theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_146

Sarah Coombes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the support available for UK-based downstream steel companies that are seeking to decarbonise their industrial processes. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: We are developing a suite of policies to enable industry, including UK-based downstream steel companies, to deliver savings through fuel switching from fossil fuels to low carbon alternatives. As we do so, we are closely engaging with industry, both with sector trade associations as well as with manufacturers directly, to identify and understand the challenges, barriers and costs of their decarbonisation pathways. For example, we published a summary of responses to our Call for evidence on Enabling Industrial Electrification in September 2024 (https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/enabling-industrial-electrification-a-call-for-evidence).

To give longer-term confidence for industry to decarbonise, a renewed Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy will set the strategic direction for our approach to working with industry towards a competitive and low carbon industrial base in the UK, ensuring growth opportunities are captured in tandem with emissions reductions.

More widely, we are determined to work towards a bright future for steel through our steel strategy. The Government stands by our manifesto commitment to invest up to £2.5bn in steel through the National Wealth Fund and other routes.
wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_147
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_147

Jenny Riddell-Carpenter:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help people in rural communities who use oil to heat their homes to transition to low carbon heating systems. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Warm Homes Plan will support investment in households, including oil-heated homes, to install energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating to save families money on their bills.

The Government has committed £3.4 billion over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency. This includes the new Warm Homes: Local Grant, which will provide support for low-income households living in privately owned EPC band D-G homes, including in rural communities, in England.

We are taking steps to make heat pumps more efficient and easier to install which includes increasing funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to £295 million for the 2025-26 financial year, removing outdated planning rules and consulting on product efficiency standards.
wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_148
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_148

Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether US-owned nuclear weapons are permitted to be stationed at RAF Lakenheath. \p Luke Pollard: It remains longstanding UK and NATO policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at any given location.
wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_149

Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2025 to Question 37538 on Army: Recruitment, if he will provide numbers by category for each year listed. \p Luke Pollard: It is taking time to interrogate the data and therefore it has not been possible to provide the answer in the time available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and will place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_150
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_150

Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring music streaming platforms to obtain a broadcasting licence to help ensure that artists are fairly remunerated for their work. \p Chris Bryant: In February 2024, the Intellectual Property Office published independent research examining the potential economic impact of equitable remuneration on performers and the music market in the UK. The research found that applying the ‘broadcast model’ of equitable remuneration to music streaming would likely be disruptive for the music industry with a high likelihood of damaging unintended consequences, which could impact some creators. This Government does not intend to make a further assessment of the merits of the ‘broadcast model’.

This Government recognises the importance of ensuring that music creators are fairly compensated for their work. We are engaging with stakeholders from across the music industry, including streaming platforms, music creators and record labels, through a creator remuneration working group. The working group aims to drive industry-led action on music streaming remuneration and will meet for the fifth time in the coming weeks.
wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_151
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_151

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an estimate of moving the BBC to a commercial subscription-based model on costs to the public purse. \p Stephanie Peacock: The BBC is a vital British asset and makes a huge contribution to lives up and down the country. This government firmly believes that the unique obligations placed on the BBC demand continued, sustainable public funding to support its vital work.

The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and the forthcoming Charter Review will provide an essential opportunity to consider the best possible funding model to set the BBC up for success long into the future. We will provide more details in due course.
wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_152
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-24 conversation_152

Afzal Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on next steps in relation to the (a) Rosebank and (b) Jackdaw oil fields. \p Ian Murray: This Government recognises that oil and gas will continue to play an important role in the UK’s energy security for decades to come. The Government has consulted on revised environmental guidance to take into account emissions from burning extracted oil and gas, and is working towards publication of finalised guidance as soon as possible.

Scotland Office Ministers remain in regular contact with DESNZ Ministers regarding the issue. We also continue to engage with the industry and listen to companies’ specific concerns.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_1

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has met with Hong Kong pro-democracy activists since 4 July 2024. \p Catherine West: The Foreign Secretary met Hong Kong pro-democracy activists, recently targeted by the Hong Kong police with arrest warrants and bounties, in January.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_2

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his counterpart in (a) Hong Kong and (b) China on the wellbeing of wanted people of Hong Kong origin residing in the UK. \p Catherine West: The Foreign Secretary spoke to his counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in April and raised the impact of transnational repression on Hong Kongers residing in the UK. The Foreign Secretary personally met those recently targeted by the Hong Kong police with arrest warrants and bounties in January.

The UK is clear that any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate or harm critics overseas, are unacceptable. This Government is deeply committed to supporting all members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_3

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has met the Chief Executive of Hong Kong since taking office. \p Catherine West: The Foreign Secretary has not met the Chief Executive of Hong Kong since taking office. Any proposed visits will be made public as and when relevant.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_4

Jas Athwal:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many Sikhs are employed in his Department; and whether they are recorded as (a) an ethnic or (b) a religious group. \p Catherine West: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office staff can share if they are Sikh via the religion category on our people management system. 0.8 per cent of UK Based Staff have shared that they are Sikh.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_5

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on the status of Jesús Armas. \p Catherine West: The UK strongly condemns the ongoing repression against civil society and members of the opposition in Venezuela. We remain gravely concerned about reports of human rights abuses and violations, including arbitrary arrests and detentions. Over 900 Venezuelans remain arbitrarily detained, including Jesús Armas whose whereabouts remain unknown.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_6

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the legality of the arrangements to distribute privatised humanitarian aid in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continues to work with international partners, including the United States, to ensure aid can flow into Gaza and secure a lasting peace in the region. We are grateful to the US for their efforts to secure a ceasefire and we will continue to support them. We have been clear that we do not support any aid mechanism that seeks to deliver political or military objectives or puts vulnerable civilians at risk. We call on Israel to urgently engage with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles. We endorse the plan for delivery of aid put forward by the UN on 16 May which is based on humanitarian principles, has built in mitigations against aid diversion and uses established mechanisms to deliver at the scale required.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_7

Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral statement of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of 4 June 2025 on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Official Report, Column 338, whether the Israeli Defence Force have used UK-supplied military equipment in Gaza since September 2024. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: There are no export licences currently being used for military operations in Gaza. This is subject to the specific measures taken to protect the global F-35 programme.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_8

Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs' oral contribution of 4 June 2025 in response to a question from the hon. Member for Eltham and Chislehurst, Official Report, column 344, what recent discussions he has had with his Norwegian counterpart on Israel's access to the F-35 Global Supply Pool. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Conversations with F-35 partners occur regularly and cover a range of issues, however we are unable to disclose details of confidential conversations held within an international programme.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_9

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with allies involved in the F-35 programme on Israel's use of F-35 jets in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Conversations with F-35 Partners occur regularly and cover a range of issues, however we are unable to disclose details of confidential conversations held within an international programme.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_10

Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral statement of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of 4 June 2025 on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Official Report, Column 338, what steps his Department is taking to deter Israel from supporting further settlement building in the West Bank. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is clear that settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for peace. We have condemned the 22 new settlements announced by Israel on 29 May 2025 and we regularly urge Israel to halt settlement expansion in our diplomatic engagements. This government is committed to a two-state solution. It remains the only viable framework for a just and lasting peace.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_11

Claire Hanna:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish the Shawcross report into compensation for UK victims of Gaddafi-sponsored IRA terrorism. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government has profound sympathy for UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored Irish Republican Army terrorism and indeed for all victims of the Troubles. The Shawcross Report was commissioned by the previous government as an internal report drawing on a series of private and confidential conversations. We will keep decisions on publication regarding the Shawcross Report under review.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_12

Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has updated guidance on the use of single-sex facilities in response to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025. \p Catherine West: We will review and update policy wherever necessary to ensure it complies with the latest legal requirements. We aim to ensure appropriate facilities are available for all staff.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_13

Richard Burgon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the funding of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary has been clear with Foreign Minister Sa'ar that Israel must allow unrestricted aid into Gaza. In their latest call, the Foreign Secretary shared concerns about the rising risks of famine and starvation in Gaza, as well as the new aid delivery system, including the reduction of aid delivery points in Gaza. The Foreign Secretary was clear that aid cannot be used as a weapon of war. In our statement to the UN Security Council on 13 May, we made clear that the UK will not support any aid mechanism that prioritises political or military objectives or puts vulnerable civilians at risk. The UK supports the UN and humanitarian partners. We have endorsed the UN's plan for delivery of aid put forward on 16 May - it is based on humanitarian principles, has built in mitigations against aid diversion and uses established mechanisms to deliver at the scale required. We call on Israel to urgently engage with the UN to ensure a return to a full and unhindered resumption of the safe delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_14

Nadia Whittome:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports that the Israeli Government has transferred weapons to armed militias operating in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are concerned at reports of armed militias operating in Gaza. We have been clear from the beginning of this conflict that we need to see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza with the release of all hostages and a pathway to a lasting peace. We believe that the Palestinian Authority's role in Gaza must be front and centre and are supporting the Palestinian Authority Security Forces with the goal that they will play a key role in the security of Gaza in the future.

One of our first acts in government was to review and suspend export licences that could be used by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza. We have kept all licences under careful and continual review against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. This includes assessing the risk of diversion.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_15

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he holds evidence on the use of F-35 jets to breach international law in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: No, we don't. We have carefully collated, reviewed and assessed relevant evidence concerning the Gaza conflict. The action we have taken, as announced to Parliament, is consistent with our legal obligations and we remain wholly committed to international law.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_16

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his UN counterparts on (a)ICE detention centres, (b) total abortion bans, (c) incarceration labour, (d) racism and (e) US human rights abuses. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Secretary does not have a single United Nations counterpart. Among other meetings with senior UN representatives, he has recently met with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 17 March where these issues were not discussed.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_17

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, what funding will be provided for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in this spending review period. \p Catherine West: The UK has long been a strong supporter of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. We have committed £1.65 billion to the current strategic period covering 2021-2025. The outcomes of the Spending Review are being used to inform how the Official Development Assistance budget will be used. We look forward to Gavi's replenishment summit on 25 June.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_18

Chris Bloore:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the proportion of aid from the UK destined for Gaza that has reached its intended recipients. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to facilitate humanitarian aid. The unimpeded entry of assistance at scale to meet the enormous needs in Gaza must be restored immediately. Israel must allow partners to operate in line with humanitarian principles to deliver lifesaving aid. The current limited amount of aid entering Gaza is completely inadequate, in the face of the desperate needs resulting from months of Israeli restrictions on aid. Due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data, it is difficult to quantify the volume of aid currently awaiting entry.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_19

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in Israel on hostages in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Since day one, this Government has been clear that we need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages cruelly detained by Hamas, better protection of civilians, significantly more aid consistently entering Gaza, and a path to long-term peace and stability. The remaining hostages must be released and the only way to return them safely is through a deal. The UK is playing an active role in coordination with our international partners and continue to urge all parties to re-engage in ceasefire negotiations to get the hostages out and to secure a permanent end to the conflict. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers continue to regularly engage their Israeli counterparts on this issue.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_20

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether international allies have raised concerns with him on the use of UK made F-35 parts in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Conversations with F-35 Partners occur regularly and cover a range of issues, however we are unable to disclose details of confidential conversations held within an international programme.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_21

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Since day one, this Government has been clear that we need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages cruelly detained by Hamas, better protection of civilians, significantly more aid consistently entering Gaza, and a path to long-term peace and stability. The remaining hostages must be released and the only way to return them safely is through a deal. The UK is playing an active role in coordination with our international partners and continues to urge all parties to re-engage in ceasefire negotiations to get the hostages out and to secure a permanent end to the conflict.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_22

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2025 to Question 53139 on Ministry of Defence: Weapons, whether he is taking steps to help ensure (a) that weapons exported to Israel for defensive purposes cannot be used for offensive purposes and (b) compliance with international law on arms exports. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: There are currently no extant export licences for use in military operations in Gaza. This is subject to the specific measures taken to protect the global F-35 programme. The action we have taken, as announced to Parliament, is consistent with all our legal obligations, including those under the Arms Trade Treaty, and we remain wholly committed to international law.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_23

Henry Tufnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) imposing further sanctions on settlers in the West Bank and (b) restricting goods, trade and investment in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are deeply concerned by the levels of violence towards settlers in the West Bank and continue to urge the Government of Israel to take action to hold violence to account. On 10 June 2025, together with international partners Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, we announced measures against Israeli government ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. We sanctioned these individuals in their personal capacity as a result of their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. This followed a previous sanctions announcement related to settler violence on 20 May, demonstrating our determination to hold extremist settlers to account as Palestinian communities suffer violence and intimidation. It would not be appropriate to speculate about any potential future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact, but we have been clear we keep these issues under close review.

The UK does not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Israeli settlements, as part of Israel. Goods imported from the settlements are therefore not entitled to benefit from trade preferences under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement. The UK also supports accurate labelling of settlement goods, so as not to mislead the consumer.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_24

Mr Calvin Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of placing sanctions on (a) Itamar Ben Gvir and (b) Bezalel Smotrich. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On the 10 June 2025, together with international partners Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, we announced measures against Israeli government ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. We sanctioned these individuals in their personal capacity as a result of their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. Both will be subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification. We have long been clear that Israel must cease expansion of illegal settlements which undermine a future Palestinian state. It is right that we, along with international partners, demonstrate our commitment to ensuring they are held accountable for encouraging and inciting human rights abuses. Our joint statement made clear our commitment to continuing a strong friendship with the people of Israel based on shared ties and values. We remain committed to a two-state solution which ensures a safe and secure future for Israelis and Palestinians.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_25

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a dedicated strategy to support co-operative models in post-conflict recovery programmes. \p Stephen Doughty: Collaboration with international partners and civil society organisations is central to the UK's efforts to prevent and reduce conflict. The UK regards cooperatives as important actors within the development and humanitarian sectors, and they can play a role as part of an inclusive approach to peacebuilding, in post-conflict situations and conflict prevention. We recognise that each conflict context is different. We therefore support cooperatives where appropriate to the context and country partnership, and where they can help further the principles of local ownership and inclusivity.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_26

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 27532 on UK Soft Power Council: Finance, what the annual budget is for the Soft Power Council, in the context of the Spending Review 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: All Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office allocation decisions for the Spending Review period will be taken over the coming months.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_27

Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many customers claimed a mobility car in Telford constituency in each year for which data is available. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_28

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department plans to take to help ensure prompt payment of the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners in Wiltshire. \p Torsten Bell: The vast majority of pensioners in England and Wales – around 9 million individuals - will now benefit from Winter Fuel Payments. No pensioner will need to take any action now as they will automatically receive the payment this winter, and for those with incomes above the threshold it will be automatically recovered via HMRC. Pensioners who want to opt out and not receive the payment at all, will be able to do so.

Announcing the increase in eligibility before the Summer recess and by paying all pensioners—except those who opt out—we are able to rely on established processes that can ensure prompt payments of Winter Fuel Payments for the coming winter.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_29

Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Wales on the potential impact of the Green Paper entitled Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working, published on 29 May 2025, on people with arthritis. \p Sir Stephen Timms: This Government is committed to championing the rights of disabled people and people with long-term health conditions and our mission-driven approach relies on regular cross-government collaboration. We are working across government and with the Devolved Governments to further assess the impacts of the Green Paper and will continue to do so as the package is developed in detail. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions met with the Welsh First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice on the 4 June to discuss the proposals and their impacts in Wales. I also continue to engage closely with my Ministerial colleagues and other stakeholders throughout the consultation period and beyond.

Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has been published in the impacts analysis and equality analysis on 26 March 2025 and the evidence pack on 2 May 2025 at:

[https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/pathways-to-work-reforming-benefits-and-support-to-get-britain-working-green-paper]

The functional impact and severity of a condition can significantly vary across individuals, so we are not planning for specific conditions to be exempt from the changes. We recognise the challenges that people with arthritis face and our reforms will ensure the most vulnerable and severely disabled people are protected, while supporting those who can work to do so.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_30

Ann Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to review its policy on defining military compensation as income in Pension Credit means tests. \p Torsten Bell: The first £10 of any War Pension payment or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) award made due to injury or disablement is disregarded in Pension Credit. Income is calculated on a weekly basis, so the disregard is £10 per week.

Four additions to the War Disablement Pension are completely disregarded: Constant Attendance Allowance; Mobility Supplement; Severe Disablement Occupational Allowance; and dependency increases for anyone other than the applicant or her / his partner.

War Pensions and AFCS awards are a qualifying income for the Savings Credit element of Pension Credit, which is available to those who reached State Pension age before April 2016.

Armed Forces Independence Payments are fully disregarded in Pension Credit and can also allow the recipient to qualify for an additional disability amount.

There are no plans to review the treatment of military compensation in Pension Credit.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_31

Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many customers were supported by Telford Job Centre in each year for which data is available. \p Alison McGovern: Telford Jobcentre works closely with local employers and providers to support its customers. Our Work Coaches have tailored appointments to work closely with customers to understand their circumstances and needs.

The Jobcentre offers customers a range of provision which includes job fairs, Sector-based Work Academy Programmes and Mentoring Circles to help those customers who are ready for employment. For those customers on the health journey, Telford Jobcentre has a Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) to engage with customers to ensure they are connected with the right partners such as NHS talking therapies. The DEA and Employer Advisors also work closely with employers to promote Disability Confident, Access to Work and Reasonable Adjustment in the workplace.

Official monthly claimant count statistics by Parliamentary Constituency Areas are published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on the NOMIS website.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_32

Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit claimants there were in Telford constituency in each year for which data is available by category. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Official statistics for the number of people on Universal Credit are published regularly on Stat-Xplore, with breakdowns available by conditionality group and by various geographies including Westminster Parliamentary Constituency. The latest statistics on conditionality are available from April 2015 to March 2025.

Users can log in or access Stat-Xplore as a guest and, if needed, can access general guidance on how to extract the information required. For guidance on the Universal Credit datasets on Stat-Xplore, see the Universal Credit Official Statistics Stat-Xplore User Guide.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_33

Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions her Department has had with disabled people’s organisations in Wales on the proposed reforms to disability benefits. \p Sir Stephen Timms: As part of our commitment to hear from members of the public directly, including disabled people and their representatives, we have now held a number of virtual and in person public consultation events, as per the advertised schedule on GOV.UK.

Unfortunately, the Cardiff in person event was postponed from 3 June to 23 June, due to the venue cancelling last minute. We have worked with the Welsh Government to rearrange this event and have reached out to all registered participants directly, including registered members of the public and registered representatives from Welsh charities and other organisations, to rebook their place on a re-scheduled Cardiff event, also offering a priority space on other virtual events. A Wales-only virtual consultation event has now also been arranged and scheduled for 26 June.

Throughout the consultation we are committed to putting the views and voices of disabled people and people with health conditions at the heart of everything we do. We encourage members of the public, including disabled people’s organisations in Wales, to continue to respond to the consultation online, in writing and via email until the deadline on 30 June.

In the meantime, DWP Ministers continue to engage with individuals and groups in Wales. On 22 April, the Minister for Employment visited Denbighshire in North Wales to announce the launch of the Inactivity Trailblazer, as part of wider efforts to tackle inactivity - with funding from the £125m (in for 2025/26) announced in the Get Britain Working White Paper being designated to this area. The Minister for Employment also visited Mold Jobcentre during this visit to Wales.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_34
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_34

Sir John Whittingdale:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to chapter 2, section 1 of the Green Paper entitled Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working, published on 18 March 2025, whether Universal Credit claimants currently in receipt of the health element will continue to receive the health element after the Work Capability Assessment is abolished in the 2028-29 financial year if they do not qualify for the Personal Independence Payment daily living component. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Our Pathways to Work Green Paper set out why we are scrapping the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). We want to end the binary categorisation of groups and labelling as either ‘can or can’t work’. Instead, any extra financial support for health conditions in UC will be assessed via a single assessment – the PIP assessment – and be based on whether someone is receiving any Daily Living award in PIP, not on capacity to work. This will de-couple access to the health element in from work status, so people can be confident that the act of taking steps towards and into employment will not put their benefit entitlement at risk.

The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill we recently introduced will freeze the health top-up at its current rate for existing claimants for the rest of this Parliament. This is twinned with delivering the first ever sustained, above-inflation rise to the standard allowance, with a cash increase of around £725 a year for single claimants aged 25 and over by the end of this Parliament. This is around £250 higher than an inflation-only increase.

Alongside these changes we are also looking to provide financial protection in Universal Credit for people with the most severe, life-long health conditions and those who are nearing the end of their lives. This will mean that anyone who meets the Severe Conditions Criteria (existing criteria for people with life-long conditions who can never work); and/or the Special Rules for End of Life (existing rules for people with 12 months or less to live to get faster, easier access to certain benefits) will continue to receive the existing, higher health top-up in Universal Credit over this Parliament. In addition, people who meet the Severe Conditions Criteria will never face a reassessment for Universal Credit, as we committed to do in the Green Paper – removing unnecessary stress, anxiety and uncertainty. As a result, we estimate more than 200,000 people with the most severe, life-long conditions will be protected by the end of the Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_35

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility criteria on (a) disabled people and (b) people with (i) autism spectrum disorder, (ii) ADHD, (iii) mental health conditions, (iv) chronic fatigue syndrome and other non-visible disabilities. \p Sir Stephen Timms: No assessment has been made.

Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has been published here ‘Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper’.

Impacts of the proposed changes depend on many factors including how the mix of conditions among claimants evolves over time, and behavioural responses. These impacts are uncertain at an overall England and Wales level, and it would not be possible to make an informed assessment at such a granular level as individual primary medical conditions.

After taking account of behavioural changes, the OBR predicts that 9 in 10 of those on PIP daily living at the point any changes come in will still be receiving PIP by the end of the decade.

No one will lose access to PIP immediately - and most people will not lose access at all. Our intention is that changes will start to come into effect from November 2026 for PIP, subject to parliamentary approval. After that date, no one will lose PIP without first being reassessed by a trained assessor or healthcare professional, who assesses individual needs and circumstance. Reassessments happen on average every 3 years.

We are consulting on how best to support those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, including ensuring health and care needs are met.

We have also announced a wider review of the PIP assessment to make it fair and fit for purpose, which I am leading. We are bringing together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this. We will provide further details as plans progress.

Even with these reforms, the overall number of people on PIP and DLA is expected to rise by 750,000 by the end of this parliament and spending will rise from £23bn in 24/25 to £31bn in 29/30.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_36

Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of levels of resourcing for Natural England on the use of developer levies collected through the Nature Restoration Fund for nature recovery. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_37

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has issued guidance on the meaning of local employment in the context of public infrastructure contracts. \p Alex Norris: I refer the hon Member to the National Procurement Policy Statement published by the Cabinet Office on 13 February 2025, which states that in carrying out a procurement covered by the Procurement Act 2023, a contracting authority must have regard to the importance of maximising public benefit. Applying social and economic value requirements in procurement can have a significantly positive impact by broadening the public benefits that are delivered through the life of the contract.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_38

Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has updated guidance on the use of single-sex facilities in response to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025. \p Alex Norris: We will review and update policy wherever necessary to ensure it complies with the latest legal requirements.

We aim to ensure appropriate facilities are available for all staff.
wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_39

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 28 May 2025 to Question 52712 on Local Government: Elections, whether the proposed abolition of a council would meet the criteria. \p Jim McMahon: If the Secretary of State decides to implement a council’s proposal for unitary local government, secondary legislation, which will be subject to Parliamentary approval, will be required to abolish existing councils, establish new structures and make transitional arrangements.

Those transitional arrangements, consistent with precedent, would include replacing scheduled local elections with elections for the new councils. Those councils will operate initially as new unitary authorities, before going live the following April.