theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2025 to Question 39816 on Nitrogen Dioxide: Pollution Control, whether his answer is consistent with the 2023 National Compliance Assessment. \p Emma Hardy: The answer to Question 39816 was based on a combination of data from the 2023 national compliance assessment and additional local monitoring data that does not typically meet the requirements for formal national reporting but was included in the response for completeness. The national assessment is designed to meet the location and data quality requirements of the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 which seek to represent general exposure to air pollution, rather than local pollution hotspots. For this reason, the answer to Question 39816 captured some additional locations where nitrogen dioxide concentrations in 2023 were above 40µg/m3.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to encourage Forestry England to introduce disabled parking spaces in the Bourne Woods car park, Surrey. \p Mary Creagh: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 11 November 2024, UIN 12353.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Amanda Hack:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of (a) using (i) sustainable urban drainage systems and (ii) similar mechanisms to manage rainwater on site of new developments and (b) allowing rainwater to flow into sewers on (A) storm outflows, (B) treatment processes and (C) the environment. \p Emma Hardy: Comparative and impact assessments of the type requested are not currently available. This is primarily because the design of Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for any given development site will depend on a range of factors, including topography of the site, development size, development type, and rainfall rates.

SuDS provide a range of benefits. They mimic natural water flow and are designed to reduce the impact of rainfall by using features such as soakaways, grassed areas, permeable surfaces and wetlands. This reduces the pressure on our drainage infrastructure by reducing the quantity of water that ends up in the sewers and storm overflow discharges, mitigating flood risk and preventing pollution from untreated sewage ending up in our waterways.

SuDS also improve the quality of water entering our drainage infrastructure as they offer a natural filtration process, thereby removing pollutants. SuDS provide additional benefits, such as boosting biodiversity, improving local amenities, harvesting rainwater for reuse, heat island mitigation, improve air quality and even providing food growing opportunities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Steve Barclay:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement of 5 February 2025, HCWS417 on the Flood Investment Announcement, whether he plans to provide additional support to local authorities impacted by increases to Internal Drainage Board special levies. \p Emma Hardy: The government supports the important work internal drainage boards (IDBs) do in managing water and flood risk, benefiting communities, businesses and the environment.

The government announced as part of the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement, that it will provide £5 million in funding for the local authorities most impacted by IDB levies.

On 31st March 2025 the government also announced an additional £16 million boost to the IDB Fund to support greater flood resilience for farmers and rural communities. The Fund has increased from £75 million to £91 million to provide opportunities to modernise and upgrade assets and this will help reduce future cost increases. Defra has also committed to work with the IDB sector and MHCLG to review IDBs’ current funding and costs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Danny Beales:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to improve the regulation of wastewater treatment processes to reduce the levels of (a) pharmaceuticals, (b) microplastics and (c) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances entering the (i) environment and (ii) food chain. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency works with the water industry on the Chemicals Investigation Programme (CIP). This is funded through the water industry price review and considers chemicals in sewage effluent, including some pharmaceuticals and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The fourth CIP has just started.

Regulation does not currently cover microplastics from treated wastewater. 99% of microplastics are removed by sewage treatment processes. The EA and water industry are commencing six investigations under CIP considering generation of microplastics within wastewater treatment works through attrition of plastic equipment, emerging sewage treatment technologies and path of microplastics from biosolids applied to land to soils and groundwater.

The EA sits on the Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Group. Pharmaceuticals are not required to undergo an environmental impact assessment, but a few have ecotoxicological thresholds that inform an assessment of potential risk. The EA Is currently investigating potential ecological risks of mixtures of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment.

CIP4 is looking at PFAS from wastewater treatment works. CIP2 identified domestic sewage as a significant source of PFAS. On-going work includes identifying sources of or Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS, in catchments to inform approaches to permitting discharges, and to reduce/eliminate PFOS at source.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Rural Payments Agency has offered apprenticeships in each year since 2010. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development and deliver more effective public services.

Defra Group, including the Rural Payments Agency, has developed a diverse apprenticeship programme, offering a range of apprenticeship standards from Level 3 (equivalent to A-Levels) to Level 7 (equivalent to Masters Level). The apprenticeship offer is used for both external recruitment and development of existing staff.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the Animal Welfare Committee’s report entitled Opinion on the welfare implications of current and emergent feline breeding practices, published on 19 December 2024; and whether he plans to ban the breeding of cats with extreme characteristics which could have a detrimental effect on (a) their health and (b) that of their offspring. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government welcomes the Animal Welfare Committee’s Opinion on the welfare implications of current and emergent feline breeding practices. We are carefully considering the Committee’s recommendations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to increase (a) funding and (b) other resources for enforcement agencies for the (i) detection and (ii) prevention of illegal meat imports at ports. \p Daniel Zeichner: Border Force is responsible for securing our borders and officers have powers to stop and search vehicles and passengers at ports and airports. Border Force may call on Port Health Authorities for assistance in seizing any illegal meat detected. Border Force is funded by the Home Office.

We are not complacent about illegal meat smuggling, which may pose threats to animal health, food safety and public health. That is why we are working closely with the Home Office and the Food Standards Agency to tackle this issue with the support of Border Force, Port Health Authorities and local authorities

This includes Defra’s offer of funding to Dover Port Health Authority to support Border Force with enforcement in 2025/26.

The Secretary of State is also working with Home Office and Border Force on plans to seize the cars, vans, trucks and coaches used by criminal gangs to smuggle illegal meat into our country and crush them so they can’t be used again.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) improve testing methods, (b) strengthen labelling regulations and (c) help tackle honey adulteration in other ways. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra carries out scientific research in partnership with the Food Standards Agency to help improve testing methods help address honey adulteration.

The Honey (England) Regulations 2015 lay down detailed specifications which honey must comply with regarding its composition and quality criteria. They mandate that honey cannot be sold in England unless the country of origin where the honey has been harvested is indicated on the label. However, for reasons of practicality special provisions apply to ‘blended’ honeys, where honey producers can opt for alternative wording indicating that the honey is a blend from more than one country.

Defra works closely with enforcement authorities, responsible for enforcing our honey laws on investigating any potential fraud issues raised, to ensure honey sold in the UK is not subject to adulteration, meets our high standards and maintains a level playing field between honey producers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent meetings he has had with the Food Standards Agency. \p Daniel Zeichner: I meet regularly with the Food Standards Agency Chair Professor Susan Jebb.
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Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to conduct a public consultation before finalising appointments to the Industry Expert Panel for the National Food Strategy. \p Daniel Zeichner: The role of the Food Strategy Advisory Board is purely to advise on the development of the food strategy. There will be multiple routes for stakeholders to share ideas as part of the co-design process in 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on the UK fishing industry. \p Daniel Zeichner: We know that this will be a concerning time for UK businesses. That is why the Government has been focused on negotiating an economic deal with the US and we remain committed to these discussions.

We are resolute in our support for industry across the whole of the UK, and we will continue to engage with seafood businesses to assess and understand the impact of these tariffs. In addition, on 3 April the Government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform the UK’s response to US tariffs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of declining bee and pollinator populations on UK food production; and what steps he plans to take to promote pollinator-friendly farming practices. \p Daniel Zeichner: This Government is committed to restoring and protecting nature. We are committed to halting the decline in species abundance by 2030 and reversing species decline, reducing the risk of species extinction and restoring and creating more than 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat by 2042.

For our pollinator species we are considering lessons learned from the recently completed review of our Pollinator Action Plan (PAP), which set out plans to fulfil the vision, aims and objectives of the National Pollinator Strategy over the last three-year period from 2021-24.

Figures from the annual UK Hive Count suggest that honey bee numbers are stable.

Healthy soils that are rich in nutrients and organic matter, abundant pollinators and clean water are essential for sustainable food production. We will provide farmers and land managers with the support they need to help restore nature, which is vital to safeguard our long-term food security, support productivity and build resilience to climate change.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 April 2025 to Question 42420 on Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, on how many occasions in the last five years have people who had animals being kept in domestic settings been found to be in breach of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. \p Daniel Zeichner: This information may be held at local level by local authorities, but it is not information Defra collects or holds centrally.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Chris Hinchliff:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to publish a horticulture strategy. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government’s commitment to the horticulture sector and its vital role in strengthening food security by ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of home-grown fresh produce remains steadfast.

We are taking a strategic approach to support for horticulture recognising the specific needs of the sector. This includes developing a Farming Roadmap, which will set out a 25-year vision and blueprint to make our farming and food production more sustainable and profitable.

Alongside this our Food Strategy will deliver clear long-term outcomes that create a healthier, fairer, and more resilient food system - boosting our food security, improving our health, ensuring economic growth, and delivering environmental sustainability.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Chris Hinchliff:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the war in Ukraine on the horticulture sector. \p Daniel Zeichner: It is not possible to precisely determine the direct impacts of the war in Ukraine on the UK horticulture sector, as they are dependent on a range of interrelated factors.

The war in Ukraine led to rising oil, fuel and energy prices, which created inflationary pressures right across the food chain. Difficulties stemming from the rising input costs and shortages were initially reported by the horticulture sector with farmers experiencing higher energy and fertiliser costs. International energy prices subsequently fell as the global economy adjusted to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This contributed to an easing of input price inflation.

We continue to keep the situation and any impact on our agri-food sectors under close review, including through the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group (UKAMMG) which monitors UK agricultural markets including price, supply, inputs, trade, and recent developments.
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Chris Hinchliff:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the House of Lords Hoticultural Sector Committee Report entitled Sowing the seeds: A blooming English horticultural sector, published on 6 November 2023, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Government funding to the horticultural sector. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government recognises the specific needs of the sector, and Defra ministers and officials meet regularly with growers to discuss a wide range of issues to help us understand how best to support the sector.

Our proposed approach to future funding for horticulture will be considered alongside Defra’s work to simplify and rationalise agricultural grant funding, ensuring that grants deliver the most benefit for food security and nature.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 March 2025 onto Question 40498 on Food Supply, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of food security in UK; and what steps he is taking to increase this. \p Daniel Zeichner: Food security is national security. We need a resilient and healthy food system, that works with nature and supports British farmers, fishers and food producers.

The UK has a resilient food supply chain and is equipped to deal with situations with the potential to cause disruption. We produce 62% of all the food we need, and 75% of food which we can grow or rear in the UK for all or part of the year, but the United Kingdom Food Security Report 2024 shows that food security cannot be taken for granted. Strengthening food security by supporting our farmers and food producers is a top priority for this Government.

Our Plan for Change sets out how we are focused on supporting our farmers, supporting rural economic growth and boosting Britain’s food security.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an estimate of what the median income of farmers was in the 2023-24 financial year who will be affected by the changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief. \p Daniel Zeichner: Assessing the impact of the new Inheritance Tax policy, which comes into force from 6 April 2026, relies on a number of factors such as ownership structure and debt levels. The Government is aware that each farm is different, and so we encourage farmers to speak to their tax advisors and agents to understand how these changes may impact their specific situation and how to plan for the future.

Published data for all farms in the Farm Business Survey population in England are based on mean average incomes and are available at: Farm business income - GOV.UK.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has had discussions with the zoo sector on the potential impact of the UK's decision to leave the European Union on international breeding programmes. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra acknowledges the challenges faced by zoos and aquariums in Great Britain in transferring animals between GB and the European Union (EU) following the UK's exit from the European Union. The Department is in regular dialogue with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), addressing trade concerns and works closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to prioritise and support these movements, particularly where there are welfare concerns or implications for breeding programmes. Defra remains committed to supporting zoos and aquariums in their conservation efforts by minimising trade barriers and addressing stakeholder concerns, thereby facilitating the smooth movement of animals between GB and the EU.

An example of successful collaboration is the Department's recent work with BIAZA to develop a new system for ensuring the export of microchipped captive birds, including endangered species, to the EU. This initiative has played a key role in reinstating bird conservation programs previously impacted by EU regulations.
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Ian Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights' publication Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 12 March 2025, whether he will make it his policy to adopt the Committee's recommendations on expediting the adoption of a comprehensive national strategy for the (a) protection and (b) promotion of the right to adequate food. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government has committed to develop an ambitious food strategy will set and deliver clear long-term outcomes that create a healthier, fairer, and more resilient food system. The strategy will work to improve the food system to provide more easily accessible healthy food to tackle diet-related ill health, helping to give children the best start in life and help adults live longer healthier lives. It will also maintain our food security – which is national security – by building resilience in the face of climate shocks and geopolitical changes, strengthening the supply chain which operates so effectively to keep us fed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Steve Race:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what evidential basis was used to underpin his Department's policy on Moorland grazing densities (grazing livestock units per hectare). \p Daniel Zeichner: The Environmental Land Management scheme actions were designed and appraised using a variety of qualitative and quantitative data. Geomorphology, climate and historic management practices all combine to make each moorland unique. The offer therefore includes a range of actions that can be selected based on the needs of each moorland. This includes an annual moorland assessment to assess the habitats on each moorland and their condition to inform the choice of grazing actions.
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Phil Brickell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the water sector meets its obligations under the Water and Sewerage (Conservation, Access and Recreation) (Code of Practice) Order 2000. \p Emma Hardy: It is water companies’ responsibility to comply with their obligations in respect of the Code of Practice on Conservation, Access and Recreation. The Secretary of State will take companies’ actual or likely non-compliance with the Code of Practice into account where applicable.
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Phil Brickell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the compliance of water companies with the Water and Sewerage (Conservation, Access and Recreation) (Code of Practice) Order 2000. \p Emma Hardy: It is water companies’ responsibility to comply with their obligations in respect of the Code of Practice on Conservation, Access and Recreation. The Secretary of State will take companies’ actual or likely non-compliance with the Code of Practice into account where applicable.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Phil Brickell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to extend rights of responsible access to include more inland waters for recreational use. \p Emma Hardy: The Government recognises the importance of providing access to the outdoors, including blue spaces, for people’s health and wellbeing and is working to ensure this is safe and appropriate. This is why we have set out our ambitious manifesto commitments to create nine new national river walks and three new national forests in England, expanding access to the great outdoors. We are currently developing policy to improve access to nature, including onto unregulated inland waterways, working closely with key stakeholders to reduce barriers preventing people from accessing green and blue spaces.
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Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his planned timetable is to publish the 48 new Local Nature Recovery Strategies. \p Mary Creagh: The Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has appointed 48 responsible authorities to prepare Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) across England. Responsible authorities must follow the LNRS regulations when preparing the strategies and use the statutory guidance provided. Once complete, each responsible authority will publish the LNRS for their area. Two strategies have been published so far, in the West of England and North Northamptonshire.

LNRSs will be delivered through a combination of legal duties, funding and incentives. The Government has set out a clear leadership and coordination role for responsible authorities in the English Devolution White Paper.
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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will review the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) cost allocation model for glass packaging. \p Mary Creagh: Defra has engaged with industry and experts to ensure accuracy of the model. This includes consultation with WRAP, the Environmental Services Agency, British Glass and MKD32 on the decision to use volume in the apportionment of kerbside recycling collection costs. Model refinement has continued since the publication of illustrative base fees in December, and Defra will continue working to improve accuracy where possible.
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Jenny Riddell-Carpenter:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to (a) improve responsible access to nature and (b) increase the right to roam. \p Mary Creagh: Our countryside and green spaces are a source of great national pride and boost public health and wellbeing, but too many across the country are left without access to the great outdoors. That is why the last Labour Government expanded public access by introducing the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which provided the public a right of access to large areas of mountain, moor, heath, down, registered common land and coastal margin in England.

We are continuing to increase access to nature for families to enjoy, for example through our ambitious manifesto commitments to create nine new National River Walks, plant three new National Forests, and empower communities to create new parks and green spaces in their communities with a new Community Right to Buy.

In addition, the Government has made the decision to repeal the cut-off date for the registration of historic rights of way, preventing the loss of hundreds of miles of unregistered paths. This will ensure that these paths remain available to the public for future generations.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security held discussions on (a) UK-China trade relations, (b) economic security and (c) any (i) existing and (ii) proposed commercial agreements during his recent visit to China; and whether he plans to publish a summary of the Minister's discussions. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: During my visit to China, I held frank and honest discussions with my counterparts on the opportunities and challenges in the bilateral trade relationship, including improving overall reciprocity in market access, raising UK concerns on level playing field issues and market distorting practices and discussing economic security issues. I am unable to comment on commercial discussions during the visit, for reasons of commercial sensitivity.
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Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what plans he has for the future composition of the Steel Council. \p Sarah Jones: Following the publication of the Strategy, the Secretary of State intends to continue to convene the Steel Council throughout this Parliament, so we can make sure we drive implementation of the Strategy. Discussions will be held with members of the Council regarding its future composition.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security had discussions with his international counterpart on (a) the detention of Jimmy Lai and (b) human rights abuses during his recent visit to China. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: During my recent visit to China and Hong Kong, I raised the UK’s concerns over human rights abuses, including in Xinjiang and the detention of Jimmy Lai with counterparts at the Ministry of Commerce and the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on reports of social media and internet bans in that country. \p Stephen Doughty: The Government has raised recent events with the Turkish Government and the Foreign Secretary spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on 29 March to express the UK's concern. As a staunch supporter of media freedom around the world, the UK expects Turkey to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law, including protecting the fundamental rights to free speech and media freedom.
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Mary Kelly Foy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help protect democratic processes in Turkey. \p Stephen Doughty: As a close friend and ally of Turkey, the Government is closely monitoring the situation and expects Turkey to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law. We regularly engage with the Turkish Government and the Foreign Secretary spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on 29 March to express the UK's concern about the recent arrests and protests in Turkey. The UK is a staunch supporter of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the world and will always support the fundamental rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and media freedom.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Chagossian diaspora in (a) the Seychelles, (b) Mauritius and (c) other areas are actively (i) consulted and (ii) included in decisions regarding the potential resettlement programme on the Chagos Archipelago. \p Stephen Doughty: The negotiations were between the UK and Mauritius with our priority being to secure the continued security of and full operation of the base on Diego Garcia. However, we have worked hard to ensure this agreement reflects the importance of the islands to Chagossians. The UK will finance a new trust fund for Mauritius to use in support of the Chagossian community and Mauritius will be able to develop a programme of resettlement on the islands other than Diego Garcia. We will continue to engage Chagossians in the UK and around the world on the implementation of the agreement at both an official and Ministerial level.
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UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_69

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Hongkongers who (a) arrived in the UK on British National (Overseas) visas and (b) have subsequently become UK citizens receive consular protection in (i) Hong Kong and (ii) mainland China. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides consular assistance to British nationals abroad. This includes BN(O)s who, under the Memoranda to the Joint Declaration, are eligible for consular assistance in third countries, but not in Hong Kong, Macao or mainland China. If individuals have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, it's advised that they carry clear evidence they have done so. We advise seeking legal advice where appropriate for individual cases. Individuals should also familiarise themselves with the FCDO's Travel Advice.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_70

Sojan Joseph:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with his international counterparts to help tackle (a) tuberculosis and (b) other illnesses. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK has played a significant role with international counterparts to tackle tuberculosis (TB) in recent decades.

Since 2002, TB deaths have been reduced by 36 per cent in countries where the Global Fund invests. The UK is a leading donor to the Global Fund and will this year co-host the 8th replenishment of the Global Fund together with South Africa.

We have also worked through our support to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The UK is an important investor in product development partnerships such as the TB Alliance, contributing to the development of the new BPaLM/BPAL regimen for multi-drug resistant TB.

The UK also works with international counterparts to tackle a wide range of illnesses, including TB, through our support to the World Health Organisation, Unitaid, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and other multilateral and bilateral health programming.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_71

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 9 April 2025 to Question 43516: Maternity Services, whether he has set a deadline for (a) outcome and (b) progress measures in the three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal care. \p Karin Smyth: NHS England’s three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal care services was published on 31 March 2023 and implementation of the objectives is due to run for three years until March 2026. Progress is monitored through the plan’s technical guidance, which sets out how progress will be tracked at a national level against the four key themes of the plan.

Due to the complexity of maternity and neonatal care and the need for robust validation, some of the outcome data is significantly lagged and will not be fully available within the lifetime of the plan. Much of this data is published by external organisations beyond NHS England.

Although the delivery plan spans three years, its objectives are intended to enable services to deliver improvements in care that will lead to sustained, long-term improvements in outcomes and experiences for women, babies, and families.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_72

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 9 April 2025 to Question 43516: Maternity Services, if he will update the three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal care to include specific numerical targets. \p Karin Smyth: NHS England’s three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services, ending in March 2026, will not be updated to include specific numerical targets. The focus remains on delivering actions to drive the necessary improvements on the ground to ensure that all women, babies and families receive the high-quality care that they deserve. This includes both the actions set out in the current plan, as well as the further actions needed to tackle the key issues in maternity and neonatal services. It is essential that any targets set are evidence-based and women and baby-centred.
wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_73
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_73

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help improve autism (a) awareness and (b) understanding among the adult population. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Government is committed to creating a more inclusive society where autistic people are supported to thrive.

The Department is taking action to increase awareness and understanding of autism within health and adult social care services. From 1 July 2022, service providers registered with the Care Quality Commission are required to ensure their staff receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their role, as set out in the Health and Care Act 2022. To support this, we are rolling out the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. Over two million people have now completed the e-learning module, which is the first part of the training.

The Government has also committed to raising awareness of all forms of neurodiversity, including autism, in the workplace. An independent panel made of academics with expertise and experiences of neurodiversity, including autism, has been launched to advise the Government on fostering more inclusive workplaces. This will build on the recommendations outlined in the Buckland Review of Autism Employment, which related solely to autism.

The panel will advise employers and ministers on boosting neurodiversity awareness and inclusion at work, including for autistic people. The panel will consider mechanisms for change, making recommendations in the summer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_74

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 3 April 2025 to Question 41085 on Domestic Waste and Fly-tipping: Health Hazards, if he will publish the risk assessment on the potential health impacts of uncollected waste. \p Ashley Dalton: The risk assessment is a live document, owned and kept under review by the local Director of Public Health who is responsible for its distribution. The UK Health Security Agency is part of a multi-agency response Strategic Commissioning Group and has contributed to the risk assessment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_75

Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of uncollected rubbish in Birmingham on (a) public health and (b) levels of Weil’s disease. \p Ashley Dalton: My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, is closely monitoring the situation in Birmingham.

Birmingham City Council is conducting a risk assessment on the potential public health impacts of uncollected waste. The assessment is being led by the Director of Public Health for Birmingham and encompasses a broad range of potential impacts, including risk of infectious diseases, including Weil’s disease.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is part of a multi-agency response Strategic Coordinating Group, led by Birmingham City Council, and has contributed to the risk assessment. UKHSA will continue to provide advice and support to Birmingham City Council as long as is necessary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_76

Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing over-the-counter sales of vitamin B12 injections in the UK. \p Karin Smyth: The Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorised several medicines for use in different circumstances associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. The legal status assigned to medicines is dependent on an assessment of the product against the criteria for either Prescription Only Medicine status or General Sales List status, and the classification is determined via the marketing authorisation.

The criteria for classification are set out in Regulation 62 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 [SI 2012/2016 as amended], and Regulation 62(3) is clear that if the medicine is usually prescribed for parenteral administration, that is by injection, then the medicinal product must by law be classified as a prescription only medicine. Other aspects within Regulation 62 also apply in consideration of the most suitable legal status of vitamin B12 injection and its use in deficiency states.

Currently, United Kingdom law specifies that all products administered by injection must be subject to a prescription. The MHRA is therefore unable to reclassify the status of injections, including Vitamin B12, to medicines, as this would not be consistent with the legislation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_77

Alistair Strathern:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many cases of postnatal depression involved (a) engagement with and (b) mental health assessment of the woman’s partner by the relevant service in the most recent 12-month period for which data is available. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_78

Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve the quality of wound care, in the context of the disbandment of the National Wound Care Strategy Programme in March 2025. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_79

Alistair Strathern:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will publish data on the number of (a) fathers who have accessed perinatal mental health services and (b) maternity outreach clinics that offer (i) evidence-based mental health assessments and (ii) signposting. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_80

Steve Darling:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether funding allocated to Torbay to help tackle deprivation will be (a) protected and (b) ringfenced following local government reorganisation. \p Alex Norris: We remain committed to supporting the 75 places announced as part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods, including Torbay, throughout the reorganisation of local government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_81

John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure (a) safe, (b) healthy and (c) adequate living conditions for people seeking asylum in (i) initial and (ii) dispersed accommodation; and if she will end the use of hotel accommodation for unaccompanied children. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Home Office remains committed to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of those receiving asylum support. There are mechanisms in place, managed by Migrant Help, to allow asylum seekers to request assistance, provide feedback and/or report issues. This support is available 24/7 by telephone, webchat or email.

The Home Office has not accommodated unaccompanied children in UASC emergency hotels since 31 January 2024.