theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Mark Garnier:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that stablecoin issuers maintain sufficient backing assets to protect consumers and financial stability. \p Emma Reynolds: On 29 April, HM Treasury published draft legislation for the future financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets.

The draft legislation includes a new regulated activity for stablecoin issuance in the UK, meaning firms carrying on this activity will need to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The Government is seeking to bring forward final legislation before the end of this year.
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Alex Brewer:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the reduction of face to face banking options for all customers who find digital and telephone banking difficult to access. \p Emma Reynolds: Although digital banking is now widely used, with 93% of people making use of mobile or online services last year, the Government recognises that the ability to access cash and in-person banking support remains essential for many. This is why we have secured the industry’s commitment to roll out 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament, ensuring that access to face-to-face banking is protected. Over 230 hubs have been announced so far, and over 170 are already open.

An alternative option to access in-person banking services is via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The Government protects the Post Office network by setting minimum access criteria. These include ensuring that 99% of the UK population lives within three miles of a Post Office and 90% of the population within one mile.

More widely, ensuring individuals have access to the appropriate financial products and services they need is a key priority for the Government. That is why we have committed to publish a Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year which will examine the barriers consumers face in accessing the products they need.
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Victoria Collins:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the Financial Conduct Authority's powers in preventing insurers from applying excessive premium increases to non-fault claimants. \p Emma Reynolds: Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. This is usually informed by the insurer’s claims experience and other industry-wide statistics.

However, the Government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly and firms are required to do so under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules. The FCA requires firms to ensure their products offer fair value (i.e. if the price a consumer pays for a product or service is reasonable compared to the overall benefits they can expect to receive).

The FCA have made clear they monitor firms to ensure they provide products that are fair value, and, where necessary, it has robust powers to take action against firms that fail to comply with its rules.
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Martin Rhodes:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that people with disabilities have equitable access to services provided by (a) banks and (b) financial service providers. \p Emma Reynolds: As service providers, banks and building societies are bound under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments, where necessary, in the way they deliver their services.

In this context, the Government recognises that access to financial products and services ensures everyone can participate fully in the economy and in society.

This is why the Government has committed to publish a Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year. The strategy is being developed alongside a committee of industry and consumer representatives and will aim to tackle barriers to individuals’ and households’ ability to access affordable and appropriate products. As part of this, the committee is considering the cross-cutting theme of accessibility (alongside the themes of economic abuse and mental health) to ensure this informs the strategy’s development.

For people with disabilities who require in-person services, the Government is also working closely with industry to roll out at least 350 banking hubs which will provide communities with critical cash and banking services. Over 230 hubs have been announced so far, and over 170 are already open. Cash Access UK, who oversee banking hub rollout, work to ensure that their physical premises are fully accessible, and their services promote an inclusive environment.
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Caroline Voaden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure buy-to-let mortgage products are available for landlords renting to vulnerable tenants. \p Emma Reynolds: The Government welcomes innovation in the mortgage market and continues to work with the sector to improve housing provisions and the safeguards in place for the vulnerable.

The availability and design of buy-to-let mortgages is a commercial decision for lenders in which the Government does not intervene.
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Victoria Collins:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to encourage investment in Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency. \p Emma Reynolds: This government is committed to keeping Britain economically stable to spur investment. Investment that will increase the number of good, well-skilled jobs and improve productivity across the country.

Last month the government released the Industrial and Infrastructure Strategies. These 10-year plans will create and connect people to good jobs, support new housing and neighborhoods, and ensuring people can depend on vital public services. They will also increase business investment in 8 growth-driving sectors, by making it quicker and easier for businesses to invest and providing them with the certainty and stability needed for long-term investment decisions.

To support the success of our strategies the Department for Business and Trade has a dedicated investment function in the UK and overseas, including the new expanded Office for Investment (OfI) which is the UK’s investment promotion agency. This bolstered OfI redoubles UK efforts to secure investment to drive economic growth as part of Government’s Plan for Change and targets investors in high-growth and foundational sectors. Since taking office over 600 individual investments have been supported by this government, and we will continue to work hard on landing more.

This government is also committed to supporting growth driving initiatives such as the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor. At the start of this year Science Minister Vallance was appointed as Oxford-Cambridge Innovation Champion. He will strengthen connections between OxCam and the wider UK, so this region is an economic engine for the entire nation.

These measures will encourage investment into Harpenden and Berkhamsted, with local organisations like Rothamsted Research able to benefit from participation in OxCam-related research and innovation. The Industrial Strategy’s focus on frontier manufacturing sectors, including Agri-Tech, will further support this.
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Kirith Entwistle:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the number of gambling adverts on people living in Bolton North East constituency. \p Stephanie Peacock: Gambling adverts can appear across a significant range of channels from out of home billboards and social media, to complex dynamic or targeted adverts online. As such, the Department does not hold data on the number of gambling adverts published.

This government recognises that while advertising is a legitimate advantage which licensed operators have over unlicensed gambling firms, increased exposure to gambling advertising can have an impact on gambling participation. There are existing robust rules and regulations in place to ensure that advertising and marketing, whenever it appears, is socially responsible.

However, we recognise that more can be done to improve protections. We have set the gambling industry a clear task to raise standards and this work will be monitored closely.
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Jas Athwal:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many Sikhs are employed in her Department; and whether they are recorded as (a) an ethnic or (b) a religious group. \p Stephanie Peacock: The number of DCMS Civil Servants who are recorded as Sikh is below 5.

In line with Civil Service Statistics guidance, DCMS records Sikh under the classification of Religion.
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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions her Department has had with the BBC Board on the broadcasting of (a) Bob Vylan and (b) Kneecap during the coverage of the Glastonbury Festival 2025. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.

The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.

As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.

Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.

Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.
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Claire Hanna:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support mental health services in journalism. \p Stephanie Peacock: Ministers and officials regularly meet stakeholders to discuss a range of issues which affect media organisations and journalists. Officials in my department would be pleased to meet with Media Strong.

The Government is not currently taking specific steps to support mental health services in journalism. However, we are taking steps to strengthen our national, regional and local press, which includes action aimed at supporting journalists.

I also chair the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists, together with the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls. It brings together representatives from government, journalism, policing, prosecution services and civil society to make sure that journalists in the UK are able to operate free from threats and violence. Its National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists sets out how the safety of journalists in the UK can be protected.
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Caroline Voaden:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support the viability of public swimming pools. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government recognises that sports clubs and facilities, including swimming pools, are important to communities up and down the country. Everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, should have access to them and opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity. That is why we have committed another £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the nation following the Spending Review. We will now work closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans.

The ongoing responsibility of providing access to public leisure swimming facilities lies at local authority level. We are committed to supporting Local Government and ensuring that funding goes to the places that need it most through the Local Government Finance Settlement.

The Government encourages local authorities and local leaders to make investments which offer the right opportunities and facilities (including swimming pools) for the communities they serve, investing in sport and physical activity with a place-based approach, to meet the needs of individual communities. This is complemented by the support and guidance available through the Government’s Arm’s Length Body, Sport England. We will continue to engage with a full range of stakeholders to explore how we can work towards securing a vibrant future for swimming pools, enabling them to continue delivering their full potential for public health, economic growth, and the wellbeing of our communities.
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Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Game changer for the nation, published on 19 June 2025, whether the investment in grassroots sports facilities will fund the development of covered tennis courts in (a) Tatton constituency and (b) in areas which lack indoor facilities across the UK. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government is determined to ensure that everyone has access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. That is why we have committed another £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the nation following the Spending Review.

We will now work closely with sporting bodies - including the Lawn Tennis Association - and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans.

The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through Sport England - which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. Sport England provides long term investment to the LTA, which receives up to £10.2 million for 5 years from 2022 to invest in tennis and padel initiatives that will benefit as many people as possible.
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Sonia Kumar:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department plans to make an assessment of the adequacy of the (a) accessibility and (b) range of youth facilities in areas where the population is expanding. \p Stephanie Peacock: We will not be making an assessment of youth facilities based on areas where populations are expanding. Local Authorities have a statutory duty to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, sufficient provision of educational and recreational leisure-time activities for young people in their area.

The government has committed to introducing simpler and fairer allocations for councils, using the most up-to-date data and taking account of growing demand. As part of the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation, which is open until Friday 15 August, we are inviting views on using projections to increase the accuracy of allocations across the multi-year Settlement.

DCMS recognises the importance of ensuring that Local Authorities are appropriately supported to deliver accessible and effective youth provision. In 2025/26, we will commit £8m to launch the Local Youth Transformation Pilot which will test a new way of working and supporting local authorities to deliver for young people.
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Andy MacNae:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to paragraph 7.17 of the Ofcom consultation paper entitled Listed events: Implementing the Media Act, published on 13 June 2025, whether she plans to take steps to help support public service broadcasters to acquire listed events. \p Stephanie Peacock: While the Government wants to see sporting events of national interest shown on free-to-air so that they can be enjoyed by a wide audience, decisions made around the coverage of specific listed events are commercial ones made between public service broadcasters (PSBs) and the rights holders independent of Government.

We recognise that the media landscape is going through a period of rapid change which means both challenges and opportunities for our PSBs.

We will support PSBs by building on Ofcom’s Public Service Media review and take action to support them, as we set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan.
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Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to increase participation in sport for (a) adolescent girls and (b) all adolescents. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government believes that opportunities to play sport and get physically active should be available to everyone and we recognise that there are barriers which prevent some people from getting active, with women and girls less likely to be active than other groups.

The Government provides the majority of funding for grassroots sport through our arm’s length body, Sport England, which invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding each year. One of the key pillars in their “Uniting the Movement” strategy is to focus on positive experiences for children and young people. Their “This Girl Can” campaign, which recently celebrated its ten year anniversary, has promoted women’s sport, challenged prejudice and made clear that sport is for everyone.

The Government is committed to ensuring as many people as possible have access to high quality grassroots sports facilities, with a particular focus on providing for under-represented groups, such as women and girls.

That is why we are investing £100 million through the Multi Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to build and upgrade high-quality grassroots sports pitches and facilities in the communities across the UK that need it most, including children and young people.

On 20 June 2025, the Culture Secretary announced that following Spending Review, at least £400 million is going to be invested into new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities in communities right across the UK, supporting the Government's Plan for Change. We will work closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans. I also attended a roundtable in Parliament this week on getting girls active.
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Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of cricket participation rates among state school pupils. \p Stephanie Peacock: Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young People Survey for Academic Year 2023-24 shows that 252,500 (6.6%) children in academy schools have participated in cricket at least once a week or more, and 253,000 (7.3%) children in maintained schools have participated in cricket at least once a week or more.

The Government is committed to protecting time for physical education in schools. The Prime Minister recently announced a new School Sport Partnerships approach and a new Enrichment Framework for schools to ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality sport and extracurricular activity. The ongoing independent expert-led review of the curriculum will ensure that all children can engage with a broad range of subjects, including PE and sport.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the National Governing Body for cricket, has committed to making the sport as inclusive as possible for children and young people through their new strategy and state school action plan. I have also seen the work of their charitable arm, Chance to Shine, to encourage more children to take up cricket, at the Mill Academy in Worsbrough last year.

We provide the majority of support for grassroots sport through our Arm’s Length Body, Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million of National Lottery and government money. The ECB receives £10.2 million funding from Sport England across up to five years to help deliver strategic objectives, including tackling inequalities and improving access to sport.
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Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of (a) the long-term viability, (b) the financial position and (c) levels of participation in cricket clubs in cities. \p Stephanie Peacock: This Government is committed to ensuring everyone, no matter their age, background or ability, should be able to play sport and be active.

The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding.

This includes long term investment to the England and Wales Cricket Board, the National Governing Body for cricket, which receives up to £11.6 million for five years to invest in community cricket initiatives. This includes programmes that will benefit everyone, including people who live in cities, as set out in their “Inspiring Generations” strategy for 2025-2028.

On 20 June 2025, the Culture Secretary announced at least £400 million is going to be invested into new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities in communities right across the UK following the Spending Review, supporting the Government's Plan for Change. We will work closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans.
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Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many times their Department has accepted in full the position of the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s (a) findings and (b) recommendations on (i) issuing an apology and (ii) other forms of redress in the last 10 years. \p Stephanie Peacock: The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
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Sir Mark Hendrick:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what funding her Department has allocated to local authorities to provide youth services in (a) Preston and (b) Lancashire over the next three years. \p Stephanie Peacock: Local authorities hold the statutory duty to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, sufficient provision of educational and recreational leisure-time activities for young people. Local Authorities fund youth services from their Local Government Finance Settlement in line with local need.

This Spending Review provides over £5 billion of new grant funding over the next three years for local services that communities rely on. This includes £3.4 billion of new grant funding which will be delivered through the Local Government Finance Settlement within financial years 2026-27 to 2028-29.
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Maya Ellis:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if her Department will make an assessment of the sustainability of local news outlets in (a) Ribble Valley and (b) Lancashire. \p Stephanie Peacock: Sustainability of local journalism across the country is an area of particular concern for this Government, including in Ribble Valley and Lancashire. The Government understands the important work that local news does across the UK, including outlets such as the Lancs Live and the Lancashire Telegraph. We are developing a Local Media Strategy, in recognition of the importance of this vital sector. Our vision is a thriving local media that can continue to play an invaluable role as a key channel of trustworthy information at local level, reporting on the issues that matter to communities, reflecting their contributions and perspectives, and helping to foster a self-confident nation in which everyone feels that their contribution is part of an inclusive national story.

We are working across Government and with other stakeholders as the Strategy develops, and we recently held a roundtable discussion with local news editors to discuss our planned approach and collaboration with industry on the Strategy. An industry working group has now been set up to consider the issues in more detail and we will announce more in the coming months.
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Victoria Collins:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what progress her Department has made towards establishing a ban on conversion practices. \p Dame Nia Griffith: I refer the Honourable member to my answer on 24 June (PQ 60396).
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Tom Hayes:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to improve support for young trans people under the age of 18. \p Dame Nia Griffith: It is crucial that all trans people, regardless of age, are safe, included and protected from discrimination.

There are strong protections in place for young trans people to live free from discrimination and harassment. In addition to this, work is already underway to fulfil the commitments set out in the Government’s manifesto, advancing the rights and protections afforded to young trans people. This includes delivering a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices and equalising all existing strands of hate crime to make them aggravated offences.
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Tom Hayes:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what discussions she is having with the Equality and Human Rights Commission on ensuring that updates to the Code of Practice provides practical guidance for service providers who wish to remain trans-inclusive. \p Dame Nia Griffith: The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) consultation on the changes made to the draft updated statutory Code of Practice following the Supreme Court ruling closed on 30 June. We will consider the EHRC's final draft Code of Practice once it has been submitted. It is important that the Code provides the clarity service providers need, in line with the Supreme Court ruling, and ensures people have appropriate access to crucial services.

Once the final draft is sent to us by the EHRC, we will follow the correct process for decision-making including considering equality impacts in line with the public sector equality duty and providing for full parliamentary scrutiny in line with the Equality Act 2006.
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Tom Hayes:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, when she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to ban conversion therapy for trans people. \p Dame Nia Griffith: This Government’s position is that conversion practices are abuse. Such practices have no place in society and must be stopped.

We are committed to bringing forward a comprehensive trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices. This is a complex issue, and it is imperative that we get this right. That is why, in collaboration with Ministerial colleagues, my officials and I are working hard to draft legislation that protects LGBT individuals from these harmful practices.

We will publish our draft Bill later this session for pre-legislative scrutiny.
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Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps her Department is taking to improve access to legal support for parents involved in international child abduction cases. \p Sarah Sackman: Legal aid is available under the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO), for legal advice and representation in cases of international abduction where a child has unlawfully been brought to England and Wales from another country. Both the applicant and respondent may be eligible, subject to passing the relevant eligibility tests and providing the required documentation.

For example, an applicant seeking the return of their child is eligible for non-means and non-merits tested legal aid for legal representation, where they reside in a country which has signed the 1980 Hague Convention, and have made an application to the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit. The respondent is eligible for legal aid but is subject to means and merits testing.

Legal aid is also available to an applicant who is seeking to prevent the unlawful removal of a child (if they are a parent or have parental responsibility for the child) from the United Kingdom or to secure the return of a child who has been unlawfully removed from the United Kingdom, where the relevant proceedings are taking place in England and Wales. Funding is subject to passing the means and merits tests.

The Government provides funding to Reunite International, a charity that operates a 24-hour telephone advice line offering information and practical support to parents, guardians and family members in international child abduction cases. Reunite also offer a mediation service, which can provide an alternative means of resolving an international child abduction case.
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Rebecca Long Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prosecutions were brought for workplace sexual harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in each of the last five years. \p Sarah Sackman: Statistics collated centrally by the Ministry of Justice on the criminal offences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 do not separately identify perpetrators prosecuted, convicted or sentenced to crimes involving sexual harassment, or the location of where the offence took place.

Collating such information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
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Apsana Begum:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many (a) current and (b) pending court cases there are on activities listed in her Written Statement of 23 June 2025 on Security, HCWS729. \p Sarah Sackman: Data collated by the Ministry of Justice regarding the activity of the criminal court does not identify if a defendant is a Palestine Action member or if the offence was for activity relating to protests against arms sales to Israel. This information may be held in court records but to examine individual court records would be of disproportionate cost.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal on Scotland. \p Ian Murray: In May, the UK concluded a landmark economic deal with the US. This deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - sectors that employ over 320,000 people across the UK. In addition, an estimated 260,000 jobs are supported by the auto industry in the wider economy.

The Government remains focused on making sure British businesses can feel the benefits of the deal as soon as possible.

The Scotland Office will continue to work with the sector to understand the impacts, including the Scotch Whisky Industry.

The Government is continuing discussions on the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains.

The Scotland Office will continue to support the ongoing negotiations with the US, led by the Department for Business and Trade.
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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what support his Department provides to local authorities in Scotland to encourage the flying of the Union Flag. \p Ian Murray: The UK Government issues flag flying guidance for UK Government buildings across the UK. Local Government is a devolved matter in Scotland. The Scottish Government issues its own guidance for Scottish Government buildings in which it states that local authority buildings and schools in Scotland are not affected by these guidelines. The matter of flag flying remains one for individual local authorities in Scotland to determine.
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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments Bill on the Scottish Government's block grant. \p Ian Murray: Universal Credit is a reserved matter, while in Scotland Adult Disability Payment, a devolved benefit, replaced Personal Independence Payments.

This Government will deliver the first permanent, above-inflation rise in the Universal Credit standard allowance since the 1970s, meaning nearly 4 million households will receive an income boost worth £725 by 2029/30 for a single household 25 or over. Individual block grant adjustments linked to individual policy decisions will be published in due course.

The Spending Review set a three year envelope and guarantees that the block grant will be at least £52 billion by 2029, with an additional £9.1 billion in Barnett consequentials over that time period.
wrans/answers2025-07-07 conversation_374
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-07 conversation_374

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what estimate he has made of the potential impact of a reduction in spending on asylum would have on the Scottish Government's block grant. \p Ian Murray: Phase 2 of the Spending Review confirmed that devolved expenditure by the UK Government on Justice and Home Affairs will generate £451 million of additional Barnett funding for the Scottish Government over 2026/27-2029/30.

The Spending Review set a three year envelope and guarantees that the block grant will be at least £52 billion by 2029, with an additional £9.1 billion in Barnett consequentials over that time period.
wrans/answers2025-07-07 conversation_375
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-07 conversation_375

Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Court of Session’s judgment on the Petition of the Scottish Ministers for Judicial Review of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, published on 8 December 2023. \p Ian Murray: The Scottish Government confirmed in a statement to the Scottish Parliament on 22 April 2025 that it has no plans to bring back the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.
wrans/answers2025-07-07 conversation_376
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-07 conversation_376

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on (a) the provision of guidance and (b) support to businesses in Northern Ireland in relation to UK-EU trade arrangements. \p Hilary Benn: The Government’s renewed partnership with the EU will deliver a broader range of benefits for people and businesses across the UK. These include an SPS Agreement which, once implemented, will help facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, reduce costs for businesses and improve consumer choice. The common understanding, signed on 19 May, will now be developed into a legal text.

The Government engages with the Northern Ireland Executive on an ongoing basis both formally and informally. Additionally, the Northern Ireland Executive is formally represented in a number of fora relating to the UK-EU relationship.
wrans/answers2025-07-07 conversation_377
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-07 conversation_377

Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal on Wales. \p Jo Stevens: Within a year of coming into government, we have secured three new trade deals with India, the EU and the US. Our Trade Strategy is unambiguous in pursuing quicker, more practical deals that deliver a real impact for Welsh businesses. That is why we have prioritised deals with Wales’s largest markets, including the US as our single largest country of destination with over 1000 businesses exporting from Wales.

In May, the UK concluded a landmark economic deal with the US. This deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - sectors that employ over 45,000 people across Wales.

The Government remains focused on making sure British businesses can feel the benefits of the deal as soon as possible.

The Government is continuing discussions on the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains.

My Department will continue to support the ongoing negotiations with the US, led by the Department for Business and Trade.
wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_1

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the petition on international law violations by the UK in Palestine between 1917 and 1948 submitted to the Government, dated September 2025, if she will meet the (a) petitioners and (b) legal advisers. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government will respond to this petition in the normal way in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_2

Richard Burgon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on (a) disabled and (b) older people in Gaza of (i) delays in, (ii) obstructions of and (iii) the suspension of the delivery of humanitarian aid; and what contingency plans her Department has to respond to such scenarios. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Marginalised groups such as people with disabilities and the elderly are disproportionately impacted by long standing conflicts including the war in Gaza, and by humanitarian provision which only allows those able to carry aid over long distances to secure food. We continue to work, alongside regional partners, including Egypt and Jordan, to enable the UN and non-governmental organisations to ensure aid reaches all those in Gaza, and we continue to urge the Israeli authorities to allow the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of older people, and others.
wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_3

Iqbal Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with the (a) United Nations and (b) International Maritime Organisation on the access of the Global Sumed Flotilla into Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We remain in close contact with our Israeli counterparts over the status of vessels seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and as the Prime Minister said on 21 September, the UK continues to demand that the Israeli Government permits the full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza immediately. By far the most effective way to meet the desperate needs of the Gazan people at the speed and scale that is needed is via overland routes, and we reiterate that Israel must immediately allow the UN and other agencies to deliver lifesaving aid to those in Gaza who so desperately need it.
wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_4

Iqbal Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help protect British (a) vessels and (b) civilians when en route to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We remain in close contact with our Israeli counterparts over the status of vessels seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and as the Prime Minister said on 21 September, the UK continues to demand that the Israeli Government permits the full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza immediately. By far the most effective way to meet the desperate needs of the Gazan people at the speed and scale that is needed is via overland routes, and we reiterate that Israel must immediately allow the UN and other agencies to deliver lifesaving aid to those in Gaza who so desperately need it.
wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_5

Bob Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Pakistani counterpart on the use of blasphemy legislation to target religious minorities. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government remains deeply concerned by the use of blasphemy laws to undermine human rights in Pakistan. We regularly raise this issue at the highest levels, pressing for due process to prevent wrongful convictions and ensure fair trials for those accused, and safety of those released. I (Minister Falconer) raised the rights of religious minorities and blasphemy laws when I met Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on 31 March 2025. Lord Khan of Burnley raised the misuse of blasphemy laws when he met Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on 16 April 2025. The Foreign Secretary looks forward to establishing a relationship and holding wide-ranging discussions with her Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar already having met in New York.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-03 conversation_6

Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on allowing the UK to bring aid into Gaza with UN protection. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Israeli Government's refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza has caused a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, and the UK has been clear that the latest military operation in Gaza City will only worsen the humanitarian crisis and endanger the lives of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. We desperately need an immediate ceasefire to enable the delivery of aid at the speed and volume required to address the scale and urgency of the crisis.

The Government has raised these issues consistently with our Israeli counterparts, including summoning the Israeli Ambassador in August to express our opposition to expanded military operations in Gaza, and pressing President Herzog on our humanitarian concerns and the need for an immediate ceasefire in his meetings with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary on 10 September. The Foreign Secretary also raised these issues during a call with Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 17 September, and in her statement to the UN Security Council on 23 September.