theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_11

Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of fish caught in UK territorial waters was caught by (a) UK vessels and (b) EU vessels in each of the last three years for which data is available; what his Department's policy is on the application of the zonal attachment principle for determining fishing quotas after June 2026; and what estimate he has made of how catch percentages will change. \p Daniel Zeichner: The UK does not collect data on catches of fish at a level of detail that allows us to determine the proportion of catch made by UK or EU vessels in UK territorial waters. However, under the TCA, 149, 152, and 152 EU vessels were licensed to fish in the UK 6-12 nautical mile zone at the start of 2023, 2024, and 2025 respectively. This compares to 5,418 registered UK fishing vessels in 2023.

The UK seeks to ensure sustainable exploitation of fisheries through the establishment of comprehensive total allowable catch sharing underpinned by the principle of zonal attachment. UK fishing quotas for shared stocks with the EU are set in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). UK shares will gradually increase until 2026, after which further changes are a matter for the TCA Partnership Council.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 1 May 2025 to Question 47676 on Anzhalika Melnikava, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Europe and (b) elsewhere on reports of the disappearance of Anzhelika Melnikava and her daughters. \p Stephen Doughty: As I have previously noted, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials continue to follow the case of the disappearance of Angelika Melnikova. Our understanding is that her daughters are currently in Belarus with their father. I have not raised this with European counterparts, nor elsewhere. As circumstances of Ms Melnikava's disappearance remain unclear, it would be inappropriate to comment further.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_13

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs how much and what proportion of the humanitarian aid budget has been allocated to preventing (a) maternal and (b) newborn deaths over the past three years; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reductions in the humanitarian aid budget on future funding in this area. \p Stephen Doughty: Official Development Assistance (ODA) expenditure is reported via the Statistics on International Development publications (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-on-international-development).

We report spending based on OECD Development and Assistance Committee sector codes. The UK takes a multisectoral approach to ending preventable maternal, child and newborn deaths. We do not hold data to accurately estimate the humanitarian aid budget specifically for preventing maternal and newborn deaths. The tables below show bilateral spending on sectors contributing to Reproductive Maternal Newborn and Child Health but do not represent that the total of this funding was therefore used on it as it is not possible to disaggregate. Core funding was excluded from these estimates, as it is used flexibly by partners and its contribution to specific sectors cannot be tracked directly.

Table 1: UK humanitarian programme bilateral ODA on sector codes contributing to Reproductive Maternal Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH), in £:

2021

2022

2023

Humanitarian bilateral ODA on sector codes contributing to RMCNH

44,100,000

45,200,000

31,000,000

Note: figures rounded to the nearest hundred thousand. Based on OECD sector codes: 12110, 12220, 12240, 12250, 12261, 12262, 12263, 12281, 13020, 13040, 14030, 14031, 14032.

The transition to spending 0.3 per cent of GNI on ODA will require significant shifts, building on those already underway as the government implements its modernised approach to development. Decisions on how the ODA budget will be used are being worked through, based on various factors including impact assessments.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Kate Osamor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking diplomatic steps to support the Kurdistan Workers Party – Turkey peace process. \p Stephen Doughty: The Government maintains a regular dialogue with Turkey, as a key North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally and strategic partner. Ministers have spoken with their Turkish counterparts in recent days to discuss the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announcement and other issues. The decision by the PKK to disarm and disband marks an important step towards peace and security for the people of Turkey and the wider region. Abdullah Ocalan's imprisonment follows a domestic Turkish legal ruling. The UK remains committed to supporting efforts that reduce conflict and promote stability.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Kate Osamor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2025 to Question 40483 on Mahmoud Khalil, whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on the detention of pro-Palestinian protestors by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. \p Stephen Doughty: As previously stated in response to Question 40483, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not comment on personal matters relating to former members of staff. Discussions surrounding the detention of non-British nationals are not for the FCDO to comment on, because it is a matter for the US and the nations of those detained.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the Memorandum of Understanding between Omagh Bombing Inquiry and the Government of Ireland relating to the Disclosure of Materials, published on 15 April 2025, was cleared by his Department. \p Stephen Doughty: The Memorandum of Understanding between the Irish Government and the Omagh Bombing Inquiry is a very positive step. The arrangements underpinning this cooperation are ultimately a matter for the Government of Ireland and the Inquiry, which rightly is independent of Government.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_17

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with local councils on the implementation of VALOUR support centres. \p Luke Pollard: On 5 May 2025 my hon. Friend, the Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns) announced VALOUR, a new UK-wide approach to veteran support, to foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure that veterans’ support is data driven.

We will establish a network of field officers and VALOUR-recognised support centres, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

The detailed structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR will be designed in collaboration with relevant partners. That includes engagement and discussions with a range of stakeholders including local councils, who are a vital partner in this new endeavour.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to replace the SA80 rifle. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 28 April 2025 to Question 45196 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty) and on 14 May 2025 to Question 50537 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge).

Army: Rifles (docx, 16.3KB)

Army: Rifles (docx, 16.6KB)
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 14 May 2025 to Question 50625 on Armed Forces: Housing, how many service personnel have used the Forces Help to Buy scheme in each of the last five financial years. \p Luke Pollard: The following table shows the number of First Stage applications for the Forces Help to Buy Scheme where the applicant has passed the initial eligibility checks.

Financial Year

Number of First Stage Applications

2020-21

10,135

2021-22

6,997

2022-23

5,108

2023-24

3,934

2024-25

3,893

Further statistics on the Forces Help to Buy Scheme Service are published by the Ministry of Defence on gov.uk at the following link:

www.gov.uk/government/statistics/forces-help-to-buy-scheme-quarterly-statistics-202425

The Defence Housing Strategy, planned for publication later this year, will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of military accommodation, where the main objective is to raise the minimum standard of Armed Forces housing. It will also turbocharge the development of surplus military land creating opportunities for Armed Forces home ownership and supporting the delivery of affordable homes for families across Britain as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many RAF Envoy IV flights have been provided to (a) the Prime Minister and (b) other Ministers for domestic travel since 4 July 2025. \p Maria Eagle: It has been the practice of successive administrations not to publish granular information relating to the official movements of Ministers and those accompanying them within the United Kingdom. Information about official overseas travel is published as part of the Cabinet Office transparency returns and made available on the GOV.UK website.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy has made a decision on the future of the F-35B Lightning fighter aircraft. \p Maria Eagle: The F-35B Lightning will be at the forefront of the Nation's conventional deterrent for decades to come.

The Royal Navy's Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy is investigating how to further expand the deployment of uncrewed air systems in Royal Navy ships, including the aircraft carriers.

Decisions on future capabilities are subject to the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges, threats and opportunity of the 21st century.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Josh Newbury:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of vehicles rented by his Department are electric vehicles. \p Maria Eagle: As of 19th May 2025, 2,588 of the Ministry of Defence's 11,572 vehicles leased through the Phoenix II contract are fully electric, representing 22.36% of the fleet. This does not include hybrid vehicles as the Department is moving towards 100% zero emission vehicles by 2027 in accordance with the Greening Government Commitment.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timetable is for developing the deep precision strike capability with Germany. \p Maria Eagle: UK and Germany are considering several concepts and technologies to address emerging threats and have defined a joint range requirement of over 2,000km. Specific characteristics, in-service dates and launch platforms are to be confirmed.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 May to Question 49007 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, whether he has a target for procuring additional strike capabilities for the Queen Elizabeth class. \p Maria Eagle: The Strategic Defence Review will inform any requirement for additional strike capabilities for the Queen Elizabeth Class. In the interim, the Royal Navy continues to investigate emerging technologies to understand how they can contribute to enhancing operational advantage.

Fixed Wing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms have the potential to enhance operational advantage, hence, will be evaluated in collaboration with the Royal Air Force.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 44594 on Ministers: Aviation, how many of the five tasks were (a) domestic flights within Great Britain and (b) flights from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. \p Maria Eagle: None. All tasks were outside of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's timetable is for publishing (a) a full timeline and (b) funding pathway for achieving the target of spending 2.5% of GDP on defence; and what plans he has for infrastructure upgrades at bases in Wiltshire. \p Maria Eagle: The pathway to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence was set out in the Spring Statement earlier this year and will be reflected in the outcome of the second phase of the Spending Review that is due to be finalised on 11 June 2025.

The Defence Housing Strategy, planned for publication later this year, will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of military accommodation. The main objective is to raise the minimum standard of Armed Forces housing across the MOD estate, including military housing in Wiltshire.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that survivors of domestic abuse with no recourse to public funds (a) are aware of their entitlements and (b) can access welfare. \p Seema Malhotra: This government understands the specific challenges that migrant victims of domestic abuse hold, particularly for those who have no recourse to public funds.

The Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC) provides partners here under the family, work or study Immigration Rules, who are victims of domestic abuse (and their dependants), with 3 months permission to stay in the UK without a no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition. The concession enables victims and their dependants to access relevant support, arrange to leave the UK or apply to remain in a different immigration capacity.

There are also immediate settlement provisions for migrant victims of domestic abuse, under the Immigration Rules (Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (Appendix VDA)).

The government has recently uplifted the Support for Migrant Victims scheme, which helps migrant victims of domestic abuse with No Recourse to Public Funds, bringing the total investment to £2.4 million for 2025/26. The scheme, delivered by Southall Black Sisters, provides vital support, including accommodation, subsistence, counselling and legal advice.

Further information on support for victims of domestic abuse can be found on the Domestic abuse: how to get help page on GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which companies supplied police ICT systems in each year since 2010; and what the value of contracts awarded to those companies was. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The Home Office does not centrally collect all of the information requested. Obtaining and verifying this information for the purposes of answering these questions could only be done at disproportionate cost.

However, the Hon Member may be interested to read the Home Secretary's speech to the National Police Chiefs' Council and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners' annual conference on 19 November 2024, where she set out her vision on police reform and efficiency, including the potential savings to be achieved through greater collaboration on IT contracts. https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/home-secretarys-vision-for-police-reform
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what quality controls her Department has put in place to help ensure that people accessing their digital immigration status receive accurate information. \p Seema Malhotra: eVisas are a key part of delivering a border and immigration system which will be more digital and streamlined, a change that will enhance the applicant’s experience and increase the immigration system’s security and efficiency.

The transition to eVisas has seen millions of people already receiving and using eVisas successfully. By the end of April 2025 over 4.3 million people had created an online (UKVI) account to access their eVisa. Between Q4 2019 and Q1 2025, the 'view and prove' service has seen over 41.9 million views by individuals and over 6.3 million views by organisations checking immigration status.

The rollout of eVisas does not affect a person’s immigration status. The information in an eVisa is based on the information held on a person’s underlying immigration case, which is recorded in the same way as when we issued biometric residence permits. We have been recording this immigration case information digitally for over 20 years, on various caseworking systems, and if someone encounters an issue with their eVisa we can search those records to find their information and confirm their status.

If a person believes there is an error with their eVisa, they should report it to the Home Office using the dedicated ‘Report an error with your eVisa’ form which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/report-error-evisa.

We are continually improving our systems and welcome feedback on errors and how access to eVisas can be enhanced.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has made an estimate of the cost to the public purse of only charging administrative costs for child citizenship applications. \p Seema Malhotra: No such estimate has been made. However, fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review, and this includes consideration of the financial impacts that may arise were fee levels to be changed.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Border Force collects data on the ethnicity of people (a) held or (b) delayed in excess of 30 minutes at the UK border. \p Seema Malhotra: Border Force does not collect ethnicity data.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to (a) expand and (b) simplify the Global Talent visa route. \p Seema Malhotra: As set out in the Immigration White Paper, we will continue to work closely with our endorsing bodies on policy proposals to make it simpler and easier for top scientific and design talent to use the Global Talent Visa route, and ensure the UK can bring in the right skills and experience to supercharge UK growth in strategic industries.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions her Department has had with the charity sector on changes to refugee family reunion rules. \p Seema Malhotra: The Immigration White Paper, published on 12 May 2025, announced new measures on a wide range of issues, including family reunion, further details of which will be set out in due course.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_34
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department collects data on the ethnicity of applicants for (a) settled and (b) pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. \p Seema Malhotra: A detailed breakdown of the EU Settlement Scheme statistics is available to the public via GOV.UK. Within the latest published statistics, Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK, a list of data fields sets out what data is collected, as part of the EU Settlement Scheme application.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence of 11 March 2025 from the hon. Member for Twickenham, case reference MW55193. \p Seema Malhotra: The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention replied on 19 May 2025.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many skilled worker visas have been issued for marine and waterways transport operatives under the points based system. \p Seema Malhotra: The Home Office publishes data on sponsored work visas by visa type and occupation in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on grants of visas are published in table ‘Occ_D02’ of the sponsored work visas by occupation and industry dataset. Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. Data is from January 2021 up to the end of December 2024.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department's plans to extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain for skilled workers from 5 to 10 years will be applied to (a) prospective applicants only or (b) retrospectively to people already living in the UK. \p Seema Malhotra: The Immigration White Paper, published on 12 May 2025, announced new measures on a wide range of issues, including indefinite leave to remain.

This expansion of the Point-Based System will increase the standard qualifying period for settlement to ten years.

We will introduce reforms to expand the Points-Based System to both our settlement and citizenship rules, so they are based on contribution to the UK, with further details to be set out to Parliament by the end of the year.

Individuals will have the opportunity to reduce the qualifying period to settlement and citizenship based on contributions to the UK economy and society.

We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year and will provide further details at that stage.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Connor Naismith:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the definition of retail workers in clause 14 of the Crime and Policing Bill includes transport revenue protection staff with the facility to sell tickets. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Through our Crime and Policing Bill, we have introduced a standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker to protect the hardworking and dedicated staff that work in stores. This applies only to shop workers.

The new offence is aimed specifically at shop workers due to the unacceptable, soaring levels of retail crime and assaults against retail workers in recent years.

Those workers whose roles are not included within the definition are already covered under other legislation such as the Offences against the Person Act 1861, which also covers more serious violence, including actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.

Section 156 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 creates a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing cases of assault against public facing workers. It applies where an assault is committed against those providing a public service, performing a public duty or providing a service to the public. This includes those working in retail and other public-facing roles, including those working in the transport sector.

We will use the parliamentary process to scrutinise the provisions in the Bill and will consider carefully amendments tabled as well as evidence put forward in support of such amendments.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Rachel Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to support male victims of sexual violence. \p Jess Phillips: We recognise that men and boys experience abusive and violent crimes, such as stalking, domestic abuse, and sexual abuse and we are committed to ensuring that male victims and survivors get the support that they need.

The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line, delivered by Rape Crisis England and Wales and funded by the Ministry of Justice, provides free and confidential emotional and listening support to all victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse aged 16 and over. Where appropriate, the service will signpost victims to longer-term support services, including therapeutic support.

The Home Office and the Ministry of Justice also fund services specifically for male victims of domestic abuse, in addition to services for LGBT+, Deaf, and older victims, which provide essential support to male victims.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly make (a) false and (b) malicious complaints for (i) political and (ii) reputational purposes. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The Home Office is unable to comment on or intervene in individual police investigations, so as not to undermine Policing’s operational independence. Where a police force investigates an individual, we expect the force to determine how best to support those involved throughout and after conclusion of the investigation.

The Magistrates Court Act 1980 prescribes that for all summary offences, the information or complaint must be laid within six calendar months of the commission of the alleged offence. Most crimes do not have a time limit for reporting them, which ensures the criminal justice system can appropriately investigate and respond to crimes.

The Criminal Law Act 1967 categorises wasting police time as an offence, this includes making false reports. Perverting the course of justice can also be considered where a person does an act or series of acts which tends to or was intended to pervert the course of justice. It is for the police and CPS to determine when or if these offences have taken place.

This Government’s Safer Streets mission is focused on restoring neighbourhood policing, halving serious violence and rebuilding trust and confidence in policing and the criminal justice system.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what are the rights of entry for emergency service personnel when accessing blocks of flats with secure entry systems. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Police forces in England and Wales have a range of powers of entry, including to protect life and investigate offences. These powers derive both from statute (primarily the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984) and common law.

Fire and Rescue Services have powers of entry under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, including to protect life or property in case of fire or other emergencies.

Ambulance services do not have general powers of entry but may request police or fire and rescue service support if entry is needed in order to reach a patient in an emergency.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 7 May 2025 to Question 48442 on Travellers: Caravan Sites, whether he considered appealing the High Court judgment of May 2024. \p Dame Diana Johnson: As with all judgements of this nature, we are reviewing the ruling in detail.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has provided guidance to the police on pro-Palestinian encampments at universities. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The College of Policing is responsible for providing guidance to police.

The College’s Public Order Public Safety authorised professional practice covers a wide range of events and operations, including protests and disorder.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the number of retail workers who have experienced violent crime at work in each of the last five years. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The Home Office publishes data on the number of incidents of violent crime recorded by the police in England and Wales. The latest data can be found here:

Police recorded crime and outcomes open data tables - GOV.UK

The data includes incidents of robbery of business property, which includes robbery of retail premises as well as other business premises. Other types of violent crime against retail workers will fall under other categories of violent crime, such as assault with injury. It is not currently possible to identify which of these incidents were committed against retail workers during the course of their work.

In the Crime and Policing Bill, we are bringing forward a new offence of assaulting a retail worker to protect the hardworking and dedicated staff that work in stores.

The offence will be allocated a specific Home Office Crime Recording Rule, which will help provide a more complete picture of the problem, in turn informing future policy decisions and enabling the police to respond accordingly.

The Home Office has also published estimates from the Commercial Victimisation Survey (CVS) on the proportion of retail premises which experienced at least one incident of violent crime. This data can be found here:

Crime against businesses statistics - GOV.UK
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 23 April 2025, HCWS593, on Extending licensing hours for the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe Day, whether her Department made an assessment of the potential merits to the hospitality sector of extending the licensing hours on the Friday 8 May in addition. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Licensing hours in England and Wales were extended on Thursday 8 May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE day.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_46

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil service roles for the Mission Boards are unfilled. \p Ellie Reeves: Delivering the Missions is a task for the entire government. The Prime Minister has established five Mission Boards which bring together ministers from across government to drive progress on missions. They are chaired by the respective lead Secretaries of State, and attendance varies depending on the topic being discussed by the Board. As such, there are no unfilled civil service roles for the Mission Boards.

Directors General (DGs) have been appointed as Senior Responsible Officers for each of the Missions. Relevant departments are responsible for resourcing the delivery of policies and programmes related to the Missions. The Cabinet Office’s Mission Delivery Unit works in partnership with the Missions to support delivery and drive progress.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_47

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many (a) Permanent Secretary and (b) Second Permanent Secretary roles are (i) being advertised through open and fair competition, (ii) have advertised but the recruitment is now closed and the appointment has not yet been made, (iii) are being advertised only internally and (iv) are unfilled with no recruitment process. \p Georgia Gould: There are six Permanent Secretary roles currently being advertised through fair and open competition: five have closed and waiting final interviews, and one is live on CS Jobs.

There is one Permanent Secretary level role that has been advertised internally only (Secret Intelligence Service).

There is one Second Permanent Secretary role (DSIT) that is currently unfilled with no recruitment process underway.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_48

Edward Morello:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of retroactively awarding the Humanitarian Medal to qualifying people who served before 19 June 2023. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Humanitarian Medal was introduced in July 2023 to recognise those in public service and members of organisations that contribute on behalf of HM Government, which respond in support of human welfare during or in the aftermath of a crisis.

The Medal is not retrospective, and only incidents that occur from July 2023 are eligible as this is the date that His Majesty signed the Royal Warrant and the medal came into being under the previous government. However, operations which were live at that time but which commenced before the introduction of the Humanitarian Medal, may be eligible for the Humanitarian Medal with the clasp for that operation.

There are no plans to review the criteria to allow for retrospection.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_49

Sarah Olney:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of eligible people have received compensation from the Infected Blood Compensation Authority. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Due to the nature of the Infected Blood scandal there is uncertainty over the number of people, especially those affected, who might be eligible for compensation. The final number of eligible people will ultimately depend on the number of victims who come forward.

As of 6 May 2025, 677 people have been contacted to begin the claims process, with 432 of those starting their claim. 160 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £150m, and 106 payments have been made, totalling £96,608,906.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_50
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_50

Sarah Olney:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people (a) infected and (b) impacted by the infected blood scandal have (i) been invited to make a claim, (ii) been offered compensation and (iii) received compensation. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: As of 6 May 2025, 677 infected people have been contacted to begin the claims process, with 432 of those starting their claim. 160 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £150m, and 106 payments have been made, totalling £96,608,906.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_51

Andrew Pakes:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the staff capacity is at the civil service hub building in Peterborough; and what the average staff occupancy is. \p Georgia Gould: Quay House, in Peterborough, was opened in March 2023, bringing together approximately 1,200 civil servants from several government bodies to work in one shared building. Not all civil servants will be in the office at the same time. The building has a maximum safe occupancy of 1,082.

The Government publishes average occupancy data for all departmental HQs at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-hq-occupancy-data. The government does not publish data for any building that is not a departmental HQ.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_52
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_52

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to help support pensioners in North Shropshire constituency whose pre-1997 contributions are not subject to indexation. \p Torsten Bell: Most schemes do pay some pre-1997 indexation, because of scheme rules or as a discretionary benefit. Analysis published last year by the Pensions Regulator shows that as of March 2023, only 17 per cent of members of private sector defined benefit pension schemes do not receive any pre-1997 indexation on benefits. This information can be found at: https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/document-library/research-and-analysis/data-requests#f3a5fe60511a445f91112bd7dd8a64ae

But for those affected by a lack of indexation I recognise the significance this can have.

Members of these pension schemes are now understandably concerned at seeing inflation erode the value of their retirement income.

It would be unreasonable to retrospectively increase the cost to schemes for benefits already earned, as these costs could not have been taken into account in the funding assumptions used to set contribution rates at the time.

The Government’s upcoming pension reforms on the use of surpluses in defined benefit schemes will make it easier for individual schemes to make decisions that improve outcomes for both sponsoring employers and members, which could include discretionary benefit increases.
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_53
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_53

Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of people in receipt of the Personal Independence Payment enhanced daily living component were awarded less than four points in all daily living activities in the most recent period for which data is available. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Data on the number and proportion of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants with an enhanced daily living component who scored less than four points can be found in table 1 below.

The number of people currently on PIP who did not score 4 points in one category in their last assessment should not be equated with the number who are likely to lose PIP in future. It’s important to make a clear distinction between the two, not least because we don’t want constituents to be unnecessarily fearful about their situation, when we understand many are already anxious. Someone who did not score 4 points in an activity in a previous assessment may well score 4 points in a future assessment as conditions change over time.

After taking account of behavioural changes, the OBR predicts that 9 in 10 of those on PIP daily living at the point any changes come in will still be receiving PIP by the end of the decade.

There will be no immediate changes to PIP eligibility. Our intention is that changes will start to come into effect from November 2026 for PIP, subject to parliamentary approval.

After that date, no one will lose PIP without first being reassessed by a trained assessor or healthcare professional, who assesses individual needs and circumstance. Reassessments happen on average every 3 years.

We are consulting on how best to support those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, including ensuring health and care needs are met.

We have also announced a wider review of the PIP assessment to make it fair and fit for purpose, which I will lead. We are bringing together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this. We will provide further details as plans progress.

Even with these reforms, the overall number of people on PIP and DLA is expected to rise by 750,000 by the end of this parliament and spending will rise from £23bn in 24/25 to £31bn in 29/30.

Table 1: volume and percentage of PIP claimants receiving an enhanced daily living award, who scored less than four points in all daily living activities

Daily Living Award

Volume of PIP claimants who scored < 4 points

Percentage of PIP claimants who scored < 4 points

Enhanced

203,000

13%

Source(s): PIP Administrative Data

Notes:
wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_54
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_54

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps her Department is taking to protect people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis from discrimination by employers in Surrey. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Equality Act 2010 defines disability as ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’. The Act defines ‘long-term’ as having lasted, or likely to last for at least 12 months, or likely to last for the rest of the life of the person. ‘Substantial’ is defined as more than minor or trivial.

Where an employee has an impairment, which falls within the definition outlined above, the Act makes it unlawful for their employer or someone they are seeking work from, to discriminate against them because of their disability. This would include the failure to make a reasonable adjustment as well as less favourable treatment.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission and Acas have published comprehensive guidance for employers on their obligations to disabled employees and job applicants under the 2010 Act and Acas provides a helpline for people who think they have experienced discrimination at work.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) provides authoritative and impartial advice free to employees or employers in relation to employment discrimination issues via their website. and telephone helpline xx-xxxx-xxxx or text relay service 18001 0300 123 1100. You can access the website here: http://www.acas.org.uk. Acas also provides employees and employers with Early Conciliation to help them resolve/settle their workplace dispute without going to court.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_55

Victoria Collins:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the potential economic impact of (a) extreme weather events, (b) food inflation, (c) flood recovery and (d) other climate-related impacts on (i) public services and (ii) households. \p Darren Jones: The Government recognises that preparing for the future means adapting to the effects of climate change. Without action, flooding, coastal erosion and other climate hazards will pose greater risks to lives, livelihoods and people’s wellbeing

The Office for Budget Responsibility’s latest Fiscal Risks and Sustainability report estimates the potential fiscal costs to the UK from climate damage across a range of warming scenarios. Their analysis includes both direct costs in response to physical damages and indirect costs arising from additional demands on public services. The UK’s Third Climate Change Risk Assessment also provides an evaluation of the climate risks facing the UK, with impacts across infrastructure, health and the economy.

As set out at the Autumn Budget, the Government is investing in climate adaptation to protect the economy from climate change, confirming investment of £2.4 billion over two years to support flood resilience and over £400 million for tree planting and peatland restoration, which will further support resilience.  The development of the Fourth Climate Change Risk Assessment will also support the Government in continuing to improve its assessment of the risks and opportunities from climate change.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-23 conversation_56

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when her Department plans to publish a report on the findings of the consultation on the Single Justice Procedure. \p Sarah Sackman: The Government keeps the operation of the Single Justice Procedure (SJP) under regular review. The SJP continues to be an important route for dealing with minor, non-imprisonable offences, such as certain vehicle-related offences, where the defendant has either pleaded guilty or not responded to an SJP Notice.

However, the Government is concerned about the consistency in standards of private prosecutors, including those who use the Single Justice Procedure. We know the importance of ensuring that the SJP is accessible and fair to all defendants, including those who are elderly or vulnerable.

That is why we launched a consultation on the Oversight and Regulation of Private Prosecutors which included a chapter on the SJP. This looks at the operation of the SJP generally, encompassing minor vehicle related offences. The consultation closed on 8 May and work is ongoing to analyse the responses received. These findings will inform future work in this area, including considerations for additional safeguards and support where appropriate, and we will legislate if necessary.

The Government response to the consultation is expected to be published later this year.