theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department plans to take to help increase the impact of (a) private sector investment and (b) public sector funding on levels of access to of (i) affordable and (ii) convenient electric vehicle charging points. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government is committed to making EV charging infrastructure more affordable and accessible.

The £381m Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund supports local authorities in England to work with industry and transform the availability of EV charging for drivers without off-street parking. The funding, backed by substantial private investment, will support the installation of at least 100,000 local chargepoints.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how she plans to use the £200 million allocated for charging infrastructure in the Autumn Budget 2004. \p Lilian Greenwood: We will be investing £200m to accelerate EV chargepoint roll out. This funding will include helping local authorities install charging infrastructure across England; supporting en-route charging infrastructure deployment; and providing targeted support for chargepoints for homes and workplaces.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the accessibility of train stations in England. \p Simon Lightwood: The department undertook a comprehensive audit of the accessibility of GB rail station facilities between April 2021 to April 2023. The data is currently available on the Rail Data Marketplace and is being maintained by the rail industry. The data has also been used to update the National Rail Enquiries website with a more substantial redesign of the website’s station information pages under way and due to be delivered this summer.
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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress her Department has made on the implementation of the rapid charging fund. \p Lilian Greenwood: There has been strong progress with installation of chargepoints on the Strategic Road Network. There are now over 5,250 open-access rapid and ultra-rapid chargers within one mile of the Strategic Road Network (Zapmap, January 2025), of which 1,180 are at motorway service areas (based on industry data). The latter is up around 165% over the last two years.

The market had changed significantly since the Rapid Charging Fund was announced, including increased private sector investment in infrastructure, a changed regulatory environment, and improvements in battery technology.

The Government will ensure taxpayers' money is used as efficiently as possible to make the transition to electric vehicles a success. The Rapid Charging Fund pilot was launched to better understand where best to target government support. We will apply learning from the pilot to continue working with industry to boost charging infrastructure on the Strategic Road Network.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

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Chris Hinchliff:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has issued an expiry notice to Govia Thameslink Railway; and what her planned timetable is for the nationalisation of Govia Thameslink Railway. \p Simon Lightwood: The date on which Govia Thameslink Railway’s franchise will end, and its services transfer to public ownership, has not yet been decided. Accordingly, no expiry notice has been issued to Govia Thameslink Railway. The Rail Minister and Secretary of State meet with all the Train Operating Companies and their Network Rail counterparts regularly to discuss performance and staffing amongst other topical issues.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with Network Rail on the (a) accessibility of train stations and (b) availability of staff to support disabled people who require assistance. \p Simon Lightwood: This Government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities. Under license conditions and as part of their Accessible Travel Policy, operators including Network Rail must participate in the Passenger Assist scheme. This scheme is designed to help disabled passengers and those with additional needs to use the rail network with confidence and in safety. More broadly, rail operators and Network Rail are responsible for ensuring staff are available to deliver this assistance.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with car manufacturers on the prevention of headlight dazzling from SUV style cars. \p Lilian Greenwood: Officials from the Department for Transport are actively engaged in the recently established United Nations glare prevention taskforce which includes representatives from headlamp and vehicle manufacturers, including those which produce SUV style cars. The first meeting of the taskforce was in April.

In parallel, Government has commissioned independent research into headlamp glare. Careful consideration will be given to that work when it reports later this year to determine what future actions may be appropriate to ensure the safety of all road users.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of regulation to help tackle third-party resellers charging inflated prices for driving test appointments. \p Lilian Greenwood: To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system.

On the 18 December 2024, DVSA launched a call for evidence, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, including any potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025.
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Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average waiting time is for a practical driving test in Cornwall. \p Lilian Greenwood: The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for driving test centres (DTCs) that serve customers in Cornwall, as of 5 May 2025.

DTC

Average waiting time as of the 5 May 2025 (in weeks).

Bodmin

24

Cambourne

24

Launceston

24
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of headlight dazzling on road user safety. \p Lilian Greenwood: All types of road vehicle headlamps, are designed, tested and approved to internationally recognised standards to help prevent undue glare on a broad range of roads and environments.

Police recorded collision statistics in Great Britain do not show any discernible trend over time that would suggest an underlying road safety issue linked to advances in lighting technology.

However, Government recognises increased public concern around headlamp glare and has commissioned independent research. This is measuring light levels experienced by drivers during real driving on UK roads and considers factors like vehicle characteristics, weather conditions and ambient lighting. It also includes a programme of stakeholder engagement to build a comprehensive understanding of the issues. Careful consideration will be given to that work when it reports later this year to determine what future actions may be appropriate to ensure the safety of all road users.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 46122 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, how the location of the 100,000 local chargepoints across England will be selected. \p Lilian Greenwood: Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding has been delivered directly to local authorities across England to support local charging, with a particular focus on supporting those who do not have access to off-street parking. Local authorities are responsible for their local highways and for determining the location of chargepoints which best meet their residents’ needs. Funding has been provided following an application process which includes the local authority approach to site selection.
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Alex Ballinger:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to increase the penalties for (a) failing to display a front registration plate and (b) using a plate that does not meet the legal requirements on a car. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government keeps the motoring offences under review, and is considering possible interventions.
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Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems on marine vessels on the environment. \p Mike Kane: The UK is committed to reducing the impact of shipping on the environment. In April, we cosponsored a proposal at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to create a new Emission Control Area. This will reduce pollutants across all UK waters.

The use of exhaust gas cleaning systems is regulated by the IMO, where the UK has an evidence led approach to their use as a compliance mechanism. We will be assessing the impact of discharges from open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems in UK waters as part of our ongoing consideration of the environmental impacts of shipping.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she plans to take to speed up the roll out electric vehicle charging infrastructure. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government is working with stakeholders, including industry, to accelerate the rollout of chargepoints. We have recently published a call for evidence which aims to gather views on how we can reform the planning system to make EV charging rollout easier, quicker and cheaper.

The Government’s £381m Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund supports local authorities in England to work with industry and transform the availability of EV charging for drivers without off-street parking.
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Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to prevent bots booking driving tests. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps Britain moving, safely and sustainably by:

Regulating the driver training industry and conducting theory and practical driving tests on goods vehicles, motorcycles and cars.

Testing heavy goods vehicles and buses on an annual basis; it also regulates and accredits providers of the car MOT scheme.

Carrying out roadside checking of commercial drivers and vehicles and monitoring companies that operate goods vehicles, buses, and coaches.

In 2023/2024 DVSA:

Oversaw 41,862,000 MOT tests, with 89% of MOT centres satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA

Delivered 692,000 heavy vehicle tests largely through a network of Approved Testing Facilities (ATF), with 96% of ATFs satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA

Carried out 131,000 vehicle and driver checks and licensed 73,000 vehicle operators.

DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.

Significant progress has already been made as part of DVSA’s 7-point plan to reduce waiting times, with 1.95 million tests provided last year. However, further action is required.

On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that she has asked DVSA to take action on four additional measures to reduce driving test waiting times for learners. Further information regarding these measures can be found on GOV.UK.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system.

On the 18 December 2024, DVSA launched a call for evidence, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025.

On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 44 warnings, 120 suspensions, and closed 270 business accounts.

DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.
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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the merits of improving the road network in East England. \p Lilian Greenwood: The second Road Investment Strategy sets out planned investment for the operation, maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the strategic road network in the East of England between 2020 – 2025. National Highways will shortly confirm its planned investment in the region for the 2025-26 Interim Settlement year in its Delivery Plan. The Department for Transport is developing the third Road Investment Strategy, which is anticipated to cover planned investment between 2026 – 2031.

The prioritisation of investment in all other road networks in the East of England are the responsibility of the relevant local highways authority.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress her Department has made on implementing a standardised battery health certification scheme for electric vehicles. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department for Transport has worked with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe to develop a Global Technical Regulation on electric vehicle batteries (GTR No.22). If implemented, the regulation would set standards on the lifespan of a battery and its minimum durability. It would also ensure that information about electric vehicle batteries is easily accessible, accurate and comparable. The Government is currently analysing options for the implementation of GTR No.22 regulations in the UK and aims to consult on these plans later this year.

In the meantime, the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate requires all new electric vehicles to be sold with a warranty that includes battery replacement if capacity falls below 70% in the first 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever is sooner.
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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 43941 on Taxis: Licensing, when she plans to complete her consideration of options to strengthen the regulation of the sector. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport will consult shortly on whether to make all Local Transport Authorities responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing.

We believe administering the regime at this higher level would increase the consistency of standards and enable more effective use of enforcement powers. Greater economies of scale could also enable authorities to improve the efficiency of taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. Addressing these issues should reduce the factors that induce people to license out of their usual working area.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to encourage garage and repair networks to offer (a) accessible and (b) affordable (i) battery health testing and (ii) other maintenance services for owners of electric vehicles. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has endorsed the Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI) TechSafe scheme, which helps to ensure technicians have the skills they need to safely repair an electric vehicle (EV). It also allows consumers to access a register to find their nearest EV competent technician. According to the IMI, 64,700 technicians are already qualified to work on an EV. This represents 26% of all technicians in the UK.

The Department for Transport has also worked with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe to develop a Global Technical Regulation on electric vehicle batteries (GTR No.22). If implemented, the regulation would require that vehicles provide easily accessible, accurate and comparable information about the battery's state of health. The Government aims to consult on options for the implementation of GTR No.22 in the UK later this year.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has to support buyers of second-hand electric vehicles. \p Lilian Greenwood: Used battery electric vehicle (EV) sales are growing rapidly. According to industry statistics, in 2024 the number of used EVs sold grew 57% compared to 2023. Growth is expected to continue as more and more EVs come onto the used market in the coming years.

The Government will continue to work closely with industry to monitor the health of the used market and residual values. We keep all policies under review, to ensure the EV transition takes place in an equitable and fair manner.
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Anna Dixon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to Answer of 25 February 2025 to Question 31102 on Driving Licences: Young People, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle the root causes of the proportion of incidents involving young victims. \p Lilian Greenwood: My department is developing our Road Safety Strategy and will set out more details in due course.

THINK!, the Government’s flagship road safety campaign, aims to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads in England and Wales by changing attitudes and behaviours among those at most risk. The primary audience for THINK! is young men aged 17-24, who are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on the road than drivers aged 25 and over. The campaign targets priority issues such as drink driving and speeding, as well as communicating key policy interventions.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of judicial reviews in relation to road infrastructure projects in the East of England in the 2023-24 financial year. \p Lilian Greenwood: The total cost to the public purse (National Highways and Department for Transport) of judicial reviews in relation to road infrastructure projects on the strategic road network in the East of England during the 2023-24 financial year is estimated to be approximately £351,700.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to increase the number of train stations which have step free access in the South East. \p Simon Lightwood: This Government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and we are continuing to deliver the Access for All (AfA) programme. Since 2019, 22 AfA projects have completed in Network Rail's Southern region with a further 7 in construction or design and a further 15 currently undergoing feasibility studies.
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Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has to increase funding for (a) road maintenance and (b) pothole repairs in Newbury. \p Lilian Greenwood: West Berkshire Council is the local highway authority for Newbury. The Government is providing West Berkshire Council with £8.9 million of highway maintenance funding in 2025/26, an increase of over £2.3 million compared to 2024/25. Funding is not ring-fenced, and it is a matter for local authorities to determine how the money is best spent.

Decisions on future funding settlements for local highway authorities, including West Berkshire Council, will be decided as part of the Spending Review.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will have discussions with the (a) Chancellor of the Exchequer and (b) Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on an infrastructure strategy for the Universal Studios project in Bedfordshire. \p Simon Lightwood: Officials from my Department continue to work closely with their counterparts across government, including HM Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to consider the infrastructure required around the site and in the local area to support the delivery of the Universal Studios resort, ensuring it is well connected and easily accessible.

Further information on plans for infrastructure investment around the site will be set out in due course.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress she has made on improving cycling safety in (a) Slough, (b) Berkshire and (c) the South East. \p Lilian Greenwood: On 12 February, the Department for Transport and Active Travel England (ATE) announced almost £300 million of funding to boost walking, wheeling and cycling with £222.5 million awarded to local authorities across England. This includes over £415,000 of funding in 2024/25 and 2025/26 to Slough Unitary Authority, over £3.2 million to local transport authorities in Berkshire and almost £38.5 million to local authorities in the South East. It will be for local authorities in receipt of funding to decide on priorities for investment across its local transport network.

ATE also provides funding to Sustrans to maintain and upgrade the National Cycle Network, which includes routes in the South East. In the most recent round of funding to the National Cycle Network, Sustrans allocated £1,279,000 to projects in the South East.
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Richard Foord:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to increase the availability of practical driving tests in rural Devon. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.

In recent months, DVSA has recruited new driving examiners into driving test centres that serve customers in Devon.

On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across the country.

Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.
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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department plans to take to help tackle potential barriers to the (a) deployment and (b) commercial viability of electric vehicle charging stations. \p Lilian Greenwood: The £381m Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund supports local authorities in England to work with industry and transform the availability of EV charging for drivers without off-street parking. The fund will support the commercialisation of, and investment in, the local charging infrastructure sector and is expected to leverage significant private investment to deliver over 100,000 chargepoints.

Furthermore, the Government has announced changes to street works and planning permissions, making it easier, quicker and cheaper to install infrastructure.
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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on steps to help increase levels of ownership of electric vehicles. \p Lilian Greenwood: Ministers from across Government regularly meet to discuss the transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), including policies to increase levels of ZEV ownership and the ZEV Mandate. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles is a joint office between the Department for Transport and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and reports to Ministers in both departments in relation to the transition to zero emission vehicles.
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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to publish the DVSA's findings from the call for evidence on the experience of booking and managing car driving tests. \p Lilian Greenwood: On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency have been analysing the responses to this and have been working to develop proposals to improve the rules to make sure learner drivers can book their driving test easily and efficiently.

This will lead to public consultation on the proposed improved rules, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked and will launch in May 2025.
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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking with the Secretary of State for the Home Office to tackle freight crime; and what assessment she has made of the merits of targeting the HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme funding at areas with high rates of freight crime. \p Lilian Greenwood: This Government understands the significant and damaging impact freight crime can have on businesses and drivers. Through our Safer Streets Mission and wider reforms, we are tackling crime and restoring public confidence in policing and the wider criminal justice system.

Alongside the Home Office Minister of State for Policing and Crime Reduction, I met Rachel Taylor MP, Chair of the APPG for Freight and Logistics on 26 March to discuss the impact of freight crime.

The Home Office continues to work closely with the police and the wider automotive industry to ensure our response to vehicle crime, including freight crime, is as strong as it can be.

The Department for Transport’s HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme is providing up to £43.5 million of joint investment with industry to upgrade HGV parking and driver welfare facilities across England. This investment has been allocated and is supporting operators across 30 counties in England to improve security, toilets, showers and refreshment facilities and increase lorry parking spaces.

This is on top of up to £26 million joint investment by National Highways and industry in lorry parking facilities, including Motorway Service Areas, along the strategic roads network.

Future funding for financial years beyond 25/26 and its potential targeting towards high freight crime areas is subject to the Spending Review.
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Ann Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the report by the University of Manchester entitled Rattling the supply chains: creating a more sustainable way to do business, published on 22 April 2025. \p Mike Kane: The Department for Transport acknowledges this report's contribution to resilient and sustainable supply chain discussions. The UK's reliance on global supply chains offers economic benefits but poses risks such as geopolitical tensions and environmental changes. To address these, through the G7 Supply Chains Working Group, this government is actively working to strengthen their resilience, ensuring it remains secure, diverse, and sustainable in the face of global challenges.

This work is part of a broader government effort, led by the Department for Business and Trade, to ensure UK supply chains remain secure and diverse. The University of Manchester's report will inform ongoing policy development.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of expanding London Stansted Airport on the economy in (a) the East of England and (b) Bedfordshire. \p Mike Kane: We have been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.

The impacts of any planning application made by Stansted Airport to expand the airport will be carefully considered by the relevant planning authority.
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Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to Table 9, on page 19 of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority's Annual Report and Accounts, published on 24 July 2024, what the wording of the question that measured overall satisfaction was; and what the response rate was to that question. \p Alex Davies-Jones: When issuing decision letters by post at both first and review decision stage, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority includes a paper survey form that applicants can complete and return. The wording of the question used to measure overall satisfaction was “Overall how did you feel about the service you received throughout the claims process”. In response applicants can select very good, good, average, poor and very poor. In 2023-24, the response rate to this question was 5.6%* (2326 surveys returned).

*The survey is issued at both first and review decision stage meaning the same applicant may be asked to complete this more than once. The survey is not issued again for cases which are appealed to the First-tier Tribunal.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025, whether her Department plans to amend its policy on the use of women only spaces in its buildings by transgender women. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Supreme Court ruling made it clear that the provision of single-sex spaces is on the basis of biological sex. Providers and Government Departments should note and follow the ruling.

It is important that we ensure dignity and respect for all. Trans people should have access to services they need but in keeping with the ruling.

The Government is considering the implications of the Court’s judgment, including what this means for Government buildings. We will follow external advice from relevant advisory bodies.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_472

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she plans to create a women's centre in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council area. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: This Government’s plan to support women is clear and ambitious. The Women’s Justice Board was established with the goal of reducing the number of women in prison and addressing the distinct needs of women in the criminal justice system. The Board has met twice so far this year and will publish a strategic document setting out its vision and aims later this Spring. The Board’s initial focus is centred around four priority areas: working to intervene earlier and divert women away from the criminal justice system where appropriate; community solutions; improving outcomes for young adult women; and addressing issues specific to pregnant women and mothers of young children across the criminal justice system.

Women’s services, including women’s centres, are run by the voluntary sector and are funded via different routes, including through government funding. We recognise the vital support that these services provide to vulnerable women in or at risk of contact with the justice system, and the importance of sustainable funding. This year, the Government is investing £7.2 million in community support, with funding for women’s centres and other organisations focused on diverting women from custody. Future funding is dependent on the outcome of Spending Review 2025, which will be announced on 11 June. Women’s specific Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) providers have also been appointed in every HM Prison and Probation Service region to deliver interventions that are responsive to the specific needs and characteristics of women.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_473

Tom Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the training available to magistrates on stalking protection orders. \p Alex Davies-Jones: Stalking Protection Orders are civil orders introduced in 2020 by the Stalking Protection Act 2019. The orders can be applied for by the police in the magistrates’ courts. As in all cases heard in the magistrates’ courts, magistrates will sit with a legal adviser who will advise on the law, practice and procedure to be applied in each case.

To preserve judicial independence, statutory responsibility for the training of magistrates rests with the Lady Chief Justice and is exercised through the Judicial College. All magistrates and HMCTS legal advisers who support them receive induction and continuation training. This includes structured judicial decision-making and guidance and training as appropriate when new legislation is being implemented. Guidance and training are kept under review and regularly updated as appropriate to reflect legislative or other changes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_474

Sir Oliver Dowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she will take steps to increase levels of transparency in litigation funding. \p Sarah Sackman: The Government recognises the critical role third-party litigation funding plays in ensuring access to justice.

Following the PACCAR judgment, concerns have been raised about the need for greater regulation of the litigation funding market, including the potential need for greater transparency in relation to Litigation Funding Agreements.

The Civil Justice Council is considering these matters as part of its review of litigation funding, which will conclude in summer 2025. The Government will take a decision on further steps regarding litigation funding once the report and its recommendations have been received.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_475

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the houses reacquired in January 2025 have been used to house Afghan families as part of (a) Operation Lazurite and (b) the Afghan Resettlement Scheme. \p Luke Pollard: Operation LAZURITE is the Ministry of Defence operational contribution to the cross-Government Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP).

As at 1 May 2025, of the properties re-acquired by the Department in January 2025, 852 houses are allocated for ARP support, the majority of which were in use for ARP prior to the reacquisition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_476

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has taken steps to create a sovereign hypersonic missile capability. \p Maria Eagle: Building on previous research and development, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has established a Programme Team - Team Hypersonics (UK) - to cohere MOD, industry and academia around the development of a sovereign hypersonic offensive strike capability.

Team Hypersonics (UK) has established the Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework (HTCDF). This bespoke £1 billion Commercial Agile Route to Market is the mechanism to facilitate a spiralled approach to technology development through to a sovereign capability. Over 120 suppliers including defence primes, small and medium enterprises (SME) and academic institutions are now signed up. Hypersonics is included in UK contribution to AUKUS Pillar 2, collaborating trilaterally to increase the pace of innovation alongside our allies as part of the Hypersonic Flight Test and Experiment Project Arrangement (HyFLiTE).

With these enablers in place, the testing of critical sovereign-designed and manufactured missile sub-system technologies continues, including a novel hypersonic propulsion system. Several contracts have been awarded and several invitations to tender have been released to develop a range of technologies. These contracts and future ITTs will allow the development of technical demonstrators and onwards into a capability.
wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_477
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_477

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recruitment advertising his Department has purchased through the Government contract with Manning Gottlieb Omni Media Group in (a) 2023-24, (b) 2024-25 and (c) 2025-26. \p Maria Eagle: The following information relates to spend by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF) on the Pan Government contract with Manning Gottlieb Omni Media Group; the Army uses Capita for all recruitment advertising.

Spend in 2023-24 was £29.949 million and in 2024-25 was £32.268 million. Royal Navy and RAF advertising budgets for 2025-26 have not yet received final Cabinet Office approval so are unable to be confirmed at this time.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_478

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of pay and conditions for merchant seafarers on Point-Class Ro-Ro vessels operated by Foreland Shipping under contract with his Department. \p Maria Eagle: The long-term nature of this contract guarantees stable employment for workers across the nation. The contract was awarded and is governed by the laws of England including all relevant employment legislation.

The investment reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting jobs, driving economic growth, and safeguarding the UK’s national security.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_479

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with (a) trade unions and (b) Foreland Shipping on his Department’s contract for strategic sealift services. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence has frequent discussions with Foreland Shipping Limited (FSL) on the delivery of the contracted service, in accordance with the contract terms, conditions and obligations of the Interim Strategic Sealift Contract.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_480

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish his Department's contract with Foreland Shipping Limited for strategic sealift services. \p Maria Eagle: The Interim Strategic Sealift Contract DSCOM/CB/2255 was published on Contracts Finder on 11 December 2024.

Please see link below to publication:

https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/cfa45e46-6b5e-4bfc-8fb4-3c5737e9db2e
wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_481
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_481

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the charter agreements between his Department and shipowners that were signed in each year since 2000-01. \p Maria Eagle: It is taking time to collate and review the required information. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_482

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list his Department’s existing contracts with (a) service, (b) vessel and (c) civilian crew providers in the maritime sector. \p Maria Eagle: This information is not held in the format requested.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_483

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the recently agreed trade agreement with India on Defence. \p Maria Eagle: The landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a significant achievement which will strengthen the UK's economy. While the defence sector is not directly linked to the FTA, secondary benefits for Defence will include improved terms for advanced manufacturing, business mobility and stronger bilateral relations to drive forward a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_484

Tristan Osborne:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to provide financial support for (a) marine gliders, (b) autonomous vehicles and (c) other autonomous robots in maritime water defence. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence continuously evaluates its capabilities, including potential enhancements to the Royal Navy's fleet.

All future capability plans for the Royal Navy will be part of the Strategic Defence Review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_485

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 44691 on Army: Rifles, when the (a) scope, (b) timeline and (c) complexity of Project Grayburn will be confirmed. \p Maria Eagle: Project GRAYBURN is currently in the concept phase. As part of this phase, scope and complexity will be assessed and a timeline for delivery will be developed, before being taken forward during the assessment phase.

Subject to the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review, Project GRAYBURN is due to enter the assessment phase in 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_486

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Government to turbocharge defence innovation, published on 3 March 2025, which defence firms he met with at RAF Waddington. \p Maria Eagle: The following companies attended the Defence Industrial Strategy and Growth Roundtable at RAF Waddington on 28 February 2025:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-12 conversation_487

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the 36,347 houses reacquired in January 2025 (a) were not suitable for occupation at time of reacquisition and (b) are not suitable for occupation as of May 2025. \p Al Carns: As at 9 January 2025, (a) 3,247 of the properties re-acquired by the Department were void not suitable for occupation, and (b) as at 1 May 2025, 3,049 of the properties are void and not suitable for occupation.