theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-07)

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Lord Mott:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total value of known life-sciences investments in the UK that have been cancelled or paused since 4 July 2024. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: Through delivery of the Life Sciences Sector Plan, and the wider Industrial Strategy, this Government is taking targeted action to address the global challenges that life sciences companies face and unlock economic growth. Challenges include global competition and global commercial uncertainty.

Our ambition is that the UK will be the leading Life Sciences economy in Europe by 2030 and the third most important globally, behind the US and China only, by 2035. We have already started delivering on key actions, investing up to £600 million in the Health Data Research Service alongside Wellcome, committing over £650 million in Genomics England and up to £354 million in Our Future Health, and launching the £50 million Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund pilot.

Alongside these commitments, we have continued to see transformative investments into the UK made by Life Sciences companies. For example: in May 2025, BioNTech committed up to £1 billion as part of a ten-year investment on top of their existing strategic partnership with the Government; in August, Eli Lilly invested £35 million in the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme; and in October, Convatec announced plans to invest £500 million in a new R&D facility in Manchester.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-07)

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Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the environmental and sustainability impact, including energy demands, of the Anthropic Claude AI model used for the Gov.uk chat service. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The Government Digital Service recognises the importance of environmental considerations in the use of AI and we are committed to using this technology responsibly. We are working in line with the AI Playbook for the UK Government, which highlights the importance of understanding and managing the environmental impact of AI systems.

Environmental considerations have been reviewed under the Environmental Principles Policy Statement (EPPS), with negligible anticipated impact. EPPS principles have been considered, including resource efficiency and sustainability of digital infrastructure.

Model selection decisions are based on performance, security, data protection, cost, and alignment with government standards. Where possible, we use smaller and more efficient models to improve sustainability, including in our use of the Claude models within GOV.UK Chat.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-07)

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Baroness Altmann:To ask His Majesty's Government what analysis they have carried out to quantify the loss of inherited benefits from pension schemes, in terms of reduced pension income and lower life insurance support, as a result of the imposition of inheritance tax on pensions at death. \p Lord Livermore: Most unused pension funds and death benefits payable from a pension will form part of a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes from 6 April 2027. This removes distortions resulting from changes that have been made to pensions tax policy over the last decade, which have led to pensions being openly used and marketed as a tax planning vehicle to transfer wealth, rather than as a way to fund retirement.

Estates will continue to benefit from the normal nil-rate bands, reliefs, and exemptions available. For example, the nil-rate bands mean an estate can pass on up to £1 million with no inheritance tax liability and the general rules mean any transfers, including the payment of death benefits, to a spouse or civil partner are fully exempt from inheritance tax. More than 90 per cent of UK estates will continue to have no inheritance tax liability in 2029-30 following these changes and the reforms will only affect a minority of those with inheritable pension wealth. Around 213,000 estates are expected to have inheritable pension wealth in 2027-28, with only 10,500 estates becoming liable to pay inheritance tax as a result of these reforms, and around 38,500 paying more than would previously have been the case.

The Government is continuing to incentivise pensions for their intended purpose of funding retirement.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-07)

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Baroness Eaton:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations officials in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government have made to the Greater London Authority about the 35- per-cent affordable housing quota. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: On 23 October the Housing Secretary and Mayor of London announced a package of targeted and temporary support to drive up housebuilding in London. This includes a new, time-limited planning route and consultation on the removal of some design restrictions which limit the density of development. For further detail, please see the Written Ministerial Statement made on 23 October 2025 (HCWS991).

Written Statement 23 October 2025 (pdf, 125.7KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-07)

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Lord Ravensdale:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the proposal by the Sustainable Energy Association to incentivise energy bill saving by rewarding in-use energy efficiency measures, in place of the current approach of up-front payments. \p Lord Wilson of Sedgefield: The government is committed to ensuring energy efficiency schemes deliver measurable benefits for households. As part of the Warm Homes Plan, officials are exploring how to better target support and improve outcomes.

While the government has not made a formal assessment of the Sustainable Energy Association’s specific proposal, we will continue to engage with stakeholders on innovative approaches to improve affordability and effectiveness of retrofit delivery.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-07)

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Lord Lucas:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure voltage stability if Torness power station closes as planned in 2028. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: In December 2024, EDF announced the extension of the lifetime of Torness by a further 2 years until March 2030. As set out in our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, nuclear will continue to play a key role in the energy system beyond 2030 with the continued operation of Sizewell B and delivery of new build projects such as Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C and advanced nuclear projects including GBE-N's SMR programme.

Energy security is a priority for the government. The Capacity Market is the UK Government’s main tool for ensuring continued security of electricity supply.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is responsible for the secure and efficient operation of the electricity system, including maintaining voltage stability across the network. NESO has the necessary tools, expertise, and statutory powers to fulfil this role and ensure the continued stability of the system.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what engagement they have had with the data centre industry about the infrastructure and connectivity requirements associated with AI growth zones. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: Ministers and officials frequently meet with the data centre industry to understand their needs. Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Bradley:To ask His Majesty's Government how much money has been distributed through the Life Sciences Innovation Manufacturing Fund grants in each of the last five years and of this amount how much was allocated to (1) small, (2) medium and (3) large businesses. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (2025-30) launched in October 2024 has so far committed a total of £6 million in grant awards, 100% going to small and medium (SME) companies with fewer than 250 employees. Between 2022 and 2024, £69 million in grant funding was awarded through predecessor schemes, of which £3 million (4%) was awarded to SMEs and £66 million (96%) to larger companies. The LSIMF 2025-2030 scheme remains open and its pipeline contains applications from across the sector, and from companies of different sizes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Bradley:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the role and remit of the Office for Life Sciences. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) is a joint unit between the Department of Health and Social Care, Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department of Business and Trade. It exists to support the UK’s life sciences sector by championing research, innovation and technology, helping everyone live well for longer and kickstarting economic growth.

OLS is committed to renewing the UK’s leadership in life sciences – a cornerstone of the UK's success – deepening ties between the public, private and third sector to ensure growth across every region of the country. OLS has responsibility for the oversight of delivery of the Life Science Sector Plan, which was published in July 2025, as part of the Industrial Strategy and developed in tandem with the 10 Year Health Plan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Austin of Dudley:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the consultation on the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, published 3 November, what assessment they have made of the percentage of people who achieve 150 minutes of activity a week which would demonstrate successful delivery of the strategy's objectives. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The consultation on the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy is seeking the views of stakeholders on a national vision, statutory objectives and underlying performance indicators. The shape of the final strategy, intended to be published next year including measures of success and targets, will be informed by the responses to the consultation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of reducing speed limits on roads outside of schools to 20 miles per hour during school arrival and collection times. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Department for Transport has not conducted a specific assessment of the impact of reducing speed limits on roads outside of schools to 20 miles per hour during school arrival and collection times.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of Heathrow Express for wider access to Heathrow as part of Heathrow expansion plans; and when this will be made publicly available. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: As part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), launched on 22 October 2025, we will consider the transport infrastructure required to support a third runway, including rail connectivity and mode share targets.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have considered the extension of Heathrow Express paths to (1) Reading or (2) Surrey and Hampshire; and what assessment has been made of modal shift and other benefits of these options. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Government recognises the vital role that surface access will play as part of any future expansion of Heathrow Airport. As part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), launched on 22 October 2025, we will consider all the transport infrastructure and supporting services required to support a third runway, including rail connectivity and mode share targets. This will include considering the impacts for travellers from different regions.

The Government has been clear that expansion must be affordable and delivered in the best interest of passengers. Scheme costs should be minimised and privately financed, including any surface transport costs.

While it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the ANPS review at this stage, it will be the responsibility of any expansion promoter to set out a surface access strategy demonstrating how they will meet the requirements set out in the ANPS.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Earl Attlee:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have directly, indirectly, or through agents or sub-contractors partially or wholly funded the supply of any cars or light vehicles for West Yorkshire Police in connection with or via the Transpennine Route Upgrade project. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The consortium appointed by Network Rail to deliver infrastructure works to the west of Leeds as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme, has transferred funds to West Yorkshire Police, for the provision of vehicles to help maintain the delivery schedule of abnormal loads to programme work sites.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to procure electric and battery-powered rolling stock as part of the move to Great British Railways. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Government recognises the potential for electric and battery-electric trains to reduce the long-term operating costs of the railway, to improve the service it provides for passengers and to meet our environmental obligations. We have committed to develop a long-term rolling stock and infrastructure strategy, the first in thirty years, which will place the needs of passengers at its heart and will pursue modern standards of carbon-friendly traction, passenger comfort and accessibility. As we develop this strategy, we will carefully consider the opportunity presented by electric and battery-electric trains, and the associated infrastructure requirements.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Krebs:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the third cycling and walking investment strategy published on 3 November, what assessment they have made of the percentage of walking and cycling trips to school which would demonstrate successful delivery of the strategy's objectives. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The consultation on the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, is seeking the views of stakeholders on a national vision, statutory objectives and underlying performance indicators. The shape of the final strategy, intended to be published next year including measures of success and targets, will be informed by the responses to the consultation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Krebs:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the demographic groups with the biggest barriers to the objectives laid out in the third cycling and walking investment strategy, published on 3 November. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Active Travel England has commissioned a range of evidence assessments which reference barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling for different demographic groups, including women, socio-economically disadvantaged groups such as those on low incomes, and people with disabilities.

The National Travel Survey (NTS) has also historically undertaken research in this area. The results of which can be found online.

The public consultation on the development of the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy is open until 15th December 2025. The Department for Transport is also holding stakeholder engagement workshops with organisations representing disabled and older people, children and younger people, and local authorities which will supplement the public consultation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking, or plan to take, to control the ownership and use of drones and to minimise their use for illegal purposes. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: This Government is delivering the following reforms in the Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Regulations 2025.

(a) From 1 January 2026, all drones weighing 100g or more with a camera must be registered.

(b) From 1 January 2026, drones weighing 250g or more must have geo-awareness requirements. Then, from 1st January 2028, Geo-awareness requirements will apply to all drones weighing 100g or more with a camera.

(c) From 1 January 2026, drones weighing 250g or more must have remote identification (RID) requirements. Then, from 1st January 2028, RID will apply to drones weighing 100g or more with a camera.

These reforms will improve traceability because they will enforce the registration of a RID “digital numberplate” that can be linked to a registered operator. Geo-awareness and RID will help law enforcement to target the actively non-compliant drones that have switched off RID and are ignoring geo-awareness alerts of airspace restrictions, therefore reducing the volume of incidents and length of investigation for suspicious drone activity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the threat posed by motorists using ghost plates, and what steps they plan to take to deal with the threat posed by the use of ghost plates to evade speed cameras and engage in other criminal activities. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime, including the use of cloned and “ghost” number plates. It is already illegal to use a vehicle displaying cloned or “ghost” number plates.

The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed is the responsibility of individual Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced. The Police are operationally independent and they will investigate each case according to its individual merits.

The Government has pledged £2.7m for each of the next three years to support police enforcement activity. This is Operation Topaz which is a strategic partnership between the Department for Transport, Home Office and National Police Chiefs’ Council around roads policing.

Operation Topaz is helping to support and co-ordinate the existing effort that is already delivering the National Police Chiefs’ Council Roads Policing Strategy.

Funding has been allocated to enhance roads policing to deliver a proof-of-concept activity period, coordinated via the central Operation Topaz team, focused on unreadable number plates and all aspects connected to unattributable drivers or vehicles.

This Government takes road safety seriously. We are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. We are considering a range of policies under the new Road Safety Strategy; the first for ten years. This includes the case for changing the motoring offences. We are considering concerns raised by campaigns, Parliamentarians and bereaved families that Ministers have met.

The Government intends to publish the Road Safety Strategy by the end of the year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure motorbikes observe speed limits and engine noise level limits, in particular on rural roads. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Government recognises that 60% of road fatalities occurred on rural roads, according to the latest statistics. The Government treats road safety seriously and is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. The Road Safety Strategy is under development and will include a broad range of policies which will have national reach. More details will be set out in due course.

Local authorities are best placed to decide on delivery of road safety initiatives, because of their knowledge of the roads for which they are responsible. We aid local authorities by providing guidance and initiatives such as our flagship road safety campaign, THINK!

Strict noise regulations for motorbikes are harmonised at an international level and require vehicles to demonstrate compliance through the process of type approval before being placed on the market. This involves testing the vehicle across a broad range of driving conditions. Replacement silencers that are to be used on the road must also meet strict noise limits that are aligned with those of the original vehicle.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government what support they are providing for the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Services to formulate a single national secure parking standard. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: There are no current plans for the Government to support or endorse a secure parking standard.

The Department for Transport established a Task and Finish Group (TFG) on HGV Facilities which reported in January 2025. This 12-month, industry-led forum was focussed on industry actions to improve capacity for safe and secure HGV parking and driving industry adoption of existing HGV parking Standards. NaVCIS was an active member of the TFG.

There are three HGV parking standards currently available:

The TFG explored whether an additional parking standard was needed but concluded that this was not required.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the report by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education, Review of Pakistani Textbooks, published in August; and what discussions they have had with the government of Pakistan about reports of harmful and discriminatory content in the curriculum. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer given on 6 November to question HL11399.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to coordinate with other governments efforts to strengthen existing bilateral sanctions and impose additional sanctions to prevent the sale and transfer of aviation fuel to Burma; whether they support the establishment of an aviation fuel embargo and the enforcement of a global arms embargo on the government of Burma through the UN Security Council; and whether they are taking steps to communicate the risk of potential criminal liability to companies involved in the government of Burma’s aviation-fuel supply chain. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: We continue to support the aspirations of the people of Myanmar for a peaceful, democratic future. Any meaningful election needs to be accompanied by an end to violence, a resumption of dialogue among all parties concerned, and must also address the urgent need to allow access for humanitarian assistance, to end human rights violations, and reverse the collapse of public services. We will continue to engage international partners, including ASEAN and at the UN Security Council, on the challenges facing people in Myanmar. On 19 November at the UN Third Committee meeting on Myanmar, the UK delivered a statement, reiterating concern for human rights violations and election plans: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-uk-is-concerned-by-the-ongoing-violence-in-myanmar-including-escalating-human-rights-violations-and-increasing-reports-of-sexual-andgender-based

Since 2021, the UK Government has enacted 19 sanctions packages against the Myanmar regime, including 10 individual sanctions targeting the import of aviation fuel into Myanmar. In 2022 the UK updated our Overseas Business Risk Guidance to make it clear that UK businesses should conduct thorough supply chain diligence to ensure that commodities such as aviation fuel do not reach the military.

We have also sanctioned 25 individuals and 39 entities targeting the regime's access to finance, arms and equipment. We keep all evidence and potential designations under close review. It would not be appropriate to speculate about potential future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Baroness Shawcross-Wolfson:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risks from Marburg virus, following the Ministry for Health in Ethiopia confirming an outbreak and three deaths in Ethiopia. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The Ministry of Health in Ethiopia confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus in Jinka, southwestern Ethiopia on 14 November. On 19 November, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice to advise against all but essential travel to Jinka and an area within 5km of the town. Those travelling to Ethiopia should monitor FCDO travel advice and follow guidance from local authorities. The UK Health Security Agency has carried out a rapid assessment of the risk to the UK public, assessing the overall risk as "very low". We continue to monitor the situation closely.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Murray of Blidworth:To ask His Majesty's Government how many meetings the departmental board of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has had since 4 July 2024. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Details of the attendees, and number of meetings, for all top-level boards and committees at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) are published on an annual basis in the FCDO annual report and accounts. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Management Board, chaired by the Permanent Under-Secretary, has met 6 times since 4 July 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Murray of Blidworth:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Georgia regarding free speech, the rule of law and its obligations as a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights in its policing of protest. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: We remain severely concerned by democratic backsliding in Georgia, including restrictions on free speech and policing of protests. The Minister of State for Europe and North America raised these issues directly with Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Botchorishvili on 16 October and with Georgian Dream 1st Deputy Foreign Minister Zurabashvili on 21 October, and the UK is also supporting efforts in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Council of Europe to press Georgia to adhere to democratic norms.
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Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park:To ask His Majesty's Government what communication, if any, they have had with the government of New Zealand concerning reports in October 2024 that officials at its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised the government of that country that plans to repeal a ban on the exploration of offshore oil and gas sources would potentially be inconsistent with its obligations under the UK–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK continues to engage with New Zealand through established channels under the Free Trade Agreement, including regular committee meetings and working groups, to ensure the Agreement is implemented effectively and in accordance with its provisions. The UK raised the issue of oil and gas developments with New Zealand  in the lead up to, and following, the Environment and Climate Change Sub-Committee meeting in May 2025.
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Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to strengthen the regulation of online food takeaway platforms to protect the payment information of local businesses. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: Regulation when well designed and carefully implemented, is important for promoting growth and investment. It is essential for protecting consumers, supporting vulnerable communities, and providing the stability businesses need to thrive.

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulations organisations must have appropriate technical and security measures in place to protect the personal data they hold or disclose, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction, or damage.
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Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to resume trade discussions with Israel. \p Lord Stockwood: The UK has formally paused negotiations on the upgraded Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It would take a sustained shift in the positions of the Israeli government for the UK to consider restarting the FTA negotiations.
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Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the likely costs of the investor-state arbitration being brought against them by Woodhouse Investment Pte; and what assessment they have made of their exposure to further fossil fuel-linked investor-state dispute settlements in future. \p Lord Stockwood: Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provides an independent means for investors to resolve disputes with states where they believe they have experienced arbitrary, discriminatory, or unfair treatment or expropriation without compensation.

The UK has a longstanding track record of supporting foreign investment, including through fulfilling its obligations in the international investment agreements to which it is a party and has never faced a successful ISDS claim.

The Government maintains that it has acted consistently with domestic and international law obligations in the case of the legal challenges. In view of the ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.
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Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to bring forward the date of launching the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme so that businesses facing problems with energy costs can benefit before 2027. \p Lord Stockwood: The Government recognises the importance of action to tackle high energy costs for businesses. The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) will exempt eligible businesses from indirect costs of the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market. Implementation timelines for BICS are determined by the operating cycles of those three schemes. April 2027 is therefore the earliest that BICS can feasibly be delivered.
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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government what update they can provide on the investigation initiated by the Grocery Code Adjudicator in June against Amazon for alleged breaches of the code regarding delayed payments, and whether this has been discussed with the Agriculture Supply Chain Adjudicator. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) is an independent regulator and statutory office holder, appointed by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. The decision to investigate Amazon for a suspected breach of the Groceries Code was made by the GCA, who is independent of Government. The Government is therefore unable to comment on the progress of the GCA’s investigation.

The GCA and the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) are in regular contact as they fulfil their respective remits and enhance fairness across the food supply chain.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

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Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government what meetings ministers and officials have had with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) about (1) the decision to designate Google as having strategic market status in search and search advertising services, and (2) the plan to begin consulting on possible interventions later this year. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: Ministers and officials regularly meet with the Competition and Markets Authority to discuss key policy issues, including the CMA’s digital markets work. Close collaboration between Government and the CMA is crucial for delivering the agenda of this Government. As the UK’s independent competition authority, the CMA is responsible for all digital markets decisions, including on designations and interventions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-01 conversation_28

Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government what meetings ministers and officials have had with representatives of Google about (1) the decision of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to designate Google as having strategic market status in search and search advertising services, and (2) the CMA's plan to begin consulting on possible interventions later this year. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: Ministers and officials have met with representatives of Google to discuss a range of topics, including the Competition and Markets Authority’s digital markets work. Such meetings are important for the exchange of views and the development of policy. As the UK’s independent competition authority, the CMA is responsible for all digital markets decisions, including on designations and interventions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-01 conversation_29

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to develop a regulatory framework to ensure that workplace use of artificial intelligence tools complies with UK employment and data protection law. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The Information Commissioner’s Office has committed to developing a statutory code of practice on artificial intelligence, so organisations have certainty on how to deploy AI in ways that uphold people’s rights and build public confidence.

Artificial Intelligence is a general-purpose technology with many applications, which is why the government believes most AI systems should be regulated at the point of use by our existing regulators.

The Plan to Make Work Pay set out the Government’s commitment to work with workers, trade unions, employers and experts to ensure rights and protections keep pace with technological change.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-01 conversation_30

Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the new media and digital literacy curriculum is adapted to support children with special educational needs and disabilities to sufficiently learn media and digital literacy skills and knowledge. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: Media literacy is currently covered in the citizenship, relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) and computing curricula, while digital literacy is addressed in computing and RSHE.

On 15 July, the government published updated RSHE statutory guidance, introducing new content on artificial intelligence (AI), online safety and pornography, which will become mandatory learning in schools from 1 September 2026. Following publication of the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review’s final report on 5 November 2025, vital applied knowledge and skills in media and digital literacy will be embedded into the revised curriculum from 2028.

The department will engage with sector experts in working out how best to reflect this in the updated curriculum, including to ensure that the curriculum is accessible to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities and adaptable to remain current in a rapidly changing context. There will be a public consultation on the updated curriculum programmes of study to seek views on the content before it is finalised.

To support schools with teaching in the short and longer-term, Oak National Academy, an independent arm’s length body, provides adaptable, optional and free curriculum support for schools, including resources for computing and secondary citizenship, which can be found here: https://www.thenational.academy/.

In addition, the Educate Against Hate website hosts a series of online media literacy resources to support teachers and school leaders to build resilience to extremist narratives online in children and young people. The National Centre for Computing Education also provides teachers with subject knowledge courses and resources to support the teaching of computing topics, including digital literacy and AI.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-01 conversation_31

Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they are taking to support the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Services to help improve police data and to strengthen driver confidence in reporting crimes. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: This Government is determined to drive down vehicle crime. We are working with the automotive industry and police, to ensure the strongest response possible. NaVCIS is a national policing unit funded by industry, including finance and leasing companies, insurers and hauliers, to provide dedicated specialist intelligence. We have regular discussions with key partners, including Opal, the police’s national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime, and NaVCIS about tackling organised vehicle crime. Whilst the Government does not fund NaVCIS, we provided £275,000 this year to law enforcement partners to help support enforcement at the ports to prevent stolen vehicles and vehicle parts being shipped abroad, including additional staff and specialist equipment. It is important that drivers report incidents to the police. We expect that all reported crimes should be taken seriously, and where appropriate, investigated by the police and taken through the courts.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-01 conversation_32

Baroness Manzoor:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of providing child benefits and child care support based on (1) joint household income and (2) parents individual earnings, given that currently a family of two parents earning £50,000 each may be eligible for a different level of support than a family on a single salary of £100,000. \p Lord Livermore: The current rules base the High Income Child Benefit Charge on the income of one parent or carer. Basing the charge on household income, or the individual incomes of both parents or carers, would come at a significant fiscal cost if we were to ensure that no families lose out.

Regarding the 30 hours childcare offer, the £100,000 earnings threshold for eligibility is currently assessed on a per parent basis, rather than household income for two main reasons. First, aligning to the existing boundary in the tax system makes it easy for parents to understand what they are entitled to. Second, this policy approach means there is no incentive for the lower earner in a household to reduce their income, for example through working fewer hours, to be eligible.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-01 conversation_33

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve data quality standards in financial services to ensure the reliable use of artificial intelligence in regulatory compliance. \p Lord Livermore: The government’s ambition is to make the UK a global leader in AI, leveraging our dual strength in financial services and AI to drive growth, productivity, and consumer benefits. Encouraging safe adoption is an essential part of realising that ambition.

As set out in the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority’s October 2022 discussion paper on artificial intelligence and machine learning, a range of existing legal requirements and guidance are relevant to the UK financial sector’s use of AI across the AI lifecycle. This includes in relation to data quality.

The government’s response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan also sets out the steps we will take to responsibly unlock data assets in the public and private sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-01 conversation_34

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of international policy cooperation on regulating artificial intelligence in financial services; and whether they plan to develop further UK policy in this area. \p Lord Livermore: The government’s ambition is to make the UK a global leader in AI, leveraging our dual strength in financial services and AI to drive growth, productivity, and consumer benefits. Encouraging safe adoption is an essential part of realising that ambition.

International collaboration is vital to ensure that we can collectively unlock AI’s potential. The UK remains committed to working internationally, including through fora such as the Financial Stability Board (FSB), to support the safe adoption of AI in the financial sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-01 conversation_35

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to review tax and residency rules, following reports of UK technology founders relocating overseas. \p Lord Livermore: The UK uses the Statutory Residence Test (SRT) to determine UK residency for tax purposes. UK tax residents normally pay tax on their worldwide income and gains, while non-UK residents only pay UK tax on their UK income and gains.

The Government’s priority is improving the UK’s competitiveness internationally and securing economic growth.

The Government is backing entrepreneurs and fostering a pro-business environment by ensuring the tax system is designed to support innovation and economic growth. That is why we have announced a package of measures to back entrepreneurship at Autumn Budget 2025.

The Government keeps tax and residency rules under review to ensure they remain competitive and responsive to the needs of innovative sectors, including technology.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-01 conversation_36

Baroness Altmann:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the proportion of (1) defined contribution, and (2) defined benefit, pension schemes that use salary sacrifice for auto-enrolled workers. \p Lord Livermore: Whilst the government does not currently hold these figures, 39% of employers offer salary sacrifice and 35% of employees use it. We would expect that the vast majority of pension schemes using salary sacrifice include workers covered by pensions automatic enrolment. Automatic enrolment applies to workers aged between 22 and the State Pension age and earning at least £10,000 a year. The latest figures indicate that the majority (94%) of employees using salary sacrifice are eligible for auto-enrolment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-01)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-01 conversation_37

Baroness Maclean of Redditch:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister for Housing on 17 January 2024 (HL9067), how many full time equivalent staff currently work in the self-commissioned homes delivery unit in Homes England. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: There are currently three full time employees in the Self Commissioned Homes Unit of Homes England.