theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-02 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-02 conversation_18

Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to review water safety provision at public beaches, rivers and lakes without lifeguard supervision, and whether they will issue additional guidance to local authorities. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Responsibilities for water safety sit with various Government departments, agencies, local authorities, and other public bodies. These include regular safety messaging and guidance to ensure people have the knowledge they need to keep themselves safe, as well as provision of safety/lifesaving equipment at water bodies. Water sports national governing bodies are responsible for providing advice and guidance for how to participate in their sports safely. Inland waterway navigation authorities conduct risk assessments to inform the provision of appropriate lifesaving equipment on their networks. In conjunction with other services, HM Coastguard provides safety advice and guidance about the coastal environment.

The National Water Safety Forum brings together a wide range of national groups, including some 80 local authorities, to create a ‘one-stop shop’ for the prevention of drowning and water safety harm in the UK. The Local Government Association has developed a water safety toolkit (copy attached) for local authorities for use inland and on the coast.

Water safety toolkit (pdf, 488.8KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-02 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-02 conversation_19

Lord Bailey of Paddington:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 applies to Transport for London, and what discussions they have had with Transport for London about the use of the powers in that Act. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 would apply to Transport for London. However, the Government announced on 6 August that it will repeal the Act as part of the Employment Rights Bill which is currently at Final Stages in the Lords. The Act was unworkable for public transport when it was passed.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-02 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-10-02 conversation_20

Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government how many meetings ministers in the Ministry of Justice have had with promoters of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill since November 2020. \p Baroness Levitt: Ministers in the Ministry of Justice have had 12 meetings with the Sponsors of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill (Kim Leadbeater MP and Lord Falconer of Thoroton).
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_1

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they plan to take to ensure the safety of agentic artificial intelligence that is used by the Civil Service. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Government is committed to ensuring adoption of AI in an ethical, safe and responsible way to improve public service outcomes and boost public sector productivity.   The AI Playbook for the UK Government, published in February 2025, sets out practical guidance for civil servants on using AI technologies including agentic AI safely and effectively.

GDS’s Responsible Data & AI team supports the responsible use and development of AI through initiatives such as: the Model for Responsible Innovation, Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS), the Data Ethics Framework, and the Responsible AI Advisory Panel.   The AI Security Institute (AISI) was set up to equip governments with a scientific understanding of AI’s risks.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_2

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the fair and ethical use of artificial intelligence in the workplace, including the protection of workers' rights and support for retraining. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The safe and ethical deployment of AI can drive innovation and productivity across the UK workforce.

The newly published trusted third-party AI assurance roadmap outlines the Government’s immediate actions to grow the UK’s assurance market. This includes convening a multistakeholder UK consortium and developing a skills and competencies framework to support the future professionalisation of assurance. This will help to embed criteria for professional practice, conduct and behaviour into this emerging industry. We will also launch an AI Assurance Innovation Fund to support novel assurance solutions to future-proof the market across eight industrial strategy sectors.

Alongside this, we are supporting the workforce to adapt to widespread AI adoption, including upskilling 7.5 million workers in essential AI skills by 2030.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_3

Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Alan Turing Institute's progress against the terms of its £100 million funding agreement, including delivery plans, annual reviews and current status of key performance indicators. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: While the Alan Turing Institute (ATI) has made progress with its recent reforms, further steps are needed to shift away from a broad portfolio of projects toward a more focused model.

In July, Secretary of State wrote to the ATI Board proposing a set of changes to the organisation that would shift its focus to national security, defence and sovereign capability. These reforms will build on the institute’s existing strengths and increase its capacity to deliver real value for the British public.

Government is working closely with UKRI and the ATI to deliver on SoS’ vision and remains committed to working with both organisations to drive progress at the cutting edge, support the government’s missions and attract international talent.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_4

Lord Godson:To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of the expulsion of the Iranian Ambassador from Australia, what steps they are taking to monitor and counter state-backed interference in the UK by Iran and other hostile states. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: This Government takes state threats to the UK incredibly seriously, including those posed by Iran. In concert with international partners, we will use all appropriate tools at our disposal to protect the UK, and our interests, from state threats.

In March the Government announced new measures to tackle state threats from Iran. This included placing the Iranian state, including Iran's Intelligence Services, the IRGC and MOIS, on the Enhanced Tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). FIRS is a critical disruptive tool for the UK and went live on 1 July 2025.

The National Security Act 2023 also provides crucial powers to respond to foreign interference and we will strengthen our legislative framework where necessary, including committing to create a new state threats proscription-style tool that will further help to protect the UK.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_5

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester:To ask His Majesty's Government how many visa applications they (1) received from, and (2) approved for, Jordanian nationals in (a) 2023, (b) 2024, and (c) 2025; and what percentage of these were from and for Jordanian Christians. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office publishes data on entry clearance visas, by nationality, in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’ [https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release]. Data on visa applications are published in table ‘Vis_D01’ whilst data on outcomes of visa applications are published in table ‘Vis_D02’ of the ‘detailed entry clearance visas dataset’[https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/immigration-system-statistics-data-tables#entry-clearance-visas-granted-outside-the-uk]. The latest data is from January 2005 up to the end of June 2025.

The Home Office does not routinely collect information on the religion of visa holders; therefore, it is not possible to identify how many applications or approvals were specifically from Christians.

Figures for visa applications for Jordanian and Occupied Palestinian Territories nationals can be seen in the table below. Please note that an outcome of a visa application may relate to an application raised in a previous year.

Jordan

2023

2024

2025 (Jan - Jun)

Applications

16,837

9,196

9,068

Grants

15,713

7,981

7,253

Occupied Palestinian Territories

2023

2024

2025 (Jan - Jun)

Applications

4,275

4,607

2,277

Grants

3,015

2,881

1,338
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_6

Baroness Jenkin of Kennington:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention on 21 January (HC23523), how many Home Office staff are employed to discharge the obligations under the Equality Act 2010, and what are the job titles of those staff. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: We refer Baronness Jenkin to the Written Answer provided on 19 February, PQ 30618.

This response clarified the number of FTE roles in the HR function within the central Equality, Diversity and Wellbeing Team which are specifically focused on discharging statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010. As stated in the Written Answer on 21 January 2025 to question 23523, roles may exist outside of the HR function which have some responsibilities relating to statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

Due to the broad nature of responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and number of roles and functions in the Home Office, it is not possible to provide a specific number and related job titles which could be relevant in relation to the question asked. Additionally, some parts of the Equality Act 2010 could be relevant and/or apply to all roles in the Home Office such as the general public sector equality duties listed under Section 149 of the act.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_7

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the criteria used to determine whether an extradition request from Hong Kong is politically motivated, particularly where charges are presented as criminal offences; and what safeguards are in place to prevent the authorities in Hong Kong from misusing criminal law as a means of targeting political opponents and seeking their extradition. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: This Government remains resolutely committed to ensuring that no individual is extradited from the United Kingdom for politically motivated purposes, including in cases where charges are presented as criminal offences. The Extradition Act provides statutory safeguards and judicial oversight. It is for an independent UK court to determine whether any request for extradition is made for the purpose of prosecuting or punishing an individual on account of their political opinions, or whether if extradited they might be prejudiced at their trial or punished, detained or restricted in their personal liberty by reason of their political opinions and, if it is, there is a statutory bar to the extradition.

The extradition process under the Extradition Act 2003 affords judicial oversight and includes the protections in the European Convention on Human Rights. In all UK extradition proceedings, the court considers whether the requested person's extradition would be compatible with their human rights. These are defined as Convention rights within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1998. The court must order the requested person's discharge from their extradition proceedings if extradition would not be compatible with their Convention rights.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_8

Lord Lebedev:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the ongoing work to create an official definition of Islamophobia does not exacerbate anti-Muslim sentiment. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Government has established the Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia Definition working group to advise the Government on the appropriate and sensitive language to describe, understand and define unacceptable treatment, prejudice, discrimination and hate targeting Muslims or anyone who is perceived to be Muslim. The Government is committed to ensuring that efforts to define Anti-Muslim hatred/ Islamophobia contribute positively to tackling the issue, informed by extensive engagement with a wide range of communities and views.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_9

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications of the proposed merger of Anglo American and Teck Resources for jobs in United Kingdom. \p Lord Leong: His Majesty's Government are pleased that the UK will remain as the base for Anglo Teck's incorporation, tax and primary listing, recognising London's role as a global centre for mining finance. We also welcome the news that a corporate office will be retained in London and that Anglo Teck has committed to progress the development of the Woodsmith Project (a polyhalite fertiliser mine) in North Yorkshire, a significant investment in the region.

The Department for Business and Trade will continue to engage with both companies as plans for the merger, including jobs, develop.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_10

Lord Frost:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch on 4 September (HL Deb col 909), at which Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) meetings the UK–EU sanitary and phytosanitary partnership has been discussed; which CPTPP members participated in those discussions; and whether any members raised concerns about the nature of the prospective partnership. \p Lord Leong: The EU-UK SPS Agreement was raised as a short item of ‘Any Other Business’ at the 7th meeting of the CPTPP Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures on July 3-4, 2025, which all CPTPP Parties attended.

The UK reaffirmed that we remain fully committed to our trade obligations under CPTPP and will not be rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union. The Committee noted the UK’s update and welcomed the UK’s offer to keep CPTPP members informed of developments.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_11

Lord Mackinlay of Richborough:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Livermore on 8 July (HL8787 and HL8788), how requiring users to submit quarterly updates of income and expenditure in addition to submitting a tax return will (1) reduce errors, and (2) save time. \p Lord Livermore: Making Tax Digital (MTD) quarterly updates support taxpayers in getting their tax right by ensuring timely and accurate record keeping, enabling tailored digital prompts and allowing taxpayers to see estimates of their emerging tax liability throughout the tax year.

This will help to reduce errors, and the time taxpayers need to spend managing their tax affairs. Software will automatically draw data for the updates from the digital records. With income and expenditure already categorised, the end-of-year return will also become quicker and easier, as all the information will be readily available in the software to submit.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_12

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the volume and value of trade passing through the ports of (1) Holyhead, and (2) Fishguard; and how these figures compare to corresponding figures from 2015. \p Lord Livermore: The volume and value of trade passing through the ports of Holyhead and Fishguard in 2015 and 2024 (latest complete year of data) is as follows:

EU trade

non-EU Trade

2015

-

0

2024

13,257,529,744

20,840,991

1b: Trade in Goods Volume (kg) through Holyhead for 2015 and 2024

EU trade

non-EU Trade

2015

-

0

2024

2,038,324,780

968,560

2a. Trade in Goods Value (£) through Fishguard for 2015 and 2024

EU trade

non-EU Trade

2015

-

188,586

2024

535,400,537

18,174,372

EU trade

non-EU Trade

2015

-

23,343

2024

231,002,478

65,770,180

Source: HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics, uktradeinfo, compiled on 10th September 2025  HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) does not have port data prior to 2021 for EU trade as the UK was part of the European Union and customs declarations were not required for these movements. Trade data for intra-EU movements was collected via monthly Intrastat declarations which did not collect information on ports.  Figures for EU trade combine EU imports and EU exports. Similarly, figures for non-EU trade combine Non-EU imports and non-EU exports

The figures above exclude trade in low value consignments (namely imports and exports of an individual value of £873 or less) since HMRC does not have port data for trade in low value consignments.

Holyhead is primarily an EU facing port with no reported data for goods moving from/to non-EU countries in 2015.

The data provided covers goods that have been declared for import or export from either Holyhead or Fishguard but excludes data for goods entering Customs warehouses, freezones or freeports, and goods in transit (even when transhipment or temporary admissions are involved).

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is responsible for the collection and publication of data on imports and exports of goods to and from the UK. HMRC releases this information monthly, as an accredited official statistic called the Overseas Trade in Goods Statistics (OTS), which is available via their dedicated website (www.uktradeinfo.com).
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_13

Baroness Humphreys:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the North Wales Growth Deal, how much has been spent to date by (1) the UK Government, and (2) the Welsh Government; how many new jobs have been created; and which sectors and local authority areas those jobs are in. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The UK Government is working in full partnership with the Welsh Government to deliver the four City and Regional Growth Deals across Wales. The North Wales Growth Deal was agreed in 2020 with the UK Government, Welsh Government and six local authorities collaborating to deliver the £1 billion programme.

The North Wales Growth Deal seeks to tackle long-term challenges and barriers to deliver inclusive growth whilst building on the region’s strengths to create a more vibrant, sustainable and resilient economy in North Wales. The UK Government has committed £120 million to support these aims which has been matched by £120 million from the Welsh Government. The Deal will leverage £760 million from the private sector and other public sector sources. The Deal has invested £24 million to date.

The City and Growth Deals invest in large-scale capital investments, which by nature take longer to deliver employment outcomes. As capital investments near completion, there will be an acceleration in job creation in line with projected outcomes. For example, the Engineering, Enterprise and Optics Centre which is due to open in November will provide a world leading space for research and development at Wrexham University. As of September 2025, the North Wales Growth Deal has created a total of 38 jobs. The Growth Deal will create jobs across the six local authorities covered by the Deal in a wide range of sectors, including:

The UK Government’s investment and collaboration with the Welsh Government has kickstarted sustained economic growth in North Wales and will to unlock new opportunities for people and businesses across the region. The UK Government is working in partnership with the Welsh Government to support and accelerate delivery by the North Wales Growth Deal.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_14

Baroness Humphreys:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Mid Wales Growth Deal, how much has been spent to date by (1) the UK Government, and (2) the Welsh Government; how many new jobs have been created; and which sectors and local authority areas those jobs are in. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The UK Government is working in full partnership with the Welsh Government to co-invest in the delivery of four City and Regional Growth Deals across Wales. The Mid Wales Growth Deal was signed in 2022 by the UK Government, Welsh Government, Ceredigion County Council and Powys County Council.

Over its 10 to 15-year lifetime, the Deal aims to deliver £280-400 million in capital investment. To support these aims, the UK Government has committed to a £55 million contribution and the Welsh Government have matched this commitment with a contribution of £55 million. Additional investment is sought by the Deal from the public and private sectors.

The Mid Wales Growth Deal recently entered into its delivery phase and will report on its spend and jobs creation at the end of the current quarter. The City and Growth Deals invest in large-scale capital investments, which by nature take longer to deliver employment outcomes. As capital investments near completion, there will be an acceleration in job creation in line with projected outcomes. For example, the recently launched Mid Wales Commercial Property Investment Fund is already supporting businesses to invest in new or expanded premises - tackling one of the key challenges facing growing enterprises in the region. The Deal continues to develop its portfolio in order to meet the needs of this unique region, it will focus on the following key themes building on the existing strengths of the region:

The UK Government’s investment and collaboration with the Welsh Government will kickstart sustained economic growth in Mid Wales and unlock new opportunities for people and businesses across the region.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_15

Baroness Humphreys:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, how much has been spent to date by (1) the UK Government, and (2) the Welsh Government; how many new jobs have been created; and which sectors and local authority areas those jobs are in. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The UK Government is working in full partnership with the Welsh Government to co-invest in the delivery of four City and Regional Growth Deals across Wales. Since it was agreed in 2016 by UK Government, Welsh Government and ten local authorities in South East Wales, we have collaborated to deliver this £1.23 billion programme, which builds upon the region’s sectoral strengths.

Over its 20-year lifetime, the Deal aims to deliver 25,000 new jobs and attract £4 billion in private sector investment. To support the delivery of these aims, the UK Government has committed £500 million, of which £375 million has been allocated to the Wider Investment Fund and £125 million has been allocated to the Electrification of the Core Valley Lines. The Cardiff Capital Region City Deal is the only Welsh deal where UK Government contribution is not directly matched by Welsh Government. The Welsh Government’s funding supports the Cardiff Capital Region by contributing £734 million to the delivery of the South Wales Metro. £192 million has been invested by the Deal to date.

The City and Growth Deals invest in large-scale capital investments, which by nature take longer to deliver employment outcomes. As capital investments near completion, there will be an acceleration in job creation in line with projected outcomes. For example, the extension to the new KLA factory is due to complete with contractors by December 2025. As of September 2025, the Deal has created a total of 4,335 jobs across the ten local authorities covered by the Deal, and across a wide range of sectors, including:

The UK Government’s investment and collaboration with the Welsh Government has kickstarted sustained economic growth in the Cardiff Capital Region and will continue to unlock new opportunities for people and businesses across the region.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_16

Baroness Humphreys:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Swansea Bay City Region City Deal, how much has been spent to date by (1) the UK Government, and (2) the Welsh Government; how many new jobs have been created; and which sectors and local authority areas those jobs are in. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The UK Government is working in full partnership with the Welsh Government to co-invest in the delivery of four City and Regional Growth Deals across Wales. The Swansea Bay City Deal was agreed in 2017 by the UK Government, Welsh Government and the four local authorities in South West Wales. The Swansea Bay Deal represents a total investment of £1.3billion comprising nine headline programmes, and over 36 projects focused on economic acceleration, life sciences, energy, smart manufacturing and digital innovation. To date, the Deal has invested £537 million.

The Deal aims to deliver key economic and social benefits across the South West Wales region over a 15-year period whilst leveraging an anticipated £642 million from private sector investment. The UK Government has committed £115.6 million to support the Deal’s delivery with the Welsh Government contributing £125.4 million. An additional £396 million has been committed by other public sector and local authority contributions.

The City and Growth Deals invest in large-scale capital investments, which by nature take longer to deliver employment outcomes. As capital investments near completion, there will be an acceleration in job creation in line with projected outcomes. For example, the opening of 71/72 Kingsway in Swansea earlier this year and phase one of Pentre Awel (Llanelli) due to open soon.

To date, the Swansea Bay City Deal to date has created a total of 912 jobs across the four local authorities in sectors such as:

The UK Government’s investment and collaboration with the Welsh Government has kickstarted sustained economic growth in the Swansea Bay region and will continue to unlock new opportunities for people and businesses across the region.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_17

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Welsh Government regarding the reconfiguration of career patterns within the Civil Service in Wales to maximise recruitment of such staff from Wales. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The UK and Welsh Governments work closely together on matters relating to the civil service. Both governments participate in civil service learning and development schemes aimed at supporting career progression such as the Future Leadership Scheme (FLS) operated by the Cabinet Office. The Places for Growth Programme has also relocated 1,304 civil service roles to Wales, strengthening opportunities and career pathways. As one of the 13 growth areas announced by the then Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in May, Cardiff is set to benefit from the relocation of even more government jobs over the Spending Review period.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_18

Lord Austin of Dudley:To ask His Majesty's Government how many people who were charged with offences related to Palestine Action before 5 July are (1) on remand, and (2) on bail; and how many of those people have been awaiting trial for (a) less than three months, (b) 3–6 months, (c) 7–12 months, (d) 13–24 months, (e) 25–36 months, and (f) more than three years. \p Lord Timpson: This information is not centrally held. To obtain the requested data would involve a manual inspection of court records, involving disproportionate cost to the Department.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-18 conversation_19

Lord Cashman:To ask His Majesty's Government what action they will take to improve the security of tenure, and security of moorings, for residential houseboat dwellers on rivers and waterways. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Responsibility for operational matters on inland waterways rests with the relevant navigation authority, including arrangements for moorings where they are owned by the navigation authority or with the relevant independent mooring owner as appropriate.

The length and security of tenure of houseboat owners will depend on the terms they agree with the mooring owner. The terms of the agreement issued by the mooring owner must comply with the unfair terms in consumer contracts requirements in the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Boat owners with residential moorings will also benefit from the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_1

Lord Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of tariffs imposed by the United States of America on the aerospace industry. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: We are disappointed by the United States’ announcement of an increase in tariffs and we understand businesses, including in the aerospace industry, are concerned. We will continue to engage with the US to understand the details of how these tariffs will be implemented. We remain resolute in our support for UK industry; Ministers and officials will continue to meet with stakeholders and assess impacts.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_2

Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the trade implications for the United Kingdom by the imposition of differential tariffs between the United Kingdom and the European Union. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: We will always act in the best interests of businesses across the UK. As the Prime Minister said on 2 April, we will look closely at the details of any retaliatory tariffs, if they are announced by the EU, and any impact these might have on businesses. Where goods moving to Northern Ireland do not enter the EU, businesses can claim a full reimbursement of any EU duties paid. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade spoke to the Northern Ireland Executive on 3 April, and we are committed to working together in the interests of everybody in Northern Ireland.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_3

Lord Jopling:To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in negotiating a free trade agreement, they intend to prioritise opening up the financial services industry between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The US is an indispensable ally and one of our closest trading partners. Our trading relationship with the US was worth £315 billion in 2024. As Secretary of State said on 3 April, we have been engaged in discussions on an economic deal between the US and the UK and we remain committed to this. The financial services industry is integral to our economy, and we will always act in the UK's national interest.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

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Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government which status of public body they expect the new Fair Pay Agency to have. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: Through the Employment Rights Bill, the Government is creating Fair Pay Agreements in the social care sector, and the Fair Work Agency to upgrade enforcement of employment rights.

The Fair Work Agency will be an executive agency of the Department for Business and Trade. This and further information on both the Fair Work Agency and Fair Pay Agreements is set out in the Employment Rights Bill factsheets available on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-rights-bill-factsheets.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_5

Lord Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what was the estimated value of aerospace industry exports in (1) 2023, and (2) 2024. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: According to ONS business survey figures, the UK aerospace industry exported £20.0 billion of its production in 2023 and £23.1 billion in 2024 (in current prices).
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_6

Lord Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government how many people they estimate are engaged in the aerospace industry in the United Kingdom. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: Based on ONS data the UK aerospace manufacturing, repair and maintenance sectors directly accounted for 100,000 jobs in 2024 and supported an additional 150,000 jobs in other areas of the economy through its purchases of input goods and services.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_7

Lord Wrottesley:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 21 March (HL5758), why the Baltic states were not invited to the meeting of European leaders on Ukraine on 2 March. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: We welcome the strong support for Ukraine from our international partners, and the growing interest in contributing to the 'Coalition of the Willing'. The meeting of 2 March was one in a series of meetings aimed at intensifying efforts in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The Prime Minister called Baltic leaders on the morning of the 2 March meeting, and Minister of State, Stephen Doughty, spoke to Baltic counterparts the next day. Minister Doughty also spoke with Ministers and representatives from the Baltic States at the Aurora Forum on 11 March. The Baltic States have been represented at subsequent discussions, including the most recent meeting in Paris on 27 March. UK Ministers and officials are in constant engagement with Baltic Allies on Ukraine.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_8

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had on a (1) bilateral basis, or (2) EU-wide basis, about cabotage for UK musicians who are touring in the EU. \p Baroness Twycross: We are working closely with the music industry, and engaging with the EU and EU Member States to tackle the challenges facing UK musicians and their support staff, including reduced access due to restrictions on the number and type of permitted transport movements when touring in the EU. Our aim is to identify practical solutions to ensure that UK artists can continue to perform across Europe with minimal barriers while respecting the regulatory frameworks on both sides.

On 7 April, Sir Chris Bryant attended the Informal Meeting for EU Culture Ministers in Warsaw as a guest of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is the first time a UK minister has been invited to such a meeting since the UK’s exit from the EU. The Minister used the opportunity to forge closer, more cooperative ties with his EU counterparts, including on matters related to touring. The Minister and senior DCMS officials have previously engaged the EU on this matter bilaterally, including during an introductory call with EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Culture, Youth and Sport Glenn Micallef and in recent engagements with Polish, French, German, Italian, Danish and Swedish counterparts.

The UK Government remains in constructive dialogue with the EU on this and other EU reset priorities. Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds and Maroš Šefčovič have been tasked with moving discussions forward and leaders will take stock at the UK-EU Summit in May.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_9

Baroness Penn:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Sherlock on 1 April, what assessment they have made of the number of people who moved into work as a result of previous employment programmes, and what the cost of those programmes was. \p Baroness Sherlock: There have been many impact assessments that estimate the extra people in work as a result of previous employment programmes, and also the benefits saved to the Exchequer and Society set against the costs of the programmes. Some recent evaluations cover the: Work Programme, European Support Fund, Work Choice, Job Entry Targeted Support, Job Finding Support and Kickstart programmes. I am depositing these impact documents in the Libraries of the House. See links to these reports below.

The Work Programme: impact assessment - GOV.UK

Impact evaluation of the European Social Fund 2014-2020 programme in England - GOV.UK

Work Choice impact evaluation - GOV.UK

JETS (Job Entry Targeted Support) Impact Evaluation - GOV.UK

Job Finding Support programme: A Quantitative Impact Assessment - GOV.UK

Kickstart Scheme: A Quantitative Impact Assessment - GOV.UK
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_10

Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s assessment in its Economic and Fiscal Outlook March 2025 that 3 million people will be in receipt of the Universal Credit health element in 2029–30; and how many people they forecast will be in receipt of it in 2029–30, by age and region. \p Baroness Sherlock: The Memorandum of understanding between the Office for Budget Responsibility, HM Treasury, the Department for Work & Pensions, and HM Revenue & Customs sets out the responsibilities of the OBR and government departments in the preparation of forecasts for welfare spending at fiscal events, including how this is presented in the OBR’s publication the Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

In line with paragraph 2.7 of the MoU, the DWP forecasts for the UC health journey caseloads are produced in consultation with OBR and are consistent with the OBR Spring Statement 2025 forecasts. These will be published in the DWP’s Outturn and Forecast tables on 23rd April.

Figures by region and age are not available for UC health journey caseloads.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_11

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the tariffs imposed on the United Kingdom and European Union by the United States of America with regard to the Windsor Framework. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: We continue to closely monitor the impact on Northern Ireland of any tariffs. This government will always act in the best interests of all UK businesses which of course includes those in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom customs territory and internal market. Northern Ireland exporters will face 10% US tariffs like exporters elsewhere in the UK.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_12

Baroness Smith of Llanfaes:To ask His Majesty's Government when they will review the right of Church of England bishops to sit in the House of Lords. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Government is supportive of the inclusion of individuals from all backgrounds in the House of Lords and believes the second chamber is enriched by members who bring diverse experience. This includes the Lords Spiritual.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_13

Baroness Smith of Llanfaes:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish a timeline for subsequent House of Lords reform after the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill has concluded. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: Alongside the passage of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill, the government has been engaged in a dialogue with the House on how we can best implement the Government’s other manifesto commitments. I look forward to continuing that dialogue and considering how to approach it in a more structured way.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_14

Lord Blencathra:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take to support local authorities to focus on reuse and repair practices as part of a circular economy. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Defra recognises that repair and reuse are fundamental tenets of any circular economy, and a successful transition aims to eliminate waste and promote sustainability through reuse and resource efficiency. We will consider the evidence for appropriate action right across the economy as we develop the Circular Economy Strategy for England.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_15

Lord Blencathra:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that more products are designed to be reused and repaired to generate economic, environmental and social value for communities and businesses. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: This Government is committed to transitioning to a circular economy. To support the Government in achieving this goal, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has convened the Circular Economy Taskforce to help us develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England, which will be supported by a series of roadmaps detailing the interventions that the government and others will make on a sector-by-sector basis. Through this work we are considering the evidence for interventions right across the economy, with an aim to eliminate waste and promote sustainability through reuse and resource efficiency.

We are exploring the circularity impacts of a wide range of levers, including encouraging reuse and repair, as we develop our strategy. The outputs of the strategy aim to support economic growth, deliver green jobs, promote efficient and productive use of resources, minimise negative environmental impacts and accelerate to Net Zero.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_16

Lord Gascoigne:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the Prime Minister's comments in the MoneySavingExpert leaders' debate during the 2024 general election, what steps they are taking to work with local leaders to publicise council tax discounts for those entitled to them. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The government has continued the previous government’s policy of making information on council tax support freely available through the Plain English Guide to Council Tax. We expect councils to work with residents to ensure they are receiving the support they are entitled to. We have committed to consult on ways in which we can improve the transparency of council tax bills, as a part of this we will seek views on how councils can better publicise support.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_17

Baroness Verma:To ask His Majesty's Government why they have created the new Combatting Hatred Against Muslims Fund and not one that commits to combating hatred against people of all faiths. \p Lord Khan of Burnley: All forms of hate crime are completely unacceptable, and this government is committed to tackling this wherever it manifests. Our efforts to build a country of tolerance and inclusion apply to people of all faiths and none.

The recent hate crime statistics showed almost 2 in 5 religious hate crimes were targeted against Muslims, which is why the Government announced this funding to provide a comprehensive service to monitor anti-Muslim hate and support victims. With cases on the rise, up-to-date and detailed information on incidents and drivers of this form of hatred will play a fundamental part in supporting the government to combat anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia and ensure Muslim communities feel safe and supported.

No one should ever be a victim of hatred because of their race or religion and the Government continues to work with police and community partners to monitor and combat this.

The Government has worked with the police to fund True Vision, an online hate crime reporting portal, designed so that victims of all forms of hate crime do not have to visit a police station to report.

We are committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion and we will not tolerate religious hatred in any form.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-16 conversation_18

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the manifesto Putting victims first: renewing the UK’s commitment to victims of trafficking and modern slavery, published in July 2024 by a coalition of modern slavery organisations. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government continues to engage with the coalition of NGOs referred to and a wide range of experts and stakeholders keeping all aspects of asylum and immigration systems under regular review including in relation to trafficking and modern slavery.