theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 5 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, when he plans to launch a tender to deliver the Digital Targeting Web. \p Maria Eagle: The Digital Targeting Web is not a single piece of equipment or software with a single supplier, but an ecosystem that will bring together the current disparate multitude of targeting systems and software into a secure and efficiently connected, cross-classification, capability that will enable warfighting at pace and scale across all 5 operational domains on the Digital Backbone.

It will easily enable the introduction of emerging and novel technology, improve data-standardisation to enable better data and information sharing so that Defence has a much-improved ability to understand and shape the battlespace. Through the automation of processes, and the more timely provision of targeting data to weapon systems, the DTW will ensure the end-to-end targeting cycle is accelerated to better support commanders and provide UK Defence with a warfighting advantage over our adversaries. There will be no ‘single supplier’ nor tender to deliver the Digital Targeting Web, but a series of accelerators will be spun up to achieve the DTW. The first industry day has been set up for 18 July 2025 where industry can find out more about the approach and potential opportunities.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has ordered F35 aircraft for delivery after 2025. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) to Question 56964 on 9 June 2025 and for Question 58351 on 12 June 2025.

F-35 Aircraft: Procurement (docx, 15.9KB)
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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there are any contractual requirements that would prevent the UK from withdrawing from the F35 global spare parts pool. \p Maria Eagle: The UK Government does not have a contract with the F-35 global spares pool. The prime contractors for the F-35 programme, [the US companies Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney,] operate the F-35 global spares pool on behalf of the F35 programme, including the destination of specific spares and components.

The F-35 programme is a highly integrated programme, with the principle of cooperation lying at its heart.

If the UK Government were to withdraw from the F-35 global spares pool, it would effectively be withdrawing from the F-35 programme meaning that the UK would not be able to operate its F-35 fleet of aircraft.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has produced a timeline to implement the recommendations of the Kerslake Review. \p Al Carns: The Government has commissioned a new Defence Housing Strategy, due for publication later this year, that will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of military accommodation. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to improving military housing, widening entitlement, and the new consumer charter announced in April 2025.

With Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review only recently published and as part of ongoing Defence Reform activity we are actively working on producing a detailed timeline on how to implement the recommendations from the Kerslake review, aligned to the priorities set out by the Secretary of State for Defence.

A new taskforce has been formed including HM Treasury, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government that is reviewing how estate disposals are conducted.
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Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many military posts allocated for British Armed Forces personnel within NATO remain unfilled as of 1 April 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The UK is one of the largest contributors of personnel to NATO, underlining our commitment to deterrence and defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area, with personnel deployed in over twenty-one countries.

The UK consistently has one of the highest post fill rates in NATO. As of 1 April 2025, the UK’s post allocation was 1,053, of which 8% were unfilled. This is due to new long-lead posts recently being included in data, as well as normal churn.
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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 June 2025 to Question 57700 on LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, what progress his Department has made on ensuring eligible individuals receive compensation under the LGBT Veterans Independent Review’s financial recognition scheme by the target date. \p Al Carns: Defence’s LGBT Restorative Action team have worked closely with external and internal Defence communications teams to deliver campaigns to drive awareness of, and encourage, eligible LGBT Veterans to claim under the Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) since the scheme was announced. Defence continues to work with local councils, the NHS, LGBT and military charities, to better inform affected Veterans of the FRS and how to apply. Defence has also allocated £90,000 worth of grants to charities, including Fighting With Pride, to support Veterans with their FRS applications.

The LGBT Restorative Action team also continues to engage with relevant Veterans networks to ensure that eligible applicants of FRS receive the appropriate information, support, and guidance.

The Government encourages those affected by the Ban to visit gov.uk for further information, guidance, and support on how to make an application: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-of-the-lgbt-ban-financial-recognition-scheme

Payments made by the FRS are not compensation payments and do not seek to compensate for any pecuniary losses or attempt to place personnel in a financial position they could have been in, had the ban not existed.
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Mark Pritchard:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to diversify supplies of (a) gallium and (b) germanium as part of the UK’s defence industrial strategy. \p Maria Eagle: The Department recognises China’s influence in global critical mineral supply chains and the potential implications of China's export regulations on these chains, particularly concerning the use of germanium and gallium in the defence sector. The Department is collaborating closely with Industry, the Department for Business and Trade, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Cabinet Office and NATO to consistently assess supply chain risks and strategies for mitigation, including diversification of supply chains.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken with His Majesty’s armed forces to improve the maritime defence of British Exclusive Economic Zones. \p Luke Pollard: The primary role of the Royal Navy is to defend and protect the UK, whilst enhancing its resilience. As part of this core task, it monitors, tracks and responds to any potential threats in the UK EEZ, through frequent patrolling by British warships, monitoring and shadowing warships in UK waters, and use of the Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) programme, among other activity and capabilities. The Government has also been clear on its readiness and willingness to respond decisively to any maritime threat to the UK and its interests.

The Strategic Defence Review has highlighted the enduring requirement to secure the UK maritime zone, and the steps needed to ensure the Royal Navy are equipped to respond to the changing nature of threat in this domain. The Government has accepted the review’s recommendations in full.
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Charlie Maynard:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will meet with the hon. Member for Witney to discuss the allocation of new funding for military housing to RAF Brize Norton. \p Al Carns: In January this year, we brought back more than 36,000 family homes into the public sector. In April, we committed to a new consumer charter to deliver basic rights and standards. In May, we committed an additional £1.5 billion for military family homes, as part of at least £7 billion in funding for military accommodation over the next five years. Later this year, a new Defence Housing Strategy will set out a plan for the renewal of the Service family estate.

As an early priority we are proceeding with plans to build 265 new Service family homes at Brize Norton.

I have recently visited RAF Brize Norton to discuss the renewal of the housing estate there with DIO officials and RAF personnel. I would be happy to arrange an appropriate meeting with the hon. Member to brief him on ongoing work in this area.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 57461 on Nuclear Power: Security, where the additional 18,000 jobs in the defence nuclear workforce will be located. \p Maria Eagle: The National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills will be reviewed and refreshed later this year.

The additional 18,000 jobs in the defence nuclear workforce will be located predominately in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise locations specified on page 11 of Command Paper 1058: Delivering the UK’s Nuclear Deterrent as a National Endeavour, available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-nuclear-enterprise-command-paper.
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Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of accessing the European Defence Security Fund on tech companies in Cheltenham. \p Maria Eagle: We welcome European efforts to increase defence spending and provide the critical capability uplift needed by Europe, including the EU’s European Defence Readiness / ReArm initiatives and the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, the EU’s recently adopted €150 billion loan instrument.

On 19 May 2025, the UK and the EU agreed an ambitious new Security and Defence Partnership as part of a wider package of the UK-EU reset. Crucially, the Security and Defence Partnership means the UK now meets the criteria for discussing participation in common procurement under SAFE, which could provide new opportunities for UK companies. Recognising the important role that the UK’s defence industry plays for European security, the UK and the EU have set out our joint ambition to swiftly explore the potential for cooperation under the SAFE mechanism.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that critical components of military drones manufactured in the UK and supplied to Ukraine are sourced from UK suppliers. \p Luke Pollard: Where the UK’s drone industry can meet Ukraine’s drone requirements, Task Force KINDRED try to source from UK industry. This has been reaffirmed by the Defence Secretary’s announcement at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group on 4 June 2025, where he pledged £350 million investment into drones this financial year, with the majority of the spend to be with British companies.

The UK’s military support to Ukraine is based upon Ukraine’s needs, prioritising speed of delivery for equipment.

When drone production or their performance is constrained by supply of components, the Ministry of Defence has worked with UK companies to develop and produce new components.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 October 2024 to Question 8912 on Armed Forces: Housing, how much and what proportion of the (a) £41 million funding for refurbishment, heating, and room conversions to provide extra bed spaces and (b) £7.5 million funding for improving the condition and heating she plans to spend on single living accommodation in North Shropshire constituency. \p Al Carns: No major improvement projects are currently planned for Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at sites in the North Shropshire constituency.

However, routine maintenance and improvement works take place at all sites as required.

Previous works at Clive Barracks in Financial Year 2023-24 and 2024-25 included:
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 October 2024 to Question 8912 on Armed Forces: Housing, how much of the funding for (a) maintaining and (b) improving Service Family Accommodation in 2024-25 will be spent in North Shropshire constituency. \p Al Carns: In Financial Year 2024-25 circa £3.3 million was spent on maintaining and improving Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in the North Shropshire constituency. Circa £400,000 was spent on maintenance costs and circa £2.9 million was spent on improvements to SFA.

The figures provided do not include the core maintenance costs of the Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) Accommodation contract as we are unable to break the costs down into constituency.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve the quality of military accommodation at (a) RAF Shawbury and (b) of armed forces personnel in the surrounding area. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence is currently undertaking an extensive review of its entire Service Family Accommodation portfolio, including RAF Shawbury. The review will also include how the Department will make best use of the properties that have been reacquired from Annington, and which homes and locations can most benefit from investment.

The Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, will set out wider plans to improve the standard of SFA. The sites that will be refurbished are being worked through carefully, with the ambition to fairly make improvements across the UK.

No major improvement projects are currently planned for Single Living Accommodation at RAF Shawbury.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve the quality of military accommodation at Clive Barracks. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence is currently undertaking an extensive review of its entire Service Family Accommodation portfolio which will include Clive Barracks. The review will also include how the Department will make best use of the properties that have been reacquired from Annington, and which homes and locations can most benefit from investment.

The Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, will set out wider plans to improve the standard of Service family homes. The sites that will be refurbished are being worked through carefully, with the ambition to fairly make improvements across the UK.

Clive Barracks has been identified for closure, as such, work has been largely limited to ongoing works to improve and maintain ablutions.

During Financial Year 2024-25, a project providing new temporary Single Living Accommodation SLA with ensuite bathrooms, comprising of 88 single occupancy bedspaces, with supporting kitchens and utility rooms, was delivered to replace old accommodation that comprised of four-man rooms with shared ablutions, and address a shortfall of bedspaces.

No other SLA improvement works are programmed.
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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme. \p Al Carns: As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had distributed £2.2 million in payments, prioritising elderly applicants and those with serious health conditions to ensure timely support for those most in need. The first payments were issued within 15 weeks of the scheme going live, and while some complex cases require additional time, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to ensuring all eligible individuals receive the support they are entitled to.

The MOD is actively monitoring and assessing application data to evaluate the Scheme’s progress and continues to work with stakeholders, including local councils, the NHS, LGBT and military charities, and Veterans’ networks, to raise awareness and provide support. To date, £90,000 in grants has been allocated to charities, such as Fighting With Pride, to assist Veterans with their applications and ensure the scheme is accessible.

The MOD remains focused on addressing challenges, such as processing complex cases and improving outreach, and will continue to monitor the Scheme’s performance to ensure it meets its objectives of recognising and supporting those affected by the historic ban.
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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has considered introducing (a) automatic awards and (b) simplified applications for people with confirmed records of dismissal for homosexuality; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of doing so on levels of bureaucracy for (i) elderly and (ii) unwell veterans. \p Al Carns: As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 Veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with.

It is important to note that due to the individual nature of each case, we do not collect data on the average time between application and payment; this metric would not provide any meaningful insight into processing times, as it will vary considerably according to the specific circumstances of each Veteran’s application.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting LGBT Veterans who may face reliving traumatic experiences during the FRS impact statement process. Assistance is available to Veterans via our partner charities, Royal British Legion and Fighting with Pride. Additional support is also available from the Veterans Welfare Service. Contact details can be found on the FRS’s gov.uk page: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-of-the-lgbt-ban-financial-recognition-scheme/lgbt-financial-recognition-scheme-guide-how-to-apply-for-a-financial-recognition-payment

The FRS does not have an automated award system in place. To fairly assess if an application meets the eligibility criteria, applications must be processed fully in accordance with the Scheme Rules.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Information Commissioner’s Office on the data protection implications of offering lower prices in exchange for consumer data. \p Chris Bryant: The Secretary of State has not specifically discussed schemes that offer lower prices in exchange for consumer data with the Information Commissioner or his officials.
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Ann Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much funding Building Digital UK has received in each year since it was established. \p Chris Bryant: Building Digital UK (BDUK) became an Executive Agency on 1 April 2022. Each year, it publishes information on its total budget in its Annual Reports and Accounts. These are published on GOV.UK and cover the period from 1 April to 31 March.

In 2022 to 2023, the total annual budget was £90 million, and in 2023 to 2024 the total annual budget was £140 million. Information for 2024 to 2025 will be published in the next Annual Report and Accounts.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what work Innovate UK plans to take to increase advertising of the Contracts for Innovation grants programme in Northern Ireland. \p Feryal Clark: Innovate UK designed the methodology and provides guidance on Contracts for Innovation but most competitions are organised and delivered by other public bodies.

Innovate UK promote all Contracts for Innovation competitions it is aware of through social media and other communication channels. When Innovate UK directly operates competitions, it advertises them through its Innovation Funding Service alongside all other R&D funding opportunities. Innovate UK’s regional support advisors active in Northern Ireland can help direct local firms to appropriate funding programmes.
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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many permanent civil servants had contracts of employment terminated for poor performance in (a) 2022-23, (b) 2023-24 and (c) 2024-25. \p Feryal Clark: Human Resources data for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has been available from September 2023. Since then, the Department dismissed 1 permanent employee in 2023-24 and 2 permanent employees in 2024-25.
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Dr Allison Gardner:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what progress her Department has made on (a) preventing discrimination in (i) agencies and (ii) small recruiters when hiring disabled applicants and (b) monitoring employers' compliance with the Equal Opportunities Act. \p Dame Nia Griffith: The Government is clear that equality and opportunity for all are at the heart of our programme of national renewal. The Equality Act 2010 protects disabled people from discrimination in the workplace, including in recruitment. Guidance has been published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Acas, to help employers - including agencies and small businesses - follow the law and for employees and applicants to understand their rights.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is responsible for monitoring compliance with the legislation and providing guidance on reasonable workplace adjustments. Duties and protections under the Equality Act are ultimately enforceable through the courts, and anybody who meets the Act’s definition of a disabled person and who thinks that they have been discriminated against can take legal action to seek to resolve the issue, at an employment tribunal.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether she plans to issue guidance to political parties on the potential impact of the Supreme Court judgement in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers on all-women shortlists; and whether she plans to discuss this matter with the (a) Equality and Human Rights Commission, and (b) Electoral Commission. \p Dame Nia Griffith: The Supreme Court Judgment was clear that for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, biological sex determines whether a person is a woman or not. Accordingly, in relation to the Equality Act 2010’s provisions allowing political parties to use all-women shortlists to increase the number of women standing for election, parties will need to have regard to the recent ruling. A political party wishing to use these Equality Act provisions will need to be satisfied that any such shortlists are lawful.

We regularly consult stakeholders, including the Equality and Human Rights Commission, on a range of issues, including where new guidance is proposed.
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Satvir Kaur:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to support trans people to feel (a) safe and (b) valued. \p Dame Nia Griffith: The Government has set out our expectation that employers and other duty bearers follow the clarity the Supreme Court ruling provides. Where necessary, they should take appropriate specialist legal advice.

The EHRC is consulting on its draft updated statutory Code of Practice, seeking views from affected stakeholders. We encourage people to ensure their views are heard by submitting a response to the consultation by Monday 30th June. We will consider the final draft Code once it has been submitted and engage with the EHRC to ensure it provides the further certainty and clarity service providers need, in line with the ruling.

It is crucial that trans people are safe, included and protected from discrimination. There remain strong protections in place for trans people to live free from discrimination and harassment. In addition to this, work is already underway to fulfil the commitments set out in the Government’s manifesto, advancing the rights and protections afforded to trans people including: delivering a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, ensuring that all trans people receive appropriate and high-quality health care, and equalising all existing strands of hate crime to make them aggravated offences.
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Sadik Al-Hassan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the draft regulations entitled The Human Medicines (Amendments Relating to Hub and Spoke Dispensing etc.) Regulations 2025, what the VAT status will be for any (a) fees and (b) other charges between hubs and spokes under model one. \p James Murray: The rate of VAT applicable to this supply will depend on the exact nature of the arrangements. If VAT charges apply to invoices issued by the hub, a spoke should be able to recover VAT costs if they are registered for VAT and if the final supply qualifies for VAT zero rating.

VAT is a self-assessing tax and it is the responsibility of the supplier to charge, collect and pay to HM Revenue and Customs any VAT due on the supplies they make.
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Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she met Sir Jim Radcliffe in April 2025. \p James Murray: Departments publish a quarterly register detailing Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations. These returns - including the Chancellor’s Quarter 2 return - will be made available on GOV.UK in line with the usual publication schedule.
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Dan Norris:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to protect face-to-face banking services for people in North East Somerset and Hanham constituency. \p Emma Reynolds: The Government recognises the importance of face-to-face banking to communities, businesses and high streets in North East Somerset and Hanham, and across the country.

This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament.

Over 230 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Banking hubs offer everyday counter services, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services.

Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK.
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Navendu Mishra:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take fiscal steps to prevent the sale of high-strength ciders at low prices in supermarkets; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of preventing those sales on levels of alcohol harm. \p James Murray: Under our Health Mission, the Government is committed to prioritising preventative measures to support people to live longer, healthier lives. As part of this, the Government is considering carefully what further action is needed to address alcohol-related harms.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced an increase in alcohol duty in line with inflation on all non-draught products, alongside a cut in duty rates for lower strength products sold on draught. This decision balanced cost-of-living pressures on people who drink moderately and responsibly with the need to tackle increasing alcohol-related deaths and economic inactivity.

Reforms to alcohol duty made in 2023 increased duty on cider over 4.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Further, duty on cider now increases with product strength, such that the production and sale of lower strength cider is incentivised within the duty system.
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Ben Lake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 7 May 2025 to Question 48499 on Revenue and Customs, whether her Department plans to publish the minutes of the 2024 meeting of the Statutory Payment Consultation Group. \p James Murray: Minutes of the Statutory Payments Consultation Group meeting held on 30th January 2024 will be published before the Autumn. A date has not been set for a future meeting of the group.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of her Department's proposals to harmonise gambling duties on (a) horseracing and (b) other sports. \p James Murray: The Government is consulting on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling into one. The Government is committed to engaging with all stakeholders, including representatives of the horseracing industry, as part of the consultation process.

If any changes are made to gambling duties at a future Budget following the consultation, the legislation will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) her Department's proposals on gambling harmonisation and (b) affordability checks on levels of black market gambling. \p James Murray: The Government is consulting on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling into one – reducing complexity and improving compliance.

A new system for financial risk assessments is currently being piloted by the Gambling Commission. Stage 1 of the pilot showed that 95% of checks were frictionless and this increased to 97% of checks in stage 2.

DCMS works closely with the Gambling Commission to ensure that illegal gambling, in all its forms, is addressed. The Crime and Policing Bill, introduced in Parliament on 25 February 2025, will grant the Gambling Commission with powers to move quickly and effectively to take down illegal gambling websites.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_299

James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of the budget for the Ministry of Defence will be accounted for by expenditure on the intelligence and security services not previously included in that budget in each year of the Spending Review 2025. \p Darren Jones: The PM announced in February that an increase in NATO qualifying defence spending to 2.5% would be fully funded by a reduction to the ODA budget.

In line with practice among our allies, and recognising the increased contribution provided by our security and intelligence agencies on defence, we are including greater elements of the Single Intelligence Account spend in our NATO defence reporting. This will bring total NATO qualifying spending to 2.6% by 2027-28. This does not mean that the intelligence and security services will be added to the MOD budget.

NATO qualifying defence spending has always included elements beyond the MOD TDEL budget. This includes elements of spend such as armed forces pensions.
wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_300
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_300

James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to clause 5.59 of the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, if she will state for each year of the spending review the financial quantum of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's non-ODA budget accounted for by the portion of this funding which will contribute to the UK’s NATO-attributed defence spending, including FCDO-led programming in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Intelligence Community to counter (a) cyber attacks, (b) election interference, (c) disinformation and (d) other threats to stability. \p Darren Jones: Elements of FCDO’s programming budget will be evaluated for NATO eligibility in line with the NATO qualifying criteria.
wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_301
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_301

Mike Wood:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to Table 5.29 of the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, if he will provide a breakdown of the forecast RDEL settlements in each year of the Spending Review for each of the independent bodies listed in footnote 6 of the Table; and what efficiency requirements are assumed for each of those independent bodies. \p Darren Jones: Independent bodies are public bodies set up by, and reporting directly to, Parliament. As independent bodies are funded within Departmental Expenditure Limits, HM Treasury requests a forecast of expenditure to inform the aggregate published in Table 5.29 of the Spending Review. These forecasts are indicative - and subject to change. A breakdown of the budget for each of the independent bodies is shared with Parliament at Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates in each financial year.

As independent bodies are not directly accountable to ministers, the government cannot set efficiency targets in the same way as it does for other departments. In line with the government’s ambition to maximise the value or money for the taxpayer, independent bodies are encouraged to be more efficient.
wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_302
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_302

James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to to table 5.1 on pages 44-45 of the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, CP 1336, whether the Single Intelligence Account budget will be added to the Ministry of Defence's budget in 2027-28. \p Darren Jones: The PM announced in February that an increase in NATO qualifying defence spending to 2.5% would be fully funded by a reduction to the ODA budget.

In line with practice among our allies, and recognising the increased contribution provided by our security and intelligence agencies on defence, we are including greater elements of the Single Intelligence Account spend in our NATO defence reporting. This will bring total NATO qualifying spending to 2.6% by 2027-28. This does not mean that the intelligence and security services will be added to the MOD budget.

NATO qualifying defence spending has always included elements beyond the MOD TDEL budget. This includes elements of spend such as armed forces pensions.
wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_303
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_303

Mike Wood:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, whether the assumed average annual real growth in RDEL spending includes the department efficiency savings. \p Darren Jones: All departments have committed to delivering at least 5% efficiencies and savings as part of Spending Review 2025. In the usual way, final department settlements take account of the efficiencies and savings departments have agreed. Average annual real growth rates are based on these settlements; no specific adjustment has been made for efficiencies.
wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_304
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_304

James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total quantum is of the amount of money that will be added to the defence budget as a result of the incorporation of the intelligence and security services in each year of the Spending Review 2025. \p Darren Jones: The PM announced in February that an increase in NATO qualifying defence spending to 2.5% would be fully funded by a reduction to the ODA budget.

In line with practice among our allies, and recognising the increased contribution provided by our security and intelligence agencies on defence, we are including greater elements of the Single Intelligence Account spend in our NATO defence reporting. This will bring total NATO qualifying spending to 2.6% by 2027-28. This does not mean that the intelligence and security services will be added to the MOD budget.

NATO qualifying defence spending has always included elements beyond the MOD TDEL budget. This includes elements of spend such as armed forces pensions.
wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_305
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_305

Laurence Turner:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average processing time was for claims for Orchestra Tax Relief in each of the last five years. \p James Murray: HMRC balances the need to ensure that payments for tax reliefs are processed as quickly as possible with the need to ensure that they are claimed only by those who are eligible to do so. All claims for Orchestra Tax Relief are risk assessed on receipt. Where a claim is received and identified as requiring further review, HMRC may open an enquiry and ask for additional information.

The information provided states the average number of days to process a claim, which includes payment of the claim or making a decision to ask for further information or open an enquiry.

Year

Average Days to Process or Open an Enquiry

24/25

31

23/24

28

22/23

28

21/22

35
wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_306
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_306

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC has made an estimate of the number of people working in the informal economy without legal immigration status; and what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of illegal working on the economy. \p James Murray: The government is committed to ensuring the UK border is secure and is increasing enforcement of illegal working practices for those without the right to be here. Furthermore, the government is recruiting an additional 5,500 compliance staff over the next five years as part of our ambitious approach to ensure everyone pays the right tax at the right time
wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_307
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_307

Lizzi Collinge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending regulations preventing existing customers from being charged higher premiums than new customers to include homecare insurance. \p Emma Reynolds: The Government is committed to ensuring that insurers treat all customers fairly and insurance companies are required to do so under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) rules.  The FCA is the independent body responsible for regulating and supervising the financial services industry. The FCA requires firms to ensure their products offer fair value. The FCA monitors firms to make sure they provide products that are fair value, and, where necessary, it will take action.

In January 2022, the FCA introduced new rules to prevent insurers from charging existing customers more than new customers for equivalent home and motor insurance policies. The FCA intends to publish an impact evaluation of the effect of these rules later this year.

The FCA continues to monitor pricing practices across the insurance sector and may consider further action where there is evidence of consumer harm.
wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_308
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_308

Perran Moon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with insurers on the potential impact of the cost of monthly insurance payments on levels of financial inclusion. \p Emma Reynolds: Treasury Ministers and officials have regular meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors, including insurers, on an ongoing basis.

Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment on the likelihood of a claim being made and the cost of those claims. The Government does not set the terms, conditions, or prices for insurance policies. However, the Government is determined that insurers treat customers fairly and firms are required to do so under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules.

Last October, the FCA launched a market study on premium finance – a form of credit that allows insurance customers to spread the upfront annual cost of their premium. The FCA noted their concern that premium finance may not represent fair value for some customers. The FCA will publish an update on its work in due course.

The Government has also convened a committee of consumer and industry representatives to inform the development of a Financial Inclusion Strategy which will be published later this year. As part of this, the committee is considering barriers consumers face to accessing insurance products.
wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_309
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-16 conversation_309

Cameron Thomas:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the (a) availability and (b) accessibility of banking hubs in Gloucestershire. \p Emma Reynolds: The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets in Gloucestershire and across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 230 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

The location of these hubs is determined independently by LINK, the industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments. When a cash service such as a bank branch closes, or if LINK receives a request directly from a community, LINK assesses a community’s access to cash needs. This assessment may lead to a recommendation for the establishment of a banking hub in that community. When assessing, LINK takes account of how accessible remaining cash services (e.g. bank branches) are by public transport, including journey times and cost.

A banking hub has been recommended for Thornbury in South Gloucestershire and a property search is currently underway.