theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent progress he has made on establishing mutual recognition of professional qualifications between the UK and the EU. \p Chris Bryant: HMG remains committed to making it easier for UK and EU professionals to have their qualifications recognised.

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement contains provisions which allow the UK and EU to agree recognition of professional qualifications arrangements for specific sectors. HMG is encouraging and supporting UK regulators to work with their EU counterparts to use these provisions.

In the UK-EU Common Understanding, the UK and EU committed to setting up dedicated dialogues on the implementation of the recognition of professional qualifications provisions. These dialogues will provide a dedicated space for deeper UK-EU collaboration on the recognition of professional qualifications.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of year-round fireworks displays by commercial venues (a) in and (b) near residential areas on social well-being. \p Kate Dearden: No assessment has been made of the potential impact of year-round fireworks displays by commercial venues in and near residential areas on social well-being.

The Government recently launched new guidance for community groups and event organisers on running safe and considerate fireworks displays covering fireworks safety, the gathering of crowds and the impact on the local community. This supplements existing guidance from Government and other organisations that is available to help people to use fireworks safely.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_418

Mr Paul Kohler:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support small businesses in Northern Ireland by (a) simplifying guidance, (b) reducing administrative burdens and (c) assisting firms trading under the Windsor Framework to navigate post-Brexit trade rules. \p Chris Bryant: The government is committed to supporting Small and Medium Sized Enterprises across the country with our Small Business Plan setting out the most comprehensive package of support for SMEs in a generation, including through the new Business Growth Service. We are cutting the administrative burden of regulation by 25%, saving businesses £5.6bn, by the end of the Parliament. In addition, our dedicated team in Belfast work in partnership with the local ecosystem of the devolved Government and its agencies, including Invest Northern Ireland and local councils, to provide complementary business support.

On the Windsor Framework, we recognise the importance of clear guidance to help businesses place products on the Northern Ireland market. The Government is considering its response to the recommendations, including those on guidance, made in Lord Murphy’s Independent Review. We will respond in due course, in accordance with the law.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Chinese ownership of critical transport infrastructure on national security. \p Chris Bryant: Transport infrastructure is an integral part of the UK economy, moving people, goods and enabling economic growth, as recognised in the Industrial Strategy. The security of the sector is of the upmost importance to the government.

Transport is one of the 17 key sectors in the National Security and Investment Act (NSIA). The government has the power to assess, and intervene in, investments in the UK's key transport infrastructure for national security risks. The NSIA is actor agnostic and allows the government to act regardless of an entity's nationality. Each transaction is taken on its own merit.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Charlotte Cane:TTo ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act on existing Gift Aid regulations. \p Kate Dearden: The government consulted on  the implementation of the new subscriptions contract regime and are analysing the responses, including submissions from the charity and not-for profit sector. Officials have met with relevant representatives and individual organisations to hear their views and we continue to engage with the sector.

The government is committed to ensuring that charities can comply with consumer law and claim Gift Aid on eligible payments. HMRC are working through the technical details and will continue to engage with the sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many (a) single sex and (b) gender neutral bathroom facilities his Department provides in its premises. \p Kate Dearden: Within the Department’s head office, the Old Admiralty Building, London, the Government Property Agency provides 32 male toilets, 39 female toilets and 7 non-gendered universal toilets (individual self-contained lockable toilet rooms which contain a toilet, washbasin and hand-drying facilities). This is in addition to 21 wheelchair accessible toilets.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer to Question 50271 on Holiday Accommodation: Bedfordshire, when he expects to publish that impact assessment. \p Kate Dearden: The consultation- Package travel – updating the framework 2025 - GOV.UK closed 30 June 2025. The government is now analysing responses.

The government response will be published by the end of the year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support (a) pubs, (b) bars and (c) venues. \p Kate Dearden: We recognise that hospitality businesses are at the beating heart of communities, providing not just a place to socialise but essential services and local jobs. That’s why we’re investing £440,000 with Pub is The Hub to help rural pubs diversify, aiming to support rural communities, create new jobs and services.

In April, we launched a Taskforce to review premises licensing and develop proposals for a more balanced system that safeguards communities while supporting responsible businesses. These reforms form part of the Small Business Strategy, which is designed to tackle late payments, improve access to finance and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.

We are also creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000. We continue to work closely with the sector through the Hospitality Sector Council to address challenges.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_424

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress he has made on negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement between the United Kingdom and Switzerland. \p Chris Bryant: The eighth round of negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Switzerland took place in Switzerland between 20 and 24 October 2025. The round saw positive progress and Round 9 of negotiations is set to take place in the UK in early 2026.

The UK and Switzerland have agreed a further extension to the existing UK-Switzerland Services Mobility Agreement up to 31 December 2029.

An enhanced FTA with Switzerland aims to deliver long-term certainty for UK services firms, building on the £19.5bn of services we already export to Switzerland[1], which is our 6th largest services export market.

[1] UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted - Office for National Statistics
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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John Milne:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the Channel 4 Fact Check report entitled Value of UK arms imported by Israel, published on 29 September 2025. \p Chris Bryant: The Channel 4 report focuses on imports of ammunition and munitions by Israel. The UK does not licence the export of any bombs or ammunition for use in military operations in Gaza or the West Bank. As Members will be aware, last year we suspended licences for exports of items to the IDF that might be used in military operations in Gaza.

The report is based on Israeli customs data which does not differentiate between live munitions and training equipment or sporting ammunition for civilian use. Furthermore it does not differentiate between items staying in Israel and those scheduled for re-export to other countries.

We take our arms control system very seriously and have taken every possible measure to ensure licences are not approved for exports that could be used by the IDF in Gaza.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of (a) consultations and (b) reviews conducted by their Department since 4 July 2024. \p Kate Dearden: The information requested is not centrally held in an easily accessible form as there are no expenditure categories that just cover consultations or reviews.

Due to this any response could only be collated and verified for the purposes of answering this question at disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_427

Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with gig economy operators on ensuring consumer safety from people working illegally. \p Kate Dearden: Through the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, the Home Office is closing an existing gap to make it a legal requirement for all businesses in the UK, including those in the gig economy, to prevent illegal working by checking anyone working for them has the right to do so. Tackling illegal working in the gig economy, as led by the Home Office, enhances public safety and reduces the opportunities for exploitation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department has taken to improve parental rights for workers in the North East. \p Kate Dearden: Through the Employment Rights Bill, we are strengthening rights for parents by making Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave ‘day one’ rights for qualifying employees, removing restrictions on taking Paternity Leave after Shared Parental Leave, strengthening flexible working rights, and bolstering protections for new and expectant mothers. On 1 July we launched the Parental Leave Review which will consider how parental leave can better reflect modern work and childcare realities and support working families.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 85401 on Public Houses: Rural Areas, what his planned timeframe is for publishing the outcome from the Call for Evidence on Reforming the licensing system. \p Kate Dearden: The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system. A Call for Evidence ran for four weeks until 6 November. This attracted a significant number of responses and work is now underway to analyse these. We are working at pace and aim to share findings as soon as possible.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 31 October 2025 to Question 84448 on Timesharing: Regulation, whether his Department is considering taking steps to (a) require licensing and bonding of management companies, (b) ensure audited accounts are accessible to fractional owners and (c) prohibit the use of perpetual contracts or in-perpetuity clauses. \p Kate Dearden: There are no current plans to consider licencing and bonding of timeshare management businesses.

All companies are required to file audited accounts subject to certain exemptions, in particular for micro-sized companies, which may prepare and file simplified accounts, and small companies, which may abridge accounts. Both may also be able to claim audit exemption. Accounts are then made available to the public.

Exiting timeshares balances consumer protection, business interests and remaining customers' shared costs. Whilst there are no plans to alter this, purchasers of timeshares are also protected by general consumer law, requiring contract terms be fair and not mis-sold.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how much (a) their Department and (b) its arm’s length bodies have spent on (i) installing electric vehicle charging facilities and (ii) purchasing electric vehicles since 4 July 2024; and what estimate their Department has made of the difference in capital cost between (A) the electric vehicles purchased by their Department and (B) comparable (1) petrol and (2) diesel models. \p Kate Dearden: Since 4 July 2024, the Department for Business and Trade and its arm’s length bodies have spent £9,066.00 on the installation of electric vehicle charging facilities.

The Department and its arm’s length bodies have not purchased any electric vehicles since 4 July 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what the annual budget was for the (a) Competition and Markets Authority and (b) Financial Reporting Council in each year since 2005. \p Kate Dearden: Since 2005, the remits of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which became operational on 1 April 2014, and the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) have expanded in scope to undertake additional functions at the request of government.

The CMA's responsibilities in respect of competition enforcement and merger control have increased following the UK’s departure from the EU, as well as taking on new statutory functions and responsibilities under the UK Internal Market Act 2020, and the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

The FRC took on formal responsibility for actuarial oversight and standard-setting in 2006, for stewardship in 2009 following the Walker Review, as well as being designated as the competent authority for audit in 2016.

Year

Budget £m

Headcount

CMA

FRC

CMA

FRC

2005-2006

-

12.5

-

62

2006-2007

-

13.5

-

76

2007-2008

-

14.7

-

81

2008-2009

-

17.9

-

82

2009-2010

-

19.7

-

90

2010-2011

-

21.6

-

102

2011-2012

-

22

-

102

2012-2013

-

22.4

-

114

2013-2014

-

24.5

-

134

2014-2015

63.1

32.1

653

151

2015-2016

66.1

33.7

641

161

2016-2017

66.3

33.5

580

171

2017-2018

64.0

35.3

640

192

2018-2019

99.9

35.8

854

210

2019-2020

112.9

41.7

899

243

2020-2021

95.7

45.4

847

326

2021-2022

100.6

51.5

875

391

2022-2023

121.9

59.8

928

443

2023-2024

129.4

66.3

1,088

477

2024-2025

144.0

71.5

1,130

459
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Jesse Norman:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether Companies House is taking steps to protect directors from penalties due to the gap between statutory written options and digital-only guidance. \p Blair McDougall: There is no divergence in the standard of identity verification that must be achieved via the digital, non-digital and hybrid routes. Secondary legislation, Registrar's Rules and published guidance set out identity verification requirements and empower the Registrar of Companies to establish the mechanisms through which this standard can be achieved.

The level of confidence that must be met to provide assurance that a person is who they claim to be is consistent across all routes to verification. The acceptable forms of documentation for each option have been clearly set out in Registrar's Rules and supporting guidance.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will publish (a) internal advice and (b) correspondence relating to the decision to not proceed with proposals to give businesses a cash grant for innovative steel projects. \p Chris McDonald: We remain committed to providing up to £2.5bn for the steel sector, which is being delivered in part through the National Wealth Fund. The NWF has £5.8bn to invest across clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors, including steel, and is engaging with firms on opportunities aligned with its investment principles.

In February 2025, the UK government launched a "Plan for Steel" consultation to seek views on issues such as electricity costs, trade challenges, domestic demand, and funding. The forthcoming Steel Strategy will set out our response to those issues.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help support steel businesses with (a) innovative and (b) low-carbon projects. \p Chris McDonald: This Government has committed up to £2.5bn to the UK steel industry, which is being delivered in part through the National Wealth Fund (NWF). The NWF has £5.8bn to invest across clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors, including steel, and is engaging with firms on opportunities aligned with its investment principles. This is in addition to £500m grant funding towards Tata’s overall £1.25bn Port Talbot transformation project, which will see the Port Talbot site transition to lower carbon Electric Arc Furnace steel making.

We have also supported innovation through our £22million in funding of the Material Processing Institute’s PRISM programme since 2020, and have recently consulted on proposals to deliver a framework of voluntary policies to grow demand for low carbon industrial products, with an initial focus on the steel, cement, and concrete products used in construction.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 30 October 2025 to Question 84634 on Personal Care Services: Fraud, on what statutory basis Companies House undertakes enhanced check; and how many fake barber shops have been identified. \p Blair McDougall: The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 provided Companies House with enhanced powers to query, reject and share information proactively with law enforcement partners. These powers support the promotion of statutory objectives to ensure that required information is delivered, is accurate, is complete, is not false or misleading. Companies House aims to prevent companies and others from carrying out or facilitating unlawful activities.

The National Crime Agency’s National Economic Crime Centre supported action in October 2025 visited 2734 business. 376 were barbershops. 251 other businesses visited were designated as ‘beauty related businesses’ which may include barbershop type services.
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the comments by the Minister for Industry to BBC News on 6 November 2025, how opportunities to provide support to the steel industry will be chosen. \p Chris McDonald: This government remains committed to delivering up to £2.5bn for steel which is being delivered in part through the National Wealth Fund (NWF). This is in addition to £500m for the Tata Steel transformation project in Port Talbot.

The NWF has £5.8bn of capital to allocate across five clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors, including steel. The NWF operates independently and is open to steel companies across the UK, offering a transparent and strategic route for investment that supports the government’s growth mission. We encourage any steel companies interested in seeking support to contact the NWF directly.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department received (a) applications and (b) expressions of interest prior to the decision to not proceed with proposals to give businesses a cash grant for innovative steel projects. \p Chris McDonald: We are committed to providing up to £2.5bn for the steel sector, which is being delivered in part through the National Wealth Fund (NWF). A consultation was launched in February 2025 regarding the upcoming steel strategy, and we sought views on further potential mechanisms to support the steel industry, including the possibility of grant funding. However, we were not seeking applications or expressions of interest at that stage.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to Written Ministerial Statement HCWS1030 of 11 November on British Steel, what meetings (a) he and (b) his ministers have had with Jingye since 14 October 2025. \p Chris McDonald: To date, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has provided British Steel with £274m for working capital, covering approximately 33% of raw material purchases, payroll costs and other operating expenditure. British Steel revenues have funded the remaining 67% of costs. It is anticipated that the Government will need to make a similar contribution for the remainder of fiscal year. However actual sums are susceptible to wider macroeconomic factors and the ratio of British Steel revenue to DBT funding is therefore subject to change.

Officials in my department, led by my Chief Strategic Business Advisor, have been in close contact with Jingye and were last in correspondence with them on 21 October. All parties continue to work at pace to find a pragmatic, realistic solution for the future of British Steel.

An impact assessment relating to the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025 was submitted on 3 November. It will be published in due course following Regulatory Policy Committee scrutiny.
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Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps he has taken to ensure rural community owned businesses are included in the Small Business Strategy. \p Blair McDougall: The Small Business Plan outlines how we will make thriving small businesses a reality across the UK, whether across towns or countryside. Rural areas offer significant growth potential and fulfilling the needs of people and businesses in rural areas is at the heart of our policymaking.

The Plan was developed through engagement with a large number of key stakeholders and trade associations including roundtables with farms and community-based businesses.

The Government has made a commitment that all policy decision-making should be rural proofed, ensuring that all intended outcomes are deliverable in rural areas and include community-owned businesses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Jesse Norman:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether Companies House undertook an equality impact assessment in relation to its changes to the director ID verification requirements. \p Blair McDougall: Equality impacts were considered as part of the Impact Assessment prepared for the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill, which introduced identity verification requirements. It concluded the measures are not expected to have any disproportionate impact on individuals with protected characteristics.

Companies House allow individuals to verify their identity via Authorised Corporate Service Providers, or GOV.UK One Login. Where identity cannot be verified online, users may be directed to complete the process in person at a participating Post Office. Companies House also provides tailored support through its contact centre to assist users who may require additional help.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the annual budget was for the (a) Office of Communications and (b) Information Commissioner’s Office in each year since 2005. \p Ian Murray: The number of employees and annual expenditure of Office of Communication (Ofcom) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) are available in each organisation’s Annual Reports which can be viewed at: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/annual-reports-and-plans and https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/our-information/annual-reports/.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Damien Egan:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to promote alternative testing methods that reduce the use of animals in scientific research. \p Kanishka Narayan: On 11th November the Government published “Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods”.

The strategy outlines our vision where animals are only used in research and development in exceptional circumstances. It lays out the steps the Government will take over the next five years towards achieving this, by creating a research and innovation system that replaces animals with alternative methods where scientifically possible.

The strategy spans discovery and translational research, chemical, environmental, safety and toxicity testing, and outlines timelines for replacement of specific uses of animals in science.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_444

Damien Egan:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what regulatory framework his Department has in place to oversee AI systems capable of autonomously (a) developing and (b) modifying their own programming. \p Kanishka Narayan: AI is a general-purpose technology with a wide range of applications, which is why the UK believes that the vast majority of AI systems should be regulated at the point of use. A range of existing rules already apply to AI systems including data protection, competition, equality and sectoral regulation.

This is complemented by the work of the AI Security Institute which offers critical insights into the risks posed by frontier AI. The government is committed to taking further steps where required to ensure that the UK is prepared for the changes that AI will bring.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_445

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much (a) their Department and (b) its arm’s length bodies have spent on (i) installing electric vehicle charging facilities and (ii) purchasing electric vehicles since 4 July 2024; and what estimate their Department has made of the difference in capital cost between (A) the electric vehicles purchased by their Department and (B) comparable (1) petrol and (2) diesel models. \p Ian Murray: The Department occupies GPA and HMRC estate and therefore has not purchased any electric vehicle charging points at its sites or purchased any electric vehicles. Data for arms-length-bodies is not held centrally.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Ofcom's Online Safety Act Illegal Content Codes of Practice on levels of fraud against UK consumers. \p Kanishka Narayan: Reducing online violence against women and girls and fraud are priorities for this government. Ofcom’s Illegal Harms Codes require platforms to proactively address serious illegal content, much of which disproportionately impacts women and girls. The codes also require platforms to implement strong measures to protect users against fraud.

The Government and Ofcom are actively monitoring changes to platforms' behaviour and the levels of harm experienced online following Ofcom’s codes coming into effect. This work will track the effect of the online safety regime and feed into a statutory Post Implementation Review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that pricing mechanisms for infrastructure access do not adversely impact private investment in rural gigabit rollout. \p Kanishka Narayan: As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.

In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.

In the draft Statement we also set out the importance of continued investment, competition and fair pricing. The government is considering consultation responses, market development and the economic context before the final version is published.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Seamus Logan:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent progress he has made in phasing out animal testing. \p Kanishka Narayan: The Labour Manifesto commits to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”, which is a long-term goal.

On 11th November 2025 the government published “Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods” which outlines the steps we will take to achieve this. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/replacing-animals-in-science-strategy/replacing-animals-in-science-a-strategy-to-support-the-development-validation-and-uptake-of-alternative-methods
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_449

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of planning restrictions on noise levels for heat pumps on installation of those pumps. \p Martin McCluskey: Research found that noise complaints from air source heat pumps are rare and heat pumps are perceived as being very quiet (Air source heat pump noise emissions, planning guidance and regulations - GOV.UK).

In 2025 the Government amended the Permitted Development Right for air source heat pumps in England, to give households greater flexibility to install an air source heat pump without needing to submit a planning application, while retaining the sound limit. Subsequently, some installers have reported significant reductions in installations requiring planning applications.

The Government continues to explore how to streamline the planning process for low carbon heating.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_450
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_450

Sir Christopher Chope:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, in 1990, what was the contribution in parts per million of CO2 emissions from the UK into the atmosphere (a) gross of sequestration and (b) net of sequestration; and what was the contribution for 2024. \p Michael Shanks: UK net territorial CO2 emissions were 603.3 million tonnes in 1990 and provisionally estimated at 290.4 million tonnes in 2024.

Source: DESNZ, provisional 2024 UK net territorial greenhouse gas emissions statistics.

CO2 is calculated in terms of net emissions, which means total emissions minus total removals from the atmosphere. Therefore, it is not possible to report gross CO2 emissions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_451

Jamie Stone:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the (a) scope and (b) expected timetable for Great British Energy – Nuclear’s assessment of Scotland’s capability for new nuclear power stations. \p Michael Shanks: Ministers have asked GBE-N to assess Scotland’s potential for new nuclear power, including around areas that have previously hosted nuclear stations.

New nuclear projects can deliver millions of pounds of investment and thousands of high-quality jobs to a region.

GBE-N will advise UK Ministers on the potential for new nuclear development in Scotland in due course.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_452
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_452

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many people were employed by the (a) Office of Gas and Electricity Market, (b) Office for Nuclear Regulation and (c) Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in each year since 2005. \p Michael Shanks: The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) and NDA are directly accountable to Parliament. The information requested is published in Ofgem’s and NDA's annual report and accounts, which are laid before the House and publicly available

Whilst ONR’s government sponsor is DWP, we can confirm that the information requested can be found in ONR’s annual report and accounts, which is laid in Parliament. The first date that their annual report and accounts is available from is 2014-15 as ONR was not made a public corporation until 2013 under the Energy Act of that year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_453

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to prioritise the development of small modular reactors as load following sources. \p Michael Shanks: The next generation of nuclear, including small modular reactors (SMR), offers new possibilities including faster deployment, lower capital costs, and greater flexibility.

Whilst nuclear energy has a unique role to play in delivering stable, low carbon baseload energy, SMRs may be able to serve the electricity grid more flexibly than traditional nuclear, as well as unlock a range of additional applications in energy sectors beyond grid electricity.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_454
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_454

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the annual budget was for the (a) Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, (b) Office for Nuclear Regulation and (c) Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in each year since 2005. \p Michael Shanks: The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) and NDA are directly accountable to Parliament. The information requested is published in Ofgem’s and NDA's annual report and accounts, which are laid before the House and publicly available

Whilst ONR’s government sponsor is DWP, we can confirm that the information requested can be found in ONR’s annual report and accounts, which is laid in Parliament. The first date that their annual report and accounts is available from is 2014-15 as ONR was not made a public corporation until 2013 under the Energy Act of that year.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_455
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_455

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what quantity of plutonium was added to the civil plutonium stockpile in the last year. \p Michael Shanks: The UK is no longer adding to the inventory of separated civil plutonium through reprocessing spent fuel. The Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant (THORP) at Sellafield is now closed, having ceased reprocessing operations in November 2018 and the Magnox reprocessing facility ceased reprocessing operations in 2022.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_456

Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an economic assessment of the potential impact of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority estate's current voluntary exit scheme on the regional economy in (a) Wales (b) the North West (c) Scotland and (d) the South West. \p Michael Shanks: The NDA remains committed to supporting communities in each of these areas to build a resilient, inclusive future by investing in skills, wellbeing, infrastructure, and economic diversification that create lasting opportunities beyond decommissioning.

The voluntary exit schemes are part of NDA’s commitment to delivering maximum value for public money while maintaining focus on its mission and supporting its people through change. The NDA is actively exploring opportunities to improve how it operates - this includes corporate restructuring, greater sharing of services, and enhanced efficiencies across enabling functions.

The outcome of the recent SR Settlement reflects the government’s recognition of the NDA’s critical role in safeguarding the UK’s nuclear legacy. This funding ensures safe and secure decommissioning while driving efficiencies and maximising the benefits of working as a group.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_457

Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has assessed the potential impact of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority estate's current voluntary exit scheme on the achievement of that organisation's mission. \p Michael Shanks: The outcome of the recent Spending Review settlement reflects the government’s recognition of the NDA’s critical role in safeguarding the UK’s nuclear legacy. This funding will enable the NDA to continue to perform its core mission, ensuring safe and secure decommissioning while driving efficiencies and maximising the benefits of working as a group.

The voluntary exit schemes are part of NDA’s commitment to delivering maximum value for public money while maintaining focus on its mission and supporting its people through change. The NDA is actively exploring opportunities to improve how it operates - this includes corporate restructuring, greater sharing of services, and enhanced efficiencies across enabling functions.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_458
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_458

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what quantities of unprocessed plutonium remain within discharged irradiated spent nuclear fuel at (a) nuclear reactor sites and (b) Sellafield. \p Michael Shanks: Plutonium is a by-product of nuclear fission, and it is present in small quantities in spent irradiated fuel. However, the quantities would vary based on the fuel and reactor type.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation publishes annual figures on estimated amounts of plutonium contained in spent civil reactor fuel in the UK. The most recently published data can be found at the following link: 2023 annual figures for holdings of civil unirradiated plutonium | Office for Nuclear Regulation
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_459

Sarah Hall:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of small modular reactor projects on (a) long-term waste management and (b) decommissioning. \p Michael Shanks: Under the Energy Act 2008, prospective operators of nuclear power stations providing power directly to the grid are required to have a Funded Decommissioning Programme (FDP), making arrangements to cover the full costs of decommissioning and their full share of waste management and disposal costs, approved by the Secretary of State before nuclear-related construction can begin, and to then comply with that programme thereafter.

Based on current proposals for small modular reactors, the government anticipates that waste from such projects would be largely similar in nature to the current operating fleet, with low level waste disposable in existing facilities, while more hazardous waste would be stored pending disposal in a geological disposal facility when it becomes available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_460

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the current volume is of the civil plutonium stockpile in tonnes. \p Michael Shanks: As of 31 December 2023, the total holding of separated civil plutonium in the UK was 140.9 tonnes.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation publishes annual figures on the UK's separated plutonium inventory. The most recently published data can be found at the following link: 2023 annual figures for holdings of civil unirradiated plutonium | Office for Nuclear Regulation
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_461
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_461

Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what is the estimated cost to the public purse of the current voluntary exit scheme at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's estate. \p Michael Shanks: The cost of the voluntary exit schemes across the NDA group will vary according to the level of exits mutually agreed between employers and members of staff.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_462

Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to support the development of new hydroelectric projects in the North West. \p Michael Shanks: Officials continue to engage with the British Hydropower Association regarding the future role of the UK’s remaining small-scale hydropower resource, estimated to be a maximum technical potential of around 1.5GW, in supporting the UK energy system. This includes consideration of opportunities in regions such as the North West.

Furthermore, the Smart Export Guarantee, which came into force on 1 January 2020, requires major electricity suppliers to offer a tariff for electricity exported by small low-carbon generators, including small-scale hydro.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_463

Christine Jardine:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps the Government plans to take to ensure parity between the Investment Reserve Fund to the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme and the British Coal Superannuation Scheme. \p Chris McDonald: The Department is engaging with HM Treasury with a view to agreeing a way forward on the transfer of the reserve to members.

The Government is aiming to reach agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_464

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many (a) single sex and (b) gender neutral bathroom facilities his Department provides in its premises. \p Michael Shanks: The Department is a customer of the Government Property Agency in its office locations, and does not hold a record of the number of single-sex or gender-neutral bathroom facilities provided there.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_465

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his expected timetable is for when the Norwich to Tilbury Great Grid upgrade will be fully operational. \p Michael Shanks: National Grid Electricity Transmission has now submitted its Development Consent Order application to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration. Government does not comment on the merits of live planning applications, which will be subject to rigorous, independent assessment and advice by the Examining Authority, to inform a final Ministerial decision.