theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Lee Pitcher:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the Online Safety Act 2023 does not result in unintended consequences for (a) freedom of expression and (b) access to (i) supportive and (ii) archival online content. \p Kanishka Narayan: Under the Act, both Ofcom and in-scope companies will have duties relating to freedom of expression, for which they can be held to account. Platforms will not be able to arbitrarily remove content and users will have access to effective complaints procedures to appeal instances when content is unduly taken down. This will ensure that UK users can express themselves freely online and participate in pluralistic and robust debate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Zöe Franklin:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to introduce legislative proposals to require on-device safety technology capable of detecting and preventing livestreamed child sexual abuse on devices sold in the UK. \p Kanishka Narayan: We are committed to preventing the livestreaming of child sexual abuse, including through strengthening our online safety regime if appropriate. There is currently limited evidence about the application and effectiveness of on-device controls. However, Ofcom has recently launched a call for evidence on age assurance and app stores. We will continue to focus on implementing the protective measures contained within the Online Safety Act, while considering the potential benefits and impacts of this technology and others like it in parallel. Any future intervention will be proportionate and evidence based.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help ensure that households that have no (a) mobile and (b) broadband internet are not excluded from accessing (i) government services and (ii) benefits. \p Kanishka Narayan: Digital inclusion is a priority for this government and in February 2025, we published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan. One of the actions in the plan is ensuring accessible digital public services. As part of this industry partners have committed to provide free mobile data to individuals in need and support community hubs to provide free Wi-Fi.

In addition, households in receipt of means-tested benefits can access social tariffs for broadband and mobile services from a wide range of providers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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John Lamont:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what (a) discussions and (b) meetings officials in his Department have had with Xi Engineering on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array. \p Michael Shanks: We recognise and are aware of the interference that onshore wind turbines can cause to seismological monitoring stations, and the subsequent safeguarding concerns that operators of seismological arrays can have. The Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy, published in July 2025, prioritised bringing forward a resolution to this issue. We have and continue to work closely with the Scottish Government, the Ministry of Defence, Wind Industry representatives and Xi Engineering to deliver on this commitment
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has carried out an assessment of the potential impact of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority estate's voluntary exit scheme on the (a) delivery of objectives and (b) trends in the level of operating costs at the former Trawsfynydd nuclear power station. \p Michael Shanks: The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) remains focused on delivering its statutory mission to keep former nuclear sites safe and secure while progressing decommissioning and managing waste. To achieve this efficiently, the NDA has introduced voluntary exit schemes as part of wider organisational restructuring and cost management measures. These schemes are designed to ensure resources are directed to front-line hazard reduction and decommissioning, while maintaining safe operations at all sites, including Trawsfynydd.

The NDA continues to monitor delivery against objectives and operating costs as part of its normal governance processes, alongside its commitment to supporting people and communities through investment in skills and economic diversification.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he had with the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on the implementation of that organisation's voluntary exit scheme before it was introduced; and whether he approved the implementation of the voluntary exit scheme. \p Michael Shanks: Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

As part of this approach, the NDA has introduced voluntary exit schemes across its group to support organisational restructuring and create efficiencies. All NDA MAVE schemes received the appropriate Government approval.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to include natural stone in future (a) low-carbon and (b) sustainable construction incentive schemes. \p Chris McDonald: The department is currently developing policies that will help grow the market for low carbon industrial products, including green procurement and improved carbon accounting. The initial focus of these policies is steel, cement, and concrete products used in construction.

The department recently ran a technical consultation that included questions on whether other industrial sectors should be included in the scope of these policies in future. Although natural stone was not explicitly mentioned in the consultation, it would align with one of the options; to take a strategic approach to expand these policies to other sectors related to construction. The department is currently reviewing the responses to this consultation and will publish a summary and its own response in due course.

The government also recognises the role that whole life carbon assessments can play in helping developers to evaluate carbon emissions across all stages of a building or structure’s life. This approach can support decision makers to adopt materials which have a lower overall environmental impact. Whole life carbon assessments are embedded into green procurement approaches being taken by government departments, such as instituting carbon management plans.

The department would welcome engagement with any interested stakeholders from the natural stone sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Linsey Farnsworth:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his priorities are for the UN Climate Change Conference 2025. \p Michael Shanks: The Secretary of State and Minister for Climate are in Brazil to fight for our national interest. By working to protect the global ecosystem and speed up the clean energy revolution globally we can unlock investment in energy security, lower bills, and create good jobs for the British people.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will list the titles of all the events organised by Civil Service networks in his Department since 2023. \p Michael Shanks: DESNZ values the work our Staff Networks do to support and include colleagues. All DESNZ Staff Network events are in line with cross-Government guidance and signed-off by relevant officials. Civil Service Networks operate across the whole of Government. We do not keep a record of Civil Service Network events.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Sir Desmond Swayne:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to continue financial support for the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. \p Chris McDonald: I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given on 11 November to my hon Friend the Member for Edmonton and Winchmore Hill (Kate Osamor) to Question UIN 87351.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential economic benefits to North Durham constituency of returning the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Investment Reserve to members. \p Chris McDonald: As at 30 October 2024, there were 222 members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme in North Durham. Any transfer of the reserve would be used to enhance member benefits.
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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to ensure that the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme’s Investment Reserve is returned to members before the Autumn Budget 2025. \p Chris McDonald: The Government is aiming to reach agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.
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James Wild:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 27 June 2025 to Question 61226 on Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: Public Expenditure, how many lines of activity in his Department were considered as part of the zero based review. \p Michael Shanks: The Zero Based Review covered all of RDEL spending which encompassed 75 lines of activity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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John Lamont:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the Eskdalemuir Working Group will prioritise (a) the maintenance of national security and (b) international defence obligations when considering any new (i) regime and (ii) methodology for measuring seismic interference within the safety zone around the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array. \p Michael Shanks: We recognise and are aware of the interference that onshore wind turbines can cause to seismological monitoring stations, and the subsequent safeguarding concerns that operators of seismological arrays can have. We are working closely with the Ministry of Defence to bring forward a resolution to this issue, via the Eskdalemuir Working Group. We are clear that the Eskdalemuir Seismic Array is a key piece of defence infrastructure that is part of international monitoring networks and that any updated approach to managing onshore wind deployment near the Array will not compromise its detection capabilities.
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Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department's policy paper entitled Clean energy jobs plan, published on 19 October 2025, what steps his Department is taking to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel production at the Grangemouth industrial cluster. \p Michael Shanks: The UK Government is working closely with the Scottish Government on options for investment in Grangemouth supported by the Office for Investment and Scottish Enterprise. This is backed by £200 million from the National Wealth Fund for co-investment with the private sector, so far we have received over 100 enquiries.

In line with the Clean Energy Jobs Plan, the Grangemouth Training Guarantee will support the transition for refinery workers into in-demand industries including into clean energy sectors and future project at Grangemouth.

The Department for Transport is supporting the UK sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry through the SAF mandate, providing revenue certainty for SAF producers and the £63 million Advanced Fuels Fund available for SAF producers.

Together these measures will give investors confidence to support commercial scale production of SAF in the UK, creating green jobs and developing skills.
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Jodie Gosling:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential economic merits to Nuneaton constituency of returning the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Investment Reserve to members. \p Chris McDonald: As at 30 October 2024, there were 171 members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme in Nuneaton. Any transfer of the reserve would be used to enhance member benefits.
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David Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress his Department has made on (a) agreeing a way forward on the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme and (b) considering the transfer of its investment reserve to its members. \p Chris McDonald: The Department is engaging with HM Treasury with a view to agreeing a way forward on the transfer of the reserve to members.

The Government is aiming to reach agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.
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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of returning the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Investment Reserve to members on the Welsh economy. \p Chris McDonald: As at 30 October 2024, there were 3,650 members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme in Wales. Any transfer of the reserve would be used to enhance member benefits.
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Jodie Gosling:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he expects to publish the outcome of the Treasury’s review into the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Investment Reserve; and if he will ensure that Members of Parliament are informed ahead of the Budget. \p Chris McDonald: The Department is engaging with HM Treasury with a view to agreeing a way forward on the transfer of the reserve to members.

The Government is aiming to reach agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether (a) he and (b) the Chief Secretary to the Treasury have held recent meetings with representatives of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme on the future of the Investment Reserve. \p Chris McDonald: I met the Trustees on 12 November 2025 to discuss the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme and the proposed transfer of the reserve.
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Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the release of the investment reserve fund of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme. \p Chris McDonald: Discussions continue with a view to reaching agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.
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Andrew Lewin:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timetable is to (a) reform the EPC system and (b) introduce a new Home Energy Model in 2026. \p Martin McCluskey: The government is working to reform EPCs so that they support our key objectives of achieving Clean Power by 2030 and accelerating to Net Zero. The government expects to introduce changes to EPCs metrics in 2026.

The Home Energy Model (HEM) will replace the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) as the methodology underpinning EPCs and building regulations, and is planned to be implemented first alongside the Future Homes Standard.
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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the expected financial impact on families of the Warm Homes Discount this winter. \p Martin McCluskey: The Government recognises that we need to support households struggling with bills whilst we transition to clean power by 2030. This is why we delivered the Warm Home Discount to around 3 million eligible low-income households last winter. On 19 June we announced that we are expanding the Warm Home Discount to around an additional 2.7 million households. This means that from this winter, around 6 million low-income households will receive the £150 support to help with their energy bills.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits in recognising the role of renewable liquid fuels in decarbonising off-gas-grid households. \p Martin McCluskey: As sustainable biomass is a limited resource, the government expects it to be prioritised where there are limited alternatives for decarbonisation. Renewable liquid heating fuels (RLHFs) are also more expensive to use than other heating solutions.

However, the government recognises that RLHFs could play a limited role in decarbonising off-gas grid homes. Before taking decisions on whether to support the use of RLHFs, the government would require stronger evidence on their affordability for consumers, and the availability of sustainable feedstock.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to what extent (a) uranium fuel used at Sizewell B and (b) Britain’s nuclear energy supply chain relies on imports from (i) Rosatom and (ii) its subsidiaries; and what steps he is taking to ensure that sanctions placed on Rosatom are enforced in relation to UK nuclear power stations. \p Michael Shanks: The procurement of nuclear fuel, including uranium and enrichment services, is a commercial matter for reactor operators. The Government works closely with these operators to ensure a secure and resilient supply for the UK fleet but does not routinely collect information relating to any fuel contracts held by UK operators. This information is commercially sensitive, and disclosure would be at the discretion of the operator.

The Government is committed to removing Russian nuclear fuel from UK supply chains by the end of 2028. All current and future reactor operators must comply with UK legal obligations, including any sanctions or trade measures in place against Russia.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps she has taken to tackle the illegal (a) sale, (b) possession and (c) use of cannabis. \p Sarah Jones: As part of our Plan for Change and mission to make our streets safer we will continue to work across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use and stop those who profit from its supply.

Cannabis is controlled as a Class B drug on the basis of clear medical and scientific evidence of its harms. The maximum penalty for possession of a Class B drug is up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both; and the maximum penalty for supply and production of a Class B drug is up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

This year, we are investing more than £43m in the County Lines Programme to target exploitative drug dealing gangs, whilst breaking the organised crime groups behind this trade. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the Programme has resulted in more than 2,300 deal lines closed and 6,200 arrests, including the arrest and subsequent charge of over 1,100 deal line holders.

We are taking an end-to-end approach, including working with law enforcement partners upstream and at the UK border to tackle the gangs responsible for drug trafficking. UK Law Enforcement delivers a significant amount of operational activity overseas and at the UK border to detect and seize illicit drugs being sold and trafficked to the UK. In 2023/24 police forces and Border Force seized the largest quantity of herbal cannabis since the time series began in 1973. This was a 53% increase from the previous year (55.59 to 85.01 tonnes).

We have also committed to driving down drug related harms through prevention and treatment, including by creating local drug partnerships with police forces and public health services.

We will continue to draw on the advice of experts, including our independent advisers in the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, and follow the evidence for what works in drug prevention and in building the resilience of people to avoid being drawn into drug use.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Henley and Thames of 10 October 2025 on the importance of police referrals to suicide bereavement support services. \p Sarah Jones: The Minister for Police and Crime Prevention will reply in due course.
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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proceeds of crime funding in England directed towards tackling youth criminal exploitation and gangs. \p Sarah Jones: Funds recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) are distributed under the Home Office’s Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS). The objective of ARIS is to drive asset recovery performance, by providing agencies with incentives to use POCA powers to recover more criminal assets, with the overall aim of cutting crime and delivering justice.

Under the scheme, a proportion of the assets recovered using powers under POCA are redistributed to the agencies involved in the recovery, based on their relative contributions. The current allocation sees ARIS receipts split 50:50 between central government and operational partners.

In the spirit of the Scheme, the Government encourages agencies to use ARIS funds to increase asset recovery and, where appropriate, fund local crime fighting priorities for the benefit of the community. However, the use of ARIS allocations/payments is a matter for each agency and is left to their discretion. Further information on ARIS and how funds are spent can be found here: Asset recovery statistics: financial years ending 2020 to 2025 - GOV.UK
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many investigations have been opened under the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme into (a) the Islamic Human Rights Commission, in the context of Iran’s Al-Quds Day in the UK, (b) David Miller, in the context of the Iranian state channel Press TV and (c) other activities connected to Iran. \p Dan Jarvis: It is longstanding policy that the Government does not comment on individual cases.

Iranian state-owned organisations do not automatically have to register with FIRS. Individuals or entities will only need to register under FIRS if they are carrying out activities in the UK at the direction of the Iranian state.

The Government will be publishing an annual report setting out, among other things, the number of registrations, number of information notices issued, the number of persons charged with an offence and the number of persons convicted of an offence. The first report will be published as soon as practicable after 30 June 2026.
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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the compatibility of the Socialist Workers Party with the criteria for proscription. \p Dan Jarvis: To proscribe an organisation the Home Secretary must have a reasonable belief that it is currently concerned in terrorism, and it must be necessary and proportionate to do so. This means the organisation participates or commits; prepares for; promotes, encourages, or unlawfully glorifies; or is in some way otherwise concerned in terrorism. The Home Secretary may then exercise her discretion to proscribe an organisation and will consider all the relevant factors in deciding whether to do so.

It is our long-standing policy not to comment on intelligence and security matters, including whether or not an organisation is under consideration for proscription.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

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Sarah Edwards:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether reviews have been conducted by (a) the Animals in Science Regulation Unit and (b) other relevant bodies to ensure that the facilities at MBR Acres in Wyton, Huntingdon, provide appropriate safeguards for (i) dogs and (ii) puppies; and whether she is taking steps to ensure that licence conditions adequately protect animals during periods of extreme heat. \p Dan Jarvis: The Animals in Science Regulation Unit conducts both announced and unannounced audits to ensure establishments’ compliance with the terms of their licences, the Code of Practice and with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). ASPA provides protections for animals bred in the UK for use in scientific procedures.

These documents require establishments to have contingency plans to ensure animal welfare. Establishment licence holders must ensure sufficient trained staff are in place to maintain high standards of care and facility management.

Daily checks by competent personnel are mandated to monitor animal welfare and environmental conditions, with prompt action required to address any issues. Establishments are required to report any breaches or potential breaches of licence conditions to the Secretary of State.
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Melanie Onn:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 85820 on Marriages and Civil Partnerships: LGBT+ People, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the guidance on registering births to same-sex couples who conceive after marriage is applied consistently across all local registration offices. \p Mike Tapp: The General Register Office for England and Wales provide handbooks, regular publications, and training products for registrars covering the full range of registration duties. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring their staff deliver services in accordance with the guidance.
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Dr Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of establishing a community sponsorship scheme for refugees from Gaza. \p Mike Tapp: We are not considering establishing a bespoke immigration route for Palestinians. In any humanitarian situation, the UK must carefully consider its approach in response. Any decision to implement a bespoke visa scheme would need to consider a range of factors, including assessing the unique crisis and relevant impacts on security, compliance and returns.

Palestinians who wish to come to the UK can do so via the existing routes available, which allow a person to apply to work, study, settle or join family in the UK. Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website: UK Visas and Immigration - GOV.UK
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Catherine West:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that applications for naturalisation are concluded within a reasonable timeframe and; what progress her Department has made in reducing the backlog of applications for citizenship in Hornsey and Friern Barnet constituency. \p Mike Tapp: The service standard for the processing of a straightforward application for British citizenship is six months.

The most recent Migration Transparency data published in August 2025 shows that 99.36% of straightforward applications were decided within service standard: Migration transparency data - GOV.UK
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Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of immigration controls to prevent human trafficking over the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. \p Mike Tapp: As part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements, the UK does not operate routine immigration controls on journeys from Ireland to the UK, with no immigration checks being undertaken on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border.

The UK carries out intelligence led operations to target potential abuse of CTA routes, including between Ireland and Northern Ireland but away from the land border.

There is a high level of cooperation on migration and border security between the UK and Ireland. We regularly monitor and review any identified trends and we work closely with our Irish colleagues in taking action to address this.
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Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many staff employed in nursing homes in Scotland have had to leave their employer in the last 12 months as a result of their employer's sponsor licence being withdrawn. \p Mike Tapp: The information requested is not currently available from published statistics, and the relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

This Government is committed to taking action against employers who breach their duties as sponsors and exploit migrant workers.

UKVI are working closely with DHSC’s funded Regional Partnerships to ensure workers impacted in England have access to vacancies in Scotland. UKVI are also working with Scottish officials to deliver processes to support workers impacted by Scottish care providers receive the support they need.
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Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of border security measures at (a) ports and (b) airports in Northern Ireland. \p Mike Tapp: Border Force performs checks on 100% of passengers arriving at the UK border on scheduled services, enabling interventions against those known or suspected to pose a risk to the national interest.

The UK and Ireland have a close and collaborative relationship on migration and border security, and we are jointly committed to protecting the Common Travel Area and safeguarding it from abuse.

Officers who work on the primary control ensure that all passengers are dealt with efficiently as possible to ensure border security. We also use dynamic deployment to staff the immigration control when required.

The UK’s border and immigration system is changing. We are transforming our border through automation and digitisation to make it quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through each year.
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UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_433

Peter Lamb:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to reduce the time taken for the payment of refunds from her Department. \p Mike Tapp: UK Visas and Immigration have a range of customer service teams and processes in place to support customers where they may require a refund.

These teams ensure that refunds are made in a timely fashion and in line with the policies and procedures linked to the individual visa service that has been paid for.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_434

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Border Force officers are deployed in Northern Ireland. \p Mike Tapp: As an intelligence-informed organisation, Border Force do not disclose specific details regarding the deployment of resources to individual border threats. This is to ensure the integrity of our operations, and avoid compromising the effectiveness of our security response, which is based upon real time intelligence and operational sensitivity.

Officers who work on the primary control ensure that all passengers are dealt with efficiently as possible to ensure border security.

We also use dynamic deployment to staff the immigration control when required.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_435

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to prevent people who overstay their visas from working illegally for companies within the UK. \p Mike Tapp: Under UK legislation, access to work is reserved to those who are eligible and have lawful immigration status in the UK. All employers are required to undertake right to work checks on any prospective employee to confirm their legal status. Sanctions exist where these requirements are not complied with.

The Government is leading a UK-wide crackdown on illegal working as part of a whole system approach to tackle illegal migration and to ensure fairness, order and control within the immigration and asylum system. This includes measures in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill to ensure companies which contract workers to provide services under their company name, such as agency workers or workers in the gig economy, check a person’s right to work, intensified Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams operational activity across the UK as well as the recently announced introduction of digital ID by the end of this Parliament.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_436

Richard Burgon:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she last held a meeting with Ministers responsible for the Child Poverty Strategy to discuss the (a) potential implication of lengthened immigration routes and (b) No Recourse to Public Funds condition for children’s living standards; and when she plans to hold the next meeting. \p Mike Tapp: The earned settlement proposals are subject to consultation, which will be launched later this year. No final decisions on the policy will be made until the consultation concludes.

The Home Office has agreed that children whose families have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) should be included in the scope of the Government’s Child Poverty Strategy. The Child Poverty Strategy is due to be published later this year. I will continue to discuss and shape the approach with my officials and Government Ministers ahead of its publication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_437

Charlie Maynard:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of removing prison officer roles from the Skilled Worker visa route on staffing levels in prisons. \p Mike Tapp: I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given to Parliamentary Question 76286.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_438

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been employed by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner in each year since 2005; and what the annual budget was for the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner in each of those years. \p Mike Tapp: As an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body of the Home Office, the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), formerly known as the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), is operationally independent and responsible for the service it provides.

Details of its staffing levels and its budget are published online in its Annual Report and Accounts (ARAs). A list of annual reports and financial accounts, and business plans published by the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner from 2005 to 2021 can be found here.

For more recent ARAs, the 2022/23 report can be found here and the 2023/24 report can be found here.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_439

Afzal Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of visa sponsorship restrictions on (a) staff availability and (b) continuity of care in the social care sector. \p Mike Tapp: The Home Office is exploring ways of making changing employers easier. However, a Certificate of Sponsorship is the means by which an employer confirms they have a job for a worker which satisfies the requirements of the Immigration Rules and by which that sponsor confirms they are taking responsibility for them.

The Home Office has made no assessment of the of the potential impact of visa sponsorship restrictions on (a) staff availability and (b) continuity of care in the social care sector. That is a matter for the Department of Health and Social Care.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_440

Liz Saville Roberts:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with police forces on improving the recruitment process for police officers. \p Sarah Jones: This Government is committed to ensuring there are consistent, high standards for entry into the police.

Individual police forces manage recruitment locally within a national application, assessment and selection framework, in line with guidance maintained by the College of Policing. We continue to work closely with the College to support ongoing improvements to all entry routes into policing, ensuring they are as effective as they can be for forces and participants, and that recruits across all forces consistently meet the same rigorous standards.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_441

Afzal Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the suspension of refugee family reunion routes on trends in levels of people attempting to cross the Channel in small boats. \p Mike Tapp: The Home Office recognises that the suspension may affect families seeking reunification, particularly women and children.

However, the suspension is temporary and our approach still considers the overriding objective of family unity as alternative family routes will continue to be available. A partner or child of a person with protection status can apply under Appendix FM.

It is not possible to estimate the potential impact of the suspension on family migration applications or small boat arrivals, as there are a significant number of variables, including the measures we are putting in place as part of our wider strategy for preventing illegal and irregular migration, to stop individuals making these dangerous journeys across the Channel and risking lives in the process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_442

Margaret Mullane:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if it remains her policy to move to a multi-year police settlement model. \p Sarah Jones: The Government recognises the importance of funding certainty to enable policing to deliver for their communities and is committed to giving police the resources they need to tackle crime. That is why the Chancellor has announced a real terms increase in police spending power over the next three years.

As with previous years, more detail on force funding allocations for 2026-27 will be set out at the forthcoming police funding settlement.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_443

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the number of people who have been arrested for knife crime-related incidents in the last 12 months. \p Sarah Jones: The Home Office collects data on arrests in England and Wales, by offence group, as part of the ‘Police Powers and Procedures’ statistical series. The latest available data, to the year ending March 2025 can be accessed here: Police powers and procedures England and Wales statistics - GOV.UK

However, data is collected by broader offence group, for example ‘Violence against the person’, therefore data on more specific offences such as knife crime-related incidents is not available.

The Government does hold data on police recorded knife crime which sets out that in the year ending June 25, there were 51,527 selected violent and sexual offences involving a knife or sharp instrument recorded by the police, a 5% reduction on the previous year, this includes an 18% reduction in homicide and a 6% reduction in knife-enabled assault.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_444

Darren Paffey:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) reducing the threshold for a further closure order when a closure order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 has been issued previously for the same individual and address and (b) otherwise ensuring previous closure orders are taken into account when making decisions on further closure orders. \p Sarah Jones: The closure power can be used by the police and councils to close premises which are being used, or are likely to be used, to commit nuisance or disorder.

The closure order is a powerful tool which can restrict access to premises. The closure order can be implemented for a maximum of up to three months (with Magistrates able to extend for a further three months – not to exceed six months in total). Where the anti-social behaviour continues or is expected to continue beyond the six months, the relevant agencies are expected to explore other solutions to prevent further anti-social behaviour, such as Community Protection Notices and Civil Injunctions.

Courts can consider previous orders made for the same individual when considering a further closure order.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_445

Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the reclassification of ketamine as a class B drug on (a) the rate of its usage among (i) 16 to 59-year-olds and (ii) 16 to 24-year-olds, (b) the average street price of ketamine and (d) its illicit availability in each year since 2015. \p Sarah Jones: My reply to my honourable friend's previous questions as to what assessment the Home Office had made of the potential impact of the reclassification of ketamine on these four matters confirmed that we had not carried out such an exercise and that the drivers of the availability, market price and prevalence of drugs are complex.

As to any future assessments, in January 2025 my predecessor asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to provide an updated assessment on the harms of ketamine, and I would expect its report to provide an holistic assessment of that drug.