theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will fully implement the findings of the Etherton Review. \p Al Carns: The Government accepts the intent behind all of Lord Etherton’s recommendations and Defence continues to work at pace to deliver them. As of 4 March 2025, 42 of the 49 recommendations have been implemented, with work to implement the outstanding seven recommendations underway, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the LGBT veteran community.

Out of the seven remaining recommendations, two are for Defence and five are for Department of Health and Social Care. The two for Defence include recommendation 44 focusing on female veterans affected by the ban; this will be implemented as part of the new inclusive veterans’ strategy. Recommendation 17 to implement a dedicated memorial to LGBT personnel at the National Memorial Arboretum; this is expected to be unveiled before the end of the 2025. Defence officials are also supporting Department of Health and Social Care colleagues with progressing their five remaining recommendations (recommendations 31, 35, 36, 38 and 42), which are all for the NHS.

Defence encourages those affected to apply for non-financial restorative measures and the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme by completing the application forms available at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/lgbt-veterans-support-and-next-steps.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan. \p Al Carns: The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) is the cross-Government lead for events commemorating the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is working closely with DCMS colleagues to support the national programme of events for both anniversaries.

On 5 May over 800 members of the Armed Forces will process up The Mall, culminating in a flypast over Buckingham Palace with current and historical military aircraft including the RAF Aerobatic team ‘The Red Arrows’. On 6 May, the MOD will support the Poppy Installation launch at the Tower of London with a military Band. On 8 May, VE Day, the MOD will provide senior Defence representation and musical support for the Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey. In the evening the MOD will provide musical support as part of the VE concert on Horse Guards Parade.

To commemorate VJ Day, an event will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum which the MOD will support with senior representation and military assets.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 9 May 2024 to Question 24728 on Army Foundation College: Sexual Offences, how many (a) perpetrators were involved and (b) of the victims were recruits for each category of offence listed. \p Al Carns: Due to the small number of offences, victims and perpetrators, it would be inappropriate to release any further breakdown of the figures provided in Question 24728.

I am sure you will understand that I am unable to release any details which could lead to the identification of victims of sexual offences. This is because of statutory restrictions and also to ensure that victims of sexual offences are not deterred from coming forward.

Court Martial results are published online, including the Rank, charges outcome and sentence and unit at the time of Court Martial.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what safeguarding training is provided to new instructors at the Army Foundation College before working with recruits. \p Al Carns: The following safeguarding training is provided to new instructors at the Army Foundation College (AFC) before working with recruits:

· Permanent Staff Development Course Part 1. This is a Defence Learning Environment Course covering the Basic Care of Trainees which includes Level 1 Safeguarding Training.

· Permanent Staff Development Course Part 2. This delivers the Advanced Care of Trainees (ACoT) course, a safeguarding brief at level 2 and a review of the Supervisory Care Directive. This training is contextualised for the under 18 audience at AFC. Instructors are not able to conduct duties until they have completed ACoT.

· AFC(H) staff do refresher training prior to each new intake which includes training on safeguarding and the Supervisory Care Directive.

· The Commanding Officer, Designated Safeguard Lead, Chief Instructor, All Training Company Officer's Commanding, Adjutant and Unit Welfare Officer will complete the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Designated Safeguard Lead course.
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Kanishka Narayan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the Strategic Defence Review on employment opportunities for veterans in the Vale of Glamorgan; whether his Department has conducted an evaluation of the adequacy of support available to veterans in the constituency in securing fulfilling careers after leaving the Armed Forces; and what steps his Department is taking to improve access to training, reskilling, and career transition programmes for veterans in the Vale of Glamorgan as part of the Government’s broader defence strategy. \p Al Carns: The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) marks a new era for Defence. After years of the UK’s Armed Forces being hollowed out and underfunded, change is essential to ensure the UK remains secure at home and strong abroad, now and for years to come. The SDR process was designed to help the UK be better prepared to fight wars of scale; to be more integrated, more innovative and to help industry be more capable. The Reviewers will soon make their final report and recommendations to the Prime Minister, the Chancellor, and the Defence Secretary.

Resettlement services are available to all Regular and Full-Time Reserve Service Personnel leaving the Armed Forces, with employment support and training provided through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP). The CTP, a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Reed in Partnership, offers comprehensive resettlement support regardless of time served. This partnership has evolved over 25 years to support thus far 310,000 personnel.

CTP assists Service leavers in transitioning to civilian life through various services, including skills development workshops, seminars, resettlement training advice, vocational training courses, career consultancy, one-to-one guidance, and job finding support.

In Wales, the MOD and CTP work closely with the Devolved Government. A dedicated CTP Employer Relationship Manager in Cardiff promotes the Service leaver talent pool to Welsh employers, creating meaningful employment opportunities. CTP also conducts Career Transition Workshops in Chepstow, Brecon (as needed), and at the Employment Fair in Cardiff, with the next event scheduled for 5 November 2025. MOD resettlement policy and CTP services are continually evaluated to ensure they meet the needs of Service leavers, with improvements made as necessary.

The Government is expanding UK-wide career support for the Armed Forces community, ensuring support for all veterans, regardless of when they left service. The careers advice service Op ASCEND offer will include a broader range of job support for veterans, helping more into employment and boosting growth under this Government’s Plan for Change. This service will work with industry bodies to make sure businesses are set up to make the most of the talents veterans have to offer, demonstrating how the Government is renewing the contract with those who serve and have served.
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Charlie Maynard:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of VAT on school fees on military families. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence recognises the unique circumstances faced by our Service personnel and that frequent mobility can disrupt children’s education. Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) helps by providing the children of Service personnel with a stable education that would not otherwise be available in the state-maintained day school sector, due to their family’s mobility.

Termly rates of CEA are recalculated to account for changes to fees made by schools for the new academic year. This is usually an annual event but as schools changed their fees for January 2025 in response to the Government’s new VAT policy, the CEA rates were recalculated in December 2024. New rates will be calculated ahead of changes in school fees for September 2025.

The single Services will monitor the impact on retention in service for those claiming CEA following the introduction of VAT on independent school fees. The Pay and Allowances Casework and Complaints Cell (PACCC) will monitor the impact on Service personnel changing schools and withdrawing from CEA. Where a Service person does not meet the eligibility criteria as laid out in JSP 752 and has made a personal choice to use a private school for their child’s education, the MOD is not involved.
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Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve the (a) quality and (b) quantity of apprenticeships within the (i) Armed Forces and (ii) associated supply chains. \p Al Carns: The Armed Forces is the largest single deliverer of apprenticeships in the UK, with over 23,000 personnel employed on a nationally recognised apprenticeship programmes at any one time and over 95 per cent of our non-commissioned military recruits offered an apprenticeship aligned to their trade training. That represents an annual average of 7.5 per cent of Armed Forces personnel starting an apprenticeship in the last three years and over 10 per cent on programme at any one time.

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list 2024 (as ranked by the Department of Education, DfE) saw all three Services named in the top five places. The Armed Forces provided 16 per cent of all apprenticeship places within the Top 100 and continue to add more apprenticeships every year.

Defence needs a skilled, sustainable, capable workforce that are trained and equipped to defend the nation’s interests. The Armed Forces apprenticeship programme is intrinsic to the achievement of this aim. The majority of the apprenticeships completed by military personnel are delivered at level 2 (GCSE) and level 3 (A Level), but they are increasingly available at higher levels up to degree level (level 6), which supports an individual’s through-career personal and professional development. The apprenticeship opportunities coupled with the inclusion of Functional Skills in Literacy and Numeracy also act a key contributor to social mobility through military Service. All apprenticeships are rigorously evaluated with the DfE to ensure quality and applicability.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is also actively involved in ‘Trailblazer’ groups which develop new apprenticeship standards. The standards are developed in collaboration with other employers from the different sectors of industry, meaning Armed Forces personnel are being equipped for Defence roles whilst also qualified to contribute to wider society when they transition to new opportunities at the end of their Defence careers.

The MOD is also an active and valued member of apprenticeship network groups where we help promote and champion the opportunities on offer. The two key bodies to which we contribute are the Government backed Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and the 5% Club, the latter being an employer movement working to drive forward a nationwide ‘Earn and Learn’ agenda. The MOD is a Platinum member of the 5% Club, with over 10% of our workforce in ‘Earn and Learn’ positions.

The MOD is unable to comment on the quality and quantity of apprenticeships within our supply chains as this is a matter for individual companies.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Military Aviation Authority is fully optimised for uncrewed testing. \p Luke Pollard: The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) as the air safety regulator for the Defence Air Environment sets the regulatory framework for Uncrewed Air System (UAS) Test and Evaluation (T&E) but does not own, direct or deliver any UAS T&E activity.

In support of the Ministry of Defence’s uncrewed ambitions, over the past five years the MAA has reorganised, upskilled and developed an updated and flexible approach to certification and regulation of UAS.
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Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Prime Minister's oral statement of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, column 631, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in defence spending on growth in the cyber security sector in Cheltenham. \p Maria Eagle: The strategic defence review will determine the priority areas for Defence spending, including Defence’s contribution to cyber security. No specific assessment has been made of the potential impact of increases in defence spending on growth in the cyber security sector in Cheltenham. The strategic defence review will present opportunities for industry across the UK, and we expect the Cyber Security Sector in Cheltenham to make the most of those opportunities.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress the Royal Navy has made on the (a) development and (b) deployment of autonomous maritime mine hunting technologies. \p Maria Eagle: The Royal Navy has made significant progress in developing autonomous maritime mine hunting technologies, since the delivery of the WILTON mine hunting system in 2020.

WILTON has been assimilated into the wider Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme which is delivering a rolling programme of unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles for use by Royal Navy minewarfare specialists.

The mine hunting and sweeping systems being delivered through the MHC Programme, employ high technology sonars and sensors to improve the Royal Navy's ability to detect and dispose of modern mines quickly and autonomously. Autonomous mine hunting systems are in regular use, both in the UK and globally.
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Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the most recent survey of Army personnel on the quality of food served to them was undertaken. \p Maria Eagle: Delivering high quality and varied food to Service personnel is important to both the Army and the Department. The Army regularly provides opportunities for its personnel to provide feedback and encourages them to do so.

The most recent survey undertaken occurred in 2021, whereby the Army undertook the Army Messing Survey The feedback from this survey informed the development of the Army EATS (Exploring the Appetites of Today Soldiers) report. Not only did the survey collate personnel feedback relating to the quality of food, but also feedback on serving hours, environment and the method of service provided.

Acting on the results of this, in 2024 Defence launched the Defence Catering Strategy, which aims to improve food provision across the entire Armed Forces and provides new menus for Service personnel. The strategy also encourages personnel to regularly provide feedback through a wide variety of existing means so that we can continually improve food quality across Defence.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the salary level for Armed Forces reservists. \p Al Carns: Reserves enable our Armed Forces to meet the threats we face at home and overseas, by providing the scale, skills, agility and connection to society needed, in a cost-effective way. Defence believes that the pension and salary offered to today’s Reservists represents fair and competitive remuneration.

A pension has been part of the offer to all Reservists since 2015 who are enrolled in the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (AFPS 15). This is the same scheme in which Regular members of the Armed Forces are enrolled. AFPS 15 is a non-contributory scheme and is calculated according to average earnings over a Service person’s career.

All Armed Forces salaries up to 1* rank, including those for Reservists, are reviewed by the independent Armed Forces Pay Review body (AFPRB). On 29 July 2024, the Government accepted the AFPRB’s recommendations in full for the 2024/25 Pay Round, which was paid in September salaries, backdated to 1 April 2024. Most personnel up to and including 1* rank received an overall 6% increase. This was the largest headline percentage uplift in 22 years for our Armed Forces.
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Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans the Royal Navy has for the future of HMS Argyll. \p Maria Eagle: No decision has been made on the future of HMS Argyll.

As with all decommissioned ships, a full suite of options is being assessed to ensure that the disposal achieves value for money and is policy compliant (safety, environmental and security).
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 February 2025 to Question 33149 on Armed Forces: Protective Clothing, what the difference in cost is between the Peltor ComTac XP/XPI and the legacy General Service Peltor Ear Muff. \p Maria Eagle: I am withholding the information on the relative costs of the Peltor ComTac XP/XPI and the General Service Peltor Ear Muff, as releasing this information could prejudice commercial interests. Due to the differing capabilities which the Peltor ComTac XP/XPI and the General Service Peltor Ear Muff are required to provide, these items are also not directly comparable.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 February 2025 to Question 33149 on Armed Forces: Protective Clothing, how many pairs of Peltor ComTac XP/XPI ear defenders his Department has (a) issued and (b) in store. \p Maria Eagle: This information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
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Kanishka Narayan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of the Government’s defence innovation announcements on businesses in St Athan and the wider Vale of Glamorgan. \p Maria Eagle: This Government will lead the way on equipping the UK’s Armed Forces with the best cutting-edge tech by launching a new defence innovation organisation. It will grow high-tech businesses and defence start-ups across the UK – including in the Vale of Glamorgan - enabling them to scale up innovative prototypes rapidly through a clear pathway.

The Ministry of Defence recognises the vital importance of the defence industry in the Vale of Glamorgan, and in Wales more widely. The Defence and Technology Exploitation Programme, for example, has funded Raplas Technologies, based in the Vale of Glamorgan. Companies like Raplas Technologies both across Wales and the wider UK will benefit from this announcement and a more innovative and resilient defence sector.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Defence SME Hub will be fully operational. \p Maria Eagle: Planning for the establishment of the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub has already started. The detail of how the hub will operate be developed in close consultation with industry and wider stakeholders, including companies outside of the existing defence sector. Further detail will be outlined in due course.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is taking steps to allow SMEs greater access to ranges owned by his Department for the testing of uncrewed systems. \p Maria Eagle: Access to the training estate is already permitted for the testing of uncrewed systems, where does this does not impact upon Military Use.

Any use of uncrewed systems would be subject to the issue of a Defence Infrastructure Organisation licence. Every request for third party use of the estate is managed through this process.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems he has ordered since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: The UK workshare for the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and Repair and Recovery Variant (RRV) equates to approximately 6% of the total value in question. These figures have not changed since 5 July 2024.

The UK currently has 61 M270 MLRS launchers and eight Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRV) on order with the US Department of Defense. The MOD is currently considering the procurement of a further 15 MLRS and one RRV.

Following the initial replenishment contract for M31 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), a subsequent investment of £800 million for GMLRS and Extended Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS) missiles over 10 years has been committed for the procurement of missiles. The stockpile number remains classified.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Boxer armoured vehicles he plans to procure; and whether this figure has changed since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: The Trinity House Agreement, a defence cooperation agreement between the UK and Germany, was signed in October 2024 and aims to deepen defence cooperation across all domains. As a direct consequence of this agreement, 60% of the original production contract for Boxer is planned to come from the UK, with the additional 40% of production continuing to come from Germany. The first UK manufactured BOXER platform was unveiled at the International Armoured Vehicle conference in January 2025.

Whilst the Army’s modernisation will continue over the next decade with a programme of investment worth billions of pounds, future capability development priorities will be guided by the Strategic Defence Review.

Current plans see Defence procuring 623 BOXER vehicles, this has not changed since July 2024.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects to appoint a permanent National Armaments Director. \p Maria Eagle: The National Armaments Director will ensure the Armed Forces are properly equipped to defence Britain, to build up the British defence industry and to crack down on waste.

The recruitment process for the role has begun, with a search for candidates underway.

The new National Armaments Director will take up the role once the appropriate notice period from any previous employment has been served.
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Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessmenhis Department has made of the (a) prevalence of and (b) security risks posed by Chinese-manufactured technology used in UK defence procurement and supply chains. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) welcomes foreign trade where it allows us to provide our Armed Forces with the equipment they require, meets our stringent legal and regulatory requirements and does not compromise our national security.

Transactions continue to be monitored where there are potential national security concerns from any country, and the Department will investigate and apply appropriate mitigations where required. Furthermore, the MOD regularly reviews its critical supply chains to identify and mitigate risks to defence capability.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Prime Minister’s oral statement on Defence and Security of 25 February 2025, Official Report, column 631 whether he plans to proceed with the decommissioning of HMS Northumberland. \p Maria Eagle: All named ships remain scheduled for decommissioning in line with the Secretary of State’s announcement of 20 November 2024.

We continue to invest in the capabilities needed to meet current and future operational requirements. This will see the introduction of the Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates, the Multi-Role Support Ships, and the Fleet Solid Support Ships.
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Mrs Elsie Blundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is taking steps to increase his Department's support for (a) Commonwealth veterans and (b) British army veterans born outside of the UK. \p Al Carns: This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country. I am working across Government and with civil society to ensure veterans get access to the support they need.

The Government is deeply grateful to all those who serve in our Armed Forces and recognises the huge contribution that Commonwealth veterans have made to our national security throughout our history. This gratitude is being converted into action with the Government’s manifesto commitment to scrap visa fees for non-UK veterans who have served more than four years and their families. The MOD is working with the Home Office to implement this commitment.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's target is for direct SME spending in the 2024-25 financial year. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing the target for direct SME spending by June this year.

The target, covering the period up to 2028, will be challenging but achievable and will be significantly above the current level of MOD direct spending with SMEs of 4% (£1.3 billion annually) in Financial Year 2023-24. Every 1% increase would mean over £250 million of additional direct MOD spending with SMEs annually.
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Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of defence spending went to SMEs in 2023-24 by region. \p Maria Eagle: Statistics relating to the Ministry of Defence's expenditure with industry, including Small and Medium Enterprises, can be found in the 'MOD regional expenditure statistics with industry: 2023/24' publication hosted on gov.uk:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-regional-expenditure-statistics-with-industry-202324
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to comments by President Trump on support for Ukraine, whether he is taking steps to re-allocate funding to domestic (a) procurement, (b) services and (c) other defence expenditure. \p Maria Eagle: The United States is the United Kingdom's primary defence and security ally. Our collaboration in defence is mutually beneficial, and we maintain robust working partnerships in the areas of intelligence, nuclear, science and technology, and operations.

The defence sector plays a vital role not only in our national security but also to the prosperity and economic growth of the UK. That is why we are bringing forwards a Defence Industrial Strategy that will review the consideration of sovereign capability and capacity and will align our security and economic priorities.

We are determined to achieve a secure, lasting peace in Ukraine, which means putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position to prevent any return to Russian aggression. Since July 2024, the Government has provided over £5.26 billion in military aid and financial support to Ukraine, including a £3 billion annual military aid and a £2.26 billion loan for military spending.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to divest from defence procurement from the US. \p Maria Eagle: This Government is committed to improving the UK defence industrial base to ensure a robust defence sector, support economic growth and provide greater certainty in procurement processes.

The United States is the United Kingdom's primary defence and security ally. Our collaboration in defence is mutually beneficial, and we maintain robust working partnerships in the areas of intelligence, nuclear, science and technology, and operations.

The UK and US share a strong economic relationship that is equitable, balanced, and reciprocal. With $1.5 trillion invested in each other's economies and supporting over 2.5 million jobs collectively, our economic ties are significant.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will publish a breakdown of projected defence spending on US (a) goods, (b) services and (c) land rents in the next five years. \p Maria Eagle: This information is not held in the format requested.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any new orders have been placed as part of the Next Generation Munitions Solution agreement since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: This information is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security.
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Alex Burghart:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department made an assessment of the value-for-money of the award the contract to Thales Northern Ireland for lightweight-multirole missiles prior to the award of that contract on 2 March 2025. \p Maria Eagle: Value for Money of the contract has been assessed in accordance with normal Departmental practice, including benchmarking, in addition to a bottom-up price assessment. In addition to UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) internal assurance the Ukrainian MOD have also been satisfied that the deal represents good Value for Money.
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Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which countries the Army sourced chicken from for its personnel's meals in the past five years. \p Maria Eagle: This information is not held.

Under the terms of the Ministry of Defences’ (MOD) food contracts, the procurement of all produce is the responsibility of the prime contractors.

All food procured for MOD personnel must comply with MOD food quality standards which, in turn, comply with all UK and EU production standards, Farm Assurance or equivalent.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of heat batteries on (a) peak electricity demand and (b) grid flexibility in the UK energy system. \p Kerry McCarthy: Heat batteries are a promising technology because they utilise time-of-use tariffs and do not require outside space. However, they are also less efficient than heat pumps and will therefore use more energy to meet the same heating demand, which could impact peak electricity demand

The Department is exploring, through studies like the Homes for Net Zero Trial, the role heat batteries could play in the future.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_234

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many (a) air miles and (b) flights he has completed since 5 July 2024. \p Michael Shanks: Data on ministers’ travel is published on a quarterly basis. This can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/desnz-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_235

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions his Department has had to ensure that Rosebank and Jackdaw Oil Fields continue in production. \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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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_236

Sir Desmond Swayne:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to (a) mitigate the impact for consumers of the recent increase in the energy price cap and (b) ensure that retail energy costs fall in line with wholesale prices. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Energy bills are forecast to rise for the period 1 April to 30 June 2025 due to an increase in international gas prices.

The Government believes the only way to protect consumers permanently is to speed up the transition towards homegrown clean energy. The creation of Great British Energy will help us to harness clean energy and have less reliance on volatile international energy markets and help in our commitment to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030.

We continue to monitor energy prices and the price cap and are working to ensure bills are affordable for consumers in the long-term, including through our work with Ofgem to reform standing charges, and through our Warm Homes Plan which will upgrade millions of homes to make them warmer and cheaper to run.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_237

Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much funding remains available in Phase 3 of the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: ECO4 funding is not released through a tranche system. The scheme sets a legal obligation on energy suppliers, and this is divided between energy suppliers based on their respective shares of the domestic gas and electricity market. Energy suppliers are permitted to deliver their obligation at their preferred pace over the life cycle of the scheme, between April 2022 and March 2026. The total value of ECO4 is £4 billion. This breaks down to £1bn a year for the four years of the scheme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_238

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing (a) VAT reductions or grants and (b) other financial incentives to encourage the adoption of heat battery technology in UK households as part of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: VAT treatment is the responsibility of the Treasury, and they keep all taxes under review. Installations of qualifying energy-saving materials (ESMs) can benefit from zero rated VAT, until April 2027, and the Department continues to engage with the Treasury and HMRC regarding ESMs.

Heat batteries are a promising technology but they are also less efficient than heat pumps and will use more energy to meet the same heating demand. We will continue to review our position on heat batteries in Government grant programmes as the supporting evidence base develops, through studies like the Homes for Net Zero Trial.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_239

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to improve public awareness and consumer advice on the benefits of heat battery technology as part of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Heat batteries are a promising technology because they utilise time-of-use tariffs, do not require outside space, and can be cheaper to install than heat pumps in some circumstances. However, they are also less efficient than heat pumps and will therefore use more energy to meet the same heating demand.

The Department is exploring, through studies like the Homes for Net Zero Trial, the role heat batteries could play in the future. We will continue to review our position on heat batteries as the supporting evidence base develops.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_240

Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether households with existing underfloor foam insulation are eligible for funding through the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Households with existing underfloor foam insulation may be eligible for Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme support if they meet scheme eligibility criteria. Homes equivalent to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) bands D-G, for owner occupied households, and bands E-G for privately rented homes and social housing, where occupants are in receipt of means-tested benefits, are eligible for the scheme, as well as those referred by their local authority under ECO Flex. However, meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee assistance. This is determined by obligated suppliers and the installers to whom they sub-contract.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_241

Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what funding his Department plans to allocate to Phase 4 of the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: ECO4 is not a Government funded scheme, but a legal obligation placed on energy suppliers to delivery energy efficiency support to eligible households. The obligated suppliers fund the upfront costs of those installations and recoup the funds through their domestic consumers’ energy bills under the energy price cap.

The legal obligation is divided across energy suppliers and based on their respective shares of the domestic gas and electricity market. Energy suppliers are permitted to deliver their obligation at their preferred pace throughout the scheme. The total value of ECO4 is £4 billion across the four years of the scheme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_242

Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that the skilled workforce can shift to (a) Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage and (b) other low-carbon technologies in the Scottish Cluster. \p Sarah Jones: The Office for Clean Energy Jobs (OCEJ) has been created to ensure that clean energy jobs are abundant, high quality, paid fairly, and have favourable terms and good working conditions. The OCEJ is engaging widely with industry, experts, and trade unions for a clear assessment of the skills opportunities and challenges.

The Office has worked with industry and Scottish government to launch a ‘skills passport’ in January, to help oil and gas workers access opportunities in clean energy jobs – initially helping to identify routes into several roles in offshore wind. CCUS could support up to 50,000 jobs as the sector matures into the 2030s, creating opportunities for skilled workers. Further decisions for future CCUS deployment, including in the Scottish Cluster, will be taken in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_243

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether protections exist to prevent energy companies from selling windfarm projects once planning permission is received. \p Michael Shanks: It is a commercial matter for energy companies if they decide to sell a project, in whole or in part, and at what point in the project’s lifecycle.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_244

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his Department’s policy is on energy alternatives to wind power. \p Michael Shanks: Whilst all routes to a Clean Power system will require mass deployment of wind power, we recognise that to achieve a clean, affordable and secure system we will need a mix of generation technologies. The Government is supporting the development and deployment of many other renewable generation technologies, including solar, biomass, tidal and geothermal. It is also supporting new nuclear, and low carbon dispatchable technologies such as hydrogen to power and power with carbon capture, usage and storage.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_245

Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many acres of agricultural land of (a) Grade 1, (b) Grade 2, (c) Grade 3a and (d) Grade 3b have had planning applications for energy projects, including related, incidental, or facilitative infrastructure, approved since 5 July 2024; and if he will provide details of the acreages per land grade for each energy technology. \p Michael Shanks: The Department does not hold the data requested, but when each individual planning decision is made, the information about the extent and grade of any agricultural land being utilised is set out in as part of the published decision.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework, which was published on 12 December 2024, is clear that where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality. This will, where relevant, be a material consideration in planning decisions, including those made by the Secretary of State.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_246

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much compensation was paid to windfarm operators because they were instructed to stop operating due to high winds in the last financial year. \p Michael Shanks: The Department does not hold this information. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is responsible for managing constraints and publishes yearly breakdowns by cost and volume, which can be found here: Constraint Breakdown Costs and Volume | National Energy System Operator. Data is not available on the split of costs between different types of generators.

Increasing the capacity of Great Britain’s electricity network is essential for reducing curtailment and constraint payments. This is why the Government is working to accelerate the build of new network infrastructure, so more cheap, homegrown energy can power up our homes and businesses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_247

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 20 December 2024 to Question 20865 on Wind Power: Fylde, what assessment he has made of the (a) capacity of the National Grid connection at Penwortham and (b) sufficiency of that connection to receive additional power from the proposed new connections from the Morgan & Morecambe off-shore windfarms. \p Michael Shanks: The National Energy System Operator (NESO) considered the onshore and offshore network as a whole when conducting the assessment of options to connect the Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind projects to the onshore grid as part of its Holistic Network Design (HND). The assessment considered factors including substation capacity and community and environmental impacts of substation extension, if required to support offshore connections.