theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_34
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_34

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress his Department has made on monitoring the level of UK-produced food bought in the public sector. \p Daniel Zeichner: Officials are developing a range of proposals to develop public sector food and catering procurement policy, to set the tone for Government ambition, as well as driving net zero, public health and animal welfare outcomes. Further information will be made available in due course.

Government is undertaking work to establish a more robust evidence base for the public sector food supply chain.  This will ensure future proposals can be closely aligned with the needs of producers, growers, food suppliers and caterers.

Mandating a local procurement target on current evidence of environmental benefit would be unlawful under WTO rules and domestic procurement obligations.

The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out the Government’s strategic priorities for public procurement alongside the Procurement Act, which came into force on 24 February. The NPPS underscores the government's commitment to increasing the procurement of food that meets higher environmental standards, supporting local suppliers and upholding ethical sourcing practises across public sector contracts, including catering contracts.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_35

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to include glass in the deposit return scheme from 2027. \p Mary Creagh: The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers in England will include single-use drinks containers from 150ml to 3 litres. Materials included are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, steel, and aluminium drink containers

In England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, glass is not in scope of DRS. Instead, glass will be included in the scope of the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging scheme, to make sure it is appropriately and efficiently recycled.

The government’s position is that glass in DRS would add considerable upfront cost and create complex challenges to delivery, particularly for the hospitality and retail sectors. It will also disproportionately impact small breweries and be inconvenient for consumers due to its weight and potential for breakage in transit to a return point.

The decision to exclude glass drinks containers from DRS was taken following extensive reviewing of evidence and engagement with industry stakeholders. This includes glass producers, who, at the time, were strongly in favour of glass exclusion from DRS and inclusion in pEPR.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_36

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the agreement between the EU and UK to create a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement of 19 May 2025, whether agri‑food tech exports would be required to meet (a) UK and (b) EU rules. \p Daniel Zeichner: The EU have accepted there will need to be a number of areas where we need to retain our own rules. The details of these are subject to negotiation, but we have been clear about the importance of being able to set high animal welfare standards, support public health, and support the use of new and innovative technologies.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_37

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU on the transfer of animals between zoos. \p Daniel Zeichner: We continue to work with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and a wide range of stakeholders, including 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 May 19 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, aimed at reducing trade barriers and facilitating the safe and efficient movement of trade. 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.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_38

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure the adequacy of the UK's international advocacy role in helping to reduce global deforestation. \p Mary Creagh: The UK strongly supports global efforts to protect, restore and sustainably manage forests, including working with partners to deliver the shared goal of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, while supporting livelihoods and economic development.

Through partnerships, diplomacy and international climate programming, the UK is working to support forest country partners with enhancing forest governance and tackling illegality, accelerating the transition to sustainable production, trade and markets, and to mobilise finance from all sources to support forest protection and restoration.

Since 2011, it is estimated that UK ICF programmes have prevented 750,000 hectares of ecosystem loss (over a million football pitches); supported the sustainable management of 4.2 million hectares of land; and reduced or avoided 105 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

We recognise the need to take action to ensure that UK consumption of forest risk commodities is not driving deforestation and we will set out our approach to addressing this in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_39

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to take steps to ensure that UK Deposit Management Organisation Ltd includes representation from (a) small businesses and (b) the wider beverage industry. \p Mary Creagh: Small businesses, including small producers and retailers, are key to the success of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers. During the development of DRS policy and legislation, the Government worked closely with small businesses and their trade associations through dedicated sub-groups.

The appointment of UK Deposit Management Organisation Limited (UK DMO) has been made by government, effective from 2nd May 2025 as the operator of the DRS for single-use plastic and metal drinks containers across England and Northern Ireland.

UK DMO are continuing the engagement with small business and wider beverage industry representatives via their Advisory Group and their views must be taken into account as delivery of the DRS progresses.

UK DMO itself is an organisation that represents a significant portion of the UK drinks and retail sectors. The DMO application process has ensured that there is a wide representation of industry needs on the DMO Board. UK DMO also has an Advisory Group, which will include small businesses representation.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_40

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his Department last had discussions with industry on taking steps to support the transportation of milling wheat for food production. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra maintains regular engagement with industry and other Government departments to monitor risks to the food supply. This involves extensive, ongoing collaboration focused on preparedness for, and response to, potential disruptions in food supply chains.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_41

Katie Lam:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of the food procured by public sector bodies in (a) England, (b) Kent and (c) Weald of Kent constituency is from British farms. \p Daniel Zeichner: The previous Government did not hold information about where the food served by public bodies comes from. However, at January’s Oxford Farming Conference, it was announced that, for the first time ever, the Government would monitor just that. The initial phase of the work to better understand the data available across public sector food supply chains is near completion. It will inform further work to develop a mechanism via which the Government is able to better understand how much of the food bought by the public sector is from British suppliers.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_42

Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring sustainable fishing by boats operating in UK waters. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Ministerial colleagues on a wide range of issues related to fisheries, including ensuring that vessels operating in UK waters do so legally and in a sustainable manner.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_43

Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement will include (a) zoo animals that are part of conservation breeding programmes, (b) plants intended for conservation purposes and (c) biological samples used in (i) conservation and (ii) research. \p Daniel Zeichner: 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 and facilitating the safe and efficient movement of trade. 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.

We continue to work with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and a wide range of stakeholders, including 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.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_44

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 7 April 2025 to Question 36242 on Animals: Import Controls, if he will engage with Shaldon Zoo on changes following the UK-EU deal. \p Daniel Zeichner: An SPS Agreement will establish a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Zone aimed at reducing trade barriers and facilitating the safe and efficient movement of terrestrial and aquatic zoo animals. Our ambition is to reach 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.

Defra remains committed to engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, as we seek to secure the best possible outcome.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_45

Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to increase the level of funding for local authorities to ensure the maintenance of public rights of way. \p Mary Creagh: The Settlement for 2025-26 makes available over £69 billion for local government, which is a 6.8% cash terms increase in councils’ Core Spending Power on 2024-25. Spending decisions beyond 2025-26 are a matter for the upcoming Spending Review.

Local authorities are best placed to understand local priorities and allocate funding accordingly including for public rights of way matters. My department does not provide any additional funding.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_46

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to provide additional funding to (a) climate and (b) nature recovery programmes. \p Emma Hardy: Phase 1 of the Spending Review concluded in October last year and set Defra's budget for 2025-26. Phase 2 of the Spending Review is underway and will set our Departmental budgets until 2029-29.

Decisions regarding allocation of budgets for future years, including climate and nature recovery programmes, will be taken following the outcome of the SR on 11 June.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_47

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to provide (a) financial and (b) technical support to enable the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena to deliver (i) financial and (ii) banking services to non-residents. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to work closely with the Government of St Helena to strengthen its financial sector and banking services, which have been identified as potential growth sectors.

The FCDO provides financial assistance to St Helena through annual financial aid, which supports essential public services and economic development initiatives. This includes funding to help modernise the island's financial infrastructure.

The FCDO has facilitated access to technical expertise across the UK Government to help St Helena improve its financial regulatory framework. This includes support for compliance with international standards and enhancements to the island's banking services.

The FCDO will continue to engage with the Government of St Helena to explore further opportunities for support. The St Helena Financial Services Regulatory Authority is actively involved to ensure robust oversight.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_48

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena has a Public Service Commission to advise the Governor when making appointments to the public service. \p Stephen Doughty: St Helena does not have a Public Service Commission. The Governor works closely with the St Helena Government on public service appointments and in accordance with the St Helena Constitution.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_49
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_49

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of warming in the Arctic on (a) UK national security interests and (b) geopolitical activity in the region. \p Stephen Doughty: As it warms, the Arctic is becoming increasingly contested, increasing the threats to UK national security. We collaborate closely with likeminded partners to better understand the impact of climate change in the Arctic, and the Foreign Secretary announced new funding to support UK polar scientific collaboration on his recent visit to the region. The melting ice is attracting growing global interest in the Arctic's economic resources, with implications for the UK's security. The Strategic Defence Review recognises the need to step up its efforts to respond to this in order to defend our national values and interests at home and overseas.

I set out the UK's approach in my visit and speech to the Arctic Circle Assembly on 18 October 2024 and have established a new cross-Whitehall Polar Ministerial Group.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_50
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_50

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking with Arctic nations to (a) monitor and (b) help tackle potential (i) security and (ii) environmental challenges from Arctic warming. \p Stephen Doughty: On his recent visit to Norway and Iceland, the Foreign Secretary saw first-hand how the Arctic has a direct bearing on the security and resilience of the UK. We are working with allies to better monitor and tackle growing threats in the Arctic including by enhancing patrols and studying the impacts of climate change. The Foreign Secretary announced new funding to use cutting edge AI technology to monitor hostile activity, and to support UK scientific collaboration in the region, while underlining the UK's commitment to the Arctic Council as the leading intergovernmental forum for Arctic cooperation.

I set out the UK's approach to the Arctic during my visit and speech to the Arctic Circle Assembly on 18 October 2024 and have established a new cross-Whitehall Polar Ministerial Group to support the development and implementation of a robust and coordinated UK policy in the Polar Regions, particularly concerning the Arctic.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_51
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_51

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Chinese counterpart on the proposed new Chinese Embassy. \p Catherine West: The Foreign Secretary has met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on a number of occasions. They have discussed the breadth of priority foreign policy and bilateral issues.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_52
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_52

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to recognise the State of Palestine following the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in Madrid. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. On the 25 May at the Madrid conference, I met with partners to discuss how to deliver a two-state solution with a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas.  We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_53
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_53

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the (a) political and (b) security situation in South Korea. \p Catherine West: I look forward to the opportunity of working with the newly elected Korean administration to develop our UK-ROK relationship even further. I hope to work together with the new government to build on the strong foundations of the Downing Street Accord and our global strategic partnership across all our shared interests.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_54
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_54

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2025 to Question 25786 on Argentina: Foreign Relations, whether he discussed the future of the Falkland Islands in those conversations. \p Catherine West: The Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK's longstanding position on Falkland Islands sovereignty. While the UK recognises that a constructive relationship with Argentina is in our shared best interests, our commitment to defending the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination will not waiver. Only the Falkland Islanders can and should decide their own future.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_55
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_55

Kate Osborne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has she made of the potential impact of (a) co-operatives and (b) co-operation in the UK's apporach to international development. \p Stephen Doughty: The Government recognises the important contribution cooperatives have made in serving local communities around the world. Cooperatives are a tried-and-tested model in international development, that can enable citizens and producers to access services or markets and strengthen their voice in local processes. Cooperatives can enable sustainable and inclusive development centred on self-help, democratic ownership, and concern for the community. The UK has supported cooperatives and producer organisations in developing countries, including, for example in agriculture through funding to the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP), which supports producer organisations, and the Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness Programme (CASA), which partners with cooperatives and small agribusinesses in low-income countries to improve smallholder farmers' access to markets.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_56
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_56

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the (a) political and (b) security situation in Ecuador. \p Catherine West: The UK and Ecuador have an excellent bilateral relationship, and we work closely on shared issues including the environment and climate, the fight against drugs and organised crime, and delivering economic growth. The Minister of State for Security met ministerial counterparts on his recent visit to Ecuador. During his visit he discussed the security challenges facing Ecuador and signed a memorandum of understanding on security cooperation, which offers UK support to Ecuador in their fight against serious organised crime. In May, the Minister of State for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean met the Ecuadorean Foreign Minister in London, whilst President Noboa had an audience with His Majesty the King. We will continue to work to strengthen our relationship with Ecuador.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_57
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_57

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 8 of Annex 2 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if he will set out the facilities his Department will provide to support law enforcement officials of the Government of Mauritius in Diego Garcia as defined in Article 19 of the Agreement. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK will support the exercise of jurisdiction of Mauritius on Diego Garcia over (i) Mauritian nationals who are not members of UK armed forces or of US personnel, and (ii) all persons not connected to the operation of the Base. This ensures that Mauritius has jurisdiction over any future illegal migration to the island, closing off a dangerous immigration route to the UK.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_58
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_58

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 2 of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if he will define the term expeditiously inform; and what protocols are in place regarding the (a) timeframe and (b) nature of such communications with the Government of Mauritius. \p Stephen Doughty: Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. Agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Additionally, the UN Charter has a requirement to notify the UN of military action taken in self-defence.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_59
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_59

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart on trade. \p Catherine West: An opportunity for the Foreign Secretary to discuss trade with his Trinidad & Tobago counterpart has not presented itself since their Government was elected on 28 April 2025.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_60
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_60

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 2 of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), through what mechanism his Department will expeditiously inform the Government of Mauritius of an armed attack emanating from Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia; and what steps he will take to ensure that the disclosure of such information does not compromise operations. \p Stephen Doughty: Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. Agreement to inform a host nation is standard practice in many such arrangements, while the UN Charter itself has a requirement to notify the UN of military action taken in self-defence.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_61
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_61

Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the extent of the use of chemical weapons in the conflict in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary made clear in his statement on 23 May that any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable. We remain deeply concerned by the US determination that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have used chemical weapons in Sudan. It is imperative that the SAF engages constructively with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in order to facilitate a thorough and impartial investigation. We expect the SAF to abide by its obligations under the Chemical Weapon Convention not to develop, produce, possess, or use chemical weapons.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_62
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_62

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to protect British citizens abroad from (a) cybercrime and (b) digital asset theft. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides country specific travel advice and consular assistance to British nationals abroad. The FCDO also works in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and other agencies to raise public awareness through guidance and advice on global threats to help individuals, the public sector, and the Government to stay secure online. This guidance is applicable worldwide and addresses a range of cyber risks. If British nationals overseas are affected by cybercrime while overseas, they should contact the local police and, if necessary, seek consular support in line with our published services on gov.uk.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_63
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_63

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2025 to Question 25787 on Spain: Foreign Relations, whether the Minister discussed the future of Gibraltar during his visit to Madrid on 17 January 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: My meetings with Spanish Foreign Minister Albares and State Secretary for the EU Fernando Sampedro were focussed on the UK's relationship with Spain. We also discussed the progress of the UK-EU negotiations in respect of Gibraltar's future relationship with the EU. We agreed on the importance of reaching an agreement as soon as possible. The UK Government is steadfast in its support for Gibraltar and will only conclude an agreement that protects sovereignty, UK military autonomy, and prosperity. We are working closely alongside the Government of Gibraltar and will only agree to terms with which the Government of Gibraltar is content.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_64
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_64

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the  (a) type of alcohol, (b) make and (c) vintage was of each bottle of alcohol consumed from the Government Wine Cellar at each Number (i) 10 and (ii) 11 Downing Street reception other than diplomatic hospitality since 4 July 2024; when each reception took place; and what the theme was of each reception. \p Catherine West: No alcohol from the Government Wine Cellar has been consumed at receptions held at Number 10 and Number 11 Downing Street since 4 July 2024.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_65
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_65

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has with his Turkish counterpart on increasing humanitarian aid in Gaza. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer you to the Foreign Secretary's statement of 20 May on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The UK remains committed to working with regional partners to address the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza and to support efforts to increase the flow of aid. The Foreign Secretary regularly speaks to his Turkish counterpart on a range of issues, including humanitarian aid to Gaza. It is the long-standing practice of successive governments not to comment on private diplomatic meetings.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_66
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_66

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the impact of the contributions made by (a) Togo and (b) Gabon on the work of the Commonwealth since their admittance as full members. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK values the contribution of all Commonwealth members. Working together we can maximise the impact of the Commonwealth for the benefit of all members.

Togo attended its first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in 2024, represented by Prime Minister Dogbé. The Commonwealth is currently working with Togo to develop a roadmap for technical assistance to support its national priorities. In July 2024, former Commonwealth Secretary-General visited Togo and met with President Gnassingbé.

Gabon is currently partially suspended from the Commonwealth and is therefore unable to fully participate. However, in November 2024, Gabon permitted a Commonwealth Expert Team to observe their constitutional reform referendum and discuss technical support. In April 2025, they also welcomed a Commonwealth Observer Group to monitor their presidential elections. The Group assessed the elections as largely transparent, peaceful and conducted in accordance with the Gabon's legislative framework.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_67
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_67

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with his international counterparts to help negotiate a ceasefire in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are engaging with a range of international partners on Sudan including through our role as penholder on Sudan at the UN Security Council. On 15 April, the Foreign Secretary gathered Foreign Ministers and high-level representatives from 21 countries and multilateral bodies at the London Sudan Conference. Discussions focussed on how to make progress on shared goals of ending the conflict, protecting civilians and scaling-up the delivery of humanitarian aid. Participants agreed on the need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and committed to proactively support efforts to find a peaceful solution. The UK continues to work alongside the international community in the follow-up to the London Sudan Conference to encourage the warring parties to return to the negotiating table and commit to a meaningful, sustainable ceasefire in Sudan.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_68
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_68

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has raised concerns with the Tanzanian Government on the denial of consular access to foreign nationals detained in Tanzania. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Our High Commissioner in Dar es Salaam has raised concerns with senior officials of the Government of Tanzania regarding consular access for foreign national activists recently deported from Tanzania.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_69
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_69

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat, including on their efforts to strengthen anti-corruption agencies across Commonwealth countries. The UK's annual financial contribution to the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC) supports this work, including partnership with the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa (AAACoA), a non-profit organisation that focusses on supporting the needs of anti-corruption agencies in Commonwealth Africa countries and providing a space for these agencies to share best practice.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_70
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_70

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the 2025 Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has worked closely with the Department for Health and Social Care in the run up to the 2025 Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting, attended by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, on 17 May. This meeting was an opportunity for the UK and our Commonwealth partners to exchange views and strengthen cooperation on shared health challenges. Commonwealth Health Ministers adopted an Outcome Statement outlining commitments to build equitable, resilient and sustainably financed health systems that prioritise vulnerable member countries. The statement focused on a number UK health priorities including cancer, digital health, mental health and antimicrobial resistance.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_71
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_71

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with international partners to help ensure that people are not subject to violence due to their religion. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in, and we work to promote tolerance and mutual respect for all.

We continue to highlight FoRB violations and abuses on the international stage, including through our position at the UN and as an active member of the Article 18 Alliance, ensuring joint international action on FoRB.

We work with our allies and partners to encourage all states to uphold their international human rights obligations and hold those who violate or abuse human rights to account.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_72
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_72

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support efforts to scale up the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 19 May, the UK issued a joint statement calling for full aid resumption and for Israel to allow United Nations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) partners to operate independently. We will continue to convene international partners to increase pressure and take further steps to address the catastrophic situation on the ground. As I stated on 4 June, we are appalled by repeated mass casualty incidents at aid sites. No one should risk death or injury to feed their family. The UK will not support any mechanism that endangers civilians or politicises aid. We have committed £101 million this financial year in humanitarian support to trusted partners including UN agencies and NGOs.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_73
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_73

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps her Department is taking to (a) increase prosecution rates for online child sexual exploitation offences and (b) support victims throughout the legal process. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Government continues work to deliver meaningful change for victims of child sexual abuse and exploitation. I refer the Hon Member to the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girl's statement made to Parliament on 08 April 2025, which provided an update on the Government's work to tackle child sexual abuse and exploitation and respond to the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. The full statement can be found here: Hansard

Under the Victims’ Code, all victims including children and young people, are entitled to be given information about their case and be referred to victim support services by the police to help them cope and recover. Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales also receive annual grant funding from the Ministry of Justice’s victim and witness budget to commission support services for victims of all crime types and all ages. This includes funding for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors who play an important role in supporting victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, including children and young people, through the criminal justice process.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_74
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_74

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of demand for independent sexual violence advisers in (a) Buckinghamshire and (b) Milton Keynes. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Ministry of Justice recognises the important role that Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) play in supporting victims of sexual violence.

The Department provides annual grant funding to Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales for the provision of emotional, practical and therapeutic support to victims which includes advocacy support from ISVAs. The provision of ISVA services across all PCC areas (including Thames Valley, which covers both Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes) is monitored through bi-annual reports. We have protected dedicated VAWG victims spending in the Department by maintaining previous funding levels for ringfenced sexual violence and domestic abuse support in 2025/26.

Once commenced, the Duty to Collaborate will build greater local insight into demand for sexual abuse services, including ISVAs. The Duty will require local policing bodies, local authorities and integrated care boards to conduct joint needs assessments in their areas, assessing victim demand for services and subsequently publishing local strategies to address these.

We continue to work closely with local commissioners to ensure that victims in all areas, including Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, have access to support.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_75
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_75

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when she last met with the leadership of the Criminal Cases Review Commission. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Secretary of State met the incoming interim Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, Dame Vera Baird DBE KC, on 3 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_76
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_76

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 9 December 2024 to Question 17767 on Prisons: Research, when she plans to publish the response to the Ipsos MORI research project on the retributive benefit of prison. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: Ministry of Justice officials received research findings from Ipsos MORI in November last year (2024) and are currently considering the implications of the work.

Research findings are published in accordance with Government Social Research guidelines, following a peer review process to ensure the quality and robustness of the work. Until that has taken place, findings cannot be published.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_78
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_78

Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether it is her Department's policy that existing PIP claimants of pension age who are subject to a planned award review from November 2026 will be required to score at least four points in one daily living activity in order to maintain their award. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Our intention is for the new eligibility requirement for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)—requiring individuals to score at least four points in a single daily living activity—to apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. In line with current policy, individuals over State Pension Age are not routinely subject to full award reviews and are therefore not expected to be affected by the proposed changes.
wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_79
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-06 conversation_79

Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 51421 on Students: Personal Independence Payment, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, published on 18 March 2025, on students no longer eligible for personal independence payment under proposed reforms. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We have committed to introduce a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).   We are mindful of the impact this change to PIP eligibility could have on people. That is why, in the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working (published on 18 March), we are consulting on how best to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure health and care needs are met. We are working closely with the Department for Health and Social Care on this.

For those already on PIP, the changes will only apply from November 2026 at their next award review, subject to parliamentary approval. People will be reviewed according to their normal schedule by a trained assessor or healthcare professional and assessed on individual needs and circumstance before any changes are made. More information on the impacts and equality analysis for these changes published on 26 March can be found: Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper - GOV.UK.