theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she plans to review the statutory will process to help ensure that it is accessible for (a) people with disabilities and (b) their families. \p Sarah Sackman: The Law Commission recently completed a substantial review of the Law of Wills, and its report “Modernising Wills Law” was published on 16 May 2025. A copy of the report can be found at: https://lawcom.gov.uk/project/wills/#3-Documents. The report provides a thorough analysis of the case for reforming the law and procedure governing statutory wills.

The Government will make further announcements on the response to the report in due course, once it has given the report the detailed consideration it deserves.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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David Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she plans to (a) alter the statute of limitations and (b) review time limits for claims for (i) brain injuries and (ii) other lifelong conditions resulting from (A) medical and (B) clinical negligence. \p Sarah Sackman: Limitation periods set statutory time limits within which a party must bring a civil claim, or give notice of a claim, to the other party in a dispute. For negligence resulting in personal injury (which would include clinical negligence claims) the limitation period is normally three years from the date of the alleged negligence or the date of the claimant’s knowledge of damage, whichever is later.

However, under Section 33 of the Limitation Act 1980, this period can be extended at the court’s discretion, if it appears that it would be equitable (fair and reasonable) to all parties to allow an action to proceed.

The Government has no plans to reform the law.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate she has made of the number of criminal cases that have collapsed due to (a) lost, (b) missing and (c) damaged evidence in the last year. \p Sarah Sackman: The Ministry of Justice does not hold information on the number of criminal cases that have collapsed due to lost/missing or damaged evidence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether her Department imposes fines on private prisoner escort contractors for delays in journeys longer than 100 miles. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: Financial penalties, known as “service credits,” are applied to Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS) suppliers on any occasion where a courtroom delay has occurred because of failure by the contractor.

Some individual journeys where the straight-line distance is more than 100 miles may be regulated by an ‘agreed time protocol’, agreed in advance. These protocols are an explicit agreement between the PECS supplier, the court and the prison that the prisoner will be delivered by a specified time, instead of by the usual time of 10am. If the supplier delivers the prisoner in compliance with the protocol, no service credits are applied.

Where there is no agreed time protocol, the supplier will be liable to pay service credits if there is evidence that it was responsible for a failure to deliver on time.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government has taken to support (a) Anglo-Catholics and (b) traditionalist Anglo-Catholics of the Church of England in the workplace. \p Dame Nia Griffith: This government is clear that no one should be disadvantaged in the workplace because of their religion or belief. The Equality Act 2010 provides protection from discrimination to anyone with a religious or philosophical belief, as well as to those who lack a religion or belief. This includes all forms of Anglo-Catholicism.

The definition of religion, or religious or philosophical belief is in line with Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights which stipulates that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The main criterion for what constitutes a ‘religion’ for the purposes of Article 9 is that it must have a clear structure and belief system.

A range of guidance and codes of practice is available to employers and employees to help ensure that the law is followed. Employees who think that they have experienced religious discrimination may seek legal redress at an employment tribunal, if early Acas conciliation proves unsuccessful.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Laurence Turner:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to help increase public awareness of dyspraxia. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Government is committed to creating a more inclusive society where neurodiverse people, including those with dyspraxia, are supported to thrive.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential (a) financial and (b) other impacts of the proposed strike action on 10 September 2025 on the horseracing industry. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government is aware of the postponement of racing on 10 September, with the four fixtures rescheduled between 8-15 September.

No internal analysis has been conducted of the financial implications of the industry’s decision to postpone racing, however we remain in close contact with the sporting authorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to intervene in negotiations on the Horserace Betting Levy to (a) increase the rate to 11.5% and (b) include overseas races within the scope of that levy. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Horserace Betting Levy is vital for the financial sustainability of horseracing.

The Government believes a voluntary deal is the fastest path towards delivering appropriate funding for the sport.

We continue to encourage the betting and racing industry to resume negotiations and reach a new agreement in the best interests of horseracing.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what obligations adult gaming centre operators have to report (a) antisocial behaviour and (b) violence on their premises to the police. \p Stephanie Peacock: DCMS and the Gambling Commission do not hold data on the number or nature of police call outs to adult gaming centres.

All licensed gambling operators must uphold the licensing objectives set out in the Gambling Act, which include preventing gambling from being a source of, or associated with, crime or disorder. Licensing authorities are also able to set specific conditions on premises licences to mitigate risks posed by antisocial behaviour and crime, such as enhanced security requirements. Premises licence holders must also conduct a local area risk assessment for each of their premises, which includes risk mitigation related to crime and anti-social behaviour. Additionally, schemes such as Betwatch, a community-based crime prevention scheme, are designed to tackle localised anti-social and criminal behaviour in and around betting shops.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many employees in her Department earn (a) £100,000 and (b) £166,000 or more per year. \p Stephanie Peacock: Civil Service Statistics (Table 35) provides information on the number of civil servants earning over £100,000 and in other bandings. The latest information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/civil-service-statistics-2024

Organograms for Senior Civil Servant roles, including pay details for individuals, are also published by departments on a quarterly basis on data.gov.uk.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Cameron Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent steps she has taken to help protect people impacted by problem gambling. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government recognises that harmful gambling can wreck the lives of individuals, families and communities. Working with the Gambling Commission, we are committed to strengthening protections for those at risk through a range of new safer gambling requirements.

The Government has introduced a statutory levy on licensed gambling operators to raise increased, independent and sustainable funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm. The levy will raise around £100 million in funding to deliver priority projects and services, which together we hope will reduce gambling-related harms across Great Britain. The statutory gambling levy is now in force, and funding will start flowing later this year.

There are a range of robust rules in place through the Advertising Codes enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to ensure that gambling advertising and marketing, wherever it appears, is socially responsible and does not exacerbate harm. The ASA continually reviews the best available evidence to ensure rules are effective and updates protections as required. However, the Government recognises that more is needed, and we have set the gambling industry a clear task to further raise standards. In addition, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Department of Health and Social Care and the Gambling Commission are jointly leading a programme of work to develop new safety messaging for use in advertising and at the point of play.

We have introduced new statutory stake limits for online slots, set at £2 per spin for 18-24 year olds, and £5 per spin for adults aged 25 and over. We are also working with the Gambling Commission to deliver a significant programme of reform, including additional measures relating to safer game design for all casino games, financial vulnerability checks, improved access to safer gambling tools and improved customer choice on direct marketing.

We will continue to consider the best available evidence and work with all stakeholders to ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many times she has met with representatives of (a) the Church of England, (b) mainstream Islamic denominations and (c) mainstream Jewish denominations in the last calendar year. \p Stephanie Peacock: Details of ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has had discussions with the Eden Project on support for Eden Portland. \p Chris Bryant: The Department welcomes the ambition of the Eden Project Portland and its stated aims to contribute to tourism, biodiversity education, and scientific learning on the Jurassic Coast.

In relation to departmental support, officials discussed the project with representatives of the Eden Portland Project on 22 April 2025. It was explained that while primary responsibility for considering central Government funding for a project of this nature rests with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, my department would be happy to engage with them to express our support for the project’s significant cultural, heritage, and tourism contributions.

I remain focussed on creating the conditions for the visitor economy to thrive. My department is working closely with the sector to draft a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy, which we anticipate publishing later this year. We encourage projects like Eden Portland to engage with their Local Visitor Economy Partnership, in this case the Visit Dorset Business Support Hub, to ensure they are aligned with and can benefit from this important work.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential of local parish churches to be tourist attractions. \p Chris Bryant: Parish churches are an integral and unique part of our national heritage. They can be and often are significant attractions for both domestic and international visitors, especially where there is an additional historic connection, such as at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, the most visited parish church in England.

While the Department has not conducted a specific national assessment on this matter, we work closely with our arm's-length bodies to support these vital historic buildings. DCMS also directly funds listed places of worship through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, with a budget of £23 million for the current financial year. In addition, Historic England, as the Government’s statutory heritage advisor, provides grants, expertise, and guidance to help care for our most significant historic places of worship.

Furthermore, we encourage local areas to consider all their unique heritage assets, including parish churches, as part of their strategic tourism planning through the network of Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs).
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Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the EHRC draft code of practice for services, public functions and associations on LGBTQIA+ tourism to the UK. \p Chris Bryant: The Government is committed to ensuring the UK remains one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the world for all visitors, including for LGBTQIA+ tourists. Inclusivity is a key part of what we offer tourists and contributes to our global appeal.

The Department has not conducted a specific assessment of the potential impact of the draft code on tourism. However, DCMS, through VisitBritain and VisitEngland, continues to support tourism businesses in this area. A new e-learning course to help the industry welcome LGBTQIA+ customers was recently launched and is being promoted through Local Visitor Economy Partnerships to their networks.

To provide clarity for the sector, interim EHRC guidance relating to the recent Supreme Court ruling has also been added to the ‘Pink Book’, VisitEngland’s guide to accommodation and attraction legislation. Furthermore, VisitEngland will review its Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Toolkit for businesses and LGBTQIA+ course once the EHRC’s updated guidance is finalised.
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David Davis:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what information his Department holds on the number of suspected IRA members accused of terrorism offences between 1970 and 1990 that were later acquitted. \p Hilary Benn: The Northern Ireland Office does not hold information relating to charging and prosecutions of terrorism offences; this would be held by the operationally independent PSNI and PPSNI.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to increase uptake of biochar as a carbon capture method. \p Sarah Jones: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero recognises the potential benefits of biochar and has been taking steps to address evidence gaps through research, funding five biochar projects in the Greenhouse Gas Removals Innovation Competition, and the CO2RE Demonstrators Programme biochar project. The Government is exploring barriers to commercialisation and deployment at scale, including how further evidence can be generated on permanence, environmental impacts and the potential benefits in a UK context. The Government has announced an Independent Review to consider how Greenhouse Gas Removals, such as biochar, can assist the UK in meeting our net zero targets.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether (a) value for money assessments of and (b) comparative value for money assessments of alternative projects proposed through the Development Consent Order process will be material planning considerations when determining applications covered by the proposed National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure. \p Michael Shanks: Draft updated National Policy Statements were published for consultation and laid before Parliament earlier this year. There are no proposed changes in regard to value for money assessments. Development proposals enter the planning system at different times (at the discretion of developers), and require decisions on development consent orders to be made within statutory timeframes accordingly. The planning system does not compare projects; each decision is based on the merits of each proposal.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Chris Coghlan:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to publish a climate action plan that is in line with the (a) Climate Change Act 2008 and (b) Climate Change Committee’s independent assessment of the third national adaption programme. \p Kerry McCarthy: We will deliver an updated Carbon Budgets and Growth Delivery Plan by October 2025 which outlines the policies needed to deliver Carbon Budgets 4-6 and our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) on a pathway to net zero. Defra is also exploring stronger climate resilience objectives ahead of the next National Adaptation Programme in 2028. We welcome the Climate Change Committee’s 2025 Progress Report. The government will consider their recommendations and respond by October.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether (a) value for money assessments and (b) comparative value for money assessments for alternative proposals will be material planning considerations when determining applications covered by the proposed National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure. \p Michael Shanks: Draft updated National Policy Statements were published for consultation and laid before Parliament earlier this year. There are no proposed changes in regard to value for money assessments. Development proposals enter the planning system at different times (at the discretion of developers), and require decisions on development consent orders to be made within statutory timeframes accordingly. The planning system does not compare projects; each decision is based on the merits of each proposal.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions she has had with Ofgem on the adequacy of seven-port smart meters as replacements for RTS meters serving households on the Total Heating Total Control tariff. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Department and Ofgem agree that seven-port meters can be an adequate replacement option for households with more complex metering arrangements, such as Total Heating Total Control.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions she has had with the DCC on the expansion of the smart meter network. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The DCC is obligated under the conditions of its licence to provide Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage to at least 99.25% of premises across Great Britain, and to assess opportunities to increase the overall level of coverage. The Government is working closely with the DCC on its network communications strategy, and solutions for properties currently without WAN are becoming available.

Energy suppliers are now able to install smart meters in the ‘North’ region which communicate using the 4G cellular mobile network. Additionally, a new solution that would involve harnessing, with the consumer’s consent, their broadband connections to carry smart metering communications will be piloted early next year, with a wider rollout expected later in 2026.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make an estimate of the number of households that are not on the smart meter network in each constituency in Scotland. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Department does not collect data on Wide Area Network (WAN) availability at constituency level.

The DCC is obligated under the conditions of its licence to provide Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage to at least 99.5% of premises in the ‘North’ region, which includes Scotland, and to assess opportunities to increase the overall level of coverage.
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Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to future-proof the carbon capture and storage industry. \p Sarah Jones: The Government is working to create a CCUS industry and has provided increased support to UK CCUS by allocating £9.4 billion in capital budgets over the Spending Review period.

The Government has announced its support for the Acorn (Scotland) and Viking (Humber) clusters and is providing the development funding to advance their delivery. A final investment decision (FID) will be taken later this Parliament, subject to project readiness and affordability.

The Government is actively engaging industry on key enabling CCUS policies to ensure we can build the longer-term pipeline of projects that in turn will grow the economy, contribute to the Clean Power Mission and is done at lowest cost to reach Net Zero.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Cameron Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of transferring excess solar energy from large corporations to (a) hospitals, (b) schools and (c) other public facilities. \p Michael Shanks: Solar generators can export surplus electricity to the local network when generation exceeds onsite demand, helping to power local hospitals, schools and other public facilities. However, export decisions depend on costs and revenues, and the availability of network capacity. When the local grid is temporarily constrained, either due to high generation levels or low demand, exporting may be reduced. Ofgem and Distribution Network Operators are working to increase grid capacity and flexibility to support the integration of small-scale generators into the local electricity network, thereby supporting the Government’s decarbonisation ambitions.
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Mims Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme Authority's analysis of the ceramics sector’s carbon leakage risk. \p Sarah Jones: The UK ETS Authority is currently conducting a review into free allocations, the UK’s primary carbon leakage mitigation method. As part of this review, in December 2024 the UK ETS Authority consulted on two approaches for assessing carbon leakage risk. The UK ETS Authority invited feedback and engaged with industry representatives, including those in the ceramics sector, on the robustness of the data and methodology used. An Impact Assessment will be conducted and published alongside final decisions by the end of 2025.

The UK Government and the ceramics sector have also recently inaugurated a working group, enabling direct dialogue with ceramics manufacturers.
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Mims Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of making commercially viable decarbonisation solutions available. \p Sarah Jones: The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is our flagship programme for deploying renewables. We have introduced a suite of reforms to the scheme, which are vital to our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower. The reforms are intended to balance the need for significant renewables deployment to deliver an independent and clean power system, whilst minimising costs to consumers.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent estimate he has made of the number of households in the UK still using the total heating total control tariff. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government does not hold this information centrally.

As tariffs are a commercial matter for suppliers, the Government is unable to comment on individual tariffs offered by energy suppliers.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many employees in his Department earn (a) £100,000 and (b) £166,000 or more per year. \p Michael Shanks: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes information on the number of civil servants earning over £100,000 per year, including those earning £166,000 or more, in its Organogram of Staff Roles and Salaries. The latest data is publicly available here: DESNZ Organogram of Staff Roles & Salaries - data.gov.uk
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) planning and (b) regulatory frameworks adequately (i) tackle and (ii) mitigate carbon emissions from high-density digital infrastructure. \p Michael Shanks: The way to reduce the carbon intensity of grid-connected digital infrastructure is to reduce the overall carbon intensity of the UK electricity mix. The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan sets out how the Government will achieve this over the next five years, through increasing renewable and other low-carbon generation along with flexible and dispatchable power.
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Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to allow captured carbon to be delivered by ship to its final storage location. \p Sarah Jones: The Government recognises that non-pipeline methods of CO2 transportation (for example, road, rail, barge and ship) will play an integral role in achieving decarbonisation across multiple regions and sectors of the economy, to meet our carbon budget targets and net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Non-pipeline transport (NPT) will be required where it is not technically or economically feasible to connect to a CO2 storage sites via a pipeline.

The Government intends to publish an NPT consultation later this year which will include seeking views on support for NPT costs, risk allocation and economic licensing.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of migrating from total heating total control meters to standard tariffs following the replacement of radio teleswitch service meters on consumer energy costs. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Energy suppliers are best placed to advise on suitable tariffs for their customers, and to ensure that they inform affected customers of any changes to the cost of their energy. The Department and Ofgem have been clear with suppliers that we expect consumers to be switched to a similar or equivalent tariff and should not face detriment due to switching from an RTS meter.

Ofgem has consulted on plans to ensure that suppliers must take all reasonable steps to provide a similar energy tariff to their customers once their RTS meter is replaced. Ofgem will make further announcements on this in due course.
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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure private tenants are impacted by the Warm Homes Plan. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Warm Homes Plan will help households, including those in the private rented sector, take up measures like solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and insulation, helping them save money on their bills and benefit from cleaner, cheaper heating.

The Government has pledged to take action to stand with tenants and deliver the safety and security of warmer, cheaper homes. We have recently consulted on improving energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector in England and Wales. The consultation closed on the 2nd May and we are currently reviewing responses.

Further detail will be given in the Warm Homes Plan when it is published in October.
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Mims Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with representatives of the brick-making industry from East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency on replacing the EU Carbon Leakage List. \p Sarah Jones: Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
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Cameron Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of peer-to-peer energy transfers. \p Michael Shanks: Peer-to-peer energy trading may, in some circumstances, support Government energy objectives, particularly those relating to community energy. The Department is working closely with Ofgem and other key stakeholders to determine how best to support local generation being matched with local demand.

The energy industry has also been working to make changes to industry rules to support the local trade of energy, including code modifications to the Balancing and Settlement Code, P442, and standardising the classification of local energy sites, P441.
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Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his Department's planned timetable is for (a) making and (b) announcing its decision on whether Mingyang Smart Energy will be permitted to supply turbines for (i) Green Volt and (ii) other wind projects. \p Michael Shanks: The suppliers that offshore wind projects use are a commercial decision for the company involved. As an open economy, we welcome foreign trade and investment, including from China, where it supports growth and jobs in the UK, meets our stringent legal and regulatory requirements, and does not compromise our national security.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when the first contract with a Russian uranium supplier was signed for Sizewell B; what the value is of that contract; whether his Department has considered cancelling that contract; and what alternative supplies of uranium there are that could replace the uranium contracted from Russia. \p Michael Shanks: The procurement of nuclear fuel is a commercial matter for reactor operators. The Government works closely with these operators to ensure a secure and resilient supply of nuclear fuel but does not routinely collect information relating to the contracts held by UK operators. This is commercially sensitive, and disclosure would be at the discretion of the operator.

The Government has already committed to removing any Russian fuel and uranium supply to the UK by 2030. All reactor operators must comply with UK domestic and international legal obligations, including any sanctions or trade measures in place against Russian-origin uranium.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_539

Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with the North Sea Transition Authority on its statutory duty to maximise the economic recovery of oil and gas in the UK Continental shelf. \p Michael Shanks: Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_540

Sarah Edwards:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the qualifications held by Energy Ombudsman caseworkers. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Ofgem are responsible for assessing every two years whether the Energy Ombudsman continues to meet the criteria set out in the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes Regulations 2015. This includes assessing whether the Energy Ombudsman staff have the appropriate expertise, including an understanding of the law and the necessary expertise in the resolution of energy disputes.

The last Ofgem review of the Energy Ombudsman was published in July 2024 and found that the Energy Ombudsman met the relevant criteria, available here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/biennial-assessment-ombudsman-services-under-alternative-dispute-resolution-adr-regulations-2021-2023
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_541

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of large-scale energy grid failure scenarios on the resilience of the UK’s (a) critical infrastructure, (b) public services and (c) defence and emergency response capabilities. \p Michael Shanks: Large-scale energy grid failure has the potential to severely disrupt all other critical systems and cause widespread disruption to public services provisions, businesses and households. However, Great Britain has a highly resilient energy system. The National Electricity Transmission System has never experienced a complete shutdown, and the likelihood of this occurring is assessed as low in the National Risk Register.

Nonetheless, Government prepares for all eventualities and works with a range of stakeholders across the private sector and public sector to prepare for and exercise robust contingency plans, including planning to maintain emergency response and defence capabilities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_542

Iqbal Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with Ofgem on reducing electricity and gas standing charges. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government knows that, for many consumers, too much of the burden of the bill is placed on standing charges. We are committed to lowering the cost of standing charges and are working constructively with Ofgem, on this issue. Ofgem have conducted a broad public consultation to understand the views of consumers on this issue, receiving over 5,000 responses on their 2024 discussion paper. Since then, Ofgem have been continuing work in two areas.

Firstly, Ofgem have been working to ensure that domestic consumers can choose tariffs with low or no standing charges. Ofgem took a further step towards this goal on 24th July, announcing proposals to require suppliers to offer their customers low or no standing charge tariffs from early 2026. You can read about this here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/policy/standing-charges-energy-price-cap-variant-next-steps.

Secondly, Ofgem have been reviewing how ‘fixed’ costs, which tend to be funded through standing charges, should be recovered in the future energy system. This includes whether those fixed costs could be recovered in more progressive ways, and we are working closely with the regulator on this.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_543

Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help ensure that levels of (a) oil and (b) gas production from existing fields are maintained. \p Michael Shanks: The Government has committed to maintaining existing fields for their lifetime. Earlier this year, the Government consulted on ‘Building the North Sea’s energy future’, including proposals not to issue new licences to explore new fields and to partner with business and workers to manage existing fields for their lifespan. A Government response to the consultation will be published in due course.

Oil and gas production efficiency is monitored by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA). The NSTA publishes a UK Continental Shelf Production Efficiency dashboard on its website
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_544

Adrian Ramsay:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will set out the (a) review process and (b) changes for the greenhouse gas conversion factors for (i) bioenergy (ii) well-to-tank bioenergy each year since 2015. \p Kerry McCarthy: A proportionate risk-based approach is taken to reviewing and updating conversion factors, considering size of UK emission among other factors. As part of the annual peer review process, priority improvements for each year are advised by a Steering Group, consisting of Government officials, consultants and other key data providers. The Steering Group collate feedback and identify potential improvements from regular users of Conversion Factors from across industry and academia.

The conversion factors for fuels and well-to-tank fuels have been reviewed since 2015. All changes to direct and well-to-tank conversion factors for fuels and bioenergy in each year are available from the collection webpage. Conversion factors for natural gas, diesel, petrol and coal are updated regularly, including in the 2024 publication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_545

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to enhance the (a) physical and (b) cyber security of critical energy infrastructure sites that support national defence. \p Michael Shanks: The Department works with the National Protective Security Authority, National Cyber Security Centre, the energy industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the resilience and security of energy infrastructure. We work to reduce the vulnerability of networks and assets and ensure an effective response to actual or potentially disruptive incidents - taking into account a range of threats and future system changes.

This includes work to ensure proportionate cyber security standards are in place for the energy sector. The upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will further strengthen security standards for all sectors, including energy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_546

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with OFGEM on the potential impact of its proposed RIIO GD3 settlement for the gas network on levels of health and safety. \p Michael Shanks: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 28th July to questions UIN 69173 and 69174.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_547

Wera Hobhouse:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will undertake a cost benefit analysis of wholesale electricity market reform options as soon as possible. \p Michael Shanks: We have taken a decision on the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements reform options based on a range of evidence and come to a judgement on the best route to deliver a fair, affordable, secure and efficient energy system. We will publish updated analysis later this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_548

Darren Paffey:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential benefits of permitting (a) homeowners, (b) renters and (c) small businesses to install sub-1kW grid-tied solar systems without requiring prior approval from energy companies. \p Michael Shanks: In line with the Government’s commitment to unleash a rooftop revolution, households and businesses are permitted to connect small-scale generation (3.68kW or less) to the grid without prior approval from their Distribution Network Operator (DNO). They must notify the DNO of the installation within 28 days of commissioning.

In its consultation on the end-to-end review of connections [1], Ofgem has proposed requiring all DNOs to review the 3.68kW threshold.

In the recent Solar Roadmap, the Government also committed to conducting a safety study to unlock opportunities of ‘plug-in solar’, where small solar systems are plugged directly into household power sockets.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_549

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential vulnerability of the UK’s energy infrastructure to attack or sabotage by hostile states or their proxies. \p Michael Shanks: National Security is a key priority for the Government. The Department is working with the National Protective Security Authority, the energy industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the security and resilience of energy infrastructure. We work to reduce the vulnerability of networks and assets and ensure an effective response to actual or potentially disruptive incidents - considering a range of threats and future system changes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_550

Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans his Department has to use geothermal energy to meet net zero targets. \p Michael Shanks: We know that to achieve net zero, we must look at how to utilise all low carbon technologies including geothermal. The Government understands that geothermal can play a role in our decarbonisation ambitions particularly as a source for low carbon heat. As such, the Government has existing schemes where geothermal projects can bid in for funding support, including power (Contracts for Difference) and heat (Green Heat Network Fund). The Department continues to engage with the geothermal sector, academia, and international partners to improve understanding of geothermal energy’s role in achieving net zero.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-04 conversation_551

Sir Ashley Fox:To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what proportion of staff in her Department did not meet the minimum office attendance target in the latest period for which data is available; and what sanctions her Department issues to staff who do not meet this target. \p Jo Stevens: We have no record of any staff failing to meet the minimum office attendance target for the latest period for which data is available.

On 24 October 2024, the Cabinet Office announced that 60% minimum office attendance for most staff continues to be the best balance of working for the Civil Service. Senior managers will continue to be expected to be in the office more than 60% of the time.

If people do not meet that reasonable expectation, as with any management instruction it will be dealt with via existing performance management processes and ultimately with disciplinary action should there be sustained failure to comply.