theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_193
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_193

Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with international partners on Nigeria’s ongoing use of blasphemy legislation; and what steps she is taking to ensure religious freedom is promoted in the country. \p Chris Elmore: Dialogue on human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), remains a vital part of the UK's partnership with Nigeria, and the UK Government is concerned by the use of blasphemy laws that undermine human rights including FoRB in Nigeria.

Our High Commission in Abuja regularly engages with the Nigerian Government and religious leaders on freedom of religion and belief, including on blasphemy cases.   Additionally, the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) is building capacity in Nigeria's security forces to tackle violence against all civilian communities, including religious communities.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_194
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_194

Neil Coyle:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Somali counterparts on efforts to build relations between leaders in Somalia and Somaliland. \p Chris Elmore: The UK is one of Somalia's closest and longest standing partners and remains committed to supporting Somali authorities to build a safe, free, and secure country for all Somalis. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regularly engages with the Somali authorities, political parties and civil society, including those in Somaliland. We continue to advocate for dialogue between Hargeisa and Mogadishu.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_195
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_195

Uma Kumaran:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to provide additional support for an urgent scale-up of cholera response in Sudan. \p Chris Elmore: The conflict in Sudan and the widespread destruction of sanitation and health services has caused a devastating cholera outbreak with more than 100,000 cases and 2,500 deaths since July 2024. More than 33.5 million people are at risk across all 18 states. The UK Government continues to work with a range of international partners to deliver lifesaving emergency health interventions, including cholera vaccines, treatment, and prevention. Additionally, through a 'match funding' arrangement we have recently partnered with the State of Kuwait to deliver an additional £3.75 million to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), supplementing UK resources already allocated to combat the outbreak. We continue to urge the warring parties in Sudan to facilitate humanitarian access so that aid reaches those most in need.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_196
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_196

Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the human rights situation in Eswatini. \p Chris Elmore: Since reopening our High Commission in Eswatini in 2019, the UK has been active in promoting good governance and the rule of law, through engagement with trade unions, political groups and civil society organisations as well as with the three branches of government. The UK supports the Swazi people indirectly through programmes delivered by UN agencies (including the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)), their implementing partners and the Global Fund, as well as through advocacy and engagement with local Human Rights Defenders and state authorities.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_197
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_197

Bob Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her counterpart in Pakistan on allegations of (a) abduction and (b) trafficking of (i) Hindu and (ii) Christian women and girls; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure their protection. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is committed to addressing the abduction, trafficking, forced marriage and conversion of women and girls in Pakistan, including from Hindu and Christian communities. Further to the welcome passage of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act, we will continue to advocate for strengthened child protection across Pakistan. Through the UK's Aawaz II programme, we are also working at the grassroots level to challenge harmful social behaviours, including working directly with communities to raise awareness of the harms of early and forced marriage. I raised the broader issue of religious minority persecution in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Dar on 18 July.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_198
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_198

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Moroccan counterpart on ensuring protection for (a) human rights activists and (b) religious minorities in that country. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK remains committed to the promotion and protection of human rights globally, including freedoms of expression and association. The UK also champions Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all and it is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe.

Officials, including up to Ambassador level, engage on these issues with the Moroccan Government and authorities accordingly. The UK shares a bilateral Human Rights Dialogue with Morocco, the third session of which is due to take place in London by the end of the year.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_199
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_199

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps she has taken to seek the release of (a) Aung San Suu Kyi and (b) other political prisoners in Myanmar. \p Seema Malhotra: On 1 February, the former Foreign Secretary called for Aung San Suu Kyi's release and all those arbitrarily detained. In April, we co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Myanmar, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been arbitrarily detained, including Aung San Suu Kyi. On 19 June, to mark Aung San Suu Kyi's 80th birthday, the former Minister for the Indo-Pacific called for her release and for all those arbitrarily detained. Most recently, this month our Head of Mission in Yangon reiterated these concerns about arbitrary detention, including that of Aung San Suu Kyi, and encouraged the Myanmar military regime to grant access to Aung San Suu Kyi's family.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_200
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_200

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to raise concerns with the Indian authorities about the increasing use of controversial anti-apostasy laws to target (a) Christian and (b) Muslim minority communities across the country. \p Seema Malhotra: The UK Government is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief globally, including in India. We are aware of concerns regarding the use of anti-conversion laws in India and their impact on religious minorities, particularly Christian and Muslim communities. Dialogue concerning this is an important aspect of the UK-India relationship. Our diplomatic network across India monitors developments closely and regularly meets with religious representatives from different faith communities.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_201
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_201

Iqbal Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help uphold international maritime law against Freedom Flotilla ships docking with aid in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We remain in close contact with our Israeli counterparts over the status of vessels seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and as the Prime Minister said on 21 September, the UK continues to demand that the Israeli Government permits the full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza immediately. By far the most effective way to meet the desperate needs of the Gazan people at the speed and scale that is needed is via overland routes, and we reiterate that Israel must immediately allow the UN and other agencies to deliver lifesaving aid to those in Gaza who so desperately need it.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_202
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_202

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the security situation in Nepal. \p Seema Malhotra: The UK and Nepal share a deep historic relationship. The recent loss of life and violence in Nepal was appalling. The UK supports fundamental freedoms and respect for human rights, including the right to protest and peaceful assembly. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office made public statements condemning the violence and called for accountability and peaceful dialogue.

On 12 September, our Embassy in Nepal welcomed the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister. As Nepal's oldest friend, we recognise the challenges ahead and affirm our commitment to support Nepali aspirations for accountability and inclusive governance.  We continue to follow events in Nepal closely and welcome the calming of tensions.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_203
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_203

Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to establish an award scheme to recognise people overseas (a) fostering and (b) strengthening cultural links with the United Kingdom. \p Chris Elmore: We value the many individuals, both British and foreign, who foster cultural links between the UK and other countries. Exceptional and sustained achievements in this area are already recognised through the UK Honours System, including through regular honorary awards for foreign and Commonwealth nationals. Anyone may nominate an individual for a UK Honour for consideration by the independent honours committees.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_204
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_204

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to encourage a resolution to the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 15th September to question 75809.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_205
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_205

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the (a) US Department of State report entitled Venezuela 2024 Human Rights Report, published on 12 August 2025 and (b) UN Human Rights Council report entitled Detailed findings of the independent international factfinding mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, published on 14 October 2024. \p Chris Elmore: The UK strongly condemns the continued erosion of human rights in Venezuela, and we have repeatedly called on the Venezuelan authorities to uphold human rights and cooperate fully with international mechanisms, including in our published statement to the Human Rights Council on 22 September.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_206
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_206

Sojan Joseph:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of support available to help families living in the UK after the death of a family member living abroad. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: It is a top priority of the UK Government to ensure that we have the right people in the right places to support those who require consular services overseas. We regularly review the services we offer, including the support we provide to families in the UK when a British national dies abroad. We provide country-specific bereavement packs, which set out local laws and practices of the relevant country as well as support and information families can access in the UK. Our Consular staff are contactable 24/7, 365 days a year.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_207
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_207

Fabian Hamilton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress she has made on negotiations with the (a) British Council and (b) Treasury on the future of the British Council’s loan; and what steps she is taking to help protect the British Council. \p Chris Elmore: While the British Council's Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for the British Council's financial sustainability, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and British Council's shared objective is for the British Council to be financially sustainable so it can continue delivering soft power in the long term.

The FCDO is working closely with the British Council to support implementation of a Turnaround Plan to achieve this objective, and continues to work with British Council and HM Treasury to explore viable options for the loan.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_208
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_208

Gareth Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the situation in Nepal. \p Seema Malhotra: The UK and Nepal share a deep historic relationship. We were appalled at the violence that transpired in Kathmandu and across Nepal following protests that were triggered by the Government of Nepal banning a number of social media platforms, as well as public frustrations about levels of corruption and nepotism. The UK supports fundamental freedoms and respect for human rights in Nepal and elsewhere, including the right to protest and peaceful assembly. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) made public statements condemning the violence and calling for accountability and peaceful dialogue.

On 12 September, our Embassy in Nepal welcomed the appointment of Rt Hon Sushila Karki's as interim Prime Minister. As Nepal's oldest friend, we recognise the challenges ahead and affirm our commitment to support Nepali aspirations for accountability and inclusive governance.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_209
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_209

Gareth Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 August 2025 to Question 68668 on Israel: Palestinians, if she will have discussions with her Israeli counterparts on (a) releasing children held in administrative detention, (b) the transparancey of information on the number of Palestinian children detained and (c) allegations in relation to the abuse of those children in detention. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK regularly raises our concerns about Palestinian children in detention with the Israeli authorities. We are clear that children must always be protected, and their rights upheld in accordance with international law. We are horrified by reports of mistreatment or abuse of Palestinian children in detention and call on the Israeli authorities to investigate these urgently and to ensure any perpetrators are held to account. Children must only be detained in line with internationally agreed juvenile justice standards or other applicable international law, and we call for an end to the military detention of Palestinian children where this is incompatible with those principles. We continue to call on Israel to immediately facilitate urgent, unhindered access to all child detainees from the West Bank and Gaza to persons providing legal assistance, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and appropriate experts for the purposes of monitoring and reporting.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_210
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_210

Sarah Coombes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many and what proportion of people waiting to be tried in court for motoring offences had their driving licence revoked while waiting for court proceedings to begin in the latest period for which data is available. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department for Transport does not hold this information.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_211
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_211

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much her Department has spent on furniture, fittings and refurbishment for Ministers offices since 4 July 2024; and on what specific items. \p Simon Lightwood: Since 4 July 2024 the Department has spent £211.34 on redecoration.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_212
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_212

Damien Egan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to support the hospitality sector with increased employment costs. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government is committed to supporting the hospitality sector across the UK.

The UK hospitality sector is largely made up of small businesses. The Government has protected the smallest businesses from the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500. This means that 865,000 employers will pay no employer NICs at all this year.

To reduce wider burdens for the hospitality sector, we have also established the Licensing Taskforce and will call for evidence on a National Licensing Policy Framework which will set out national direction for licensing authorities to consider economic growth and cultural value. In addition, the English Devolution Bill will protect businesses from upward only rent clauses, and we are introducing a strong new ‘Community Right to Buy’ to help communities safeguard valued community assets.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_213
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_213

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) the Energy Profits Levy and (b) other carbon-related taxes in preventing climate related damage. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Energy Profits Levy (EPL) was introduced as a temporary additional surcharge on profits generated from oil and gas exploration and production activities in the UK, in response to extraordinary global circumstances. The EPL has already raised over £11bn since its introduction to date. From 1 November 2024 the government introduced changes to the EPL, including increasing the rate by 3 percentage points to 38% and extending it to 31 March 2030. We also removed the EPL’s core investment allowance, which was unique to oil and gas and not available to any other sector, and retained the decarbonisation allowance in the EPL regime to support the sector to decarbonise.

The Government sees the tax system as one important lever to further environmental and climate objectives by encouraging behaviour change and supporting greater investment in cleaner technologies. The government ensures the tax system supports climate goals through measures such as the Carbon Price Support and Climate Change Levy.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_214
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_214

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of fiscal incentives to encourage capital investment in (a) hydrogen and (b) fuel cell manufacturing facilities. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Chancellor of the Exchequer is supporting a range of incentives to encourage capital investment in hydrogen. The Government has awarded contracts to 11 projects through the first hydrogen allocation round and £500mn was allocated for the development of the first hydrogen transport and storage network through the spending review.

At Spring Statement 2025, the government committed to removing Climate Change Levy costs from electricity used in electrolysis to produce hydrogen. This will lower costs and support the growth of low carbon hydrogen production, which will play an important role in decarbonising hard-to-electrify industrial sectors.

UK Export Finance also aims to deliver £10bn in clean growth financing by 2029; DRIVE35, the government’s programme of capital and R&D funding for the automotive industry, will provide £2.5bn for zero-emission vehicle manufacturing, including fuel cells; and the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme offers grants to UK fuel cell manufacturers investing in UK-based research and development.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_215
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_215

Anna Gelderd:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps she plans to take to support the (a) stability and (b) off-season resilience of the hospitality workforce. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government is committed to supporting the hospitality sector.

The Government is committed to ending one-sided flexibility ensuring that all jobs provide a baseline of security and predictability, which includes ending exploitative zero hours contracts. We will deliver this commitment through two measures: a right to guaranteed hours, where the number of hours offered reflects the hours worked by the worker during a reference period and new rights to reasonable notice of shift, with proportionate payment for shifts cancelled, moved or curtailed at short notice. These additional rights and protections will support stability and off-season resilience for hospitality workers.

In addition, as part of Get Britain Working, and in partnership with UKHospitality, the Government is expanding a Hospitality Sector Work-based Academy Programme pilot to 26 areas, which will help fill vacancies in the hospitality industry.

The Government has been clear that the best way to support workers is to stimulate growth, and we are implementing a number of initiatives to achieve this. For example, we established the Licensing Taskforce and will soon issue call for evidence on a National Licensing Policy Framework which will set out national direction for licensing authorities to consider economic growth and cultural value. The English Devolution Bill will protect businesses from upward only rent clauses, and we are introducing a strong new ‘Community Right to Buy’ to help communities safeguard valued community assets.

Recognising the important role the hospitality sector plays in the visitor economy, the Government has set an ambitious goal to grow inbound tourism to 50 million visitors annually by 2030. To help achieve this, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has established a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which is currently helping to co-create a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy, due to be published in the autumn.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_216
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_216

Natalie Fleet:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of illicit tobacco on annual revenues to corner shops. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government has dedicated significant resource to tackling illicit tobacco and has set out its approach to doing so in successive strategies dating back to 2000. These strategies have been highly effective in reducing the estimated duty gap for cigarettes from 16.9% in 2005 to 10.5% in 2023/24 and for hand-rolling tobacco from 65.2% to 22.9% over the same period. In the tax year 2023 to 2024, the duty gap for tobacco duty was 13.8% of the theoretical tobacco duty liability, or £1.4 billion in absolute terms.

HMRC publishes annual data on seizures, criminal investigations and civil penalties related to tobacco. Between April 2024 and March 2025, HMRC and Border Force seized 1.19bn cigarettes and 125,088kg of hand-rolling tobacco.

In January 2024, HMRC and Border Force published the latest illicit tobacco strategy, ‘Stubbing Out the Problem [1]’. This sets out the Governments’ continued commitment to reduce the trade in illicit tobacco with a focus on reducing demand, and to tackle and disrupt the organised crime groups behind the illicit tobacco trade.

The strategy is supported by £100 million of new smokefree funding over 5 years to boost existing HMRC and Border Force enforcement capability.

HMRC has not specifically assessed the impact of illicit tobacco on the annual revenues of corner shops.

[ 1 ] Stubbing out the problem: A new strategy to tackle illicit tobacco - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_217
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_217

Mike Reader:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of increasing pension fund investment in private markets and infrastructure on the economy. \p Torsten Bell: In May, 17 of the largest workplace pension providers signed the Mansion House Accord and voluntarily committed to invest at least 10 per cent of their defined contribution main default funds in private markets by 2030, with at least half of that invested in the UK.

This is expected to unlock £50 billion of additional private market investment by 2030, including £25 billion in the UK. As providers work towards meeting these commitments, they will be investing more in private assets such as infrastructure projects.

Additionally, the measures in the Pension Schemes Bill, introduced in July, will ensure pension schemes have the scale and expertise to access these types of investment.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_218
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_218

Adam Jogee:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking through the tax system to support small businesses in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire. \p Dan Tomlinson: Small businesses are vital to high streets, local communities, and economic growth. At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government recognised this by:
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_219
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_219

Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to HM Treasury’s consultation on the tax treatment of online gambling, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of harmonising remote betting and gaming duties on (a) turnover in horserace betting, (b) receipts to the Horserace Betting Levy, (c) employment across the racing and racecourse sectors, and (d) Exchequer revenues. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling into one closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Autumn Budget 2025.

If any changes are made to gambling duties at a future Budget following the consultation, they will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_220
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_220

Mr Louie French:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with (a) the Betting and Gaming Council, (b) the British Horseracing Authority and (c) the Jockey Club on proposals to equalise betting duty. \p Dan Tomlinson: As part of the consultation process, the Government engaged with a wide range of stakeholders. We are working with representatives of the horseracing industry to identify any potential unintended consequences for the sector, and how they might be mitigated.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_221
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_221

Helen Maguire:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of providing an exemption for hospices and charities providing health and care services from the increase in employer National Insurance contributions. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government has protected the smallest businesses and charities from the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500. That means more than half of businesses with NICs liabilities either gain or see no change this year.

The Government also provides support for charities via our tax regime, which is among the most generous of anywhere in the world, with tax reliefs for charities and their donors worth just over £6 billion for the tax year to April 2024.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_222
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_222

Liz Jarvis:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to (a) inheritance tax and (b) business property relief on family-owned manufacturing businesses. \p Dan Tomlinson: I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given to UIN 56360.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_223
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_223

Mr Louie French:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what representations she has received from Cabinet colleagues on her proposals to harmonise betting duty rates. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Chancellor discusses a variety of issues with Ministers from other government departments throughout the year, including the run up to Budget.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_224
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_224

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Financial Conduct Authority plans to (a) investigate and (b) report on whether all firms’ (i) flood and (ii) storm definitions comply with the Consumer Duty. \p Lucy Rigby: This is a matter for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) which is operationally independent from government. The FCA will respond to the Member by letter, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of the House of Commons.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_225
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_225

Steve Darling:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of the recommendations of the report by the London School of Economics entitled Releasing the Mortgage Prisoners, published in February 2023. \p Lucy Rigby: The Government takes the issue of mortgage prisoners seriously. We understand the challenges that this cohort of borrowers faces and will work with regulators and the industry to ensure that this problem is properly considered.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_226
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_226

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2025 to Question 72563 on Sanctions, which company received a penalty of £1.1 million in May 2025. \p Lucy Rigby: HMRC is unable to disclose this information due to its taxpayer confidentiality obligations. The Department for Business and Trade, on behalf of HMRC, publishes a notice every quarter in respect of the number of businesses and individuals that may have been prosecuted or received a compound settlement. This data is anonymised but allows exporters to remain aware of any enforcement outcomes. These updates can be found in Notices to exporters - GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_227
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_227

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent steps she has taken to help tackle illicit financial activities committed by sanctioned individuals. \p Lucy Rigby: The UK’s financial sanctions regime places stringent restrictions on the financial activities of individuals who have been designated under sanctions. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), alongside law enforcement partners, takes a proactive approach to investigating suspected breaches of these sanctions. Where there are indications of other forms of criminality, OFSI shares information with relevant authorities to enable further investigation and enforcement. OFSI regularly publishes details of all its activities in an Annual Review for each financial year, information for 24-25 will be available soon.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_228
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_228

Perran Moon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to tackle the backlog of cases at the Financial Ombudsman Service. \p Lucy Rigby: The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is non-governmental body and is independent from the Treasury.

The Financial Conduct Authority’s rules on how the FOS should handle complaints state that ‘the ombudsman will attempt to resolve complaints at the earliest possible stage’. The FOS should deal with all cases in a timely manner.

Ensuring timely outcomes is one of the FOS’s main priorities for 2025-26, as outlined in its annual Plans and Budget published on 1 April 2025. A number of factors may affect the time it takes for the FOS to resolve complaints that are referred to it. In 2023-24, the FOS resolved over half of its cases within three months.

The FOS regularly publishes data on its casework, including progress against its annual performance targets. The latest complaints data is available at https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/data-insight/our-insight and its Annual Reports and Accounts can be found at https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/who-we-are/governance-funding/annual-reports-accounts

My officials will continue to raise the important issue of waiting times in their regular meetings with the FOS.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_229
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_229

Ian Sollom:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) assistance claiming premium bond prizes, (b) information supplied to the public on possession of premium bonds and (c) efforts made by National Savings and Investments to locate the winners of unclaimed premium bond prizes. \p Lucy Rigby: NS&I provides comprehensive information on its website and through its call centre on the purchasing and administration of Premium Bonds, including helping Premium Bond holders trace new and unclaimed prizes, and their original investment. NS&I also publishes details on unclaimed prizes every month alongside Premium Bonds winners’ details and, in addition, engages with the media to encourage customers to use its prize checker and tracing services.

Premium Bond holders with original paper Bonds such as those purchased over the counter at the Post Office, can register them online or by calling NS&I’s helpline. Holders who do not have internet access or cannot print off a form can request a form by phone or in writing.

Finally, Premium Bond holders who have lost historic certificates, or who do not have their Bond or NS&I number, can use NS&I’s dedicated tracing service by post or online. Holders can also use MyLostAccount which can be used to trace old accounts with other providers, as well as with NS&I.

Premium Bonds are never lost and NS&I pays out unclaimed prizes no matter how long ago the Bonds were purchased.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_230
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_230

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2025 to Question 72563 on Sanctions, which company received a monetary penalty of £465,000 in March 2025. \p Lucy Rigby: On 20th March 2025, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) imposed on Herbert Smith Freehills CIS LLPP (“HSF Moscow”) a monetary penalty for the sum of £465,000. HSF Moscow was the subsidiary office to the UK registered Herbert Smith Freehills LLP (“HSF London”) until its closure by HSF London on 31 May 2022 as a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The reason for the penalty was the breach of financial sanctions imposed on Russia by providing payments to designated persons without a licence. The full penalty notice can be found here.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_231
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_231

Mary Kelly Foy:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps with the Financial Conduct Authority to help ensure that (a) Gypsies and (b) Travellers are able to access homes and contents insurance. \p Lucy Rigby: As set out in the answer to question 75505 on 11 September 2025, the Government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly, and insurers must comply with all relevant regulations and legislation. This includes the Equality Act 2010 which generally prohibits discrimination based on certain protected characteristics, including race.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as the independent regulator of financial services firms, requires firms to treat customers fairly under its rules. This includes ensuring that firms meet their obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

The FCA operates independently within the statutory framework agreed by Parliament and has robust powers to take action where necessary.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_232
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_232

Perran Moon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what regulatory safeguards are in place to protect consumers from excessive premium increases following the transfer of life insurance policy liabilities. \p Lucy Rigby: Insurers make commercial decisions about the pricing of insurance policies following an assessment of the relevant risks. However, the Government expects that insurers deliver good outcomes to consumers and firms are required to do so under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules.

These rules require firms to ensure their products offer fair value. This means the price paid by consumers must be reasonable compared to the benefits they receive. The FCA monitors firms and has robust powers to act against firms that breach its rules.

The FCA and the Prudential Regulation Authority review the terms of transfers of business between insurance providers to ensure an appropriate degree of consumer protection, and the views of both regulators are considered by the Courts as part of the transfer process. The FCA would, for example, expect to see evidence that policyholders would not be adversely affected by any changes to the way their policies will be administered (including with respect to pricing) after a transfer.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_233
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_233

Victoria Collins:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has issued guidance on the rights of consumers to access property-specific risk data held by (a) insurers and (b) third-party providers that are used in insurance premium calculations. \p Lucy Rigby: The Treasury has not issued guidance on the rights of consumers to access property-specific risk data held by insurers or third-party providers.

Consumers have rights to access their personal data under the UK's data protection legislation (the UK General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act 2018). Under the legislation, organisations are required to process personal data lawfully, fairly, transparently and securely, unless certain limited exemptions apply. However, property-specific risk data may not always fall within the scope of personal data and therefore may not be subject to the same access rights.

The Information Commissioner’s Office, the UK's independent regulator for data protection, publishes a range of guidance for both organisations and members of the public.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_234
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_234

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an estimate of the number of UK-based (a) kitchen and (b) kitchen components manufacturers that have (i) entered administration and (ii) ceased trading since 1 January 2024. \p Lucy Rigby: The Government continues to monitor the UK corporate sector, including insolvency trends, using official data and engaging with firms and business groups to inform policy decisions.

The Government has taken a number of measures to make the tax system competitive and give businesses, including those in the kitchen manufacturing sector, the stability and predictability they need to invest and grow.

In the Corporate Tax Roadmap, the Government committed to maintain the Small Profits Rate and marginal relief at their current rates and thresholds, as well as to maintain the £1 million Annual Investment Allowance. The Government also protected the smallest businesses from the impact of the increase to Employer National Insurance by more than doubling the Employment Allowance to £10,500.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_235
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_235

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of a property tax on landlords on the availability of rental properties in the private sector. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government does not comment on speculation about tax changes. All tax policy is kept under review and tax decisions will be made at the Budget, in the usual way.

The Government recognises that the private rented sector plays an important role in the UK housing market. Boosting the supply of housing is essential in making rent more affordable, which is why we have committed to building 1.5 million homes over the course of this Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_236
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_236

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to improve the competitiveness of UK-based kitchen manufacturers through the tax system. \p Dan Tomlinson: The government has taken a number of measures to make the tax system competitive and give businesses, including those in the kitchen manufacturing sector, the stability and predictability they need to invest and grow.

For instance, the Corporate Tax Roadmap, published at Autumn Budget 2024, committed to capping the CT rate at 25% for the duration of parliament, the lowest headline rate of CT in the G7. These taxes are also by some of the most generous business investment tax reliefs and allowances in the OECD, such as the Annual Investment Allowance of £1 million per year and Full Expensing, to encourage investment and increase the competitiveness of UK companies internationally.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_237
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_237

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to help prevent VAT fraud by (a) misrepresentation and (b) impersonation. \p Dan Tomlinson: Tax fraud undermines our economy, hurts legitimate businesses and robs our vital public services of much-needed funds. The Government is committed to tackling tax non-compliance through technology, operational interventions and policy change.

HMRC deploys advanced analytics and risk profiling to identify businesses that misrepresent their activities, turnover, or goods classification to gain VAT advantages, which are subject to targeted compliance interventions. The number of HMRC compliance officers will grow by an additional 5,500 by 2029/30 from July 2024 levels.

HMRC combines identity verification and registration checks using a range of risk indicators to prevent and detect impersonation. HMRC also uses a wide range of civil and criminal powers to tackle the criminal groups behind VAT fraud. The Government is investing to ensure HMRC can continue to improve resilience of its systems and improve the way customers engage securely with HMRC.
wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_238
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_238

Rachel Gilmour:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the size of the backlog on Valuation Office Agency decisions. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is working as quickly as possible to clear cases, and moving staff to where there is the greatest customer demand. The VOA is focusing on the oldest cases first, and where customers are facing financial hardship.

The VOA is replacing IT systems with modern cloud-based platforms that will deliver significant efficiencies. It is also upskilling its workforce to ensure there is flexibility in managing a wide range of cases and improving its digital services to make it easier for customers to self-serve.