theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_50
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_50

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many Arms Length Bodies have been created since July 2024. \p Georgia Gould: Cabinet Office maintains records and oversight of formally established Arm’s Length Bodies. As stated in my previous answer of 8 January 2025, no ALBs have been formally established since 4 July 2024.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_51
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_51

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many arms length bodies have been (a) created and (b) abolished since July 2024. \p Georgia Gould: Please see my previous answer of 8 January 2025. Individual departments are responsible for any proposals to open or close ALBs.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_52
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_52

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has a log of the exemptions permitted to the guidance on Civil Service equality, diversity and inclusion expenditure for (a) departments and (b) arm’s length bodies. \p Georgia Gould: Yes, a log of exemptions which have been reported to the Cabinet Office is held. This relates to exemptions reported by Civil Service organisations only.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_53
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_53

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Answer of 12 April 2025 to Question HL6032 on Arm’s Length Bodies, what Project Seahorse is. \p Georgia Gould: Project Seahorse is exploring delivery options. The Government will set out further details in due course.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_54
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_54

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of excluding Chinese firms from critical national infrastructure. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The UK will not compromise on economic security and will continue to prioritise national security and resilience.

We will continue to cooperate with China on trade and investment, recognising there will also be areas where we need to challenge non-market policies and protect sensitive sectors of the economy.

We will continue to support UK business to engage with the second largest economy in the world, while being clear-eyed to any risks and ensuring security and resilience.

The National Technical Authorities (National Cyber Security Centre and National Protective Security Authority) provide advice to critical national infrastructure (CNI) industry on best practice for CNI security and resilience.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_55
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_55

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of changes to the write-round process introduced since July 2024. \p Georgia Gould: It is the prerogative of the Prime Minister, on advice of the Cabinet Secretary, to determine the proceedings of Cabinet and its committees, including decisions reached via correspondence. The principle of collective responsibility requires that the privacy of ministerial discussions at Cabinet and its committees be maintained, and it is a long-standing precedent that details of these proceedings are not disclosed publicly.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_56
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_56

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which ethnic groups are eligible to apply to the Civil Service Early Diversity Internship Programme. \p Georgia Gould: The Early Diversity Internship Programme ceased recruitment in 2023. The Civil Service Fast Stream offers a Summer Internship Programme which is open to all young people.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_57
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_57

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 45908 on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Cultural Heritage, which pieces of work have been (a) installed and (b) deinstalled in each (i) Embassy, (ii) High Commission and (iii) Residence since 4 July 2024. \p Chris Bryant: I invite the Rt Hon Member to search any information he requires on the artworks and their locations on the Government Art Collection website.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_58
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_58

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to review his Department's strategic approach to relations with China. \p Catherine West: This Government is taking a consistent, long term and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. To help inform this, a team in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been conducting a full and comprehensive audit of the breadth of the UK's relationship with China. They have consulted widely across government and with a wide range of external stakeholders, which is already proving valuable in developing policies and planning engagement. We will continue to work hard to protect and pursue our interests with China, making sure that our engagement is delivering for the British people. That includes where we need to challenge and where we can identify potential areas of cooperation.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_59
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_59

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on establishing a special tribunal to prosecute crimes of aggression against Ukraine. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK is fully behind efforts to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and UK officials have played an important role in this process so far. The Foreign Secretary has just returned from Lviv where, alongside representatives of the Core Group of at least 37 countries, he announced united and ardent support for the establishment of a Special Tribunal and endorsed the legal texts required for its establishment. The UK will be engaging through the Council of Europe to take this work forward.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_60
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_60

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to support the (a) documentation and (b) investigation of alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK is actively involved in initiatives aimed at ensuring allegations of war crimes committed in Ukraine are fully and fairly investigated, by independent, effective, and robust legal mechanisms. This includes our work with the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, where the UK has provided £11.3 million to support Ukraine's domestic accountability efforts, including to document, investigate, and prosecute alleged atrocity crimes. The UK also continues to support the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating allegations of international crimes committed in Ukraine, following the referral of the situation to the Court in February 2022.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_61
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_61

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with his international counterparts to establish an international register of damage caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK is a founding member and Chair of the Conference of Participants for the Register of Damage for Ukraine, which allows Ukrainians to record losses, injury, or damage suffered as a result of the war. In March, the Board took several steps to increase access to justice: they launched six new claims categories, concluded a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice to enable claimants to access legal support free of charge, and signed an agreement that sets a framework for the Register to access evidence gathered by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies.

The UK is also engaged in international efforts to establish a Claims Commission for Ukraine that would assess the claims submitted under the Register of Damage. On 24-26 March, we joined the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee as a next step towards agreeing the institutional structure and mandate of such a mechanism.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_62
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_62

Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that de-escalation of military tensions in Kashmir are discussed in meetings with the (a) Indian and (b) Pakistani governments. \p Catherine West: The UK Government is taking all the steps we can to ensure that recent developments do not lead to uncontrolled escalation. We encourage all to commit to effective channels of engagement to safeguard stability in the region.  Alongside international partners, the UK will continue to engage in dialogue in pursuit of long-term regional stability. The Foreign Secretary has spoken to his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to encourage all parties to take a measured approach. He has also spoken with US Secretary Rubio, French Foreign Minister Barrot and Gulf Partners to discuss the situation.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_63
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_63

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of sanctions in deterring further atrocities in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. \p Stephen Doughty: Working with partners, our Russia sanctions are restricting Putin's war machine and degrading his military. Sanctions have deprived Russia of at least $450 billion since February 2022. They are increasing equipment costs and delays and reducing equipment quality for Putin's war machine. The cost of components has risen by 30 per cent for the Russian defence sector over three years. Sanctions have prevented Russia expanding military supplies to the battlefield, despite extra investment and enormous military losses. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office regularly reviews the effectiveness and impact of UK sanctions on Russia and remains committed to continuing to impose and enforce sanctions, alongside our partners, to constrain Russia's remaining sources of revenue.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_64
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_64

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to expand the designation of vessels considered part of Russia’s shadow fleet to align with (a) the US, (b) Europe and (c) Canada. \p Stephen Doughty: This Government has sanctioned 229 oil tankers in Putin's shadow fleet, more than any other partner. On 9 May, we sanctioned 100 oil tankers - our largest single action to date. We work closely with our G7 partners to maximise the impact of our sanctions.

We do not comment on future designations as to do so could reduce their impact.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_65
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_65

Chris Hinchliff:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his policy on arms trade with Israel. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: In September 2024, we took decisive action, suspending licences for the Israeli Defence Forces that might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. We have maintained the suspension and assess there are no export licences currently being used for military operations in Gaza. This is subject to the specific measures taken with respect to the global F-35 programme.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_66
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_66

Ian Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his policy on arms trade with Israel. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: In September 2024, we took decisive action, suspending licences for the Israeli Defence Forces that might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. We have maintained the suspension and assess there are no export licences currently being used for military operations in Gaza. This is subject to the specific measures taken with respect to the global F-35 programme.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_67
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_67

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support global health initiatives. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK has long been a champion of global health, and we are one of the largest donors to global health multilaterals worldwide. From our WHO partnership, helping to save over 40 million lives, to our investment in Gavi to support them to immunise 300 million children, and in the Global Fund to save over 1.2 million lives, our dedication and commitment to combating global health challenges is clear. And through the Pandemic Accord, we will help safeguard lives, livelihoods and economic stability in this country and globally from future pandemics.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_68
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_68

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the UK’s involvement in the Security Action For Europe initiative. \p Stephen Doughty: Strengthening our security and defence partnership with the EU will deliver on our Plan for Change and turbo charge the UK’s defence industries to help safeguard the security of the European continent. Since we first came to office, the Government has been committed to strengthening its relationship with the EU. The Foreign Secretary regularly discusses European security issues with his Cabinet colleagues. We welcome efforts to enhance the EU’s defence production and look forward to the UK/EU Summit next week.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_69
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_69

Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to increase the number of serving personnel in the British Army. \p Luke Pollard: The current Government inherited a crisis in recruitment and retention from the last administration, and we are committed to addressing this through a range of targets, initiatives and measures.

The British Army continues to implement Future Soldier, with a whole force of over 100,000 comprising of 73,000 Regular Service Personnel and 30,100 Army Reserve.

Recruiting and retention remain one of our highest priorities - the Army/Capita Recruiting Partnering Project is completely focused on delivering a significant increase in recruitment in 2025-26, with the Army’s Retention Strategy focusing on reducing voluntary outflow.

On 6 February 2025 we announced the award of the contract for the new tri-service Armed Forces Recruiting Service (AFRS). It will provide a streamlined, single-entry point for prospective recruits, with the aim of attracting the best talent from across the country into the Armed Forces. The service will launch in 2027, replacing the individual schemes run by the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force.

Further announcements will be made in due course, in line with the future Strategic Defence Review.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_70
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_70

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2025 to Question 39113 on Armed Forces: Equality, when he took the decision to (a) pause and (b) cancel the review into armed forces equality, diversity and inclusion. \p Al Carns: Following the announcement of the General Election on 22 May 2024, a decision was taken to pause work on the Secretary of State’s review of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy. On 4 September 2024 direction was given that the Review would not be staffed to Ministers as it was commissioned by the previous Government and did not align with the new Government’s priorities for the Department.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_71
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_71

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the total number of hours was by which the 48 hours target for call outs for urgent repairs for standard family accommodation was exceeded in the week commencing 5 May 2025. \p Maria Eagle: The average resolution time for urgent repairs to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for week commencing 5 May 2025, will not be available until mid-June 2025.

Information on the total number of hours by which the 48-hour target for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_72
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_72

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to take steps to increase the uptake of UK companies applying to join the AUKUS Authorised User Community. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is always seeking opportunities to encourage membership of the Authorised User Community (AUC) and has actively engaged in a wide range of outreach activities with industry. These outreach activities have included participating in webinars and in person workshops through the trade association ADS Group and related trade associations in the US and Australia, to increase awareness, as well as attending various export control events. These activities have been undertaken by the UK both individually and in collaboration with Australian and US counterparts, with multiple in person tri-partite briefings being held in each of the three countries.

The most recent event supported by the MOD was a Webinar arranged by ADS Group entitled 'Update and Discussions on the Authorised User Community under AUKUS' at which over 250 companies registered to attend. The MOD will also be attending major trade shows such as DSEi, where this year there is an AUKUS pavilion.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_73
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_73

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the total number of hours was by which the 48 hours target for call outs for urgent repairs for standard family accommodation was exceeded in each month since January 2024. \p Maria Eagle: The Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation Contracts stipulate that the average time to undertake an urgent repair should be within 48 hours. Both Amey and VIVO are delivering against this performance measure. This allows for more complex works (e.g those requiring scaffolding) to be undertaken safely and to an agreed quality standard.

During financial year 2024-25, 85% of urgent repairs across the UK were carried out within an average of 48 hours.

The total number of urgent repairs for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and those that exceeded 48 hours can be found in the table below:

Month

Total number of urgent repairs for SFA

Amey - average resolution times to urgent repairs

VIVO - average resolution times to urgent repairs

January 2024

5,921

43

34.9

February 2024

4,330

32

38

March 2024

4,022

37

36

April 2024

4,161

41.85

35.1

May 2024

3,300

40.9

34.5

June 2024

2,802

34.75

33.5

July 2024

3,387

36.8

39.3

August 2024

3,357

37.5

42.9

September 2024

3,791

39.1

37.4

October 2024

3,881

41.3

40.6

November 2024

4,828

32.3

44.3

December 2024

4,198

33.1

39.2

January 2025

5,546

42.2

39.3

February 2025

3,785

29.7

42.22

March 2025

3,696

35.6

40.9

April 2025

3,253

Data not held

Data not held

The average resolution times for urgent repairs for April is not held and will not be available until end of May 2025.

Information on the total number of hours by which the 48 hour resolution time for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_74
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_74

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 46202 on Firearms, for what reason the L7A2 general purpose machine gun is being withdrawn from service in 2035. \p Maria Eagle: On current plans, the Out of Service Date (OSD) for the L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun (GMPG) is 2035. An OSD enables future planning, however, it is ultimately a guideline which can be subject to change. The British Army continually assesses its current capabilities to ensure that it is appropriately equipped to face any adversary. The L7A2 GMPG is currently considered to be a world leading weapon and if it remains an effective and required capability at the time of the planned OSD, it is possible that the OSD will be extended.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_75
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_75

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release of 5 May 2025 entitled Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network, how many regional field officers will be deployed. \p Al Carns: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 12 May to Questions 50185, 50186, 50187, 50189, 50190, and 50191 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge), and Question 50424 to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr Jopp).

Veterans: Government Assistance (docx, 16.2KB)
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_76
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_76

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of Health and Social Care on introducing regular health screening programmes for military personnel involved in handling explosive ordnance. \p Al Carns: As the hon. Member will know from my recent answer to Question 47566, Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials reviewed with interest the recent British Journal of Urology International research letter on a potentially increased risk of bladder cancer in military personnel exposed to explosive ordnance. This is a complex scientific area, and the MOD has referred this matter to the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) for their independent medical advice. The possible link between exposure to explosives and an increased risk of bladder cancer among military personnel will be discussed by the IMEG at their June 2025 meeting and their advice will inform decisions on next steps.

I can confirm that no discussions have taken place with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. I am advised there is currently a lack of medical evidence to support screening this population for bladder cancer.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_77
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_77

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what provisions his Department makes for serving personnel who are Parish Councillors in order to retain their Parish Council seat in the event that they are deployed for a period greater than six months. \p Al Carns: Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 lays out the rules for extended absences greater than six months.

It gives provision for individuals to seek approval for absences greater than six months, which would allow them to retain their seat. Under the Armed Forces Covenant we would expect that deployment is given appropriate regard by the authority when making this decision.

When employed within the Armed Forces in connection with war or any emergency, Section 85 entitles the member to relief from the six-month rule, if the failure to attend is due to that employment.

The exact wording can be found at the following link: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1972/70/section/85.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_78
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_78

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 46157 on Army Cadet Force: Training, when that review will take place. \p Al Carns: We are reviewing how we can increase both the size and the offer of the Cadet Forces and have been engaging widely to consider how best to deliver these aims. We want more young people to be able to become Cadets given the fantastic benefits which can be gained from the Cadet experience, and we are looking to significantly grow Cadet numbers.

This work is closely aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the resource requirements of any expansion will, of course, be evaluated against other priorities. It is worth emphasising, however, that our investment in Cadets represents excellent value for money. If the life outcomes of just 1% of Cadets change each year so that they are in education, training, or employment, the total annual cost of the Cadets is fully covered.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_79
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_79

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network, published on 5 May 2025, whether Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees will be involved in VALOUR-recognised support centres. \p Al Carns: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 12 May 2025 to Questions 50185, 50186, 50187, 50189, 50190, 50191 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge) and Question 50424 to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr Jopp).

Veterans: Government Assistance (docx, 16.2KB)
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_80
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_80

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints have been made by (a) service personnel and (b) families about Pinnacle’s housing provision since the start of their contract. \p Al Carns: Since April 2022 (the In-Service Date of the Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation contracts) 2,598 (approximately 9%) of all complaints received have been about Pinnacle.

Pinnacle provide housing services for Service families, therefore no other complaint data relating to them is held.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_81
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_81

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the ordered H-47(ER) helicopters to be delivered. \p Maria Eagle: Construction of the first two Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) aircraft has commenced in Philadelphia, with the first aircraft due to be delivered in 2027.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_82
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_82

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the MoD to source replacement Challenger 2 tanks. \p Maria Eagle: There are no current plans to source replacement Challenger 2 tanks. Through the Armour Main Battle Tank (Armour MBT) programme, the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank will upgrade and replace 148 Challenger 2 platforms from 2027.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_83
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_83

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of how much of his Department's budget will be spent on installing electric vehicle chargers on MoD sites in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26. \p Maria Eagle: Information on the amount spent on installing electric vehicle chargers on Ministry of Defence sites is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_84
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_84

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the EU's Security Action for Europe procurement programme of the effectiveness of the UK’s defence procurement; and what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 programme. \p Maria Eagle: This is a critical moment for the security of Europe. We welcome European efforts to increase defence spending, through the ReArm initiative and proposed Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism. This must be a whole-of-Europe effort, in alignment with NATO, which remains the cornerstone of European security.

We share many of the same priorities to those identified by our European allies and continue to work with the European Union to ensure defence industrial initiatives maximise our offer of support to Ukraine. It is in our shared interest for SAFE to allow EU Member States to partner with the UK, recognising the vital role the UK’s defence industry plays for European security.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_85
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_85

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with the National Shipbuilding Office on the procurement of strategic sealift capacity for operational use after the expiry of the current contract with Foreland Shipping Limited in December 2031. \p Maria Eagle: No decisions have been made on Strategic Sealift. The project team are developing the strategic outline case, and the National Shipbuilding Office is engaged with the relevant parties in this process.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_86
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_86

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much and what proportion of the UK Hydrographic Office's annual budget was spent on chartering commercial ships in each of the last 10 years. \p Al Carns: Year

Cost (£)

Proportion of UK Hydographic Office budget spent on chartering commercial ships (%)

2015-16

25717

0.04

2016-17

34839

0.05

2017-18

44117

0.08

2018-19

0

0

2019-20

0

0

2021-22

0

0

2022-23

52104

0.07

2023-24

0

0

2024-25

0

0
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_87
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_87

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many merchant seafarers were employed on vessels chartered by the UK Hydrographic Office in each year since 2015-16. \p Al Carns: Year

Merchant seafarers employed on vessels chartered by the UK Hydrographic Office

2015-16

1 for 66 days

2016-17

0

2017-18

1 for 20 days

2018-19

0

2019-20

0

2021-22

0

2022-23

2 for 28 days

2023/24

0

2024-25

0
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_88
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_88

Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many private homes adaptation   were (a) completed on schedule and (b) were completed behind schedule by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation in 2024; and how many of those projects are still incomplete. \p Al Carns: In 2024 the Defence Infrastructure Organisation completed three private home adaptation projects, all of which were completed on schedule.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_89
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_89

James McMurdock:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure cash remains protected in (a) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and (b) other areas where it is used above the national average. \p Emma Reynolds: The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Its rules require the UK’s largest banks and building societies to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. Assessments are undertaken by LINK, the industry designated coordinating body responsible for conducting cash access assessments. LINK take into account a number of factors including those unique to each location, such as the size and vulnerability of the population and whether to is reasonable for people to travel to nearby facilities, factoring in geographic barriers such as hills, rivers and major roads.

The Government is also committed to ensuring appropriate banking services are in place to support communities across the country. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. These hubs will provide small businesses and individuals with critical cash and in-person banking services. Over 200 banking hubs have been recommended to date and over 150 are already open.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_90
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_90

James Naish:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of increasing the use of open banking on levels of financial inclusion. \p Emma Reynolds: The UK has been a world leader in Open Banking since 2018. Open Banking providers offer innovative services using customer data, and can help with improving financial inclusion, such as by allowing customers to gain better oversight of their finances, or by improving access to credit.

The Government is committed to maintaining the UK’s leadership in this area. This is why the government set out in the National Payments Vision, published in November, that Open Banking must transition to a sustainable long-term regulatory framework. The government is committed to delivering this framework and intends to use incoming smart data powers in the Data (Use and Access) Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, to do so.

The Government is working to ensure that individuals have access to the appropriate financial products and services they need. This is why I have committed to publish a Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year, which will examine the barriers consumers face and solutions to address them.

On the 90-day Open Banking consumer consent period - this is a matter for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is independent from Government. The FCA will respond to the Honourable Member by letter, and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House of Commons.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_91
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_91

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential (a) merits and (b) impact on the economy of using unclaimed digital assets to establish a bitcoin reserve fund. \p Emma Reynolds: HM Treasury currently has no plans to establish a bitcoin reserve fund.

The UK’s official reserves comprise foreign currency assets (cash, bonds and notes), gold assets and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Rights (SDR), which are held in the Exchange Equalisation Account (EEA).

Bitcoin and other cryptoassets have been historically volatile relative to stable fiat currencies like the US dollar and commodities, such as gold. This volatility makes Bitcoin less suitable as a reserve asset for the UK.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_92
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_92

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the potential saving to the Exchequer of moving to a two-tier system for reserve renumeration. \p Emma Reynolds: The Chancellor regularly meets with the Governor of the Bank of England to discuss matters relating to economy and the Bank’s progress towards meeting its price stability targets.

The government continues to support the Bank’s independence to carry out its statutory responsibilities for monetary policy and financial stability, and there are no plans to change the way reserves are remunerated at the Bank of England. The government is providing the stability required for the MPC to bring interest rates down, by managing the public finances responsibly.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_93
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_93

Nick Timothy:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total value of shipments worth less than £135 to the UK was in each year since 2015, by country of origin. \p James Murray: Goods valued at £135 or less imported into the UK are not subject to customs duty and are predominantly imported through a simplified customs declaration.

HMRC can only provide the overall value of shipments containing goods under £135, as data on country of origin is not collected as part of the simplified customs declaration - in other words, the importer is not asked the specific country where the goods were manufactured or wholly obtained.

It was not mandatory to provide the total aggregate value as part of the simplified customs declaration until 2023. In 2024, £5.8bn worth of goods under £135 were declared through the Customs Declarations System (CDS).

On April 23rd the Government announced a review of the customs treatment of Low Value Imports valued below £135. We intend to engage a broad range of stakeholders over the Spring to further understand their views and gather evidence, including on the volume and nature of low value imports, to support our analysis.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_94
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_94

Luke Murphy:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to support consumers who have experienced potential (a) mis-selling and (b) fraud on fractional timeshare finance products. \p Emma Reynolds: The government takes the issue of fraud very seriously and is dedicated to protecting the public from this devastating crime. Tackling fraud requires a unified and coordinated response from government, regulators, law enforcement and the private sector to better protect the public and businesses from fraud.

The legislation surrounding the sale of timeshares and credit agreements relating to timeshares provide routes of redress where consumers have been misled.

Firstly, it is an offence under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 for traders to engage in unfair commercial practices which mislead consumers, and it is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to two years. The Act will also afford rights of redress for consumers.

Regarding the timeshare market specifically, the Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Regulations 2010 provide protections for consumers buying and selling timeshares and other long-term “holiday club” memberships, including provision for consumers to withdraw from their contract.

Consumers are protected from fraud in consumer law. Consumers that believe they have been fraudulently sold timeshare products should raise their concerns with the relevant enforcement authorities.

In cases where a consumer took out a regulated financial product to purchase a timeshare, they may have recourse to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if that product was mis-sold.

When complaints are made to the FOS, these should be dealt with in a timely manner. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Handbook, which sets out the rules on how the FOS should handle complaints, states that ‘the ombudsman will attempt to resolve complaints at the earliest possible stage’.  Ensuring timely outcomes is one of the FOS’s main priorities for 2025-26 and it has set itself a target to resolve 85 per cent of cases received in the year within 6 months.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_95
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_95

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the number of people who will be exempt from National Insurance contributions under the UK-India trade agreement. \p James Murray: The OBR will certify the impact of the trade deal including the Double Contributions Convention in the usual way at a fiscal event, once the deal is finalised and ratified. The agreement to negotiate a Double Contributions Convention was made in the context of the wider deal, which will bring billions into the economy.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_96
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_96

Nick Timothy:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what information her Department holds on the proportion of imports from China that were worth less than £135 in each year since 2015. \p James Murray: Goods valued at £135 or less imported into the UK are not subject to customs duty and are predominantly imported through a simplified customs declaration.

As part of this simplified declaration multiple goods can be bulk declared without providing the total number of consignments or country of origin - in other words, the importer is not asked the specific country where the goods were manufactured or wholly obtained. HMRC therefore does not routinely collect customs data on the proportion of imports from China that are worth less than £135.

On April 23rd the Government announced a review of the customs treatment of Low Value Imports valued below £135. We intend to engage a broad range of stakeholders over the Spring to further understand their views and gather evidence, including on the volume and nature of low value imports, to support our analysis.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_97
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_97

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to UK-India trade deal, if she will make an estimate of the potential cost to the public purse of the exemption for Indian people working in the UK from National Insurance contributions for three years. \p James Murray: The OBR will certify the impact of the trade deal including the Double Contributions Convention in the usual way at a fiscal event, once the deal is finalised and ratified. The agreement to negotiate a Double Contributions Convention was made in the context of the wider deal, which will bring billions into the economy.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_98
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_98

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of increasing the Income Tax threshold for pensioners. \p James Murray: The Personal Allowance - the amount an individual can earn before paying tax - will continue to exceed the basic and full new State Pension this tax year. This means pensioners whose sole income is the full new State Pension or basic State Pension without any increments will not pay any income tax.

The previous Government made the decision to freeze the income tax Personal Allowance at its current level of £12,570 until April 2028. This Government is committed to keeping people’s taxes as low as possible while ensuring fiscal responsibility and so, at our first Budget, we decided not to extend the freeze on personal tax thresholds.
wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_99
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-13 conversation_99

Mark Garnier:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the Prudential Regulation Authority on the potential merits of changes to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme deposit protection limit. \p Emma Reynolds: Eligible deposits held by UK banks, building societies and credit unions that are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to £85,000. The PRA sets this limit and is required to independently review the limit every five years.

On 31 March, the PRA launched a consultation on the outcome of its most recent review and proposed an inflation-based increase in this limit to £110,000. Any changes to the limit must be approved by the Treasury and the Government would carefully consider any changes proposed by the PRA following the conclusion of this consultation.