theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Tokyo District Court’s dissolution order against the Unification Church; and what steps he is taking to help protect (a) religious freedom and (b) minority rights. \p Catherine West: This is a matter that is subject to ongoing court proceedings. It is therefore reserved for the Government of Japan and institutions of Japan. The UK has always been clear that the right to adopt a religion or belief, practise it without hindrance, and to share it with others are all key freedoms that everyone should have. As the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, I will continue to champion the UK's long-standing policy to defend freedom of religion or belief for all and promote respect between different religious and non-religious communities internationally.
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Rachel Blake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in India on protecting minority rights. \p Catherine West: The UK Government takes all allegations of human rights violations very seriously. The UK Government has a broad, deep and respectful partnership with the Government of India. This includes sharing perspectives on human rights and minority issues and finding common ground, including at Ministerial level. In 2024, I held a roundtable with stakeholders to discuss Freedom of Religion in India.

Our High Commission in New Delhi and our network across India monitor human rights across the country. This includes raising issues of concern where we have them.
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Rachel Blake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Indian counterpart on violations of human rights in India. \p Catherine West: The UK Government takes all allegations of human rights violations very seriously. The UK Government has a broad, deep and respectful partnership with the Government of India. This includes sharing perspectives on human rights and minority issues and finding common ground, including at Ministerial level. In 2024, I held a roundtable with stakeholders to discuss Freedom of Religion in India.

Our High Commission in New Delhi and our network across India monitor human rights across the country. This includes raising issues of concern where we have them.
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Layla Moran:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much funding has been allocated to International Climate Finance for nature for 2025 to 2026 in total. \p Catherine West: It remains our ambition to deliver £11.6 billion in International Climate Finance between April 2021 and March 2026. Final Official Development Assistance allocations for the financial year 25/26 are in the process of being finalised.
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Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of recent reports that India forcibly deported over 80 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar; and what steps his Department is taking to raise concerns about the (a) religious freedom and (b) safety of Rohingya Muslims facing refoulement with his Indian counterpart. \p Catherine West: The UK is firmly committed to the protection and promotion of human rights around the world. We are aware of reports concerning the deportation of Rohingya refugees from India to Myanmar, and we take such reports seriously.

We regularly engage with the Government of India on a range of human rights issues, including the treatment of minority communities and international humanitarian principles. We continue to encourage all countries to ensure that the rights and safety of vulnerable populations, including the Rohingya, are respected and protected. The UK is a strong supporter of international efforts to assist Rohingya refugees. The long-term solution for Rohingya refugees remains a voluntary, safe and dignified return to Rakhine state in Myanmar, once the conditions there allow.
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Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions officials have had with Chinese officials on the application to develop Royal Mint Court into a new Chinese embassy. \p Catherine West: The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Ministers in MHCLG will make this decision independent from the rest of Government in their quasi-judicial capacity. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials speak regularly with the Chinese officials about a range of issues.
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Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to increase the level of apprenticeship opportunities within his Department. \p Catherine West: We remain committed to supporting the use of apprenticeships across all government departments to break down barriers to opportunity. This includes supporting the Government's commitment to 2,000 digital apprenticeships through its TechTrack scheme by 2030 to improve digital skills and drive improvements and efficiency in public services.

Additionally, a new cross-Government Level 3 apprenticeship programme in Business Administration, The 'Civil Service Career Launch Apprenticeship' (CLA), will see new apprentices kickstart their careers, across various departments, starting from January 2026.

We are also working on aligning our apprenticeship approach with our capability framework. For example, we are exploring new apprenticeship opportunities to scale our approach and build internal capability on Data and AI.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the FCDO press release LGBTQIA+ Legal Guidebook launched in Philippines for Pride Month published on 23 June 2025, if he will publish the legal guidebook. \p Catherine West: The LGBTQIA+ Legal Guidebook has been published online on the website of TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation's global pro-bono legal network.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote (a) digital connectivity and (b) internet access in (i) small island development states and (ii) other nations in the Commonwealth. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office supports the inclusive, responsible, and sustainable digital transformation of partner countries.

Our Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030 aims to support last-mile connectivity, to help close the digital divide in a world where 2.6 billion people are still offline.

Through our Digital Access Programme, we catalyse sustainable, scalable technology and business models that enhance access to inclusive and affordable Internet connectivity.

We work with telecoms regulators in developing countries, facilitating peer learning with Ofcom, and sharing approaches to spectrum management that enable internet service providers to serve remote low-income areas.

To drive safe and productive use of digital connectivity, we support digital skills and cyber-hygiene awareness, with a focus on underserved communities and marginalised groups, for example women and persons living with disabilities.

The Digital Access Programme has sustainably improved the digital inclusion of over 15 million people, within 5,000 communities across 5 countries, including 3 Commonwealth members: Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

In Indonesia, we supported 'community networks' that use local recyclable materials and renewable energy for local internet infrastructure; and we're sharing this knowledge through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and with the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific.

Working with the Commonwealth Telecoms Organisation we are engaging with its 33 member states (including SIDS) to support policies, strategies, and regulations that create a conducive environment for inclusive connectivity and affordable digital access.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 59107 on Defence: Finance, whether the elements of FCDO’s programming budget will be formally included in the defence budget for 2027. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)'s non-Official Development Assistance budget primarily funds operating costs, including the UK's diplomatic capability, 24/7 consular services and rapid crisis response to support British nationals worldwide. The settlement also supports the FCDO's priorities across security, growth, migration and the UK's relationship with Europe, alongside constitutional obligations to the Overseas Territories. A portion of this funding will contribute to the UK's NATO-attributed defence spending, including FCDO-led programming in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Intelligence Community to counter cyber-attacks, election interference, disinformation and other threats to stability. The amount of the FCDO contribution is being worked though. It will not be included in the Defence budget for 2027.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support the British Overseas Territories to enforce sanctions against Venezuela. \p Catherine West: On 10 January, the UK sanctioned 15 new individuals associated with Maduro's contested regime responsible for undermining democracy and committing serious human rights violations. The UK and Overseas Territories Governments work closely to apply UK sanctions across the Territories. The UK Government has been providing technical support to teams across the Overseas Territory Governments to build capability and to strengthen sanctions enforcement.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential risks to Ministers of undertaking personal foreign travel without a security detail; what guidance he has provided to Ministers on this matter; and whether he plans to update his Department's guidance. \p Catherine West: It is the Government's long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on matters of protective security. To do so could compromise the integrity of those arrangements and affect the security of the individuals concerned.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to seize further Russian assets in the UK. \p Stephen Doughty: The Government is firmly committed to ensuring Russia pays for the damage it has caused and is causing in Ukraine. We have already made progress using sanctioned Russian assets to support Ukraine. Over half of the UK's £2.26 billion contribution to the G7's Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration scheme has now been disbursed to Ukraine, strengthening their defence capabilities in the face of Russian aggression. That contribution will be repaid by the profits generated on sanctioned Russian assets. We are working urgently with partners to explore all legal avenues to go further.
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Monica Harding:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress he has made on developing the children and armed conflict strategy. \p Stephen Doughty: The latest UN Secretary General's report on Children and Armed Conflict is shocking. It shows that children are being harmed and denied lifesaving aid on an unprecedented scale.

As the UK made clear in our statement at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict on 25 June, the UK calls on all parties to armed conflict to immediately end and prevent grave violations against children and for perpetrators to be held to account. The UK also remains committed to promoting and defending the UN's Children and Armed Conflict mandate.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is currently reviewing our approach to children in conflict.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Scottish Government on their decision to place restrictions of NHS medical equipment being donated to Ukraine. \p Stephen Doughty: It is a matter for the Scottish Government to explain why they have placed restrictions on medical aid to Ukraine.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking with international counterparts to highlight the issue of forced deportations of Ukrainian children. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK continually raises the forced deportation of Ukrainian children with international counterparts. We are an active member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian children, and continue to raise this issue in multilateral fora, including the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the UN and the Human Rights Council. The UK has funded 'Save Ukraine', a non-governmental organisation which helps to return Ukrainian children, and 'Bring Kids Back UA' through The Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine. In March, I met with representatives from both organisations, alongside Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa and senior officials from the Ministry of Justice, to discuss child deportation.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of the (a) number and (b) location of re-education camps for deported Ukrainian children in Russia. \p Stephen Doughty: According to the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, around 8,000 Ukrainian children have been sent to re-education camps in illegally annexed Crimea and mainland Russia. We note, with concern, reports that Ukrainian children have also attended so-called recreation camps in Belarus. We call upon Belarus to ensure that no Ukrainian children are forcibly transferred to, or via, it's territory and upon Russia to return all of Ukraine's children to Ukraine and to their families. In March, I met with representatives from 'Save Ukraine' and 'Bring Kids Back', alongside Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa and senior officials from the Ministry of Justice, to discuss child deportation. We will continue to play our full part in international efforts to reunite these children with their families and to pursue justice for them all.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will launch an investigation into reported drone attacks on the vessel Conscience in international waters off Malta. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are aware of an incident in May regarding a vessel off the coast of Malta. His Majesty's Government officials were in touch with the Maltese Authorities regarding the incident and understand there were no casualties and that no British nationals were aboard this vessel. We are not planning an investigation into the incident but continue to be in contact with Maltese Authorities if any new information regarding the incident becomes available.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the seizure of the UK-flagged civilian ship Madleen by Israeli forces in international waters. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are aware of the interception of the Madleen and the arrest of its passengers by Israeli Naval Forces. We note that this happened without serious incident or injury to any passenger. We pressed the Israeli authorities in advance of the ship's arrival to ensure that any action they took would resolve the situation safely, with restraint, and in line with International Law. The UK continues to demand that the Israeli government permits the full and unhindered resumption in the flow of aid into Gaza immediately. By far the most effective way to meet the desperate needs of the Gazan people at the speed and scale that is needed is via overland routes. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is appalling. We reiterate that Israel must immediately allow the UN and other agencies to deliver lifesaving aid to those in Gaza who so desperately need it.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Minister’s oral contribution during the debate on Gavi and the Global Fund of 15 May 2025, Official Report, column 203WH, when he will provide a detailed breakdown of the level of UK aid reaching Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK provides humanitarian aid to Gaza via trusted partners, including UN agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). In January 2025, £17 million was announced for food, healthcare and shelter, alongside a broader £129 million commitment to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Since October 2023, Israeli-imposed restrictions have severely limited access. While some UK-funded aid has reached Gaza, other supplies remain at border crossings or in regional warehouses. Quantifying exact volumes is difficult due to limited real-time data and operational constraints. The UK continues to press for full, unimpeded humanitarian access and is working closely with partners to ensure aid reaches those in need.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 June 2025 to Question 56762, on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, from which line of his Department’s budget the economic partnership with Mauritius will be resourced from. \p Stephen Doughty: The costs associated with the deal will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
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Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) deliver humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations in Myanmar's conflict zones outside military control and (b) avoid (i) legitimising and (ii) empowering the military regime. \p Catherine West: Since the 2021 coup, the UK has provided more than £190 million in life-saving humanitarian assistance, emergency healthcare and education support, and support to civil society. No UK funds go to the Myanmar military, and we work through local partners to reach populations most in need, including in areas beyond military control. Through our Humanitarian Programme in Myanmar, we have reached 1.3 million people since 2022 in conflict affected areas with essential humanitarian support.

The UK continues to hold the Myanmar military regime to account and has sanctioned 25 individuals and 39 entities targeting the regime's access to finance, arms and equipment, including ten sanctions targeting import of aviation fuel into Myanmar.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of illegal work in the (a) wind and (b) solar industry. \p Michael Shanks: The government is delivering record investment in supply chains to create good, well paid jobs in the construction of renewable energy projects across the country, Through the Office for Clean Energy Jobs we are working to improve terms and conditions for workers.

The specific information requested is not held by the Department.
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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the size of the UK’s gas reserves in each year between 2025 and 2030. \p Michael Shanks: Data on UK gas reserves is published in Energy in Brief; data for 2024 will be published on 31st July 2025. The North Sea Transition Authority publish projected production between 2025 and 2050.

The Midstream Gas System: Update to the Market published on 30th June highlights the government's focus on ensuring the resilience of gas supply and infrastructure as domestic production declines.
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Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what contingency plans his Department has put in place in the event of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of a closure on energy security in the UK. \p Michael Shanks: Oil and gas markets are well supplied and functioning normally. Though they have responded to events in the Middle East, prices remain within the bounds we have seen over the last year. We have not witnessed any material reduction of traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz. DESNZ will continue monitoring closely for any future impacts.

The UK holds oil stocks that can be released onto the global market collectively with releases by other International Energy Agency member countries in the event of a global oil supply disruption.

The Government's Clean Energy Superpower Mission, supported by the largest investment in home-grown clean energy in British history, will enhance energy security by boosting our energy independence, protecting billpayers, and reducing exposure to global supply shocks.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of cellular internet modules on (a) wind turbines, and (b) solar panels imported from China. \p Michael Shanks: Recognising the importance of renewable and smart energy systems for flexibility and decarbonisation, the Department is working to ensure the system is developed in a way that is secure by design, and protects energy supply, infrastructure and consumers. As part of this work, Government has published two consultation packages which sets out proposals for minimum security and grid stability requirements, including for organisations remotely controlling electrical load.

The Department collaborates with other government departments, agencies and industry partners to understand and mitigate threats to energy infrastructure, setting robust regulatory standards for cyber security through the Network and Information Systems Regulations. This includes working with regulators to ensure these regulations cover critical operators as the sector evolves.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of labour abuse in the (a) wind and (b) solar industry. \p Michael Shanks: The Government is aware of the abhorrent allegations of forced labour in clean energy supply chains and is committed to tackling it.

That is why we have amended the Great British Energy Act 2025, making it clear that GBE is committed to adopting measures so it acts on any evidence of forced labour in its supply chains – as we would expect of any responsible company.

Legislation and guidance are already in place to help businesses take action against modern slavery. We are further considering how to strengthen Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, including possible penalties for non-compliance.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential impact of the white paper entitled Restoring control over the immigration system, published on 12 May 2025, on overseas recruitment in the (a) wind and (b) solar industry. \p Michael Shanks: My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with Ministerial Colleagues on a number of issues.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions (a) Ministers, (b) officials and (c) special advisors in his Department have had with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited since 5 July 2024. \p Michael Shanks: Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much their Department has spent on (a) translation and (b) interpretation for languages other than (i) British Sign Language and (ii) languages native to the UK for people contacting (A) their Department and (B) its agencies in 2025. \p Michael Shanks: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero does not record this data in a way in which we can determine what proportion of the spend on translation services in 2025 so far was for services other than (i) British Sign Language and (ii) languages native to the UK.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to strengthen the law against acts of sabotage to offshore infrastructure. \p Michael Shanks: DESNZ works closely with subsea and offshore owners, operators, regulators and other stakeholders to ensure offshore infrastructure is proportionately protected against a range of threats, whether from accidental damage or intentional sabotage. This includes working jointly with the Joint Maritime Security Centre to proactively survey against external threats and increase the UK's maritime domain awareness of activity around UK offshore infrastructure.

DESNZ will continue to work closely with cross-government counterparts alongside industry to explore what further proportionate action can be taken to reduce the risks to offshore infrastructure, including if there is any need for new legislative powers.
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John Lamont:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of allocating levels of funding to support the increased use of (a) heat pumps and (b) wood pellets based on levels of CO2 reduction. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government will publish its carbon budget plan by October. This will set out the policy package to the end of Carbon Budget 6 in 2037 for all sectors of the economy, including the role of heat pumps and biomass (including wood pellets).

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 grants to households to partially cover the cost of installing a heat pump in their home. Further detail on the Warm Homes Plan, including further funding for the Scheme, will be set out by October.

Biomass for electricity generation receives funding via the government’s Renewables Obligation and Contracts for Difference schemes.
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Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of consumer protections under the ECO 4 scheme. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: ECO4 insulation measures must be installed by TrustMark registered businesses, who are required to adhere to relevant industry standards. Installations of low carbon measures must be carried out in accordance with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) requirements.

Improvements to consumer protection are underway and we will set out plans for root and branch reform as part of the Warm Homes Plan.
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Michelle Welsh:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of increasing training opportunities for manufacturers (a) installing and (b) maintaining biomass heating products. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government takes a proactive role in developing the skills base needed for the transition to low carbon heating, through the provision of targeted support in line with workforce requirements.

Commercially available training opportunities exist for those involved in the installation and/or maintenance of biomass heating products and the government continues to work with industry stakeholders to monitor the efficacy of these provisions.
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Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to audit spending under the ECO 4 scheme. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Ofgem is the scheme administrator and audits progress on the ECO4 scheme. It publishes regular updates on its website https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco/contacts-guidance-and-resources/eco-public-reports-and-data.
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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of green levies on business competitiveness. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government believes that our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 is the best way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect businesses permanently. Policy costs on energy bills are essential for funding key environmental policies which enable the UK to transition to a secure, low-carbon energy future. This shift to renewables is making energy cleaner, more stable, and cheaper in the long run.

The clean energy transition is the economic opportunity of the 21st century. It is our chance to build up the industries of the future right here at home. That is why we have announced that from 2027 a new Industrial Strategy Energy Support Scheme will help over 8,000 businesses see their electricity costs drop by around 20-25%.
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Brian Mathew:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help support homeowners to meet the costs of remedial work caused by foam roof insulation installed using a government grant. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: There is no government financial assistance available to have insulation removed. Any measures fitted under government schemes must be fitted to the highest standards with issues promptly and properly rectified. In any instance where insulation is installed improperly under a government-backed scheme, consumers are entitled to remediation by their installer or, failing that, the guarantee at no cost to the consumer.

Installations of any insulation under current Government schemes must be installed in accordance with the PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 standards. The TrustMark website contains further guidance on how consumers can complain if things go wrong and the dispute resolution process: https://www.trustmark.org.uk/homeowners/if-things-go-wrong.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_376

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the press release entitled PM: North will no longer be held to ransom by broken transport system, published on 28 March 2025, how these projects will be funded. \p Darren Jones: Spending Review 2025 set transport budgets for day‑to‑day spending until 2028‑29, and until 2029‑30 for capital investment.

This included funding for our city regions receiving the final year of City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS 2026-27) as well as £15.6bn (2027-28 to 2031-32) for the elected Mayors of some of our largest city regions via the Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlement, supporting them to invest in their local transport priorities.

In addition, the North will receive £3.5bn for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) to drive forward delivery at pace. This will improve connectivity across the North between Manchester and York, electrifying the entire route, increasing reliability, slashing delays and cancellations and reducing journey times. For instance, the journey time for commuters travelling between Manchester and Leeds will fall from 55 to 41 minutes.
wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_377
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_377

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of international trials of universal basic income. \p Emma Reynolds: HM Treasury does not prepare forecasts for the UK economy. These forecasts, including any assessment of the macroeconomic impact of policy decisions, are the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

The OBR publish their forecast in their Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO). The OBR’s latest EFO can be found here: Economic and fiscal outlook – March 2025 - Office for Budget Responsibility. This includes the OBR’s assessment of government policy announced at Spring Statement 2025.

Universal Basic Income is not a government policy and therefore no assessment has been made of its economic or distributional impacts.
wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_378
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_378

Mike Wood:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential costs of the Reform Party policy on the Britannia Card. \p James Murray: The OBR has certified that the non-dom reforms the Government have implemented will raise £33.8 billion in total revenue over the five-year forecast period. Abolishing these reforms would result in lost revenue that would need to be raised through higher taxation or cuts to spending on essential public services.

As the Chancellor set out at the Spring Statement, the Government will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that the new residence-based regime is internationally competitive and focused on attracting the best talent and investment to the UK.
wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_379
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_379

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of how many non-domiciled residents have left the country in each month since July 2024. \p James Murray: Official Statistics around non-domiciled taxpayers in the UK [1] will be published in July 2025 and will contain information about taxpayers who claim non-domiciled status in the UK for the tax year 2023-24.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statistics-on-non-domiciled-taxpayers-in-the-uk
wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_380
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_380

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what information her Department holds on the annual rent paid by public authorities in Northern Ireland to the Crown Estate in each year between (a) 2014 and (b) 2024. \p Darren Jones: The table shows Crown Estate rent income received from public authorities in Northern Ireland. This uses a broad definition of public authority which captures any organisations considered by The Crown Estate to be responsible for public money.

2014

217,736.84

2015

262,345.54

2016

262,430.36

2017

261,275.19

2018

272,004.52

2019

265,668.97

2020

458,805.48

2021

319,659.65

2022

326,046.47

2023

352,876.81

2024

382,650.18

Grand total

3,381,500.01
wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_381
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_381

James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Government press release entitled UK to deliver on 5% NATO pledge as Government drives greater security for working people, published on 23 June 2025, if she will publish a breakdown of the ten largest areas of government expenditure that will be reclassified under the commitment to spend 1.5 percent of GDP on resilience and security. \p Darren Jones: NATO provides reporting guidelines for the 1.5% defence and security related spending. It includes investments that raise the overall resilience of our societies, such as energy security, telecommunications, and infrastructure, as well as the execution of defence plans, expanding industrial capacity and innovation and counter hybrid actions.

Our National Security Strategy confirms our belief that these types of investment are vital to national security and we are pleased that this is now recognised by NATO. As set out in the Spending Review 2025, this government is making significant investment into these areas and we are confident we will meet the 1.5% target on defence and security related spending.

Along with all other NATO allies, the UK will report against the new categories of defence spending at the next NATO reporting deadline.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_382

James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what her planned timetable is for setting out how the UK will fund GDP on defence expenditure of (a) 3 percent in the next Parliament and (b) 3.5 percent by the Parliament after next. \p Darren Jones: As confirmed in the Spending Review 2025, this government has a fully funded path to reaching 2.6% NATO qualifying defence spending by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% by the end of the next parliament, when fiscal and economic conditions allow. We will set budgets for the next Spending Review period at SR27. The NATO Defence Investment Pledge will be reviewed by NATO Allies in 2029.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_383

James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Government press release entitled UK to deliver on 5% NATO pledge as Government drives greater security for working people, published on 23 June 2025, whether the 1.5 percent to be allocated to resilience and security will include the costs of Sizewell C. \p Darren Jones: NATO provides reporting guidelines for the 1.5% defence and security related spending. It will include investments that raise the overall resilience of our societies, such as energy security, telecommunications, and infrastructure, as well as the execution of defence plans, expanding industrial capacity and innovation and counter hybrid actions.

Our National Security Strategy confirms our belief that these types of investment are vital to national security and we are pleased that this is now recognised by NATO. As set out in the Spending Review 2025, this government is making significant investment into these areas and we are confident we will meet the 1.5% target on defence and security related spending.

Along with all other NATO allies, the UK will report against the new categories of defence spending at the next NATO reporting deadline.
wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_384
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_384

James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Government press release entitled UK to deliver on 5% NATO pledge as Government drives greater security for working people, published on 23 June 2025, if she will list (a) all Government departments that will be included in the commitment to spend 1.5% of GDP on resilience and security and (b) the financial quantum in each case. \p Darren Jones: NATO provides reporting guidelines for the 1.5% defence and security related spending. It includes investments that raise the overall resilience of our societies, such as energy security, telecommunications, and infrastructure, as well as the execution of defence plans, expanding industrial capacity and innovation and counter hybrid actions.

Our National Security Strategy confirms our belief that these types of investment are vital to national security and we are pleased that this is now recognised by NATO. As set out in the Spending Review 2025, this government is making significant investment into these areas and we are confident we will meet the 1.5% target on defence and security related spending.

Along with all other NATO allies, the UK will report against the new categories of defence spending at the next NATO reporting deadline.
wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_385
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_385

James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 59131 on Intelligence Services: Finance, if she will specify the total financial quantum of the greater elements of the Single Intelligence Account spend referred to. \p Darren Jones: In line with practice among our allies, and recognising the increased contribution provided by our security and intelligence agencies on defence, we are including greater elements of the Single Intelligence Account spend in our NATO defence reporting. This will bring total NATO qualifying spending to 2.6% by 2027-28. NATO sets the definition for NATO qualifying defence spending, against which the Government reports, in line with guidance provided by NATO. The SIA budget is set out in the Spending Review 2025 document. (Spending Review 2025 document - GOV.UK)

The inclusion of departmental spending that falls under NATO qualifying defence spending definitions will continue to be periodically reviewed in line with NATO guidance.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_386

Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make it her policy to to allow the M6 toll company to remove pay barriers and introduce barrier-free technology. \p Lilian Greenwood: Midland Expressway Limited (MEL), is the private consortium responsible for building and operating the M6 toll road. Specific legislation or amendment via regulation to existing PCN legislation is required to enable MELs potential plans to remove pay barriers and introduce barrier free technology in future. As M6 Toll is a privately owned asset, MEL would need to offer proposals that highlight the merits of removing toll barriers and how they will meet all the challenges of doing so for the Department to consider.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-30 conversation_387

Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to paragraph 3.36 of the policy paper entitled UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy, published on 19 June 2025, when she plans to request the Climate Change Committee's advice on whether a third runway at Heathrow airport is consistent with the UK's net zero framework. \p Mike Kane: The government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments.

The government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once proposals have been received, the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement. As part of this process, we will consider how and when to engage with the Climate Change Committee.