theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_60
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_60

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Answer to the hon. Member for Cheltenham of 27 February 2025, Official Report, column 919, what the content was of her discussions with EU commissioners on reducing bureaucracy for artists touring EU countries. \p Chris Bryant: The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Chris Bryant, met the EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, on 26 February.

The Minister communicated the UK’s commitment to seeking a closer, more cooperative relationship with the EU, including by supporting UK creative professionals to tour in Europe. By ensuring artists and crew can move efficiently, we can support economic growth, job creation, and artistic innovation across the continent. The Minister and the Commissioner agreed to meet again to continue these discussions.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_61
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_61

Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure that sporting events held in the UK are accessible for people with disabilities. \p Stephanie Peacock: We remain committed to delivering international events with pride, showcasing the UK’s expertise, generating significant socio-economic benefits and inspiring the next generation’s talent. We expect any bids to host major sporting events which are seeking government support to provide evidence that accessibility has been considered from the earliest stage.

The Government's expert arm’s-length body, UK Sport, has committed to consult on the accessibility of ticketing to major events, with a view of protecting the social and cultural value of live sport to all communities across the UK as part of their strategy Making Live Sport Matter. In order to support the delivery of the strategy, UK Sport are currently working with partners with expertise on accessibility to drive understanding and best practice. This is in addition to work taking place on trialling spectator communication resources at events for visually impaired and blind visitors.

The Sports Ground Safety Authority, a Government arm’s-length body and the world leader in stadium safety, has published a free Accessible Stadia document and Supplementary Guidance to help deliver high-quality grounds with facilities and services that are accessible, inclusive and welcoming for all.

The Government has also ratified the St Denis Convention, reinforcing our commitment to providing an integrated safety, security and service approach at football matches and other sports events. Ensuring that all fans are able to participate is a key element of service, and something we will continue to champion.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_62
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the continuation of the Future of Cricket Fund. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Secretary of State regularly discusses Departmental spending with HM Treasury Ministers. Future funding of sports facilities will be considered as part of the forthcoming Spending Review.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_63
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_63

Claire Hanna:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has written to her counterpart in the new Irish government on the creation of a unique IP address for Northern Ireland residents. \p Stephanie Peacock: Further to my response of 14 October 2024 to question 6604, my officials have subsequently discussed the issue of geoblocking with their counterparts in both the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government. Those discussions are ongoing. Following the formation of the new Irish Government on 23 January, I have written to the Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport to seek his views.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_64
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_64

Stuart Andrew:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2025 to Question 33865, on Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, if she will place a copy of the (a) internal Equality Impact Assessment and (b) equality screening in the Library of the House. \p Chris Bryant: DCMS Ministers received advice on changes to the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme including careful consideration of the potential equality impacts of the changes, in particular with regard to the protected characteristic of religion or belief. A separate equality screening or impact assessment document has not been produced, so will not be placed in the Library of the House.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_65
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_65

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to provide an Answer to Question 28549 on Ministry of Defence: Pay, tabled on 4 February 2025. \p Al Carns: I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_66
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_66

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to provide an Answer Question 26308 on Army and Marines: Training, tabled on 24 January 2025. \p Luke Pollard: I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_67
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_67

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many L403A1 rifles his Department had (a) ordered and (b) received by 10 March 2025. \p Maria Eagle: An order of 1,620 L403A1 rifles was made by Defence Equipment and Support, all of which were received by 10 March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_68
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_68

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of foreign investment on the UK defence industrial base. \p Maria Eagle: The UK’s defence industry plays a vital role not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK. We want to boost investment in our defence industry, including from overseas, and the Defence Industrial Strategy will align our security and economic priorities to boost the prosperity of our people across the country, provide resilience for the UK, and ensure the credibility of our deterrence.

The investment in defence announced by the Prime Minister on 25 February 2025 will protect UK citizens from threats and create a secure and stable environment in which businesses of all sizes can thrive. Alongside this, the Defence Industrial Strategy will consider how best to create the conditions needed for the private sector to invest more. We will maximise opportunities of dual-use technology and sectors to bring in investment that supports the broader industrial strategy as well as benefiting Defence.

Equally this Government recognises that foreign investment can bring threats and risks as well as opportunity. The National Security and Investment Act is part of a robust system for scrutinising and where necessary intervening to protect national security, while providing businesses and investors with the certainty and transparency they need to do business in the UK.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_69
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_69

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of domestic industrial capacity to support defence supply chains. \p Maria Eagle: This Government is bringing forward a Defence Industrial Strategy that will ensure a strong Defence sector and resilient supply chains across the whole of the UK.

The Statement of Intent for the Defence Industrial Strategy, published in December 2024, set out a commitment to prioritising UK businesses for investment and boosting sovereign capacity. Through the Defence Industrial Strategy and the Strategic Defence Review, the Ministry of Defence is currently undertaking a review and reconfirmation of sovereign capabilities required onshore.

The Department is also actively improving the capabilities of the UK’s Defence sector through initiatives such as the Defence Supplier Capability Development Programme and the new support hub for small and medium enterprises that the Prime Minister announced on 3 March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_70
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_70

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the status is of the Army's Warrior AFVs \p Maria Eagle: As of 1 April 2025, there will be 359 Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles in service.

A decision to extend Warrior’s Out of Service Date to 2027 ensures Warrior will remain supported during transition to a modernised fleet. It remains our intent that Warrior be withdrawn from service by 2030.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_71
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_71

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the delivery timeline is for the remaining F-35B jets ordered from Lockheed Martin. \p Maria Eagle: The declaration of Full Operating Capability for the first procurement phase is scheduled to occur no later than 31 December 2025, with graduation as a Government Major Projects Portfolio programme by 31 March 2026. The first procurement phase of 48 aircraft continues to be delivered, with 37 aircraft received to date and delivery of the 48th aircraft due by programme graduation.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_72
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_72

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March 2025 to Question 34902 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement, whether he has plans to change the process for issuing Defence Infrastructure Organisation licenses for the use of uncrewed systems on the defence estate. \p Maria Eagle: Anyone wishing to apply for a licence to use Uncrewed Systems on the Defence Estate should contact the local Defence Infrastructure Organisation Office.

Officials will engage with the relevant Head of Establishment to determine availability of the site and any security restrictions. If the proposed use is considered acceptable, Officials will engage with the originator to issue a licence for which there would be a charge.

There are no plans to change this process.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_73
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_73

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the NSN is of the (a) Peltor ComTac XP and (b) Peltor ComTac XPI. \p Maria Eagle: The current NATO Stock Numbers (NSNs) for the Peltor ComTac XPI are 5965-25-161-5983 for the headset and 5895-99-984-8647 for the headset with boom microphone. The Peltor ComTac XP was superceded by the XPI in 2016, and had the NSN 4240-99-282-2906 for the headset.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_74
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_74

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the total expenditure was on the refit of HMS Bulwark prior to its decommissioning; and what specific refit work remained incomplete at the time of HMS Albion’s decommissioning in July 2023. \p Maria Eagle: The decision to decommission both HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark was announced in November 2024. As of that date, a considerable amount of refit work was still outstanding to materially prepare HMS Bulwark for her return to sea. In the period from 2022 to 2024, a total of £72.1 million had been spent on refitting HMS Bulwark.

Neither HMS Albion nor HMS Bulwark were due to go to sea ahead of their out-of-service dates in 2033 and 2034. Their disposal shows that we are delivering for defence by divesting ourselves of old capabilities to make way for the future. These ships were effectively mothballed by the previous Government.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_75
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_75

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an assessment of the readiness of UK Armed Forces to meet potential future defence commitments within Europe. \p Luke Pollard: The UK offers almost all the British Armed Forces to NATO, with the majority at high readiness. These forces are across the full spectrum of military capability, including our nuclear deterrent, the ultimate guarantor of Alliance security.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_76
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_76

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the nuclear capability of other countries. \p Luke Pollard: The department works closely across Government to support nuclear counter proliferation activity, while also maintaining under constant review its assessment of hostile Nations Nuclear Capabilities
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_77
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_77

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 February 2025 to Question 33149 on Armed Forces: Protective Clothing, how many personnel in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army and (c) Royal Air Force have a pair of Peltor ComTac XP/XPI issued to them. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 10 March 2025, to Question 34996.

Armed Forces: Protective Clothing (docx, 15.0KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_78

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral statement by the Prime Minister of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, columns 631 to 634, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the announcements on defence spending on the publication timescale for the new Defence Industrial Strategy. \p Maria Eagle: This Government recognises the vital role the UK defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK.

Raising defence expenditure to 2.5% of GDP has the potential to enhance the security and economic prosperity of the entire UK. The announcement of increased defence spending does not affect the schedule for the Defence Industrial Strategy.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_79
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_79

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, under what circumstances an individual would be issued the Peltor ComTac XP/XPI Ear defenders over the Peltor General Service Ear Muffs. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 5 March 2025 to Question 34362 which explained that due to the varying nature of environments and tasks that require a form of ear protection, Service personnel (SP) are issued with ear protection that has been assessed as the most appropriate for the situation.

The Peltor General Service Ear Muff offers a more basic level of protection and are typically used for activities that do not require movement or communication, such as static Live Fire Marksmanship Training or in engineering workshops.

The Peltor ComTac XP/XPI provides a greater level of hearing protection and enhanced situational awareness through the use of an active electronic system. They provide SP with hearing protection that does not need to be removed to communicate or move, as when conducting Transition to Tactical Live Fire Training or Live Fire Tactical Training. They can also be used for the same activities as the Peltor General Service Ear Muff.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_80
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_80

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people began RAF pilot training in each of the last 10 years. \p Luke Pollard: I hope the hon. Member will understand that his question engages national security considerations. I can reassure him that the RAF has a plan to recruit and retain pilots and a program is being made against this plan.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_81
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_81

David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the operational independence of the UK's F-35 fighter jet fleet. \p Luke Pollard: The UK maintains the freedom of action to operate the F-35 Lightning at a time and place of our choosing.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_82
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_82

Helen Grant:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to further support Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: The UK continues to step up its assistance, spending £4.5 billion on military support for Ukraine this year - more than ever before. This includes £2.26 billion of interest from frozen Russian assets which the UK will use to source essential military capabilities for Ukraine.

We also recently agreed a £1.6 billion export finance deal which will supply Ukraine with more than 5,000 air defence missiles. The deal marks a historic step for industrial relations between the UK and Ukraine, building on the 100 Year Partnership signed recently by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

Furthermore, we also announced the biggest package of sanctions in over two years to continue to bear down on Russia's economy.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_83
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 March 2025 to Question 35009 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases, what the responsibilities and authorities for the operations of Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia are as agreed with the United Kingdom and set out in the 1966 UK-US Exchange of Notes, including the 1976 amendment. \p Luke Pollard: The Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia is a United States defence facility. The responsibilities and authorities for its operations as agreed with the United Kingdom are set out in the 1966 UK-US Exchange of Notes, including the 1976 amendment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_84

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times UK Shadow R1 planes have flown from RAF Akrotiri towards Gaza since 19 January 2025; and for what purpose. \p Luke Pollard: Since the terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals.

In support of this, the Ministry of Defence has been conducting surveillance flights over the Eastern Mediterranean, including operating in airspace over Israel and Gaza. For the avoidance of doubt, our mandate is narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of hostages only; surveillance aircraft are unarmed and do not have a combat role.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Kanishka Narayan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether interim financial assistance is available for veterans awaiting a decision on their war pension applications; and what steps are being taken to support those experiencing financial hardship due to prolonged processing times. \p Al Carns: Work is underway to tackle the backlog war pension applications pending action, of which has increased in the last few months. The department continually review and evaluate its processes to look for ways to improve and minimise claim processing times. The caseload is subject to constant review and when necessary, steps are taken to target resources to a particular team or work area to expedite the workflow.

Please refer to the following table for the current number of pending War Pension applications:

Date

Holding Data (no of claims on hand)

1 March 2022

4,874

1 March 2023

5,334

1 March 2024

6,228

28 February 2025

9,964

The extract numbers held on the specific date of the 11 March each year could not be produced, therefore the data above was taken from 1 March for 2022-2024 and 28 February 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2025 to Question 33508 on Defence Serious Crime Unit, how frequently does the Service Justice Board meet. \p Al Carns: The Service Justice Board (SJB) is responsible to the Secretary of State for providing assurance that an effective and efficient system for dispensing Service Justice is in place, in support of the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

The full membership of the SJB is:

The Judge Advocate General (or nominated representative) is invited to attend the SJB as an observer, having due regard to the independence and constitutional separation from the executive function of Government as a member of the judiciary.

The SJB is held at least once a year. It last met on 3 December 2024.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_87
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_87

Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many staff their Department has seconded from Hakluyt since July 2024. \p Al Carns: No staff have been seconded from Hakluyt into the Ministry of Defence or its Executive Agencies since July 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_88

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to conduct the next Learning from Experience exercise into Service Family Accommodation. \p Al Carns: The Department has scheduled the next Learning from Experience exercise into Service Family Accommodation this Spring with outcomes available during early Summer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_89

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to continue the implementation of the Damp and Mould Taskforce. \p Al Carns: The Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Damp and Mould Taskforce is scheduled to maintain operations throughout 2025 and 2026.

Since the Damp and Mould Taskforce was established in 2023, over 9,000 Service personnel and their families have benefitted from the delivery of damp and mould packages of works.

The severity of damp and mould cases being raised now is has reduced from when the Taskforce was first established with circa 3% of reported cases at the most severe level.

The DIO will continue its current approach to ensure cases are addressed on a priority basis.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_90

Dr Ben Spencer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 16 December 2024 to Question 19765 on Large Goods Vehicles: Concrete, if she will publish the findings of the review of the call for evidence on the operation of Volumetric Concrete Mixers at higher weights. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department has published its findings today. These can be accessed at the following link:

gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/volumetric-concrete-mixers-review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_91

Mark Sewards:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing stronger regulation for e-bikes, including full registration and insurance requirements. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government has no intention of requiring cyclists, including those who ride Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles, to be registered or to have insurance. This would require a national registration scheme for all cycles which would be complex and expensive to design and administer. It would also be likely to lead to a reduction in the number of people cycling, which would have negative health and environmental consequences. The Government believes that insurance for cycling should remain a matter of personal choice. Cyclists who are not insured are liable for the consequences of their actions should these result in injury or damages to others.

Those who ride e-mopeds, or forms of e-cycle that do not comply in full with the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983, are already required to have insurance and licence plates. Enforcement of these rules is a matter for the police, who have the power to seize illegal e-cycles and to fine individuals who fail to stop when instructed to do so.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_92

Olly Glover:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February 2025 to Question 32531 on Active Travel: Finance, how much funding her Department allocated for active travel by (a) (i) capital and (ii) revenue funding and (b) funding for local authorities, (c) funding for non-governmental organisations and (d) funding for Active Travel England's operational costs in each financial year between 2020-21 and 2023-24. \p Simon Lightwood: The below table sets out capital and revenue funding allocations to (a) local authorities (LA) and (b) non-government organisations (NGO), alongside funding for Active Travel England’s (ATE) operating costs from financial year 20/21 to 23/24. Final payments may differ from funding allocations.

20/21

21/22

22/23

23/24

LA capital

173.9

161.0

200.0

45.8

LA revenue

71.1

36.9

45.7

57.2

NGO capital

18.0

48.0

7.7

NGO revenue

43.6

32.0

26.5

28.6

ATE operating costs

4.0

10.2

Total

306.6

277.9

276.2

149.5
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she plans to take to improve the (a) infrastructure for and (b) accessibility of electric vehicle for users in South East Cornwall. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government is committed to accelerating the roll-out of affordable and accessible charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to an electric vehicle. As of March 2025, the Government and industry have supported the installation of 75,305 publicly available charging devices, up 32% on this time last year.

Cornwall Council have been allocated over £6m capital and resource funding through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVI) Fund to increase local public chargepoints across the area. The LEVI Fund will support the installation of at least 100,000 local chargepoints across England.

We are aware that disabled EV drivers face specific barriers when using public chargepoints. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles co-sponsored the accessability standard, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) 1899, along with national disability charity Motability. The Government has been actively encouraging relevant parties to adopt its specifications, building on improvements already being made in the sector. The Government is supporting the 24-month review of the PAS, which is being led by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and concludes early in 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_94

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether repairing potholes is (a) revenue and (b) capital expenditure for local authorities. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department for Transport provides local highway authorities with capital funding for local highway maintenance. Local authorities receive revenue funding from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government through the Local Government Finance Settlement.

Capital funded highway maintenance activities are typically structural in nature and may include planned reactive repairs, such as permanent small-scale repairs to roads and pavements. However, capital funding cannot be used to fund the operating costs of a service, or for recurring expenditure such as grass-cutting or other cyclical maintenance activities, or for temporary short-term patching of potholes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what statistics her Department holds on the (a) number of potholes repaired and (b) area of roads resurfaced each year. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department does not collect data on the number of potholes treated or miles of road resurfaced in each local authority area each year, but instead collects information from local highway authorities on the overall condition of their roads. This is published annually, together with other information such as local authority expenditure on highway maintenance, on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/road-condition-statistics-data-tables-rdc.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Luke Murphy:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of (a) salary sacrifice schemes and (b) the Plug In Car grant in increasing uptake of electric vehicles. \p Lilian Greenwood: Favourable taxation measures to support electric vehicles (EVs), including Salary Sacrifice, remain a key driver of new EV sales. EVs bought through salary sacrifice schemes can also play a key role in supporting the used EV markets, where these cars are often sold after the end of their lease. Most cars in the UK are bought in the used market.

The Plug-in Car Grant (PICG) closed to new orders in 2022. The Government supported over 360,000 vehicles through the PICG scheme. An independent evaluation of this scheme concluded that it had a material impact on demand for new EVs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Luke Murphy:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the uptake of the Plug In Car grant was for (a) working and (b) non-working people. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government holds data only on the number of vehicles supported thought the Plug-in Car Grant. We do not hold any data that identifies the employment status of recipients.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_98
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_98

Luke Murphy:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a public information campaign to tackle common misinformation on electric vehicle ownership and charging. \p Lilian Greenwood: Government is committed to accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles and increasing awareness of the benefits of electric vehicle ownership. We are working closely with the electric vehicle sector and key partners to ensure that we are delivering consistent and clear information to drivers about making the switch to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Combating misinformation is a key part of this, and we continue to assess how we can do this most effectively.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_99
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_99

Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many staff her Department has seconded from Hakluyt since July 2024. \p Mike Kane: The Department has no record of staff having being seconded from “Hakluyt” since July 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_100

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help reduce road (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries among young people. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government treats road safety seriously, and we are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. My department is developing our road safety strategy and will set out more details in due course.

Road safety is devolved to Northern Ireland (as well as to Wales and Scotland).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_101

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of increasing the permitted weight of electric HGVs on the construction sector. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department keeps vehicle regulations, including maximum permitted weight limits, under review, to determine whether they remain appropriate during the transition towards zero emission HGVs. No assessment which focuses exclusively on vehicles used in the construction sector is planned.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_102

Mr Paul Kohler:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport on future trends in respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. \p Mike Kane: The Government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once proposals have been received, the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement, which provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow. The Government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding commitments on carbon and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_103

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 36365 on HM Coastguard: North West, if she will take steps to distribute copies of the (a) assessments and (b) consequent service level changes to relevant stakeholders. \p Mike Kane: HM Coastguard would not normally share any documentation relating to operational decisions pertaining to the capability and capacity of Coastal Response Teams. HM Coastguard does however proactively engage with all relevant local partners when there is a change to Coastal Response Teams operational skillset. HM Coastguard remains available to re-engage with any stakeholder that has a concern relative to Coastal Response Team operations.

Further, HM Coastguard has never entered into a service level agreement with City of Derry airport, for the provision of mud rescue capability. An internal review of HM Coastguard Mud Rescue capability concluded that the changes would not impact on the statutory role of search and rescue. This includes the mobilisation, organisation and tasking of adequate resources to respond to persons in distress in the air, at sea, in tidal waters or at risk of injury or death on the sea cliffs and shoreline of the UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_104

Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of airport expansion on the ability of the UK to meet its net zero targets. \p Mike Kane: The government is committed to reaching net zero by 2050 and meeting our climate change obligations, as set out in the Climate Change Act. Delivering greener transport to help make Britain a clean energy superpower is a Department for Transport priority.

We have been clear that any airport expansion proposals will need to demonstrate they contribute to economic growth and can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitment.

DfT analysis shows that we can achieve aviation net zero 2050 under a range of assumptions about future technology development without the Government needing to intervene directly to limit airport expansion.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_105

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has been made on reducing driving test waiting times. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.

On the 18 December, DVSA set out further plans to reduce driving test waiting times across the country. These steps include recruiting 450 driving examiners and improving rules for booking driving tests. Full details of these steps can be found on GOV.UK.

As of 10 March 2025, there were 573,352 car practical driving tests booked, and 31,689 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_106

Luke Murphy:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with electric vehicle public charging point providers on the comparative costs for (a) charging electric vehicles at public charging points and (b) filling up a petrol or diesel car. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government is committed to accelerating the roll-out of charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to an electric vehicle. The Government consults with public charging point providers regularly and is monitoring the price of charging.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_107

Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many of her Department's officials have been seconded from (a) the Institute for Economic Affairs, (b) the Policy Exchange, (c) the Adam Smith Institute and (d) Labour Together since July 2024. \p Mike Kane: The Department has no record of officials having been seconded from (a) the Institute for Economic Affairs, (b) the Policy Exchange, (c) the Adam Smith Institute and (d) Labour Together since July 2024.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_108
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_108

Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will publish any guidance provided to the DVLA on methods of communicating with license holders. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) uses several methods of communicating with licence holders to ensure they are kept informed.

The DVLA sends out important documents, reminders, notifications by traditional mail and encrypted email where a licence holder consents to correspond in this way. The DVLA also provides a suite of online driver services, where customers can renew their driving licence or notify a medical condition.

Licence holders can access their information and manage their driving licence, vehicle registration and other services if they have a customer account. Digital tax reminders are already available within the customer account and this is being extended to include digital driving licence reminders. Customers can track the progress of their driving licence application and communicate with the DVLA using this service.

The DVLA also provides customer service via telephone, which allows licence holders to ask questions or resolve issues directly. In addition to these services, the DVLA uses social media platforms to share information and updates with the public about its services.

The DVLA has a dedicated team responsible for the improvement of its driver licensing services and communications.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_109

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the number of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging points per hundred thousand people in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales, and (d) Northern Ireland on 1 December 2024. \p Lilian Greenwood: The number of publicly available electric vehicle charging devices per 100,000 population by country of the UK is published as part of the department’s quarterly electric vehicle public charging infrastructure statistics.

These statistics are published quarterly so an equivalent summary as of 1 December 2024 is not available. Data as of 1 January 2025 is given in the table below:

Country

Charging devices per 100,000 population

England

111.0

Wales

99.9

Scotland

112.7

Northern Ireland

35.6
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_110
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_110

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to update the national maritime security strategy, CP 724, published on 15 August 2022. \p Mike Kane: The Secretary of State for Transport has no current plans to publish a new national maritime security strategy. As announced by the PM, a new national security strategy will be published this summer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_111

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans she has to help (a) ports and (b) the shipping industry to (i) reduce emissions and (ii) transition to cleaner fuels. \p Mike Kane: We will shortly set out our next steps for reducing shipping emissions in a forthcoming maritime decarbonisation plan, which will include a package of policy and regulatory measures and action across both the port and shipping industries. Reducing emissions will rely on increased efficiency of operators, combined with a transition to cleaner zero, and near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels and energy sources, and this plan will consider both the role of these fuels, and how we will support their uptake.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_112

Rebecca Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of airport expansion on meeting targets under the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions. \p Mike Kane: My Department seeks to minimise the impact of aviation on people’s health and wellbeing, in the context of other government priorities. My officials are in regular contact on this issue with other government departments and their agencies, including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The assessment of planning applications for airport expansion will take account of all relevant law, policy and other material considerations. This includes environmental and air quality assessments undertaken as part of the planning application process.

The Government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding commitments on carbon and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_113

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the maritime decarbonisation plan on the UK economy by 2029. \p Mike Kane: We will shortly set out our next steps for reducing shipping emissions in a forthcoming maritime decarbonisation plan, which will include a package of policy and regulatory measures. Maritime has a key role to play in supporting the Governments missions, including to Kickstart Economic Growth, and our plans will ensure that we seize the green growth opportunity of maritime decarbonisation, whilst limiting any impacts to business. We will publish an impact assessment and consult the industry on individual measures, and economic impacts will form part of these assessments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_114

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of seafarers’ (a) welfare and (b) roster patterns, in the context of the collision between Solong and Stena Immaculate. \p Mike Kane: The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is undertaking an investigation into the incident. Its findings will be made available in due course. MAIB will consider the circumstances of the incident, including any relevant crewing issues. We must give those teams the time and support to do their job without pre-judging what may have caused this tragic incident.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_115

Mr Paul Kohler:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with Transport for London on increasing the number of stations with step-free access on (a) the Northern Line, (b) the District Line and (c) across the London underground network. \p Simon Lightwood: Ministers and officials have regular conversations with Transport for London on a variety of issues including accessibility of their network. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor and TfL is responsible for managing the London Underground.