theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_279
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_279

Katie White:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of introducing mandatory labelling of food products which describe (a) how an animal has been reared and (b) the welfare standards. \p Daniel Zeichner: A consultation on proposals to improve and extend current method of production labelling was undertaken last year by the previous government. The Government’s response to this consultation is now available on GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_280
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_280

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the enforcement powers available to enable local authorities to tackle fly-tipping. \p Mary Creagh: We have committed to forcing fly-tippers to clean up the mess they have created as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour. This will build on the sanctions already available which include fixed penalty notices of up to £1000, seizing and crushing of vehicles and prosecution which can lead to a significant fine, community sentence or even imprisonment.

Sentencing is a matter for the courts. The Defra chaired National Fly-tipping Prevention Group has produced a guide on how local authorities, and others, can present robust cases to court. This is available at https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/national-fly-tipping-prevention-group.

We encourage councils to make good use of their enforcement powers, and we are currently seeking powers to provide statutory guidance on fly-tipping enforcement. We have also announced a review of their powers to seize and crush vehicles of suspected fly-tippers, to identify how we could help councils make better use of this tool.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_281
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_281

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect local biodiversity in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire. \p Mary Creagh: The Government is undertaking extensive work to protect and enhance biodiversity across Lincolnshire, including South Holland and the Deepings.

Farmers are helping to recover nature through Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreements and Higher Level Stewardship agreements across the county and we are supporting Landscape Recovery Projects, including the Greater Frampton, Doddington and Boothby Wildlands schemes, to create joined-up habitats that benefit local wildlife and ecosystems.

Local Planning Authorities are securing Biodiversity Net Gain in the area through development. There are two sites in Lincolnshire (one in South Holland and the Deepings) on the Natural England Biodiversity Net Gain Register, which together have committed 85ha of land to nature recovery. Private sector investment into these sites will create and enhance a mosaic of habitats including species-rich grassland, woodland, scrub and wetland.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_282
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_282

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress his Department has made on ensuring the continued transportation of milling wheat for food production; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of collaboration with industry and other government departments on this. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra maintains regular engagement with industry and other Government departments to monitor potential risks to the food supply.

This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains.

In addition, Defra works closely with the Department for Transport’s Road Haulage team to ensure transport policies fully consider the needs of the food sector, including the critical movement of milling wheat.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_283
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_283

John Whitby:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure farmers receive payments from the Rural Payments Agency on time. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) understands the importance of cashflow for farmers and rural businesses. It makes payments for schemes and grants against published performance indicators and continues to look at opportunities to issue payments as promptly as possible.  Performance in relation to the financial year (1 April to 31 March) is reported each year within the RPA Annual Report and Accounts and will be published next month.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_284
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_284

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of existing border enforcement measures in preventing the illegal import of products of animal origin linked to foot and mouth disease risks. \p Daniel Zeichner: Our assessments of the risk of foot and mouth disease incursions, which take account of disease prevention measures including the effectiveness of border controls in preventing illegal imports of products of animal origin, are available here.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_285
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_285

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to strengthen enforcement of border checks to prevent illegal imports of products of animal origin following recent foot and mouth disease outbreaks in (a) Hungary and (b) surrounding countries. \p Daniel Zeichner: Port health authorities and local authorities are responsible for checks on products of animal origin (POAO) at Border Control Posts (BCPs). Border Force is responsible for conducting checks to detect illegal imports of POAO outside BCPs.

Following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Hungary, we advised BCP officials of the immediate suspension of imports from Hungary and Slovakia of untreated POAO from FMD susceptible animals. We also advised Border Force of the ban on personal imports of POAO from FMD susceptible species, from these two countries.

Following the subsequent outbreak of FMD in Slovakia, we advised BCP officials of the immediate extension of the above restrictions to Austria. We also advised Border Force of the extension of the personal imports ban to Austria and subsequently to the European Economic Area, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_286
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_286

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking with the Department for Health and Social Care to ensure that (a) rural and (b) farming communities receive appropriate tailored mental health services. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra’s Mental Health in Agriculture team is working with experts across government and the third sector to improve mental and physical health outcomes for rural and agricultural communities. They are identifying requirements and developing options as to how they can further support DHSC and third sector investment in mental health interventions for those communities.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_287
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_287

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure UK food supply chains do not (a) contribute to the destruction of high-biodiversity forests and (b) undermine international food security. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government is committed to tackling the climate and nature crises. The UK is delivering programmes to improve forest governance, enable sustainable trade and investment and mobilise finance to support forest protection and restoration in developing countries. Since 2011, it is estimated that UK International Climate Finance (ICF) programmes have prevented 750,000 hectares of ecosystem loss (over a million football pitches); supported the sustainable management of 4.2 million hectares of land; and reduced or avoided 105 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. We will continue to work with international partners to support sustainable trade and protect food security.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_288
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_288

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help tackle instances of drought. \p Emma Hardy: Drought plans must be produced by Water Companies every 5 years. A drought plan is a tactical plan that shows how a secure water supply is maintained, while minimising impacts on the environment during dry weather and drought.

There are a range of actions/tools that can be utilised in a drought plan. These range from Temporary Use Bans (known as 'hosepipe bans'), drought permits-which enable companies to take more water from environment (as prescribed in the Water Resources Act 1991 (WRA91)). In addition, there are also Drought Orders which enable companies to take further water from environment and/or other abstractors and implement water restrictions or restrict other non-essential use.

Defra Minister Hardy attended the National Drought Group, chaired by the Environment Agency, held on 5 June, to ensure actions are being taken to secure water supplies, should recent dry weather continue. We continue to monitor the situation and further National Drought Group meetings are planned, should the dry weather continue.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_289
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_289

Mr Jonathan Brash:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether (a) food, (b) drink and (c) other (i) aseptic and (ii) chilled liquid cartons are included in the core set of recyclable waste streams required to be collected from all households in England by 31 March 2026. \p Mary Creagh: Yes, aseptic and refrigerated cartons made of a fibre-based composite are included within the plastic recyclable waste stream, required to be collected from all households in England by 31 March 2026.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_290
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_290

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 55351 on Environmental Stewardship Scheme: Fylde, whether any of the Higher Level Stewardship agreements fall within the county of Lancashire. \p Daniel Zeichner: I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given on 9 June 2025, PQ 55343.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_291
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_291

Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of insurance requirements for companies operating intensive poultry units, in the context of (a) avian influenza and (b) other disease outbreaks. \p Daniel Zeichner: The UK poultry sector is highly resilient and adaptable and continues to supply healthy and affordable products in spite of the many challenges it has faced in recent years.

Compensation is paid by Defra for animals culled the by HM Government for disease control purposes, as set out in the Animal Health Act 1981. In addition to the financial support offered to producers directly affected by outbreaks through compensation, producers can insure privately for losses not covered by Defra’s compensation scheme, this may include consequential losses including business interruption caused by control measures.

Following difficult avian influenza seasons in 2021/22 and 2022/23, poultry and egg producers made the department aware of the challenges that some faced in both obtaining suitable insurance products and the increased cost of such insurance. However, we understand that renewal rates have remained high for producers with existing policies, including those companies operating intensive poultry units.

Defra continues to monitor the situation and to remind producers that they are responsible for the on-farm management of their flocks. Having strong biosecurity measures in place, and maintaining them year-round, significantly reduces the risk of infection on site.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_292
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_292

Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to improve the enforcement of zoo licensing. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government published new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain on 24 May 2025. The Standards will come into force from May 2027 and will replace the current 2012 Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.

One of the objectives in updating the Standards has been to make requirements clearer to aid enforcement and compliance. The Department will continue to work with the Zoos Expert Committee – as well as the Animal Health and Plant Agency and others – to ensure the Standards are effectively implemented.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_293
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_293

Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a veterinary agreement with the EU on conservation. \p Daniel Zeichner: As announced at the UK-EU Leaders' Summit on May 19, 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area. With the principles and framework of an SPS agreement now agreed, we will now negotiate the detail of an agreement that aims to reduce administrative burden by streamlining SPS checks and certification. Defra is committed to ensuring that the unique needs of the zoo and wildlife sector, particularly in relation to conservation animal transfers, are considered as part of this process – recognising the critical role that UK zoos and aquariums play in global conservation programmes.

Defra is actively engaging with the zoo and wildlife and conservation sectors to better understand the challenges and opportunities faced. This engagement will help to secure the best possible outcome for the sector, and Defra remains committed to working closely with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver a future framework that supports the UK’s biosecurity, trade and conservation objectives.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_294
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_294

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 55351 on Environmental Stewardship Scheme: Fylde, how many Higher Level Stewardship agreements exist in total. \p Daniel Zeichner: As of the 11 June 2025 the Rural Payments Agency can confirm there is currently a total of 5,471 Higher-Level Stewardship related Environmental Stewardship agreements.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_295
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_295

Leigh Ingham:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of farrowing crates on the welfare of pigs. \p Daniel Zeichner: We remain firmly committed to maintaining and improving animal welfare and want to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards. Defra’s statutory welfare Code of Practice for Pigs states that the aim is for farrowing crates to no longer be necessary and for any new system to protect the welfare of the sow as well as her piglets. Whilst the farrowing crate reduces the risk of piglet mortality, it also restricts sow movement, preventing her from turning around and performing normal behaviours such as nest building. The use of farrowing crates for pigs is an issue we are currently considering very carefully.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_296
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_296

Steve Darling:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help (a) tackle threats and abuse faced by and (b) promote respectful behaviour towards veterinary professionals. \p Daniel Zeichner: We value the vital work of the veterinary profession and the commitment and dedication of the veterinary workforce towards animal health and welfare.

Abuse towards the veterinary sector is taken very seriously; monitoring of this is conducted by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as the regulator for the profession.

We are aware of the numerous challenges faced across the veterinary industry. The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) is undertaking a market investigation into the sector, and we will consider any recommendations for the department when they are available.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_297
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_297

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to convene a cross-sectoral task force to develop a pathway to crate-free farrowing for the pig industry. \p Daniel Zeichner: The use of farrowing crates and other close confinement systems for farmed animals is an issue which the Department is currently considering very carefully. The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway supports farmers to improve animal health and welfare through a series of co-designed incentives, and the Department will continue to work across all relevant sectors to encourage improvements in pig welfare.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_298
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_298

Steve Darling:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) monitor and (b) help tackle the abuse and harassment of veterinary professionals. \p Daniel Zeichner: We value the vital work of the veterinary profession and the commitment and dedication of the veterinary workforce towards animal health and welfare.

Abuse towards the veterinary sector is taken very seriously; monitoring of this is conducted by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as the regulator for the profession.

We are aware of the numerous challenges faced across the veterinary industry. The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) is undertaking a market investigation into the sector, and we will consider any recommendations for the department when they are available.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_299
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_299

Steve Darling:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of recent trends in levels of (a) abuse and (b) harassment in the veterinary sector levels on recruitment and retention in that sector. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government is aware of the high demand for veterinary capacity across the UK and is taking action to support the industry. Defra is exploring various avenues to improve both short- and long-term capacity issues.

We will continue to support the vital work of the veterinary profession and acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the veterinary workforce towards animal health and welfare.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_300
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_300

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help support the Thames Chase Community Forest. \p Mary Creagh: England's Community Forests are delivering the multi-million-pound national Trees for Climate programme, playing a significant part in the national Government's commitment to address climate change and carbon mitigation through tree planting and woodland creation. We are supporting England’s Community Forests through the provision of funding to create woodland in areas of social and canopy deprivation.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_301
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_301

Josh MacAlister:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support farmers in the north of England reliant on cross-border stock movements following the extension of the bluetongue virus restricted zone. \p Daniel Zeichner: I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 4 June 2025 to question UIN 57569. We continue to work closely with industry representatives to ensure that keepers are kept up to date with developments and that issues and concerns are addressed promptly.

In order to minimise the burdens on keepers whilst ensuring controls are proportionate to risk, from 1 July 2025 cattle may move to live from England to Scotland without a pre-movement test if vaccinated with a BTV-3 vaccine that prevents viraemia in that species and 21 days have elapsed since completing the full course of primary vaccination. Defra is working closely with vaccine manufacturers to understand supply availability.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_302
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_302

Andy MacNae:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to improve the access of zoos to European Conservation Breeding Programmes as part of negotiations with the European Union on veterinary (a) sanitary and (b) phytosanitary agreements. \p Daniel Zeichner: As announced at the UK-EU Leaders’ Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to establish a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Area. This initiative is aimed at reducing trade barriers to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of goods, including zoo animals, while maintaining high standards of biosecurity.

With the principles and framework of the SPS agreement now agreed, detailed negotiations will commence. These discussions will focus on streamlining SPS checks and certification processes, with the aim of reducing administrative burdens where possible, while safeguarding the UK’s biosecurity.

Ministers and officials from Defra are actively engaging with the zoo and wildlife sector to understand its specific challenges and priorities. This ongoing dialogue will ensure that the sector’s needs are considered throughout the negotiation process, as we work to secure the best possible outcome that supports participation in vital conservation efforts.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_303
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_303

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Ofwat on (a) the financial viability of water companies and (b) protections for consumers in the event of insolvency. \p Emma Hardy: Ofwat is an independent regulator that monitors the financial position of water companies, taking action when companies need to strengthen their long-term financial resilience. For example, in March 2023, Ofwat utilised powers provided by the Environment Act 2021 to modify licences to prevent water companies paying dividends where financial resilience is compromised.

In his first week in office, the Secretary of State met water companies’ chief executives, where they signed up to a tough set of initial measures for reform, including on putting customers and the environment at the heart of their businesses. The Secretary of State meets with stakeholders regularly such as Ofwat to discuss a range of issues. Records of these meetings are published on Defra: ministerial overseas travel, and meetings - GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_304
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_304

Emma Lewell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether Ofwat’s recent enforcement package on Northumbrian Water was in respect of overflows from sewage works in South Shields constituency. \p Emma Hardy: Ofwat recently concluded its investigation into Northumbrian Water securing an enforcement package of £15.7 million, including £2 million allocated to further reduce spills at specific overflows.

Ofwat does not hold post code specific data on sewage overflows, however South Shields was included in their investigation and factored into subsequent enforcement: OFF-SEN-25-06-04-Northumbrian-Water-final-decision-document.pdf.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_305
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_305

Sarah Dyke:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to paragraph 4.62 of HM Treasury's document entitled Spending Review 2025, published on 12 June 2025, what proportion of flood defence spending from 2026-27 to 2028-29 will be allocated to Somerset. \p Emma Hardy: We’re investing £2.65 billion over two years to March 2026 to maintain, repair, and build flood defences. We’re committing a further £4.2 billion over three years from April 2026, an increase of 5% per year, as announced at Spending Review 2025. We’re consulting on proposals for reforming flood defence funding, protecting all communities including rural, coastal, and poorer areas.

The list of projects to receive government funding will be consented on an annual basis through Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, with local representation.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_306
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_306

Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the capital budget for flood defences was in each of the last three fiscal years; and what the capital budget for flood defences is for each year of the 2025 Spending Review period. \p Emma Hardy: We are investing £2.65 billion over two years in 2024/25 to 2025/26 maintain, repair, and build flood defences. As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, the Spending Review settlement committed a further £4.2 billion total investment over three years (2026/27 to 2028/29) to construct new flood schemes and maintain and repair existing defences across the country. This is £1.4 billion on average each year – a 5% increase on the current average of £1.33 billion over 2024/25 and 2025/26. Further details will be published at Main Estimates.

Information on previous years spend is published as part of the Environment Agency Section 18 reports which can be found here Flood and coastal erosion risk management annual report - GOV.UK.

We are consulting on proposals for reforming flood defence funding, protecting all communities including rural, coastal, and poorer areas.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_307
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_307

Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his Department plans to publish the final pricing and billing rates for the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme. \p Mary Creagh: Producers were required to submit their final 2024 data by 1 April 2025. Following this deadline, regulators are conducting regulatory checks. Once checks are conducted to an appropriate level, we will use 2024 data and insight from regulator checks to publish packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) base fees in June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_308
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_308

Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many staff network events took place in his Department in May 2025; and what the names of those events were. \p Hilary Benn: The Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing group held one event, a staff delivered Mental Health Presentation, on Thursday 15 May as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. It was attended by 25 staff members.
wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_309
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-17 conversation_309

Katie Lam:To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 47116 on Church of England: Slavery, when the Church Commissioners plan to submit an application to authorise an ex-gratia payment for Project Spire under section 106 of the Charities Act 2011. \p Marsha De Cordova: The timing and discussion of when to apply to the Charity Commission to make an ex gratia payment application, under section 106 of the Charities Act 2011, are matters for the Board of Governors of the Church Commissioners. The Board has not yet decided on the timing of any application to the Charity Commission.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_1

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his statement of 6 January 2025 on Health and Social Care Reform, Official Report, column 597, what his definition is of working class areas. \p Karin Smyth: The Department is committed to improving health outcomes across geographies and demographic groups to ensure that there is no two-tier system for healthcare in this country, where those who can afford it pay to go private, and those who cannot are left behind.

The Index of Multiple Deprivation, produced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is most commonly used as the means to determine the most deprived areas of the country, which are often where health needs are greatest. As an example of targeted support, the Further Faster 20 (FF20) initiative will support 20 trusts with long waits in areas of highest economic inactivity to tackle their waiting lists by improving productivity. Trust teams will work with the FF20 team of clinicians and managers to look at their pathways and ways of working with the aim of improving the way that outpatients, diagnostics, and theatres are run.

On 6 January 2025, NHS England published the new Elective Reform Plan, part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which sets out a whole system approach to hitting the 18-week referral to treatment target by the end of this Parliament. The plan sets out the reform and productivity efforts needed to ensure that patients are seen on time and have the best possible experience during their care. The Plan for Change commits that by the end of this parliament, 92% of all patients will wait no longer than 18 weeks for treatment following a referral.

The Elective Reform Plan sets out a range of new measures to address health inequalities, including that people living in disadvantaged areas are 1.8 times more likely to wait over a year than someone living in one of the least deprived areas. This is why the plan commits not only to make progress on the 18-week standard in 25/26, to 65% nationally, but for all trusts to deliver a minimum five percentage point improvement by March 2026, recognising that we must have high expectations for progress across the country.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_2

Edward Argar:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the oral contribution by the Minister for Secondary Care of 18 December 2024, Official Report, column 345, when he chaired the first of the weekly winter preparedness meetings. \p Karin Smyth: I chaired fortnightly meetings on winter preparedness from 26 September 2024 until early December 2024 at which point, as planned, my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, began chairing a weekly meeting.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_3

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to document entitled the Reforming elective care for patients, published on 6 January 2025, what estimate he has made of the size of the workforce needed to implement the (a) perioperative care measures and (b) requirements for anaesthetists outlined in that plan. \p Karin Smyth: The Elective Reform Plan sets out the reform and productivity efforts needed to ensure that patients are seen on time and have the best possible experience during their care. Improving perioperative care can increase productivity by reducing cancellations, reducing length of stay, and minimising postoperative complications.

The Government will work closely with NHS England to develop a new long-term workforce plan for the National Health Service.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_4

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December to question 19158 on GP recruitment, for what reason this information is unavailable; and if he will make it his policy to publish the data once it is available. \p Stephen Kinnock: Information on the number of recently qualified general practitioners for which primary care networks are claiming reimbursement via the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme is currently being collated. We are working to verify the data and establish its reliability, which is necessary before any dataset can be published.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_5

Sir Christopher Chope:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of applications to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme relating to Covid-19 vaccinations have been (a) made and (b) successful for (i) Vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, (ii) Guillain-Barré syndrome and (iii) other conditions. \p Andrew Gwynne: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_6

Edward Argar:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the total cost to the hospice sector of the increase in employers National Insurance contributions. \p Stephen Kinnock: We have taken necessary decisions to fix the foundations in the public finances at Autumn Budget 2024, which enabled the Spending Review settlement of a £22.6 billion increase in resource spending for the Department from 2023/24 outturn to 2025/26.

The employer National Insurance contributions (ENICs) rise will be implemented in April 2025. The Government recognises the need to protect the smallest businesses and charities, like hospices, which is why we have more than doubled the Employment Allowance to £10,500, meaning more than half of businesses with ENICs liabilities either gain or see no change next year. Businesses and charities will still be able to claim ENICs reliefs, including those for under 21 and under 25 apprentices, where eligible.

Our approach to ENIC exemptions has been consistent with the approach taken by previous governments. This does not include an exemption for independent contractors, including charities like hospices.

On 19 December, the Government announced the biggest investment in a generation for hospices in England, supporting the sector with a £100 million boost for adult and children’s hospices to ensure they have the best physical environment for care, and £26 million revenue funding to support children and young people’s hospices. We will set out the details of the funding allocation and dissemination in the coming weeks.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_7

Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps he has taken to increase access to GP appointments. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_8

Chris Bloore:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his Department's timetable is for the commencement of dentist contract renegotiations. \p Stephen Kinnock: To rebuild dentistry in the long term and increase access to National Health Service dental care, we will reform the dental contract, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.

There are no perfect payment systems and careful consideration needs to be given to any potential changes to the complex dental system so that we deliver a system better for patients and the profession. We continue to meet the British Dental Association and other representatives of the dental sector to discuss how we can best deliver our shared ambition to improve access for NHS dental patients.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_9

Dr Allison Gardner:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Department's press release entitled New reforms and independent commission to transform social care, published on 3 January 2025, how these reforms will improve service provision in Stoke-on-Trent South constituency. \p Stephen Kinnock: In January 2025, we announced that we will be taking forward a range of initiatives, including funding more home adaptations, promoting better use of care technologies, and further professionalising the adult social care workforce.

On top of the Budget making £3.7 billion of additional funding available to social care authorities in 2025/26, which includes an £880 million increase in the Social Care Grant, this announcement included an immediate £86 million uplift to the Disabled Facilities Grant. Local authority funding allocations will be announced shortly.

We also announced that in April 2025 we will be launching an independent commission into adult social care as part of our critical first steps towards delivering a National Care Service. This will start a national conversation about what care and support working age adults, older people, and their families expect. The commission will identify the biggest challenges in adult social care and recommend practical changes to best meet the current and future needs of the population across England.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_10

Damian Hinds:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to NHS England's statistics entitled Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2023 - wave 4 follow up to the 2017 survey, published on 21 November 2023, whether he plans to publish further updates to those statistics. \p Stephen Kinnock: Although no decisions have yet been made to commission further waves, the Government recognises the importance of the Mental Health of Children and Young People in England Report. We will publish plans in due course.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_11

Mr Luke Charters:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to review the adequacy of levels of access to ADHD medication; and if a Minister will meet with the hon. Member for York Outer to discuss ADHD medication shortages in that constituency. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_12

Claire Coutinho:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when his Department plans to publish its response to the consultation entitled NHS Constitution: 10 year review, which closed in June 2024. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_13

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential (a) barriers and (b) costs for NHS trusts in implementing the perioperative care measures outlined in the document entitled Reforming elective care for patients, published on 6 January 2025. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_14

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the document entitled Reforming elective care for patients, published on 6 January 2025, which groups of patients will be offered the prehabilitation services outlined in that plan; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending those services to all patients referred for surgery. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-13 conversation_15

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency guidance on the use of medicinal cannabis. \p Karin Smyth: Rules around the electronic prescribing of cannabis-based medicines are no different to other drugs regulated in Schedule 2 to 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.

In England, the NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) enables the electronic transmission of prescriptions for Schedule 2 to 5 controlled drugs. As part of the robust system of governance and restrictions around the most addictive and harmful drugs, all private healthcare provider prescriptions for Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs cannot be transmitted by electronic means and must be issued on a paper FP10PCD prescription form. All paper copies of private prescriptions of Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs must be submitted to the NHS Business Services Authority. NHS England Controlled Drug Accountable Officers have a statutory duty to monitor the management and use of controlled drugs in the National Health Service and private healthcare.

Similar legislative and governance arrangements are in place in Northern Ireland concerning the management and use of controlled drugs. All private prescribing of Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs must be issued on a paper PCD1 prescription form, which, once dispensed, are submitted to the Business Services Organisation, in line with requirements in the Misuse of Drugs (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2002. There is currently no electronic transmission of prescriptions in primary care in Northern Ireland.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not provide guidance on the use of medicinal cannabis. The MHRA provides guidance on manufacturing, importing, distributing, and supplying unlicensed medicines, which includes cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans.

Current guidelines on the prescribing and use of cannabis-based medicinal products, specifically guideline NG144, are published on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence website, which is available at the following link:

https://www.nice.org.uk/

The guidelines have been endorsed by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland as applicable within Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence develops its guidance independently and keeps its published guidelines under active surveillance, so that it is able to update its recommendations in light of any significant new evidence.