sports infrastructure her Department holds; and whether she holds datasets on local authority breakdowns. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government is determined to ensure that everyone has access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. The Government has invested £98 million through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme across the UK in 2025/26, funding projects such as new and upgraded grass pitches, pitch maintenance equipment and floodlights.

The Government published a list of funded Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities projects on 9 June 2025 on Gov.uk. The lists can be found here and include funded projects that are either due to start, in progress or complete. We are committed to publishing a regularly updated list of funded and completed projects, with the next to be published in 2026.

Our delivery partner for the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities programme in England, the Football Foundation, plans its investment pipeline using Local Football Facility Plans (LFFPs) for each local authority, which are developed in partnership with local authorities so as to understand the needs of each community. Local Football Facilities Plans are publicly available here.

Following the Spending Review we have committed another £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the UK over the next four years. We are now working closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what communities need and will then set out further plans. In addition the Government provides the majority of funding for grassroots sport through our Arm’s Length Body, Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding in areas of greatest need to tackle inactivity levels through community-led solutions.

According to Sport England’s Active Places database, as of December 2025 there are 59,794 grass football pitches and 6,634 artificial grass pitches in England. More details are available here.

This government also takes our responsibility to heritage seriously. For this year alone, we have committed nearly £60 million of funding for heritage, including £15m for Heritage at Risk. Local Authorities can also apply for funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s’ Arms-Length-Bodies, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which provides around c.£300 million in grants per year, and Historic England, who provide grants and advice.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_303
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_303

Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the (a) effectiveness, (b) value for money and (c) adequacy of (i) leadership and (ii) accountability of Sports England. \p Stephanie Peacock: Sport and physical activity generates £123 billion in social value each year. That is why supporting grassroots sport and increasing physical activity are key government priorities. We work closely with Sport England who are best placed to deliver on these priorities and ensure value for money.

A large part of Sport England’s work focuses on bringing the health and sports sectors together at community level, including their place partnerships work which is working in a targeted way with local areas to understand and overcome the specific barriers in their communities. Telford and Wrekin is one of Sport England’s place partnerships.

To ensure accountability, all DCMS Public bodies are required to hold quarterly partnership meetings, board effectiveness reviews and annual chair appraisals. The Secretary of State met with Sport England’s Chair and CEO in October to discuss priorities and plans moving forward, including how the organisation can best deliver and measure impact for the investment they make in sport and physical activity.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_304
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_304

Jim McMahon:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how his Department measures its contribution to British vehicle manufacturing and skilled jobs through procurement. \p Chris Ward: This Government is committed to ensuring public procurement drives growth and creates jobs, skills and opportunities across the country.

We have consulted on procurement reforms to further boost domestic supply chains and create more opportunities for businesses across the UK, including across the vehicle manufacturing sector. We will be publishing the consultation outcome - and legislative proposals - soon.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_305
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_305

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the number of people who were employed in the automotive manufacturing sector in each month since July 2024 up to and including the most recent month for which figures are available. \p Josh Simons: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of the 2nd of December is attached.

PQ 96474 (pdf, 138.4KB)
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_306
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_306

Jim McMahon:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to help make the House of Lords more representative of nations and regions; and whether he plans to conduct a comprehensive review on replacing the House of Lords with an alternative model. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: As the Prime Minister set out in his statement of 19 June 2025 (HCWS718), the House of Lords works best when there is a diversity of perspectives represented, including from all the nations and regions of the United Kingdom. The Government believes party leaders should consider this when making nominations to ensure the second chamber better reflects the country it serves.

The Government’s manifesto included a commitment to replace the House of Lords with an alternative second chamber that is more representative of the regions and nations. The Government will consult on proposals, seeking the input of the British public on how politics can best serve them.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_307
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_307

Sorcha Eastwood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans the Government has to update digital systems and guidance to reflect Northern Ireland’s trading position under the Windsor Framework. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Government has announced £16.6 million to strengthen the UK internal market and help Northern Ireland boost trade with Great Britain.

A comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ regulatory support service will help businesses trade across the UK and EU markets and benefit from Northern Ireland’s unique dual market access. The service will provide tailored advice to businesses on the rules they need to follow and the facilitations available to them.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_308
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_308

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2025, to Question 89453, on Deputy Prime Minister: Admiralty House, what was the monetary value of the council tax bill issued to the Government by Westminster City Council in March 2025 for payment from 1 April 2025. \p Anna Turley: Admiralty House sits within Council Tax Band H and details of the bands, current Council Tax charges, additional premiums and published notices about Council Tax can be found at the following page: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-band-and-charges
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_309
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_309

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, for the total spend on (i) LinkedIn membership fees (ii) other subscriptions by his Department in the last financial year. \p Kirsty McNeill: The Scotland Office and its associated arm’s length bodies have spent £0 on LinkedIn membership fees and £797 on other subscriptions in the last financial year.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_310
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_310

Gareth Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the expected breakdown of the £14.5 million allocated to Grangemouth, including funding for site remediation, feasibility work, infrastructure upgrades, skills programmes, and any other defined purposes. \p Kirsty McNeill: The UK and Scottish Governments are working together to assess and progress all investment at Grangemouth. To support this, at Autumn Budget 2025 the Chancellor announced up to £14.5 million of UKG funding for Grangemouth to support future projects.

At this moment in time, we cannot provide further information on allocation of this funding due to commercial sensitivities. Funding for projects will only be dispensed after thorough due diligence and Accounting Officer checks have been completed by the UK Government, but the UK Government remains committed to delivering a successful low-carbon future for Grangemouth.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_311
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_311

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will consider the potential merits of a specific grant scheme for mine water heat projects. \p Martin McCluskey: The government is accelerating deployment of low-carbon technologies, including geothermal. Water from coal mines and sewer systems offers strong potential for heat networks. Projects can apply to the Green Heat Network Fund for support. The Mining Remediation Authority has published opportunity maps for geothermal deployment.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_312
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_312

Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his department has made of the potential impact of unionisation within the renewables industry on energy bills. \p Michael Shanks: As set out in our Clean Energy Jobs Plan, trade unions working in partnership with government and industry will play a vital role in building the workforce to meet our clean energy ambitions.

Hundreds of thousands of people could directly benefit from good jobs with fair wages in the clean energy sector – and we are clear that greater trade union recognition is one of the main ways to improve job quality.

This is good for workers and good for business, as studies have shown that workplaces with strong trade union representation have greater job satisfaction, improved retention, and stronger productivity growth which will benefit the sector.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_313
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_313

Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps with the Office for Product Safety and Standards to ensure that regulations and repairability indexes for small electrical devices promote not only professional repair services but also end-user self-repair. \p Martin McCluskey: The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021 require manufacturers of a number of products to provide certain spare parts to end-users as well as professional repairers. The Government continues to review ecodesign and energy labelling regulations for other small electrical devices as part of our ongoing programme of work. We are committed to introducing repairability measures, including those designed to support end-users, where doing so is appropriate.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_314
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_314

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, for the total spend on (i) LinkedIn membership fees (ii) other subscriptions by her Department in the last financial year. \p Jo Stevens: In the last financial year, the Office spent no money on LinkedIn membership fees and £3,332.48 on other subscriptions.
wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_315
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-08 conversation_315

Joe Morris:To ask the Leader of the House, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of improving parliamentary scrutiny procedures for international trade agreements. \p Sir Alan Campbell: Effective parliamentary scrutiny of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) is vital. The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 (CRaG) gives Parliament the statutory right to scrutinise treaties prior to ratification, and includes the power to block ratification. Parliament must also pass legislation that may be necessary to implement a treaty.

In addition, the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee plays an important role in scrutinising the Government’s trade policy.

Taken together, the current framework facilitates robust parliamentary scrutiny of FTAs.
wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_1

Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Sutton Coldfield constituency have access to mental health support teams. \p Stephen Morgan: The government will provide access to specialist mental health professionals in every school by expanding mental health support teams (MHSTs) by the end of 2029/30, so every child and young person has access to early support to address problems before they escalate. ​As well as providing targeted, low intensity support directly to young people and their parents or carers, MHSTs work in schools and colleges to reduce barriers to accessing mental health services and support a holistic approach to mental health and emotional wellbeing.

In April 2025, around five million pupils and learners were covered by an MHST. We estimate an additional 900,000 pupils in schools and learners in further education in England will be covered by April 2026, which is around six million in total, or 60% of all pupils and learners.

In Sutton Coldfield, all but one of the seven secondary schools were reported to be receiving support from an MHST in April 2025, with cover representing 39% of all pupils and learners in schools and colleges in the constituency. No primary schools are yet covered by an MHST. Further expansion is underway in the Birmingham and Solihull integrated care system this financial year.
wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_2

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make it her policy to increase the flexibility of funded childcare arrangements to help increase support for parents (a) who are unable to take up work due to a lack of available nursery places and (b) with restrictive nursery session times. \p Stephen Morgan: On 7 July, the department published its Best Start in Life Strategy, which sets out how we will make real change happen for families across the country.

We are delivering more support to working families than ever before with the rollout of 30 hours government-funded childcare from September 2025. This is expected to save eligible families using their full entitlement an average of £7,500 a year.

Under Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area.

There is no requirement that childcare providers must deliver funded hours at particular times of the day or on particular days of the week. Providers are free to choose when to deliver funded hours, as long as they comply with the terms of their arrangements with the local authority.

Local authorities should actively support partnership working between providers to ensure that funded places are high-quality, flexible and accessible to give parents choice about how and where they take-up their child’s free hours. Local authorities should also support providers to establish parental declarations setting out their hours and patterns of hours during which free places are offered.
wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_3

Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the policy paper entitled Giving every child the best start in life, published on 7 July 2025, what the terms of the review into fairer funding for early years will be. \p Stephen Morgan: It is the government’s ambition that all families have access to high quality, affordable and flexible early education and care, giving every child the best start in life.

The department will review early years funding, including the early years national funding formulae, consulting on a set of changes by summer 2026.

We will review how funding is distributed nationally and locally to ensure the funding system remains fair and effective at reflecting the costs of delivery and supporting those children and parts of the country that have higher levels of additional need.
wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_4

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has made an assessment of the proportion of parents eligible for funded childcare who are unable to access childcare places due to (a) nursery waiting lists and (b) restrictions on available days in West Dorset constituency. \p Stephen Morgan: It is the department’s ambition that all families have access to high quality, affordable early education and care, giving every child the best start in life and delivering on our Plan for Change. In 2025/26 alone, we plan to provide over £8 billion for the early years entitlements as we roll out the expansion of the entitlements, a 30% increase compared to 2024/25. We have made available £500 million in capital investment to expand early years provision for existing settings and to support the creation of new ones. The department is working closely with local authorities which are being supported to map provision gaps and work with new and existing providers to fill them. The government is also simplifying the registration and regulatory process to make it easier for new providers to enter the market. Where local authorities report sufficiency challenges, the department works closely to address issues including through out childcare sufficiency support contract.

These actions are showing an impact with an increase of almost 6,000 providers and over 18,000 staff in the last year.
wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_5

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has had discussions with Ofsted on allowing greater flexibility in recognising alternative qualifications for after-school childcare roles. \p Stephen Morgan: The department has made no specific assessment of the impact of Ofsted qualification requirements on the sustainability of rural after school childcare providers. Before and after-school clubs can register with Ofsted on either or both the Early Years Register and the General Childcare Register, depending on the type of provision and age of the children they intend to care for. Some providers are exempt from registration if they meet the exemptions set out in legislation. Depending on their registration, they must either meet the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage, or the general childcare register requirements. The requirements for both registers are set by the department and include qualification requirements for after-school childcare providers. Officials meet regularly with their Ofsted counterparts to ensure that the regulations that apply to Ofsted registered providers of after-school childcare, including the qualifications requirements for staff, remain fit for purpose.

Providers are responsible for considering the staff qualification and training requirements for the running of their after-school provision in line with Ofsted requirements. This means providers have the flexibility to design their own approach to staffing their provision and ensuring it remains sustainable.
wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_6

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help strengthen the UK’s relationship with Bosnia and Herzegovina. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK maintains a strong relationship with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), working closely on improving BiH's defence capabilities, tackling organised crime, and facilitating reconciliation. We engage intensively, including through the Peace Implementation Council, to support the country's security and stability. Most recently, in May, the Foreign Secretary and UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans visited BiH and met key leaders to underline our support. I reaffirmed this when I met BiH Foreign Minister Konaković at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in April, and with Presidency members Komšić and Bećirović in London on 17 June. The UK looks forward to hosting BiH at the upcoming Berlin Process summit.
wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_7

Leigh Ingham:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of maintaining levels of funding commitment to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK remains committed to tackling global health challenges and will continue to work with all international partners towards the collective goal of a healthier, safer and more prosperous world. We have long been a strong supporter of the Global Fund and are proud to be co-hosting the 8th replenishment this year in partnership with South Africa. Over the coming months, we will work through decisions on how the Official Development Assistance budget will be used, and the impact on specific programmes, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments.
wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-31)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-31 conversation_8

Leigh Ingham:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to promote (a) the sexual and reproductive health and rights and (b) other rights of women and girls globally. \p Stephen Doughty: We are strongly committed to standing up for the rights of women and girls, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). We are proud of the UK's long history as an influential global leader on gender equality and SRHR. We will continue to use our diplomacy with partners to defend and champion these fundamental rights in international fora. We will also make strategic use of our funds and technical partnerships.

For example, in December 2024, the Prime Minister announced the Grassroots and Counter Rollback programme. This strengthens local and national civil society organisations' and movements' ability to expand access to SRHR and counter rollback. It focuses on neglected issues, including safe abortion, and marginalised groups whose rights and access to services are denied or being attacked. As the largest donor to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership (£60 million in 2024), the UK continues to ensure SRHR commodities reach where they are needed most.

On International Women's Day, I appointed Harriet Harman to be the new UK Special Envoy on Women and Girls, progressing our foreign policy and development objectives to protect women and girls' rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, access to education and freedom from gender-based violence. Following this appointment, she spoke at a UK co-hosted event at the Commission on the Status of Women to galvanise renewed action to end child marriage. She also launched a Signature Initiative to champion the vital role of women's rights organisations and drive a focus on supporting them across our policy and programming.