theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_35

Lord Bradley:To ask His Majesty's Government who was the contracted provider of each prison that has either transferred back to the public sector control having been privately contracted, or closed having been privately contracted, since 2000; what were the contractual start dates; and what were the contractual expiry dates. \p Lord Timpson: The key contractual dates for the current privately-operated prisons are set out in the table below.

Prison

Operator

Current contract dates

Previous operator

Previous contract dates

Altcourse

Sodexo

01/06/2023 to 32/05/2033

G4S

01/12/1997 to 31/05/2023

Ashfield

Serco

01/11/2024 to 31/10/2034

Serco

01/11/1999 to 31/10/2024

Bronzefield

Sodexo

17/06/2004 to 16/06/2029

N/A

N/A

Doncaster

Serco

01/10/2011 to 30/9/2026

Serco

Not known – this was a Home Office contract

Dovegate

Serco

09/07/2001 to 08/07/2026

N/A

N/A

Five Wells

G4S

04/02/2022 to 03/02/2032

N/A

N/A

Fosse Way

Serco

29/05/2023 to 28/05/2033

N/A

N/A

Forest Bank

Sodexo

20/01/2000 to 19/01/2025

N/A

N/A

Northumberland

Sodexo

01/12/2013 to 30/11/2028

HMPPS

N/A

Oakwood

G4S

24/04/2012 to 23/04/2027

N/A

N/A

Parc

G4S

15/12/1997 to 14/12/2022

G4S

15/12/2022 to 14/12/2032

Peterborough (female)

Sodexo

28/03/2005 to 27/03/2030

N/A

N/A

Peterborough (male)

Sodexo

28/03/2005 to 27/03/2030

N/A

N/A

Rye Hill

G4S

21/10/2001 to 20/10/2026

N/A

N/A

Thameside

Serco

01/06/2012 to 31/12/2036

N/A

N/A

*Inherited from the Home Office

The key contractual dates for prisons that were previously privately-operated are set out in the table below.

Prison

Operator

Contract dates

Date transitioned back to PSP

Reason for return to PSP/closure

Birmingham

G4S

01/10/2011 to 30/09/2026

30/06/2019

Step in by public sector.

Lowdham Grange

Sodexo Serco

16/02/2023 to 15/02/2033 16/02/1998 to 16/02/2023

01/08/2024

Step in by public sector.

Wolds

G4S

July 1991 to July 2013

July 2013

Outcome of competition

Buckley Hall

Group 4

1994 to 2001

2001

Outcome of Competition
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_36

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure sufficient energy availability in the wake of increased artificial intelligence use. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has contracted European Economic Research Limited to analyse the future net energy demand of AI, with the project being due to be completed by April 2025. The National Electricity System Operator (NESO) is investigating the future power consumption of data centres, as well as grid constraints, lead times for developers, and how to improve connection processes.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_37

Lord Foster of Bath:To ask His Majesty's Government whether it remains their target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68 per cent on 1990 levels by 2030, as set in the United Kingdom’s 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The UK’s 2030 NDC target – to reduce economy wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% on 1990 levels – is a fair and ambitious contribution to global action on climate change, in line with the Paris Agreement temperature goal, and remains in place.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_38

Lord Foster of Bath:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 7 January (HL3653), what is the projected reduction in emissions from each of the future policies under consideration or in development; and what is the estimated total reduction in emissions as a result of these policies. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government will deliver an updated Carbon Budget Delivery that sets out the policy package out to the end of Carbon Budget 6 in 2037 for all the sectors, in due course. This will outline the policies and proposals needed to deliver carbon budgets 4-6 on a pathway to net zero.

Looking ahead, we will set Carbon Budget 7 by June 2026, in line with our statutory duties. This will set out the next phase of our pathway to net zero and policies to further decarbonise the UK economy.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_39

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to introduce secondary legislation under Schedule 17 of the Environment Act 2021 to implement due diligence requirements to address illegal deforestation in UK supply chains. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: We recognise the urgency of taking action to ensure that UK consumption of forest risk commodities is not driving deforestation. We will set out our approach to addressing deforestation in the UK’s supply chains in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_40

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure sufficient regulations are in place to keep the use of AI in the UK ethical and responsible. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: Most AI systems should be regulated at the point of use, and the UK's existing expert regulators are best placed to do this. In response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the government committed to supporting regulators to identifying their future capability needs and to understand how they intend to mitigate AI risks and drive growth.

The Government also intends to introduce targeted requirements on the handful of companies developing the most powerful AI systems. These proposals will build on the voluntary commitments secured at the AI Safety Summits and will strengthen the role of the AI Safety Institute.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_41

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of airspace modernisation in the UK. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Airspace Modernisation Strategy sets out the overarching approach through nine elements that will modernise aircraft-based navigation and airspace management. The Strategy aligns with International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Global Air Navigation Plan to ensure interoperability with neighbouring countries.

Parts 1 and 2 of the refreshed Strategy were published in January 2023 and set out strategic objectives and delivery elements. Part 3, which focuses on the deployment of the design elements, was published in July 2024 and outlines the delivery plans over the next 2 plus 5 years, and a new iteration will be published annually in line with the CAA’s Annual Report.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_42

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government when they will publish their response to the Creating a UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) consultation, which ran from 22 October 2024 to 17 December 2024. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The consultation on the proposed UK Airspace Design Service has now closed. The Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority are carefully considering the responses received to help inform the next stages of this project. The Government will set out its plans and the next steps later in 2025.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_43

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure a sufficient supply of minerals vital to the (1) manufacturing, and (2) technology, industries. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: A secure supply of critical minerals is vital for the UK's economic growth and security, industrial strategy, and clean energy transition. The government is developing a new Critical Minerals Strategy which will be more targeted towards the delivery of our industrial strategy and its eight core growth sectors. This new Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure our supply chains for the long term and drive forward the green industries of the future.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_44

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of anti-competition regulation on the growth of UK businesses. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The Government views effective competition regulation as a key driver for growth of UK businesses. As outlined in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper, effective competition drives innovation and boosts productivity, enabling businesses to thrive. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK’s primary consumer and competition authority. The CMA has returned over £23 in savings to consumers for every £1 spent by UK taxpayers over the last 3 years.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_45

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that sensitive cabling runs under the site of the proposed redevelopment of the Old Royal Mint; and whether such security considerations will be taken into account when deciding whether to permit the construction of a new embassy for China on the site. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: An independent Planning Inspector will hold a public inquiry at which interested parties will be able to put forward evidence and representations, after which a decision will be made by MHCLG ministers. Decisions on planning applications are based on material planning considerations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-27 conversation_46

Lord Hain:To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 19 December 2024 (HL3442), how many small fire outbreaks in the Palace of Westminster there were in each year from 2014 to 2024. \p Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The number of small fire outbreaks in the Palace of Westminster each year from 2014 to 2024 are as follows:

Year

Number of Incidents

2014

5

2015

6

2016

10

2017

4

2018

4

2019

3

2020

1

2021

2

2022

1

2023

5

2024

3
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_1

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the free trade agreement with the Maldives will include specific provisions that prioritise tuna caught by low impact methods over industrially caught tuna. \p Lord Stockwood: The previous Government, of which the noble lord was a member, launched a public consultation into a potential UK/Maldives FTA in 2023. The Department for Business and Trade has subsequently evaluated its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) programme and decided not to progress a UK-Maldives FTA at this time. It would be inappropriate to speculate on what might or might not be included in an FTA which we are not pursuing.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_2

Baroness Barran:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the statement by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 10 November (HL Deb cols 30–38), whether they plan to pilot changes to media literacy in the curriculum, and how its efficacy will be assessed. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: I refer the noble Lady to the answer of 27 November to Question HL11890.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_3

Lord Black of Brentwood:To ask His Majesty's Government how the revised international education strategy will measure the contribution of transnational education in relation to schools. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The government is reviewing the UK’s International Education Strategy to ensure it continues to reflect the priorities of the entire education sector, including transnational education for schools. The International Education Strategy will continue to support the growth of exports across the education sector, including schools. The strategy will be published in the coming months.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_4

Lord Black of Brentwood:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the revised international education strategy will include an assessment of the overall contribution of overseas pupils studying at independent schools; and whether the strategy will aim to increase the number of pupils studying at independent schools in the UK. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The government is reviewing the UK’s International Education Strategy to ensure it continues to reflect the priorities of the entire education sector, including schools. The International Education Strategy will continue to support the growth of exports across the education sector, including schools. The strategy will be published in the coming months.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_5

The Earl of Effingham:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Blake of Leeds on 16 October (HL Deb col 81GC–84GC) and the Written Answer by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 5 November (HL11244), what steps they will take to continue to provide funding to the eight specialist music and dance schools through the Music and Dance Scheme beyond this academic year. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: As Baroness Blake of Leeds set out in the Question for Short Debate on 16 October (HL Deb col 81GC 84GC), the Music and Dance Scheme is a long-term commitment and future funding for the scheme beyond this academic year will be announced in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_6

Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government when they will issue guidance to schools, colleges, universities and youth facilities on single-sex changing rooms and facilities, and related issues to comply with the Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.

Schools must always protect single-sex spaces with regard to toilets, showers and changing rooms. The School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 and the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 impose statutory requirements for both maintained and independent schools to provide sex-separated toilets and suitable changing accommodation and showers for pupils (apart from individual toilets in fully enclosed rooms).

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has also submitted the draft updated Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations to my right hon. Friend, the Minister for Women and Equalities, which the government is considering prior to next steps.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_7

Lord Black of Brentwood:To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to publish a revised international education strategy. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The government is currently reviewing its International Education Strategy to ensure that it continues be an effective tool in increasing the value of education exports across the UK and reflects the priorities of the education sector. The strategy will be published in the coming months.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_8

Lord Black of Brentwood:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the economic impact of overseas pupils studying at independent schools in the UK. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The department estimates that overseas pupils at UK independent schools contributed approximately £0.98 billion to the UK economy in 2022.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_9

The Earl of Clancarty:To ask His Majesty's Government, in relation to their curriculum and assessment review, what will be the status of arts subjects compared to other subjects within the Progress 8 accountability framework. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The government is revitalising arts education as part of the reformed national curriculum. Our proposed improvements to the ‘Progress 8’ model would recognise the value of subjects, including the arts, which strengthen our economy and society, and the importance of a broad pre-16 curriculum.

The government will consult on the proposed Progress 8 model. This proposed model includes English and mathematics slots, which follow the same rules as the current Progress 8, and two new science slots. There are four breadth slots, two of which must be filled by GCSE (or relevant AS level) qualifications from two of three categories: humanities, creative and languages. The creative category includes art and design, music, drama, dance, design and technology. The department will consult on an additional category for science subjects. We are interested in views on the impact of these breadth slots on pupil subject choices for GCSEs and technical qualifications.

The final breadth slots will take the two highest point scores in any two subjects, including English language or literature (if not counted in the English slot), other GCSE qualifications, or any technical awards from the department’s approved list. These final two slots will operate in the same way as the current open slots.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_10

Baroness Whitaker:To ask His Majesty's Government how they intend to implement the recommendation of the Curriculum and Assessment Review that rights and responsibilities, and the concepts of fairness and equity, should form part of the curriculum for law and rights. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: On 5 November, the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review published its final report, which includes recommendations for a refreshed curriculum and assessment system in England.

As part of the response to the Review’s report the government has made a commitment to make citizenship compulsory in key stages 1 and 2,so that primary aged children are introduced to key content on media literacy, law and rights, democracy and government education. Covering these issues in citizenship will ensure we continue to focus on schools’ role in developing fundamental British values, including mutual tolerance and respect. These principles will be extended to the secondary core content to reflect the age range of pupils and will focus on more complex content.

The department will engage with sector experts and young people in working out how best to reflect this in the updated curriculum. There will be public consultation on the updated curriculum Programmes of Study, to seek views on the content before they are finalised.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_11

Baroness Barran:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 10 November (HL Deb col 36), what evidence the decision not to follow the Curriculum and Assessment Review's recommendation that the structure of Progress 8 remains unchanged was based on. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: A July 2025 Skills England report noted that "the creative industries are experiencing significant skills shortages", with 33% of all vacancies attributed to this, and the Curriculum and Assessment Review found declines in entries into some key stage 4 arts qualifications, including music and drama. The department believes that the proposed ‘Progress 8’ structure will support development of these key skills and help deliver the government’s commitment to support young people with the opportunity to study a creative or vocational subject through to the end of key stage 4.

The department will therefore consult on an improved Progress 8 and Attainment 8 that recognises the value of these subjects and balances a strong academic core with breadth and student choice.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_12

Lord Farmer:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish data about how local authorities who receive funding for the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme are going further than minimum expectations on (1) reducing parental conflict, and (2) support for separating and separated funding. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The department does not publish data on how funding impacts reducing parental conflict or support for separating parents.

Through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme and the Family Hubs Transformation Fund, over 400 family hubs are now open across 88 local authorities. These hubs aim to connect separating parents with local services to prioritise children’s outcomes when agreeing arrangements and to avoid unnecessary court proceedings.

The government recognises the importance of resolving issues quickly and, where appropriate, outside court. The family mediation voucher scheme continues to provide £500 towards mediation costs, with over £16 million in vouchers issued to help 38,700 parents.

Local authorities with developed family hub models may offer hub-based mediation or shared parenting programmes to support separating families. While not mandatory, this is strongly encouraged for areas seeking to enhance their offer.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_13

Baroness Barran:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 10 November (HL Deb col 40), whether they plan to pilot media literacy within the curriculum, and if so, how its efficacy will be assessed. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: On 5 November, the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review published its final report which includes recommendations for a refreshed curriculum and assessment system in England.

As part of the response to the Review the government has committed to ensuring our young people have the skills they need to identify and challenge misinformation, by strengthening media literacy in citizenship and English.

To ensure primary-aged children are introduced to key content on media literacy we have made a commitment to make citizenship compulsory in key stages 1 and 2.

We will also reform the computing curriculum and create a broader computing GCSE so that pupils have the vital digital skills needed for the future such as AI literacy and we will explore a new level 3 qualification in data science and AI.

The department will engage with sector experts and young people in working out how best to reflect this content in the updated curriculum. There will be public consultation on the updated curriculum programmes of study, to seek views on the content before they are finalised.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_14

Baroness Whitaker:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, following their response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report, to ensure that young people who are not in education, employment, or training, including those who have not reached the required standard in literacy and numeracy, are covered by the post-sixteen provisions. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: Progress in English and maths at level 2 is vital for 16–19-year-olds to access opportunities in education, work, and life.

The Post-16 Skills and Education Strategy White Paper sets out reforms to qualifications at levels 3 and 2. At level 3, a new vocational pathway, V Levels, will sit alongside A levels and T Levels. At level 2, two pathways will be introduced: Further Study (progression to level 3) and Occupational (skilled employment). Students can combine these with English and maths qualifications.

Local authorities must support young people to participate in education or training, as per the Education and Skills Act 2008. Through the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, the department has committed to help schools, further education providers and local authorities track and share data to prevent young people from becoming not in education, employment or training.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_15

Lord Bailey of Paddington:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to address rising costs of placements for children in care, and to ensure the availability of high-quality, affordable placements nationwide. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: Every child in care should have a safe, loving home which is also value for money for the taxpayer.

The department is empowering local authorities to secure the best placements for looked after children at a price that is fair to the taxpayer. We know local authorities cannot do this alone, so we are also taking action at a national level to reshape the market. Through our package of measures, including those set out in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we will rebalance the market, improve competition, regulation and commissioning of placements, shine a light on the level of profit being made, and bring greater visibility to the prices local authorities are paying.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_16

Lord Austin of Dudley:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 31 October (HL11010 and HL11011), whether they will now answer the questions put. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 18 November to Question 88033, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The Foreign Secretary met with the Palestinian Foreign Minister on 1 November. As part of their conversation they discussed educational reforms. The UK continues to monitor and advance the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on strategic cooperation through an annual strategic dialogue. In the meantime, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, through the British Consulate in Jerusalem, engage regularly with the Palestinian Authority on many areas, including education reform.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_17

Lord Moylan:To ask His Majesty's Government what recent diplomatic discussions they have had with their international counterparts to ensure the promotion of freedom of religion or belief in Morocco. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief for all, and we maintain that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe. We engage on these issues with the Moroccan Government and authorities on a regular basis.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_18

Baroness Helic:To ask His Majesty's Government who currently holds the position of Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict; when that individual was appointed; what are the remit, responsibilities and reporting lines of that role; and what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the position in advancing the objective to prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflict. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The current set of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) envoys is presently under review. FCDO Ministers will take decisions on envoys in due course, and appointments of any new envoys will be announced publicly.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_19

Lord Inglewood:To ask His Majesty's Government, as part of the upcoming BBC Charter review, whether they will take steps to ensure that the BBC treats all complaints regarding its productions equally. \p Baroness Twycross: The principle of BBC First - where the BBC has the opportunity to try and resolve complaints about its content before consideration by Ofcom - was formalised by the BBC’s current Charter. The Framework Agreement then sets out considerations the BBC should take into account as part of its complaints procedures, including that complaints must be considered and resolved effectively.

If a complainant is not satisfied by the BBC’s initial response to their complaint, they have the option to escalate it for consideration by the independent regulator, Ofcom. The Framework Agreement requires Ofcom’s timely and effective handling of complaints referred on to it.

The forthcoming Charter Review will look at how the BBC can remain independent and accountable to the public it serves and continue to provide trusted and truthful news to combat an era of growing disinformation.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_20

Lord Risby:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the National Security and Investment Act 2021 in preventing hostile foreign influence on UK national infrastructure projects; and what safeguards are currently in place to prevent investment from countries with geopolitical interests and activities which conflict with the UK’s national security. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 provides powers for the Government to scrutinise and, where necessary, intervene in acquisitions which could present a risk to the UK’s national security. If required, the Government has the ability to impose conditions, block or unwind acquisitions. The Act provides legally defined timelines and processes for decisions from the Government.

The Government welcomes investment as part of our mission to boost growth, but only where it meets our regulatory requirements and does not compromise our national security. We will not hesitate to use our powers to protect national security where we identify concerns.

The latest NSI Act annual report, published in July, can be found on GOV.UK, and shows that the National Security and Investment system is continuing to operate well to protect sensitive sectors, whilst supporting investment.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_23

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish details of the new furnishings and refurbishments in the No. 10 and No. 11 Downing Street flats, including a list of refurbishments made and products purchased, with costs for each item. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: I refer the Noble Lord to the answer of 27 October 2025, Official Report, PQ 85501:

PQ 85501 Charlie Dewhirst: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 139 of the Cabinet Office annual report and accounts 2024-25, published on 23 October 2025, if he will provide a breakdown of the expenditure, including for individual fixtures and fittings, for the (a) refurbishment and (b) furnishing of the empty Downing Street flat; and if he will name which was empty flat.

Cabinet Office response on 4 November: As was the case under successive administrations, an itemised list is not routinely published.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_24

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the cost of cyberattacks to each subsector of the manufacturing industries for which they have data. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: Earlier this month, the government published a set of independent research reports quantifying the impact of cyber attacks on the UK economy. While the government does not hold sub-sectoral data, the KPMG report Economic Modelling of Sector Specific Costings of Cyber Attacks estimates the cost of cyber attacks to individual businesses, broken down by down sector and size.

The report estimates the manufacturing sector suffers some of the highest costs when compared to other sectors, with a significant cyber attack on a UK manufacturing organisation resulting in an average cost of £330,406. This estimate is based on simplified scenarios and generalised inputs to illustrate potential outcomes and should therefore be interpreted with caution.

The 2025 version of the government’s annual Cyber Security Breaches Survey finds that 48% of businesses in the utilities and production sector – which includes manufacturing businesses – suffered any kind of cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months. The survey does not include data on individual sub-sectors.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_25

Lord Booth:To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in developing the modern service framework for cardiovascular disease. \p Baroness Merron: The Department is making good progress on the development of the Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework (CVD MSF), with stakeholder task and finish groups held in October and November 2025. We will provide further information in due course.

The CVD MSF will support consistent, high quality, and equitable care whilst fostering innovation across the cardiovascular disease pathway.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_26

Lord Pickles:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have plans to establish a taskforce to oversee the implementation of Exercise Pegasus findings. \p Baroness Merron: The Government has committed to communicating the findings and lessons of the exercise as recommended by the COVID-19 Inquiry, and a post-exercise report will be delivered in due course. The evaluation of Exercise PEGASUS is ongoing and once complete, recommendations will be generated. The implementation and appropriate governance of these recommendations and findings is being actively considered as part of the United Kingdom’s commitment to pandemic preparedness. Exercise PEGASUS has provided valuable experience which is being used to inform the pandemic preparedness strategy and response plans.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_27

Lord Pickles:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with pharmaceutical providers as part of Exercise Pegasus about procurement of testing for immunocompromised patients. \p Baroness Merron: Exercise PEGASUS, the largest simulation of a pandemic in the United Kingdom’s history, involved thousands of participants across different parts of the exercise. Multiple other non-Governmental organisations representing the breadth of society were engaged and will continue to be in advance of phase four of the exercise in 2026. This includes engagement with partners in the pharmaceutical sector and focus groups on clinically vulnerable patient populations. These groups have included the views of mental health organisations and organisations advocating for immunosuppressed individuals.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_28

Baroness Berger:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Centre for Mental Health’s report published on 2 April, Improving support for people with complex mental illnesses; and what plans they have, if any, to take those recommendations forward. \p Baroness Merron: While no such specific assessment has been made, we know that people with complex mental illnesses are not always able to access the care and treatment they need. We are determined to change that.

The 10-Year Health Plan sets out our vision for the neighbourhood health service. It will bring care into local communities, convene professionals into patient-centred teams, end fragmentation, and abolish the National Health Service default of ‘one size fits all’ care. As part of this, we will transform the current mental health system so people can access the right support at the right time in the right place.

We are piloting 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centres to bring together a range of community mental health services under one roof, including crisis services and short-stay beds. People with severe or complex mental illness will be able to walk in without an appointment if they need mental health support, as well as advice on employment, housing, or volunteering, delivered by a multi-disciplinary team. The centres will improve continuity of care, drive down waits, and reduce inpatient admissions. Other local areas are looking to rollout the model more widely.

In addition, working with experts and people with lived experience, we will publish a new modern service framework for severe or complex mental illness, setting consistency in clinical standards across the country so that patients and families get high quality, evidence-based treatment and support.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_29

Lord Porter of Spalding:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 18 November (HL11324), how many reports they have received via the HSA4 abortion notification form of women who have died within 14 days of taking at-home abortion medication prescribed by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service in each of the past four years. \p Baroness Merron: The Department is unable to provide this information as to do so would risk identifying individuals due to the small numbers involved.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_30

Baroness Shawcross-Wolfson:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they still intend to have invested £2.4 billion in total from 2023–24 to 2028–29 to fund additional education and training places for healthcare professionals, as set out in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan factsheet, published on 30 June 2023; and how they plan to split the investment across each of those financial years. \p Baroness Merron: The Government has been clear that the 2023 Long Term Workforce Plan was undeliverable and based on outdated models of care. We have committed to publishing the 10 Year Workforce Plan in spring 2026, which will represent a departure from previous plans and instead set out action to create a sustainable workforce fit for the future.

The 10 Year Workforce Plan will ensure the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it. We are committed to working with partners to ensure the Plan meets its aims and will engage independent experts to make sure the Plan is ambitious, forward looking and evidence based.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_31

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive and the Justice Minister in Northern Ireland regarding proposed amendments to the Sentencing Code and the parts of the Sentencing Bill that relate to Northern Ireland; and whether a Legislative Consent Motion will be required for that Bill. \p Lord Timpson: Ministry of Justice officials have engaged officials in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to a range of Bill measures and amendments that apply in Northern Ireland, including on sentences with a fixed licence period.

A Legislative Consent Motion is not required with respect to Northern Ireland.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_32

Baroness Maclean of Redditch:To ask His Majesty's Government which recommendations of the Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review, published in March 2023, have been taken forward; and which recommendations have not been taken forward; and why. \p Lord Timpson: The Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review made 17 recommendations for reform. Of these, eight fall within the remit of the Ministry of Justice, five of which were accepted. The previous Government introduced a statutory aggravating factor for murders involving ‘overkill’, and a statutory aggravating factor and a statutory mitigating factor for murder in relation to controlling or coercive behaviour, which came into force in February 2024. This Government introduced statutory aggravating factors for murders connected with the end of a relationship, and for those involving strangulation, which came into force in October 2025.

The Ministry of Justice rejected three recommendations, including the recommendation to disapply the 25-year starting point in domestic murder cases. Implementing this recommendation would lead to significant inconsistency between domestic and non-domestic murders where a weapon has been taken to the scene. The Government rejected the Review’s recommendation to exclude sexual infidelity as mitigation and to exclude the use of a weapon as aggravation in domestic murder cases because the framework currently in place already enables judges to consider and account for the varied facts of each case.

Two of the recommendations fall within the remit of other Government Departments. The review recommended establishing a system for collecting data relevant to domestic homicides. The Home Office, in partnership with the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, created a central library for all Domestic Homicide Reviews. The recommendation to create mandatory training for lawyers and judges on coercive control is not within Government’s remit, so the previous Government wrote to the judiciary and regulatory bodies for solicitors and barristers to offer support with any potential review of training. The CPS already provides a comprehensive training package on domestic abuse and coercive or controlling behaviour.

The remaining seven recommendations fall under the remit of the independent Sentencing Council. In April 2024, following consultation, the Sentencing Council made changes to the manslaughter sentencing guidelines relating to strangulation and coercive control.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_33

Baroness Maclean of Redditch:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to reduce the disparity of sentencing between domestic and street homicides, in particular with regard to minimum sentencing terms. \p Lord Timpson: We recognise that there are significant concerns regarding the sentencing framework in relation to domestic murders and the importance of ensuring that sentencing in these cases delivers justice for victims and their families. We have taken action by implementing further recommendations made by Clare Wade KC in the Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review. Legislation introducing statutory aggravating factors for murders involving strangulation and those connected with the end of a relationship came into force in October 2025. While it is for the judge to determine the appropriate weight to be given to the aggravating factors in each case, we expect that these measures, along with Clare Wade KC’s recommendations that have already been implemented, will have a significant impact on the custodial terms given to the perpetrators in these cases.

We know that there is more to be done. That is why the Government has asked the Law Commission to undertake a wholesale review of homicide law and sentencing, which will completely reconsider and make recommendations for a new sentencing framework for murder. It is important the Law Commission is able to consider all issues relating to homicide law and sentencing holistically. The Law Commission closed a call for evidence on 31 October 2025. They are reviewing the responses ahead of a public consultation due to be published in 2026.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-27 conversation_35

Baroness Altmann:To ask His Majesty's Government how many disabled people over 18 years old are not able to access their Child Trust Funds because their parents or guardian have not applied to the Court of Protection to access the funds on their behalf. \p Baroness Levitt: It is not possible to provide the information requested as this data is not held by the Ministry of Justice. This is because a lack of mental capacity cannot be inferred simply from a person’s disability or condition. Capacity is decision-specific and timebound.

Many disabled young adults are able to manage their own finances, including accessing their matured Child Trust Fund (CTF), with appropriate support where needed. An application to the Court of Protection to access a CTF is only required where the account holder lacks mental capacity to make decisions about their property and affairs and does not have an existing court order or court appointed deputy in place. A deputy may be appointed to manage a range of assets, including any CTF, or the court can make a one-off order for CTF access.

The Government recognises that the transition to adulthood can be a challenging time for young disabled people and their families. To support them, guidance has been published on GOV.UK in the form of a toolkit, “Making financial decisions for young people who lack capacity”, which raises awareness on the arrangements that they need to have in place.