theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-25 conversation_53

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to legislating to establish a financial cap on compensation payments made by the NHS to patients who make claims arising from treatment or advice received from the NHS. \p Baroness Merron: The rising costs of clinical negligence claims against the National Health Service in England are of great concern to the Government. Costs have more than doubled in the last 10 years and are forecast to continue rising, putting further pressure on NHS finances.

The causes of the overall cost rise are complex and there is no single fix, as costs are likely to be rising because of a range of factors, including higher compensation payments and legal costs, rather than more claims or a decline in patient safety.

We recognise that this is an important issue, and ministers intend to look at all the drivers of cost, how to manage spending on clinical negligence, and the potential merits of reform options.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

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Lord Caine:To ask His Majesty's Government how many policy reviews and consultations the Northern Ireland Office has launched since the General Election on 4 July 2024; what the subject of each review is; what the anticipated timescales are for their completion; and whether any such reviews will be published in full. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: In line with the requirements under Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Northern Ireland Office routinely publishes information on reviews in respect of any new, proposed or revised policies, and public consultations on GOV.UK.

Between 5 July 2024 and 12 March 2025, the Northern Ireland Office launched one public consultation on the use of Non-Jury Trials in Northern Ireland, which closed on 3 March 2025. This policy was also subject to an internal screening assessment of Non-Jury Trial Provisions under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007.

In addition, the department published the findings of a statutory Review of the Operation of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme on 29 August 2024.

On 25 February 2025, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced the government’s intention to jointly, with the Irish Government, appoint an Independent Expert to carry out a scoping and engagement exercise to assess whether there is merit in, and support for, a formal process of engagement to bring about paramilitary group transition to disbandment. The appointment of the Independent Expert will be announced in due course, and it is expected that they will report back within 12 months of their appointment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

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Lord Moylan:To ask His Majesty's Government how many policy reviews and consultations the Department for Transport has launched since the General Election on 4 July 2024; what the subject of each review is; and what the anticipated timescales are for their completion. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Department keeps all of its policies under review, to ensure they are aligned to the Government’s priorities and delivering the best possible outcomes for the public.

It is standard practice for any new administration to review the policies of its predecessors.

Where appropriate, we publish details of our reviews on gov.uk. This includes information on the independent reviews, public consultations and taskforces that have been launched, completed and published between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

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Lord Beith:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to allow rail tickets issued by one operator to be accepted by a different operator on the same route; and whether arrangements to achieve this will be introduced in time for the next East Coast Mainline timetable. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: We are committed to simplifying the over complicated fares and ticketing system. Under our plans to bring train operators into a publicly owned Great British Railways, we will be taking a fresh look at single operator fares, so that we can create a simpler fares and ticketing system for passengers.

On the East Coast Main Line, London North-Eastern Railway (LNER) have ensured that its advance and 70-minute flex tickets are accepted by other relevant train operators, to allow passengers to complete their journeys.

As announced in December by the Department for Transport Operator, LNER, Northern and TransPennine Trains will allow customers to travel on each other’s services at no extra cost during any short-notice and on-the-day disruptions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

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Baroness Finn:To ask His Majesty's Government how many policy reviews and consultations the Cabinet Office has launched since the General Election on 4 July 2024; what the subject of each review is; and what the anticipated timescales are for their completion. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: Following the election, this Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament.

As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer.

Public reviews will be available on gov.uk as they are published.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

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Lord Offord of Garvel:To ask His Majesty's Government how many policy reviews and consultations the Department for Energy and Net Zero has launched since the General Election on 4 July 2024; what the subject of each review is; and what the anticipated timescales are for their completion. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: Following the election, this Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament.

As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer.

Public reviews will be available on gov.uk as they are published.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to review the law around class actions to establish a maximum on damages awarded and legal costs claimable. \p Baroness Levitt: As a general rule, the appropriate damages to be awarded in individual cases are independently determined by the courts on the basis of the relevant law and evidence, once liability has been established. In England and Wales, costs follow the event.

The Government has no plans to establish a cap on damages or costs in collective actions generally.

The Department for Business and Trade recently issued a Call for Evidence on the opt-out collective actions regime in the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

The Civil Justice Council recently concluded a review of litigation funding which is a common form of funding in collective action claims. The Government is reviewing the Council’s report and will make an announcement in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede on 10 April (HL6224), whether they have now started preparing a shadow body of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner. \p Baroness Levitt: The Government has not started preparing a shadow body of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner. The Government remains neutral on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which is still under consideration by Parliament.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to update the Mental Capacity Act 2005 by bringing into force uncommenced sections of (1) the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019, and (2) the Powers of Attorney Act 2023, and on what timescale. \p Baroness Levitt: The Ministry of Justice has overall responsibility for the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005. The Act provides a framework for making decisions on behalf of adults who are unable to do so for themselves.

The Department for Health and Social Care is responsible for the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019. This provides for a new system of safeguards (Liberty Protection Safeguards, or LPS) in care and treatment settings when a person lacks capacity and cannot consent to a deprivation of liberty.

The Government announced on 18 October the intention to consult on LPS. This consultation is planned to take place in 2026.

The Powers of Attorney Act 2023 introduced several provisions to enable modernisation of the Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) system, to increase safeguards in the process and improve access to LPAs. This is a complex project and it is important we take the time to get the new service design right. We will give more information in due course about readiness for testing the modernised service.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Carlile of Berriew:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to adopt as standard in criminal justice settings the Barnahus service approach for achieving best evidence and meeting the physical and mental health needs of children and vulnerable adults in child abuse cases. \p Baroness Levitt: This Government is committed to ensuring that child victims of crime are treated with sensitivity and care throughout the criminal justice process. The Achieving Best Evidence guidance makes clear that interviews do not need take place in police stations and provides practical advice on arranging a suitable interview environment. Registered intermediaries are also available to support effective communication between the child and the police during interviews.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that children and vulnerable adults who are victims of abuse receive the highest standard of care and support. To this end, the Ministry of Justice funds local practical, emotional, and therapeutic support services for victims of all crime types, including child sexual abuse.

The Government continues to explore innovative models of support, including approaches inspired by the Barnahus model, to ensure that children and vulnerable adults in child abuse cases get the support they need.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Moylan:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the legal implications of the Podchasov v Russia European Court of Human Rights judgment; and what assessment they have made of the risk that Ofcom's power to issue Technology Notices under section 121 of the Online Safety Act 2023 could create vulnerabilities exploitable by hostile states. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The impugned legislation in Podchasov v. Russia is not directly comparable to the Online Safety Act, which contains robust protections for privacy and freedom of expression. A memorandum on ECHR compatibility was published during Bill passage.

Section 121 of the Act contains stringent safeguards ensuring that Ofcom’s power to issue Technology Notices, including relating to child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) content communicated privately, can only be used when necessary and proportionate. Ofcom must consider a range of matters, including whether there are less intrusive alternatives, the harm to individuals and the required technology’s ability to achieve the purpose described.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential for robotics and automation to offset the projected reduction in the labour force caused by population aging. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: A report on the economic impact of Robotics and Autonomous Systems commissioned by government in 2021 noted the significant potential for robotics and automation to boost productivity and deliver wider benefits across the economy.

The report, by London Economics, cited 2019 research identifying that countries experiencing a greater degree of demographic aging have higher levels of robotics adoption and that this is a key reason why demographic aging is not correlated with GDP growth in an observable way. It highlighted the opportunities across 7 service sectors, which could boost UK GVA by 2035 by £150bn if potential rates of automation were achieved. It cautioned that at current levels of automation, a more modest £6bn gain would accrue, with the largest gains in logistics.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government how many Taser 10 devices will be deployed to police forces over the next 12 months. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Tasers provide specially trained officers with an important tactical option when facing situations with the potential for violence. The number of Tasers purchased by forces are operational decisions for Chief Officers to determine in line with their assessments of threats and risks.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Moraes:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hanson of Flint on 3 November (HL11143), whether the information regarding citizenship applications for children is obtainable by using a breakdown of applications made under each section of the British Nationality Act 1981 for the last year for which information is available. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Whilst the information is obtainable, it is not currently available from published statistics. The relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Truscott:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the overthrow of President Assad, whether they have plans to return Syrian refugees to Syria. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: When a refugee applies for settlement protection, a safe return review is carried out to determine and confirm that the need for protection is continuing. This applies to nationals of any country, including those from Syria. If there are, for example, significant improvements in country conditions or changes in personal circumstances that mean someone no longer needs protection, they may be expected to return to their country of origin or to apply to stay in the UK under other provisions of the Immigration Rules.

All asylum and human rights claims are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations. No one who is found to be at risk of persecution or serious harm will be expected to return to their country of origin if it is unsafe.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Baroness Helic:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to recent reports about the treatment of Palestinian detainees in places of detention in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, what assessment they have made of Israel's compliance with (1) Articles 2 and 11–16 of the UN Convention Against Torture, (2) Articles 7, 9 and 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and (3) Articles 27 and 32 of the Fourth Geneva Convention; what impact that assessment has on their analysis of the risk of UK-licensed goods being used to commit or facilitate violations of international humanitarian law; and whether they will consider the suspension of extant export licences to Israel, including the Israel Prison Service. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: We are deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment and sexual violence against detainees. We unequivocally condemn sexual violence in Palestine, in Israel, and wherever it occurs in the world. The UK has consistently called for all reports to be fully investigated to ensure justice for victims and survivors. We have repeatedly made private and public representations on the treatment of detainees with our Israeli counterparts. The UK continues to reiterate calls for Israel to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities. We believe it is critical that the ICRC is given regular access to detainees to deliver on their independent visiting role, as enshrined within the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will continue to support the existing credentials of the representatives of the National Unity Government of Myanmar at the United Nations, and what steps they are taking to support the renewal of those credentials. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK supports the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur and welcomes their report on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. As penholder on Myanmar at the UN Security Council, we have convened three meetings so far this year (2025) to maintain international focus and press for accountability. We also co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council resolution on Myanmar in April and coordinated a joint statement in May calling for an end to violence.

The UK continues to engage with a range of opposition stakeholders, including the National Unity Government, Myanmar diaspora, and civil society organisations. Since the coup, the UK has provided over £190 million in humanitarian aid, including education and support for civil society in Myanmar. The UK continues to lead efforts to keep Myanmar on the international agenda and advocate for human rights.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the government of Uganda about an attack on Christians in the Budaka District, and what steps they are taking to protect Christians in that country. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK is committed to championing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, and we recognise the issue of persecution of Christians globally on account of their faith, alongside recognising the persecution of other groups. The Ugandan constitution promotes freedom of religion, guaranteeing that every person has the right to practice any religion, and a wide range of faith groups practice freely in Uganda. Our High Commission in Kampala engages regularly with religious and cultural leaders.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Roberts of Llandudno:To ask His Majesty's Government what support they have provided to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Haiti. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK strongly condemns the violence that continues to undermine efforts to restore democratic rule in Haiti, and the infliction of human rights abuses by gangs on the Haitian people, including rape and sexual violence against women and children. The UK contributes approximately £28 million per annum to development in Haiti via multilateral bodies including through the UN and its agencies. We have supported expansion of the Human Rights Team within the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), with a focus on addressing sexual and gender-based violence. We also funded the creation and implementation of the human rights compliance framework to the Multinational Security Support mission to Haiti and the designation of gang leaders under the UN Sanctions Regime for enabling human rights abuses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Baroness Deech:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court decision in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The Prime Minister and the government have been clear that everyone should follow the For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] Supreme Court judgment.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission - as the independent regulator - has submitted a draft Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations. This will provide guidance to relevant duty bearers on how they should comply with the Equality Act 2010 following the Supreme Court judgment.

The Government is considering the updated draft Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Code will be laid before Parliament for a 40-day period.

In the meantime, we expect service providers to follow the law as clarified by this judgment and seek specialist legal advice where necessary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Baroness Griffin of Princethorpe:To ask His Majesty's Government how they intend to support elected mayors and devolved authorities in tackling climate change in the light of COP 30. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Government’s English Devolution White Paper (attached) sets out Environment and Climate Change as a core area of competence for Strategic Authorities. It commits to strengthening their role in leading Local Nature Recovery Strategies and supporting wider environmental delivery. The White Paper also highlights opportunities for Strategic Authorities to influence energy system planning, act as heat network zoning coordinators, and embed climate adaptation principles in local services.

Alongside this, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill introduces a ‘Right to Request’, enabling Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities to seek additional devolution, including in relation to climate and environmental responsibilities. Departments across government will work with Strategic Authorities to ensure they have the tools they need to tackle climate change.

English Devolution White Paper (pdf, 3909.9KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Moraes:To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking, if any, in response to the British Muslim Trust report, A summer of division: The nationwide surge in anti-Muslim hate, that between July and October 25 mosques were targeted in 27 attacks, with some mosques targeted repeatedly. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The surge in anti-Muslim hatred is deeply alarming. Recent hate crime statistics showed 45% of religious hate crimes targeted Muslims – a record high. This is unacceptable, and we must have zero tolerance of anti-Muslim hatred in any form.

The Government established an independent working group to advise government on a definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia, and how to best understand, quantify and define prejudice, discrimination, and hate crime targeted against Muslims or anyone who is perceived to be Muslim. The group have now provided their advice to Ministers who will rightly take the time to review and consider the advice carefully before confirming next steps in due course.

The British Muslim Trust will receive funding to provide a comprehensive service to monitor anti-Muslim hatred and support victims.

Up to £39.4 million is available for protective security at mosques and Muslim faith schools in 2025/26. This includes additional funding announced by the Prime Minister of £10 million to further strengthen security at mosques and other Muslim community sites.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Hayward:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 3 November (HL11135), which organisations and political parties have been consulted on the election pilots. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Government is exploring ways to make voting in person more efficient, more convenient, and better aligned with the expectations of today’s electors.

Local authorities were invited to submit applications to pilot a range of flexible voting methods at the May 2026 elections in England. We are working with individual local authorities to shape the detail of their flexible voting pilots. We will continue to work with key stakeholders and local authorities throughout development and delivery of the pilots.

We are currently reviewing applications from local authorities wishing to pilot at the May 2026 elections and we will share further details in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of the letter from the Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection to the Deputy Prime Minister on 2 May concerning the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which stated that “In our considered view, the bill would have the effect of reducing the level of environmental protection provided for by existing environmental law”, on what basis they made a statement under section 20(3) rather than subsection (4) of the Environment Act 2021. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill concerning development and nature recovery will not reduce overall levels of environmental protection.

Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) can only be put in place where the Secretary of State is satisfied the delivery of conservation measures are likely to outweigh the negative effects of development.

EDPs and the conservation measures they propose must be evidence-based and properly scrutinised before being put in place. EDPs may include back-up measures that can be deployed if monitoring shows the environmental outcomes are not being achieved.

Natural England will be empowered and given the tools to deliver the conservation measures needed to secure the aims of the EDP.

The government is confident that this more strategic approach to the assessment of negative effects, and delivery of conservation measures, strikes the right balance and will result in better environmental outcomes that go further than simply offsetting harm as required under current legislation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Baroness Monckton of Dallington Forest:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure employers are encouraged to support people with disabilities into employment. \p Baroness Sherlock: Good work is generally good for health and wellbeing, so we want everyone to get work and get on in work, whoever they are and wherever they live. Backed by £240 million investment, the Get Britain Working White Paper launched last November will drive forward approaches to tackling economic inactivity and work toward the long-term ambition of an 80% employment rate.

Disabled people and people with health conditions are a diverse group so access to the right work and health support, in the right place, at the right time, is key. We therefore have a range of specialist initiatives to support individuals to stay in work and get back into work, including those that join up employment and health systems.

Measures include support from Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres and Access to Work grants, as well as joining up health and employment support around the individual through Employment Advisors in NHS Talking Therapies, Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care, WorkWell and NHS Health and Growth Accelerators.

In recognition of employer’s vital role in addressing health-related economic activity, we appointed Sir Charlie Mayfield to lead the Keep Britain Working independent review which led to a report which was published on 5 November. In partnership with DBT and DHSC colleagues we are immediately launching Vanguards to test new employer-led approaches to support individuals to stay in work and develop a Healthy Workplace Standard, putting his key recommendations into action from day one.

Additionally, the DWP and DHSC Joint Work and Health Directorate has developed a digital information service for employers, continues to oversee the Disability Confident Scheme, and continues to increase access to Occupational Health.

In our March Green Paper, we set out our Pathways to Work Guarantee, backed by £1 billion a year of new additional funding by 2030. We will build towards a guaranteed offer of personalised work, health and skills support for all disabled people and those with health conditions on out of work benefits.

The NHS 10 Year Health Plan, published in July, stated our intention to break down barriers to opportunity by delivering the holistic support that people need to access and thrive in employment by ensuring a better health service for everyone, regardless of condition or service area. It outlines how the neighbourhood health service will join up support from across the work, health and skills systems to help address the multiple complex challenges that often stop people finding and staying in work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish minutes of the meetings of the Occupational Health Taskforce chaired by Dame Carol Black. \p Baroness Sherlock: The Occupational Health Taskforce, chaired by Dame Carol Black, was established and last convened under the previous Government. The Taskforce brought together experts from across health, business, and academia to develop a voluntary framework for occupational health provision.

The Taskforce operated as an expert advisory group rather than a formal decision-making body and there are no plans to publish minutes of the Taskforce meetings that took place in 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Baroness Stedman-Scott:To ask His Majesty's Government how has the proportion of AI expenditure within the Department for Work and Pension’s overall IT budget changed since 2018; what assessment they have made of the potential savings and efficiency gains that could be achieved through greater use of AI and modern IT systems; and what steps they are taking to build in-house expertise and identify new opportunities for AI deployment across departmental operations. \p Baroness Sherlock: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) did not allocate direct funding for AI prior to 2023/2024. Direct investment began in 2023/24, representing around 0.4% of the IT budget. In 2024/25, this increased to approximately 2.5% and 2.2% in 2025/26. Whilst the current year (2025/26) shows a reduction in % terms, the £’s investment represents a similar value, demonstrating the Department’s drive to use AI within its digital transformation strategy.

DWP’s Strategy for 2030 sets the direction for how we will transform delivery of our services over the next few years. AI and modern IT systems will play an important role in that strategy.

We collaborate with stakeholders to identify key areas where AI can solve business challenges and add value, co-designing solutions with these stakeholders.

A secure version of Microsoft Copilot Chat is now available to all DWP colleagues. We are providing this capability to enable colleagues to safely explore how AI can contribute to their roles.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lord Sarfraz:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the humanitarian and environmental impacts of plastic waste exports on communities in destination countries, and what action they are taking to mitigate those impacts. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: We have made no assessment of the impacts of plastic waste exports on communities in destination countries. Overseas facilities receiving UK waste must be operated in accordance with human health and environmental protection standards that are broadly equivalent to those established in UK legislation.

We work with the UK regulators to ensure the proper enforcement of our rules and regulations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Earl Russell:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Environment Agency is investigating a large-scale illegal waste crime site in Wigan, as reported by Sky News on 28 October; whether it was on the list of six sites provided to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee; and, if not, why not. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Environment Agency (EA) is undertaking operations in response to an illegal waste site located at Bolton House Road, Wigan. These operations consist of two key components. The first is a complex criminal investigation involving multiple lines of enquiry. The second is a coordinated multi-agency effort, working alongside Wigan Council, Greater Manchester Police, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, to assist in the development of a plan for the removal of the waste—subject to the identification of funding. The EA remains committed to collaborating with partners to safeguard the environment and protect the wellbeing and livelihoods of residents and workers affected by the site. Due to its smaller size and lower volume of waste compared to the site at Hoads Wood, the Bolton House Road site did not meet the criteria for inclusion on the list sent to the Committee.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_24

Lord Truscott:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan for motorbikes to be zero-emission by 2030. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Decarbonising transport is critical to ensuring that the UK meets its net zero commitment by 2050. All road vehicles have a part to play in this, including motorcycles. The Government recognises that transitioning some motorcycles to zero emission equivalents is challenging but welcomes the increasing zero emission sales we have seen in certain segments of the market. We will set out any plans to decarbonise motorcycles in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_25

Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the abolition of NHS England, whether they will continue to provide a budget for specialised commissioning to enact the advice of the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group; and if not, whether there is an alternative route for NHS England to approve proven, cheap treatments. \p Baroness Merron: The Department recognises the important role that NHS England’s clinical policy development process plays in determining routine commissioning decisions on new specialised services, treatments, and interventions, which have not been reviewed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

We are carefully assessing NHS England’s functions as part of the process of merging NHS England with the Department. The outcome of these ongoing assessments will be made at the earliest opportunity, and we remain committed to progressing this reform at pace, subject to legislation and the will of Parliament.

Until such a time that the organisations are formally merged, NHS England continues to full fill its statutory duties.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_26

Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to create a list of critical medicines, and if so, when that list will be published. \p Baroness Merron: The Department has no plans to create or publish a list of critical medicines in the United Kingdom.

Increasing resilience of UK medicines supply chains remains a priority for the Government. As part of work underway to enhance processes for mitigating medicine shortages and to strengthen long-term resilience we have identified medicines which are deemed both clinically critical and have potentially vulnerable supply chains. This is not a static list but a process that is used to target the most impactful resilience activities and is regularly updated to take account of the ever-changing supply situation. This information is used to inform which product areas may require additional resilience measures, and to support our work, such as targeted seasonal supply monitoring.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_27

Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government how many yellow card reports of increased sexual arousal (Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities code 10021679) the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency received each year since 2014, and what medications those reports were tied to. \p Baroness Merron: A total of 52 reports that describe increased sexual arousal suspected to be associated with the use of medicines or vaccines have been received through the Yellow Card scheme. The reports were received between 2014 and 2025 for a wide range of medicinal products which include antidepressants, hormonal medicines, vaccines, antipsychotics, antibiotics, cardiovascular medicines, drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sedatives, drugs used to treat dementia and diabetes, and single reports for drugs used to treat osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, and pain.

The term increased sexual arousal itself is not in the product information for any of the above classes of medicines, however terms such as increased libido and hypersexuality are reflected in product information for medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease. The following table shows a breakdown of all spontaneous Yellow Card Reports the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) received from 1 January 2014 to 4 November 2025, where the MedDRA, a categorisation of medical terminology, Lowest Level Term (LTT) ‘increased sexual arousal’ was reported:

Year

Number of reports

2014

1

2015

1

2016

6

2017

4

2018

1

2019

4

2020

6

2021

14

2022

5

2023

4

2024

1

2025

5

of

52

In addition, the following able shows a breakdown of all spontaneous Yellow Card Reports the MHRA received from 1 January 2014 to 4 November 2025 where the MedDRA LLT ‘increased sexual arousal’ was reported, broken down by substance:

Year

Substance

Number of reports

2014

TRAZODONE

1

2015

CITALOPRAM

1

PROPRANOLOL

1

2016

AMOXYCILLIN

1

ARIPIPRAZOLE

1

CLAVULANIC ACID

1

ETHINYLESTRADIOL

1

FLUPENTHIXOL

1

METRONIDAZOLE

1

NORELGESTROMIN

1

SERTRALINE

2

SOLIFENACIN

1

2017

CITALOPRAM

2

MEMANTINE

1

SERTRALINE

1

2018

SERTRALINE

1

2019

FLUOXETINE

1

LISDEXAMFETAMINE

1

METHYLPHENIDATE

1

SERTRALINE

1

2020

CANDESARTAN

1

DULOXETINE

1

ETHINYLESTRADIOL

1

LEVONORGESTREL

1

LISINOPRIL

1

RISPERIDONE

1

TERIPARATIDE

1

ULIPRISTAL

1

VENLAFAXINE

1

2021

ARIPIPRAZOLE

1

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19

2

CIPROFLOXACIN

1

CITALOPRAM

2

ESTRADIOL

1

FLUCLOXACILLIN

1

OESTRIOL

1

PAROXETINE

1

SERTRALINE

2

TOZINAMERAN

2

TRAZODONE

1

2022

ARIPIPRAZOLE

1

DONEPEZIL

1

ELASOMERAN

1

OESTRIOL

1

TOZINAMERAN

1

2023

DIAZEPAM

1

DOXYCYCLINE

1

LISDEXAMFETAMINE

1

MEMANTINE

1

2024

CLONAZEPAM

1

2025

ARIPIPRAZOLE

1

FLUOXETINE

1

LINAGLIPTIN

1

PRAMIPEXOLE

1

TIRZEPATIDE

1
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_28

Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the planned timeline for widening access to genetic risk assessment and genomic testing for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions; and if so, when. \p Baroness Merron: The 10-Year Health Plan included a commitment to begin implementing Integrated Risk Scores that bring together polygenic risk scores and other non-biological risk factors. NHS England, in partnership with Our Future Health and clinical experts, will carry out a three year service evaluation from 2026/27.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_29

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the provision of mental health services for both adults and children in rural areas. \p Baroness Merron: No national assessment has been made as it is for individual local integrated care boards to decide on the provision of mental health services to meet the needs of adults and children in their rural areas.

Nationally, the Government is committed to creating an environment that promotes good mental health, prevents adults and children from developing mental health problems, and improves the lives of people living with a mental health problem, including those living in rural areas.

The 10-Year Health Plan sets out ambitious plans to transform mental health services to improve access and treatment, and to promote good mental health and wellbeing for the nation. This includes improving assertive outreach, investing in mental health emergency departments and neighbourhood mental health centres, and increasing access to talking therapies and evidence-based digital interventions.

The recently published Medium Term Planning Framework sets targets for integrated care boards to expand coverage of mental health support teams in schools and colleges, expand NHS Talking Therapies and Individual Placement Support schemes, and eliminate inappropriate out-of-area placements by 2029.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-18 conversation_30

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential use of wearable health device data and artificial intelligence to support early detection of heart damage in NHS patients. \p Baroness Merron: The Department recognises the potential of wearable health technologies and artificial intelligence to support the earlier detection and better management of conditions such as heart damage. As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, wearables are one of the “big bets” for the future of the health service, with a vision for these technologies to become a routine part of care by 2035.

A key ambition is for health data, including from wearables, to flow securely and seamlessly through the National Health Service over time. As part of this, by 2028 we aim to make the remote monitoring of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using wearables a standard part of care. Work to integrate wearable data into the NHS App and the single patient record is also underway as part of our broader digital transformation. This supports our broader health mission to shift care from treatment to prevention, from analogue to digital, and from hospital to community settings.

To accelerate progress towards the Government’s ambition to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by 25% within a decade, we will publish a new cardiovascular disease modern service framework in 2026. The Department and NHS England are engaging widely throughout its development to ensure that we prioritise ambitious, evidence-led, and clinically informed approaches to prevention, treatment, and care.

We are evaluating which devices and use cases are most clinically and cost effective, with the early detection of heart damage a key area of interest. This work aligns with the commitment to modernise CVD services through the development of a new framework that will consider the role of innovation, such as wearables and remote monitoring.

As with all emerging technologies, adoption will be guided by evidence, regulation, and robust data governance. We continue to monitor developments and will update our approach as the evidence base evolves.