theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

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Zöe Franklin:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that Personal Independence Payment appeals for claimants awarded under the Special Rules for terminal illness are prioritised (a) when a PIP award has been removed despite no improvement in prognosis and the claimant has been waiting over a year for a tribunal hearing and (b) in general. \p Sarah Sackman: The listing of appeals is a matter for the Tribunal’s independent judiciary. Appeals are usually listed in chronological order based on the date of receipt.

If an expedited hearing is sought, or where the Tribunal identifies a case which might benefit from an expedited hearing, a judge or tribunal caseworker will make a decision on the issue, taking all the circumstances of the case into account.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

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Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average waiting time was for certification of potential enforcement agents at the County Court in the latest period for which data is available. \p Sarah Sackman: The Ministry of Justice does not routinely publish operational data on how many enforcement agents certificated under the Certification of Enforcement Agent Regulations 2014 have had their certificates cancelled or suspended by a judge under Regulation 11 of the Regulations. The public register of certificated enforcement agents is updated to reflect the cancellation of a certificate, but it does not record the reason for the cancellation.

In 2024, the average processing time for certification of potential enforcement agents at the County Court was 27.62 days. This figure reflects the time taken from submission of an application to the granting of a certificate.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he plans to increase sentences for people convicted of sexual offences. \p Jake Richards: Sexual offences such as rape, assault by penetration, and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent already attract some of the most serious penalties under the law, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. These maximums reflect the gravity of such offences and are among the highest available. In light of this, the Government has no current plans to increase statutory maximum sentences for sexual offences.

Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for our independent judiciary. The sentence imposed on an offender should reflect the crime they have committed and be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence. That is why, when deciding what sentence to impose, courts must consider the circumstances of the case, including the culpability of the offender, the harm they caused or intended to cause, and any aggravating and mitigating factors. The courts also have a statutory duty to follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, issued by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

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Nigel Huddleston:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when her Department was first alerted to the possibility of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being banned from the fixture against Aston Villa on the 6th November. \p Stephanie Peacock: A range of options are considered for each match and DCMS officials were made aware by the SGSA of the options under consideration on 9 October 2025. A decision had not been made at that time, and was not communicated to the Department until 16 October, when Ministers were made aware.
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Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has met (a) organisations and (b) individuals to discuss potential changes to betting duties. \p Ian Murray: DCMS Ministers have met with a number of stakeholders to discuss the impacts of possible changes to betting duties.
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Chris Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of (a) the UK’s international standing on regulation of gambling advertising and (b) what lessons the UK can learn from other countries on this subject. \p Ian Murray: The Government is committed to utilising the best available evidence to inform its gambling advertising policy. This includes regularly reviewing the impact of gambling advertising regulation in other jurisdictions and how it may or may not be appropriate for the UK, considering our existing regulatory framework and market structure.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

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Chris Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of a) the risks associated with mainstream (i) entertainment brands and (ii) broadcasters distributing gambling (A) advertising and (B) sponsorship and b) the potential impact of this on (1) children and (2) vulnerable audiences. \p Ian Murray: The Government is clear that wherever gambling advertising appears, it must be socially responsible. There are a number of robust codes in place to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm, enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) independently of Government. The ASA regularly reviews its codes and guidance to ensure they continue to protect children and vulnerable customers in an evolving advertising landscape. For example, the ASA recently strengthened its guidance on strong appeal to children, which focused on social media and the use of influencers.

Government recognises that more needs to be done, and we have now set the gambling industry a clear task to further raise standards to ensure that gambling advertising is appropriate, responsible, and does not exacerbate harm. The Government is committed to using the best available evidence on the impact of advertising from a wide range of sources when determining next steps in this space. We will continue to monitor the evidence base and will work with the Gambling Commission and ASA to ensure our advertising regulation regime is fit for purpose.
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Chris Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with the Gambling Commission on the potential merits of signposting gambling support services within National Lottery (a) advertising and (b) products. \p Ian Murray: Ministers and officials regularly engage with the Gambling Commission on a range of issues related to gambling regulation and player protection. This engagement includes ensuring the National Lottery operates in a socially responsible manner and that appropriate measures are in place to support those who may be experiencing gambling-related harm.

DCMS is also developing a new, evidence-based model for independently developed safer gambling messaging in partnership with the Department for Health and Social Care and Gambling Commission.
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Chris Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the Premier League’s Code of Conduct for Gambling Related Agreements in football in reducing gambling-related harm. \p Ian Murray: All major sports have now published their gambling sponsorship Codes of Conduct which set minimum standards to ensure arrangements are socially responsible. We are working closely with sports bodies, including the Premier League, to review the implementation and impact of these Codes of Conduct. This review will provide key evidence to inform the most appropriate next steps for gambling sponsorship policy.

The Premier League’s decision to ban front-of-shirt sponsorship by gambling firms will commence after the end of the 2025/26 season and we will also assess the impact of this measure in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

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Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to ensure that organisations previously funded under the voluntary research, education and treatment system administered by GambleAware will be able to bid for statutory levy funds. \p Ian Murray: The Government recognises the important work undertaken by organisations funded under the voluntary research, education and treatment system administered by GambleAware. The introduction of the statutory levy marks a significant further step in tackling gambling harm, providing sustainable and independent funding to deliver interventions that have the greatest impact on reducing harm across Great Britain.

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), NHS England and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales, are the new commissioners for prevention, treatment and research under the statutory levy system. Organisations funded through GambleAware will be permitted to apply for funding under the relevant funding schemes currently being established by the new Commissioners, provided they comply with the stated eligibility requirements. Details regarding UKRI’s funding schemes can be found on their webpage and further detail regarding criteria for funding under the other commissioning bodies will be available in due course.

Commissioners are working to develop a consistent approach to ‘Declarations of Interest’ and the management of potential conflicts of interest, recognising the need for a pragmatic approach during the transition to the new system, whilst mindful of the need to ensure that moving forward, all commissioning activity is independent of industry influence.

Commissioners remain committed to ensuring all stakeholders receive timely updates as they continue to work at pace on their respective gambling harms programmes.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the effect of the order of 20 Eurofighter Typhoons on the timeline of the delivery of the Phase 4 Enhancement Programme for the UK Typhoon fleet. \p Luke Pollard: The order of 20 Eurofighter Typhoons for Türkiye aligns with long term goals of supplying a NATO member with advanced military equipment.

A sale of this significance will bring benefits to UK Industry, the Eurofighter Partner Nations and NATO.

It has been assessed that there will be no impact on the delivery of the Phase 4 Enhancement Programme for the UK Typhoon fleet.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will establish a judge-led inquiry into the RAF Chinook ZD576 crash on the Mull of Kintyre on 2 June 1994. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Mull of Kintyre crash was a tragic accident and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of all those who died.

The Department has received a formal claim for a Judicial Review of our decision to reject the demand for a Judge-led inquiry into the circumstances of the crash from the Chinook Justice Campaign. We are committed to engaging fully with this process, and you will understand that I am unable to provide further comment while this work is ongoing.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has paid to Eutelsat OneWeb in each of the last six years. \p Luke Pollard: The primary spend with Eutelsat OneWeb has been on test and trial activity related to assessing the Company’s service offerings in support of Defence’s Satellite Communications. The spend is shown in financial years, with the current fiscal year including an element that is projected spend. The Ministry of Defence’s procurement of OneWeb services is expected to increase from financial year (FY) 2026.

FY 2025-26 £1.7 million

FY 2024-25 £72,000

FY 2023-24 £222,000

FY 2022-23 £100,000

No spend prior to April 2022
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the expected return on investment for investments in Eutelsat OneWeb. \p Luke Pollard: The UK Government's stake in Eutelsat and OneWeb supports UK strategic security and resilience in Low Earth Orbit satellite communications, helps drive UK-developed technology and space sector growth, increases global diversity in the market, and enhances UK-France security and defence collaboration. These benefits are expected to enhance the Ministry of Defence’s future deployed operations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department cited (a) national security and (b) public interest exemptions under the Data Protection Act 2018 in relation to the Afghan data breach disclosed in 2021. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) reported several personal data incidents to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in 2021, under the previous administration, in which individuals seeking Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) support were identified to each other by the sender using the “to” rather than the “bcc” email field.

When MOD engaged with the ICO in relation to these incidents, the Department highlighted the national security context and the ICO accepted the urgent and pressurised circumstances under which the incidents occurred, although they decided that a monetary penalty notice was still justified. The MOD cooperated extensively with the ICO in addressing these incidents, recognising the severity of what happened and working to improve compliance going forward.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to deliver the Global Decision Support System. \p Luke Pollard: The Global Decision Support System is in the capability planning and concept development stage. The establishment of a funded project remains dependant on Defence investment prioritisation.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79317 on Defence: Industry, from which FTSE100 companies he has invited senior executives to participate in defence education courses. \p Luke Pollard: In accordance with the Strategic Defence Review, the Defence Academy is assessing options to invite FTSE100 executives to attend courses at Shrivenham.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the full scope is of Project Shamer. \p Luke Pollard: Project Shamer is a Defence procurement project. For reasons of operational security, I cannot provide any further details.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the full scope is of Project Shrinker. \p Luke Pollard: Project Shrinker is a Defence procurement project. For reasons of operational security, I cannot provide any further details.
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Chris Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to consult with the armed forces community when improving the Armed Forces Covenant. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence engages regularly with a wide range of stakeholders to understand how the Armed Forces Covenant is being delivered in practice and seek views on how it could be improved.

The Department has been working at pace to fulfil the election manifesto commitment to put the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law, and this has included engagement with over 150 organisations, including representatives of the Armed Forces community, including those serving, veterans, family members, and the bereaved.

The Department also seeks the views of the Armed Forces community through regular surveys such as the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey and Families Continuous Attitude Survey. These include questions to assess awareness of the Covenant and identify areas where the Armed Forces community may face disadvantage. This range of engagement will continue as we monitor the implementation of the Covenant Duty extension.
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Chris Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on curating accessible (a) training and (b) guidance on promoting the Armed Forces Covenant Duty. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) understands the importance of providing accessible training and guidance to support the Armed Forces Covenant Duty implementation and realise the benefits it offers. We will provide a range of accessible resources, including the provision of detailed training materials, downloadable resources, and clear, practical statutory guidance. These resources will aim to equip the bodies subject to the Duty with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively implement, comply with, and promote the Duty, to help ensure its intended outcomes are achieved.

As part of MOD’s commitment to raising awareness of the Duty, we have developed a Duty toolkit, available on the Covenant website, which outlines practical implications for the Armed Forces community and key policies. The MOD is committed to working closely with other UK Government departments, devolved and local governments, the third sector, and the Armed Forces community to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Service personnel and their families, to maximise the Duty’s positive impact across the UK.
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Sarah Hall:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department considered including policies on the aluminium sector within the Industrial Strategy, CP 1337, published on 23 June 2025. \p Chris McDonald: I refer the Member of Parliament for Warrington to the answer I provided to UIN 72881 on 17th September, which was in response to a similar question she previously tabled: “To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, for what reason the aluminium sector was not included in the Industrial Strategy.”
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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what review process the Department has in place to assess the suitability of (a) the UK-Singapore Bilateral Investment Treaty and (b) other trade and investment treaties. \p Chris Bryant: The UK’s International Investment Agreements (IIAs) aim to enhance opportunities for UK businesses to expand overseas, with commitments that seek to limit the barriers they face, make it easier to navigate local rules, and ensure investments are treated lawfully, and protected against unfair or arbitrary action.

The UK draws on the full range of investment commitments and international best practice in our international investment agreements to promote growth, deliver our clean energy goals, and continue to uphold the UK’s right to regulate and build strong trade and investment relationships. There is no specific review process within such Agreements.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

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Zöe Franklin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has had recent discussions with Royal Mail on the timeliness of their deliveries of (a) penalty charge notices, (b) NHS appointment letters, (c) other time-sensitive and (d) other legally important correspondence; and whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of that level of timeliness on people receiving those communications. \p Blair McDougall: Ministers and officials have discussions with Royal Mail on a regular basis in its capacity as the universal service provider.

It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to set and monitor Royal Mail’s service standards and decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action should Royal Mail fail to achieve its obligations without good justification.
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Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether each Mission Board was (a) represented, (b) involved in and (c) consulted as part of the Licensing Taskforce workstream; and what their level of involvement was. \p Kate Dearden: The Licensing Taskforce reported its findings in July and relevant Government departments were involved in determining the response to that report. That included the Department for Business and Trade, the Home Office, HM Treasury, the Department for Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. A cross-government team has been established with the involvement of those departments to take forward a review of the proposals and subsequent implementation where appropriate. That further stage of activity has led to the Call for Evidence which will inform next steps.

The Call for Evidence is open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.
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Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether members of the Licensing Taskforce were given (a) advanced sight of and (b) input into the wording of the licensing call for evidence questions. \p Kate Dearden: The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system.

A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.

In the course of developing the Call for Evidence questions a number of stakeholders were consulted and saw drafts of the call for evidence before this was finalised. This included some members of the Licensing Taskforce.
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Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the potential challenges of launching the current licensing call for evidence with a rapid 4-week window for responses. \p Kate Dearden: The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system.

A four week Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.

A rapid evidence gathering exercise is appropriate at this stage in the development of policy relating to licensing reforms. Further consultation and engagement with stakeholders is anticipated at later stages of policy development and implementation, dependent on the specific proposals that are being taken forward. Any legislative changes will be subject to an impact assessment, consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.
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Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he received representations on his proposed changes to the Licensing Act 2003. \p Kate Dearden: Changes to the Licensing Act 2003 were proposed as part of a Licensing Taskforce which concluded its work in the Summer. Consideration of those proposals and options for implementation, where appropriate, is currently underway. To inform that work, the Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system.

A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.

Representations are being received through the consultation and these will be reviewed fully.
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Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to consider feedback provided during the public call for evidence on Reforming the licensing system, published on 7 October 2025; and what assessment he has made of the level of (a) opposition and (b) concern within responses that might prompt him to reconsider his proposals. \p Kate Dearden: The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system.

A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.

Representations including any opposition or concern will be reviewed fully as part of this process and will be helpful in shaping the development of proposals.
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Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps did the Licensing Taskforce take to consult (a) local authorities, (b) police forces, (c) Police and Crime Commissioners, (d) directors of public health and (d) local licensing committees on proposed reforms to alcohol licensing. \p Kate Dearden: The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system.

A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.

In July this year, the Licensing Taskforce concluded a review of licensing and its report is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/licensing-taskforce-report-and-government-response/licensing-policy-sprint-joint-industry-and-hm-government-taskforce-report

The report lists the members of the Taskforce, including representatives from the Local Government Association, the Institute of Licensing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and gives an indication of how they went about their review. The Government responded to that report welcoming its recommendations and setting out next steps. As part of the current Call for Evidence and subsequent policy development, the Government is committed to engaging with local authorities, police forces, Police and Crime Commissioners, directors of public health, local licensing committees and members of the public among others.
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Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of the licensing taskforce recommendations on the workstreams of each of the five Mission Boards. \p Kate Dearden: The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system.

A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.

While no assessment has yet been made of the impact of any reforms to be taken forward, that would form part of the further stages of this work.
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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to encourage bereavement leave uptake among (a) shift workers and (b) carers. \p Kate Dearden: The Employment Rights Bill will introduce a new right to Bereavement Leave for those grieving the loss of a loved one or a pregnancy.

A consultation was launched on 23rd October, and was widely shared. We will invite a range of groups, including business, charities, trade unions and others who represent caregivers and shift workers to roundtables to discuss the questions raised by the consultation and how the entitlement can best be constructed to meet the needs of those they represent.

This approach will ensure the entitlement is constructed with the needs of employees and employers at the forefront.
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Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he had with experts on (a) alcohol licensing and (b) the Licensing Act 2003 on the proposals set out in the call for evidence entitled Reforming the licensing system, published on 7 October 2025. \p Kate Dearden: Earlier this year the Government established a Licensing Taskforce which was co-chaired by the then Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports, Gareth Thomas MP. The Taskforce held discussions with experts on the licensing regime in reaching its conclusions.

The Government welcomed the Taskforce report and is inviting further views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system.

A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.
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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of Government funding provided to the Pub Is The Hub organisation on pubs in (a) Northumberland and (b) the North East. \p Kate Dearden: Government recognises the important role rural pubs and those in deprived areas can play in supporting their communities and the work of Pub Is The Hub in helping them improve their resilience by providing additional community services.

That is why the Government has provided £440,000 to help Pub Is The Hub continue this important work. In its 2025 report: PiTH-Social-Value-of-Pubsfinal.pdf, Pub Is The Hub highlighted over 40 diversification projects that could not be delivered due to a lack of funding. Pub Is The Hub operates across the UK and applications for funding are assessed using its criteria.
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Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what data his Department holds on (a) the number of claimants and (b) the total value of payments of (i) Statutory Maternity Leave, (ii) Statutory Paternity Leave, and (iii) Shared Parental Leave by occupation for each of the last three years. \p Kate Dearden: Information provided by employers to HMRC shows that the total value of payments made to individuals in receipt of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) and Statutory Shared Parental Pay (SShPP) for 2024/25, the latest year for which full year data is available.

The table below presents a breakdown of the value of payments made to individuals by the region, based on recipient residence.

Table 1. Total value of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) and Statutory Shared Parental Pay (SShPP) payments by claimant resident region, 2024/25

Government Office  Region

Total value of SMP payments

Total value of SPP payments

Total value of SShPP payments

East Midlands

£213,500,000

£5,200,000

£2,900,000

East of England

£328,100,000

£6,800,000

£3,900,000

London

£631,800,000

£11,100,000

£8,000,000

North East

£109,100,000

£2,600,000

£1,800,000

North West

£350,100,000

£8,000,000

£4,900,000

Northern Ireland

£104,500,000

£2,200,000

£1,300,000

Scotland

£234,300,000

£5,500,000

£1,800,000

South East

£481,200,000

£9,900,000

£7,600,000

South West

£245,900,000

£5,600,000

£5,200,000

Wales

£132,100,000

£3,100,000

£2,000,000

West Midlands

£267,700,000

£6,600,000

£3,000,000

Yorkshire and The Humber

£242,900,000

£5,900,000

£3,800,000

Unknown

£249,600,000

£4,700,000

£3,300,000

Total

£3,590,800,000

£77,200,000

£49,500,000

Source: HM Revenue and Customers (HMRC) Real Time Information (RTI) system 2024/25

Notes:

1. All figures are based on HMRC RTI system and were extracted in Aug 2025. RTI is subject to revision and there may be small fluctuations in figures reported - these figures should not be considered “final”.

2. Figures for the total value of parental payments (£m) are rounded to the nearest hundred thousand.

3. Government Office Regions (GOR) are determined by matching the most recent postcode from the previous tax year with the Office for National Statistics’ postcode lookup table. If a partial postcode is provided an assumption is made based on the postcode district or area. The GOR with the most postcodes of a given district is returned. If no postcode is listed then region is marked as unknown.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) does not hold data on the number of individuals in receipt or the value of payments of SMP, SPP and SShPP by occupation. However, the Government commissioned the Parental Rights Survey which provides the best source of data on the occupation of parents who have taken parental leave, the findings are published here - https://www.employment-studies.co.uk/resource/parental-rights-survey-2019 .
wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_427
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_427

Chris Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of restricting the (a) sale and (b) use of fireworks on trends in the level of the illegal trade in fireworks. \p Kate Dearden: No recent assessment has been made of the potential merits of giving local authorities the power to set up firework free zones or on the impact of restricting the sale and use of fireworks in respect of illegal trade.

The Government regularly engages with its counterparts in Scotland and will continue to discuss the impacts of their Firework Control Zones. The Government is keen to understand the outcomes the changes have made, before considering if similar changes are needed for England and Wales.
wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_428
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_428

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has considered (a) banning vaping in pubs, (b) banning 16 and 17 year olds from buying zero alcohol drinks in pubs and (c) raising the drink drive limit to support the economic viability of pubs. \p Kate Dearden: The Department for Business and Trade is not responsible for bans on vaping in pubs, restrictions on zero-alcohol drinks for 16–17-year-olds, or changes to drink-drive limits. These matters fall under the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Department for Transport

DHSC advises that while vapes are less harmful than smoking, they are not risk-free and plans to consult on making most indoor settings vape-free. Many pubs already prohibit vaping voluntarily. In Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England, the Government committed to explore prohibiting sales of no- and low-alcohol drinks to under-18s including prohibiting sales to individuals under the age of 18 years old. This policy is being pursued as these alcohol substitute drinks are intended for consumption by adults. DHSC Officials are scoping details and will update stakeholders in due course.

This Government takes road safety seriously. We are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. In 2023 there were 1,624 people killed on GB roads. There were an estimated 260 people killed in collisions involving drink driving, accounting for 16% of total fatalities in 2023. Given the significant casualties caused by drink driving, we have no plans to increase the drink drive limit.
wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_429
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_429

Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Licensing Taskforce requested assessments of the potential impact of post-pandemic changes to drinking patterns on (a) crime, (b) violence and (c) anti-social behaviour; and whether those assessments were provided to the taskforce. \p Kate Dearden: The Licensing Taskforce did not request assessments of the potential impact of post-pandemic changes to drinking patterns on (a) crime, (b) violence and (c) anti-social behaviour; however its membership included the National Police Chiefs Council’s lead for Alcohol Harm. Since the Taskforce reported, a cross-government team has been established to review its findings and a Call for Evidence was launched. This is open until 6 November. We continue to seek a wide range of views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system. Any legislative reforms will be subject to impact assessment, consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.

The Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.
wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_430
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_430

Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the licensing taskforce recommendations on progress towards meeting the targets of the Mission Boards for (a) safer streets, (b) tackling violence against women and girls and (c) reducing antisocial behaviour and building safer communities. \p Kate Dearden: No assessment has yet been made of the impact of any potential reforms on safer streets, tackling violence against women and girls, and reducing ASB and building safer communities. The Government is currently inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system. As part of this we are reviewing a number of reform proposals recommended by the Licensing Taskforce in July. Any legislative changes subsequently taken forward will be subject to an impact assessment, consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.

A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.
wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_431
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_431

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he plans to take legislative steps to place a statutory duty on leaders in the (a) public and (b) private sectors to embed (i) inclusive governance and (ii) protective leadership practices. \p Blair McDougall: The Companies Act 2006 requires directors to have regard to employee interests and to the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment. The UK Corporate Governance Code includes provisions that support inclusive governance, including mechanisms to enable the workforce to engage with directors and for workers to raise concerns in confidence. The Public Sector Equality Duty in the Equality Act 2010 requires public authorities, and those carrying out public functions, to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between different people.
wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_432
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_432

Sarah Hall:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help support the aluminium industry in the context of (a) US tariffs and (b) global competition. \p Chris McDonald: Thanks to the strength of the UK-US partnership, the UK remains the only country to benefit from a preferential 25% tariff on steel and aluminium exports to the US, avoiding the global rate of 50%. The UK is therefore uniquely positioned as the only country to have secured this commitment, giving our companies a 25% competitive advantage over global competitors.

After US global tariffs were introduced in May, the Business Secretary instructed the Trade Remedies Authority to work with the aluminium industry to gather and assess evidence for possible trade protection measures.
wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_433
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-05 conversation_433

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the restrictions on veterinary medicines into Northern Ireland. \p Hilary Benn: The Government has engaged with the Northern Ireland Executive extensively on the issue of veterinary medicine access. This includes through the Veterinary Medicines Working Group, which I co-chair and which is also attended by Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA.

The working group has met five times under this Government, most recently on 15 October. We are looking to convene the next meeting before the end of the year and intend to meet again early in 2026. I am grateful for the constructive and positive contributions that Minister Muir has made to this work.

The discussions of the working group are confidential, but the availability of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland is of course a key focus. In June this year, the Government published its position with regards to the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland, including its assessment that the vast majority of authorised medicines will continue to be supplied, and set out two new schemes to address any supply gaps. We continue to engage with industry and monitor the situation closely

In addition, officials in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Cabinet Office regularly engage with DAERA officials on this issue.
wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_1

Sir Christopher Chope:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many claims to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme for damage caused by covid-19 vaccines were received between 1 April and 30 September 2025; how many awards were made to claimants in that period; how many claims were rejected (a) through lack of causation and (b) because they were below the disability threshold; how many claims remained outstanding on 30 September 2025; and how many of those claims have been outstanding for over 12 months. \p Ashley Dalton: My deepest sympathies are with those who have experienced harm following vaccination and to their families.

Data from the NHS Business Services Authority, the administrator of the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, shows that during the period of 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025:

As of 30 September 2025, there were 4,882 total COVID-19 claims that were unresolved, 1,672 of which had been so for over 12 months. Information on COVID-19 claims to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme is published on a quarterly basis by the NHS Business Service Authority. Further information is available at the following link:

https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/dataset/vdps-covid-19

I recognise many of the concerns that have been raised regarding the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme. This input will shape our ongoing consideration of reforms to the scheme and I will keep Parliament updated, as appropriate.