theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

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Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the 43 per cent decline in the number of hen harrier chicks fledging in 2024 compared to 2023, what steps they are taking to introduce licensing of grouse shooting in England. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government recognises well-managed grouse shooting can be an important part of a local rural economy, providing direct and indirect employment. It also appreciates that many people hold strong views on the issue of grouse shooting and there is evidence to suggest a link between it and crimes against birds of prey. While Defra has not yet made any formal assessment of the potential merits of the licensing of grouse shooting in England, it will continue to work to ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between grouse shooting and conservation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

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Baroness Scott of Needham Market:To ask His Majesty's Government how much DEFRA spent in total in the past financial year to create new opportunities for the public to access nature, or to improve existing public access, excluding engagement programmes. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: We are committed both to creating new opportunities for the public to access nature, and to improving existing public access. For instance, in FY24/25 we spent £5.5 million on progressing delivery of the King Charles III England Coast Path and £5.6 million on progressing delivery of the Coast to Coast National Trail. We also spent £5.8 million on our Access for All programme to increase accessibility of the countryside. This excludes funding for engagement programmes such as Generation Green and Green Social Prescribing, and funding for access casework, maintenance, monitoring, and staff costs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

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Baroness Scott of Needham Market:To ask His Majesty's Government how much financial assistance DEFRA will provide in total to support the agriculture sector in the new Spending Review period. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: We are investing more than £2.7 billion a year in farming and nature recovery.

Funding for the Environmental Land Management Schemes paid to farmers will increase by 150% from £800 million in 2023/24 to £2 billion by 2028/29.

Overall farmers and land managers will benefit from an average of £2.3 billion a year through the Farming and Countryside Programme. And up to £400 million from additional nature schemes, including those for tree planting and peatland restoration.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

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Baroness Scott of Needham Market:To ask His Majesty's Government how much financial assistance DEFRA provided in total to support the agriculture sector in the past financial year. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: In line with its obligations under the Agriculture Act 2020, Defra regularly publishes an annual report setting out commitments in the previous financial year. Defra intends to publish the annual report for the financial year 2024/25 later this year, which will set out how money was spent in that financial year.
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Lord Clark of Windermere:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the accuracy of United Utilities' monitoring of the ecology of lake Windermere. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: In England, the Environment Agency (EA) undertakes monitoring and reporting on water ecology and publish these results via the ‘Water Hub’.

United Utilities (UU) monitor their discharges under Operator Self-Monitoring (OSM). The EA audits this monitoring and may take appropriate compliance and enforcement action in relation to the results of this monitoring.

UU also monitor spills from assets including Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) via Event Duration Monitoring. The EA checks this data and the equipment used to collate it. All eight operational Wastewater Treatment works and Pumping Stations in the Windermere catchment have been inspected in the last 13 months, in some cases on multiple occasions. The EA also responds to reports of environmental incidents and takes appropriate action.
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Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government when a new tripartite agreement for the movement of horses between the UK, France and Ireland will be in place. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Defra acknowledges that a new Tripartite Agreement between the UK, Ireland and France for certain higher health horses may ease the practical challenges with equine movements between the three nations. However, any future discussions with the EU on this would be separate from the outcomes of the SPS Agreement.
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Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk of pollution and flooding resulting from the dumping of electric hire-scheme bikes in canals and rivers, as reported by the Canal and River Trust. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: As announced in December’s English Devolution White Paper, the Government will legislate to empower local leaders to regulate hire bike schemes. These powers will enable local authorities to better identify and tackle issues arising from schemes, such as antisocial behaviour.

Dumped e-bikes are an eyesore and nuisance however they represent a very low pollution risk overall to river water quality. This is because the amount of pollution that could come from them is extremely small when considering overall dilution by the river. However, they should be removed as soon as possible to minimise any risk from degradation of batteries etc, which over time could release low levels of pollution.

The EA use their permissive powers to carry out routine maintenance on some designated main rivers, which includes obstruction removal.
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Lord Freyberg:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps, if any, they are taking to align regulation of flame retardants with the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation, particularly regarding the classification and restriction of substances of very high concern that are persistent and bioaccumulative. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The annual UK REACH Work Programme explains what UK REACH regulatory activity is planned each year. The UK REACH Work Programme for 2025/26 will be published in due course
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Baroness Scott of Needham Market:To ask His Majesty's Government how much DEFRA plan to spend in the new Spending Review period to create new opportunities for the public to access nature, or to improve existing public access, excluding engagement programmes. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government has already set out several ambitious manifesto commitments to expand opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors, including the creation of nine new national river walks and three new national forests in England. Our spending plans are dependent on business planning outcomes.
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The Earl of Caithness:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by the Parliamentary Undersecretary for State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 March (HC Deb col 924), what plans they have to raise awareness and improve pet owners' education with regards to using fipronil and imidacloprid. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The cross-Government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) Group is convening a workshop in August 2025, focused on the environmental impact of pet parasiticides.

This event will bring together representatives from across the companion animal sector to share knowledge and expertise on this issue. The primary objective of the workshop is to collaboratively develop and agree on consistent messaging for pet owners regarding the appropriate use of topical parasiticides for cats and dogs. A key focus will be on how this messaging can be effectively disseminated across different settings - with the aim to minimise potential environmental impacts.
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The Earl of Caithness:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer from Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 27 March 2025 (HL5886), whether they will publish the roadmap to address levels of fipronil or imidacloprid in UK waterways. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The roadmap to address levels of fipronil or imidacloprid in UK waterways will be published imminently, subject to ministerial clearance and upon receipt of a grid slot.
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Baroness Gale:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the summary of responses and Government response to the public consultation on fairer food labelling on 12 June, whether they intend to implement mandatory method-of-production labelling for eggs, pork and chicken. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: On 12 June 2025 we published the summary of responses and the Government response to the fairer food labelling consultation, which was undertaken last year by the previous Government. The response is available here on GOV.UK.

We recognise the strong support from the public and other stakeholders for clearer information for consumers on welfare standards for their food. We have also heard and understood the views raised on the detail of the consultation proposals by the many interested parties who have responded to this consultation.

We will consider the potential role of method of production labelling reform as part of the ongoing development of the government’s wider animal welfare and food strategies.
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Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government when the Border Target Operating Model will be fully implemented. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: We are committed to fully implementing the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). The BTOM has largely been implemented. The only current gap is on goods coming from the Republic of Ireland – this is the final stage of BTOM implementation, and we will provide further information in Summer 2025.

While EU origin Live Animals, Products of Animal Origin and High-Risk Food not of Animal Origin goods coming from the Republic of Ireland require pre-notification and certification, we will provide further information on the introduction of physical controls for these goods, and plant and plant products, in the Summer of 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

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Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government what recent engagement they have had with zoos and aquariums regarding the inclusion of conservation animal transfers in any future UK–EU veterinary agreement. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: We continue to work with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) to address immediate challenges regarding EU trade– such as the availability of Export Health Certificates and Border Control Post capacity. However, our primary focus is on securing a long-term, sustainable solution through a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement with the EU.

As announced at the UK-EU Leaders’ Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, aimed at reducing trade barriers to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of goods, including terrestrial and aquatic zoo animals. With the principles and framework of a deal agreed, we will now negotiate the detail of an agreement that reduces administrative burden by streamlining SPS checks and certification, while upholding the UK’s commitment to ensure its biosecurity is protected within this future framework.

Ministers have actively engaged with the zoo and wildlife sector through multiple visits and discussions to understand its challenges and opportunities. This dialogue will continue as we work together to support ongoing improvements
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

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Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of impact of the East Midlands Railways delaying the introduction of Class 810 Aurora trains and potentially returning some of Class 222 trains to leasing company on (1) passenger capacity on the Midland Main Line, and (2) the train times of (a) the operators to whom the Class 222 trains are expected to be leased, and (b) the Midland Main Line. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: In collaboration with industry partners, East Midlands Railway are considering all factors, including minimising the impacts on passengers, in relation to their fleet transition. There has been no assessment by the Department of the train times to whom the Class 222s are expected to be leased.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

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Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to introducing legislation to enable local authorities and other public organisations reclaim the costs of removing dumped electric hire-scheme bikes and scooters from scheme operators. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The dumping of hire bikes and e-scooters is clearly unacceptable. As announced in December’s English Devolution White Paper, we will legislate to empower local leaders to manage shared cycle schemes. This will include consideration of how costs arising from monitoring of and enforcement against this kind of antisocial use could be recouped by local authorities in the future. Existing e-scooter trials are run under the supervision of the Department for Transport. Within these trials, local authorities, working with their e-scooter operator, will determine requirements for fleet management, including how to tackle overcrowding at parking bays.
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The Earl of Caithness:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Lord Khan of Burnley on 12 June (HL Deb 324GC), which stakeholders they have consulted with in respect of the wildfire policy scoping work; and what plans they have to consult with landowners, land managers, and wildfire experts. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Government is taking a joined-up approach to enhancing resilience to wildfires. Improvements are being driven in wildfire data collection through the introduction of the new Fire and Rescue Data Platform – a new incident reporting tool used by Fire and Rescue Services. This will introduce a formal definition for ‘wildfire’ for the purpose of fire incident reporting, which will enable Government to collect official data on the number of incidents and publish official statistics. These improvements will allow us to track data trends, the concentration of wildfire events and provide a solid evidence base for future wildfire policy and operational planning.

Prior to the transfer of fire functions to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Home Office convened a number of stakeholder workshops with the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), its agencies, and other stakeholders to identify policy options for addressing wildfire risk. This included a workshop, led by Defra, on land management issues. The outcomes of this work are currently being considered.

Officials continue to engage actively with landowners, land managers and wildfire specialists through established forums including the England and Wales Wildfire Forum (EWWF).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

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Lord Storey:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reasons for the delay in introducing 'Hillsborough Law'. \p Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede: Families have waited decades to get justice done and we are fully committed to bringing legislation forward.

Having consulted with those groups and their representatives, it is clear more time is required to draft the best version of a Hillsborough Law.

We will continue to work with those families to ensure they receive the justice they deserve.
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Lord Jamieson:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Home Office has seen the unredacted drawings of (1) the cultural exchange building, and (2) the basement, for the new Chinese Embassy at the former site of the Royal Mint. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: A public inquiry was held on this case between 11 and 28 February, at which interested parties were able to put forward evidence and make representations. On 10 June 2025, the Planning Inspector passed their report to MHCLG for consideration.

Given the independence of this quasi-judicial process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further on aspects of the planning process, but I can assure the Noble Lord that we have considered the breadth of national security issues in relation to the proposed new Embassy.
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Lord Freyberg:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the recent Spending Review, what discussions they have held with further education providers, heritage craft training organisations, and relevant guilds regarding the development of targeted apprenticeships and upskilling programmes to support the transmission of traditional and endangered craft skills to ensure the sustainability of the UK’s heritage craft sector. \p Baroness Twycross: As highlighted in the recent debate on support for the crafts sector (12th July), the UK’s craft industry is a custodian of heritage, a source of enrichment, and a powerful driver of growth.

The skills system is central to achieving economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity. The government will provide £1.2 billion of additional investment in the skills system per year by 2028-29, and will set out further detail on its plans in a strategy for post-16 education and skills later in the year.

DCMS ministers will meet with sector representatives to discuss craft skills soon. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the government will also work with industry to support creative sector training pathways, including through a new DCMS and Skills England led Creative Sector Skills Forum. We will develop the growth and skills offer to deliver apprenticeships and skills training that recognises the particular needs of the Creative Industries, of which the crafts industry is a vital part.
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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the Games Growth Package on the games sector in the UK. \p Baroness Twycross: The Government has made an internal assessment which shows an expected positive impact of the Games Growth Package. This was based on an independent evaluation of the UK Games Fund between 2022-2025, which will be published shortly, as well as information provided by Games London, industry reports and material gathered from stakeholder engagement.

A full, independent evaluation to assess the impact of the package will be commissioned in 2026/27, following the launch of this new funding.
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Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard:To ask His Majesty's Government whether, as part of the £50 million committed for Casement Park, the Gaelic Athletic Association has been asked to change any of its rules or aims, such as those relating to flying the Irish National Flag, playing the Irish National Anthem, or strengthening national identity, in order to make it more inclusive of the Northern Ireland community. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: No such request has been made. The UK Government has committed £50 million of Capital Financial Transactions funding to redevelop Casement Park. We will continue to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to provide support. However, it is up to the Executive to design and implement the Financial Transaction in developing the stadium in partnership with the GAA
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hanson of Flint on 22 May (HL7831), whether they will now answer the question put, namely, what discussions they have had with representatives of the higher education sector on the revocation of student visas for foreign nationals convicted of serious criminal offences in the United Kingdom. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office keeps all aspects of the immigration system under review, including compliance and enforcement issues within the education sector, in consultation with a wide range of experts and other stakeholders.
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Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to end the use of hotels to house refugees. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office has already reduced usage of asylum hotels substantially from the peak of 400 in use in Autumn 2023, and it committed to end their use entirely by the end of this Parliament.

Data is published quarterly, on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including hotels. According to the latest official data, published on 22 May 2025, there were 32,345 individuals accommodated in hotels as of 31 March 2025.

The information requested for houses of multiple occupancy is not currently available from published statistics, and the relevant data can only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total funding allocated to the police forces in Wales for the financial year 2025–26; and what are the anticipated allocations for (1) 2026–27, and (2) 2027–28. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Total funding to police forces in England and Wales will be up to £17.6 billion, an increase of up to £1.2 billion compared to the 2024-25 police funding settlement – a significant increase, and more than the increase last year.

Dfyed-Powys Police will receive up to £163.6 million in funding in 2025-26, an increase of up to £12.1 million when compared to the 2024-25 funding settlement.

Gwent Police will receive up to £197 million in funding in 2025-26, an increase of up to £14.3 million when compared to the 2024-25 funding settlement.

Dfyed-Powys Police will receive up to £163.6 million in funding in 2025-26, an increase of up to £12.1 million when compared to the 2024-25 funding settlement.

North Wales Police will receive up to £226.2 million in funding in 2025-26, an increase of up to £16 million when compared to the 2024-25 funding settlement.

South Wales Police will receive up to £441.7 million in funding in 2025-26, an increase of up to £32.6 million when compared to the 2024-25 funding settlement.

Details on force funding allocations for 2026-27 will be set out at the police settlement later this year.
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Lord Agnew of Oulton:To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of interactions with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs customer service lines were classified as ‘failure demand’ resulting from (1) internal administrative errors, (2) unclear or misleading official guidance, or (3) another form of failure demand, in each of the past four financial years; and in each case, what was the total estimated cost. \p Lord Livermore: HMRC publishes its call waiting times here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-monthly-performance-reports

Last year, HMRC received extra funding to deploy additional customer service advisers. They are also investing in new technology which will significantly enhance the customer experience. Improving day-to-day performance is a key priority for HMRC.

Failure demand encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, including customer, employer and HMRC errors. While HMRC classifies some categories of call as failure demand (for example the customer could theoretically find relevant information via online guidance), these calls are essential in helping customers understand their tax obligations and pay the right amount of tax. Therefore, while HMRC is seeking to reduce failure demand and encourage customers to use online services, they recognise the importance of continuing to support those who call for extra help.

The below table provides the total proportion of calls classified as ‘failure demand’. Failure demand data does not exist for 2021/22 (or earlier).

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

Failure Demand Percentage

70%

72%

76%
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Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what the Barnett consequentials are for Northern Ireland arising from the expansion of the provision of entitlement to winter fuel payments for pensioners in England and Wales. \p Lord Livermore: From 2025-26, all individuals over the State Pension age in England and Wales with an income below £35,000 will be eligible to benefit from the Winter Fuel Payment. Pensioners in England and Wales above this threshold can either opt out or will be liable to have the payment reclaimed automatically through the personal tax system.

The Office for Budget Responsibility will incorporate the final costings into its forecast at the Budget later this year. As the Winter Fuel Payment is devolved in Northern Ireland, there will be an increase in Northern Ireland Executive funding through the AME forecast processes. This increased funding will be confirmed at the Budget.
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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of UK companies seeking to be based and listed in the United States of America; and what steps they intend to take to encourage UK businesses to remain. \p Lord Livermore: The Government is committed to reinvigorating our capital markets to deliver growth, supporting firms to start, scale, list and stay in the UK.

We have already delivered an ambitious set of reforms including overhauling the Prospectus regime and Listing Rules, providing more flexibility to firms and founders raising capital on UK markets.

The Government's recently published Industrial Strategy sets out how we are supporting favourable conditions to drive investment in our highest growth sectors, and spur domestic businesses to scale up - supporting high-quality jobs across the UK. This includes increasing the British Business Bank’s total financial capacity to £25.6 billion – which will result in a two-thirds increase in support for innovative UK businesses.
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Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of any additional funding allocated to the government of Wales following the 2025 spending review, in line with the Barnett formula. \p Lord Livermore: The Welsh Government settlement is growing in real terms between 2024-25 and 2028-29. This is the largest Spending Review settlement, in real terms, since devolution in 1998. The Welsh Government is receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. This ensures the Welsh Government is funded above their level of need.

The Welsh Government is receiving an average of £22.4 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29, including an additional £1.6 billion per year on average through the operation of the Barnett formula, with £1.4 billion resource between 2026-27 and 2028-29 and £200 million capital between 2026-27 and 2029-30.
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Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth:To ask His Majesty's Government what financial assistance they are providing for the construction of data centres to expand computing capabilities for artificial intelligence. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Government is encouraging growth in the data centre sector by addressing barriers to building. This includes changes to planning rules, cross-sectoral power reforms to reduce connection timelines and launching AI Growth Zones.

As part of the over £2 billion Spending Review settlement for the AI Action Plan, we have committed over £1 billion to expand the AI Research Resource, positioning the UK as a leader in high-performance AI computing, driving global innovation and scientific discovery. We’ve also announced that Scotland will host the UK’s most powerful supercomputer, backed by up to £750 million in additional investment.
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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether there are skills gaps in the artificial intelligence workforce; and what steps they are taking to increase AI-related skills across the UK workforce. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: Reducing the AI skills gap is critical for increasing the UK’s productivity and delivering long-term growth. DSIT regularly reviews the status of the UK’s AI labour market and has commissioned a survey of the labour market, which will be published later this year. We are also working with DfE and Skills England to assess the AI skills gap and map pathways to fill it and recently announced a joint commitment with industry to upskill 7.5 million workers with vital AI skills.

As set out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan and reaffirmed at the Spending Review, we have also confirmed that we will be expanding AI education in universities, launching Pioneer Fellowships for cross-disciplinary upskilling, and introducing the Sparck AI Scholarships to attract and nurture top talent in UK institutions.
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Baroness Grey-Thompson:To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to implement the action in the Disability Action Plan to provide financial support for disabled people to access elected office, and what progress they have made towards that aim. \p Baroness Sherlock: The Disability Action Plan was an initiative of the previous administration.

It is this government’s ambition to see more disabled people in public office. We have been clear that we will champion disabled people’s rights and work closely with them so that disabled people’s views and voices are at the heart of decision-making.

On 9 June we announced a new Access to Elected Office Steering Group to support the development of a new fund to help with the disability-related expenses of gaining elected office. Drawing on their lived experience and expertise of disability, accessing funding or standing for elected office, members will work with the Minister for Social Security and Disability to ensure the fund is effective in increasing disability representation in future elections. More information about this work will be shared in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_11

Baroness Grey-Thompson:To ask His Majesty's Government when they will provide an update on the implementation of the commitments set out in the Disability Action Plan. \p Baroness Sherlock: The Disability Action Plan was an initiative of the previous administration. This Government is committed to championing the rights of Deaf and disabled people. We will build on the insights shared by disabled people and their representative organisations, working closely with them so that their views and voices are at the heart of decision-making.

We are currently taking forward a number of priorities, including making the right to equal pay effective for disabled people and introducing disability pay gap reporting for large employers through the Equality (Race & Disability) Bill and seeking to identify and, where possible, develop solutions to the barriers disabled people face when trying to use and access Assistive Technology. We will provide an update on wider priorities in due course.

Additionally, in December 2024, a Lead Minister for Disability was appointed in every government department to represent the interests of disabled people and champion disability inclusion and accessibility across their department, as they drive forward progress on the government’s manifesto commitments and 5 missions.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_12

Lord Goodman of Wycombe:To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to the transparency data COVID-19 loan guarantee schemes repayment data: March 2025, published on 6 June, what proportion by value of total guarantee claims made by lenders relate explicitly to suspected fraud loss as opposed to credit loss. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: As at 31 March £10.86bn (23.3% by value) has been settled under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) Government-backed guarantee.

The proportion (by value) of total guarantee claims made by lenders relating explicitly to suspected fraud loss is:

- BBLS: 5.53%

- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme: 2.61%

- Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme: 0% (none)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_13

Lord Grayling:To ask His Majesty's Government what their priority countries are for the Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use Phase 2 programme. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use Phase 2 (IFSLU2) will operate in a range of countries that face critical vulnerabilities in the land sector arising from climate change, and which have an essential role to play in addressing the linked crises affecting climate and nature.

IFSLU2 will take a regional approach, covering Latin America; West, Central and East Africa; and Southeast Asia. Several countries are within scope, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Indonesia, Brazil, Colombia and Peru. The final geographical scope will be determined during 2025.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_14

Lord Frost:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement on 11 June providing for "a future customs union between the EU and Gibraltar", whether Gibraltar will be required to align with the EU's external trade policy; and if so, what will be the legal framework for UK-Gibraltar trade. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Trade between the UK and Gibraltar is almost exclusively in services. Trade in services is not in scope of this agreement so the legal framework for UK-Gibraltar trade in this respect is unchanged. The UK and Gibraltar remain separate customs jurisdictions, and goods trade between the two will continue to be governed by the respective arrangements of both. Duties will apply to UK goods moving to Gibraltar as they do today and vice versa. In order to facilitate the removal of customs checks at the land border, Gibraltar has decided to align some aspects of its import regime with that of the European Union. It will not be required to align with all aspects of European Union external trade policy and can still be part of UK free trade agreements to the same extent Gibraltar has been previously, namely relevant services chapters.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_15

Lord Frost:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement on 11 June, whether there will be any changes to UK sovereignty over Gibraltar Airport or to its legal and practical operating environment, other than those required to operate new Schengen controls. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Sovereignty and jurisdiction over Gibraltar's airport are and will remain unchanged. The arrangements we have agreed to facilitate commercial passenger flights between Gibraltar and the European Union safeguard this. Military functions are out of scope of the arrangements foreseen under the UK-EU Agreement.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_16

Lord Frost:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement on 11 June, whether Schengen officials will have the right of hot pursuit into Gibraltar under Article 41 of the Schengen agreement. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: To ensure the safety and security of both Gibraltar and Spain, the Treaty will include provisions for enhanced police cooperation, including on 'hot pursuit'. This provision will be reciprocal, and will be governed by clear rules and procedures. As Gibraltar is not joining Schengen, Article 41 of the Schengen agreement will not apply.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_17

Lord Frost:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement on 11 June, whether any stay by a British citizen in Gibraltar will count towards the 90-day limit within a 180-day period for third-country nationals entering the Schengen area. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Non-resident British nationals can currently visit Gibraltar for up to 90 days. The same will be the case under this agreement. As visitors will be free to cross into Spain without checks, time spent in Gibraltar will count towards the European Union's 90 in 180 requirement. Immigration into Gibraltar is, and will remain, the responsibility of the Government of Gibraltar. This agreement provides a solution to the unique situation in Gibraltar. It ensures a fluid border to deliver certainty for the people and businesses of Gibraltar and has the full support of its Government.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_18

Lord Frost:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement on 11 June, whether British citizens entering Gibraltar who do not intend to leave the territory will have to go through Schengen area entry checks, and whether access to the territory by British citizens could be rejected by Schengen area officials. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: As is the case today, there will be no automatic right of entry into Gibraltar for non-resident British nationals. To unlock the benefits of a fluid border, all individuals arriving at the airport will undergo dual immigration controls allowing them to move freely into the European Union if they wish to. Immigration and entry to Gibraltar will remain the responsibility of the Gibraltarian authorities. Spain will only be responsible for granting entry to the Schengen area.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_19

Lord Frost:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the UK–EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement on 11 June, whether members of the British armed forces serving in Gibraltar, or their families, will be required to go through Schengen area entry clearance before they can take up their roles. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: This agreement fully protects the autonomy of UK military facilities, allowing them to freely continue their vital contribution to regional security and prosperity as they do today. The posting of UK military personnel serving in Gibraltar, and their families, will not depend on Schengen area entry clearance. As now, the UK will decide who will serve in Gibraltar.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_20

Baroness Finn:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will place in the Library of the House a list of the Government Art Collection (GAC) items in each ministerial office that have been selected by ministers since the general election, broken down by (1) minister, (2) artist, (3) title, and (4) GAC number. \p Baroness Twycross: The Government Art Collection is a working collection, used across government buildings in the UK and the global estate, which means that artworks displayed in ministerial offices may change from time to time in response to new display steers and requests. The Government Art Collection website has all artworks belonging to the Collection and their current location. It is possible to search for all artworks in a specific location.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-06-25 conversation_21

The Earl of Clancarty:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Twycross on 12 June (HL Deb col 306GC), where the figures that the crafts subsector generated around £400 million in gross value added and employed around 7000 highly skilled artisans were originally sourced from; and how these these figures have been computed. \p Baroness Twycross: These figures are sourced from accredited official statistics published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as part of the DCMS Sectors Economic Estimates series.

Our annual gross value added (GVA) statistics, based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), provisionally estimate that the crafts subsector contributed £400 million to the UK economy in 2023. Our employment statistics, based on data from the ONS Annual Population Survey, estimate that there were 7,000 filled jobs in the crafts subsector in 2023.

Detailed methodological information about these statistics is available in the accompanying technical report published in each statistics release.