theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Barry Gardiner:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure transparency over contract terms agreed with Lynemouth under new low-carbon dispatchable power arrangements. \p Michael Shanks: We are in discussions with Lynemouth Power Station to assess whether a Low Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference agreement could appropriately support security of supply and deliver value for consumers. Should we proceed following a full internal decision-making process with an agreement the core elements of the Heads of Terms will be announced prior to the publication of the full contract in due course.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of electricity demand from AI-related data centres on electricity prices. \p Michael Shanks: The Government is committed to ensuring electricity networks can meet rising electricity demand, including from data centres, and to protecting consumer bills. Locating data centres where there is excess renewable generation could lower constraint costs, thereby reducing overall system costs and consumer bills. The Government has set up the AI Energy Council jointly chaired by the Secretary of State for DESNZ and Secretary of State for DSIT to look strategically at the energy case for AI and data centres across the UK.
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Vicky Foxcroft:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent progress his Department has made towards publishing the details of the Warm Homes Plan. \p Martin McCluskey: We are working across Government on a comprehensive Warm Homes Plan to cut energy bills for good, we will publish more details soon.
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Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a ring-fenced budget specifically for geothermal projects in the next round of Contract for Difference funding allocations (AR8). \p Michael Shanks: Auction parameters and budget are set based on a wide range of factors, including an assessment of the potential project pipeline and progress towards decarbonisation targets. The Government will confirm the details of Allocation Round 8 budget and parameters closer to the time.
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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, which industry groups participated in the Warm Homes Plan Stakeholder Panel; what criteria was used for their selection; when the panel has met; and if he will publish the minutes of the meetings. \p Martin McCluskey: As part of the development of the Warm Homes Plan, the department has engaged with a broad range of stakeholders through a variety of different fora to ensure a wide range of views were considered through the development of the plan. The Stakeholder Panel, convened earlier this year, is one part of that engagement, and included industry groups, academics, think-tanks and other representatives. To ensure an open and honest exchange of views, details of government discussions with stakeholders are not routinely shared publicly.
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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Secretary of State for Transport regarding cross-government action to address illegal levels of nitrogen oxide emissions from vehicles fitted with defeat devices. \p Michael Shanks: The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) engages regularly with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Secretary of State for Transport (DfT) on climate change mitigation. Transport policy, including transport emissions, is led by DfT. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is investigating cases of possible non-compliant diesel emissions in cars and vans. The investigations aim to ensure any non-compliance found is fixed as soon as reasonably possible, working together with manufacturers to achieve real-world impacts on air quality.
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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to include measures within future energy and climate plans to offset or remediate the environmental and public-health impacts of illegally high vehicle emissions. \p Michael Shanks: The Government’s Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan (CBGDP), published in October, made clear that transport decarbonisation policies and proposals will also drive further air quality improvements, principally through surface transport electrification. In accordance with Part 1, section 14 of the Climate Change Act 2008, the Government will next publish updated cross-economy decarbonisation policies and proposals in connection with the setting of the seventh carbon budget (CB7, 2038–2042). The section 14 report for CB7 will build on the CBGDP to set out a package of transport policies and proposals that continues to deliver both decarbonisation and air quality benefits.
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Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to improve regulatory support for geothermal energy. \p Michael Shanks: We know there is promising potential for geothermal energy in the UK and particularly as a low carbon source of heat. However, it is too soon to regulate such a small and nascent sector. Therefore there are no immediate plans to make any changes in the regulatory space.
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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential lessons learned from other countries on tackling historic diesel emissions; and how this informs the UK’s approach to integrating transport-sector emissions into its climate policy framework. \p Michael Shanks: Transport policy, including on diesel vehicle emissions, is led by the Department for Transport (DfT). The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) engages regularly with DfT on climate change mitigation, including consideration of diesel vehicle emissions.
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Barry Gardiner:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that new contracts for biomass do not lead to long-term reliance on imported feedstocks. \p Michael Shanks: It is for generators to ensure they can source sufficient biomass to meet generation requirements and sustainability standards set out in Government support schemes.

The new low-carbon dispatchable CfD with Drax incorporates strengthened sustainability standards, including a reduction in the allowable supply chain emissions threshold from 50gCO2e/MJ to 36.6gCO2e/MJ, regardless of where material is sourced.

The UK does not have sufficient forest capacity to meet current and projected short-term demand for bioenergy feedstocks. The majority of biomass imported currently is a byproduct of the wider timber industry.
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Barry Gardiner:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether biomass subsidies are compatible with the recommendations of the Independent Review of the UK's Greenhouse Gas Removal Strategy. \p Michael Shanks: The Independent Review considered the long-term potential for greenhouse gas removals and recommended that the UK adopt a strategic aim to minimise the use of imported biomass. The sourcing of biomass is a commercial decision for generators. However, under the terms of the new short-term Low Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference with Drax, large-scale biomass will play a much more limited role in the power system, operating less than half as often as it currently does. This will result in a reduction in the UK’s reliance on imported biomass feedstock going forward.
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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the number of complaints made to Ofgem about solar installation and network feed in as previously experienced with companies such as A Shade Greener since 2015. \p Michael Shanks: We inherited a fragmented assurance framework for the installation of measures that improve the energy efficiency of homes. We are currently reviewing the broader consumer protection landscape and will bring forward wider system reforms to ensure consumers can have confidence in the quality of installations and protections when upgrading their homes.
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Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the contribution of natural stone and other low-carbon materials to reducing embodied carbon in the UK construction sector. \p Chris McDonald: The department is currently developing policies that will help grow the market for low carbon industrial products, including green procurement and improved carbon accounting. The initial focus of these policies is steel, cement, and concrete products used in construction.

The department recently ran a technical consultation that included questions on whether other industrial sectors should be included in the scope of these policies in future. Although natural stone was not explicitly mentioned in the consultation, it would align with one of the options; to take a strategic approach to expand these policies to other sectors related to construction. The department is currently reviewing the responses to this consultation and will publish a summary and its own response in due course.

The government also recognises the role that whole life carbon assessments can play in helping developers to evaluate carbon emissions across all stages of a building or structure’s life. This approach can support decision makers to adopt materials which have a lower overall environmental impact. Whole life carbon assessments are embedded into green procurement approaches being taken by government departments, such as instituting carbon management plans.

The department would welcome engagement with any interested stakeholders from the natural stone sector.
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Barry Gardiner:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2025 to question 90099, what his evidential basis is for Drax's policy of not sourcing material directly from old growth areas; and whether his Department has the same definition of old growth forest as Drax. \p Michael Shanks: The Government’s definition of old-growth forest is set out in the terms of the new Low-Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference published by the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) on 1 December. From 2027 there is no reliance on any other definition for determining eligibility subsidy.

Any breaches of the contractual restriction on sourcing biomass directly from old-growth forest will result in significant financial penalties and could lead to termination of the contract for serious or repeated breaches. The contract also contains strengthened Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) measures, and gives LCCC powers to conduct audits throughout the biomass supply chain.
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Barry Gardiner:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help tackle deforestation, air pollution and community health impacts linked to imported biomass supply chains. \p Michael Shanks: The new Low-Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference strengthens environmental protections, and enhances monitoring, reporting and verification of compliance. The government has recently published the common biomass sustainability framework consultation. The proposals we are consulting on will ensure that the highest industry standards continue to apply to biomass power generation in the UK.

International biomass supply chain operations are licensed and regulated in the jurisdiction in which they are situated. We have ongoing engagement with relevant authorities regarding the full range of sustainability, environmental and other relevant matters.
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Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will consider the potential merits of developing a national roadmap with targets for the development of geothermal energy for (a) heat and (b) power generation. \p Michael Shanks: The Government knows that to achieve net zero, we must look at how we can accelerate the potential of all low carbon technologies including geothermal.

However, the UK Geothermal industry is nascent when compared to other heat and power renewable technologies such as heat pumps and offshore wind. While it seems too soon to assign a target, we will keep this under review. We will continue to gather evidence to inform any future decisions on geothermal and the role it can play in decarbonising heat and power.
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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much the average household in Wales is expected to save on energy bills as a result of the Budget’s Renewables Obligation measure, compared with households in England and Scotland. \p Michael Shanks: At the Budget, the Chancellor announced an average £150 of costs off people’s energy bills from April next year. £88 of that comes from the decision to fund 75% of the domestic Renewables Obligation from the Exchequer. The measures announced at Budget apply to the whole of Great Britain, and a household in Wales will see the same level of benefit as an equivalent household in England or Scotland that consumes the same levels of electricity and gas.
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Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will estimate the number of households with a non-working smart meter in the West Midlands. \p Martin McCluskey: The Department collects data on smart meters not operating in smart mode at a national level. The latest statistics on smart meters in operation across GB are available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/smart-meters-in-great-britain-quarterly-update-september-2025.

Energy suppliers are obligated to take all reasonable steps to ensure their customers’ smart meters are operating in smart mode. The Department is continuing to work closely with industry and Ofgem to reduce the proportion of smart meters not operating in smart mode, which has been steadily decreasing. Smart meters not operating in smart mode continue to record energy usage accurately but do not send automatic readings to energy suppliers.
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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions his Department has had with the Chief Executive of Ofgem regarding a) the ongoing pay dispute, as well as b) job security at Ofgem. \p Michael Shanks: Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that households do not face further rises in energy bills if the support announced in the recent Budget is not extended beyond the initial three-year period. \p Martin McCluskey: The Government is funding the majority of the legacy Renewables Obligation for 3 full years, covering the period for which the Government set resource budgets at the Spending Review, while it takes steps to address the underlying issues of high bills.

Our clean power mission will get us off the rollercoaster of international gas prices, which remain more than double what they were in 2020. Any future funding will be considered in the next spending review in the usual way.
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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of ending the Energy Company Obligation on private sector investment in home energy efficiency in Wales. \p Martin McCluskey: To bring energy bills down for all, the decision has been made not to continue the Energy Company Obligation when the current scheme ends.

We recognise that the decision will be unwelcome news to those working within the supply chain for these schemes. The government has instead committed to additional grant funding of £1.5bn to be directed to upgrading low-income households, benefitting those in fuel poverty. Details of this will be set out in the Warm Homes Plan.

We also intend to implement the manifesto commitment to increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the private and social rented sectors.
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Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much the Boiler Upgrade Scheme paid out for heat pumps in the West Midlands over the past year. \p Martin McCluskey: In the financial year 2024/25 the Boiler Upgrade Scheme paid out £14.44 million for heat pumps installed in the West Midlands.

Further details on the number of applications by status, region and technology type, broken down by financial year, are provided in table A1.1A here.
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Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of changes in the level of gas imports from (a) Norway, (b) USA, (c) Qatar and (d) the rest of the world relative to UK domestically produced gas from 2025 to 2030 by (i) volume and (ii) proportion. \p Michael Shanks: The Government works with the Energy System operators to closely monitor and forecast the UK’s supply and demand for natural gas. The National Energy System Operator’s 2025 publication of Future Energy Scenarios contains a breakdown of gas supply sources, including imports to the UK.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department provides guidance to officials on matters to draw to the attention of Ministers when drafting answers to Parliamentary Questions. \p Sarah Jones: Guidance is provided to officials on how to answer Parliamentary Questions within the Home Office.

The Cabinet Office's Guide to Parliamentary Work sets out the timelines and standards that departments should seek to meet. This can be found here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/111
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much Home Office funding is being provided to the London Borough of Hillingdon in 2025-26 to assist with the costs of asylum seekers. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office does not publicly publish grant payment levels by local authority, we do however provide funding to Local Authorities under the following grant agreements Asylum, Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking children & former unaccompanied asylum-seeking children Care Leavers.

Please see the link below to the relevant Funding Instructions:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/unaccompanied-asylum-seeking-children-uasc-grant-instructions

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-dispersal-grant-funding-instruction/funding-instruction-for-local-authorities-asylum-grant-2025-2026
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the cost to the public purse was of the use of taxis by asylum seekers in each of the last five years. \p Alex Norris: Transport services for asylum seekers are provided through our Asylum Accommodation & Support Contracts. We pay a fixed rate for transportation services which is set out in the contracts. Our suppliers must deliver transportation requirements in line with contractual standards and the fixed rate – with the type of transportation determined by our suppliers within this framework. Information on spend by specific transportation types is therefore not readily available.
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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much was spent on (a) taxis (b) buses (c) trains by her Department and its contractors for asylum seekers in it's care for each year from 2015 to date. \p Alex Norris: Transport services for asylum seekers are provided through our Asylum Accommodation & Support Contracts. We pay a fixed rate for transportation services which is set out in the contracts. Our suppliers must deliver transportation requirements in line with contractual standards and the fixed rate – with the type of transportation determined by our suppliers within this framework. Information on spend by specific transportation types is therefore not readily available.
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Marie Goldman:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will consider the treatment of LGBTQ+ refugees when assessing enforced returns to countries with newly established regimes, particularly where a change of government has not resulted in improved protections for LGBTQ+ people. \p Alex Norris: All asylum and human rights claims including those based on sexual orientation and gender identity are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations. Each individual assessment is made against the background of relevant case law and the latest available country of origin information. This is based on evidence taken from a wide range of reliable sources, including reputable media outlets; local, national, and international organisations, including human rights organisations; and information from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office. Our assessment of the situation of a given group in a given country, is set out in the relevant country policy and information note, which is available on Country policy and information notes - GOV.UK.

When someone applies for settlement, we review the situation in their country to assess whether they still need protection. Those who no longer need protection can return home in safety or apply to stay under other provisions of the Immigration Rules.

We will not remove anyone to any country where they will face persecution or serious harm.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much central government funding was made available to the London Borough of Hillingdon in 2024-25 to compensate for costs relating to asylum. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office does not publicly publish grant payment levels by local authority, we do however provide funding to Local Authorities under the following grant agreements Asylum, Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking children & former unaccompanied asylum-seeking children Care Leavers.

Please see the link below to the relevant Funding Instructions:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/unaccompanied-asylum-seeking-children-uasc-grant-instructions

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-dispersal-grant-funding-instruction/funding-instruction-for-local-authorities-asylum-grant-2025-2026
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 4 November 2025, to Question 85951, on Asylum: Dental Services, which organisation provides the dental care for asylum seekers. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office has a statutory obligation to support asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute. Asylum Support provisions are reviewed regularly to ensure that we remain compliant in meeting our legal obligations.

The Home Office and its contractors work closely with the NHS, local authorities and non-governmental organisations to ensure that people can access the health care, including dental treatment and support they need, while protecting local services.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what planning permissions has the Home Office obtained, or intends to obtain, in relation to the asylum seeker accommodation being proposed at the Crowborough, East Sussex military site; and what discussions has the department had with Wealden District Council on the proposed use. \p Alex Norris: Consideration of this site is ongoing and any final decision to utilise any site for the intended purposes will be made once the relevant factors have been properly considered.

We will ensure that any development is safe, appropriate, and compliant with the relevant planning regulations.
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of offences created by the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 on illegal entry and arrival. \p Alex Norris: The Government is committed to protecting the UK’s border security and is working very closely with the National Crime Agency and law enforcement partners to ensure they have the funding, tools and expertise to identify, disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups involved in illegal migration.

The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 created the offence of illegal arrival which carries a maximum sentence of 4 years imprisonment on indictment. The Act also raised the maximum penalties for the illegal entry and arriving without an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to four years and entering in breach of a Deportation Order to five years. Notably, it also raised the maximum sentence for the offence of facilitating a breach of immigration law to life in prison.

Prosecutions are pursued for all of the above offences, as they are for all immigration offences, wherever there is sufficient evidence to do so. These cases are then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) where a decision on whether or not to prosecute is made. This decision is dependent upon the CPS’ assessment of the available evidence and whether or not it passes the CPS’ own public interest test. Information about the CPS’ decision making can be found here The Code for Crown Prosecutors | The Crown Prosecution Service.
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Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to develop a National Integration Strategy for asylum seekers and refugees as part of proposed reforms to the asylum system. \p Alex Norris: The Government’s Asylum and Returns Policy Statement published on 17 November 2025 announced transformative changes to the asylum system and safe and legal routes.

Successfully integrating refugees remains a key Government priority. Work is underway to operationalise the proposals set out in the statement, with careful consideration being given to how integration is prioritised in implementation. Further details will be provided in due course.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many refusals there have been for firearms licenses in the last 12 months. \p Sarah Jones: The Home Office publishes information annually on the number of firearm and shotgun certificate applications refused in England and Wales in the statistical publication on firearm and shotgun certificates. The latest available data is for the year ending 31 March 2025 and can be accessed at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/firearm-certificates-in-england-and-wales

The number of firearm and shotgun certificate applications that were refused in England and Wales for the year ending 31 March 2025, as well as previous years, can be found in data tables 1 and 3.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what will be the composition of Policing and Crime Boards following the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners; whether they will contain independent members; how will they be politically balanced. \p Sarah Jones: Policing and Crime Boards will bring together elected council leaders to oversee the force in their area. They are likely to include upper tier local authority council leaders as well as independent co-opted members, who will bring unique skills and expertise.

We propose that they will be supported by a Policing and Crime lead who will provide day-to-day oversight of the force. We are working closely with a range of stakeholders on the design and implementation of Policing and Crime Boards, with Transition Working Groups to commence in January.

We plan to legislate to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners and create Policing and Crime Boards, when parliamentary time allows.
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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with car manufacturers on reducing the risk of stolen catalytic converters through design and technology. \p Sarah Jones: We are working with the police and the automotive industry, to ensure the strongest response possible to all types of vehicle crime.

The Home Office meets regularly with the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership and with industry to discuss how government can help tackle the serious problem of vehicle crime. We also support the police-led National Vehicle Crime Working Group which focusses on prevention and deterrence of theft of, and from, vehicles. This includes training police officers on the methods used to steal vehicles, encouraging vehicle owners to secure their vehicles, and working with industry to address vulnerabilities in vehicles including the theft of catalytic converters.

Additionally in the Crime and Policing Bill we are banning the electronic devices used to steal vehicles, providing a valuable tool to prevent the theft of vehicles.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 was introduced to reverse an upward trend in the level of metal theft through better regulation of the metal recycling sector, making it more difficult to dispose of stolen metal including catalytic converters.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 10 November 2025, to Question 86656, on Hate Crime: Internet, who is the National Police Hate Crime Coordinator and in which public body are they based. \p Sarah Jones: The National Police Hate Crime Coordinator is Chief Constable Mark Hobrough of Gwent Police, who serves as the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Hate Crime.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_162

Mr Paul Kohler:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to help improve the ability of police forces to (a) investigate sexual offences, (b) fill gaps in data on violence against women and girls and (c) implement recommendations for improving public safety. \p Sarah Jones: Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a top priority for this Government with a manifesto mission to halve VAWG in a decade. We will deliver a cross-government transformative approach to halving VAWG, underpinned by a new VAWG strategy, which we aim to publish as soon as possible.

The Home Office has invested £13.1 million this year to establish the new National Policing Centre for VAWG and Public Protection (NCVPP) to improve the police response to VAWG and child sexual abuse. The NCVPP is continuing to drive forward the transformational work of Operation Soteria ensuring officers build the strongest possible, victim-centred, suspect-focused, context-led cases.

The Home Office works closely with police forces on improving the quality of police recorded crime data, including for crimes under the VAWG heading, as well as drawing on data from the Crime Survey for England & Wales (CSEW).

The Home Office are also carefully considering the findings and recommendations from the Angiolini Inquiry's Part 2 First Report which has examined the prevention of sexually motivated crimes against women in public spaces.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_163
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_163

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Prime Minister’s comment that You will see 3,000 neighbourhood police officers on your streets by March in his speech on 1st December 2025, what recent progress has she made in delivering those additional officers. \p Sarah Jones: We have made £200 million available in 2025/26 to support the first steps towards delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing personnel across England and Wales by the end of this parliament, including up to 3000 additional neighbourhood officers by the end of March 2026.

The Government has committed to publishing neighbourhood policing numbers every six months to align with the official police workforce statistics, with the next update due at the end of January 2026 setting out the numbers in neighbourhood policing roles as at the end of September 2025.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_164
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_164

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to improve oversight of biometric data storage and retention across law enforcement agencies. \p Sarah Jones: The Home Office launched a public consultation on 04/12/2025 on the use of biometrics, facial recognition and similar technologies.

The responses received will inform the creation of a bespoke legal framework and oversight for the use of biometric, facial recognition and similar technologies.

One aspect the consultation looks at is the oversight of biometric data storage and retention across law enforcement agencies.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_165
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_165

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions the Department has had with the police on improving protection for retail workers experiencing abuse or violence. \p Sarah Jones: The Home Office has regular discussions with the police and other partners on protecting retail workers and tackling shop theft.

The Home Office and Department for Business and Trade recently held a joint meeting of the Retail Crime Forum and Retail Sector Council, attended by representatives from policing and the retail sector, which included discussion on the ‘Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy’. The strategy was jointly developed by the police and industry and aims to provide a collaborative and evidence-based approach to preventing retail crime, including abuse and violence against retail workers.

Through the Crime and Policing Bill, we are bringing in a new offence of assaulting a retail worker to protect the hardworking and dedicated staff that work in stores. We are also removing the legislation which makes shop theft of and below £200 a summary-only offence, sending a clear message that any level of shop theft is illegal and will be taken seriously.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_166
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_166

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has been made of the level of police recruitment and retention rates; and what steps she is taking to help constabularies maintain the number of frontline police officers. \p Sarah Jones: The Government is clear that visible policing is essential to restoring public confidence in the police. To support this aim, for 2025/26, £376.8 million will be available to forces to support officer numbers. This funding will be distributed as follows:

The retention of police officers is a priority for the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council. Experienced officers are incredibly valuable which is why forces should be using effective evidence-based strategies to manage retention and progression of existing officers. Voluntary resignations rates for police officers remain low at 3.2% compared to other sectors.

As at 31 March 2025, 90.3% of police officers worked in frontline roles (including visible operational frontline and non-visible frontline roles; excluding National Policing, unknown, and ‘Other’ functions), the same proportion as the previous year.

Forces are operationally independent, and the deployment of officers remains an operational decision for Chief Constables.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_167
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_167

Simon Hoare:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the official closing date under section 14 of the Inquiries Act 2005 was for the public inquiries entitled (a) Anthony Grainger Inquiry, (b) The Litvinenko Inquiry and (c) Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. \p Sarah Jones: a) The Anthony Grainger Inquiry published its report on 11 July 2019.

b) The Litvinenko Inquiry published its final report on 21 January 2016.

c) The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) closed under section 14 of the Inquiries Act on 31 March 2023.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_168

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to her Department's press release entitled Review of public order and hate crime legislation, published on 15 November 2025, whether (a) anti-Muslim hatred and (b) the Government's proposed definition of Islamophobia are in scope of the review. \p Sarah Jones: Following the horrific attack on a synagogue in Manchester on 2 October, the Home Secretary launched an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation on 5 October. The Review will be led by Lord Ken Macdonald KC of River Glaven, supported by former Assistant Chief Constable Owen Weatherill

The review will ensure police powers remain fit for purpose, are used consistently, and strike the right balance between the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, and the need to prevent disorder and keep communities safe.

The review is engaging directly with stakeholders and experts across a full range of sectors, faith groups and perspectives. The panel has not been asked to consider the Government’s proposed definition of Islamophobia, but it will be open to the independent chair of the review to determine the extent to which he might wish to do so in order to meet the terms of reference for the review.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_169
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_169

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to improve the timeliness and adequacy of information shared between her Department and local police forces. \p Sarah Jones: The Home Office works closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s to address any concerns about information sharing between the department and police forces.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_170
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_170

Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Crime and Policing Bill on the number of young people arrested at protests. \p Sarah Jones: This government is committed to upholding the right to peaceful protest as well as balancing the need to protect the life of a community in the development of public order legislation. The right to peaceful protest is a vital part of our democracy, and people are free to gather and express their views, provided they do so within the law.

The government has published a human rights memorandum on the measures in the Crime and Policing Bill, here: ECHRMemo.pdf

The memorandum provides a detailed consideration of each provision’s compatibility with Convention rights.

An equalities impact assessment for these measures in the Bill will be published in due course, this will assess the potential impact of the measures on those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, including age.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_171
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_171

Simon Hoare:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the official set up date under section 5 of the Inquiries Act 2005 was for the public inquiries entitled (a) Jermaine Baker, (b) Manchester Arena Inquiry and (c) Anthony Grainger Inquiry. \p Sarah Jones: The official set up dates are as follows:

a) The Jermain Baker Inquiry: 12 February 2020

b) The Manchester Arena Inquiry: 22 October 2019

c) The Anthony Grainger Inquiry: 17 March 2016
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_172
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_172

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that reforms to the visa system help ensure that UK business can employ talented international workers. \p Mike Tapp: The Government’s approach is to link migration policy and visa controls to skills and labour market policies, so that immigration is not used as an alternative to training or tackling workforce problems in the UK.  This approach will be important to enabling delivery of the Government’s broader agenda.

Employers can continue to recruit workers for occupations at RQF level 6 and on the Temporary Shortage List but they will need to meet the current requirements of the Skilled Worker route.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_173
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_173

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many visas a) the Metropolitan Police Service and b) Police Scotland have sponsored since 4 July 2024. \p Mike Tapp: UKVI does not publish data on visas sponsored by individual sponsors.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_174
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_174

Clive Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if the application of the new individual earnings requirement applies to spouses of UK citizens who are retired, carers, or stay-at-home parents. \p Mike Tapp: On 20 November, we launched a public consultation on our proposed earned settlement model.

The command paper accompanying that consultation puts forward a general requirement to have earnt at least £12,570 per annum for three years in order to settle in the UK.

The consultation directly asks for views on whether certain individuals or cohorts should be exempted from that general requirement.

Full details of the earned settlement model will be finalised following the public consultation.