theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_5

Fred Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that people suffering a mental health crisis are able to access suitable treatment quickly. \p Stephen Kinnock: Substantial progress has been made in building more robust crisis care pathways across all ages and in all regions, ensuring that people in a mental health crisis can receive the right care. However, the 10-Year Health Plan sets out our ambitions to go further.

The plan commits to increasing capacity for urgent mental health care by developing dedicated mental health emergency departments (MHEDs), thereby ensuring patients get fast, same-day access to specialist support in an appropriate setting. We will invest up to £120 million to bring the number of MHEDs to approximately 85, meaning there will be one co-located, or very close to, 50% of existing type 1 accident and emergency units. This expansion builds on a number of early implementer sites that have been established in recent years by local health systems to provide a dedicated therapeutic alternative to emergency departments for individuals in a mental health crisis.

This is building on the £26 million in capital investment in 2025/26 to support people in a mental health crisis, including opening new mental health crisis centres across England, which aim to provide accessible and responsive care for individuals in a mental health crisis.

In addition, we are piloting six, 24 hour a day, seven day a week neighbourhood mental health centres which provide support to individuals with severe mental illness, without needing to book an appointment.

People of all ages in England experiencing a mental health crisis can speak to a trained National Health Service professional at any time, 24 hours a day, via the NHS 111 service. This service gives people the chance to be listened to by a trained member of staff who can help direct them to the right place.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Preet Kaur Gill:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what data he holds on the number of (a) referrals and (b) complaints to social care services received by councils from (i) retirement residential home and (ii) independent living providers. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department does not hold this information.

By law, all health and social care services must have a procedure for dealing efficiently with complaints, and anyone who has seen or experienced poor-quality care has the right to complain to the organisation that provided or paid for the care.

If an individual is not satisfied with the way a provider or local authority has dealt with a complaint, they may escalate it to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman who can investigate individual concerns.
wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve access to respite care for unpaid carers in North Shropshire constituency. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Government is committed to ensuring that families have the support they need. The Care Act 2014 requires local authorities to deliver a wide range of sustainable, high-quality care and support services, including support for carers.

The Better Care Fund includes funding that can be used for carer support, including short breaks and respite services. Local areas determine how the money is best used to support carers, depending on local need and with reference to their statutory responsibilities.
wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_8

Fred Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve the availability of beds at psychiatric inpatient units. \p Stephen Kinnock: As part of our mission to build a National Health Service that is fit for the future, we need to focus treatment away from hospital and inpatient care and improve community and crisis services. Through our 10-Year Health Plan we will make sure more mental health care is delivered in the community, close to people’s homes, through new models of care and support, so that fewer people need to go into hospital.

NHS England has already begun piloting this innovative model of mental health care for people with serious mental health needs through six neighbourhood adult mental health centres that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and which bring together community, crisis, and inpatient care.

Integrated care boards have published plans to localise inpatient care by 2026/27 under the national commissioning framework for mental health inpatient services, improving both care quality and value for money.
wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Rachel Gilmour:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support the (a) preservation and (b) public accessibility of the legacy photographic archives documenting the (i) industrial and (ii) cultural heritage of Tiverton and Minehead constituency; and if she will allocate funding to ensure their (A) full restoration and (B) public release. \p Chris Bryant: Since 2013, The National Archives has served as the archive sector leader in England, and is responsible for providing guidance and support to archives.

The National Archives is a non-ministerial government department which is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Archival institutions which require information and support on how best to protect their collections, and ensure such collections are accessible to the public, are encouraged to contact officials in The National Archives.
wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the meeting held between the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and the Leader of the Israeli Opposition on 10 July 2025, in what capacity Mr Golan was meeting with the Government; and which organisations facilitated his meeting at the FCDO. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I met with leader of the Israeli Democrat party Yair Golan to discuss the need for an immediate ceasefire and a plan for the future of Gaza which would ensure long term security for both Israelis and Palestinians. This is in line with Ministers' continued engagement with a range of Israeli political figures. As is usual with meetings with our international partners, we will not be releasing a transcript of this discussion.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when his Department plans to appoint a Special Envoy with responsibility for (a) advocating for and (b) securing the release from detention of British nationals arbitrarily held abroad. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: This Government condemns the practice of detaining British Nationals for political leverage. We take all allegations of human rights violations, and opinions of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, seriously. The Government is committed to strengthening consular services, including introducing a right to consular assistance in cases of human rights violations, and through the appointment of an Envoy for complex detention cases. Further details will be announced in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the inclusion of women and girls in the development of global climate resilience (a) policies and (b) programmes. \p Catherine West: To ensure gender equality and inclusion characteristics are a key part of UK International Climate Finance (ICF) funded programmes including on resilience, in May 2025 we published Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Guidance for ICF delivery partners. The guidance provides a common framework to integrate gender equality, disability and social inclusion into ICF programme design and delivery and outlines minimum standards and ambitions on GEDSI. The guidance supports our ambition to ensure all new ICF programmes are designed to be 'GEDSI empowering', delivering positive and equitable outcomes for all people.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Martin Rhodes:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to reflect that the (a) rights and (b) needs of older people will be reflected in the work of the High-Level Panel on Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings. \p Stephen Doughty: The High-Level Panel on Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings (FCAS) is exploring why social protection remains neglected in the places that need it most. To support this, the Panel launched a public enquiry to gather evidence, structured around seven questions, one of which focuses on equitable access. We expect evidence submitted to cover a wider range of groups, such as older people and children, as well as women and girls, and displaced populations. The Panel Secretariat has engaged widely with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), UN agencies, academia, and civil society about the public enquiry - including a major age-focused NGO - and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive approach. The evidence enquiry closed on Sunday 13 July and the data is now being processed ahead of the second meeting of the Panel in September, where recommendations will be discussed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Government's policy on the 2030 roadmap for UK-Israel bilateral relations. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As the Foreign Secretary said in his statement to the house on 20 May, the UK will be reviewing our cooperation with Israel on the UK-Israel 2030 Bilateral roadmap. The continued actions of this Israeli Government mean that it is necessary for the UK Government to take this step. We have been clear that we need to see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza with the release of all hostages and significantly more aid consistently entering Gaza.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the meeting held between the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and the Leader of the Israeli Opposition on 10 July 2025, whether the matter of Mr Golan's support for starving the Palestinian population of Gaza was raised. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I met with leader of the Israeli Democrat party Yair Golan to discuss the need for an immediate ceasefire and a plan for the future of Gaza which would ensure long term security for both Israelis and Palestinians. This is in line with Ministers continued engagement with a range of Israeli political figures.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Rt Hon Member for Aldridge-Brownhill of 2 July 2025 on West Bank: Forced Displacement, Official Report, column 770, if he will publish the bilateral humanitarian aid spend allocation to the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the 2025-26 financial year. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 28 April, the UK announced a package of support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including £101 million for humanitarian aid, support for Palestinian economic development and strengthening Palestinian Authority governance and reform. As part of this package, on 21 May the Minister for Development announced a £4 million contribution to the British Red Cross to deliver humanitarian relief in Gaza through their partner, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Once the remainder of the funding has been allocated, we will publish the information.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled UK and Palestinian strategic cooperation: memorandum of understanding, published on 28 April 2025, what information his Department holds on the timescale for the Palestinian Authority to hold (a) presidential and (b) parliamentary elections. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK supports and commends the Palestinian Authority's (PA) commitment to delivering its ambitious and necessary 'National Program for Development and Reform', based on its seven strategic development initiatives and four institutional performance and service delivery reform pillars. As part of the UK-PA Memorandum of Understanding, the PA committed to convening Presidential and Parliamentary elections within the shortest feasible timeframe. President Abbas has publicly outlined his commitment to holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections within a year. We continue to encourage the PA to work towards genuine and democratic elections within the shortest feasible timeframe.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Blair McDougall:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many consular cases involving violent crime his Department has dealt with in St Lucia in each of the last five years. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Between 2019 and 2024 British nationals sought consular assistance as a result of violent crime on 15 occasions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Blair McDougall:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many consular cases involving violent crime against British tourists his Department has dealt with for customers of Tui Group. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Whether or not a British national was travelling with a particular tour company, airline or other business when they sought consular assistance is not captured in our case management system.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Sir Desmond Swayne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to the Government of Israel regarding persistent attacks by Israeli settlers on Taybeh in the West Bank. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government condemns settler violence. We regularly raise settler violence with Israeli ministers and officials, and we are clear that the Israeli government must clamp down on settler violence and settlement expansion. The UK has taken action to hold perpetrators and supporters of settler violence to account. On 10 June, the Foreign Secretary announced sanctions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in their personal capacity for inciting violence towards Palestinians. This was alongside action from our partners Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway. On 20 May, the Foreign Secretary announced sanctions targeting individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian Communities in the West Bank.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Dr Rosena Allin-Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 10451 on Israel: Occupied Territories, whether he plans to publish a formal response. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government condemns settler violence. We regularly raise settler violence with Israeli ministers and officials, and we are clear that the Israeli government must clamp down on settler violence and settlement expansion. The UK has taken action to hold perpetrators and supporters of settler violence to account. On 10 June, the Foreign Secretary announced sanctions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in their personal capacity for inciting violence towards Palestinians. This was alongside action from our partners Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway. On 20 May, the Foreign Secretary announced sanctions targeting individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian Communities in the West Bank.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Mrs Elsie Blundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help support the mental health needs of children in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. We highlighted the critical situation for Gaza's children at a session of the UN Security Council which we co-called on 16 July, and at the International Development Committee on 16 July. We have provided £5.6 million to the Global Partnership for Education to support the educational and psychosocial needs of children and young people in Gaza and the West Bank. Our support to Education Cannot Wait is also supporting children's education and mental health via the United Nation's Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other partners.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Pakistani counterpart on people imprisoned under blasphemy laws for exercising religious beliefs in that country. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: This Government remains deeply concerned by the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, particularly where they are used to target individuals for peacefully exercising their religion or belief. We regularly raise this issue at senior levels, urging Pakistani authorities to uphold due process, ensure fair trials, and protect those at risk. In March and June 2025, I raised concerns about freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) with Pakistani ministers. Working with the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, we are committed to championing the right to FoRB for all around the world - promoting tolerance and mutual respect through our engagement in multilateral organisations, our bilateral work, and our programme funding.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he last met with his United Arab Emirates counterpart to discuss that country's actions to deescalate tensions between Israel and Iran. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with his Emirati counterpart. They spoke most recently on 23 June to discuss regional tensions and the importance of de-escalation and diplomacy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his counterpart in the Syrian interim government on taking steps to ensure that they will not be influenced by radical Islamist groups following the lifting of certain sanctions on Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 5 July, the Foreign Secretary met President Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister al-Shaibani to reiterate the importance of an inclusive and representative political transition. The UK has consistently advocated for this and underlined the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians. We welcome provisions in the Constitutional Declaration on freedom of expression and freedom of religion and belief, as well as on guaranteeing the cultural diversity of Syrian society and the linguistic rights of Syrians. We continue to press the Syrian Government to prioritise inclusivity and representation in the appointment and election of People's Assembly members.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Syrian counterpart on the status of investigations into the reported killings of Christians and Alawites in Syria’s coastal region in March 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We continue to press the Syrian Government on the need to improve their response to sectarian violence and hold those responsible to account. We welcomed President Al-Sharaa's establishment of a Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the sectarian violence in the coastal regions in March 2025, and we look forward to its conclusions. We also welcome the swift and decisive action taken in response to the terrorist attack against Mar Elias church, including the tasking of specialist teams to investigate the incident.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has received assurances from the Syrian Interim Government that people responsible for recent attacks on religious minority communities are (a) not affiliated with and (b) supported by that administration. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK strongly condemns the terrorist attack at Mar Elias Church and remains committed to combatting terrorism. The Syrian Government's response was swift and robust, issuing an official statement of condemnation and call for unity, and announcing a three-day period of national mourning. The violence earlier this year, in the predominantly Alawite coastal region of Latakia, and against Druze in Southern Syria, was appalling. We continue to press the Syrian Government to improve their response to sectarian violence, protect civilians from violence and hold those responsible to account.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the safety of religious minority communities in Syria following the reported attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK strongly condemns the terrorist attack at Mar Elias Church and remains committed to combatting terrorism. We are concerned by reports of attacks on different religious groups by different actors. 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 on 5 July. We continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all.
wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the reported naturalisation of former members of (a) Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and (b) other extremist groups into the Syrian armed forces on the UK's national security. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We welcome the Government of Syria's announcement on 30 May introducing a new Code of Conduct for Syria's armed forces and expect all those serving to abide by it. The UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa travelled to Damascus on 9 July to discuss defence, security and areas for future cooperation with the Chief of Defence. A stable Syria is in the UK's interests and we are pressing the Syrian Government to make progress in combatting terrorism and extremism.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Claire Hanna:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of Israeli government plans to confine Palestinians to the Rafah area of Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are appalled by Israeli Defence Minister Katz's proposal to move Gaza's population to Rafah. Palestinian territory must not be reduced. Civilians must be able to return to their communities. We need to move towards a ceasefire deal and open a pathway to lasting peace.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Dr Rosena Allin-Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with international partners to help ensure an adequate supply of fuel to Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: No fuel has entered Gaza for over four months, putting vital services such as water supply, hospitals and ambulances at imminent risk of shutting down. This is unacceptable. We continue to be in regular contact with the Government of Israel about the importance of allowing fuel to reach Gaza. In our statement to the UN Security Council on 13 May, we called on Israel to allow the full resumption of aid into Gaza, including fuel. We reiterated this in our joint donor's statement with 26 other signatories on 19 May.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Syrian counterpart on ensuring that people responsible for (a) torture and (b) other human rights violations against survivors of Syria’s detention systems are (i) properly investigated and (ii) held accountable. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has long condemned the gross human rights violations committed by the Assad regime, including those in Syria's detention systems. We support the Syrian Government in establishing Syrian-led processes, such as the National Commissions on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons. We have urged the Syrian Government to engage collaboratively with civil societies and the UN to ensure these are inclusive, comprehensive and transparent. During the Foreign Secretary's meeting with President al Sharaa in Damascus on 5 July, he raised the importance of accountability and transitional justice for a sustainable political transition, and offered UK support.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Rt Hon Member for Aldridge-Brownhills on 2 July 2025 on West Bank: Forced Displacement, Official Report, column 770, what steps he is taking to get (a) new aid routes into the Occupied Palestinian Territories opened and (b) more aid where it is needed most. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Not enough aid is getting in and vital services such as water supplies, ambulances and hospitals are at risk of shutting down due to fuel shortages. On 12 July, the UN stated that fuel shortages in Gaza had reached a critical level. The small amounts that have been allowed to enter in recent days are nowhere near enough. We continue to call on Israel to allow for a full and unhindered resurgence in the flow of aid into Gaza and to allow the UN and humanitarian partners to operate in line with humanitarian principles. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 12 July, where he reiterated our concerns about the situation on the ground and pressed for a return to a ceasefire. We called on Israel to open all access routes and allow fuel into Gaza at a meeting of the UN Security Council on 30 June.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Syrian counterpart on ensuring that survivors of Syria’s detention systems have access to (a) justice, (b) reparations and (c) rehabilitation. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has long condemned the gross human rights violations committed by the Assad regime, including those in Syria's detention systems. We support the Syrian Government in establishing Syrian-led processes, such as the National Commissions on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons. We have urged the Syrian Government to engage collaboratively with civil society and the UN to ensure these are inclusive, comprehensive and transparent. During the Foreign Secretary's meeting with President al Sharaa in Damascus on 5 July, he raised the importance of accountability and transitional justice for a sustainable political transition, and offered UK support.
wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Syrian counterpart on that country's recognition of (a) South Ossetia and (b) Abkhazia. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary has not discussed Syria's recognition of South Ossetia or Abkhazia with his counterpart.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help prevent Iran resuming its nuclear programme. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Alongside his French and German counterparts, the Foreign Secretary continues to work with Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Araqchi towards a durable nuclear deal which ensures Iran never develops a nuclear weapon. Military action alone cannot solve this issue for the long term. We'll continue to use all diplomatic tools at our disposal to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon, including the snapback mechanism, if necessary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Israel, (b) the US and (c) other strategic partners in the region on Iran’s nuclear programme since June 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary has had extensive discussions with Foreign Minister Sa'ar and Secretary Rubio on 22 June regarding how to tackle what remains of Iran's nuclear programme after major US and Israeli strikes on its facilities. Our objective is to encourage Iran to return to talks to reach a lasting diplomatic solution. We have also spoken to the Gulf Cooperation Council and other regional partners to this end since 13 June, as well as the Iranians on numerous occasions. We will continue to use all diplomatic tools at our disposal, including UN snapback if necessary, to reach a diplomatic solution.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to respond to the correspondence (a) dated 28 April 2025 and (b) its follow-up dated 19 June 2025, concerning ABCD Bethlehem. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Apologies for the delay in responding to the hon. Member's correspondence, I issued a response to the hon. Member on 11 July 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

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Susan Murray:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to (a) his Israeli counterpart and (b) international humanitarian agencies on the entry of medical infant formula into Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We remain gravely concerned by the lack of adequate medical care in Gaza; nearly all Gaza's hospitals are damaged or partly destroyed according to the World Health Organization. Humanitarian workers must be protected and medical and aid workers must be able to do their jobs safely. On 19 May, the UK released a joint donors statement with 26 other signatories on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for a full resumption of aid into Gaza and for Israel to allow the UN and other aid organisations to operate independently. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 22 June to press Israel to restore humanitarian access. UK support has enabled the delivery of 1.3 million items of life-saving medicines, over 70,000 wound care packs and more than 500,000 patient consultations delivered through UK-Med. We have and will continue to press Israel to allow the entry of all necessary medical and nutritional supplies.
wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_40

Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 145 of the skeleton argument of the Secretary of State in Al-Haq v Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Claim No: AC-2023-LON-003634, if he will publish all relating documents. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We currently do not have plans to publish these assessments. Information on these assessments has been provided to the relevant Parliamentary committees and more detailed information on this assessment can be found in the judgement the High Court handed down on 30 June. The action we have taken, as announced to Parliament, is consistent with our legal obligations and we remain wholly committed to international law.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_41

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to maintain progress towards (a) a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine and (b) the recognition of a Palestinian state by the United Kingdom. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood.

Palestinian statehood is the right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel. The people of the West Bank and Gaza must be given the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future. That is why this Government supports a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Government agrees strongly on the importance of recognition, and that is why we will make sure the timing is right. We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace.
wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_42

Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on ensuring the delivery of (a) baby formula and (b) other essential humanitarian aid into Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. We highlighted the critical situation for Gaza's children at a session of the UN Security Council which we co-called on 16 July, and at the International Development Committee on 16 July. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar about the humanitarian situation in Gaza on 12 July. The UK continues to demand that a full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza takes place immediately. Israel must immediately allow the UN and aid partners to safely deliver aid at scale and in line with humanitarian principles.
wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-29 conversation_43

Esther McVey:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his oral contribution on 10 July 2025 in response to a Question from the hon. Member for Tatton, Official Report, column 1112, how much money has been saved as a result of the implementation of the Civil Service Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Expenditure guidance, published on 14 May 2024. \p Georgia Gould: The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The CS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Expenditure guidance remains in place.
wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_1

Alison Bennett:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the NHS Workforce Plan will include measures to encourage the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of clinical psychologists with a specialism in stem cell transplant and cell therapies. \p Karin Smyth: Decisions about recruitment are matters for individual National Health Service trusts. NHS trusts manage their recruitment, including recruitment of clinical psychologists, at a local level, ensuring they have the right number of staff in place and with the right skills mix, to deliver safe and effective care.

The Government is committed to publishing a refreshed NHS Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and treat patients on time again.

NHS England is leading work nationally through its retention programme to drive a consistent, system-wide approach to staff retention across NHS trusts. This ensures trusts have access to proven retention strategies, data-driven monitoring, and can foster a more stable, engaged, productive, and supported workforce.
wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_2

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of UK-trained qualified dentists. \p Stephen Kinnock: We are determined to rebuild National Health Service dentistry, but it will take time and there are no quick fixes. Strengthening the workforce is key to our ambitions.

Integrated care boards are recruiting posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years.

We have launched a 10-Year Health Plan to reform the NHS. A central part of the plan will be our workforce and how we ensure we train and provide the staff, technology, and infrastructure the NHS needs to care for patients across our communities.

We will ensure the NHS has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need when they need it.
wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_3

Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on what date he received the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration report on resident doctors pay. \p Karin Smyth: The Department received the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration’s report on 29 April 2025. The report contains findings and recommendations from the independent pay review body on resident doctor’s pay for 2025/26.
wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_4

Lewis Atkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help support people to (a) stay active and (b) live longer in (i) Sunderland Central constituency and (ii) other areas. \p Ashley Dalton: The Government and the National Health Service recognise that prevention will always be better and cheaper than a cure, and that supporting the country to be physically active is important in helping people live longer, healthier lives.

The Department of Health and Social Care co-funds the Primary School PE and Sport Premium with the Department for Education, and the School Games Organiser Network with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, both of which enable schools across the country to support children to have fun and move more through physical education, sport, play, and other forms of physical activity. Building healthy habits early on, in and out of school, is essential to helping children thrive, develop, and stay healthy.

The NHS Better Health Campaign promotes ways for adults, families, and children to move more, and signposts to digital support like Couch to 5k and the NHS Active 10 walking app, an accessible way of building movement into everyday life. The NHS, together with local authorities, also promotes and provides services to support people in building movement into their lives, for instance through exercise on referral and social prescribing.

As part of their place expansion approach, Sport England will be meeting with the Sunderland City Council later this summer to discuss working with them on tackling inactivity and participation inequalities through a whole system, place-based approach.
wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_5

Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the decrease in the Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance contributions announced in the Autumn 2024 Budget applies to (a) NHS England, (b) Health Education England, (c) NHS Digital, (d) NHS Improvement, (e) Health Research Authority, (f) Human Tissue Authority, (g) Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, (h) NHS Business Services Authority, (i) NHS Counter Fraud Authority, (j) NHS Blood and Transplant, (k) NHS Resolution, (l) Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, (m) UK Health Security Agency, (n) Care Quality Commission and (o) the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. \p Karin Smyth: The increase in employer National Insurance contributions (ENICs) and decrease in the lower earnings limit applies to all the employers listed. The Government will publish the ENICs allocations to reimburse public sector employers alongside departmental budgets for 2025/26 at Mains estimates. This will be published as a supplementary table, with a brief description of the methodology used to accompany it.
wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_6

Neil Coyle:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his policy is on the use of police vehicles as places of safety for people with mental heath conditions, in the context of police and prison cells no longer being used to place people experiencing a mental health crisis. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_7

Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7208, what steps his Department has taken to help recruit 8,500 new mental health workers. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-04 conversation_8

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of expanding the criteria for medical exemption certificates to include everyone with a (a) disability and (b) chronic illness. \p Karin Smyth: The Department has no plans to expand the criteria for medical exemption certificates.

Individuals with qualifying medical conditions or with a continuing physical disability which prevents them from leaving their residence without the help of another person are entitled to apply for a medical exemption certificate.

People may also be exempt from prescription charges depending on their age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension.

People who do not qualify for an exemption and who need many prescription items could save money with a prescription prepayment certificate, which allows people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost. People on a low income can seek help under the NHS Low Income Scheme.