theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure energy suppliers are resolving noncommunicating smart meters. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Over 90% of smart meters are sending automatic readings to energy suppliers. To drive this percentage up further we are working at pace alongside industry partners to share best practice and improve smart meter connectivity across Great Britain.

Ofgem is currently conducting compliance engagement into six energy suppliers in relation to their obligations to keep smart meters operating in smart mode. Ofgem is also currently consulting on new Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSOPs) that will further strengthen consumer protections in cases where a smart meter is not sending automatic readings.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will publish the report of the Green Jobs Delivery Group on skills for the green energy sector. \p Sarah Jones: We are building on the progress that the Green Jobs Delivery Group previously made by setting up the Office for Clean Energy Jobs (OCEJ). The OCEJ has been created to ensure that clean energy jobs are abundant, high quality, paid fairly, and have favourable terms and good working conditions. We published our analysis on the future of the clean energy workforce as part of the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan in December 2024, including the accompanying 'Assessment of the Clean Energy Skills Challenge' annex.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, for what reason the Mayoral Renewables Fund is operating on a bidding scheme basis; and whether the fund is ringfenced. \p Michael Shanks: Great British Energy (GBE) will partner with Local Authorities, Mayoral Strategic Authorities, Devolved Governments and the community energy sector to help increase the rollout of renewable energy projects.

The 2025/26 financial year is a transitional period as GBE is being established, during which the Department is supporting GBE to deliver a one-off scheme what will kick-start its relationship with the Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs). The £10 million fund will be for projects that focus on renewable power generation; all MSAs will receive funding as long as eligibility criteria are met. Beyond the transitional period, GBE will work with individual MSAs to determine the most effective investment partnerships in their areas.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of extending the £250 reduction in electricity bills for who live within 500m of a pylon to those living near to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project level solar farms. \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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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, on which date the increased threshold for Nationally Significant Infrastructure projects for solar will take effect. \p Michael Shanks: Subject to parliamentary approval, the higher threshold of 100MW for solar projects will come into force on 31 December 2025.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what fire prevention policies battery energy storage systems sites are required to follow. \p Michael Shanks: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulates battery energy storage systems (BESS) under a framework which requires responsible parties to take measures to ensure health and safety throughout all stages of a BESS’s deployment. Of particular relevance to fire prevention, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) sets minimum requirements for the protection of workers and others from fire and explosion risks.
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Connor Naismith:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to prevent companies fraudulently mis-selling (a) solar panels and (b) other energy generating equipment. \p Michael Shanks: The sale of energy generation equipment is governed by consumer protection law.

There are opt-in consumer codes such as the Renewable Energy Consumer Code and standards such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. These are adopted by many companies selling generation equipment.

The Government is also undertaking a review of Ofgem’s role, to ensure that it has the appropriate powers to protect consumers. A recent call for evidence sought views on Ofgem’s remit in enforcing consumer protection law in respect of low carbon technologies.
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John Whitby:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of decoupling the electricity wholesale price from gas. \p Michael Shanks: As part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements, the Government assessed the merits of decoupling the electricity wholesale price from gas, considering proposals such as a Split Market, Green Power Pool and future-proofed Contracts for Difference scheme. The Contracts for Difference scheme was identified as the best tool to decouple gas and electricity prices. Increasing participation of renewables in the wholesale market means that over time, cheaper renewable electricity will set the price more often, lowering costs for consumers.
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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment his Department has made of the capacity to support increased renewable energy generation of the electricity grid in (i) Buckinghamshire and (ii) Milton Keynes. \p Michael Shanks: Electricity network capacity information is available at the website of each Distribution Network Operator that serves Buckinghamshire. For National Grid Electricity Distribution (which covers Milton Keynes) this can be found at: https://www.nationalgrid.co.uk/our-network/network-capacity-map/. For UK Power Networks https://ukpowernetworks.opendatasoft.com/pages/network-infrastructure-usage-map/?grid=true. For Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks https://network-maps.ssen.co.uk/. The National Energy System Operator also has information on transmission network capacity at: https://www.neso.energy/industry-information/connections/connections-360.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any of the contracts for the three external reviewers conducting the Strategic Defence Review have been extended. \p Luke Pollard: The external review team continue to support the delivery of this crucial piece of work. The Strategic Defence Review - which will be published in the Spring - will ensure the United Kingdom is both secure at home and strong abroad, now and for the years to come.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has a long-term (a) maintenance and (b) repair plan for armoured vehicles gifted to Ukraine beyond the training package by Babcock. \p Luke Pollard: For reasons of security, I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that I cannot go into specific details. Maintaining, repairing and overhauling (MRO) both systems granted in kind and Ukrainian indigenous systems is critical to Ukraine’s ability to repel the illegal Russian invasion and deter any future aggression. In recognition of this, through Task Force Hirst we have created a framework to scale this support in line with Ukrainian priorities, both nationally and internationally, as seen with the recent announcement of in-country MRO of the Archer system with Swedish partners.

We are working closely with a number of companies such as BAE Systems, Babcock and others, together with local Ukrainian companies, to scale this support nationally and with wider partners.

Conducting this work in-country, ensures that critical military equipment is returned to the frontline for use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces quicker and more efficiently, so that Ukraine can continue the fight against this unprovoked Russian aggression.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what artillery ammunition has been supplied to Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: Since the beginning of the conflict, we have delivered over 500,000 rounds of artillery ammunition worth over £1.5 billion to Ukraine. With European partners, we are also members of the artillery capability coalition which delivers immediate support to Ukraine and also has a long-term plan to support Ukraine’s ambitions for a NATO-interoperable future force.

Due to operational security reasons, I am unable to give a breakdown of types.

This Government is steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. We are committed to giving Ukraine more military support than ever before this year, with a £4.5 billion boost for Ukraine in 2025.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether a programme similar to the Army Officer Internship scheme exists in the Royal Marines. \p Luke Pollard: Neither the Royal Navy (RN) nor Royal Marines (RM) currently offer an Officer Internship scheme similar to the Army.

However, the RN does offer several different schemes such as A-Level Scholarships, Accelerated Apprenticeship Schemes, Defence Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Undergraduate Schemes and Cadetship Entry. All of these give generous annual bursary payments and the opportunity to complete Naval Service training every year alongside their studies.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have subsequently joined the Army Reserve after completing the (a) Gap Year Commission or (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015. \p Luke Pollard: This information is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have subsequently joined the Regular Army after completing the (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015. \p Luke Pollard: This information is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have applied for an (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015. \p Luke Pollard: Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, providing individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after university.

The department does not hold data related to applications for the entire period requested. Applications for the Army Officer Internship Programme commencing from September 2022 onwards are as follows:

Year

Applications

2022

196

2023

156

2024

102

2025

120
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Spring Statement on 26 March 2025, how the £2.2bn for financial year 2025-26 will be spent by his Department. \p Luke Pollard: The £2.2 billion will support the Government in building a modern and resilient Armed Forces, including by enhancing the UK’s programme of joint exercises with NATO allies, allowing investment in advanced technology such as Directed Energy Weapons, and refurbishing the defence estate to provide our military families with the homes they deserve. We will also establish the UK Defence Innovation, to help secure competitive advantage whilst driving wider growth.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the new Ofsted grading scale on in scope military training establishments. \p Al Carns: Ofsted undertake two separate and distinct inspection regimes of Armed Forces’ training provision. The first is of the Armed Forces Apprenticeship Programmes which are inspected under the Education Inspection Framework. Any changes to Ofsted’s grading scale will have no significant impact in this area. The second is of the Care and Welfare of Armed Forces Initial Training which is inspected under the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Inspection Framework that is unique to the MOD. As such, the MOD and colleagues from Ofsted are working together during a period of consultation to determine whether all, or elements of, the new grading scale will apply to these inspections.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what diversity, equality and inclusion targets his Department has for staff recruitment. \p Al Carns: Whilst there are no Civil Service-level Diversity, Equality and Inclusion targets for staff recruitment, the Civil Service is committed to representing the diversity of the UK population. At a Departmental level, the Ministry of Defence has set a number of Levels of Ambition which, amongst other factors, aim to improve the diversity of our workforce by delivering the policy, process, cultural and behavioural changes required to maximise the talent of our people. We also have a target for civilian disability representation of 15.3 per cent by 2030.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual cost is of Substitute Service Family Accommodation by region. \p Al Carns: As of 28 March 2025, 174 Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) properties are in use in the United Kingdom.

The cost of SSFA for financial year 2024-25 is £1.28 million.

Information regarding the annual cost of SSFA by region is not held.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many dual serving service personnel are living in Substitute Service Family Accommodation. \p Al Carns: As of 28 March 2025, there were 174 Service personnel and their families, living in Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA).

Information on the number of Service personnel living in SSFA by rank or by the number of dual Serving Service personnel is not held.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there are any benefits that are provided to a service person living in Substitute Service Single Accommodation that would not be provided to a service person living in private accommodation. \p Al Carns: Substitute Service Single Accommodation (SSSA) exists to accommodate Service personnel who are entitled to Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at their primary duty unit where none is available. SSSA is intended to mirror the conditions of SLA in so far as possible and cannot be compared like-for-like with private accommodation.

There are a wide range of allowances available to Service personnel to meet the costs incurred in carrying out their duties, and eligibility will depend on a number of permutations, not just the type of accommodation in which they are resident.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with (a) the Chief of Defence People, (b) the Deputy Chief of the General Staff and (c) other military representatives on changing elements of the Army Officer Internship scheme. \p Luke Pollard: Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.

The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.

Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.

Year

Internship completions

2017-2018

11

2018-2019

14

2019-2020

14

2020-2021

16

2021-2022

10

2022-2023

10

2023-2024

11

There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.

Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many procurement orders have been submitted by his Department for approval by (a) HM Treasury and (b) Cabinet Office since 5th July 2024 for a value of (i) over £1 million, (ii) £500,000-1 million, (iii) under £500,000. \p Maria Eagle: From 5 July 2024 to date, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has submitted 39 business cases to His Majesty's Treasury (HMT) and 68 to the Cabinet Office, all of which were for expenditure over £1 million.

As regards approvals by HMT, it is important to note that only those business cases relating to programmes with whole life costs above MOD’s Delegated Authorisation Levels (DAL) require HMT approval. These levels are as follows:

£1 billion CDEL or £800 million RDEL for Equipment or Service Provision programmes, £250 million (either DEL) for Information & Communications Technology programmes, and £100 million (either DEL) for Infrastructure programmes. All programmes within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise have a DAL of £1billion.

Therefore, all business cases below these thresholds are approved internally within MOD.
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Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason AFC Harrogate is exempt from Ofsted inspections; and which independent body is responsible for inspections of AFC Harrogate. \p Al Carns: Ofsted does inspect Army Foundation College (Harrogate). Up to date reports are published online and can be found here, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/welfare-and-duty-of-care-in-armed-forces-initial-training
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Sir Julian Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential effectiveness of landmines in enabling the defence of land borders against conventional armed attack. \p Luke Pollard: I hope the right hon. Gentleman will understand that the Ministry of Defence can’t comment publicly on operational matters. All anti-personnel landmines present an enduring risk to civilians in the wake of conflict. It is for this reason the UK remains a committed State Party to the Ottawa Treaty. The UK has successfully operated without anti-personnel landmines for fifteen years.
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Alex Burghart:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release on the award of a £1.6 billion contract to Thales in Belfast for the manufacture of lightweight-multirole missiles, published on 2 March 2025, whether his Department considered procuring the contract through a competitive tendering process under the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him to Question 40323 on 28 March 2025.

Guided Weapons: Procurement (docx, 16.2KB)
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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many people in Wales will be impacted by welfare reform. \p Jo Stevens: Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper will be published in due course, with some information already published alongside the Spring Statement. These publications can be found here Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper - GOV.UK.

There are currently 347,100 Universal Credit claimants in Wales, with 267,100 claimants of Personal Independence Payments. 89,000 claimants in Wales are receiving both Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit. Overall, 15% of working age people in Wales receive a disability or incapacity benefit and around a quarter are neither in work nor looking for work.

To raise living standards in every corner of our country, we need to unleash the talents of people across the UK wherever they live. However, the system we inherited has left millions of people trapped on benefits, without the support they need to build a better life.

We know many sick and disabled people want to work, with the right help and support. They deserve the same rights, chances and choices to get good jobs as anybody else. That is why the government is fixing the social security system so that it gives those who could work the help they need, and those who can’t work the dignity and security they deserve.

The Department for Work and Pensions will continue to work with the Welsh government and other devolved governments, which will include looking at Welsh specific impacts to help support people back into work if they are able to, but also protect those who rely on our social security system.
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Jonathan Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure the museum sector contributes to her Department's tourism-related objectives. \p Chris Bryant: The Government has set out its ambition for the United Kingdom to welcome 50 million international visitors per year by 2030, as part of its plans for the country to remain one of the most visited worldwide, driving economic growth. The new Visitor Economy Advisory Council has been appointed to identify ways to drive economic growth and remove barriers to opportunities in DCMS sectors.

Many tourists cite our vibrant culture and heritage offer as one of their main motivators for visiting the UK. We are providing additional support to our national museums and galleries with a 5% uplift to their budgets, along with £120m for critical estates maintenance in 2025/26, to help our most visited sites across the country to continue to be open to the world.

Our historical and creative heritage are crucial in driving tourism to all parts of the country; alongside continued Arts Council England and Local Authority investment, we are also supporting our regional museums via the new £20 million Museum Renewal Fund, and a new £25m round of the Museum Estate and Development Fund.
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Jonathan Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support rural (a) museum and (b) arts and music venues in (i) Mid Derbyshire constituency and (ii) the East Midlands. \p Chris Bryant: The Secretary of State announced a new £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund on 20 February. This will include support to museums, arts and music venues across the country and is a critical step that this Government is taking to help create jobs, boost local economies, and expand access to arts and culture for communities.

This is in addition to steps already being taken to support arts and culture via the Arts Council England (ACE). In the East Midlands, ACE is providing regular National Portfolio funding to 72 organisations from 2023-2027. This includes more than £8.7 million to nine museum services including Derby Museums and Creswell Crags. £4.8 million has been awarded to eight music organisations including Derby based Baby People and Sinfonia Viva (the orchestra of the East Midlands).

Across the East Midlands, since 2021, ACE has also awarded £37.5 million to music organisations and projects via the Grassroots Music Fund, and £7.5 million to regional museum projects via the Museum Estate and Development Fund.

In the Mid Derbyshire constituency, ACE has supported eight individual artists since 2021 through its Developing your Creative Practice grants, providing a total of £73,111 of funding across visual arts and music. ACE has also made six awards across combined arts, literature, theatre and museums in the constituency through National Lottery Grants, totalling more than £272,000.
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Jonathan Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure successful partnerships between civic museums and industry to address the skills gap. \p Chris Bryant: This Government is committed to making sure that cultural venues up and down this country are supported to reach their full potential.

That is why the Secretary of State announced a new £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund on the 20th February, to support museums, arts venues, libraries, and heritage sites nationwide. This major investment will create jobs, boost local economies, and expand access to arts and culture for communities.

As part of this package, £45 million will be going to local and civic museums through the Museum Renewal Fund and Museum Estate and Development Fund to help tackle urgent infrastructure issues, preserve community programmes and protect these treasured institutions for generations to come. This is a major step being taken by this Government to support regional museums.

The large, diverse collections held by civic museums serve as a rich source of creativity and inspiration, fuelling our Creative Industries ecology and inspiring the creatives of tomorrow. Museum and industry partnerships can be hugely beneficial. To give a local example, Derby’s Museum of Making has a well-established partnership with Rolls Royce, supporting its ‘Institute of Steam’ learning programme, aiming to equip young people with crucial design, technology and engineering skills.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support greyhound racing in England. \p Stephanie Peacock: As the Secretary of State said recently, we have absolutely no plans to ban greyhound racing. We appreciate the joy it brings to many people in our country and the important contribution it makes to British cultural life and the rural economy, providing some 5400 jobs across Great Britain.

The industry is supported by voluntary contributions from participating bookmakers through the British Greyhound Racing Fund, which plays a crucial role in its growth and sustainability. The Government remains committed to ensuring voluntary contributions reflect the value of the sport to the betting industry.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will require that organisations in receipt of funding from (a) her Department and (b) its arms-length bodies should not participate in boycotts against (i) Israel and (ii) the participation of (a) Israelis and (b) people from Jewish backgrounds for events connected to that funding. \p Stephanie Peacock: Sports, arts, and culture are powerful ways to bring communities together. As such, we do not support sports or cultural boycotts in principle, including in relation to Israel. The Secretary of State recently met with a delegation led by the Board of Deputies of British Jews to discuss their experiences of working in the arts and cultural sector at a time of increased tension in the Middle East. The government's view is that antisemitism is as unacceptable in our sectors, as it is anywhere else in society.

Public Bodies are expected to act in line with their Framework Agreements, with their Board members required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies and The Nolan Principles of Public Life. DCMS’s standard terms and conditions include requirements that grant recipients comply with statutory requirements and specifically with the Equality Act 2010.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the financial situation of rugby clubs that have (a) entered administration and (b) ceased operations. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) does not make assessments of the financial situation of rugby clubs post ceasing operations.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is independent of the Government and is responsible for the regulation of rugby union, and for protecting and promoting the financial sustainability of the sport.
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Gareth Snell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support local authorities that have been issued a section 114 notice with the provision of youth work. \p Stephanie Peacock: Local authorities hold the statutory duty to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, sufficient provision of educational and recreational leisure-time activities for young people. Local Authorities fund youth services from their Local Government Settlement in line with local need, and this was increased to more than £69 billion in 2025/26 - a 6.8% increase in cash terms compared to 2024/25.

Additionally, we will be launching the Local Youth Transformation pilot this year, which will support local authorities to build back capability to improve local youth offers. We will share more information in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

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Harpreet Uppal:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of consulting with young people on cross-government decision-making processes. \p Stephanie Peacock: This Government recognises the value of effective youth participation in decision making at all levels. We understand this leads to impactful policy locally, regionally and nationally.

Youth consultation opportunities are taking place across government:

As announced in the Get Britain Working White Paper, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education have established a Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel to help shape the design and development of the Youth Guarantee.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government recently convened two roundtables with young people to inform work on their long term strategy for communities.

Young people have been invited to participate in an online debate run by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to help inform the revision of the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan.

The DCMS-led new National Youth Strategy will be co-produced with young people. We have already conducted Ministerial roundtables with young people and over the coming months will conduct a number of different youth engagement activities. We have set up a Youth Advisory Group to work alongside us throughout the development of the Strategy, and will shortly launch a national survey to ask young people about their issues and priorities.

The Secretary of State has written to all MPs to encourage them to engage with young people in their constituencies in support of the Strategy. This included an engagement toolkit so MPs can run their own workshops and discussions with young people, or encourage organisations in their constituencies who work with young people to do the same.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_9

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the BBC Board on the airing of the documentary entitled Gaza - How to survive a warzone. \p Stephanie Peacock: It is essential that the BBC maintains the highest standards of reporting and governance that the public rightly expects. As set out her response to a recent Urgent Parliamentary Question, the Culture Secretary has spoken to the BBC Director General and expressed deep concern about the issues around their recent documentary on Gaza, and pressed for answers on the checks and due diligence that the BBC carried out. The Culture Secretary also subsequently discussed this matter with the BBC Chair where she sought assurances that no stone will be left unturned by the fact-finding review.

While she appreciates that the BBC apologised for its failings, and the BBC Board acknowledged that the mistakes were “significant and damaging”, it is vital that the BBC now takes action so that trust is restored and a serious error of this magnitude is not repeated.

Following requests, the BBC has provided the Secretary of State with further information on their approach to enhanced compliance procedures, and the Secretary of State will update Parliament in due course.
wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_10

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will provide a breakdown of costs relating to her Department's podcast entitled First Draft. \p Stephanie Peacock: The podcast was created and delivered as part of the DCMS Communications Teams' day to day work at no extra cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_11

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2025 to Question 29620 on DCMS: Flags, what flags other than the Union flag and the Ukraine flag, have been flown to date in 2024-25; and on what dates. \p Stephanie Peacock: The following flags other than the Union Flag and the Ukraine flag have been flown from the DCMS/HM Treasury Building (100 Parliament Street/1 Horse Guards Road) in the calendar years 2024 and 2025:

2024

1 March (St David's Day): Flag of Wales

11 March (Commonwealth Day): Commonwealth Flag

4 April (NATO Founding Day): NATO Flag

23 April (St George's Day): Flag of England

26 April (75th Anniversary of the Commonwealth): Commonwealth Flag

17 May (Anti Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia Day): Rainbow Flag

24 June-29 June (Armed Forces Day): Armed Forces Day Flag

27 June-29 June (London Pride): Rainbow Flag

14 July (Men's Euros Final): Flag of England

30 November (St Andrew's Day): Flag of Scotland

2025

None
wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_12

Chris Bloore:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what support her Department plans to provide to football clubs to (a) embed improved governance and (b) meet the requirements of the independent football regulator. \p Stephanie Peacock: It will be the responsibility of the Independent Football Regulator to determine the key elements of the Football Governance Code, including whether independent directors should be included. The drafting of the Football Governance Code will be done in consultation with the FA and other stakeholders with an interest in safeguarding the long-term future of our national game. It is the norm for all corporate governance codes to have detail and guidance on INED’s included, and we do not expect the Football Governance Code to be any different.

The Regulator will publish the Football Governance Code, guidance around this, and an annual report highlighting best practice and where certain clubs are failing to meet the standards. The Regulator will adopt a collaborative approach wherever possible and will meet regularly with clubs to ensure they are meeting the requirements set out by the legislation.
wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_13

Alex Brewer:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to help ensure (a) sports clubs and (b) historical re-enactment groups have (i) safety rolled and (ii) spatulated tipped equipment delivered to them via delivery services. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Department has not been approached by sport clubs on this issue.

Under current legislation it is against the law to sell a bladed article to a person under the age of 18 and this includes swords. If the sale occurs online it is necessary for the retailer to carry out age verification at the point of sale and, if using a delivery company to deliver a bladed product, to ensure that the delivery company has arrangements in place to ensure that the product would not be delivered into the hands of a person under 18. Many delivery companies offer age verified delivery.

Outside of mandatory requirements, decisions on items that delivery operators accept in their networks are for the company themselves.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_14

Cameron Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to promote women’s sport in Tewkesbury constituency. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government is dedicated to supporting every aspect of women’s sport and ensuring all women and girls, no matter their background, have access to high quality sport.

We want to break down the barriers that exist and prevent women and girls from being active including but not limited to kit, facilities, time and cost. This Girl Can, which recently celebrated its ten year anniversary, is an inspiring campaign that has promoted women’s sport, challenged prejudice and made clear that sport is for everyone.

The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. Separately, as a government, we are investing £123 million in inclusive grassroots sport facilities that will support more women and girls to take part in the sports that they love.

In the last financial year, 2023-24, Sport England awarded £50,834 to the Tewkesbury constituency.
wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_15

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many public pools closed in 2024. \p Stephanie Peacock: Twelve swimming pools on sites owned by Local Authorities closed in 2024. In the same time period, six swimming pools have opened. Facilities may close for a number of reasons: this can include consolidating multiple older facilities into a modern, better located facility and decisions to close facilities are at the discretion of Local Authorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_16

Danny Beales:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the (a) cultural, (b) economic and (c) community value of free-to-air coverage of the Six Nations Championship. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government believes that the current list of events works well and that it strikes an appropriate balance between access to sporting events and allowing sports to maximise broadcasting revenue. Therefore, the Government has no plans to review the list at this time.

It is right that the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Six Nations Rugby take a considered and balanced approach: recognising the need to achieve reach with existing and new fans, the importance that the Six Nations has for the cultural pride of each of the Home Nations, all the while maximising broadcast revenue.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_17

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of recent increases to TV license fees. \p Stephanie Peacock: The obligations placed on the BBC, and the public service it provides to the country, show the need for continued, sustainable public funding to support its vital work.

The government has committed to retaining the licence fee for the remainder of the Charter Period. The level of the fee will increase by £5 per household to £174.50 in April 2025, rising in line with inflation as required by the 2022 Licence Fee Settlement. This uplift provides certainty and stability for the BBC and S4C, and supports them in delivering their essential public services remits and world-class educational and engaging programming, while also ensuring we deliver the best outcomes for licence fee payers.

Reflecting our understanding of the pressures on households, this government has taken action to expand the Simple Payment Plan to help more households facing financial hardship pay their TV licence.
wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_18

Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of (a) how often family court proceedings are delayed on the day of the hearing and (b) the reason for those delays. \p Alex Davies-Jones: His Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service does not currently hold this data but a pilot of digital reforms in the family court is due to be rolled out later this year for private law proceedings and data on delays to court hearings will then be available.
wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-07 conversation_19

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to maintain the UK's status as a leader in legal services innovation. \p Sarah Sackman: The Ministry of Justice is keen to ensure the UK remains a world leader in legal services innovation. We achieve this through the LawtechUK programme, which, since 2019, has driven digital transformation in the legal sector. Key objectives of the programme include increasing innovation and adoption of lawtech in delivery of UK legal services, supporting the growth of the UK lawtech sector, and enabling English and Welsh law and the UK’s jurisdictions to become the foundation for emerging technology.

The LawtechUK programme also supports the work of the UK Jurisdiction Taskforce (UKJT). The UKJT promotes the use of English law and the UK’s jurisdictions for technology and digital innovation. They aim to provide market confidence and legal certainty for new and emerging technologies, such as Cryptoassets and AI.

The Department works closely with international partners to co-operate on matters related to lawtech, including establishing dialogue on industry practise, knowledge sharing, and research. For example, the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement, which is the first trade agreement in the world to include these specific commitments on lawtech.

The Ministry of Justice also delivers The GREAT Legal Services campaign which promotes the strength and breadth of the UK’s legal services sector and expertise overseas and facilitates the export of high calibre legal services, including lawtech. LawtechUK works closely with this campaign to promote the UK as a global hub for lawtech, including hosting a reception in March for New York Legal Week.