theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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The Earl of Clancarty:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with stakeholders regarding a proportionate route to registration with the Office for Students designed for smaller, specialist providers in support of accessing the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, including those offering Trinity College London’s Level 5 and 6 Professional Performing Arts Diplomas accredited by the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The government is fully committed to delivering the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) as set out in the Autumn Budget 2024. From the LLE’s launch in January 2027, the Office for Students (OfS) will regulate all providers offering LLE-funded provision.

The OfS has made clear that they expect to restart work on registrations, degree awarding powers and university title in August 2025, although the changes will remain under review until then. We understand that the OfS will keep providers updated throughout this period about their plans, including confirming application arrangements from August onwards. The government supports the reasons for the temporary pause in order for the OfS to refocus their efforts on provider financial sustainability. As the independent regulator, it is for the OfS to process registrations in the manner they deem most appropriate.

The government will continue to engage closely with the OfS and providers to support timely transition arrangements for the launch of the LLE. The government, together with the OfS, will provide further information on the regulation of providers under the LLE in spring 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that artificial intelligence technologies are used beneficially in education, and in particular to ensure that students from lower-income backgrounds have equal access to such technologies. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: Effective use of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can power the future of learning by improving access to education and outcomes, reducing staff workload and running operations more efficiently.

Important developments in AI education policy in England include our updated policy paper on the use of generative AI in education, which sets out this government’s core messages on AI use in education. The paper reinforces key messages on safety and provides updated information on intellectual property and data protection considerations as well as regulator approaches.

In January 2025, to ensure the safety of our children, the department announced that leading global tech firms had jointly committed to making AI tools for education safer by design. Google, Microsoft, Adobe and Amazon Web Services are amongst the firms who have helped develop a set of expectations AI tools should meet to be considered safe for classroom use.

To support a clear ask from teachers and leaders, the department is developing online resources and guidance to help teachers and leaders use AI safely in their setting. This will be published in spring.

The department will also be appointing a task and finish group to advise on digital, AI and technology in order to increase the future pipeline of talent with digital and AI specific skills and prepare children and young people to be ready for an AI and tech-enabled world, as well as making the most of opportunities to use AI and educational technology (EdTech) to drive better teaching and learning.

In addition to this work with schools and colleges, the government is committed to ensuring that everyone has the skills, access, support and confidence to engage in our modern digital society and economy, whatever their circumstances. That is why we are working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), who recently published an action plan on digital inclusion. The full publication can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-inclusion-action-plan-first-steps/digital-inclusion-action-plan-first-steps.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Agnew of Oulton:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication on 11 December 2024 of the procurement notice Review on the State of Digital Government (2024/S 000-039897), what assessment they made of Bain &amp; Company's compliance with monitoring conditions; whether the Cabinet Office had final approval over the participation of Bain &amp; Company in the framework mini competition; and what safeguards there are to ensure that firms subject to monitoring cannot use procurement intermediaries to bypass Government scrutiny of monitoring conditions. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Cabinet Office’s use of procurement intermediaries is governed by the Cabinet Office Commercial Directorate and any requirements commissioned via this route remain subject to the same level of assurance and governance as it would if it had been undertaken in-house.

As part of this specific procurement competition, the Cabinet Office Commercial Directorate confirmed with Government Commercial Function that Bain & Company were meeting all applicable conditions that permit them to be included in this mini competition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government how many staff are employed by the Windsor Framework Independent Monitoring Panel; and how many times the body has met since it was created. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 18 March 2025 (UIN 38339).

In accordance with paragraph 160 of the Safeguarding the Union command paper, a Secretariat is provided by the UK Government to the Panel, and the Panel receives relevant data to support its monitoring functions. The Panel does not directly employ staff.

It is a matter for the Panel to determine the structure and cadence of its meetings and panellists regularly engage with each other as well as having recently met the Secretary of State on 3 March.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government how and when they intend to respond to the passing of the Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 Applicability Motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Government continues to evaluate the implications of Regulation 2023/2411, in the light of the applicability motion vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the conditions set out in Schedule 6B of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the closure of high street bank branches on consumers, particularly older people. \p Lord Livermore: Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly.

The FCA requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all.

Where a branch closure is announced, LINK (the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network) assesses a community’s access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities on behalf of the UK’s largest high street banks. LINK takes into consideration a wide range of criteria, such as the size and vulnerability of the population, existing and remaining cash access facilities, the number of shops and how many older people live nearby. Following this independent assessment, LINK will decide whether to recommend any additional services, such as a banking hub.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 135 are already open.

Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the announcement on 25 February that they will invest £208 million in a new national biosecurity centre, whether those funds were previously committed to go directly to farmers as payments for 'public goods'. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The National Biosecurity Centre is the new name for the facility delivered at APHA Weybridge, previously known as the Science Capability in Animal Health programme. This funding has not been previously committed to other purposes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve co-operation with the Northern Ireland Executive and government of Ireland in order to facilitate movement of equine animals between their respective areas, and improve processes for their registration. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government recognises the importance of the equine sector to the UK economy. The majority of equine movements into and out of Great Britain take place with the island of Ireland, so we regularly engage with the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the Republic of Ireland.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the proposals for pumping water from the River Severn to the River Thames for use in South-East England. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Severn to Thames Transfer is part of the RAPID programme and this means it will receive regulatory oversight as the owners (Severn Trent Water, Thames Water and United Utilities) continue to investigate and develop this potential strategic regional option (SRO). The Severn to Thames Transfer progressed through gate two in June 2023 after it was assessed by the RAPID partner regulators (Ofwat, EA and DWI). It was decided that this SRO should continue to be developed towards gate three.

The Severn to Thames Transfer is not currently a preferred option in water companies' water resource management plans (WRMPs). However, at PR24 Ofwat decided that the Severn to Thames Transfer should continue to be developed. This is because securing our future water supply is of critical importance, and therefore it is crucial that there is contingency within the system.

In the event that the Severn Thames Transfer is progressed, it is likely to involve a pipeline connection of the River Severn to the River Thames to enable the transfer of up to 500Ml/d raw water to the Southeast during times of drought.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to extend the provisions of the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 to Northern Ireland. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 promotes the proper shoeing of a horse, preventing suffering or cruelty to horses, and provides regulations for the establishment of a Farriers Registration Council to register persons engaged in farriery. There are no plans to amend this legislation currently.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Baroness Hodgson of Abinger:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they assess the quality of imported grain for animal feeds and, if so, what action they take if it is found to be substandard. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The UK prides itself on world leading animal health and welfare standards. Farmers across the nation deliver on the standards set out in our world class legislation on matters such as living environment for animals, access to veterinary services and suitable diet for farmed animals.

Legislation is in place to ensure feed may be placed on the market and used only if it is safe and does not have a direct adverse effect on the environment or animal welfare.

Port health authorities are responsible for sampling and analysing imported feed products on a risk-based approach. Where analysis is carried out, the results would be reviewed by the relevant authorities and appropriate action taken. Local Authorities will inspect the feed businesses systems and the results of any checks performed by them, when they conduct Official Controls at the business. Feed businesses will routinely check the consignments of grain they have received.

Feed businesses are responsible for deciding whether or not they wish to purchase assured or non-assured grain for use in animal feed as this is a commercial decision.

Cereals and oilseeds make up a significant proportion of animal feed, most of which are internationally traded commodities. Subsequently, their supply chains are dynamic and responsive to global market developments in price and availability. Defra publishes statistics on domestic agricultural production on gov.uk however we make no assessment of end market. There are a number of external factors that will influence the split between human and industrial use of grain and that used for animal feed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the total cost of building and completing each of the Border Control Posts in Northern Ireland; and what is the estimated date of completion of each one. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: In line with the commitments we have made under the Windsor Framework, SPS inspection facilities are under construction in Northern Ireland at the ports of Belfast, Larne, Foyle and Warrenpoint. Preparations are well underway, and they will be operationally ready by July 2025.

The Government has committed to a maximum funding envelope of £192.3 million. Of this envelope, Defra has spent £70.7 million up to 28 February 2025, the latest data currently available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will implement the recommendations set out in the report Review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender, published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 March. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: Sex and gender in data, statistics and research is an important area of discussion, and this review contributes to this ongoing dialogue. Given the wide breadth of recommendations, the government has ensured that the review has been shared with all the relevant departments and policy teams, who will consider the findings in light of their ongoing policy work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what lessons Network Rail has learned from the railway accident near Llanbrynmair on the Shrewsbury to Machynlleth line in October 2024; and how those lessons will be heeded throughout the railway network. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), the independent body responsible for investigating rail accidents in the UK, launched an investigation into the fatal accident at Talerddig, near Llanbrynmair in Powys, on 22 October 2024, the day after the accident. Once the investigation is complete, RAIB will publish an investigation report, which will highlight any recommendations or learning points.

Maintaining high safety levels on the railway remains a priority for this Government and we expect the relevant parts of the rail industry, including Network Rail, to act on any recommendations resulting from RAIB’s investigation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-02)

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Lord Mackinlay of Richborough:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (HC37979), whether the decision to plug and abandon Preston New Road shale gas well was a matter for (1) the company, (2) the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, or (3) the North Sea Transition Authority. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: As stated in the previous answer, decisions on whether to abandon wells are ultimately a matter for the company.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_1

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impacts of life recorders, particularly in regard to privacy and security, and what plans they have to take legal, regulatory or other action in response. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: All UK organisations processing personal data must comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018. This applies to all technologies, including AI-based life recorders. The UK GDPR and the DPA, are risk-based and technology neutral, ensuring organisations process data lawfully, fairly, and transparently. On data security, the UK has strong safeguards, regulatory oversight, and enforcement to ensure responsible data handling. We continuously assess evolving threats to UK data and will take further action if necessary to protect national security.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure proper governance of data-sharing initiatives across departments; and what plans they have to introduce additional safeguards to protect public data when working with private sector partners. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: All departments must adhere to the UK data protection legislation, which requires data protection impact assessments, legally binding agreements and contracts, and privacy notices to ensure transparency and the protection of personal information. This requirement extends to data shared under the Digital Economy Act (DEA) Public Service Delivery power as outlined in the DEA Code of Practice. The register of information sharing agreements under the Digital Economy Act aims to support transparency.

To further reinforce these practices Government Digital Service is developing a trust framework for data sharing, which aims to align with public and stakeholder expectations, ensure compliance with UK data protection laws and best governance practices, and establish an accountable, standardised, secure, and transparent approach to the use of public data assets.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the infringement of copyright in generative artificial intelligence, and what steps they will take to address this. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: Copying protected material in the UK will infringe copyright unless it is licensed, or an exception to copyright applies.

The Government recently consulted on several topics relating to the interaction between copyright and artificial intelligence (AI), including seeking views on the use of copyright material in AI model development.

This consultation closed on 25th February.

The Government’s priority now is to review all responses to the consultation, to help inform its next steps. The Government will continue to engage extensively on this issue and its proposals will be set out in due course
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_4

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government how they regulate biological gain-of-function research, and whether they plan to change or develop regulation of that research. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: Gain of function research changes the genetic material of a living organism to alter the way that organism behaves. This research sometimes takes place on pathogens to helps us to prevent and respond to future pandemics. The UK has a set of regulations in place to safely unlock the benefits of this research on pathogens whilst protecting from misuse. The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations ensure the safety of the people doing the research and the environment whilst the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 regulates the possession and use of specific pathogens and toxins. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these regulations, including through ongoing engagement with the EngBio Responsible Innovation Advisory Panel.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of AI-powered remote-monitoring systems in caring for dementia patients, and how this technology could reduce the cost of care. \p Baroness Merron: Artificial intelligence powered remote monitoring technologies that can support people who draw on care, including those with dementia, are being piloted as part of the Adult Social Care Technology Fund. We will be publishing evidence from the pilots following their completion across 2025/26.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Lord Fink:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to evaluate the link between exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and levels of (1) peanut, (2) egg, and (3) other food, allergies among children. \p Baroness Merron: The United Kingdom’s infant feeding recommendations are based on robust, independent advice from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). The SACN published its report, Feeding in the first year of life, in July 2018. This included consideration of the best available evidence on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and the timing of the introduction of allergenic foods, including peanuts and hen’s eggs, into the infant diet. Considerations were informed by a joint SACN and Food Standards Agency Committee on Toxicity (COT) statement, named Assessing the health benefits and risks of the introduction of peanut and hen’s egg into the infant diet before six months of age in the UK.

Based on the SACN’s advice, the Government continues to recommend exclusively breastfeeding for the approximate first six months of life. Advice on the introduction of peanuts and hen’s eggs was strengthened to state that these foods can be introduced from approximately six months of age, need not be differentiated from other solid foods, and that the deliberate exclusion of peanuts or hen’s eggs beyond six to 12 months of age may increase the risk of allergy to these foods.

A five-year research project, Preventing food allergy in infants with early introduction of complementary feeding, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, started in September 2024. The SACN and the COT will review this research once available. A new Infant Feeding Survey undertaken in 2024 will provide data on breastfeeding and the introduction of solid foods, including allergenic foods. Results will be available later this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Lord Leigh of Hurley:To ask His Majesty's Government how many mobile phones issued by the Department for Transport have been reported as (1) lost, and (2) stolen, by (a) the Department as a whole, and (b) ministerial private offices in the Department, since 4 July 2024. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The response below covers the central department (DfTc) and the five Executive Agencies: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Active Travel England (ATE).

Please note: DfT(c) handle all IT devices for Active Travel England (ATE) and so they are included in the returns for DfT(c). The figures provided for Private Offices are included in the central department’s returns, not in addition to.

Since 4th July 2024

Whole Department

Ministerial Private Offices

Lost

Stolen

Lost

Stolen

DfTc

57

6

DfT

3

0

DVLA

0

0

DVSA

15

1

VCA

0

1

MCA

4

0

Total

76

8
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of draft law on foreign agents introduced on 31 March by the government of Georgia, and what assessment they have made of the impact of the legislation on political opposition. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: A vibrant opposition and civil society in Georgia, is an essential attribute of a healthy democracy. We have serious concerns over the recent repressive legislation Georgian Dream have rushed through parliament, including the Georgian Foreign Agents Registration Act legislation and Successor Parties Law. The Minister of State, Stephen Doughty MP raised concerns over the plans and civil society and democratic freedoms with Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Botchorishvili on 16 December 2024.

The proposed laws would place extreme constraints on civil society and opposition parties, while undermining a democratic and prosperous future for all Georgians.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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The Lord Bishop of Winchester:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have had discussions with the European Union about the Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains that the EU signed with the government of Rwanda on 19 February 2024. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK has discussed the Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains with the EU at official level. Illicit mining remains a problem and supports the business models of armed groups. As well as being a barrier to economic growth, this has appalling humanitarian consequences. The UK supports the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which aims to improve transparency and governance in the mining sector. This is an issue that the UK regularly raises in multilateral fora.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Lord Bailey of Paddington:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the people of Myanmar and the wider region following the earthquake on 28 March. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK pledged an initial £10 million worth of life saving support to Myanmar in response to the earthquake. This package will be delivered via long standing UK-funded local partners and through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which will fund life-saving support to some of the most urgent humanitarian needs. The UK also supports the Disaster Emergency Committee and will match public donations up to £5 million. The UK is providing consular assistance to the small number of British nationals in Myanmar and Thailand affected by the earthquake. On 4 April, we announced a further £10m of funding, bringing our total response to up to £25 million.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Lord Birt:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Turkey about the detention and deportation of BBC journalist Mark Lowen. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The Government provided consular assistance to Mark Lowen, a British journalist detained and subsequently deported from Turkey. The Foreign Secretary spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan on Saturday 29 March. The UK expects Turkey to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law, including the protection of the fundamental rights to free speech, peaceful assembly and media freedom.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the Burmese military junta has bombed civilian areas affected by the earthquake in Burma; and what further assessment they have made of (1) the number of fatalities and casualties, and (2) how much humanitarian assistance is reaching victims. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK was concerned by reports of continuing airstrikes by the Myanmar military after the earthquake. On 2 April, the Myanmar military announced a temporary ceasefire which we welcome. We now call on the Myanmar military to fully respect the ceasefire. We estimate 4,346 people have lost their lives so far (as of 10 April), but we expect this to increase significantly. Our initial £10 million of humanitarian assistance is already reaching those directly affected by the earthquake as we channel funding to long standing local partners (local civil society organisations, faith groups and education providers).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Pakistan regarding reports that from 31 March it intends to return to Afghanistan all undocumented refugees, including women judges whose US visas have been revoked. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: We are aware that the Government of Pakistan has announced its intention to recommence deportations in April 2025. We are closely monitoring the Government of Pakistan's policy and are working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to ensure Pakistan adheres to its international human rights obligations. We continue to raise concerns with the Government of Pakistan regarding the humanitarian implications of the deportation of Afghan refugees. The visa process and issuance of documentation to Afghan refugees is a matter for Pakistani authorities, who ultimately reserve the right to decide the eligibility criteria for applicants.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Baroness Manzoor:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to prevent the exploitation of women in poorer countries involved in surrogacy. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK does not support international surrogacy involving any form of exploitation and is committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8.7. Globally the UK is proud to defend and promote universal and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights. At the multilateral level, and through our diplomatic and Official Development Assistance partnerships, we advocate that all people have the right to make informed decisions about childbearing, including if, whether and when to have children. Family planning interventions, including surrogacy, must always be voluntary and rooted in a human rights-based approach.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Baroness Curran:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of recent settler violence in the West Bank. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Settler violence is unacceptable, and settlements are illegal under international law. The Foreign Secretary has been clear with Israeli ministers that they must clamp down on settler violence and end settler expansion and has previously met with Palestinian communities in the West Bank to hear how they are affected. On 15 October, the Foreign Secretary announced sanctions targeting three illegal settler outposts and four organisations that have supported and sponsored violence against communities in the West Bank. These measures will help bring accountability to those who have supported and perpetrated such heinous abuses of human rights. As the Foreign Secretary said in Parliament on 1 April, we continue to keep these issues under review but the culture of impunity for those engaged in violence is intolerable.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

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Lord Crisp:To ask His Majesty's Government what response they are making to the appeal to the international community regarding the Myanmar earthquake by the Interim National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: On 30th March the UK announced up to £10 million worth of life saving support to Myanmar in response to the earthquake. As well as delivering the humanitarian assistance via local partners, the package includes support in conjunction with other international partners to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). This will fund life-saving support to some of the most urgent humanitarian needs. On 4 April, we announced a further £10 million of funding, bringing our total response to up to £25 million.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_17

Baroness Penn:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how many of the additional 250,000 people moved into relative poverty by welfare changes will be in work. \p Baroness Sherlock: The Government’s impact assessment regarding Health and Disability reform is available at: Spring Statement 2025 health and disability benefit reforms – Impacts

This assessment does not include the impact of the £1 billion a year, by 2029/30, funding for measures to support those with disabilities and long-term health conditions into employment, which we expect to mitigate the poverty impact among people it supports into work. It is not possible, therefore, to assess how many more working people will be in relative poverty in 2029/30 as a result of these changes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_18

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government how many containment level (1) three, and (2) four, laboratories there are in the UK, whether they keep a record of those facilities, and how often they update that record. \p Baroness Sherlock: There are currently 9 premises (8 organisations) that have notified as operating Containment Level (CL) 4 laboratories. There are 221 additional premises (204 organisations) that have notified as operating Containment Level 3 labs.

Each premises may operate one or more CL4 and/or CL3 laboratories. There is no duty on operators to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of how premises are subdivided into laboratories.

HSE keeps a list of premises operating at CL3. Operators are removed from the list as and when we become aware that they cease to operate at CL3.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_19

Lord Birt:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the relative cost of installing National Grid electricity cables that are (1) suspended from pylons and (2) buried underground. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The relative costs of overhead lines and burying underground electricity cables are assessed by National Grid at a project-specific level, with costs varying depending on factors such as the terrain and other site conditions. The Institute of Engineering and Technology Study, 2012, found that the lifetime costs for overhead lines range from £2.2m to £4.2m per kilometre, while direct burial underground cables range from £10.2m to £24.1m per kilometre, meaning that undergrounding can cost between 5-10 times more than overhead lines.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_20

Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to preserve productive farmland by encouraging the installation of solar panels on buildings and car parks rather than such farmland. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The deployment of rooftop solar is a top priority. Permitted development rights mean most rooftop projects do not require an application for planning permission, including non-domestic arrays of any size, and solar canopies on car parks. New buildings standards will ensure that all newly built houses and commercial buildings are fit for a net zero future. We expect these standards to encourage the installation of solar panels.

Ground mount solar is also needed to meet our 2030 clean power ambitions. Planning guidance makes clear that, wherever possible, projects should utilise previously developed land. Where the development of farmland is judged necessary, lower-quality land should be preferred.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_21

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure connections to the electricity grid are sufficient to attract investment in artificial intelligence data centre infrastructure. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government is working with Ofgem and NESO to deliver fundamental reform to the grid connections process. Subject to Ofgem’s final decision this could release over 400GW of capacity from the connection queue, which will accelerate connections for AI data centres.

The Government have also sought expressions of interest to identify promising locations which can benefit overall grid infrastructure whilst still having quick project development times to remain attractive for infrastructure investment.

The Government is also setting up the AI Energy Council, through which senior representatives from both the energy industry and the AI industry will look at where best to locate AI data centres and proactively manage the energy requirements of AI. These efforts work in tandem with the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_22

Lord Davies of Gower:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the raid on the Westminster Quaker Meeting House on 27 March on relations between the Metropolitan Police, the Religious Society of Friends and other religious groups. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The use of police powers are a matter for the police, who are operationally independent of Government. The Metropolitan Police have issued a statement about the incident in question, which reads as follows:

“Youth Demand have stated an intention to 'shut down' London over the month of April using tactics including 'swarming' and road blocks. While we absolutely recognise the importance of the right to protest, we have a responsibility to intervene to prevent activity that crosses the line from protest into serious disruption and other criminality. On Thursday, 27 March officers raided a Youth Demand planning meeting at an address in Westminster where those in attendance were plotting their April action. Six people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance. Five of those arrested on Thursday have been released on bail and one will face no further action. A further five arrests for the same offence were made on Friday, 28 March. Four of the arrests were at addresses in London and one in Exeter. All five of those arrested on Friday have been released on bail.”
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_23

Lord Davies of Gower:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to deliver additional police apprenticeships. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship is one of four entry routes available to candidates interested in becoming a warranted police officer. It is a popular Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship across England and Wales. The Government is committed to ensuring apprenticeships remain an attractive option to candidates interested in the police service and the Home Office regularly engages with the Department of Education who hold overall responsibility for apprenticeship policy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_24

The Lord Bishop of Manchester:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications of the police raid on a Quaker meeting house on 27 March for religious and democratic freedoms. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The use of police powers are a matter for the police, who are operationally independent of Government. The Metropolitan Police have issued a statement about the incident in question, which reads as follows:

“Youth Demand have stated an intention to 'shut down' London over the month of April using tactics including 'swarming' and road blocks. While we absolutely recognise the importance of the right to protest, we have a responsibility to intervene to prevent activity that crosses the line from protest into serious disruption and other criminality. On Thursday, 27 March officers raided a Youth Demand planning meeting at an address in Westminster where those in attendance were plotting their April action. Six people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance. Five of those arrested on Thursday have been released on bail and one will face no further action. A further five arrests for the same offence were made on Friday, 28 March. Four of the arrests were at addresses in London and one in Exeter. All five of those arrested on Friday have been released on bail.”
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_25

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government how many fixed penalty notices have been issued for illegal use of e-scooters in each of the past three years. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office collects and publishes data on fixed penalty notices and other outcomes for motoring offences in England and Wales on an annual basis, as part of the ‘Police powers and procedures: Roads policing’ statistical bulletin.

However, the Home Office does not centrally collect data on the type of vehicle involved in each offence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_26

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to review the policy to prevent asylum seekers from working while awaiting a decision on their applications; and what assessment they have made of providing this opportunity to applicants who are victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Asylum seekers who have had their claim outstanding for 12 months or more, through no fault of their own, can apply for permission to work in jobs on the Immigration Salary List.

Where a victim of modern slavery is seeking asylum, we may allow earlier permission to work on an exceptional basis. In these cases, consideration will be given to that individual’s physical, psychological and social recovery.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-14 conversation_27

Lord Mohammed of Tinsley:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have received applications for political asylum from citizens of the United States of America since January. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Data on the number of asylum claims by nationality from January to March 2025 will be published by the Home Office on 22 May 2025 in the 'Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release' on GOV.UK.