theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_20

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 70 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of moving regular personnel from administrative to front-line roles on the number of roles in the Adjutant Generals’ Corps. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) plays a critical role in delivering administrative, personnel, and support services, including policing, detention, education, and legal services.

In response to the Strategic Defence Review 2025, the Department has committed to optimising personnel allocation, including transitioning regular personnel from administrative to front-line roles where appropriate. An assessment of the potential impact of this commitment on the AGC is underway. Any changes to its structure will be carefully managed to maintain operational effectiveness and administrative efficiency. The AGC is engaging with Defence stakeholders to modernise processes, including digitisation and civilianisation of administrative tasks, enabling regular personnel to focus on front-line duties. Workforce requirements are under constant review to ensure the AGC continues to deliver its essential functions effectively.   Further updates will follow as the Strategic Defence Review is implemented.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_21

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to box 12 page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in developing acoustic detection systems (a) powered by artificial intelligence and (b) integrated into the digital targeting web. \p Al Carns: Atlantic Bastion is a portfolio of programmes to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and in support of NATO against a range of underwater threats. It will develop a range of capabilities that enhance existing systems and deploy new platforms into the North Atlantic. It is separate from Baltic Sentry, which is a NATO led activity in the Baltic Sea to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure. The Royal Navy will be able to learn from Baltic Sentry and be able to share lessons from Bastion programmes with NATO allies.

Through AUKUS Pillar 2, the nations are working together on an algorithm to support Maritime Patrol Aircraft processing systems. This work will inform future capability development of Bastion systems powered by AI to enhance acoustic detection.

Capability options under Atlantic Bastion are submitted for consideration in the Defence Investment Plan. Options for capabilities that would be deployable from the Type 26 Frigate Force are included in these options.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_22

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 43 of the National Security Strategy 2025, published in June 2025, CP 1338, what progress he has made on establishing UK Defence Innovation. \p Luke Pollard: UK Defence Innovation launched on 1 July 2025 and expects to be fully operational by July 2026. Work continues at pace on implementing, transitioning, and operationalising the full system. The Strategic Defence Review set out clear priorities for defence, with a strong emphasis on the need for rapid delivery of innovation. The launch of UK Defence Innovation will help to deliver a modern, resilient, and technologically advanced force by accelerating innovation, supporting strategic autonomy, and driving collaboration across defence, industry, and academia.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_23

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 42 of the National Security Strategy 2025, published in June 2025, CP 1338, how much of the £10 billion contingency for the Dreadnought programme he estimates will be spent this Parliament. \p Luke Pollard: To date £3.37 billion contingency has been utilised with the remainder allocated to future years including beyond the current Parliament. Dreadnought contingency spend is reported to Parliament via the Defence Nuclear Enterprise Annual Update, once final outturn figures are confirmed.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_24

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much funding his Department has allocated to the new single living accommodation block at Weeton Barracks. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: A new Single Living Accommodation project is underway at Weeton Barracks, where contractual costs are approximately £15 million.

The project will provide a modern, sustainable building with 69 bed spaces. The building is due to be completed in December 2025.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_25

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of creating a medal for servicemen and women who leave the armed forces before becoming eligible for medals under existing schemes. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Whilst we are grateful to all those who serve in our Armed Forces, it remains the position that medals are awarded only in recognition of operational Service, acts of gallantry, and long and meritorious Service; they are not awarded for Service alone. The Ministry of Defence has no plans to recommend that consideration is given to the introduction of a new medal for personnel who are not eligible for recognition under existing medallic arrangements. Any proposal for a new medal would require endorsement by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals and approval by His Majesty The King.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_26

Mr Calvin Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to standardise the criteria for reservist call-out liability across the Armed Forces services. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Under the forthcoming Armed Forces Bill, we will standardise some of the criteria governing this liability, for those personnel who will form the Strategic Reserve (personnel who leave Service and retain a liability to be called back into permanent Service). Call-out liability for personnel on leaving Regular Service is determined by individual circumstances. These include the Service they were part of, the individual commitment or contract that governed their Service, their age, and other specific terms of their discharge such as if for medical or disciplinary reasons.

The policies and processes that underpin call-out liability are under constant review, to ensure that they remain fit for purpose in the current geopolitical environment and beyond.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_27

Mr Calvin Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has conducted a recent audit of the skills and health readiness of ex-Regular personnel who may be called upon during national emergencies. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: In support of the Strategic Defence Review recommendation to step-up engagement with the Strategic Reserve, the Military Strategic Headquarters, in partnership with the Military Commands, is leading work to gather and assure the relevant information to ex Regular Service personnel who still hold a Strategic Reserve liability. This includes gathering updated contact details and employer information. We are improving our assurance of this information, such as through the UK exercise programme in coming years.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_29

Emma Foody:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of recruits did not pass out of basic training in each service in each of the last five years. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The single Services routinely monitor and review reasons for recruits and trainees withdrawing from training, ensuring that they are supported appropriately. For example, the Recruit Trainee Survey (RTS) annual reports provide summary statistics on the perceptions of training, facilities, food, support and fairness of treatment of Phase 1 and Phase 2 recruits and trainees. The single Services use these activities to identify where improvements can be made to ensure more recruits and trainees complete their basic and professional training to enter productive service in the Armed Forces.

The requested information is provided in the attached spreadsheet.

AF Recruits: Did not pass out of basic training (xlsx, 13.1KB)
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_30

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support his Department is providing to the bereaved families of the Mull of Kintyre Chinook crash in 1994. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Our deepest sympathies remain with the bereaved families of this tragic accident. The Ministry of Defence has supported families, and upheld our commitment to transparency and accountability, by fully cooperating with previous inquiries and investigations. We remain committed to engaging fully and constructively with the ongoing judicial review proceedings.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_31

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to create a memorial to the British Liberation Task Force 135 that freed the Channel Islands in 1945. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) deeply values the contribution of Liberation Task Force 135 in ending the occupation of the Channel Islands. While there are currently no plans to create a dedicated memorial, it remains longstanding Government policy that the MOD does not typically establish or fund memorials. These are usually supported through private donations and public subscription, and placed with the agreement of the relevant local authority.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_32

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to take steps to make it easier for people in the British Overseas Territories to enter army officer training in the UK. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: British Overseas Territory Citizens (BOTC) are already eligible to apply to join the British Army and there are no restrictions on the numbers who can serve as Officers or Other Ranks. However, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the national security vetting process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the rank and role applied for. Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application, additional checks may be needed.

For BOTC, the lack of UK residency can be managed through a residency waiver, which would include additional documentation being provided by individuals. Each case will be risk-assessed on a case-by-case basis, and successful BOTC applicants would be eligible for clearance but for a shorter period of time in the first instance. Once the individual is in the Armed Forces, they will build up a UK footprint which will then allow the necessary checks to take place should their clearance need to be extended, or they wish to be considered for further roles where a higher clearance level is required.

The British Army recruitment page sets out the eligibility criteria, including for those not resident in the UK that will require more checks.

Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Overseas Territory, British Antartic Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St Helena, Ascension & Tristan De Cunha, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri, Dhekelia and Episkopi in Cyprus and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_33

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many 16 to 18 year olds attended Army Foundation College Harrogate in each of the last five years. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The annual attendee figures are provided in the table below; all figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.

Courses straddle multiple calendar years, meaning some recruits who joined in one year and remain in attendance the following year will be counted in both years.

Year

Figure

2020

2,810

2021

2,670

2022

2,100

2023

1,990

2024

2,330

Figures include trainees who join Army Foundation College Harrogate and leave within the same month, who would not otherwise appear on the monthly strengths.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_34
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_34

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 32 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, which Departments are involved in the implementation of the nuclear deterrent. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 7 September 2025 to Question 70755 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge).

Nuclear Weapons (docx, 16.4KB)
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_35

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent estimate he has made of when the export of Type 31 Arrowhead frigates to Poland will be completed. \p Luke Pollard: The Polish MIECZNIK frigate programme is constructing three Arrowhead-variant frigates under licence from Babcock in Poland. This is a Polish programme and it would be inappropriate for His Majesty's Government to comment on the progress of another nation's procurement schedule.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_36

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 71 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made on reviewing (a) standards, (b) qualifications and (c) in-house training. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is undertaking a comprehensive review of military training to confirm appropriate alignment with civilian qualifications and standards, while ensuring operational readiness and the capacity to scale up training to meet warfighting requirements.

This work is part of the Defence Accreditation Review, which aims to cohere, simplify, modernise and improve existing accreditation frameworks. The review encompasses qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, apprenticeships, professional certifications, and industry standards.

Progress includes an assessment of current qualifications, the identification of data gaps, and the trialling of artificial intelligence to enhance training development and accreditation. We are formulating recommendations for accreditation policy and exploring the role of the Defence Awarding Organisation in this context.

This work demonstrates our commitment to maintaining operational readiness and the professional development of our personnel, ensuring they are prepared for both the demands of war and their future civilian careers.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_37

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 71 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made on reforming (a) training and (b) education policy. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Defence is progressing its review of training and education policy; work is ongoing to meet this intent by January 2026. We aim to generate a more digestible Joint Service Publication (JSP) 822 (Defence Direction and Guidance for Training and Education), increased responsiveness of training to operational changes, and enhanced organisational learning – with training being based on emergent front-line requirements. A pan-Defence forum will be held in November 2025 to showcase the revised draft JSP 822 and gain 1-star level stakeholder endorsement from across the Military Commands.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_38

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 71 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made on establishing a career education pathway. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Respective Military Commands are responsible for reviewing their career education pathways as they have differing requirements on the front line. The Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) will oversee these reviews during 2026 and consider where greater coherence would yield benefits to the development and delivery of an Integrated Force that can fight and win in multi-domain operations. By April 2026, MSHQ will ‘own’ funding and will both direct and influence Military Commands to concentrate on Joint and NATO-first education.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_39

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 71 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made on exploring options to support home ownership by service personnel. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) remains committed to supporting home ownership amongst Service personnel, and through the Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) Scheme, has already supported thousands of personnel, and their families, to get on the property ladder.

The Scheme has been intentionally designed to work with the inherent mobility of Service and already supports personnel transferring the outstanding FHTB balance to a new qualifying property on assignment, along with financial support for the legal costs of moving house. It also permits personnel to let out their property after an initial qualifying period when assigned to a location too far away to commute on a daily basis.

FHTB enables Service personnel to borrow up to 50 per cent of their salary, up to a maximum of £25,000 interest-free, towards the purchase of a property. As the FHTB is a loan scheme, it is essentially self-funding, meaning that payments are funded from repayments.

With regards to the Strategic Defence Review, Defence is still considering options to further support home ownership, in addition to potential enhancements to the FHTB scheme.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 70 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made on gathering recommendations for independent oversight of his plan to tackle (a) structural, (b) behavioural and (c) leadership barriers within the workforce. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5 September 2025 to Question 70723 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge).

Ministry of Defence: Staff (docx, 16.5KB)
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 70 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what the top ten people policies are that will be rewritten by May 2026. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The following ten policies are planned to be rewritten by May 2026:

Work has commenced on the first five of these policies with the subsequent five subject to change.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 70 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what his planned timetable is for making these day-to-day processes easier. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Defence Reform and Efficiency Plan (which is part of our Defence Investment Plan) to be published in the autumn, will include initiatives that will deliver automation across Human Resources, Finance and Commercial functions, driven through Corporate Services Modernisation that will deliver improved processes through new automated tools and systems across the functions.

The specific automation savings and timelines across all workforces are currently being defined in detail to meet the Strategic Defence Review recommendations. The benefits and associated financial savings with these initiatives along with the timelines to deliver this are subject to the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan. The automation of HR, Financial and Commercial processes will enable Defence to redeploy Armed Forces Personnel from administrative roles to Front Line roles.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_43

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 70 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what steps he plans to take to reduce civil service costs by at least 10% by 2030. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, we are developing plans for how to use the latest automation, augmentation, and AI technology to reduce costs in administrative areas such as HR, Finance, and Commercial.

We are conducting a comprehensive review of the Defence workforce to ensure it is appropriately structured to deliver on our strategic priorities, including evaluating the balance between Regulars, Reserves, Civil Servants and Contractors. We will also use this as an opportunity for deep prioritisation, taking difficult but necessary choices to address affordability challenges.

We will set out our plans in the Defence Reform and Efficiency Plan, which will be published in the autumn alongside the Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_44

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 34 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what recent progress he has made on developing a new precision long-range strike capability. \p Luke Pollard: The UK continues to work closely with Germany and has recently launched concepting work with industries in both countries on choices to deliver a joint long-range strike capability.

Wider collaborative options involving other nations are also under active consideration.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_45

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 22 October 2024 to Question 8750 on Adoption, what recent progress her Department has made on providing support to people affected by historic forced adoption practices between the 1940 and 1970. \p Josh MacAlister: The government remains committed to ensuring that individuals affected by historical adoption practices receive the support they need and deserve. The department continues to follow up on the 2022 Joint Committee on Human Rights report, including actions to improve access to adoption records, enhance intermediary services, and support the preservation of historical records.

The department continues to fund Adoption England, which has recently published new guidance to support consistent and legally compliant practice across all adoption services. Adoption England funds the pilot initiative FamilyConnect, a national advice line designed to support adopted adults, birth parents, relatives, and professionals by providing intermediary services and assistance with searching and accessing records.

The department is planning to introduce regulatory changes, subject to Parliamentary approval, that will mean adoption case records for those adopted before 30 December 2005 are preserved for a minimum of 100 years.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_46

Shockat Adam:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of Social Work England’s decision to raise annual registration fees on the (a) recruitment, (b) retention and (c) wellbeing of social workers; and whether her Department plans to (i) review and (ii) mitigate that increase. \p Josh MacAlister: After undertaking a consultation exercise, Social Work England has increased registration and renewal fees. Social Work England released an equality impact assessment alongside their consultation response.

Registration and renewal fees have not increased since 2015 and the decision to increase fees was necessary to ensure the continuation of effective regulation of the social worker profession, thereby ensuring the protection of the public.

Social workers may be able to claim tax on professional member fees. Details on how to do this can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/professional-fees-and-subscriptions.

Additionally, social workers have the option to pay registration and renewal fees in full or in two instalments in October and the following April.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_47

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many SEND children without an Education, Health, and Care plan are home schooled. \p Josh MacAlister: The latest statistics on elective home education (EHE), including information on characteristics, are published here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/elective-home-education/2024-25-autumn-term

For autumn term 2024/25, 16% of EHE children were recorded as special educational needs support or special educational needs without an education, health and care plan. This compares with 14% of the overall school population.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_48

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the Libraries for Primaries campaign. \p Josh MacAlister: The department welcomes the work of the Libraries for Primaries campaign and others, who work to support children’s reading. On 29 September, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, committed over £10 million in funding to guarantee a library for every primary school by the end of this parliament. Funding for this scheme will come from £132.5 million of dormant assets unlocked to support young people to access opportunities. The government will set out further details of the scheme in due course.

To support all young people to develop a love of reading, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, has announced that 2026 will be the National Year of Reading. The campaign will address the steep decline in reading enjoyment amongst children, young people and adults and aims to engage new audiences in reading and change the national reading culture, both during the year and beyond.
wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_49
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-18 conversation_49

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans her Department has to ensure that funding through the School Rebuilding Programme is spent in line with (a) net zero standards and (b) sustainability goals. \p Josh MacAlister: The department commits to a wide range of actions in our Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, including a requirement that all new school buildings we deliver are net-zero carbon in operation and are adapted to climate change. The strategy can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainability-and-climate-change-strategy.

All schools funded through the School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) have been designed to meet this standard, supporting the UK’s 25-year Environment Plan by requiring all projects to increase their level of greening in support of biodiversity net gain. The design principles of our output specification for SRP will ensure sites are more resilient to the impact of climate change and buildings delivered will achieve net zero carbon in operation.
wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_1

Dr Danny Chambers:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress his Department has made on the prevention stream of the health mission; and when he plans to publish an update from the mission board. \p Ashley Dalton: The Government is committed to tackling the United Kingdom’s biggest killers and building a fairer UK, where everyone lives longer, healthier lives. This is why our Health Mission sets out to shift away from a model geared towards late diagnosis and treatment, to one where there is focus on prevention and more services are delivered in local communities.

We have already acted with the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill passing committee stage on 30 January 2025. We are committed to banning junk food advertising to children. A 9pm TV watershed and 24-hour online ban on paid-for advertising of less healthy food and drink products targeting children are on track to come into force across the UK on 1 October 2025. We have also committed to banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to young people aged under 16 years old.

Alongside this, we are exploring all interventions that will improve public health across a range of the UK’s biggest killers and help deliver the shift from treatment to prevention. Further details on our approach will be shared as we move forward.

Mission Boards are Cabinet Committees. It is a long-established precedent that information about the proceedings of the Cabinet or of any committee of the Cabinet is not normally shared publicly; this includes mission boards.
wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_2

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 20 January 2025 to Question 24256 on Electronic Cigarettes: Young People, whether the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will restrict the size of vape tanks. \p Ashley Dalton: Whilst nicotine vapes are already subject to tank size requirements, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill goes further and covers all types of vapes, both nicotine and non-nicotine, and consumer nicotine products.

As stated in our previous answer, the bill provides powers on product features that allow the Government to regulate the size of a tank or refill container, and the amount of liquid that can be included, as well as powers to standardise the size and shape of vapes, and to further restrict liquid availability.

Subject to consultation, regulation making powers in the Government’s bill will allow us to amend or place additional requirements and limits on vape tank sizes, and the size of refill tanks. The Government will consider this issue further as part of its secondary legislation programme after Royal Assent.
wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_3

Dr Danny Chambers:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress his Department has made on providing smoking cessation support to patients who are in hospital receiving care for cardiovascular disease. \p Ashley Dalton: As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, NHS England has prioritised, and given new funding to integrated care boards (ICBs) for, the rollout of tobacco dependence services in hospital settings. Decisions on the scale and makeup of the services are agreed locally between ICBs and providers, based on local priorities. Where services are available, they will be accessible to people with the greatest need, including those with cardiovascular disease.
wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_4

Steve Barclay:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information his Department holds on the cost to the public purse for the treatment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in accordance with the NICE Quality Standard QS204 in each of the last five years. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department does not collect information on the numbers and proportion of patients with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) because it is not possible to specifically classify FASD within the National Health Service dataset. FASD is an umbrella term used to describe a range of cognitive, behavioural, physical and mental health conditions associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. In the NHS dataset, it is possible to identify conditions that could have been caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, but it cannot be drawn from the data that prenatal exposure to alcohol was the direct cause of these conditions.

The cost associated with treatment for people affected by FASD as outlined in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Quality Standard in England (QS204) is also not collected.
wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_5

Sarah Hall:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure his Department's work on reducing suicide rates includes measures to help those that have been reported missing. \p Stephen Kinnock: The actions set out in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England will apply to missing people where relevant. However, we are not taking any specific actions targeted at measuring and reducing suicide rates among people reported missing.

As part of our mission to build a National Health Service fit for the future, we are committed to tackling suicides as one of the biggest killers, working closely with other government departments and agencies.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_6

Michael Wheeler:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many mental health support teams there were in (a) Worsley and Eccles constituency, (b) Salford and (c) Wigan in each year since 2014. \p Stephen Kinnock: The following table shows a summary of mental health support teams in (a) Worsley and Eccles constituency, Salford and Wigan in each year since 2014.

Financial Year

Number of teams

2021/2022

Two

2022/2023

Two

2023/2024

Three teams specific to Wigan and one footprint team across Wigan and Bolton

2024/2025

Four Wigan teams in total, of which three are specific to Wigan and one footprint team across Wigan and Bolton.

Source: NHS England

Note: there were no teams in existence between 2014 and 2020/21.

Salford has three Community Mental Health Teams covering the Salford locality and this has been the case since prior to 2014. Since 2022, Salford has also implemented a living well offer as part of the core community mental health pathway, working into each of the five primary care networks in the city. There are also specialist teams, for example, Early Intervention in Psychosis, adult community eating disorders, Home Based Treatment and MH Liaison, in addition to primary care mental health talking therapies, covering the Salford population.

Wigan mobilised its first two mental health support teams in 2021/22 with the staff in post and starting their training course in Sept 2021 and the team going live in the spring of 2022.

In 2023/24 Greater Manchester Mental Health was allocated funding for 2.58 new teams for the Wigan and Bolton footprint. This was an additional team for each locality and the development of a footprint higher education offer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_7

Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of approving Givinostat for use to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in (a) Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and (b) other NHS trusts. \p Karin Smyth: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) makes recommendations for the National Health Service on whether new licensed medicines should be routinely funded by the NHS independently based on an assessment of their costs and benefits. The NHS in England is legally required to fund medicines recommended by NICE, normally within three months of the publication of final guidance. NICE is currently evaluating givinostat for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and its Appraisal Committee will meet to consider its recommendations in May 2025.

Ahead of NICE’s evaluation, ITF Pharma UK, the United Kingdom’s marketing authorisation holder for givinostat, is providing access to givinostat through a type of compassionate use scheme called an Early Access Programme (EAP). Under the EAP, givinostat is free to both patients taking part in it and to the NHS, but the trusts must still cover the cost of administering it to patients. Only Duchenne muscular dystrophy clinicians can make requests for givinostat for their patients. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis for individual named patients aligned to eligibility criteria.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_8

Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of expanding the criteria for removing varicose veins to include the level of pain experienced. \p Karin Smyth: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidance identifies several treatment options for those with symptoms or complications associated with varicose veins, including surgery to remove the veins.

Pain that is more severe can often be associated with other conditions. A decision on which treatment is most appropriate will be led by a clinician on a case- by-case basis, based on the evidence, level of associated risk, as well as the pain and symptoms the patient presents with.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_9

Alice Macdonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions his Department has had with NHS England on improving the recording of miscarriage data in cases where women have had contact with health services. \p Karin Smyth: Some data on hospital stays related to miscarriage is collected, but the majority of baby losses occur outside of healthcare settings, and it is rightly the choice of the individual who has experienced the loss to disclose this information to healthcare professionals.

Discussions between the Department and NHS England specifically about improving the recording of miscarriage data in cases where women have had contact with health services have not taken place.

In line with the priorities outlined in NHS England’s three-year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services, the Digital Maternity Record Standard (DMRS) Release 2 was updated in 2024 to improve the recording of miscarriage data in cases where women have had contact with health services. The new models of care to be added to the DMRS include women suffering from bereavement or loss. The new standard also recommends that a code for birth outcome, including miscarriage, is recorded, as well as information on previous miscarriage or pregnancy loss.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_10

Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that GPs have the necessary (a) equipment and (b) training to (i) support people experiencing the menopause and (ii) signpost the appropriate support for each patient. \p Karin Smyth: A range of training, guidance, and resources are available to help primary care professionals to support women experiencing menopause symptoms.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has a holistic curriculum of training that all general practitioners (GPs) must cover before they are able to pass the examination to become a member of the RCGP and work independently as a GP. There is a specific section on women’s health, including menopause. To support practicing GPs, the RCGP has developed a Women’s Health Library drawing together educational resources and guidelines on women’s health so primary healthcare professionals have the most up-to-date information. This includes a specific section on menopause. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published their updated guideline in November 2024, which recommends more treatment choices for menopause symptoms.

There are also a range of resources and support that GPs can signpost patients to, for example the National Health Service’s website and the NHS menopause factsheet.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_11

Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to launch a public health information campaign for menopause. \p Karin Smyth: We know that more needs to be done to support women experiencing the menopause. The Government is committed to prioritising women’s health as we reform the National Health Service and women’s equality will be at the heart of our missions.

It is important that all women experiencing the menopause have access to information and options to enable them to choose the best care to suit them.

NHS England has created a menopause self-care factsheet to help women understand and manage symptoms and know how to seek help. There is also a women’s health area on the NHS website which contains over 100 health topics, and provides information for women on a range of health issues including periods, gynaecological conditions, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy medicines.

In recent months the NHS has also used its Instagram channel to provide users with information on a range of reproductive health issues, including menopause.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_12

Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the Understanding Menopause guidance by Menopause Support UK will be published. \p Karin Smyth: Menopause Support UK is an independent organisation, and the Department cannot advise on when this guidance will be published. NHS England routinely considers how they signpost to other sources of healthcare guidance. For example, the National Health Service’s website page on menopause signposts users to further sources of information.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_13

Mrs Elsie Blundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to improve working conditions for people living with endometriosis. \p Karin Smyth: The Government is committed to prioritising women’s health. Tackling the barriers that women face in the workplace, including those around managing their health and wellbeing, is at the heart of the growth mission.

As part of the Employment Rights Bill, we are taking the first steps towards requiring large employers to produce action plans outlining the steps that they are taking on the gender pay gap and menopause support. In formulating plans, we want to recognise that there are actions that can help people in a range of circumstances, including women managing reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis, for example providing and promoting flexible working. They will also open up space to have discussions about health, and in particular women's health, more broadly in the workplace. The Employments Rights Bill will also strengthen the existing day 1 right to request flexible working, and will improve access to Statutory Sick Pay by removing the Lower Earnings Limit and removing the waiting period.

Also, an Office for National Statistics research project is investigating the impact of endometriosis on women’s participation and progression in the workforce. This vital project will improve our understanding of the issue and inform future Government policy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-25 conversation_14

Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will conduct a review of surgical menopause care. \p Karin Smyth: The Government will prioritise women’s health as we reform the National Health Service, ensuring that all women experiencing the menopause can access the care that they need. We have taken urgent action to tackle gynaecology waiting lists through the Elective Reform Plan. In gynaecology, the plan supports innovative models offering patients care closer to home, and the piloting of gynaecology pathways in community diagnostic centres for patients with post-menopausal bleeding.

Women’s health hubs also have a key role in shifting care out of hospitals and improving the care women receive. Menopause assessment and treatment is a core service that all hubs are expected to provide. As of December 2024, 39 out of 42 integrated care boards (ICBs) reported to NHS England that they had at least one operational women’s health hub. We continue to engage with and encourage ICBs to use the learning from the women’s health hubs pilots to improve local delivery of services to women. At present there are no plans to conduct a review of surgical menopause care.