theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support cadet forces in Fylde constituency. \p Al Carns: The Government is convinced of the benefits of cadets, not just for young people who participate, but for society. Participation in the Cadet Forces has significant positive impacts on young people, increasing their performance at school and improving their employment and career prospects.

The Cadet Forces instil values and standards and provide the opportunity for young people to develop key skills including self-discipline, confidence, and resilience which equip them for life.

The skills, confidence, and cultural capital that young people gain from being cadets improves their social mobility, and in terms of health and wellbeing alone, participation in the Cadet Forces produces an annual return on investment in the region of £120 million.

Independent research has shown the cost of cadets is fully covered if the life outcomes of just 1% of cadets change each year so that they are in education, training, or employment.

For all these reasons, we are committed to sustaining the Cadet Forces across the UK, including within the Fylde constituency, where there are currently nine separate Cadet Units.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with charities that provide assistance to veterans who have (a) conducted and (b) assisted with Explosive Ordnance Disposal duties. \p Al Carns: The Government works closely with the Armed Forces charity sector, who play a vital part in the wider support system for veterans; I meet regularly with representatives of Armed Forces charities to discuss the support available and how we can work effectively together. I am actively exploring ways of simplifying and coordinating access to Government support, which includes working in partnership with the charity sector to harness and cohere that support.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the UK's explosive ordnance removal capabilities in (a) the UK and (b) internationally. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence has a world leading Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search capability, providing critical support to military operations and UK resilience.

Additionally, Defence recognises the importance of Explosive Ordnance Clearance (EOC) capabilities delivered both internally and to external stakeholders. As we look ahead, Defence spending is being prioritised to face the threats and challenges of the twenty-first century. To meet the demand for EOC services, we currently have a framework through the Counter Explosive Ordnance Defence Engagement office, and in conjunction with the FCDO, to deliver EOC capability through a contracted solution, assured by Defence.

Future capability decisions will be subject to the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's policy paper entitled Global Clean Power Alliance: finance mission statement, published on 20 November 2024, what progress he has made on the finance mission. \p Catherine West: We have been working closely with Brazil, our co-chair for the Finance Mission, to develop a set of time-bound deliverables which will focus the Finance Mission's activity. The proposals will be shared after further consultation with Mission members and delivery partners, reflecting the collaborative approach of the Global Clean Power Alliance.
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Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps he has taken to help ensure the protection of (a) Hindu communities and (b) other religious minorities in Bangladesh. \p Catherine West: The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). In November 2024, I visited Bangladesh and discussed the importance of the protection of religious minorities, including Hindu communities, with Chief Adviser Yunus who has been vocal about support for minorities.

The UK is providing up to £27 million under the Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme for protecting civic and political space, fostering collaboration, reducing corruption, and mitigating tensions that lead to violence. We also support the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and their report on the human rights violations that occurred last year. We will continue to engage with Bangladesh on the importance of FoRB.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what Official Development Assistance funding he plans to provide to Syria in 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As I announced at the Brussels Pledging Conference for Syria on 17 March, we have pledged up to £160 million of UK support to Syria's recovery and stability in 2025. This will provide life-saving assistance to millions of Syrians inside Syria and across the region, as well as agriculture, livelihoods and education programmes to help Syrians rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
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Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his counterparts in (a) Germany, (b) France, (c) Italy and (d) the US on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. \p Stephen Doughty: Since Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik's sentence, the UK Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and other officials have repeatedly engaged with our Quint partners (Germany, France, Italy and US, plus EU and NATO), to discuss the situation and develop a forward-leaning response. I, along with the UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce, have also worked with our allies, the High Representative and BiH leaders to underline our support for BiH's sovereignty and territorial integrity. On 10 March, I spoke with BiH Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic to reaffirm the UK's support for BiH, the rule of law, and the Dayton Peace Agreement. We will continue to work with our international partners to support BiH in tackling these most recent threats to its stability.
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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether they have made an estimate of the potential impact of abolishing diversity, equity and inclusion roles in their Department on annual staffing costs. \p Catherine West: Equality, diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the Civil Service is an important lever to support the delivery of the Government's Plan for Change and wider Civil Service reform. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) total staff headcount is approximately 17,500 employees and the full time equivalent (FTE) of staff hired in EDI roles is currently 2.9 (reflected as FTE as these staff also have other responsibilities). These roles sit within HR as required by the Civil Service Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Expenditure guidance published in May 2024. There are no plans to abolish these roles as they are crucial to ensuring the FCDO meets Public Sector Equality Duty obligations.
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Susan Murray:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Indian counterpart on the release of Jagtar Singh Johal. \p Catherine West: The UK Government is committed to pushing the Government of India for faster progress to resolve Jagtar Singh Johal's case. The Foreign Secretary has raised Mr Johal's case with his Indian counterpart on several occasions, most recently on 5 March. The Prime Minister also raised Mr Johal's case with the Indian External Affairs Minister on 4 March, during his visit to the UK.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Marine Protected Area covering the British Indian Ocean Territory. \p Stephen Doughty: The BIOT Administration has responsibility for the management and monitoring of its Marine Protected Area. Annual reports have been undertaken by the Chief Scientific Advisor; reports up to the year 2020 are available online with subsequent years expected to be published in due course.
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Priti Patel: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 statements made by the Prime Minister of Mauritius on the Chagos Archipelago in the Mauritius National Assembly on 4 February 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: There has been a lot of speculation and incorrect reporting about the content of the deal, some of it related to inaccurate media stories following Prime Minister Ramgoolam's statements on 4 February. On 5 February the Mauritian government clarified these statements. As we have said, there has been no change to the overall cost of the deal or duration of the agreement. Both sides remain committed to concluding a deal on the future of the Chagos Archipelago which protects the long-term effective operation of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia.  We continue to engage with Mauritius and are not going to provide a running commentary on the details.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether changes were made to the (a) lease extension arrangements and (b) arrangements covering the exercise of sovereign rights on Diego Garcia in the treaty with Mauritius after 13 November 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: Both sides remain committed to concluding a deal on the future of the Chagos Archipelago which protects the long-term effective operation of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia.  We continue to engage with Mauritius and are not going to provide a running commentary on the details.   Once an agreement is reached and the Treaty is signed, the Treaty will be put before both Houses for scrutiny under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act (CRaG) process in the usual way.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 37762 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Seas and Oceans, whether the Marine Protected Area established by Mauritius under the terms of the agreement between the UK and Mauritius will be supported by his Department's Blue Belt Programme. \p Stephen Doughty: The enhanced partnership will prioritise high conservation standards, with the UK supporting Mauritius' ambitions to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that protects the globally significant ecosystems in the Chagos Archipelago. Further engagement on the details of the MPA will take place as part of the implementation of the Agreement post-signature.
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Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken as a member of the Peace Implementation Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina. \p Stephen Doughty: In response to recent secessionist moves by the Republika Srpska leadership, we have worked with our Peace Implementation Council (PIC) partners and the High Representative to support local actors in their robust response, and to protect Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) institutions from attempts to undermine them. On 10 March, I spoke with BiH Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic to reaffirm the UK's support for BiH, the rule of law, and the Dayton Peace Agreement. The UK Ambassador to BiH and our Special Envoy to the Western Balkans have similarly engaged with the High Representative and PIC partners to address the situation.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the total cost to the public purse was of supporting the modernisation of the Albanian prison system. \p Stephen Doughty: In addition to work to disrupt Organised Immigration Crime and address the long-term drivers of migration, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Home Office and the Ministry of Justice work together to enable the return of eligible Albanian foreign national offenders to serve the remainder of their sentence in Albania. As part of an arrangement signed under the previous government in 2023 to implement the 2021 Prisoner Transfer Agreement, £4.3 million was committed over three years to support the modernisation of the Albanian prison system. We are reviewing the operation of the Prisoner Transfer Agreement with Albania signed by the previous Government to understand how more prisoners can be sent back to serve their time in Albanian prisons. During 2024,1,610 Albanian FNOs were removed from England and Wales - the highest number of any nationality and up 7% from the previous year.
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Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, for what reason his Department resumed negotiations with Mauritius on the future sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. \p Stephen Doughty: Negotiations were started by the previous Conservative Government. This Government inherited a situation where the effective operation of the military base remained under threat and that is why negotiations resumed. The deal is rooted in a rational and hard-headed determination to protect UK national security. This deal will protect the base on Diego Garcia and cement UK and US presence in the Indo Pacific for generations to come.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on the (a) proposed designation of Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organisations and (b) the potential impact of that proposal on UK-Mexico relations. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. They have not discussed the US's designation of cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organisations. This is a decision for the US. It is unlikely to have any significant impact on our bilateral relationship with Mexico.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2025 to Question 36638 on Mauritius: Trade Agreements, if he will publish the map of the (a) proposed buffer zone and (b) islands (i) in scope and (ii) not in scope of the comprehensive mechanism referenced. \p Stephen Doughty: The deal is rooted in a rational and resolute determination to protect UK security. Once signed, it will protect the base on Diego Garcia and cement UK and U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific for generations to come.  Once an agreement is reached and the Treaty is signed, the Treaty will be put before both Houses for scrutiny under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act (CRaG) process in the usual way.
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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. \p Stephen Doughty: As a witness to the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and member of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC)'s Steering Board, the UK condemns the unconstitutional and secessionist actions of the Republika Srpska leadership, which threatens Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH's) peace and stability. The UK has publicly reaffirmed its support for the DPA and the existing constitutional framework of BiH, and will continue to engage with our international partners, and leaders across the region, to facilitate a positive outcome. I spoke to my counterpart on 10 March, and reaffirmed our commitment to BiH's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the DPA.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 36635 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, whether he has received proposals from his Mauritian counterpart on a new Mauritian Marine Protected Area (MPA); whether the area for the proposed MPA will be different to the existing MPA; whether a map of the proposed MPA will be published; whether the proposed treaty with Mauritius will contain provisions to (a) ensure a continuity of protection for the existing area covered by the existing MPA once the proposed change in sovereignty takes place, (b) maintain the existing MPA and (c) require Mauritius to implement a new MPA; and if he will make an estimate of the potential cost to the public purse of supporting Mauritius in implementing a new MPA. \p Stephen Doughty: As per previous PQ answers, the agreement will be supported by an enhanced partnership between the UK and Mauritius on conservation. That enhanced partnership will prioritise high conservation standards, with the UK supporting Mauritius' ambitions to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that protects the globally significant ecosystems in the Chagos Archipelago. Further engagement on the details of the MPA will take place as part of the implementation of the Agreement post-signature.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date was the most recent draft of the proposed treaty with Mauritius on the British Indian Ocean Territory agreed between both the UK and Mauritian Governments. \p Stephen Doughty: As we and Mauritius have repeatedly said, including in joint statements on 20 December 2024 and on 13 January, both sides remain committed to concluding a deal on the future of the Chagos Archipelago which protects the long-term effective operation of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia.  We continue to engage with Mauritius and are not going to provide a running commentary on the details.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, under the provisions of the most recent draft of the proposed treaty between the UK and Mauritius on the British Indian Ocean Territory on what date the proposed transfer of sovereignty will commence. \p Stephen Doughty: After signature, the Treaty will only come into force once both the UK and Mauritius have completed their own domestic procedures to enable ratification. For the UK, this will involve bringing forwards primary legislation as well as the usual Treaty scrutiny process in Parliament.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK-Mauritius political agreement on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, announced on 3 October 2024, whether Prime Minister Ramgoolam requested changes to the provisions on the exercising of sovereign rights and authorities over Diego Garcia for the duration of the lease after 3 October 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: As we and Mauritius have repeatedly said, including in joint statements on 20 December 2024 and on 13 January, both sides remain committed to concluding a deal on the future of the Chagos Archipelago which protects the long-term effective operation of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia.  We continue to engage with Mauritius and are not going to provide a running commentary on the details.
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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last two weeks. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK is committed to maintaining peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and condemns the recent and ongoing unconstitutional actions of the Republika Srpska leadership. Ireaffirmed these messages when he spoke to BiH's Foreign Minister on 10 March. Senior Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have engaged intensively in BiH and with regional and international partners to stress our commitment to BiH's constitutional framework and the Dayton Peace Agreement. The Foreign Secretary plans to engage other Western Balkans leaders.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to ensure that underwater fibreoptic cables in the (a) Mediterranean, (b) North Sea and (c) Baltic Sea are strengthened to help prevent sabotage. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK regularly engages international partners and industry on strengthening the resilience of subsea infrastructure, including from potential sabotage. We work closely with NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Allies to address threats, which has recently included UK support to NATO and JEF operations in the Baltic Sea. In December, the Prime Minister discussed cooperation with JEF leaders and signed a Strategic Partnership with Norway's Prime Minister committing to closer cooperation to tackle subsea threats. In February, the Foreign Secretary discussed coordination to protect subsea infrastructure with Finland's Foreign Minister while I raised cooperation with European External Action Service Deputy Secretary General Charles Fries. I have also discussed these issues with counterparts from the three regions.
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Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans his Department has to take a leadership role in negotiations for the Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response accord ahead of the next World Health Assembly in May 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: The Government is committed to working with our international partners to land an agreement that enables the world to better prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics, and delivers for UK health security, growth and jobs. The Accord is being drafted and negotiated by Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO), including the UK, who have until the World Health Assembly in May 2025, at the latest, to reach an agreement on the Accord. The UK continues to play a leading role in seeking to reach an effective agreement that is in our national interest, both in the negotiations at the WHO, and in wider conversations with other member states and stakeholders.
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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his Department’s policy priorities will be when the UK chairs the Berlin Process 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: We will use the Berlin Process to advance security and growth through strengthened partnerships with our Western Balkan and other European partners, including on tackling irregular migration. This will support the Prime Minister's domestic missions of national security, secure borders, safer streets and kickstarting growth. It will strengthen Euro-Atlantic integration and regional co-operation between the six Western Balkan countries. The Berlin Process consists of a Leaders' Summit, ministerial meetings and other forums and we are keen for voices to be heard in a constructive and inclusive atmosphere. Dame Karen Pierce, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, will drive forward preparations for the Summit.
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Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has held discussions with the EU Commission on the potential establishment of a new forum to enable joint UK-EU decision making on the development of (a) a pan-European rearmament bank and (b) similar institution aimed at enabling financing for (i) the ReArm Europe programme and (ii) other defence programmes. \p Stephen Doughty: We need to work together to bolster the European defence industrial base, making sure that it can compete globally and deliver for our security and defence needs as well as contribute to growth and jobs. Officials and Ministers will continue to engage EU counterparts as we reset relations and explore opportunities for UK-EU defence and security cooperation.
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Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the EU Commission on the potential role of the UK in supporting the development of a (a) pan-European rearmament bank and (b) similar institution aimed at enabling financing for (i) the ReArm Europe programme and (ii) other defence programmes. \p Stephen Doughty: We need to work together to bolster the European defence industrial base, making sure that it can compete globally and deliver for our security and defence needs as well as contribute to growth and jobs. Officials and Ministers will continue to engage EU counterparts as we reset relations and explore opportunities for UK-EU defence and security cooperation.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Cayman Islands on the effectiveness of (a) the implementation of sanctions against Russia and (b) the delivery of Operation Hektor. \p Stephen Doughty: The effective implementation of sanctions against Russia is a UK Government priority. The British Overseas Territories' critical role was discussed at the November 2024 Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council. I also thanked the Premier of the Cayman Islands for their continued collaboration, where Cayman has frozen assets worth approximately US$8.35 billion. Operation Hektor coordinates sanctions work across the Cayman Islands Government and is an excellent example of best practice. We recently convened sanctions experts from across the Overseas Territories to share best practice and strengthen collective efforts.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support his Department is providing to help increase levels of marine accessibility to the Cayman Islands. \p Stephen Doughty: Marine access is an area of responsibility devolved to the Cayman Islands Government. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Transport (DfT) work closely with the Cayman Islands' maritime authorities to ensure appropriate oversight and good governance, including providing technical advice and training through the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2025 to Question 36634 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, on which date the Mauritius Marine Protected Area will be implemented. \p Stephen Doughty: The enhanced partnership will prioritise high conservation standards, with the UK supporting Mauritius' ambitions to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that protects the globally significant ecosystems in the Chagos Archipelago. Further engagement on the details of the MPA will take place as part of the implementation of the Agreement post-signature.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking with his Cabinet colleagues to increase trade between the four nations in the UK. \p Gareth Thomas: Statistics show trade between the UK's four nations was worth around £129 billion in 2019, and is particularly important to the economies of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As part of meeting our Plan for Change, the Government wants to work to ensure growth across the country, raising living standards for working people across the UK. The Government has also launched IntertradeUK to advise on opportunities to promote and boost trade across the UK.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 19 February 2025 to Question 30700 on Department for Business and Trade: Staff, how many officials in his Department worked in roles relating to international trade in each year since its creation. \p Justin Madders: The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) operates a flexible resourcing model to support for matters relating to international trade, and not every employee in scope solely supports this function, full time. DBT defines the scope of this question to be employees whose primary profession has been recorded as “International Trade".

Statistics are available from the DBT Annual Civil Service Employment Survey and are published on Gov.uk.

The DBT was created in 2023, and official professions data specific to this department is only available from the 2024 survey. The figure provided includes payroll domestic, and UK based overseas staff in-post in DBT on 31 March 2024.

Professions data prior to 2024 was provided by DBTs predecessors, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for International Trade. This data is readily available on Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/civil-service-statistics

Publication Year

Headcount

2024

1550
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Tim Roca:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the UK joining the pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) convention. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: We are looking at ways to reduce barriers to trade and to reset the relationship with our European friends to help drive investment and growth - within our clear manifesto red lines. We are in regular dialogue with industry about the best options for doing this and are open to looking at PEM if that reflects business sentiment and the national interest.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_143

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many public contracts awarded by his Department since 5 July 2024 have required suppliers to recognise trade unions as a condition of contract award. \p Justin Madders: I refer the member for Isle of Wight East to the answer I provided to UIN 34002 on 4 March 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_144

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of net zero requirements on the competitiveness of British manufacturers in public procurement. \p Sarah Jones: The transition to net zero is critical for driving growth and delivering new jobs. This government has been clear that decarbonisation should not mean deindustrialisation.

This government is working with business, including through the Industrial Strategy (IS) to secure growth, including in sectors that will help us meet our Net Zero ambitions such as in Clean Energy Industries and Advanced Manufacturing. As set out in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper published in November 2024, the forthcoming IS will support growth that is aligned with our net zero and environmental objectives by capturing the growth opportunities of the clean energy mission and net zero transition; identifying and supporting clean energy sectors with the greatest growth potential; and aligning sector plans with net zero and environmental objectives.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_145

Alison Bennett:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with the Leader of the House on the timetable for bringing forward statutory instruments to make amendments to The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. \p Justin Madders: I have not discussed this with the Leader of the House. As announced in the policy paper ‘The fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture’, published on January 22, the Government will bring forward amendments to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, in advance of longer-term reforms.

The SI will be laid when parliamentary time allows.
wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_146

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to review firework legislation. \p Justin Madders: The Government's intention is to minimise the negative impact of fireworks and to support their considerate use, reducing the risks and disturbances to individuals, animals, and property. To inform any future decisions I have and will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks. The regulation of fireworks is complex, and we want to build a robust understanding of how the public use fireworks and how fireworks impact them, to determine whether the current system, as people experience it, is working effectively.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_147

Sir Geoffrey Cox:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has considered providing access to post boxes in new housing developments. \p Justin Madders: The government is not responsible for providing access to post boxes.

Section 29(6) of the Postal Services Act 2011 requires Ofcom, as the independent regulator, to secure the provision of sufficient access points.

Royal Mail is currently required by Ofcom’s Designated Universal Service Provider (DUSP) condition 1.8.1 to provide a post box within half a mile, by straight line distance, of the premises of at least 98% of users of postal services.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_148

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he has taken to increase international investment in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) Staffordshire. \p Sarah Jones: The Department for Business and Trade network work with local stakeholders to promote investment opportunities in the region to investors wishing to set up in the area. We work with clients to understand their requirements and to reduce barriers which inform the client’s decision to locate in the region.

The funding of a Key Account Management programme is a strategic initiative designed to support FDI by strengthening relationships with existing foreign investors in the Midlands regions. It directs FDI support to businesses playing a crucial role in regional economies, helping foster a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, expand and nurture relationships with investors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_149

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make it her policy to extend the child poverty strategy beyond the planned 10-year timeframe to set longer term goals to help tackle child poverty. \p Alison McGovern: The Child Poverty Taskforce is progressing urgent work to publish the Child Poverty Strategy, and we are exploring all available levers to drive forward short and long-term actions across government to reduce child poverty.

Our focus is on bringing about an enduring reduction in child poverty in this parliament, thereby reversing the trend that is seeing forecasts of child poverty continuing to increase. More details, including on the time horizon, will be set out in the strategy publication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_150

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, published on 18 March 2025, on the work of the Child Poverty Task Force. \p Alison McGovern: Tackling child poverty is at the heart of this Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity. The Child Poverty Taskforce is progressing urgent work to publish the Child Poverty Strategy and is exploring levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience, and better local support especially in the early years.

As part of the Strategy's development, the Taskforce is considering the potential impact of policies across government on child poverty.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_151

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2025 to Question 29025 on Department for Work and Pensions: Political Impartiality, what her Department's timetable is for the conclusion of the local investigation into political campaigning during the Rochdale by-election in 2024. \p Andrew Western: The DWP will not comment further on matters pertaining to individual members of staff.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_152

Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of increasing (a) digitalisation and (b) automation in the provision of welfare services. \p Andrew Western: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has already implemented many automation initiatives and remains dedicated to identifying future opportunities for further enhancements. To date, 58 automations have been deployed across the DWP, with 38 of them currently active. These automation processes have handled a total of 44.46 million claims and saved 3.4 million staff hours.

We will continue to explore additional automation and digitisation prospects which will help reduce operating costs, enabling agents to dedicate more time to citizens, and expedite claims processing where possible.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_153

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make it her policy to fund (a) existing or (b) new programmes of support and training for people seeking employment from money raised from delaying the access to the health element of Universal Credit until someone is aged 22. \p Alison McGovern: The Pathways to Work Green Paper is an important staging post on a journey of reform. It sets out our vision, strategy and proposals for change. Before any decisions are made, we are consulting on the design options for a work, health and skills support package. We are specifically seeking input on the proposal to raise the age of eligibility for the health element of the Universal Credit (UC) award to 22. The government will actively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including young people with health conditions and disabilities.

As we set out at point 256 in the Pathways to Work Green Paper: “Delaying access to the UC health element would remove any potential disincentive to work during this time. Proceeding with this change would be on the basis that resources could be better spent on improving the quality and range of opportunities available to young people through the [Youth] guarantee, so they can sign up to work or training rather than long-term benefits.” Such a change could support the establishment of a distinct and active transition phase for young people, based on learning or earning for all.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_154

Michael Wheeler:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number of young people out of work in Worsley and Eccles constituency. \p Alison McGovern: The information requested is published and available at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/default.asp

Guidance for users can be found at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_155

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many attendance allowance applications her Department has received in the last 12 months. \p Torsten Bell: The number of Attendance Allowance applications received by the Department in the last 12 months (March 2024 – February 2025) was 592,545.
wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_156
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_156

Bobby Dean:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has had a recruitment freeze on any roles in the last 12 months; and whether she plans to implement a recruitment freeze in the next 12 months. \p Andrew Western: The Department for Work and Pensions has not had a recruitment freeze on any roles in the last 12 months. There are no current plans in place to implement a recruitment freeze in the next 12 months, and the Department will continue to manage overall resourcing and meeting priorities through workforce plans.
wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_157
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_157

Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what information her Department holds on the number of Employment and Support Allowance claimants who were (a) overpaid and (b) underpaid due to (i) claimant error and (ii) government error in 2024. \p Andrew Western: The last time the Department reviewed fraud and error levels in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) was in 2022/23, which is reported here: Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2022 to 2023 estimates - GOV.UK. Table 11 demonstrates that 10.1% of the caseload was overpaid and 7.0% was underpaid. We did not review ESA in our fraud and error measurement exercise in 2023/24, but have assumed that those same rates will have continued.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_158

Patricia Ferguson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the time taken for cases to be allocated to a case manager. \p Andrew Western: The department administers a wide range of benefits, and as such the information you have requested is not held centrally and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-26 conversation_159

Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether (a) she and (b) Ministers from her Department have met with insurance company Unum since 4 July 2024. \p Andrew Western: Details of ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK and can be found here(opens in a new tab).

There have been no meetings with Unum.