theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_375
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_375

Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many and what proportion of items of correspondence from Parliamentarians received by (a) his Department, (b) himself and (c) his ministerial team have not yet received a substantive response in each month since August 2024. \p Catherine West: The total number and proportion of parliamentarian correspondence received by the FCDO (including the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the ministerial team) each month since August 2024 that has not yet received a substantive response:

FCDO Ministerial Correspondence from Parliamentarians

Aug-24

Sep-24

Oct-24

Nov-24

Dec-24

Jan-25

Total Volume Received

381

691

796

468

465

501

Total Volume Not Yet responded to

0

4

10

27

69

*256

% of Total Not Yet Responded To

0%

1%

1%

6%

15%

*51%

**Please note that January total includes correspondence received up to and including 31st January 2025
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_376
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he (a) last met and b) plans to next meet with the Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service. \p Ian Murray: The Scottish Ambulance Service provides a vital, lifesaving service to the people of Scotland.

Health is a devolved matter, and the Scottish Government funds and oversees the work of the Scottish Ambulance Service. The UK Government engages regularly with the Scottish Government on overall matters of security and multi-agency collaboration across Scotland and the UK, including the work of rescue service agencies.

The UK Government is committed to working closely with the Scottish Government and other agencies to ensure that the safety, health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland is protected and prioritised.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_377
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he (a) last met with and (b) plans to next meet with the Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. \p Ian Murray: The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service provides a vital service to the people of Scotland.

The Scottish Government funds and oversees the work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The UK Government engages regularly with the Scottish Government on overall matters of security and multi-agency collaboration across Scotland and the UK, including the work of rescue service agencies.

The key responsibility of any government is to ensure the safety of its citizens. The UK Government is committed to working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that the people of Scotland are supported by the emergency services available to them.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_378
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he (a) last met with and (b) plans to next meet with the Chief Constable of Police Scotland. \p Ian Murray: I meet regularly with Chief Constable Jo Farrell and discuss with her the wide range of issues facing Police Scotland, as well as sharing our mutual priorities and helping to develop understanding of how the UK Government can support the organisation.

One of the Prime Minister’s Missions is to halve serious violent crime and raise confidence in the police and criminal justice system. While Crime and Justice is devolved to Scotland, I share this ambition for Scotland and want to support Police Scotland however possible.

My last meeting with the Chief Constable took place in December 2024 and the next is scheduled for April 2025.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_379
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the impact of the UK defence sector on Scotland’s economy. \p Ian Murray: Scotland’s aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors contribute significantly to both the Scottish and UK economies, contributing £3.2 billion in 2023 as well as directly employing 33,500 people and 1,500 apprentices.

Latest figures show that the Ministry of Defence's expenditure with Scottish industry was £2,140 million in 2023/24. Defence spending in Scotland, including military shipbuilding, generates and maintains high-skilled jobs, creates opportunities for inward investment and drives exports, benefiting both Scotland and the wider UK economy.

I recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_380
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the role of Scottish shipyards in fulfilling future Royal Navy procurement contracts. \p Ian Murray: My Department engages regularly with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on a range of issues.

Scottish shipyards play a key role in fulfilling Royal Navy procurement contracts. The commitments set out in the National Shipbuilding Strategy have enabled MoD investment in Scotland’s yards both at Rosyth and on the Clyde.

BAE Systems in Glasgow is constructing eight Type 26 frigates, which will form the Anti-Submarine Warfare backbone of the future Royal Navy surface fleet into the 2060s.

Simultaneously, Babcock in Rosyth is building five Type 31 frigates to replace the Navy’s Type 23 general purpose frigates. This investment ensures Rosyth’s shipbuilding capability and capacity can be optimised to support further opportunities.

In late 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting both BAE Systems in Govan and Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard to witness the progress of these two key UK Government defence programmes. I also recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_381
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_381

Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking to support defence-related job creation in Scotland. \p Ian Murray: I have regular discussions with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on supporting Scotland's defence sector, which makes a vital contribution to the economies of both Scotland and the UK.

In 2022/23, the MoD supported 11,200 direct jobs in Scotland through expenditure with industry, and supported 25,600 civilian and military jobs. Under the new Defence Industrial Strategy, UK-based defence firms, including those in Scotland, will be prioritised for government investment.

I maintain regular dialogue with Scotland's defence, aerospace, and security sectors and recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.

Additionally, as part of Brand Scotland, I have been promoting the Scottish defence industry in Norway and in South-East Asia, where I visited HMS Spey, constructed by BAE Systems on the Clyde.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_382
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the contribution of Scottish-based defence industries to the UK’s national security. \p Ian Murray: The first duty of the Government is to keep the country secure and our communities safe - a duty all my Cabinet colleagues take very seriously. This is why the Prime Minister launched the Strategic Defence Review to ensure that we are prepared for the challenges of the future, part of which Scottish-based defence industries will play a key role in.

Scottish-based defence industries are crucial to the UK's national security. I regularly engage with the defence, aerospace, and security sectors in Scotland to understand the current landscape of their work and how it contributes to the UK’s broader national security picture. I recently hosted a defence industry roundtable to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_383
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_383

Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the future of military bases in Scotland. \p Ian Murray: Scotland’s military personnel and our strategic bases, including HMNB Clyde and RAF Lossiemouth, play a crucial role in defending the whole of the UK and our NATO Allies. Scotland hosts 17 regular Armed Forces sites, 7 Royal Navy operated sites and two key RAF bases, representing a significant portion of the UK’s defence estate.

I engage regularly with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on a range of issues and my department has a close, positive relationship with the UK Armed Forces in Scotland. I recently hosted a defence industry roundtable, together with senior members of the Armed Forces, to discuss sector priorities and opportunities, including regional economic development and employment.

Last year, the Prime Minister commissioned a Strategic Defence Review to examine the strategic and operational context for the UK’s defence. As part of that Review, I wrote to the Defence Secretary to highlight Scotland’s important and ongoing role in the UK’s defence capabilities, including the importance of our key military bases. The continued presence of the Armed Forces in Scotland will continue to be important to our overall security and defence.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_384
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make representations to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure that all future energy transmission infrastructure projects in Scotland align with best practices for (a) environmental protection and (b) rural development. \p Ian Murray: I engage regularly with my colleague, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on a variety of issues.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_385
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will have discussions with with (a) National Grid and (b) Scottish transmission operators on technological solutions to reduce the need for overhead pylons in Scotland’s rural landscapes. \p Ian Murray: My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_386
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_386

Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing Government support for mitigating the (a) visual and (b) environmental impact of new energy transmission infrastructure in Scotland. \p Ian Murray: The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_387
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether his Department plans to take steps to ensure that energy transmission projects in Scotland prioritise community engagement. \p Ian Murray: My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_388
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has received representations from local authorities in Scotland on the proposed expansion of electricity transmission infrastructure in rural areas. \p Ian Murray: My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with local authorities in Scotland across a wide range of issues.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_389
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on (a) underground and (b) subsea cabling for energy transmission in rural Scotland. \p Ian Murray: I engage regularly with my colleague, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on a variety of issues.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_390
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of new electricity transmission infrastructure on the (a) economy and (b) environment of rural Scotland. \p Ian Murray: My officials work closely with colleagues in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure the needs of Scottish people are represented in policy development.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and good jobs across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_391
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_391

Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) energy transmission companies on the impact of proposed electricity pylons on rural communities in Scotland. \p Ian Murray: I engage regularly with my counterparts in the Scottish Government on a variety of issues.

My Ministerial colleagues and I continue to engage regularly with all parts of the energy sector in Scotland.

The UK Government is committed to delivering our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will require investment in and expansion of our transmission network. We will work with all interested parties to deliver our plan, which will guarantee energy security, lower bills, and create good jobs across the UK. We will ensure that these changes are made in partnership with communities across Scotland.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_392
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of Northern Irish-Scottish connectivity by (a) road, (b) sea, (c) air and (d) rail. \p Ian Murray: There is of course currently no direct road or rail travel link between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Air routes between Northern Ireland and Scotland are a commercial matter, however the UK Government recognises the importance of strong intra-UK travel routes and is committed to working with all parties as appropriate.

The Scottish Government, via Transport Scotland, holds policy responsibility for direct sea travel between Northern Ireland and Scotland. The UK Government respects devolution and is supporting the Scottish Government to deliver, with a record block grant of £47.7bn for 2025/2026 - with a further £3.4bn via the Barnett formula, the largest settlement in real terms since devolution began.
wrans/answers2025-02-12 conversation_393
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-12)

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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the hon. Member for Warrington North, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what recent discussions she has had with IPSA on its definition of an MP's parliamentary duties. \p Charlotte Nichols: The Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 provides for IPSA to support MPs in carrying out their parliamentary functions. MPs are therefore required by IPSA to certify that their use of public funds was for the performance of their parliamentary functions, and that in incurring the expenditure they have complied with IPSA's statutory Scheme.

The Scheme is clear in stating that the following examples of activities are not considered parliamentary for the purposes of this Scheme, and are therefore not eligible for IPSA funding:

This is not an exhaustive list, and IPSA will assess each item of expenditure on a case-by-case basis, reviewing evidence to ensure that costs relate to the parliamentary functions of the MP and not to personal, party political, campaigning, or other outside organisational activity.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is planning to take to ensure that public confidence in the criminal justice system is maintained if the use of jury trials is reduced. \p Sarah Sackman: The Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record and rising open caseload of nearly 80,000 criminal cases waiting to be heard and too many victims waiting years for justice. The significant delays in our courts are corrosive of public confidence in our justice system. In many cases, witnesses and victims are pulling out of the court process, resulting in the collapse of trials and justice not being served. That is why this Government is determined to tackle the crisis and why we asked Sir Brian Leveson to undertake his Independent Review of the Criminal Courts. On 2 December, the Deputy Prime Minister responded to the first part of that review and set out why reform is necessary, alongside investment and modernisation. The central purpose of these reforms is precisely to restore public confidence in the justice system.

Whilst jury trial will remain an important feature of the criminal justice system following reforms, it is important to recognise that there is no constitutional right to a jury trial. The removal of the defendants’ right to elect is compatible with Article 6 of the ECHR. As you will be aware, the vast majority of criminal trials in this country are conducted fairly, without a jury. 90% of all criminal cases are dealt with by magistrates. Only around 3% of all criminal trials are heard by a jury currently.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_2

Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposals to remove jury trials for offences other than the most serious crimes on defendants’ rights. \p Sarah Sackman: Whilst the jury trial will remain an important feature of the criminal justice system following reforms, it is important to recognise that there is no constitutional right to a jury trial. The removal of the defendants’ right to elect or right to insist on a jury trial irrespective of the seriousness of the offence is compatible with Article 6 of the ECHR. As you will be aware, the vast majority of criminal trials in this country are conduct fairly, without a jury. 90% of all criminal cases are dealt with by magistrates. Only around 3% of all criminal trials are heard by a jury currently.

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record and rising open caseload of nearly 80,000 criminal cases waiting to be heard and too many victims waiting years for justice. One of the first priorities of this Government has been to tackle this crisis, which is why we asked Sir Brian Leveson to undertake his independent review. On 2 December, the Deputy Prime Minister responded to the first part of that review and set out why reform is necessary, alongside investment and modernisation.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_3

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many staff within the HM Prison & Probation Service reliant on visas for employment have been employed since 5 July 2024. \p Jake Richards: The Ministry of Justice does not hold the requested information requested data in an easily accessible format. Right to Work data is collected during the vetting stage but is not retained within the employment record. As a result, extracting this information would require a manual review of individual vetting files, which would incur a disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_4

Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of removing juries from trials on an individual’s right to a free and fair trial. \p Sarah Sackman: The removal of the defendants’ right to elect is compatible with Article 6 of the ECHR. Whilst jury trial will remain an important feature of the criminal justice system following these reforms, it is important to recognise that there is no constitutional right to a jury trial. As you will be aware, the vast majority of criminal trials in this country are conducted fairly, without a jury. 90% of all criminal cases are dealt with by magistrates. Only around 3% of all criminal trials are heard by a jury currently.

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record and rising open caseload of nearly 80,000 criminal cases waiting to be heard and too many victims waiting years for justice. One of the first priorities of this Government has been to tackle this crisis, which is why we asked Sir Brian Leveson to undertake his independent review. On 2 December, the Deputy Prime Minister responded to the first part of that review and set out why reform is necessary, alongside investment and modernisation.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_5

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many additional cases are expected to be heard each year under the new swift courts compared with existing Crown Court processes. \p Sarah Sackman: Of the 3% of criminal trial cases that proceed to a jury trial in the Crown Court, over half would still proceed to the Crown Court and get a jury trial post-reform. The remainder would be expected to stay in the magistrates’ courts or would be allocated to the new ‘swift courts’.

The new ‘swift courts’ will operate within the existing Crown Court, and this means they will be dealing with the same cases that come into the Crown Court. As mode of trial allocations and trial listing remain a matter for the independent judiciary and are dependent on case mix, the Ministry of Justice is unable to comment on how cases arriving at the Crown Court will be distributed between ‘swift courts’ and jury trials.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with regional leaders on supporting tourism growth outside London. \p Stephanie Peacock: DCMS is committed to ensuring that tourism contributes to growth and jobs across all parts of the country and particularly in coastal areas including Fylde, home to attractions including Lytham St Annes and the historic Lytham Hall.

A number of regional leaders are represented in the joint industry and Government-led Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which I co-chair. In this way, the views of regional leaders help to inform and shape Government policy. The Council is also helping to deliver the forthcoming sector growth plan which will set out a long term plan to increase visitor flows across the UK, boost value, and deliver sustainable growth.

The Lancashire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), which includes the constituency of Fylde, works collaboratively with both local authority and private sector partners to communicate investment opportunities and to showcase Lancashire’s strengths as a place to live, work, study and invest in, as well as a premier destination for visitors.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what information her Department holds on the number of schools that took part in the Youth Parliament. \p Stephanie Peacock: The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to enable young people to learn about the democratic process, engage with policy and decision makers, and have a say on issues that matter to them.

UKYP is not designed to be a schools programme. We do not therefore hold data on the amount or type of school involvement.

UKYP is made up of approximately 300 Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) aged 11-18. MYPs are elected every 2 years to represent the views of their young constituents to government and to national and local youth service providers. A small number of MYP elections are delivered by schools, who provide ongoing support to the elected young people. In most cases, MYP elections are delivered by local authorities and support for MYPs is provided by UKYP delivery partners and local youth workers.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on funding for youth services in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Stephanie Peacock: This Government fully recognises the importance of youth services in helping young people live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. I have worked closely with Cabinet colleagues from over ten departments to develop ‘Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy’ which we published on 10th December. This is the first cross-government strategy for young people in England in 15 years. It is backed by over £500 million of new money over the next 3 years from DCMS for fun things to do outside of school, support when and where you need it, more youth clubs and trusted adults.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_9

Saqib Bhatti:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment has her Department made of the potential impact of employer National Insurance Contribution increases in the financial year 2025/2026 on a) the charity sector and b) neurorehabilitation service providing charities. \p Stephanie Peacock: This government recognises the vital role that charitable organisations and community groups play in providing crucial support to families and individuals across the country. These organisations, as well as the wider voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, are integral to the Government’s vision for national renewal and delivery of the five national missions.

DCMS Ministers have met with representatives from the VCSE sector and are aware of their concerns about changes to National Insurance Contributions (NICs). We recognise the need to protect the smallest businesses and charities, which is why we more than doubled the Employment Allowance to £10,500, meaning that more than half of businesses (including charities) with NICs liabilities will either gain or see no change in 2025/26.

The UK continues to have one of the most generous charity tax regimes in the world. More than £6 billion in charitable reliefs were provided to charities, community amateur sports clubs and their donors last year.

In January 2025, NHS England published Standardising community health services which outlines the core community health services that integrated care boards (ICBs) should consider when planning services for their local population. Community rehabilitation for people with neurological conditions is named as one of the ICB-funded core components of community health services.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of recent steps to tackle problem gambling on online platforms. \p Ian Murray: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, alongside the Gambling Commission, are currently conducting an evaluation of some of the key measures set out in the white paper ‘High Stakes: gambling reform for the digital age’, including online measures. The outcomes of this evaluation will be published in due course.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many (a) registered parks, (b) gardens and (c) designed landscapes are currently classed as at risk in each local authority. \p Ian Murray: Registered parks and gardens in England are designated by Historic England. Data on the number that exist within each local authority area can be found by consulting the online National Heritage List for England. Data on the number of designed landscapes in each local authority that are currently classed as being at risk can be found by consulting Historic England’s online Heritage at Risk Register. Both resources can be filtered by local authority.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_12

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions his Department has had with local authorities on the role of (a) parish councils and (b) community groups in managing public assets in (i) Surrey and (ii) Surrey Heath constituency. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The department has not held specific discussions with local authorities in Surrey and the Surrey Heath constituency regarding the role of parish councils and community groups in managing public assets in future local government structures.

We strongly encourage all local authorities to involve town and parish councils and community groups in their plans for Local Government Reorganisation to ensure that their contribution to local public services is recognised in future arrangements. Town and parish councils can work with other tiers of local government to determine how they can best serve their communities in their area, including by making local agreements regarding the transfer and management of assets.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_13

Liam Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the policy papers entitled Spending Review 2025, published on 30 June 2025, and Budget 2025, published on 28 November 2025, what their Department’s capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) will be in each year of the Spending Review period; how much capital funding has been allocated to each of their Department’s programmes; and how much and what proportion of the capital DEL allocation remains unallocated in each year. \p Samantha Dixon: The Budget document, published on 28 November 2025, set out the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Capital Departmental Expenditure Limits for 2025-26 to 2029-30 (the Spending Review period) in table C.2.

2025-26 budgets are fully allocated. For future years of the Spending Review, allocations will be subject to the departmental business planning process in advance of the start of each financial year.

We have announced a number of key programmes for the Spending Review period, including £39bn for a 10-year Social and Affordable Homes Programme and £5bn grant funding for infrastructure and land from the new National Housing Delivery Fund. This will complement £4.8bn capital investment from 2026-27 to 2029-30, including £2.5bn in low-interest loans to support the building of social and affordable homes.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_14

Danny Beales:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what measures her Department is taking to ensure people admitted to hospital while rough sleeping have somewhere secure to sleep upon discharge from hospital. \p Alison McGovern: We have published A National Plan to End Homelessness, our cross-Government Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. This commits to a target that no one eligible for homelessness assistance is discharged to the street after a hospital stay.

To help achieve this we will work with the NHS and councils to implement the guidance published in 2024, 'Discharging people at risk of or experiencing homelessness', to help staff plan safe discharges and prevent homelessness after NHS care.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_15

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the feasibility of new terminals for the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport being built and operated in competition with those run by the airport. \p Keir Mather: Information about terminals and other airport infrastructure would be provided as part of a development consent order application.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_16

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential implications for Government policies of trends in the level of street clutter on the character of urban areas. \p Simon Lightwood: Management of local roads, including placement of fixed street furniture such as signs, benches, bins and cycle racks, is the responsibility of local traffic authorities. Neither good traffic management, nor good streetscape design is helped by over-provision and clutter. The Department’s good practice advice in the Traffic Signs Manual and the Manual for Streets stresses the importance of designing streets in such a way as to reduce clutter. These are available at the following links:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual

www.gov.uk/government/publications/manual-for-streets.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_17

Mohammad Yasin:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what funding is available to support (a) local authorities and (b) police forces with initial installation costs for fixed speed-enforcement cameras. \p Lilian Greenwood: Part of the money received from drivers attending courses under the National Driver Offending Retraining Scheme (NDORS) goes to the local Road Safety Partnership, where one exists, which includes the local authority, the police and other partners. This is ringfenced to be used for road safety purposes, including the installation and maintenance of safety cameras. Local authorities and the police are also able to use other unringfenced grants to fund additional road safety activity in their area. In areas with no road safety partnership, the funding from NDORS courses goes to the police.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_18

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has been made of the potential merits of requiring cyclists to wear a high visibility jacket when riding on the road. \p Lilian Greenwood: Rule 59 of The Highway Code recommends cyclists should wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing to help other road users to see them in daylight and poor light, with reflective clothing and/or accessories in the dark.

The Department considered making Rule 59 a requirement, rather than a recommendation as part of a comprehensive cycling and walking safety review in 2018. This concluded that the cost of introducing such a system would far outweigh the benefits. Restricting people’s ability to cycle in this way would mean that many would likely choose other modes of transport instead, with negative impacts for congestion, pollution and health.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_19

John Grady:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the DVLA is taking with local councils and police to remove abandoned vehicles (a) without road tax and (b) that are SORN registered from public roads. \p Simon Lightwood: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) operates a comprehensive package of measures to tackle unlicensed vehicles. These range from automatic number plate recognition cameras, wheelclamping and the removal and impounding of unlicensed vehicles.

The DVLA works closely with the police and local authorities to address such vehicles at local levels and to share intelligence. As well as any enforcement action that may be taken by the DVLA, the law also allows local authorities and police forces to work in partnership with the DVLA to tackle unlicensed vehicles by giving them the power to immobilise or impound unlicensed vehicles identified in their areas. These are known as devolved power partners.

The DVLA’s database highlights every unlicensed vehicle that is not subject to a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) and automatically recognises when a keeper becomes non-compliant so that enforcement action can take place.

The DVLA’s wheelclamping contractor also provides ANPR services that provide enforcement coverage across every district in the UK. The DVLA also uses its own fleet to locate unlicensed vehicles and take direct action where appropriate. Members of the public can report unlicensed vehicles to the DVLA online at https://www.gov.uk/report-untaxed-vehicle .

The removal of abandoned vehicles is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. The police also have the powers to remove immediately any vehicle that is causing an obstruction, is likely to cause danger or is broken down or abandoned without lawful authority.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_20

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what funding is available to increase options for active travel involving schools in South Shropshire constituency. \p Lilian Greenwood: On 10 December, the Department announced over £626 million of funding to support active travel across England, including walking and cycling to schools. Of this funding, Shropshire Unitary Authority, of which South Shropshire is a part, has been allocated £2,004,847 over 2026/27 to 2029/30.

In addition, Active Travel England provided £191,121 to support Bikeability cycle training in Shropshire over 2024/25, with a similar level expected for 2025/26. The Bikeability programme delivers a range of cycle training activities aimed at giving school children the skills and confidence to cycle on the road. Future funding for Bikeability will be announced in early 2026.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_21

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to prevent the sale of log-in details for DVSA driving tests. \p Simon Lightwood: The Secretary of State for Transport announced on 12 November significant changes to DVSA’s driving test booking system following a public consultation. The changes will allow a learner driver only to book a test and will limit changes that can be made to that test once booked. ADIs and businesses will no longer be able to access the booking system and this will eradicate the practice of re-selling tests.

The changes which will be introduced from Spring 2026 will make the practical driving test booking process fairer, providing all learners with equal access to the booking system and ensuring that everyone pays the prescribed fee.

While the majority of driving instructors who use DVSA’s booking services do so as intended, DVSA takes action to prevent learner drivers from exploitation and limit opportunities for misuse of the online booking services. DVSA has a zero tolerance for those who exploit learner drivers. In addition, DVSA will investigate any breaches reported to them.

In January 2025, DVSA introduced tougher terms and conditions for using the booking service to help prevent anyone from selling tests at profit. Since the introduction of the revised terms and conditions, and as of 17 November 2025, DVSA has removed access for 346 businesses and driving instructors for misuse of the booking service.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_22

Melanie Onn:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of delays to the renewal of vocational licenses by the DVLA on the finances of professional drivers. \p Simon Lightwood: Straightforward applications for vocational driving licences are being processed within normal turnaround times of ten working days. Driving licence applications where a medical condition(s) must be investigated before a licence can be issued can take longer as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is often reliant on information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued.

The DVLA is currently rolling out a new casework system which is expected to deliver significant improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions. When fully implemented, this will provide improved turnaround times, increased capacity and automation, higher levels of digital functionality and digital communication. The DVLA is also planning to launch a new medical services platform which will enable more customers to transact online and will increase the use of email communication.

The DVLA is also developing an online service for the renewal of vocational licences and this will enable more customers to transact online.

Applicants renewing an existing l licence may be able to continue driving while their application is being processed, providing they can meet specific criteria. More information can be found online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_23

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many new cars were registered in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire in each of the last five years. \p Simon Lightwood: e do not readily hold new vehicle registration figures at the requested geographic levels.

Information on licensed vehicles broken down by Upper and lower tier local authorities and lower super output areas (LSOA) are available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/vehicle-licensing-statistics-data-tables
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_24

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many visas a) her Department, b) the Vehicle Certification Agency, c) East-West Rail, d) National Highways, e) Network Rail, f) Trinity House, g) the Civil Aviation Authority and h) Crossrail International have sponsored since 4 July 2024. \p Simon Lightwood: Visa systems, outside of those specific to sponsored employment routes, do not capture the occupation or employer of an applicant and therefore it is not possible to give a comprehensive answer to this question. In addition, the department does not hold information sponsored employment routes for other employers.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_25

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what data her Department holds on the number of electric vehicles registered in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire. \p Keir Mather: At the end of June 2025, the number of licensed vehicles that were battery electric was 10,789 in Lincolnshire.

We do not readily hold the respective figure for South Holland and the Deepings constituency.

It is important to note, vehicles are allocated to geographic location according to the postcode of the registered keeper. The address does not necessarily reflect where the vehicle is located. This is especially true for large fleets kept by companies involved with vehicle management, leasing or rentals.