theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_6

Rebecca Paul:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many trained personnel is the Royal Navy short of in its full establishment. \p Luke Pollard: As of 1 January 2025, the total Full-Time Trained Strength of the Royal Navy was 28,080. These figures are published on a quarterly basis and can be found at the following website - Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics: 2025 - GOV.UK. The Ministry of Defence cannot provide detail on headcount targets for security reasons.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_7

Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help ensure accountability for the killing of Agnes Wanjiru. \p Luke Pollard: The Secretary of State visited Kenya in April to meet with the family of Agnes Wanjiru, and reaffirmed his personal commitment to securing justice following her tragic death over 13 years ago.

The jurisdiction for this investigation lies with the National Police Service, Kenya, therefore all enquiries on the progress of the ongoing investigation should be directed to them. The UK’s Defence Serious Crime Command are proactively engaged with the Kenyan police in support of their investigation where appropriate. In order to protect the integrity of that investigation and in the interests of justice, it would be inappropriate to comment further.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_8

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help prevent personnel reduction in the armed forces. \p Luke Pollard: The current Government inherited a crisis in recruitment and retention from the last administration. We have made a series of announcements to improve Armed Forces recruitment and retention since July 2024.

To increase recruitment into the Armed Forces, recent policies have included a 35% pay increase for new recruits; one of the largest pay increases in the last 20 years for existing personnel; scrapping over 100 outdated medical policies; the implementation of a new military direct-entry cyber pathway; and setting an ambition to make a conditional offer of employment to candidates within 10 days, and a provisional training start date within 30 days. These activities and their impacts will inform the development of the Armed Forces Recruitment Service which is being implemented to further improve the speed with which highly motivated and capable people can join our Armed Forces.

To support retention of Armed Forces personnel, the Armed Forces pay increase represents a significant investment in our people, and we have gone further in announcing a £30,000 financial incentive to a cohort of tri-Service Air Engineers as well as an £8,000 retention payment for a cohort of Army personnel. These measures support the retention of key skills and personnel in Defence through appropriate financial recognition. Furthermore, in recognising the significant sacrifices that our military families make in serving our nation, we have protected the integrity of the Continuity of Education Allowance, repurchased the Service Family Accommodation estate from Annington Homes and extended Wraparound Childcare to families serving overseas which will potentially save up to £3,400 annually for Service families.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_9

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the 36,347 houses reacquired in January 2025 require refurbishment before they can be inhabited. \p Al Carns: To maximise the opportunity from the buy-back of the estate, as part of the process to produce a Defence Housing Strategy we are currently undertaking an extensive review of all Service Family Accommodation.

Work is already underway to implement a new consumer charter for all Service family housing, as announced by Defence Secretary on 18 April 2025.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_10

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Homes fit for heroes: Raft of new measures to improve military family housing, published on 18 April 2025, how the reduction in spending of £600,000 per day was calculated. \p Al Carns: The £600,000 per day saving was calculated by taking the annual rental bill that covered the most recent 12 months of rent paid at the time of publication (December 2023 to September 2024) and dividing this by 365 days per year.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_11

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 46974 on Ministry of Defence: Land, which 17 local authorities his Department is working with on the future use of surplus military land in local plans. \p Al Carns: The table below shows the Local Planning Authorities the Ministry of Defence is currently engaging with on the future use of surplus military land on sites previously identified for disposal through both the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme and other initiatives.

LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY (LPA)

Colchester City Council

North Yorkshire Council

Broxtowe Borough Council

Winchester City Council

Rutland Council

Central Bedfordshire Council

Royal Borough of Greenwich

Portsmouth City Council

South Kesteven District Council

Forest of Dean District Council

Maidstone Borough Council

Wiltshire Council

Breckland District Council

West Suffolk District Council

Telford and Wrekin Council

Shropshire Council

Cheshire West and Chester Council

City of York Council

Buckinghamshire Council

Preston City Council

Vale of White Horse District Council

Plymouth City Council

South Oxfordshire District Council

London Borough of Hounslow

Huntingdonshire District Council

Rushmoor Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council

Surrey Heath Borough Council

East Hampshire District Council
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_12

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Homes fit for heroes: Raft of new measures to improve military family housing, published on 18 April 2025, how many homes will be refurbished in addition to the first 1,000 announced in that release. \p Al Carns: We are currently undertaking an extensive review of our entire Service Family Accommodation portfolio to determine how we will utilise our properties including those reacquired from Annington Homes Ltd. Until this review is completed, we are unable to provide details of our future intentions.

All options will be assessed during the review to ensure a strategic and structured approach is taken.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_13

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to increase security of subsea infrastructure between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. \p Luke Pollard: Subsea cables are critical to UK telecommunications digital infrastructure, and the Government are committed to maintaining and enhancing their security. This is a whole-of-Government effort including the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, alongside industry and international partners.

The Royal Navy plays a critical part in this RFA Proteus. the UK's first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship (MROS), is now operational and using its leading-edge technology to monitor underwater infrastructure in areas of UK sovereign interest.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_14

Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an estimate of the cost of increasing the number of full-time trained regular Army personnel by 3,000. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats and opportunities of the twenty-first century, including for the British Army. The Review has been considering all aspects of Defence, such as the future force design of the British Army.

It is not possible to provide an accurate estimate due to the number of variables involved in the calculation, for example the role(s) any additional personnel would be undertaking.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_15

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether a Minister for Veterans Affairs will be appointed. \p Al Carns: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Prime Minister gave to Question 124 on 24 July 2024.

Cabinet (docx, 15.8KB)
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_16

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of homes built on surplus military land will be affordable. \p Al Carns: The proportion of affordable homes that may be built on surplus military land, is not a decision for the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The number of affordable homes is allocated by the local planning authority and the MOD will consult with them to ensure any proposed development aligns with their core policy.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_17

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Homes fit for heroes: Raft of new measures to improve military family housing, published on 18 April 2025, how the named housing officer for every family will differ from the role of the Unit Welfare Officer. \p Al Carns: Unit Welfare Officers are Service personnel who offer support to Armed Forces personnel and their families on a wide range of welfare issues, including both military-related and family matters. They may address housing concerns as part of their responsibilities. In cases involving housing issues, Unit Welfare Officers may signpost families to Pinnacle Housing Officers, or work with Pinnacle Housing Officers directly to resolve issues.

The Housing Officer role is a non-military post which supports Service families with housing issues only.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_18

James Wild:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the 40 most expensive substitute (a) service family accommodation and (a) single living accommodation properties were by (i) monthly rental and (b) location in each of the last 12 months. \p Al Carns: Since 1 April 2022, substitute accommodation has been delivered under the Rented Living Accommodation Project (RLAP). Under RLAP, Mears Group provide both Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) and Single Service Substitute Accommodation (SSSA) including the occupation management of the substitute accommodation portfolio, repairs and maintenance.

For all substitute accommodation, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) pays a contractual rate in lieu of rental cost. The contractual rate is commercially sensitive, and its disclosure would prejudice Ministry of Defence's commercial interests and relationship with its contractor, Mears.

The 40 most expensive SSSA properties are all located in London.

For SSFA, the table below provides details of the 40 locations with the highest contractual rate for properties, by month, from April 2024 to March 2025:

Date

Location

London

South East

Scotland / NI

Midlands

East

North-East Yorkshire / Humberside

South-West

North-West

Wales

Apr 24

5

17

1

6

4

1

4

2

May 24

5

17

1

6

4

1

4

2

Jun 24

6

16

1

6

4

1

4

2

Jul 24

6

16

2

6

3

1

4

2

Aug 24

7

16

2

6

1

1

4

3

Sep 24

6

17

2

6

1

1

4

3

Oct 24

6

16

2

10

1

1

1

3

Nov 24

6

16

2

10

1

1

1

3

Dec 24

6

16

2

5

1

1

6

3

Jan 25

6

14

2

5

1

1

8

3

Feb 25

6

2

2

5

2

0

20

0

3

Mar 25

6

14

2

5

1

2

8

2
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_19

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Homes fit for heroes: Raft of new measures to improve military family housing, published on 18 April 2025, how he plans to implement the consultation with (a) military personnel and (b) their families on the defence housing strategy; and over what time period the consultation will run. \p Al Carns: As set out in the announcement of the Consumer Charter on 18 April 2025, seven commitments will be delivered by the end of 2025. Further details will be published as part of the Defence Housing Strategy later this year.

Consultation with military personnel and Service families will be key to informing this activity and ensuring that the commitments deliver tangible change. Engagement has already started with the Family Federations on the commitments of the Consumer Charter.

The Housing Review Panel is currently assessing how feedback from Service families can be best captured. A series of accommodation roadshows are already taking place during which, feedback is being captured. It is expected that engagement will broaden to include a combination of questionnaires and in-person feedback.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_20

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he plans to take to increase the numbers of Army Cadets. \p Al Carns: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Leeds North West (Katie White) on 9 April 2025 to Question 43391.

Armed Forces: Cadets (docx, 16.7KB)
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985 to include Army Cadet Force instructors. \p Al Carns: The Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985 protects the jobs of reservists who are called into service for full-time duty. Army Cadet Force Instructors are volunteers and not employed by the Ministry of Defence. The Cadet Forces are not part of the Armed Forces of the Crown, and members of the Cadet Forces have no liability for military service. This being the case we do not intend to review the scope of the Act to include Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

Cadet Force Adult Volunteers are without doubt the lifeblood of our Cadet Forces without whom the fantastic benefits of the ‘cadet experience’ could not be enjoyed by many thousands of young people. We are truly grateful for their volunteering service, and this is fully recognised in a number of ways, not least through the award of the Cadet Forces Medal on completion of twelve years’ qualifying service.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_22

Will Stone:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is taking steps to help develop female-specific body armour. \p Maria Eagle: Defence is an active participant in NATO work to explore options to further optimise body armour for our Service personnel, including for females. The current Tactical Ballistic Plate (TBP) project will deliver hard armour plates in a range of different sizes, thus ensuring greater comfort and integration for all users across Defence. Multiple Human Factors Integration (HFI) trials have been completed with female representation.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_23

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to procure the Gambit 5 UCAV for use by the Royal Navy. \p Maria Eagle: The Royal Navy is exploring how Fixed Wing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (FW ACPs) could augment F35B Lightning embarked in Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) carriers to provide additional strike capability. There are a number of emerging solutions for this capability and the Royal Navy will work collaboratively with the Royal Air Force to evaluate these solutions.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_24

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the RAF's anti-radar missile capability. \p Maria Eagle: The Department has no anti-radar missile in its inventory or Equipment Plan programme of record. The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges and threats of the 21st century. The SDR will ensure the UK is secure at home and strong abroad.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_25

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the delivery of Project ASGARD. \p Maria Eagle: The potential merits of expanding Project ASGARD are continually assessed by the Department.

Over time, ASGARD will deliver a suite of benefits across the Field Army. At this stage in the project, the capabilities are being operated by a single Brigade.

At the midpoint of the current Project ASGARD delivery phase, an independent review was commissioned to assess progress. The recommendations from that review were adopted in full and are being implemented. Upon completion of the current delivery phase, a formal lesson identification and capture process will be conducted, in line with best practice guidance from the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_26

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the out of service date is for the Jackal 2 reconnaissance vehicle. \p Maria Eagle: The current projected Out of Service Dates (OSD) for the requested British Army vehicles can be found in the table below.

Vehicle

OSD

Bulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier

2030

Warrior IFV

2027

Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle

2029

Jackal 2 Reconnaissance Vehicle

2030
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_27

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the consultation entitled Strengthening the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, published on 28 April 2025, whether his Department would be exempt from any potential changes to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, in the context of the procurement of ration packs for armed forces personnel. \p Maria Eagle: Operational Ration Packs contain flavoured drink powders and fortified flavoured drink powders. The Soft Drinks Industry Levy does not apply to drinks sold as a powder and these drinks will continue to be exempt from the levy.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_28

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is taking steps to reduce the procurement time of new surface fleet assets for the (a) Royal Navy and (b) Royal Fleet Auxiliary. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy are committed to accelerating the pace of procurement. In a period of ever-increasing technological advancement, the ability to harness new capabilities and leverage innovation at pace is critical to the Navy as a credible, modern and capable force. Accelerating procurement is recognised across Defence, forming an important outcome within the Defence Industrial Strategy, and is being considered as part of the Security Defence Review. The establishment of the National Armaments Director Group as part of Defence Reform also seeks to energise the military-industrial relationship to drive pace into procurement.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_29

Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any components of the (a) Mk4 and (b) Mk4A Holbrock warhead were (i) manufactured in and (ii) procured from the US, other than the (A) arming, (B) fusing and firing system, (C) neutron initiators and (D) gas transfer system. \p Maria Eagle: In addition to the Mk4/4a components listed by the hon. Member, the UK acquires the Mk4 aeroshell from the US under the auspices of the 1963 Polaris Sales Agreement (as amended in 1982 for Trident). Utilising US non-nuclear warhead components brings significant cost benefits and ensures we remain compatible with the Trident missile, however, the requirements, design and manufacture of the Holbrook warhead are independent to the UK.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_30

Vikki Slade:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to ensure that ongoing work under the digital identities framework to digitise (a) sex and (b) other personal information incorporates safeguards to guarantee the information used is accurate where it might be recorded differently on (i) passports, (ii) driving licences and (iiI) other documents. \p Feryal Clark: Digital identities do not offer a new way to determine sex or gender. As with physical verification, individual organisations are responsible for determining what precise information it is appropriate to verify in a particular case and how they verify that to meet their requirements. The UK digital identity and attributes trust framework creates rules for how digital identity services operate. It does not set requirements for how government departments record sex and other personal information. Under data protection law, personal data which is processed must be accurate for the purposes for which it is processed.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_31

Claire Hanna:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what governance arrangements are in place for the Cyber Local fund in Northern Ireland; and what steps he plans to take to allow local groups in Northern Ireland to provide input into the initiative. \p Feryal Clark: For the 2024/25 Cyber Local pilot, regional steering groups were established to review expressions of interest from potential applicants. The Northern Ireland steering group comprised individuals from industry, academia, and the NI Executive, and was responsible for ensuring that proposals met a local need and did not duplicate existing interventions. Endorsement from the steering group was a prerequisite for accessing a Cyber Local grant via Innovate UK.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_32

Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to improve access to media literacy education. \p Feryal Clark: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology coordinates media literacy activity across government, including in its approach to digital inclusion which integrates policy on digital skills and media literacy. The Digital Inclusion Action Plan outlines steps to support community initiatives for boosting digital skills and media literacy.

In formal education, the government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review which aims to ensure a rich, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work. The Review’s interim report, published in March, highlights the need for a focus on media literacy in response to evolving technological challenges.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_33

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of transitioning to animal free medical research methods on public health. \p Feryal Clark: The Labour Manifesto commits to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”.

Recent developments in technology, in particular cell biology, organoids and AI, promise a step-change in the utility of alternatives to animal testing, which are expected to be more accurate than current animal-based approaches. These alternatives have the potential to improve understanding of human disease, reduce research development time and improve efficacy of therapeutics, providing substantial benefits for public health. The Government will publish a strategy for supporting the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_34
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_34

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of transitioning to animal free medical research methods on the economy. \p Feryal Clark: The Labour Manifesto commits to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”. The government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year, which will consider economic impacts.

Home to world leading research and pharmaceutical businesses, the UK is well positioned to capitalise on the global non-animal technologies for life sciences market, estimated to be worth $29.4 billion by 2030, and on the scientific and economic advantages of more human-relevant methods applied in product development and testing.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_35

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he is taking steps to help support a transition to animal-free medical research methods. \p Feryal Clark: The Labour Manifesto commits to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”, which is a long-term goal. While it is not yet possible to replace all animal use due to the complexity of biological systems and regulatory requirements, we support the development and application of approaches that replace, reduce and refine animal use in research (the 3Rs). Work to support this transition must be science-led and in lock step with partners.

The government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_36

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will review the VAT exemption cap for repairs on listed places of worship. \p Chris Bryant: The Department has no plans to reconsider the £25,000 cap. Based on previous scheme data, we expect 94% of claims to be unaffected by the change.

Future Government spending is a matter for the Spending Review.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_37

Harpreet Uppal:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what funding her Department provides to help support local cultural (a) events and (b) awards that seek to celebrate the (i) heritage and (ii) creativity of (A) Huddersfield and (B) similar towns. \p Chris Bryant: The department primarily funds such aspects through Arts Council England (ACE) which supports organisations through their National Portfolio (NPOs) programme which provides funding of over £450 million a year to arts organisations across the country, many of which provide programmes that celebrate creativity and heritage. In addition, ACE’s open funding programme, National Lottery Project Grants, is currently accessible to organisations and individuals across the country, including those in Huddersfield and similar sized towns. This programme provides over £100 million of support annually to individuals and organisations.

In Huddersfield for example, ACE supports a number of NPOs such as the annual Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Lawrence Batley Theatre which hosts a wide ranging year-round programme which includes dance shows, dramas and top comedians. ACE is also supporting Kirklees council in the creation of a new Cultural Strategy.

Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund also distribute funding on behalf of the department aimed at enabling communities to celebrate their heritage and champion historic places. Historic England delivers grant schemes such as Everyday Heritage Grants and History in the Making which focuses on projects that celebrate working class histories and enables communities to celebrate their local history. The National Lottery Heritage Fund funds a broad range of projects that connect people and communities to the UK's heritage. Their funding can be used for a range of heritage projects including commemorations and celebrations of communities, places or events, and exploring cultural traditions within a place.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_38

Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 47850 on Cultural Heritage: Export Controls, what the total value was of objects in export licence applications received in each month for the same period. \p Chris Bryant: The total value of objects in export licence applications received by the Export Licensing Unit, run by Arts Council England, between May 2020- April 2025 was £46,224,886,566

A monthly breakdown is also available, see attached.

Data (xlsx, 14.7KB)
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_39

Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to improve access to arts and culture in the West Midlands. \p Chris Bryant: Arts Council England has provided over £357 million of funding in the West Midlands between 2021-2025. Sutton Coldfield has received over £1.5 million between 2021-2025.

For example, Selina Thompson Ltd is in receipt of £350,000 per annum as a new Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO). This NPO makes theatre installations, workshops and radio work for performance spaces, pubs, clubs and shopping centres across England and internationally.

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery has received £5m as part of the Cultural Development Fund to create a striking extended building and repurpose spaces to showcase Stoke-on-Trent’s world class museum collections and enhance the visitor experience. In February, the Secretary of State announced that museums in the West Midlands, including Tamworth and Wolverhampton, would receive Museum Estate and Development Fund awards of over £3.4 million.

The Department has also announced a new £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund on 20 February. This will include support to museums, arts and music venues across the country and is a critical step that this Government is taking to help create jobs, boost local economies, and expand access to arts and culture for communities.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_40

Andrew Ranger:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when guidance will be released for cites wanting to bid for the 2029 city of culture competition. \p Chris Bryant: The Government’s approach to a future UK City of Culture competition will be announced in due course.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_41

Alberto Costa:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with Ofcom on the regulation of televised advertisements depicting (a) violent imagery, (b) knifes and (c) other weapons during family viewing hours; and what steps she is taking to ensure such content does not undermine public messaging around knife crime prevention. \p Chris Bryant: Although we have not had specific such conversations with Ofcom, we take the issue seriously. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) co-regulates broadcast advertising under contract with Ofcom and its sister organisation, the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice, sets the advertising codes. The Code requires that advertisements do not cause serious offence or harm, particularly to children under the age of 18, distress the audience without justifiable reason, or condone or encourage violence, crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour. Adverts for offensive weapons are considered unacceptable, and violent material must not be advertised in or adjacent to programmes targeted particularly at audiences below the age of 18. All broadcast advertising is required to be pre-approved through the Clearcast system before it is aired.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_42

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many members of the Senior Civil Service in his Department are in post on a temporary basis, at each grade. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: There were 60 SCS1, 21 SCS2, and less than 5 SCS3 in post on a temporary basis on the 31st of March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_43

Jim Shannon:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the number of sexual assaults that occur in the workplace. \p Georgia Gould: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 29th April is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 119.5KB)
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_44

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 12 April 2025 to Question HL6032 on Arm’s Length Bodies, whether the Public Sector Fraud Authority is in the process of being set up. \p Georgia Gould: The government introduced the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill in January, giving us more tools to combat fraud, allowing the government to investigate fraud and recover public money.

The Bill also provides the potential for the Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) to become an arm’s-length statutory body in the future, providing flexibility as to how the government conducts their future counter fraud activities. It was assessed that it would be disproportionate to establish PSFA as one at this current time.

On 6 April, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced a full review of all arm’s length bodies to ensure their existence can be strongly justified against key principles. Any future decision to set up any new ALBs would need to demonstrate alignment with these principles and follow the joint HMT and Cabinet Office approval process for new bodies.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_45

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 46096 on Mortality Rates, what the national average death rate was in (a) 1996, (b) 2000 and (c) 2024. \p Georgia Gould: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman or lady Parliamentary Question of 29th April is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 106.8KB)
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_46

Munira Wilson:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which public bodies have processes for disposing of surplus assets below market rate in the community interest; and what form these processes take. \p Georgia Gould: Information on the disposal of surplus assets by public bodies is not held centrally.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_47

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to fly the bisexual flag at 10 Downing Street. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: There are currently no plans to fly the bisexual flag at 10 Downing Street.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_48

Nick Timothy:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the National Security Secretariat uses Gaza Health Ministry statistics in its cross-Whitehall briefings. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: NSS does use Gaza Health Ministry casualty figures for briefing.

It is difficult to verify casualty statistics accurately during an active conflict. FCDO and CO rely on the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports which use figures issued from the Gazan Ministry of Health (MoH).

Over the course of this conflict FCDO has consulted experts from the London School of Tropical Medicine, OCHA, WHO and Every Casualty Counts, and assesses that the total number of deaths in Gaza since 7 October 2023 is a reliable figure. The MoH collates information on casualty statistics using a health information system derived from eight major hospitals across the Strip. They verify and identify the dead by age, gender and ID number.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_49
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_49

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 42039 on Cabinet Office: Staff, what the average number of staff attached to the Skills Match Hub was in each of the last six months. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Skills Match Hub operates with a dynamic staffing model that adapts to the evolving needs of various business units. Consequently, the number of individuals associated with the Hub at any given moment can fluctuate. These variations typically arise from internal reorganisations or the return of staff from temporary assignments where their previous roles have since changed. This inherent fluidity means the precise staffing level is subject to continuous adjustments.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_50
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_50

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the press notice entitled Appointment of Oli de Botton as the PM’s Expert Adviser on Education and Skills, published on 3 April 2025, whether the Expert Adviser on Education and Skills has been appointed as a (a) special adviser, (b) civil servant, (c) public appointment or (d) as a direct ministerial appointment; and whether that post is remunerated. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: Oli de Botton has been appointed as a direct ministerial appointment. The post is remunerated.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_51
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_51

Susan Murray:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to publish statistics on the (a) number, (b) geographical distribution and (c) sectors worked in by people on (i) night and (ii) rotating shifts. \p Georgia Gould: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon lady’s Parliamentary Question of 29th April is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 107.6KB)

Accompanying data table 1 (xlsx, 18.2KB)

Accompanying data table 2 (xlsx, 18.6KB)
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_52
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_52

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether (a) civil servants and (b) special advisers are asked to provide details of (i) spent and (ii) unspent criminal convictions when applying for (A) CTC and (B) SC security clearance. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: All vetting applicants for Counter-Terrorist Check and Security Check clearances are asked to declare spent and unspent convictions.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_53
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_53

James Wild:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department's publication entitled UK Covid-19 Inquiry Management Statement, published in August 2022, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the Covid-19 public inquiry represents value for money. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is an independent public inquiry, established by the previous administration.

In line with the UK Covid-19 Management Statement, the Inquiry’s Accounting Officer must conform to value for money and good financial management requirements and must provide financial updates to the Cabinet Office as its sponsor department.

The Chair is under a statutory obligation to avoid unnecessary costs in the Inquiry’s work and she has been clear that she intends to complete her work as quickly and efficiently as possible.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_54
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_54

Phil Brickell:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 46285 on Ethics and Integrity Commission, when he plans to announce the independent Chair of the Ethics and Integrity Commission. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: I refer the Honourable Member to the answer he was given to PQ UIN 46285 on 28 April 2025.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_55
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_55

Daisy Cooper:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March to Question 34653 on Royal Mail: Workplace Pensions, whether any of the 906 tax free lump sum overpayments in 2024 related to retirement in previous years. \p Georgia Gould: Whilst all of the 906 overpayments happened in 2024, the impacted members retired across a number of years.

Of the 906 cases, 163 retired in 2024, 597 in 2023; 5 in 2022), 3 in 2021, 4 in 2020, 2 in 2019, and 8 in 2018. The remaining 124 cases retired before 2018.

The Cabinet Office has worked closely with the scheme administrator, to review all other processes in relation to the administration of the scheme, to ensure that they are documented and accurately reflect the contractual requirements and scheme rules, to deliver the best possible service to members and minimise errors.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_56
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_56

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which hon. Members have been appointed as Mission Champion by the Government; and what guidance his Department has provided on whether Mission Champions should attend Ministerial meetings. \p Ellie Reeves: Mission Champions are a political appointment within the Parliamentary Labour Party; the Cabinet Office has not issued any specific guidance related to Mission Champions. The Ministerial Code sets out the standards of conduct expected of ministers and how they discharge their duties.
wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_57
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-08 conversation_57

Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he plans to take through the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan to reduce vacancy rates for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. \p Karin Smyth: The Department does not hold information on the vacancy rate for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon training posts or consultant positions.

We will publish a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and treat patients on time again. We will ensure the National Health Service has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need, when they need it.

NHS England publishes quarterly NHS hospital trust vacancy and job advert data. The publication sets out vacancy rates for total NHS staff and, separately, for registered nurses and doctors at a national and regional level. The latest data for December 2024 shows the vacancy rate for doctors was 5.2%. The data is not detailed enough to identify vacancy rates for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon consultants. Further information is available at the following link:   https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-vacancies-survey