theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Caroline Voaden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has considered extending temporary licences to (a) crab and (b) lobster fishers who have been affected by recent trends in the number of octopuses. \p Dame Angela Eagle: No temporary licences are issued. To fish for shellfish, fishers need a shellfish entitlement on their fishing vessel licence from the Marine Manamgent Organisation (MMO) and if fishing in the 0-6 nautical mile zone, a permit from their local Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA). In this case, applications may be made to the Devon and Severn IFCA
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Tom Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding her Department plans to provide for plastic reprocessing infrastructure in each of the next three years; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of that funding on (a) trends in the level of (i) landfill, (ii) incineration and (iii) domestic recycling capacity. \p Mary Creagh: Defra currently has no plans to fund plastics reprocessing infrastructure. There are existing mechanisms including the market-based Packaging Waste Recycling Notes (PRN) system to provide direct funding to the reprocessing sector.

This year sees the start of Defra’s packaging reforms. Simpler Recycling mandates that all local authorities and businesses in England collect the same core set of materials for recycling. These reforms will support private investment in infrastructure, including plastics, by building certainty and guaranteeing supply of materials for recycling. Simpler Recycling requirements will be extended to flexible plastics by 31 March 2027.
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Tom Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support (a) design innovation and (b) the recyclability of plastic products to help accelerate the the transition to a circular economy for plastics. \p Mary Creagh: This Government is committed to moving to a circular economy – a future where we keep our resources in use for longer, waste is reduced, we accelerate the path to net zero, we see investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs, our economy prospers, and nature thrives.

The Government has convened a Circular Economy Taskforce of experts to help develop the first ever Circular Economy Strategy for England, which we plan to publish for consultation in the coming months. As we develop our Circular Economy Strategy for England, we will consider the evidence for further action that can be taken to address the challenges associated with plastic products. We recognise the importance of managing and reducing plastic waste, and in taking a whole-economy approach.

To support the recyclability of plastic products, the Government funds the UK Plastics Pact (UKPP) through the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). Pact Members cover the entire plastics value chain and are responsible for the majority of plastic packaging sold through UK supermarkets, and around two thirds of total plastic packaging placed on the UK market. Members of the Pact have increased the average recycled content of their packaging from 8.5% to 26% since 2018.

In parallel, our reforms to the packaging sector and recycling collection systems will clamp down on plastic pollution and litter and clean up our environment with packaging for Extended Producer Responsibility in particular incentivising the use of less packaging and more recyclable packaging.
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Tom Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has (a) commissioned and (b) reviewed research on the potential (i) environmental and (ii) health impact of (A) microplastics and (B) nanoplastics on (1) ecosystems and (2) food chains. \p Emma Hardy: In 2022, Defra initiated a research project to investigate the risks of intentionally added microplastics, which reviewed the emissions from microplastics, and the risks they pose both to human health and the environment. Earlier this year, we published this Option Appraisal for Intentionally Added Microplastics, which provides a welcome addition to our sum of knowledge on the options to protect human health and the UK environment from the risks of microplastics.

The Environment Agency (EA) is supporting collaborative research which will support future policy and regulatory decisions on microplastics and nanoplastics by extension. This includes six investigations with the water industry under the Chemical Investigations Programme, considering generation of microplastics within wastewater treatment works through breakdown of plastic equipment, emerging sewage treatment technologies, and pathways of microplastics from biosolids applied to land to soils and groundwater. The EA is also conducting research into tyre wear particles and associated chemicals – one report has been published this year and another is due to be published later this year. The EA is also supporting National Highways and academic partners on research into microplastics generated during driving and strategies to intercept them in highway runoff. While the EA’s research is driven by environmental risk, the data could benefit public health risk assessment by the relevant bodies.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) continues to monitor and assess emerging data regarding microplastics in food. The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products, and the Environment (COT), an independent scientific committee that provides advice to the FSA and other Government departments is currently considering the issue of microplastics. The COT has previously concluded that the available data was insufficient for a complete assessment. The FSA is keeping the issue of microplastics under review as new evidence becomes available.
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Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the readiness of (a) her Department and (b) the Animal and Plant Health Agency for any potential increase in the number of Avian Influenza cases in the next 6 months. \p Dame Angela Eagle: APHA regularly monitors the prevalence and spread of avian influenza, supported by epidemiological modelling, during critical disease transmission periods. This information is used to help with scenario planning and the allocation of resource. APHA also keeps readiness to respond under review in its animal disease readiness index.

Defra has robust, well-established protocols for exotic disease response, outlined in its annually updated Contingency Plan for Exotic Notifiable Diseases, including how resource might be increased to deal with additional demand through mutual aid across Government.

As a department Defra has strengthened its approach to resilience over the past few years. This approach has been reviewed by the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA), who said it was well-structured, comprehensive, aligned with key frameworks, and supported by strong governance, communication, and lessons management processes.
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Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to establish a registration scheme for UK vessels to provide ring-fenced funds to tackle the issue of abandoned end of life boats. \p Emma Hardy: The Government recognises that end of life recreational vessels are a source of litter and pollution when abandoned and is leading an action in the OSPAR Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter to improve the management of end-of-life recreational vessels. As part of this work, the Government commissioned research on the number of vessels reaching end-of-life across the North East Atlantic area, and on policy options to reduce the issue of marine litter from abandoned vessels. This research is being used to inform the development of best practice guidance.
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Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help tackle the issue of abandoned boats in UK rivers. \p Emma Hardy: Responsibility for operational matters on regulated rivers rests with the navigation authorities that own them and includes dealing with abandoned boats. The Government does not have a role in that. Navigation authorities have statutory powers to remove such boats when they deem it necessary and appropriate, but only statutory duties to do so where they present an environmental or navigation risk. Where there is no navigation authority for a river, responsibility for removing boats falls to riparian landowners and local authorities.
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Jim McMahon:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of public sector procurement with local suppliers in each English region in each year between 2010 and 2025. \p Chris Ward: Information on the effectiveness of public sector procurement with local suppliers in each English region is not held centrally.

This Government is determined to ensure public procurement delivers jobs, growth and investment across all regions of the UK. Our National Procurement Policy Statement encourages contracting authorities to consider how procurement can foster economic growth, support small businesses, strengthen UK supply chains and drive delivery of the Government’s Industrial Strategy and missions.

We are considering additional measures to further assist local suppliers and support British skills and jobs.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 1 April 2025 to Question 41254 on Ministers: Aviation, whether (a) his Department and (b) the Crown Commercial Service hold information on the (i) locations and (ii) activities undertaken by EDF under that contract. \p Chris Ward: The Cabinet Office has used the HMG Crown Commercial Services (CCS) RM6251 Energy Supply Framework (Additional Services) with EDF for offsetting GBNI related emissions.

CCS has no involvement in the contract beyond providing the framework. The Cabinet Office does not hold details of EDF’s activities or locations under the Energy Supply Framework.
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Jim Allister:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework: Joint Statement, 2 October 2025, what the pending issues are that the Committee agreed to make progress on at high pace. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Government regularly engages with the EU on the Windsor Framework, which it is implementing on an ongoing basis in line with its manifesto commitment to doing so and its commitment to the UK internal market. UK/EU Specialised Committee meetings are conducted in line with the confidentiality obligations set out in Annex VIII of the Withdrawal Agreement, with agendas being released in advance and a statement following the meeting at GOV.UK. Information is provided in the most recent statement of 2 October on the operational activity being undertaken in the areas of SPS and customs to support the smooth operation of the Windsor Framework, and the Government will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders as it moves forward.
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Gareth Thomas:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the level of (a) exports and (b) imports trade (i) to the nearest billion pounds and (ii) by share with the (A) EU, (B) US and (C) rest of the world in the last period for which data is available. \p Josh Simons: The Cabinet Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Gareth Thomas:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the top 10 UK service export destinations were in each of the last five years for which figures are available. \p Josh Simons: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 10th October is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 133.5KB)
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Robin Swann:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisons use companion dogs. \p Jake Richards: We understand this question to refer to “pets as therapy” (PAT) dogs. This information could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Application for the use of PAT dogs is open to all prisons, with admittance requiring the authority of the Governor.
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Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the gross annual income threshold for exemption from Office of the Public Guardian deputyship fees remaining unchanged for several years on people with incomes close to that threshold. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is in the early stages of reviewing criteria for exemption and remission of fees, including in relation to the gross annual income threshold for a 50% remission of fees. Any proposed changes to current processes will require an SI amendment to the Public Guardian (Fees, etc.) Regulations 2007.

The regulations currently allow for a 100% exemption of fees in relation to the supervision of deputyships, if the protected person is in receipt of one of a number of qualifying benefits, including Employment Support Allowance. This exemption applies regardless of the protected person’s income.

If the protected person is not in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, they may nonetheless qualify for a 50% remission of fees if their annual income does not exceed £12,000. Furthermore, if the deputy can provide evidence that paying a fee would result in undue hardship for the protected person, then the Public Guardian can exceptionally reduce or remit the fee.
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Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on securing a new nuclear project at Wylfa. \p Michael Shanks: My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with Ministerial Colleagues on a number of issues.
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Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with Ofgem on seeking seeking redress for affected customers of A Shade Greener. \p Michael Shanks: Ministers regularly engage with Ofgem on a range of issues covering the full breadth of the energy system.
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Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the report by the Nuclear Industry Association entitled Jobs May 2025, published on 5 December 2024. \p Michael Shanks: New nuclear projects are expected to create thousands of high-quality jobs across the UK. The annual industry-led 2024 Nuclear Workforce Assessment (NWA), published by Cogent Skills, estimates the civil and defence nuclear sector could grow by an additional 24,000 employees by the early 2030s. The Department is working with the Nuclear Industry Association as part of the Nuclear Skills Plan, a collaborative effort between government, industry and academia to address the sector’s workforce needs.
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Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a new nuclear project at Wylfa on (a) employment and (b) investment benefits in North Wales. \p Michael Shanks: In 2024, Great British Energy – Nuclear acquired the site at Wylfa in 2024, which has previously hosted a nuclear power plant and has positive attributes for new nuclear.

No decisions have yet been taken on any projects to be deployed at Wylfa. Our plans will be set out in due course.

The government values nuclear energy’s important role in delivering energy security and homegrown clean power while generating investment and supporting thousands of skilled jobs in communities across the country.
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Liz Saville Roberts:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the migration of smart meters to second generation. \p Martin McCluskey: The migration of first-generation (SMETS1) smart meters onto the Data Communications Company (DCC) network is now complete. This means that all SMETS1 smart meters on the DCC network are able to retain smart services upon switching energy suppliers, just as second generation (SMETS2) smart meters do.
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Gareth Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate he has made of the number of (a) pubs and (b) other hospitality businesses with outstanding covid-19 loans. \p Blair McDougall: This information is not held centrally by the Department for Business and Trade.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the removal of tariffs on US bio-ethanol imports on the UK bio-ethanol market. \p Chris Bryant: The UK bioethanol industry has faced challenges for some time prior to the removal of tariffs for US imports. Both Ministers and senior officials have worked with the sector closely over the course of this year to understand these long-standing issues and the impacts of any regulatory changes.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department considered intervening in the closure of Electric Glass Fiber UK, in the context of previous interventions in British Steel. \p Chris McDonald: The closure of Electric Glass Fiber UK in June 2025 and the loss of 250 jobs was a great disappointment.

In the lead up to the final decision to close, HMG was significantly involved at ministerial and official level to broker a deal between EGF UK’s parent company, Nippon Electric Glass, to facilitate a sale with a few interested parties, those interactions were constructive but ultimately the parent company took the decision to close. This was not the outcome we would have wished to have seen, ultimately it was a business decision.
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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many new UK-US regulatory alignment agreements he plans to make in the next 12 months. \p Chris Bryant: Following the landmark economic deal with the US which we signed in May, we are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at addressing specific non-tariff barriers, increasing digital trade, and unlocking new commercial opportunities that benefit both nations.

We cannot comment on the specifics of live negotiations, but we are discussing mutual recognition agreements. We will only make any mutual recognition agreements if we believe they benefit UK businesses.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he will publish a framework for the assessment of the potential impact of the US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal. \p Chris Bryant: The UK concluded a landmark economic deal with the US in May which will save thousands of jobs, protect key British industries, and help drive economic growth.

We remain focused on implementing the first phase of the deal so that businesses up and down the country feel the benefits as soon as possible.

We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at addressing specific non-tariff barriers, increasing digital trade, and unlocking new commercial opportunities that benefit both nations. We will keep the House fully informed on these developments along with the expected economic outcomes of the final deal.

Impact assessments are completed at the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 13 October 2025 entitled Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report: Government response to recommendations, HCWS937, whether legal support will be extended to postmasters who accepted fixed sum offers; and how he plans to notify those postmasters. \p Blair McDougall: In line with the Government’s response to Recommendation 9 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report, postmasters who accepted fixed sum offers under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme will be able to seek funded legal advice if they wish to apply for permission to appeal.

My Department is working closely with the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board and the Independent Reviewer on the practical implementation of the appeals process, including its scope and criteria. We will engage with legal representatives and postmaster representative organisations on the process before it is launched.

My Department will write to all eligible postmasters when the process is launched.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 13 October 2025 entitled Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report: Government response to recommendations, HCWS937, what the estimated cost is of funding legal advice for appeals; and how he plans to ensure timely access to that funding. \p Blair McDougall: My Department will start publishing legal costs associated with Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals as part of the quarterly legal cost publication on GOV.UK. The next legal costs publication is scheduled for early November.

We work closely with legal representatives and encourage claimants to seek funded legal advice. We have processes in place to ensure prompt payment, provided guidance in the published tariff is followed.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 13 October 2025 entitled Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report: Government response to recommendations, HCWS937, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that vulnerable postmasters are aware of the 31 January 2026 deadline. \p Blair McDougall: The Post Office has contacted the vast majority of current and former postmasters who may be eligible for the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS). Following the announcement of the scheme’s closure date, the Post Office will write to postmasters again to ensure they are aware of the 31 January 2026 deadline, in line with the Public Accounts Committee’s recommendation. This step is part of ongoing efforts to ensure vulnerable postmasters are informed and supported throughout the process.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report: Government response to recommendations, what mechanisms are in place to monitor whether decision-makers are applying a generous approach within the appropriate range of compensation. \p Blair McDougall: On 9 October, the Department for Business and Trade and the Post Office published a joint statement setting out what constitutes “full and fair” redress, following a recommendation from Sir Wyn Williams. This statement has been embedded in the guidance for each redress scheme to ensure that decision-makers apply a consistent and generous approach within the appropriate range of compensation. Each scheme also has an independent reviewer, who was consulted on the statement and plays a key role in monitoring its application and ensuring that decisions align with the principles of fairness and full redress.
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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help support the growth of the co-operative sector. \p Blair McDougall: The Department for Business and Trade committed to launch a Call for Evidence on co-operative and mutual business. The Call for Evidence will focus on how the government can continue to support co-operative and mutual businesses, to start, grow and scale, as well as support for existing businesses who want to transition to become a co-operative or mutual.

DBT is also looking at how to integrate support for co-operatives and mutuals within the government’s overall approach for supporting SMEs, including what we can do via the Business Growth Service, and through DBT funded Growth Hubs (England only) which aim to support local businesses, including co-operative and mutuals.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 13 October 2025 entitled Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report: Government response to recommendations, HCWS937, what his planned timetable is for concluding discussions with Fujitsu on their financial contribution; and whether he plans to seek binding commitments from that company. \p Blair McDougall: The full extent of Fujitsu’s culpability for the Horizon scandal will only become clear once all volumes of Sir Wyn Williams’ Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report have been published. In the meantime, the Department continues to engage with Fujitsu regarding their potential financial contribution.
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Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the bus manufacturing sector. \p Chris McDonald: The Government is committed to strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the UK bus manufacturing sector and accelerating the shift to zero-emission vehicles. This includes reforms to bus procurement, supporting the work of the DfT UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panels, and a £15 billion investment over five years to improve local transport in the North and Midlands, supporting sector growth and new zero-emission buses. Through DRIVE35, we are providing funding to support R&D and commercial scaling of zero-emission vehicles, creating skilled jobs and attracting private investment for sustained sector success.
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to formally present the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement to Parliament. \p Chris Bryant: We will do so as soon as possible once the Trade and Agriculture Commission have provided advice on the agreement, which will enable us to produce the necessary Section 42 report, and trigger the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act process thereafter.
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Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of cement production in the UK. \p Chris McDonald: We routinely, for internal purposes, consider production levels of cement and other foundational industries products. We also maintain close contact with the Mineral Products Association, the industry trade body and individual businesses to consider and address the issues facing the sector.

The cement sector has been included in the Government's future Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and some cement firms are supported by the British Industrial Supercharger and Energy Intensive Industries (EII) Compensation Scheme. These policies ensure UK cement firms remain competitive and mitigate carbon leakage.
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the EU’s plans to reduce its tariff free steel import quota on the UK steel industry. \p Chris McDonald: We are in active dialogue with the European Commission to fully understand the details of their proposal and next steps.

The government is also working closely with UK industry, including through a roundtable with industry held on the 9 October, to understand potential impacts and solutions, and to assess how best to secure the UK’s supply chains in light of these developments.

As ever, this government will always put the UK’s national interest first, and is committed to defending our critical steel industry, protecting skilled jobs and supporting economic growth as part of our Plan for Change. We reserve the right to take any action in response to any changes to our trading relationships.
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Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what his policy is on seeking a UK-Mercosur free trade agreement. \p Chris Bryant: Mercosur countries are important partners for the UK and I am personally committed to strengthening our bilateral trading relationships to remove barriers to trade and help grow UK exports. I recently visited Brazil, where I signed agreements on customs, regulatory reform and export credit and pushed Brazil to complete the Double Taxation Agreement; and Argentina to further UK interests on whisky, financial services and air services.

The UK is not currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with Mercosur. Any decision to seek to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement with Mercosur would be communicated to the House in the usual way.
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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what mechanisms his Department has put in place to track the potential impact of UK-Singapore co-operation on digital trade. \p Chris Bryant: The UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA), and associated Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), support cooperation on key themes of digital trade. We monitor impact via regular dialogue with the Singaporean government, as part of the UK-Singapore free trade agreement subcommittee, and through regular engagement with businesses. Recent business engagement resulted in analysis (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/identifying-new-growth-opportunities-within-the-uk-singapore-dea/identifying-new-uk-growth-opportunities-within-the-uk-singapore-dea-and-future-digital-partnerships) showing that stakeholders believe these MoUs support collaboration and lead to tangible benefits as seen, for example, in pilot projects conducted under the Digital Trade Facilitation MoU. For more on the DEA’s impact on reducing non-tariff barriers, I refer the hon. Member to the answer to UIN 44934: Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_189

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what mechanisms exist for monitoring mutual recognition of professional qualifications between the UK and EU under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. \p Chris Bryant: The Trade and Cooperation Agreement contains provisions which allow the UK and EU to agree recognition of professional qualifications arrangements for specific sectors where this is jointly proposed by UK and EU regulators. The annual Trade Specialised Committee on Services, Investment and Digital Trade oversees the implementation of these provisions.

In the recent UK-EU Common Understanding, the UK and EU committed to setting up dedicated dialogues on the implementation of the recognition of professional qualifications provisions within the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. These dialogues will provide a dedicated space for deeper UK-EU collaboration on the recognition of professional qualifications.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_190

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement on trade for small and medium-sized enterprises in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency. \p Chris Bryant: Although the Department for Business and Trade has made no such specific assessment, it continuously monitors the impact of leaving the EU on costs to businesses across the UK through our business surveys, ONS reports, and other intelligence sources, as well as through regular direct engagement with exporters. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement allows UK businesses to access the EU market and the EU-UK summit earlier this year identified areas where this can be enhanced.

Alongside this, DBT continues to offer a range of support for SMEs, with our Small Business Plan setting out the most comprehensive package of support for SMEs in a generation. This includes Unlock Europe, a programme from UK Export Academy designed to help businesses build relationships with European customers and increase exporting potential to the EU.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_191

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has identified priority sectors for future trade co-operation with India. \p Chris Bryant: The UK-India Trade Deal will open up new opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including in the high-growth sectors outlined in the Industrial Strategy.

As part of his recent visit to India, the Prime Minister brought over 100 businesses to India to unlock further growth in the mutually agreed priority sectors of construction, infrastructure and clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence, education, sport, culture, financial and professional business services, science, technology and innovation, consumer goods and food. The Department will continue to support opportunities for trade and investment across these sectors as we integrate the work of the Industrial Strategy with our Trade Strategy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_192

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with his Brazilian counterpart on removing non-tariff barriers to UK exports. \p Chris Bryant: I visited Brazil in September 2025 with the objective of strengthening our two-way trade. I signed agreements on customs, good regulatory practices and export credit aimed at tackling non-tariff barriers. I also progressed discussions on digital trade, mutual recognition arrangements and clean energy cooperation, which are referenced as non-tariff priorities for the UK’s relationship with Brazil in the UK’s new Trade Strategy. I also urged Brazil to ratify the Double Taxation Agreement.

This built on discussions that former DBT Secretary of State, The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, had with his Brazilian counterpart last year, when they both committed to identifying ways to boost two-way trade by tackling non-tariff barriers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_193

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department plans to take to identify UK priority sectors for trade expansion with Brazil. \p Chris Bryant: The UK’s new Industrial Strategy sets out ambitious plans for eight growth-driving sectors - Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services. I am keen to integrate the Industrial Strategy with the Trade Strategy so as to build export markets for our key growing sectors.

These sectors are also the focus of my department’s work with Brazil. The Department’s new Ricardo Fund – announced in the Trade Strategy – is funding interventions on Offshore Wind and in the Life Sciences sector to help create new opportunities for UK exporters, and I signed agreements on customs and regulatory cooperation aimed at boosting UK exports on my recent visit to Brazil, where I met with several UK businesses who are keen to expand their work in the country.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_194

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of proposed UK-Brazil trade measures on small and medium-sized businesses in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency. \p Chris Bryant: The Government is committed to putting small and medium sized businesses at the heart of our Growth Mission. Our recently published plan for small and medium sized businesses sets out a long-term approach for how we will help small and medium sized businesses to grow and realise their export potential.

I recently visited Brazil to strengthen our bilateral trade relationship and sign agreements on customs, regulatory cooperation and export credit. We expect these agreements and future collaboration with Brazil to benefit businesses of all sizes across the UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_195

Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what his planned timetable is for agreeing a UK-Gulf Cooperation Council trade deal. \p Chris Bryant: The UK has been negotiating a modern and ambitious free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council to boost economic growth, raise wages, and increase investment since June 2022. Negotiations have now reached an advanced stage, with both sides working hard and at pace to resolve the remaining issues. As the Honorable Member should know, timetables can be counter-productive when seeking to agree a trade deal and can lead to perverse outcomes. We are focused on securing the right deal that delivers growth and offers real benefits to British businesses and investors, rather than getting it done by a specific date.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_196

Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when his Department's financial support for Jaguar Land Rover was made available. \p Chris Bryant: The UK Government acted quickly to prioritise rapid support for Jaguar Land Rover’s operations, with a partial guarantee for a commercial loan, through UK Export Finance (UKEF)’s Export Development Guarantee.

We are not able to comment on the detail of current transactions for reasons of commercial sensitivity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_197

Sarah Olney:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 21 July 2025 to Question 67936 on Manufacturing Industries: Electricity, when he will publish his Department's consultation on a new British industrial competitiveness scheme. \p Chris McDonald: The Department for Business and Trade will launch a consultation on the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme before the end of this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_198

Ian Lavery:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been arrested for protesting the proscription of Palestine Action. \p Sarah Jones: The Government is absolutely clear that support for proscribed organisations is unacceptable. Anyone expressing support for a proscribed organisation should expect to be investigated by the police.

To be clear, those who want to oppose the proscription of Palestine Action can do so freely and lawfully – that is not itself an offence. It is an offence when protest is focused on showing support for an organisation that has been proscribed.

The Home Office releases statistics which cover arrests for terrorist-related activity on a quarterly basis. The latest release for the quarter ending June 2025 can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/operation-of-police-powers-under-tact-2000-to-june-2025/operation-of-police-powers-under-the-terrorism-act-2000-and-subsequent-legislation-arrests-outcomes-and-stop-and-search-great-britain-quarterly-uk

.Operational decisions, including arrests, are a matter for the police, who are independent of Government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_199

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will take steps to encourage police forces to prioritise funding for frontline roles rather than spending on diversity, equality, and inclusion. \p Sarah Jones: Police forces that reflect the communities they serve are crucial to tackling crime and maintain public trust and confidence in a modern diverse society.

Decisions about police recruitment and the allocation of resources are a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners and are therefore managed locally by forces. It is for Chief Constables and directly elected PCCs, and Mayors with PCC functions to make decisions based on their local knowledge and experience.

The Home Office does not hold data centrally on the number of diversity, equality and inclusion roles in police forces, or on the amount spent by forces on these roles.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_200

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to respond to the consultation entitled National guidance for community scrutiny panels, which closed on 19 October 2023. \p Sarah Jones: Community scrutiny is a valuable means by which local communities can have a voice in how they are policed.

The consultation on the national guidance for community scrutiny panels ran under the previous government. We have no plans to respond to this consultation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-16 conversation_201

Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will consider the introduction of mandatory autism awareness training for staff working in the police. \p Sarah Jones: Training on mental ill health and autism is already integrated throughout the initial police learning programme which all new recruits must complete.

Policing is operationally independent, and it is a matter for the chief constables of each force to decide what additional training their officers should undertake. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has produced an e-learning course and a glossary of terms on neurodiversity, which are available to all police officers.