theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate her Department has made of the number of early years providers in England that may increase their capacity through the use of free flow outdoor space under the proposed changes to the early years foundation stage statutory framework. \p Stephen Morgan: The expansion of funded childcare is continuing to support families. The department is exploring new ways to help providers offer more high-quality childcare places for working families, which includes access to outdoor space. Therefore, the department has launched a consultation on whether to introduce flexibility into the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework that will allow free-flow outdoor space to be included in the indoor space requirements, with a possible cap on the number of additional places that can be offered. The consultation can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/space-requirements-in-early-years-childcare-settings-in-england. The EYFS framework can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2.

The department’s ‘Pulse surveys of childcare and early years providers’, which were published April 2024, found strong support for these proposals with the majority of providers, with 70 per cent (7 in 10), saying they would be likely to use these flexibilities. The survey results can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pulse-surveys-of-childcare-and-early-years-providers. The results of the consultation, and the department’s response, are expected to be published in autumn 2025.
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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what criteria was used to assess the eligibility of schools for the Schools Rebuilding Progamme; and how many schools in Wilshire have been included since 2020. . \p Stephen Morgan: Schools have been prioritised because they met one or more of the following criteria:

More information about how the department prioritised schools can be found in the published methodology notes, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-rebuilding-programme-schools-in-the-programme.

The number of schools in Wiltshire that have been included in the School Rebuilding Programme is 3.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to increase the levels of (a) recruitment and (b) retention within the teaching profession. \p Catherine McKinnell: High-quality teaching is the in-school factor that has the biggest positive impact on a child’s outcomes. Recruiting and retaining more qualified, expert teachers is critical to the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and boost the life chances for every child. This is why the department is committed to recruiting an additional 6,500 new teachers across secondary and special schools and in our colleges over the course of this Parliament.

Over 2,000 more people are training to become secondary school teachers this year. Recruitment is on track to improve even further for the cohort set to start training in 2025/26, with 1,070 more acceptances to postgraduate and teacher degree apprenticeship initial teacher training courses in secondary subjects by the end of April 2025, compared to the same time last year. Additionally, over 2,500 more teachers are expected to stay in the profession over the next three years.

This government has already accepted in full the School Teachers’ Review Body’s recommendation of a 5.5% pay award for teachers and leaders in maintained schools and ensured that this is fully funded. We are also incentivising recruitment with an increased £233 million investment in training bursaries, worth £29,000 tax-free, and scholarships worth £31,000 tax-free, for trainees in key subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing

The department is boosting opportunities to train to teach by streamlining postgraduate teaching apprenticeship courses from twelve months to nine, starting from August this year, to help get newly trained teachers into classrooms sooner.

A successful recruitment strategy starts with a strong retention strategy, and we can only do this by ensuring teaching is an attractive profession for all. For 2024/25 and 2025/26, the department is offering a targeted retention incentive worth up to £6,000 after tax for mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing teachers in the first five years of their careers who choose to work in disadvantaged schools.

Alongside the resources we have made available to teachers to support their wellbeing, we are also promoting flexible working policies including allowing teachers to undertake planning, preparation and assessment from home. We are working closely with the sector, as part of Improving Education Together, to identify further key actions to improve teacher workload and wellbeing and ensure those joining the profession can stay and thrive.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to protect children with allergies in schools. \p Catherine McKinnell: Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 places a duty on maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units to make arrangements for supporting pupils with medical conditions. The accompanying statutory guidance makes clear to schools what is expected of them in taking reasonable steps to fulfil their legal obligations and to meet the individual needs of pupils with medical conditions, including allergies.
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of pay for school support staff. \p Catherine McKinnell: School support staff play a vital role in children’s education and the smooth running of schools.

Most school support staff are currently employed on National Joint Council (NJC) for local government services pay and conditions. The NJC is a negotiating body made up of representatives from trade unions and local government employers. Employees covered by the NJC for local government services pay and conditions have been offered a pay increase of 3.2% from 1 April 2025, which is subject to agreement by the recognised NJC unions.

This government values and recognises the professionalism of the entire school workforce. That is why we are establishing the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, which will mean that in future years employers and employee representatives come together to negotiate terms and conditions and pay structures for school support staff.
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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions her Department has had with Surrey County Council on providing clear guidance for feeder school arrangements for secondary schools in the Surrey Heath constituency. \p Catherine McKinnell: Admission arrangements are set and applied locally. Provided they are lawful and comply with the school admissions code, it is for the school’s admission authority to decide what admissions criteria to set, and how they are applied. The admission authority for a community or voluntary controlled school is the local authority. For a foundation or voluntary aided school, it is the governing body, and for academy schools including free schools, it is the academy trust.

The code enables admission authorities to give priority to children attending named feeder schools, but are prohibited from naming fee-paying independent schools as feeder schools. The selection of a feeder school or schools as an oversubscription criterion must be transparent and made on reasonable grounds.

Once a school’s admission arrangements have been determined, anyone who believes they are unfair or unlawful may submit an objection to the Schools Adjudicator. Where the Adjudicator finds that a school’s admission arrangements are unlawful, they must revise their admission arrangements to give effect to the Adjudicator’s decision, which is binding and enforceable by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education.
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Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what estimate he has made of the potential impact of the implementation of the (a) Northern Ireland Protocol and (b) Windsor Framework on the number of businesses based in Great Britain that have ceased trading with Northern Ireland. \p Hilary Benn: The Government is committed to the Windsor Framework and to protecting the UK internal market. The Framework guarantees unfettered access for Northern Ireland’s businesses to the UK market and also supports traders to do business. Many are taking advantage of the support provided by the Trader Support Service.

On 1 May 2025, the Government introduced important new arrangements for freight and parcels movements to ensure that goods can continue to move smoothly from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. The new arrangements ensure that goods sent to or from consumers will not be subject to customs declarations or duty. We have also introduced a range of schemes to support businesses by removing unnecessary checks and paperwork; over 10,000 businesses are already signed up to the UK Internal Market Scheme.

Furthermore, the Government’s renewed partnership with the EU will deliver a broader range of benefits for people and businesses across the UK, including the SPS Agreement which, once implemented, will facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, reduce costs for businesses and improve consumer choice.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery on delivering truth and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. \p Hilary Benn: A growing number of families are taking cases to ICRIR, and the Government has confidence in its ability to start delivering investigations, accountability, and information for them.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal recognised ICRIR’s powers to access information and its independence from government. However, the confidence of families in its work is paramount.

That is why the Government has already begun the process of repealing and replacing the previous Government's Legacy Act and is committed to fundamentally reforming the ICRIR to further strengthen its powers and independence.

The Government will continue to work with all parties in a spirit of openness as we seek a resolution to legacy that can see us move forward together.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. \p Hilary Benn: A growing number of families are taking cases to ICRIR, and the Government has confidence in its ability to start delivering investigations, accountability, and information for them.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal recognised ICRIR’s powers to access information and its independence from government. However, the confidence of families in its work is paramount.

That is why the Government has already begun the process of repealing and replacing the previous Government's Legacy Act and is committed to fundamentally reforming the ICRIR to further strengthen its powers and independence.

The Government will continue to work with all parties in a spirit of openness as we seek a resolution to legacy that can see us move forward together.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of public support for the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery in Northern Ireland. \p Hilary Benn: There are encouraging signs of increasing engagement with ICRIR. By the end of March 2025, 154 individuals have come forward with 50 live investigations currently underway. The Government has confidence in its ability to deliver investigations, accountability, and information for families. These figures illustrate a growing willingness to engage with ICRIR, but it is clear that confidence in ICRIR will be determined by the outcomes provided for victims and survivors.

However, as part of its commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Government has committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to fundamentally reform and strengthen the independent Commission to ensure it is fully human rights compliant and can command public confidence.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on the appointment of a Victims Commissioner in Northern Ireland. \p Hilary Benn: The appointment of a Commissioner for Victims and Survivors is a devolved matter for Ministers in the Executive Office and is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Office has been kept aware of progress in this matter by the Commission for Victims and Survivors as part of ongoing engagement on legacy related matters.

I hope the process of appointing a new Commissioner will conclude soon, allowing the successful candidate to take up this important role representing victims and survivors.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he expects a Victims Commissioner to be appointed in Northern Ireland. \p Hilary Benn: The role of Victims Commissioner is a public appointment made by Ministers in the Executive Office under the guidance of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland. I understand that the First Minister and deputy First Minister have met candidates deemed suitable for appointment by the independent selection panel. I hope the process of appointing a new Commissioner will conclude soon, allowing the successful candidate to take up this important role representing victims and survivors.
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Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has had discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on increasing the rate of construction of social housing. \p Hilary Benn: Construction of Social Housing is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Department of Communities.

The UK Government has provided the Executive with a record £18.2bn for 2025-26. This includes an additional £1.5bn for 2025/26 and represents the largest settlement in the history of devolution. It is for the Executive to allocate money to the Department of Communities for social housing construction.

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and I have met with the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA, to discuss a range of issues, including social housing.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether a government representative will visit Northern Ireland for the Orange Order parades on 12 July 2025. \p Hilary Benn: For security reasons we do not share details of Northern Ireland Office Ministers’ itineraries in advance.
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Robin Swann:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 14 May 2025 to Question 51251 on Domestic Visits: Northern Ireland, on how many of those visits the hon. Member for that constituency received prior notification. \p Hilary Benn: The Honourable Gentleman will be aware it is a requirement to notify Members of Parliament before a visit to their constituency. For the recent occasion when he was not notified, I have apologised to him.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many of the 18 parliamentary constituencies in Northern Ireland has he visited since his appointment. \p Hilary Benn: I have visited 16 parliamentary constituencies across Northern Ireland since my appointment.
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Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, which Ulster-Scots groups he has met; when those meetings took place; which Ulster-Scots groups he has visited; and when he visited them. \p Hilary Benn: Since my appointment, I have met with a range of language groups in Northern Ireland, including the Ulster-Scots Agency.
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Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, which Irish language groups he has met; when those meetings took place; which Irish language centres he has visited; and when he visited them. \p Hilary Benn: Since my appointment, I have met with a number of Irish language groups in Northern Ireland, including Foras na Gaeilge.
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Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the UK-EU reset deal on businesses in Northern Ireland. \p Hilary Benn: The Government's new strategic partnership with the EU will deliver greater prosperity and security for Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole. In particular, the new SPS Agreement with the EU will facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, protecting the UK’s internal market, reducing costs for businesses and improving consumer choice.

The Summit also marked the establishment of a new security and defence partnership that will help us work together with the EU on threats to national security and will support our defence industry, which has more than 9,000 aerospace, defence, space, and security jobs in Northern Ireland. In addition, we announced a closer law enforcement relationship with the EU that will help prevent crime and bring perpetrators to justice.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will hold discussions with InterTrade UK on the potential impact of the trade agreement with the EU on internal trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. \p Hilary Benn: The Government's new strategic partnership with the EU will deliver greater prosperity and security for Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole. In particular, the new SPS Agreement with the EU will facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, protecting the UK’s internal market, reducing costs for businesses and improving consumer choice.

Intertrade UK is focused on promoting all internal UK trade including work to support businesses across the UK realise the full benefits of the new SPS Agreement.
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Sir Julian Lewis:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Prime Minister plans to respond to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament on its Iran Report, sent to him on 27 March 2025. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The government will respond to the ISC regarding publication of its report on Iran in due course.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to increase the level of (a) staffing and (b) other support to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: We are engaging constructively with the Intelligence and Security Committee and will continue to do so over the coming months.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister has scheduled a meeting with the Intelligence and Security Committee. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Prime Minister has written to the Intelligence and Security Committee inviting members to a meeting at 10 Downing Street. Cabinet Office officials are working with the Office of the Intelligence and Security Committee to arrange a suitable date.
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Edward Argar:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Prime Minister's oral contribution of 25 February 2025, Official Report, col. 631, (a) on what date the inquiry commenced, (b) on what date it concluded and (c) when its findings will be made public. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The investigation remains ongoing. I am unable to comment further on the progress or specifics of an ongoing investigation.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 10 October 2024 to Question 5278 on Cabinet Office: Departmental responsibilities, whether he plans any further changes. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: Any such changes would be announced in the normal way.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to paragraph 13 of the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit: Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, what estimate he has made of the annual number of EU visitors there would be under a youth experience scheme; whether he plans to negotiate a cap; and whether the scheme would provide a full right to work in the UK. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: We have agreed that we will work towards the establishment of a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU. We have agreed that any scheme will be time-limited and capped, and we have also been clear that it should be in line with the UK’s existing schemes with countries like Australia and New Zealand. The exact parameters will be subject to negotiation.
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Tracy Gilbert:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has undertaken preparatory work on a potential youth mobility scheme with the EU. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: We have agreed that we will work towards the establishment of a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU. We have agreed that any scheme will be time-limited and capped, and we have also been clear that it should be in line with the UK’s existing schemes with countries like Australia and New Zealand. The exact parameters will be subject to negotiation.
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many notifications under the National Security and Investment Act 2021 involving foreign acquirers have been (a) received and (b) cleared unconditionally in each month since the Act came into force. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Government publishes an annual report with details of activities under the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act each financial year. This includes the number of notifications received by month, number of final notifications (acquisitions which are called in for detailed review and then cleared), and notifications received by origin of investment. Annual reports can be viewed on GOV.UK.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has issued guidance to Ministers on whether they can undertake a personal holiday following an official visit to a foreign country. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The standards of conduct expected of ministers are set out in the Ministerial Code.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government has amended its risk assessment criteria for foreign-state linked acquisition companies under the National Security and Investment Act since 5 July 2024. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: Transparency is a crucial part of the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021, whilst also balancing commercial and national security considerations.

Information related to publication of final orders is available on GOV.UK. The government also publishes annual reports to provide information about the transactions that it has been notified about and those it subsequently called in for a national security assessment.

Extensive guidance is available on GOV.UK to help those interested understand how they may be affected by the Act, including the NSI Section 3 Statement, which sets out how the government expects to exercise its call-in power under the NSI regime.

Decisions made under the Act may be subject to judicial review.

By providing businesses and investors with legally defined timelines and processes for decisions on acquisitions, the Act seeks to protect the UK’s national security whilst giving businesses the certainty they need to invest and help to grow the economy.

We keep the NSI Act under regular review to ensure it is working effectively.
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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many full-time equivalent UK Government civil servants main place of employment is (a) Queen Elizabeth House Edinburgh and (b) elsewhere in Scotland. \p Georgia Gould: The number of civil servants on a full-time equivalent basis reported as in post as at 31 March 2024 and based in Queen Elizabeth House is 2,760.

The number of civil servants based in Scotland on a full-time equivalent basis as at 31 March 2024 is 51,830. This information is published annually as part of Civil Service Statistics 2025 and available through the Civil Service data browser at the following web address:

https://civil-service-statistics.jdac.service.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the records of the (a) Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals, (b) Royal Visits Committee and (c) Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures are reviewed for permanent preservation under section 3 of the Public Records Act 1958; and whether their transfer to the National Archives is governed by an Operational Selection Policy agreed with the Keeper of Public Records in each case. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Cabinet Office's Records Selection policy, which has been agreed with The National Archives, has been published on the Cabinet Office website. (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/679108aeb1e4f5cbd3a34dfd/Cabinet_Office_Records_Selection_Policy.pdf)

This sets out the criteria for selecting Cabinet Office records for permanent preservation.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to reduce waste in government departments. \p Georgia Gould: As part of the second phase of the spending review Departments have been set a stretching 5% productivity, efficiency and savings target. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has also asked each department to carry out a line-by-line review of existing day-to-day budgets to identify where spending is no longer aligned with this government’s priorities or is poor value for money.

The Government has undertaken several specific measures to drive efficiency and reduce waste and bureaucracy across Whitehall, as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. The Cabinet Office has instructed departments to:

freeze Government Procurement Cards, with a tough new application process to cut the numbers in circulation;

justify every Arm’s Length Body, otherwise they are to be closed, merged, or delivered by departments to reduce duplication, drive efficiency, and ensure democratic accountability for policy decisions that affect the British public; and

Officials are required to hold training and team-building exercises and ‘away days’ in government buildings that are available for free, instead of hiring external venues. All departments have been asked to review their policies on procuring corporate-branded and non-essential merchandise, with a view to restricting future purchases.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information her Department holds on the proportion of jobseekers from overseas with limited English language skills that remain unemployed 12 months after their arrival in the UK. \p Georgia Gould: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 13th May is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 93.7KB)
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question HL6032 on Arms Length Bodies, for what reason the Answer refers to 26 proposed public bodies. \p Georgia Gould: The Cabinet Office works closely with departments that are developing proposals for new arm's-length bodies (ALBs) and the list referenced in the answer on 10 April 2025 is the list of proposals which may end up going through the ALB approval process. Not all proposals will go forward or meet the requirements to successfully be established as an ALB.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether any gender-neutral toilets have been removed from the Government estate since 4 July 2024. \p Georgia Gould: A number of gender-neutral toilets have been repurposed into alternative toilet types within the Government Property Agency’s managed estate since 4 July 2024, in response to feedback from users of those buildings about the provision of single-sex and gender neutral toilets, and to ensure compliance with changes to Building Regulations.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had recent discussions with Heckler & Koch to procure (a) MG5s and( b) HK421s. \p Maria Eagle: The Secretary of State for Defence has not engaged Heckler and Koch on the potential procurement of their MG5 or HK421 machine guns.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to procure any SG-1 Fathom underwater gliders. \p Maria Eagle: The Royal Navy has begun industry engagement to understand how commercial systems could be used to conduct anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic. Any acquisition of these capabilities would be subject to outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review, funding and open competition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_238

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled New 2,000 km “deep precision strike” weapon to be developed by UK and Germany as Trinity House Agreement delivers first major milestones, published on 15 May 2025, whether the weapon will require a bespoke launch vehicle. \p Maria Eagle: UK and Germany are considering several concepts and technologies to address emerging threats and have defined a joint range requirement of over 2,000 km. Specific characteristics, in-service dates and launch platforms are to be confirmed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_239

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost is of the Crye Precision uniform programme; and whether a replacement combat uniform programme is planned. \p Maria Eagle: The Royal Navy have spent £15.803 million to date regarding the total procurement of Crye Precision uniforms. A future uniform programme is in development.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_240

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what budget has been allocated to Project Eve; what the (a) current and (b) anticipated future spend are for that project; and what steps he is taking to ensure interoperability with the (i) Army’s and (ii) Royal Navy’s communications systems. \p Maria Eagle: As part of the Commando Force (CF) Programme, £99.78 million has been spent on spiral development and fielding of the EVE digital backbone capability. A further £56 million budget for EVE is approved as future spend, to enable interoperable development and scaling to Littoral Strike Group level by December 2030.

EVE, developed by the Royal Navy, has been a pathfinder in Defence digital innovation. EVE has been fielded by the Army’s Very High Readiness forces, as part of the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems programme. EVE is an integral part of the wider Royal Navy Strike Network design.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_241

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost is of the L129A1 Sharpshooter Rifle programme for the Royal Marines; and whether additional costs have been incurred due to the adoption of the 6.5mm Creedmoor calibre. \p Maria Eagle: The L129A1 is provided to the Royal Marines from the Army, via Defence Equipment and Support, as part of the Lead Command Model. The total cost to Defence was £1.5 million. Additional costs have been incurred for Creedmoor as the transition to this calibre has not commenced yet.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_242

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many defence contracts his Department has awarded since 5 July 2024; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the time taken for procurement on the defence industrial base. \p Maria Eagle: Based on contracts created in the Ministry of Defence Commercial Contracting system there have been 1986 contracts created with a start date more recent than 5 July 2024.

It is widely recognised that there are issues with the Department’s procurement system including that it is inefficient and creates uncertainty and barriers to entry for industry especially SMEs. The Defence Industrial Strategy will radically reform procurement to tackle these inefficiencies, cut waste, reduce red tape, and deliver maximum value for both our Armed Forces and our economy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_243

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2025 to Question 50261 on Armed Forces: Housing, what is his timetable for making the 3,049 void properties suitable for habitation. \p Luke Pollard: This Government is committed to reviewing the contract between the nation and those who serve. Improving the housing offer is a key part of this work.

The timetable for making these void properties suitable for habitation is being developed as part of the Defence Housing Strategy, which is due to be published later this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_244

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has reviewed the performance of housing maintenance contracts for military service accommodation in Wiltshire. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Infrastructure Organisation continues to drive for improved performance from the Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation Industry Partners in all regions, including Wiltshire.

Performance is monitored on a monthly basis, including oversight at Chief Executive level, to hold Industry Partners to account.

The performance of housing maintenance contracts for Service Family Accommodation in Wiltshire has not been specifically reviewed since it is part of the contract covering the wider South West accommodation region.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_245

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make it his policy to use a proportion of the additional funding for defence to improve (a) accommodation and (b) facilities for (i) service personnel and (ii) their families in Wiltshire. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Housing Strategy, planned for publication later this year, will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of military accommodation. The main objective is to raise the minimum standard of Armed Forces housing across the Ministry of Defence estate, including military housing in Wiltshire.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_246

Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the processes put in place for armed forces personnel to apply for (a) statutory maternity pay and (b) maternity allowance. \p Luke Pollard: The Armed Forces' policy and process for maternity leave and pay, known as the Armed Forces' Occupational Maternity Scheme (AFOMS), is set out in JSP 760, Tri-Service Regulations for Leave and Other Types of Absence.

Chapter 24 of JSP 760 sets out entitlement to pay, options on length of leave, and the actions required by pregnant Service women and their commanding officers following confirmation of pregnancy.

JSP 760, along with all related electronic application forms, is reviewed and updated frequently, with the latest version always internally accessible to all Service personnel on DefNet, the Ministry of Defence intranet. The latest review was published on DefNet in February 2025 under JSP 760, version 39.5. All updates and revisions are documented in the JSP's version history and record of amendments included with each publication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_247

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 44144 on Armed Forces: Training, what steps he has taken to help improve the OFSTED rating of the Defence Medical Academy. \p Luke Pollard: Following an OFSTED inspection in December 2023, Defence Medical Academy (DMA) have addressed all areas requiring improvement and continue to do so. The steps taken have included establishing a structured process to develop the curriculum, increased coordination, oversight, and assurance of training placements, a higher level of scrutiny on resource management, a focus on welfare and significant cultural changes to improve both the morale of trainees and training personnel.

The Defence Medical Services (Whittington) Site now meets the Defence Minimum Standards for accommodation and is used as an example of best practice owing to the excellent relationships fostered between the site and contractors.

The Defence Medical Academy is also required to undertake an annual assessment of its performance, this was last completed in October 2024. Given the improvements made across all four Ofsted Key Judgement Areas, the Defence Medical Academy is currently assessed as ‘good’.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_248

Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the value for money of the Defence Fire and Risk Project. \p Luke Pollard: A comprehensive review of the contract was undertaken in autumn 2023 in accordance with Cabinet Office requirements, which found that as a whole, the Defence Fire and Risk Project contract represented satisfactory Value for Money. No further assessment has yet been made by this government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_249

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase the number of apprenticeship starts in his Department. \p Luke Pollard: The Armed Forces are the UK’s largest provider of apprenticeships, with over 23,000 personnel enrolled at any time and more than 95% of non-commissioned recruits offered trade-aligned apprenticeships. On average, 7.5% of personnel start an apprenticeship annually, with over 10% actively participating at any time.

In the 2024 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, all three Services ranked in the top five, contributing 16% of all placements. Apprenticeships range from Level 2 (GCSE) to Level 6 (degree), supporting career-long development and professional development.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) plays a key role in developing new apprenticeship standards through ‘Trailblazer’ groups and collaborates with industry to ensure qualifications are relevant both within Defence and beyond. The MOD also actively promotes apprenticeships through networks like the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and the 5% Club.

The MOD has implemented several strategies to increase the number of apprenticeships starts among its civilian staff, offering a wide range of apprenticeship schemes ranging from GCSE to graduate level, across various professions and standards. Procurement has been brought in-house to collaborate with training providers. This partnership allows for a broader range of apprenticeship programmes in high-demand areas like Engineering, Digital, and Project Management. These schemes aim to attract individuals seeking to kickstart or advance their careers within the MOD.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_250

Peter Lamb:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will have discussions with Meta on removing monkey abuse content from its platforms. \p Feryal Clark: Government ministers and officials regularly discuss online safety matters with stakeholders including online platforms such as Meta.

Under the Online Safety Act’s ‘illegal content duties’, social media platforms including Meta have duties to implement measures to tackle animal abuse content and remove it from their services. Ofcom is the UK’s independent regulator for online safety responsible for regulating services and taking enforcement action as appropriate. It has published recommendations for how providers should fulfil their illegal content duties in codes of practice and documentation. These include specific provisions about animal abuse content. These duties took effect on 17 March.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_251

Anneliese Midgley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions he has had with authors whose work has been used without (a) permission or (b) remuneration to train generative AI models. \p Feryal Clark: The Government has engaged extensively with the creative sector, including through a roundtable meeting held by the Secretary of State in March.

The consultation on copyright and AI, which closed on 25 February, specifically sought views on giving rights holders greater control over uses of their material in AI training and supporting their ability to be remunerated when used.

The Government will continue to engage with the sector, as it carefully analyses the responses received to the consultation.