theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_281
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_281

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to ensure the provision of pre-sentencing reports for all offenders. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: Where a court is considering whether an offender should receive a sentence of immediate custody, a pre-sentencing report must be obtained and considered before forming an opinion unless, in the circumstances of the case, it considers that it is unnecessary to obtain a pre-sentence report. Pre-sentencing reports. These reports see the Probation Service play an essential role in court by providing an expert assessment of the nature and causes of the offender's behaviour and the risk the offender poses.

The Lord Chancellor has been clear that the recent guidelines published by the Sentencing Council regarding pre-sentencing reports, do not represent the views of this Government. The Lord Chancellor and the Chairman of the Sentencing Council have had a constructive discussion. It was agreed that the Lord Chancellor will set out her position more fully in writing, which the Sentencing Council will then consider before the guideline is due to come into effect.

The Lord Chancellor has already stated that she will be reviewing the role and powers of the Sentencing Council, as well as what role Government should have on issues such as this, and will not hesitate to legislate if necessary.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_282
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_282

Richard Fuller:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what role the Office for Value for Money plays in assessing the efficiency of government procurement processes; and whether it has been involved in reviewing framework agreements. \p Darren Jones: The Office for Value for Money is working with departments to root out waste and inefficiency. It will do this by working with departments to agree stretching and realistic technical efficiency targets, underpinned by robust delivery plans.

All departments and their arm's-length bodies are in scope for this piece of work.

The Office will target areas where it can have the most impact, rather than duplicating the work of others. It is the role of the Crown Commercial Service to review framework agreements.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_283
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_283

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will ensure that (a) Disability Living Allowance, (b) Personal Independence Payment, (c) SEND support funding and (d) other benefits for (i) children and (ii) their families are not reduced in the Spring Statement 2025. \p Darren Jones: The OBR’s spring forecast will take place on 26th March and be accompanied by a statement to Parliament from the Chancellor. Ahead of the statement responding to the forecast, the Government will not give a running commentary on economic developments.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_284
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_284

Jim Shannon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the impact of the level of business rates on businesses over the last five years. \p James Murray: Business rates are devolved. In England, local authorities reported that the gross non-domestic rates income for 2023-24 was £33 billion.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced that it intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for RHL properties in England, with Rateable Values below £500,000 , from 2026-27. Ahead of these changes being made, we have prevented RHL relief from ending in April 2025 by extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier.

These announcements reflect the Government’s first steps to support the high street. We want to go further to modernise the system, and so, we have published a Discussion Paper setting out priority areas for reform. This paper invites industry to help co-design a fairer business rates system over the course of this Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_285
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_285

Wendy Morton:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what consultation she has undertaken with agricultural stakeholders on the potential impacts of planned changes to Agricultural Property Relief. \p James Murray: I refer the Right Honourable Member to the answer given to UIN 33134.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_286
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_286

Wendy Morton:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 33030 on Agriculture: Inheritance Tax, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of these reforms on the agricultural equipment and machinery sector. \p James Murray: I refer the Right Honourable Member to the answers given to her previous questions on this same topic in both UIN 16240 and UIN 33030.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_287
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_287

Wendy Morton:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 33033 on Employers' Contributions: Apprentices, whether the employers' National Insurance contributions relief for under-21s and under-25 apprentices also applies to employed interns. \p James Murray: Employers of interns are eligible for these National Insurance Contributions reliefs provided the interns are either under age 21 with earnings between the Secondary Threshold (ST), currently £175 a week and the Upper Secondary Threshold (UST), currently £967 a week; or are under age 25 with earnings above the ST and not exceeding the Apprentice Upper Secondary Threshold (AUST), currently £967 a week, and on an approved UK Government apprenticeship standard or framework.

Full details of the UK Government apprenticeship standard or frameworks which are approved can be found at Paying employer National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25 - GOV.UK .
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_288
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_288

David Chadwick:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to employer National Insurance contributions on levels of unemployment. \p James Murray: The Office for Budget Responsibility’s October 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook, which takes into account tax measures announced in the Budget, expects the unemployment rate will fall to 4.1% next year and remain low until 2029.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_289
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_289

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 18 February 2025 to Question 30146 on Business Rates, what estimate she has made of the change in overall cost of the retail, hospitality and leisure relief scheme without a cash cap. \p James Murray: Without any Government intervention, retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) relief would have ended entirely in April 2025, creating a cliff-edge for businesses. Instead, the Government has decided to offer a 40 per cent discount to RHL properties up to a cash cap of £110,0000 per business in 2025-26.

To deliver our manifesto pledge, from 2026-27, we intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for high street retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, with rateable values below £500,000. Whereas RHL relief currently limits support to a cash cap of £110,000 per business, the Government intends to have no such limit on the new multipliers in order to better ensure more widespread support for the high street.

The Government will confirm the rates for the new multipliers at Budget 2025, taking account of the outcomes of the 2026 revaluation as well as the broader economic and fiscal context.

Tax policy and legislation is not subject to the Better Regulation Framework Guidance which requires an Impact Assessment to accompany policy decisions. Nevertheless, when the new, permanently lower tax rates are set at Budget 2025, the Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_290
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_290

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to allocate funding to support (a) sustainability and (b) innovation in the arts, tourism and leisure sector. \p James Murray: The Government has included the Creative Industries as one of the priority sectors in the Industrial Strategy, and as part of this is considering opportunities to support sustainability and innovation in the arts.

At Phase 1 of the Spending Review the Government allocated funding to support the arts and cultural sector, including a £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund that will help to improve the financial and environmental sustainability of arts venues and a £60 million package for the Creative Industries announced at the Creative Industries Growth Moment in January that will help creative business to grow and facilitate innovation.

The Government also supports the tourism industry primarily through funding for the British Tourist Authority to support VisitBritain and VisitEngland.

Any new funding plans will be considered as part of Phase 2 of the Spending Review in June.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_291
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_291

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will postpone changes to taxation to double-cab pick-up trucks for 12 months. \p James Murray: Double Cab Pick Up vehicles (DCPUs) have been treated as goods vehicles for tax purposes, rather than cars. Following a judgement by the Court of Appeal, Double Cab Pick Ups must be treated as cars, rather than goods vehicles, for certain tax purposes, based on their primary suitability.

The government has no plans to legislate to treat DCPUs as goods vehicles as this would depart from the broader principles underpinning the Court of Appeal’s judgement, and be a significant tax break worth hundreds of millions per year.

The transitional arrangements mean that this will not affect the capital allowances treatment of any business that already owns a DCPU, or that purchases one before April 2025; and businesses that purchase a DCPU after this date will still be able to deduct the cost from their taxable profits at 18% or 6% per year. Under the transitional arrangements for Benefit-in-Kind, anyone who has accessed a DCPU before April 2025 will not be impacted until the sooner of disposal of the vehicle, April 2029 or when their lease expires. The Government has no plans to legislate to postpone the changes. However, there are alternatives to DCPUs (such as Single Cab Pick Ups) that are still treated as goods vehicles.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_292
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_292

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that business rates reform benefit pubs and breweries in every constituency. \p James Murray: From 2026-27, we intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, including pubs and breweries, with rateable values below £500,000. This permanent tax cut will ensure that they benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so we intend to introduce a higher rate on the most valuable properties on 2026-27 - those with Rateable Values of £500,000 and above. These represent less than one per cent of all properties, but cover the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by online giants.

The Government also published the ‘Transforming Business Rates’ Discussion Paper at Autumn Budget setting out priority areas for reform. This paper invites industry to help co-design a fairer business rates system that supports investment and is fit for the 21st century. Further information regarding the Discussion Paper can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transforming-business-rates.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_293
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_293

Mary Glindon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what role a) climate and b) nature experts perform in the creation of economic policy in her Department. \p James Murray: HM Treasury works across government to leverage expertise on climate and nature issues. HM Treasury also engages extensively with external stakeholders to inform related economic policy, as we recognise the value of incorporating expertise from outside government in addition to our internal capability.

The Green Book requires HM Treasury and other government departments to assess the climate and environmental impacts of policy proposals as part of their appraisal of costs and benefits. Within that, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued supplementary guidance for policy makers to consider the value of a natural capital approach. Similarly, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has issued supplementary guidance on the valuation of energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_294
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_294

Tom Morrison:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of how much tax relief oil producers will receive for the development of the Rosebank oil field via the North Sea Investment Allowance; and what steps she is taking to ensure this funding scheme aligns with the Government's net-zero commitments. \p James Murray: The government’s fiscal approach in relation to the upstream oil and gas sector balances attracting investment with ensuring a fair return for the nation in exchange for the use of its resources. In last year’s Autumn Budget, the government increased the duration and rate of the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), a temporary additional tax on upstream oil and gas profits. The government also abolished an investment allowance in the EPL regime which was unique to oil and gas and not available to any other sector. These changes are expected to raise £2.3bn which will help support the transition to clean energy, enhance energy security and independence, and provide sustainable jobs for the future.

The regime includes several tax reliefs and allowances, including in relation to investments which reduce domestic production emissions to support the sector’s transition to net zero.

Whilst it would not be appropriate for the government to comment on the tax affairs of individual companies, estimates of tax revenues and the cost of tax reliefs are publicly available from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and the government respectively.

The OBR’s most recent forecast of tax revenues from the oil and gas sector is available at the following link: https://obr.uk/efo/economic-and-fiscal-outlook-october-2024/. Similarly, where data is available, estimates of the cost of tax reliefs applicable to the oil and gas sector are at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tax-relief-statistics.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_295
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_295

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the Financial Conduct Authority will publish revised guidance on politically exposed persons under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2023. \p Emma Reynolds: The Government has been working closely with the FCA to follow up on the findings of its review into the treatment of Politically Exposed Persons by financial institutions, and to ensure firms improve their practices where necessary. The FCA expects that the revised guidance will be published and brought into effect in the first half of 2025.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_296
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_296

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the second bullet point in paragraph 2.3 of the document Impact on households: distributional analysis to accompany Autumn Budget 2024 and Spending Review 2025, Phase 1, whether her Department regularly undertakes modelling on the potential behavioural impacts of policy announcements. \p James Murray: HM Treasury distributional analysis only includes measures if they have a clear first-order impact on the benefit income, tax paid or the benefits-in-kind received through public services by UK residents. Therefore, this excludes the behavioural impacts of most measures, for example where households might reduce consumption to reduce the amount of tax they might otherwise pay. However, estimates of behavioural impacts from policy announcements are conducted by the government, as set out below.

As per the Green Book (2022), appraisals and evaluation are a key part of detailed policy development and design. HM Treasury officials, independently and in collaboration with other government departments, carry out longlist and shortlist appraisals. These include the consideration of distributional effects and consequences, such as possible changes in behaviour, that may result from an intervention.

As the independent official economic and fiscal forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility have a responsibility to report on the impact of policy announcements, including behaviour impacts, which they do in their Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

Additionally, Tax Information and Impact Notes, published on gov.uk, describe the 'economic impact' and 'impact on individuals, households and families'.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_297
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_297

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of removing grassroots music venues from the business rates system. \p James Murray: As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, including grassroots music venues with Rateable Values below £500,00, from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government intends to fund this by introducing a higher multiplier on all properties with a rateable value (RV) of £500,000 and above.

In the interim period, for 2025-26, we have prevented the current RHL relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40% up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business.

The Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee’s report on grassroots music venues recommended that RHL relief should not be wholly withdrawn in April 2025. The Committee’s report also highlighted the sector's desire for certainty and long-term stability. That is why the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for high street RHL properties from 2026-27.

The Government’s full response to the CMS Committee’s report was published on 14 November 2024 and is available online: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/8227/grassroots-music-venues/publications/.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_298
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_298

James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with pension firms on investment in the defence sector. \p Torsten Bell: Ministers meet a wide range of pension firms regularly. Trustees and fund managers are responsible for making investment decisions in line with their fiduciary duty and member preferences.

The Government has been actively engaging with the defence industry, trade associations and the financial services sector regarding access to financial services for defence companies. In a time of increasing geopolitical instability, maintaining a robust and thriving defence sector is essential to our national security.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_299
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_299

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of reclassifying weapons as ethical investments for pension funds. \p Torsten Bell: Trustees and fund managers are responsible for making investment decisions in line with their fiduciary duty and member preferences.

In a time of increasing geopolitical instability, maintaining a robust and thriving defence sector is essential to our national security. The Government has therefore been clear that supporting our defence industry is entirely consistent with ethical investing. The Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent, published in December 2024, recognised issues with regards to access to finance for the defence industry.

The Government has consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, including defence suppliers and financial institutions, to assess the ways in which we can reduce these barriers and create a strong and resilient defence sector.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_300
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_300

Sorcha Eastwood:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reducing VAT on hospitality. \p James Murray: To support hospitality businesses, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, with Rateable Values below £500,000, from 2026-27.

Ahead of these changes being made, the Government recognises that businesses will need support in 2025-26. As such, the Government has prevented the current RHL relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business, and we have frozen the small business multiplier.

VAT is the UK’s second largest tax, forecast to raise £171 billion in 2024/25. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for vital public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_301
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_301

Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff their Department has seconded from Hakluyt since July 2024. \p Catherine West: Since July 2024, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has had no staff seconded from Hakluyt.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_302
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_302

Bob Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Indian counterpart on (a) the alleged demolishing of properties belonging to the Hindu Nallur Mutt in Chikkamagaluru and (b) the protection of freedom of religion or belief in India. \p Catherine West: The UK Government condemns any instances of discrimination because of religion or belief, regardless of the country or faith involved. Concerns about the rights and opportunities of some religious minorities and communities in India are widely reported, and our High Commission in New Delhi and network of Deputy High Commissions across India track these issues closely.

Dialogue concerning freedom of religion or belief is an important aspect of the UK-India relationship, and where we have specific concerns, we raise them directly with Indian authorities. Our network in India also meets regularly with religious representatives from different faith communities.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_303
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_303

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of China's position on the conflict in Ukraine. \p Catherine West: China remains the decisive enabler of Russia's war against Ukraine through its large-scale support for Russia.

On 13 February the Foreign Secretary met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, underlined the UK's ironclad commitment to Ukraine and urged China to prevent its companies supporting Russia's military. The Foreign Secretary made it clear that we would continue to sanction Chinese companies which are providing the vast majority of dual use components to Russia.

The House will also wish to note that in light of the continued flow of these components from China to Russia this Government is now minded to refuse licenses for controlled goods on the Common High Priority list exported for stock to China. Guidance for UK exporters has been updated to this effect.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_304
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_304

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the humanitarian situation in Kashmir. \p Catherine West: I recognise there are human rights issues in both India Administered Kashmir and Pakistan Administered Kashmir. We raise issues, where we have them, directly with the governments of India and Pakistan. India and Pakistan are important friends of the UK, and we have strong and deep bilateral relationships with both. It is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution on Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_305
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_305

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has considered re-joining the EUFOR peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of a new security pact with the EU. \p Stephen Doughty: Europe's security is critical to our own and we recognise the contribution of many of the EU's military operations and missions to regional security. We see the European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR) as vital for peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). We are open to discussions about opportunities for the UK to cooperate more closely with EU missions, considering UK engagement on a case-by-case basis. We will continue to support security and stability in BiH through our bilateral contributions in support of their Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_306
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_306

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress he has made on delivering on the Action Plan in the Atlantic Declaration (2023) since July 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: The Atlantic Declaration was agreed with the Biden Administration under the previous UK government. Since entering office last year, we have taken a case-by-case approach to its initiatives in support of this government's missions. This included a meeting of the UK-US Joint Standing Committee on Nuclear Energy Cooperation in August 2024 and the second Strategic Technologies Investment Council in November 2024. As the Prime Minister said, we are committed to pursuing an economic deal with the new US administration with advanced technology at its core.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_307
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_307

Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has received advice from the Attorney General on activity originating from military bases in Cyprus since July 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: By long-standing convention, observed by successive Governments, the fact of, and substance of advice from, the law officers of the Crown is not disclosed outside government. This convention is referred to in paragraph [5.14] of the Ministerial Code [updated on 6 November 2024]. The purpose of this convention is to enable the Government to obtain frank and full legal advice in confidence.

Our military activities at the Sovereign Base Areas are central to the UK's humanitarian and hostage rescue efforts, support the UK's efforts with international partners to de-escalate conflict and reinforce stability. The use of the military bases is in line with international humanitarian law and with our humanitarian objectives.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_308
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_308

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support (a) Albania and (b) other Western Balkan to maintain regional stability in the context of Russian destabilisation efforts. \p Stephen Doughty: Russia has sought to undermine fragile democracies and fan ethnic tensions across the Western Balkans. This threatens hard-won peace and stability in the region and the ambitions for greater European integration chosen by states. We will continue work to counter other Russian hybrid threats in the region, including through support to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners and programming on cyber security and counter-disinformation. Furthermore, the UK will host the 2025 Berlin Process, to support wider efforts for stability, security and economic co-operation across the Western Balkans region (including Albania).
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_309
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_309

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the terms are of the agreement with the US for the Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia signed in 2016. \p Stephen Doughty: As stated in the reply to PQ 25391, the US presence and operations in the British Indian Ocean Territory are governed by a series of international agreements, which set out that the whole Territory should be made available for UK and US defence purposes. In 2016, the UK and US agreed to extend the provisions of the 1966 Exchange of Notes for an additional 20 years. The 1966 Exchange of Notes and other additions to the Notes are available at the United Nations Treaty Database Website.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_310
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_310

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure the autonomy of the UK and US operations on Diego Garcia. \p Stephen Doughty: We will retain full control over Diego Garcia with robust provisions to keep adversaries out. These include unrestricted access to and use of the base for the UK and US, including control over the electromagnetic spectrum; a buffer zone around Diego Garcia; a comprehensive mechanism to ensure no activity in the other islands threatens base operations; and a ban on the presence of any foreign security forces. The details will be set out when the treaty is laid before Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_311
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_311

Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 February 2025 to Question 29154 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, whether any conditions will be placed on how the package of financial support can be spent. \p Stephen Doughty: Once an agreement is signed further details of the Treaty will be put before both Houses for scrutiny and treaty ratification in the usual way.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_312
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_312

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia on (a) security and (b) regional stability in the western Balkans. \p Stephen Doughty: A just and lasting peace is vital for Ukraine and for wider Euro-Atlantic and international security and prosperity. Russia has sought to undermine fragile democracies and fan ethnic tensions across the Western Balkans. This threatens hard-won peace and stability in the region and the ambitions for greater European integration chosen by states. We will continue to counter Russian interference in the region, including through supporting North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners, programming on cyber security and counter-disinformation and wider efforts to promote stability and security.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_313
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_313

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed treaty with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands on the long term sustainability of the Chagos Marine Protected Area. \p Stephen Doughty: The agreement will be supported by an enhanced partnership between the UK and Mauritius on conservation. This partnership will prioritise high conservation standards, with the UK supporting Mauritius' ambitions to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that protects the globally significant ecosystems in the Chagos Archipelago. This will extend to technical, financial, capacity-building assistance, fostering long-term sustainable management.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_314
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_314

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on a free trade agreement with the United States. \p Stephen Doughty: Both the Foreign Secretary and his officials are speaking regularly with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and his officials about the future of the UK-US Trade partnership. To echo the Prime Minister's remarks during his meeting with President Trump on 27 February 2025: we will go further and work on a new economic deal with advanced technology at its core. We will set out more details as discussions evolve.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_315
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_315

Barry Gardiner:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his planned timetable is to complete work necessary for the participation of the UK in the first conference of Members of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction. \p Stephen Doughty: The Government is completely committed to ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, which is in line with our determination to reinvigorate the UK's wider international leadership on climate and nature. Legislation to implement the BBNJ Agreement will be introduced as soon as the legislative timetable allows.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_316
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_316

Josh Babarinde:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his Department's timetable is for ratifying the United Nations Global Ocean Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: The Government is completely committed to ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement, also known as the "High Seas Treaty" or "Global Ocean Treaty"), which is in line with our determination to reinvigorate the UK's wider international leadership on climate and nature. Legislation to implement the BBNJ Agreement will be introduced as soon as the legislative timetable allows.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_317
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_317

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to counter foreign disinformation and manipulation campaigns. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works closely with the Home Office, which leads on addressing malign information activity aimed at UK audiences, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) which leads on online safety and information threats in the UK. The FCDO is responsible for understanding and addressing information threats relating to third countries, deterring hostile activity globally and building a global ecosystem through partnerships to collectively challenge the threat.

The Foreign Secretary recognised the importance of 'stepping up action with allies on Kremlin Disinformation' in his January 2025 Locarno speech.

We have dedicated resources to identifying foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and taking action against Russian networks. This includes sanctioning the Social Design Agency (SDA) for attempting to undermine and destabilise Ukraine; exposing Russia's attempts at electoral interference in Moldova and exposing how RT (formerly Russia Today) engages in covert influence on behalf of the Kremlin.

We are driving a collaborative international approach - the G7 pledged to 'strengthen our coordinated efforts to better prevent, detect and respond to FIMI threats'. In January 2025, the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism exposed ongoing deceitful activity of RT and the SDA to advance Russia's interests.

We have a range of programmes to build societal resilience in third countries to protect against deceptive information campaigns, and we will continue to provide factual narratives to global audiences.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_318
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_318

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the annual cost to the public purse is of maintaining the Chagos Marine Protected Area. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides money for the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Administration for the good governance of the territory, including environmental protection. The FCDO does not itself spend money for maintaining the BIOT Marine Protected Area, outside of the Blue Belt programme. The Blue Belt Programme, which is funded by the FCDO, has provided £1,230,562 since 1 April 2022 to support BIOT manage its Marine Protected Area.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_319
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_319

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much funding his Department has provided through the Blue Belt Programme to help protect ocean health in the British Indian Ocean Territories since 2022. \p Stephen Doughty: The Blue Belt Programme, which is funded by the FCDO, has provided £1,230,562 since 1 April 2022 to support the British Indian Ocean Territory manage its Marine Protected Area. This includes measures to prevent illegal fishing through satellite monitoring and joint surveillance with Sri Lanka and India, as well as a coastal monitoring plan.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_320
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_320

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with NATO allies on the potential deployment of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine in the event of any ceasefire. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Allies as well as Ukraine on how to achieve a just and lasting peace that safeguards Ukraine's security and sovereignty. The Foreign Secretary attended the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Canada from 12-14 March 2025, which discussed security support for Ukraine. The UK has been clear that when this war ends, Ukraine will need robust security guarantees to ensure against future Russian aggression. The UK is playing a leading role alongside France to build a coalition of countries willing to play a role in supporting Ukraine's future security.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_321
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_321

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help support Albania to tackle corruption. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) remains a consistent supporter of efforts to tackle corruption in Albania, through diplomatic engagement and programmes funded by the UK's Integrated Security Fund (ISF) and FCDO Official Development Assistance (ODA). Ongoing support includes working with Albania's security and justice institutions to strengthen accountability and transparency, support to lawmakers to improve the effectiveness of legislation, and empowering journalists to act as effective watchdogs for corruption in public procurement and appointments.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_322
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_322

Mr James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the reduction in Overseas Development Assistance on the Overseas Territories; and what steps he is taking to help mitigate that impact. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK Government remains committed to supporting the Overseas Territories, and is funding programmes to increase long term capacity and capability in the Overseas Territories in receipt of Official Development Assistance (ODA). The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security and ODA. We will set out our spending plans following the completion of the Spending Review and departmental resource allocation processes.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_323
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_323

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has considered establishing formal mechanisms for dialogue between the British Overseas Territories and the external territories of (a) Australia and (b) New Zealand. \p Stephen Doughty: The Territories have not recently to our knowledge requested enhanced co-operation with Australia, New Zealand, or their external territories. The UK, Australia, and New Zealand liaise on topics of mutual interest including recent developments in the external territories and the conservation of Antarctic marine life. The UK remains open to considering requests to facilitate dialogues between the UK Overseas Territories and other territories.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_324
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_324

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that sanctions placed on Russia by (a) the UK and (b) other countries are not being circumvented by Serbia. \p Stephen Doughty: Russia is making extensive efforts to circumvent sanctions in order to maintain its military machine. Our focus is on stopping these critical goods from reaching Russia and deprive Russia from generating revenue to fund the war. That includes ensuring our sanctions are as effective as possible. We are coordinating closely with G7 partners on our efforts to tackle circumvention risks across a number of priority countries including Serbia, and our support has ranged from technical assistance to diplomatic engagement at all levels.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_325
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_325

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has plans to send officials to monitor the upcoming Albanian parliamentary election. \p Stephen Doughty: UK officials, including staff from our Embassy in Tirana, are working with international partners on monitoring plans ahead of May's Parliamentary elections in Albania, and the UK will be contributing monitors to join the scheduled Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) International Monitoring Mission.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_326
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_326

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 February 2025 to Question 32985 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases, whether the proposed treaty announced on 3 October 2024 would have permitted the UK to unilaterally extend the lease for the base. \p Stephen Doughty: The treaty will allow the UK and US to continue to operate the base as we have done for the next 99 years, with a provision to extend and the right of first refusal.
wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_327
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_327

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) other Government Ministers plan to meet with their Mauritius counterparts in 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: As we and Mauritius have repeatedly said, including in joint statements on 20 December 2024 and on 13 January, both sides remain committed to concluding a deal on the future of the Chagos Archipelago. We look forward to future meetings with the Mauritian government and others as per the normal conduct of business.