theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-19 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-19 conversation_29

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect and defend academic freedom from authoritarian state influence, in the light of recent allegations that Sheffield Hallam University halted the research of Professor Laura Murphy. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: From 1 August 2025, provisions strengthening universities duties in relation to securing freedom of speech and promoting academic freedom came into force, along with a requirement for the Office for Students (OfS) to provide advice and guidance on those matters.

The new OfS guidance, published in June 2025, makes it explicitly clear that universities must resist external state threats to academic freedom and that suppression of research because of the disapproval of a foreign government is unacceptable under any circumstances.

If the OfS identifies a breach of a specific or general ongoing condition of registration as part of its enquiries, then it will consider the use of formal sanctions, which may include monetary penalties, suspension from the register or deregistration.

The department believes more should be done to support higher education providers to maximise international opportunities whilst mitigating risk, which is why we set out in June 2025 that we will work with the regulator to set clearer expectations around international risk management, raise awareness of risks and develop advice on good practice.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-19)

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Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking to ensure that researchers in UK universities do not have their academic freedoms threatened by foreign states. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: From the 1 August 2025, provisions strengthening universities duties in relation to securing freedom of speech and promoting academic freedom came into force, along with a requirement for the Office for Students (OfS) to provide advice and guidance on those matters.

​The new OfS guidance, published in June 2025, makes it explicitly clear that universities must resist external state threats to academic freedom, and that suppression of research because of the disapproval of a foreign government is unacceptable under any circumstances.

​If the OfS identifies a breach of a specific or general ongoing condition of registration as part of its enquiries, then it will consider the use of formal sanctions, which may include monetary penalties, suspension from the register or deregistration.

​The department believes more should be done to support higher education providers to maximise international opportunities whilst mitigating risk, which is why we set out in June 2025 that we will work with the regulator to set clearer expectations around international risk management, raise awareness of risks and develop advice on good practice.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-19)

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Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government, following allegations of pressure to shut down human rights research  at Sheffield Hallam University, what plans they have to investigate foreign interference in and attempts to influence the nature and purpose of academic research projects. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The department is clear that foreign interference is unacceptable, and higher education providers are already required to ensure that decisions are taken without direction, coercion or covert influence. Wherever it is identified, the government and the Office for Students (OfS) can and will act, using a range of existing and upcoming requirements.

The government conducted an internal review informed by engagement with the regulator, the sector and academics impacted by foreign interference. It concluded that whilst there were a range of existing requirements on universities that protected against foreign interference, more should be done to support providers to proportionately mitigate risk. We set out our considerations in the “Future of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act” policy paper published in June 2025, and are taking steps to share good practice, raise awareness and develop new responses where necessary.

This work, along with the implementation and evaluation of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, bolsters the existing layers of protection offered by the OfS and the National Security Act. We take this very seriously and will continue to keep our response under review, including considering these recent allegations, to ensure it remains effective and proportionate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-19)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government, following their statement on 1 August that the overseas transparency provisions of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 “will remain under review while the government assesses the impact of the recently-introduced Foreign Influence Registration Scheme” (FIRS), what assessment they have made of whether FIRS provides sufficient safeguards against undue overseas influence on academic freedom. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The government is clear that foreign interference is unacceptable, and providers are already required to ensure that decisions are taken without direction, coercion or covert influence. Universities are already required by the Office for Students (OfS) to resist any external state threats to academic freedom, and the regulator already has the power to access funding records and take robust action, where it is relevant.

Earlier this year the government strengthened responsibilities for universities on free speech and academic freedom. OfS guidance supporting these requirements published in June made it explicitly clear that universities must resist external state threats to academic freedom, and that suppression of research because of the disapproval of a foreign government is unacceptable in practically any circumstances.

The department is supporting higher education providers to improve international due diligence and raise sector awareness of both foreign interference risks and relevant best practice. This work is underway, alongside evaluation of the implementation of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, a new scheme which fully came into effect on the 1 October 2025.

We will keep the overseas funding provisions under review and will act in the event that evidence indicates further transparency reporting is necessary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-19)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to bring into force the overseas transparency provisions of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, and what plans they have to review whether the uncommenced provisions are still necessary. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The department currently assesses that the overseas funding provisions may duplicate existing information gathering powers and create burden, without the benefit of setting clearer expectations for higher education (HE) providers around appropriate risk mitigation for international partnerships. Providers are already required by the Office for Students to resist any external state threats to academic freedom, and the regulator already has the power to access funding records and take robust action, where it is relevant.

We are seeking to enhance approaches to tackling foreign interference in the sector by engaging with the regulator on setting clearer expectations with providers on due diligence of arrangements, promoting a code of practice for international risk management and cultivating greater expertise on foreign interference in HE.

These are important issues, and it is crucial we support HE providers to maximise international opportunities whilst appropriately mitigating risk. We will keep the overseas funding provisions under review and will act in the event that evidence indicates further transparency reporting is necessary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-19)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what redress is available to any academic whose university has failed in its free speech duties in the absence of the free speech complaints scheme under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The complaints scheme in the Higher Education (HE) (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 needs to be fit for purpose, and that means making changes via primary legislation. In the meantime, the HE sector has new duties in place, as well as requirements to promote freedom of speech, and to put in place Codes of Practice.

This government is seeking a suitable legislative vehicle to amend the provisions in relation to the complaints scheme in due course. These amendments will give the Office for Students (OfS) a power, rather than a duty, to consider complaints from staff and speakers.

There are routes of redress in place for staff, students and external speakers where they believe that an HE provider has breached its duties. For students, this is via the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, whose service is free at the point of use. For staff, it is open to them to bring a judicial review or to make a claim in an employment tribunal. In addition, the OfS already regulates providers in relation to free speech and academic freedom through their existing conditions of registration.

The Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom continues to work with the sector, to offer advice and to share best practice, so providers themselves are more effectively protecting free speech and academic freedom.

No assessment has been made of this report by the Committee for Academic Freedom. The free speech complaints scheme must be effective and workable once it is implemented, and that is why government is working to amend the scheme via primary legislation, to address concerns regarding this scheme, and to provide clear and efficient routes of redress.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-19)

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Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to reject the Equality and Human Rights Commission updated draft code of practice for services, public functions and associations. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The EHRC has revised its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations following the consultation and submitted it to the Minister for Women and Equalities.

The Government is considering the updated draft Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Code will be laid before Parliament for a 40 day period. It is right that the Minister takes the time to consider it in detail and follow the necessary steps.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_1

Lord Farmer:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership in protecting and defending the freedom of religion or belief of Christian victims of religious violence in the region; and what examples they have of UK support for Nigerian efforts against religious violence. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including violent extremism and intercommunal violence, continue to have a devastating effect across communities of different faiths and ethnicities, including Christians. The UK remains committed to defending Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), with Nigeria a focus country under the new FoRB strategy.

Through our UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, we are supporting Nigeria to respond to these challenges while upholding human rights, including through training and capacity building for the Nigerian armed forces. At the Third UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership dialogue in July 2025, the UK and Nigeria agreed a support programme to enhance the capacity of Nigeria's National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and other agencies, which will enhance Nigeria's ability to investigate violence and disrupt the financing of terrorist groups. The UK has also renewed its commitment to support Nigeria's Armed Forces in the development of the Defence Special Operations Force, which will help Nigeria to develop a professional, well-coordinated special operations capability to respond to security threats while protecting civilians and promoting stability.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Baroness Goudie:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to review how the European Convention on Human Rights has been implemented in practice. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The Government remains committed to protecting the rights of children and refugees, and preventing torture and we continue to play a leading role in supporting international conventions and alliances that uphold these goals.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Tunisia concerning the ongoing targeting of Christian communities, including instances of (1) physical violence and (2) forced marriage; and what steps are they taking to ensure religious freedom in the country. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: We regularly engage with Tunisian authorities and civil society organisations to promote human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), and we will continue our dialogue with the Tunisian government on human rights as part of our annual Association Council, most recently held in July 2025.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_4

Lord Massey of Hampstead:To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they are undertaking to ensure that students arriving from Gaza to study at British universities are not members of proscribed organisations. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government has outlined plans to support the departure from Gaza of a group of Chevening Scholars and students with full scholarships so they can take up university places in the UK in Autumn for the 2025/26 academic year.

We are now in the process of supporting these departures, whilst working across government to identify any students who might not yet have been included

The Home Office will conduct robust security checks to uphold national security and protect the UK border from those who may pose a threat to the UK. Biometrics will be collected as part of the visa application process prior to travelling to the UK.

The Home Office uses various tools to detect and disrupt travel by terrorists, by criminals and by individuals excluded from the UK; previously deported from the UK; or using lost, stolen or revoked documents and visas. This includes the use of domestic and international watchlists.

The Home Office works with both law enforcement and wider government partners to ensure appropriate action is taken before travel or at the border when individuals of concern are identified.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_5

Lord Birt:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 23 July (HL9313), whether they can identify the reasons as to why London’s economy is 28.5 per cent more productive on average than the rest of the United Kingdom. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

Please see the letter below from the National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority.

The Lord Birt

House of Lords

London

SW1A 0PW

4 September 2025

Dear Lord Birt,

As Acting National Statistician, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 23 July (HL9313), whether the reasons as to why London’s economy is 28.5 per cent more productive on average than the rest of the United Kingdom can be identified (HL9939).

London is home to a high proportion of knowledge-intensive sectors such as financial services, insurance, and professional, scientific, and technical industries, all of which drive higher levels of productivity. There is evidence that London, like other major cities, benefits from an agglomeration effect, whereby the close proximity of a diverse mix of businesses, highly skilled labour, and major institutions fuels knowledge spillovers, collaboration, and innovation which enhance overall economic output. 1

London-based firms also consistently outperform their regional peers, even within the same industries, with firms benefitting from access to a large highly skilled labour market and a well-developed infrastructure and also from high competition between firms driving business dynamism.

This same pattern is found globally, with the largest cities typically having higher productivity levels compared with other areas due to these agglomeration impacts.

Yours sincerely,

Emma Rourke

1 https://whatworksgrowth.org/insights/understanding-agglomeration/
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Lord Frost:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Lord Livermore on 13 October (HL Deb col 9), on what basis and calculations it was claimed that "without Brexit, GDP would be 4% higher". \p Lord Livermore: The statement was based on independent analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility. In 2020 the OBR forecast that GDP will be 4 per cent lower than it would have been had the UK not withdrawn from the EU. The OBR estimated that around two-fifths of the 4 per cent impact had already occurred by the time the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement came into force, that GDP would be 2.7 per cent lower by 2025, with the remaining reduction occurring by 2031.

In the OBR’s March 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook, they reaffirmed these assumptions were on track, and as of Spring 2025 these forecasts were unchanged.

Other independent studies are also consistent with this analysis, for example the National Institute of Economic and Social Research estimates that GDP will be 5 to 6 per cent lower as a result of Brexit.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_7

Lord Freyberg:To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to advertise the position of Creative Freelance Champion, as announced in the 2025 Creative Industries Sector Plan; what the remit and responsibilities of the role will be; and by when they expect the appointment to be made. \p Baroness Twycross: We committed in the Creative Industries Sector Plan to appoint a Freelance Champion in 2025, who will advocate for the creative sector’s freelancers within government and be a member of the Creative Industries Council.

We have been working closely with established industry forums, including unions and freelancer representatives, to inform the role's remit, and we will make an appointment in the coming months. Upon appointment, we expect the Freelance Champion to establish their priorities and develop a workplan to address them. They will work closely with the sector and with ministers and government officials, to represent the experiences of creative freelancers and to build awareness of key rights, responsibilities, and resources among freelancers and their contractors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_8

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 26 September (HL10217), whether they will now answer the question put: namely, whether Baroness Shafik informed the Department for Culture, Media and Sport of her proposed appointment as Chief Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister, and what the Department’s advice was. \p Baroness Twycross: Baroness Shafik has been appointed to be the Chief Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister as a Direct Ministerial Appointment, which was made by the Cabinet Office. The management of relevant outside interests for this role has been agreed in line with relevant guidance and processes.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_9

Baroness Eaton:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the difference between commissioners and envoys in the context of local government intervention. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Secretary of State may intervene under the Local Government Act 1999 where they are satisfied that a council is failing to meet its Best Value Duty to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement. Intervention typically involves directing the council to take specific actions to improve and appointing individuals to work with the council to support their improvement.

Commissioners have been appointed to seven councils to provide challenge and exercise specified council functions if necessary to accelerate improvement.

Ministerial Envoys have been appointed to two councils to provide support and guidance, helping them drive their own improvement, and generally do not have the ability to exercise council functions.

Some Ministerial Envoys hold powers in reserve to exercise council functions, which are intended to be used only as a last resort to ensure compliance with the Best Value Duty.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_10

Lord Framlingham:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 17 September (HL Deb col 2288) that there are provisions for paying a fair price for compulsory purchases, what are those provisions. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: I refer the noble Lord to the answer given to his Question UIN HL10400 on 23 September 2025. In addition to the open market value of the acquired land in the absence of the scheme, owners and tenants are entitled to loss payment compensation for the distress and inconvenience of having to move from their property at a time not of their choosing and to claim compensation for disturbance (i.e. losses unconnected to the value of property such as professional fees).

PQ HL10400 (pdf, 78.7KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_11

Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard:To ask His Majesty's Government how many dwellings have been completed but cannot be occupied due to delay in inspection by the Building Safety Regulator. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: As of 15 October 2025, there are currently five Gateway 3 New Build applications covering 1,336 residential units awaiting approval, and 12 Gateway 3 New Build applications approved covering 1,187 units.

Currently, no Gateway 3 New Build applications have been withdrawn, invalidated or rejected.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_12

Lord Patten:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 23 September (HL10307), what assessment they have made of the protection afforded by the National Planning Policy Framework to the landscape views of Salisbury Cathedral from the water meadows of the River Avon. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The settings of heritage assets are protected through national planning policy. Any harm to, or loss of, the significance of a designated heritage asset, including from development within its setting, requires clear and convincing justification. Substantial harm to or loss of assets of the highest significance, including Grade I listed buildings such as Salisbury Cathedral, should be wholly exceptional.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_13

Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia Definition Working Group has provided a proposed new definition to them; and when they expect to report on that definition. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Working Group have now submitted their independent advice to Ministers who will take the time to review and consider the advice carefully before confirming next steps in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they remain committed to the provisions in the Good Friday Agreement about calling a border poll in Northern Ireland. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: Yes. The UK Government remains steadfastly committed to upholding the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts. This includes the principle of consent and the need to exercise parity of esteem for the identity, ethos and aspirations of both communities.

The Agreement is clear that any change to the constitutional position of Northern Ireland would require the consent of a majority of its people. There is no basis to suggest that a majority of people in Northern Ireland wish to separate from the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland will therefore remain part of the United Kingdom for as long as its people wish for it to be.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government what action they plan to take to support integrated care boards that are unable to fund redundancies to reduce staffing costs by the end of this year. \p Baroness Merron: Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the abolition of NHS England, we are clear on the need for a smaller centre, as well as scaling back integrated care board running costs and National Health Service provider corporate cost reductions to reduce waste and bureaucracy.

We have recently announced the Spending Review settlement which provides an additional £29 billion of annual day-to-day spending in real terms by 2028/29 compared to 2023/24. Ahead of asking the NHS to commence a multi-year planning round, we are now carefully reviewing how the settlement is prioritised including making provision for redundancy costs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Lord Bradley:To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of (1) men, and (2) women who are released from from prison on licence are recalled to prison on the first occasion for breaking licence conditions; and, of these, what proportion are sentenced for an additional period of (a) up to two weeks, (b) two weeks to four weeks, (c) four weeks to eight weeks, (d) eight weeks to twelve weeks, and (e) over twelve weeks. \p Lord Timpson: The requested information is not held in a readily reportable format and so could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to increase the number of organisations involved in delivering education services in prisons through the new Prisoner Education Services contracts. \p Lord Timpson: The Prison Education Service (PES) is a collection of different and complementary contracts and partnerships aimed at improving prisoner outcomes through education. Three providers currently deliver core education services, with one regional Lot still subject to competition. PES also includes services such as careers advice (5 providers), library services (34 providers) and higher education delivered in partnership with the Open University and Prisoners’ Education Trust.

To broaden provider diversity, the Prison Education Dynamic Purchasing System has grown significantly, from 250 qualified suppliers in 2019 to over 500 in 2025. There are currently 270 active contracts with 88 suppliers. Additional programmes include the Future Skills Programme (5 providers), Literacy Innovation Fund (2 providers) and 12 employers delivering prison academies. The Ministry of Justice continues to explore ways to sustain and grow a diverse market of education and skills providers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-22 conversation_18

Lord Bradley:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to improve the education of all prisoners in England. \p Lord Timpson: The Ministry of Justice and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service are committed to improving prison education across England. We have introduced key roles such as Heads of Education, Skills and Work, and Neurodiversity Support Managers, supported by regional leads and strengthened oversight of education contracts. Investment in digital infrastructure is expanding access to secure, flexible learning. Governors can commission enrichment and vocational courses through the Dynamic Purchasing System, while apprenticeships and the Future Skills Programme further support employment pathways. Ofsted feedback is closely monitored to drive improvements.

New Prison Education Service contracts have recently launched which aim to strengthen the quality of delivery, as well as standardising the assessment of prisoners and improving support for learners with additional needs. The Ministry of Justice is developing a strategy to evaluate prison education, and this will inform our plans for further improvements.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Lord Garnier:To ask His Majesty's Government what the cost is of keeping each court room in the Crown courts of England and Wales (1) open and in use 5 days a week; and (2) closed for all or any part of the working week. \p Baroness Levitt: HMCTS does not hold the information requested. Generally, the efficient use of the court estate is vital to the efficient administration of criminal justice. The overall cost and utilisation of court rooms is kept under regular review and the Government has increased capital investment in repair and maintenance of the courts and tribunals estate by some £28.5 million in this financial year to ensure more court rooms are kept in use.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government how many (1) arrests, (2) charges, (3) prosecutions, and (4) convictions, have been made under the Suicide Act 1961 in the past ten years. \p Baroness Levitt: The Ministry of Justice collates data on the number of prosecutions and convictions for specific offences, including those under section 2 (1) of the Suicide Act 1961 which are shown below:

Values

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2023

2024

Proceeded against

1

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

Convicted

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

0

This data is held on a principal-offence basis and therefore reports information relating to the most serious offence that a defendant was dealt with for. Arrests and police charges data are held by the Home Office.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to review the European Convention on Human Rights; and if so, what aspects of that Convention they will review. \p Baroness Levitt: This Government is committed to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). However, commitment does not mean complacency, and we need to make sure the Convention evolves to face modern challenges. We do not need to leave to deliver meaningful reform and modernisation.

We are bringing forward legislation to clarify how Article 8 ECHR (right to a private life) operates domestically in relation to immigration rules to ensure an appropriate balance between the rights of individuals and the national interest. We are also looking at the interpretation of Article 3 ECHR (prohibition against torture, inhuman and degrading treatment) so that varied prison conditions or access to healthcare is not a bar to extradition or deportation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-15)

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Lord Strasburger:To ask His Majesty's Government who recommended Inivos Ltd to the personal protective equipment priority lane, and why that company was not included in PPE procurement in the early pandemic, published on 17 November 2021. \p Baroness Merron: Inivos Ltd were not recommended to the Government through the priority personal protective equipment lane, also known as the high priority lane. Inivos Ltd are included in the publication PPE procurement in the early pandemic on the GOV.UK website, under the New Buy section, although the company name has been misspelled as Invios. The Department will seek to correct this error at the earliest opportunity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_1

Lord Roberts of Llandudno:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current level of starvation in Yemen. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Yemen continues to face huge levels of severe food insecurity and malnutrition. In 2025 17.1 million people (49% of the population) are estimated to be severely food insecure, (a slight reduction from 17.6 million people in 2024), and 8.6 million of those will need nutritional support, (an increase from 7.7 million in 2024). An estimated 3.5 million children aged under 5 years, and pregnant and lactating women, face acute malnutrition due in many cases to insufficient purchasing power to buy available food. Nearly half of Yemen's children under five suffer from moderate to severe stunting. The 2025 UN led Humanitarian Response Plan launched last week requires $2.47 billion to address these challenges and wider humanitarian needs in Yemen.

Responding to Yemen's humanitarian crisis is a priority for the UK. This year, the UK will contribute £144 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen which includes supporting 864,000 people with cash transfers to buy food, and support 718 health facilities with the medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements they need to treat 700,000 severely malnourished children. The UK invests in responses that integrate health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food security in areas in need through our two flagship programmes Women and Children (W&C) and Food Security Safety Nets (FSSN).
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_2

The Lord Bishop of St Albans:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations, if any, they intend to make to the government of Iran concerning the execution sentence of Pakhshan Azizi. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: We condemn the Islamic Republic's unacceptable treatment of Pakhshan Azizi and other human rights defenders facing the death penalty in Iran. We have repeatedly called on the Iranian government to establish a moratorium on executions, including at the UN Human Rights Council, and have raised rights issues directly with the regime through our Ambassador in Tehran. In November 2024, the UK and international partners delivered a resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee which called on Iran to release women human rights defenders imprisoned for exercising their rights.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_3

Lord Roberts of Llandudno:To ask His Majesty's Government how many humanitarian lorries were allowed into Gaza in (1) 2020, (2) 2024, and (3) 2025 to date. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: In 2020, data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs showed 12,492 humanitarian and 93,901 commercial trucks entered Gaza. In 2024, data from UNRWA showed that 32,763 humanitarian and 10,638 commercial trucks entered Gaza. In 2025, data from UNRWA shows that 523 humanitarian trucks have entered Gaza to date. The 2025 data from UNRWA is still subject to updates, and does not currently show commercial trucks. The UK continues to push for an immediate surge of aid into Gaza.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_4

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what progress has been made regarding the Declaration of humanity by leaders of faith and leaders of belief, published in 2020; how many leaders have signed the declaration and what activities they are planning to engage more widely on the declaration and to ensure its universality. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The Declaration of Humanity by Leaders of Faith and Leaders of Belief has been signed by over 750 faith leaders, NGOs and civil society actors in countries including Iraq, Kosovo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The UK Government remains committed to promoting the Declaration, including through the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, and the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. In November 2024, at a symposium organised by the British Embassy to the Holy See and the Jesuit Refugee Service, representatives of four major Catholic organisations became signatories.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_5

Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have directly funded any British medical personnel to provide medical relief and assistance to Gaza and the West Bank, with a particular focus on medical support for children. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Since the start of the conflict, we have provided £5.5 million in funding to UK-Med, enabling it to provide vital care to over 300,000 Gazans, including critical limb and life-saving surgeries, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. The UK also supported delivery of the Polio vaccination campaign, both through advocacy and our core funding to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), protecting thousands of vulnerable children across Gaza. We have pressed Israel at senior levels to urgently improve healthcare provision, including significantly increasing medical supplies, and to establish sustained, safe and timely passage for patients who need medical or surgical interventions not available in Gaza.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_6

Lord Moylan:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the increasing persecution of religious minorities and Catholic clergy in Belarus, including the sentencing of Father Henrykh Akalatovich; and what steps they are taking to support freedom of religion or belief in Belarus through diplomatic or international channels. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK champions freedom of religion or belief around the world. We closely monitor human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, in Belarus and condemn the sentencing of Father Henrykh Akalatovich in a closed-door trial. We work with likeminded partners to raise the human rights situation with the Belarusian authorities and demand the release of political prisoners. Our Embassy in Minsk demonstrates UK solidarity with political prisoners using social media campaigns to highlight ongoing human rights violations, including discrimination based on religion or belief.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_7

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what recent steps they have taken to support progress towards a ceasefire, and ultimately an end to the conflict, in Sudan. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK is actively working towards ending the conflict in Sudan. The Foreign Secretary has spoken with regional partners to explore how the UK can assist international mediation efforts. The UK's Special Representative to Sudan visited Port Sudan in December 2024 which was the UK's first official visit to the country since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023.

The UK's Special Representative to Sudan pressed for a resolution to the conflict and for all parties to engage constructively in mediation talks, including by complying with the Jeddah Declaration of Commitments to Protect Civilians. We also continue to lead efforts in the UN Security Council to support peace and to keep international spotlight on this crisis.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_8

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to raise, during the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister of Iraq, the position of the Yazidi minority and the security situation in Sinjar, the return of internally displaced people to Sinjar, and the use of evidence collected by UNITAD detailing atrocities committed against Yazidis and other minorities. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK Government welcomed the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani from 14 - 16 January. As part of the official visit's programme, the Minister of State for Development met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Dr Mohammed Ali Tamim on 15 January. They discussed development partnerships between our countries, the situation in Sinjar and support for Yazidis and other Internally Displaced Persons.

The UK Government also recognises that continued insecurity in Iraq can have a disproportionate effect on ethnic and religious minority groups, including those who are displaced. We regularly engage with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government on the need for stability in Sinjar, and advocate for full implementation of the Sinjar Agreement.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_9

Baroness Anelay of St Johns:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to combat global activism against sexual and reproductive rights. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK government is proud to defend and promote universal and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including safe abortion. In the face of increasing anti-SRHR activism we will harness UK political leadership and strategic funding to elevate the voices of those most marginalised in the global south, convene and coordinate likeminded and non-traditional partners and protect SRHR from rollback at both global and national levels.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_10

Baroness Anelay of St Johns:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to include a reference to allocating 10 per cent of national development budgets and development assistance budgets to the implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action in the National Statement to be delivered by the UK at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in March 2025. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK's National Statement at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will highlight our commitment to reaffirming the principles of the Beijing Declaration and putting women and girls at the heart of everything we do. This will include our commitment to defending and promoting their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The FCDO is committed to maintaining a strong portfolio of SRHR programming and spend. There are currently no plans to set spending targets on SRHR.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_11

Baroness Anelay of St Johns:To ask His Majesty's Government what are their priorities in formulating their policies on sexual and reproductive rights. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The empowerment of women and girls is a top priority for the UK government, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are key to this. When women and girls around the world are able to have control over their lives and their own bodies, they can avoid a life of early, multiple and often dangerous pregnancies and births, and instead complete their education, take up better economic opportunities and fulfil their potential. The UK therefore prioritises bodily autonomy and the rights of women and girls in the development of SRHR policies, in line with the Guttmacher-Lancet integrated definition of comprehensive SRHR for all.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-23 conversation_12

Baroness Northover:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to include a reference to Official Development Assistance support for sexual and reproductive health and rights to achieve gender equality in the National Statement at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in March 2025; and whether this reference will specify that this should be 10 per cent as recommended by the International Parliamentarian's Conference on the Implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK's National Statement at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will highlight our commitment to reaffirming the principles of the Beijing Declaration and putting women and girls at the heart of everything we do. This will include our commitment to defending and promoting their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The FCDO is committed to maintaining a strong portfolio of SRHR programming and spend. There are currently no plans to set spending targets on SRHR.