theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_61
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_61

Josh Babarinde:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to increase access to addiction support in Eastbourne. \p Ashley Dalton: The Government is committed to ensuring that anyone with a drug or alcohol problem can access the help and support they need, and we recognise the need for evidence-based, high-quality treatment.

As a condition of the Public Health Grant, local authorities are responsible for improving the take up of, and outcomes from, their drug and alcohol treatment services, based on an assessment of local need and a plan which has been developed with local health and criminal justice partners. In addition to funding through the Public Health Grant, in 2025/26, the Department is providing East Sussex County Council with £3,095,946 from the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant and £168,422 from the Individual Placement and Support grant to help improve drug and alcohol treatment and recovery support, which includes housing and employment. In the 12 months to May 2025, there were 2,791 adults who had benefited from treatment in East Sussex, compared to 2,657 in the 12 months to May 2024.

This year, the Government is providing an additional £70 million for local authority-led Stop Smoking Services in England, building on existing funding made available via the Public Health Grant. Additional funding for Stop Smoking Services is based on the number of smokers in each local authority, and East Sussex County Council has been allocated an extra £710,734 for 2025/26.

All funding is provided at the East Sussex level, and it is for East Sussex County Council to determine how to meet needs in Eastbourne.

In April 2025, a new statutory levy on gambling operators, expected to raise approximately £100 million per year, was introduced to fund the research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms. The levy will be distributed across the three workstreams, with 50% allocated to NHS England, alongside appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales, to commission the development of effective treatment and support services at national and sub-national levels.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_62
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_62

Josh Babarinde:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help tackle health inequalities in (a) Eastbourne and (b) the South East. \p Ashley Dalton: The Government is committed to building a fairer Britain, one where people can live longer, healthier lives regardless of where they are born or their financial circumstances. Tackling health inequalities requires a whole-Government effort. The newly published 10-Year Health Plan outlines a long-term vision to tackle these inequalities, address social determinants of health, and to make the National Health Service fit for the future, with further information available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/10-year-health-plan-for-england-fit-for-the-future

In Eastbourne and across the South East, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ South East Regional Team provides system leadership for population health and for reducing health inequalities. This includes working with local authorities and integrated care systems to develop and deliver population health programmes at a local level, supporting regional NHS priorities and long-term planning on prevention and health inequalities, contributing to the development of the public health workforce, and enhancing data, intelligence, and insights for population health.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_63
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_63

Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the average market value of off-road bikes that have been (a) seized and (b) destroyed under powers introduced in 2025 to help tackle antisocial behaviour. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for this Government and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission to take back our streets.

The Crime and Policing Bill will give the police greater powers to clamp down on anti-social behaviour involving vehicles, including off-road bikes, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizing these vehicles. Subject to parliamentary approval, the Crime and Policing Bill is expected to secure Royal Assent around the turn of the year.

On 28 May 2025, we published a consultation on amendments to secondary legislation on proposals to allow the police to dispose of seized vehicles such as off-road bikes, which have been used anti-socially from 14 days to 48 hours. We expect any changes to secondary legislation to come into force in early 2026.

The Home Office does not hold data on the number or value of off-road bikes that have been seized or destroyed under existing powers.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_64
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_64

Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department shares information with local police forces on the criminal records of asylum seekers placed in their area. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Home Office communicates regularly with local police forces, and with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, to assess the operational implications of housing asylum seekers in different areas and regions around the country, and will always do what is necessary to protect the safety and security of each local community affected.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_65
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_65

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish the list of geographical areas in which her Department will encourage private landlords to house asylum seekers.. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave him on 23 June to Question 60155.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_66
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_66

Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and what proportion of asylum seekers have had their DNA taken on arrival in the UK. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave her on 9 July to Question 63301. The current procedures are the same as those that were in place under the previous government.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_67
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_67

Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people claiming asylum had a criminal record before entering the UK in the most recent period for which data is available. \p Dame Angela Eagle: All asylum claimants are subject to mandatory security checks to confirm their identity and to link it to their biometric details for the purpose of immigration, security and criminality checks. For further information regarding security checks during the asylum screening process, please see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-screening-and-routing/asylum-screening-and-routing-accessible.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_68
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_68

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum applications have been rejected on the grounds of dual nationality in each of the last five years. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The information requested is not currently available from published statistics, and the relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_69
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_69

Zöe Franklin:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to help ensure that ensure that (a) refugees and (b) stateless people are not penalised for their irregular (i) entry or (ii) arrival. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Irrespective of someone’s method of entry or arrival to the UK, all asylum claims that are admitted to the UK asylum system 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.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_70
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_70

David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to electrify the North Wales main line. \p Lilian Greenwood: Together with industry partners, we have identified a number of improvements on the North Wales Main Line which will deliver more immediate passenger benefits, including increasing the frequency of services in 2026, which will serve to strengthen the business case for future electrification. Following the Spending Review, we are funding these improvement works as part of the wider £445 million investment to enhance rail infrastructure across Wales — unlocking economic potential, improving connectivity, and supporting communities.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_71
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_71

Olly Glover:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact Avanti West Coast’s non-tilting 110mph (a) Class 805 and (b) Class 807 trains on the capacity of the West Coast Main Line. \p Simon Lightwood: The new Avanti trains of classes 805 and 807 will make a material improvement to journeys formerly made on the Voyager trains, and will not reduce the capacity of the West Coast main line.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_72
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_72

Kirsteen Sullivan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that there (a) are new jobs and (b) is growth of the sustainable aviation fuel industry in Scotland. \p Mike Kane: We are supporting the UK SAF industry in a range of ways. We are building demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through the SAF Mandate, introduced in January this year. We have introduced legislation to deliver a revenue certainty mechanism to support potential SAF producers across the UK. We also run a grant funding scheme, the Advanced Fuels Fund, for which £63m of funding is available in 2025/26 for the producers of SAF.

Together, these measures will give investors the confidence to support the commercial scale production of SAF in the UK, creating green jobs and developing skills.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_73
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_73

Kirsteen Sullivan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to take steps to prevent aviation fuel suppliers from charging compliance risk premiums to mandated volumes of sustainable aviation fuel. \p Mike Kane: We recognise that SAF is more expensive than jet fuel. This is why the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate has been designed to protect against excessive costs. The SAF Mandate also has a built-in review process so the Government can take action to change scheme parameters if necessary. The pricing of SAF are commercial decisions for the market though we are working to further understand interactions between the SAF Mandate and SAF pricing. We are engaging with relevant stakeholders – including airports, airlines, fuel suppliers and trade associations to do this.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_74
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_74

Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which technologies will deliver improved wifi access on the East Coast Main Line. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department continues to work closely with Network Rail and industry to look at solutions to improve connectivity on trains, which includes rolling out rail 5G on the rail network.

Following the spending review, funding has been made available to invest in low earth orbit satellite connectivity, to improve passenger mobile connectivity. We also continue to work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to develop further interventions on the railway.

The department has been working with Network Rail to deliver improved connectivity on the rail corridor. Project Reach, which will renew fibre optic cables & address signals in mainline tunnels and stations was signed 26 June 2025 between Network Rail, and telecoms companies, Neos Networks and Freshwave .
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_75
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_75

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her oral statement of 8 July 2025 on Road and Rail Projects, what assessment she has made of potential impact of those projects on (a) jobs and (b) journey times in North Shropshire. \p Lilian Greenwood: Backed by over £92 billion from the Spending Review settlement, the Government is delivering the biggest boost to England’s transport infrastructure in a generation, and unlocking schemes that deliver for the taxpayer and drive growth.

Millions of commuters and businesses will benefit from quicker journeys, as more than fifty road and rail upgrades have been given the green light - including funding for the Midlands Rail Hub as well as the M54 / M6 link road, which will help to cut journey times and connect thousands to key economic hubs across the Midlands and North Shropshire.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_76
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_76

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make it her policy to include upgrades to the A483 in North Shropshire in the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3). \p Lilian Greenwood: Whilst I cannot commit to upgrades at this stage in the process of setting the next Road Investment Strategy, I can confirm National Highways is investigating a range of options to improve the safety performance of the A483 in North Shropshire which will be considered for possible delivery.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_77
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_77

Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has to (a) reduce pavement parking and (b) encourage the removal of obstacles for pedestrians with visual impairments. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government fully understands the serious problems that vehicles parked on the pavement, and other obstacles on the pavement, can cause for pedestrians, especially people with mobility or sight impairments and those with prams or pushchairs. The Department has been considering all the views expressed in response to its pavement parking consultation and is currently working through the policy options and the appropriate means of delivering them. As soon as the Government has decided its preferred way forward, we will announce the next steps and publish our formal response.  In the meantime, local authorities can make use of existing powers to manage pavement parking and deal with other obstacles on the pavement.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_78
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_78

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will visit Llynclys Crossroads in North Shropshire constituency to assess the impact of potential design changes on road safety at that junction. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Secretary of State would be interested to learn more about the particular issues with Llynclys Crossroads, but existing diary commitments mean she is unable to commit to a visit at this stage.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_79
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_79

Jen Craft:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 17 June 2025 on Dart Charge, HCWS708, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to the fare to cross Dartford Tunnel on levels of demand on that crossing. \p Lilian Greenwood: Our assessment is that the change in charges will mean there are fewer car journeys at the Crossing than would have been the case otherwise, and that this will enable more goods vehicle journeys to be made.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_80
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_80

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support the aviation sector. \p Mike Kane: This Government has shown that it will support the UK aviation sector by backing airport expansions that promote economic growth while meeting climate and environmental standards, as well as ending years of uncertainty by inviting proposals for a third runway at Heathrow.

We have introduced a package of measures to encourage the production and use of homegrown Sustainable Aviation Fuel, positioning the UK as a world leading destination for this new market.  The new revenue certainty mechanism will provide a price guarantee for SAF producers that will boost jobs across the country. This delivers on the UK’s clean energy and growth missions.

We have also recently announced the go ahead for the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) which will improve confidence in the delivery of airspace modernisation in the UK, fulfilling a key manifesto commitment to enable quicker, quieter and cleaner flights.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_81
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_81

Michelle Welsh:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the backlog of driving tests in Sherwood Forest constituency. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.

On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain.

Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK.

From previous recruitment campaigns for driving test centres that serve the Sherwood Forest constituency, three new driving examiners (DE) have completed their training and are now conducting tests. One at Ashfield and two at Nottingham (Colwick) DTCs.

From recent recruitment campaigns, a potential DE is currently undertaking training for Ashfield DTC. DVSA has also made offers to eight potential DEs, two for Ashfield, three for Worksop and three for Nottingham (Colwick) who will start their training at the earliest opportunity.

DVSA will be undertaking another recruitment campaign and will again advertise for posts in the local area.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_82
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_82

Zöe Franklin:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with airlines on the (a) accessibility and (b) clarity of compensation claim processes; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of claims procedures on passengers. \p Mike Kane: Under UK law, airlines are required to provide written information to passengers affected by flight disruptions, setting out the rules for compensation and assistance.  This information must be clear, easy to understand, and available in accessible formats.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for ensuring airlines comply with their legal obligations towards passengers.

The EU conducted an assessment of the potential impact of the claims procedure on passengers as part of its proposed 2013 reform to Regulation 261, finding that some passengers were being discouraged from claiming their rights even when entitled. The UK has not carried out any further assessments on this issue since then.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_83
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_83

Zöe Franklin:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring airlines to issue compensation for denied boarding automatically. \p Mike Kane: An assessment of the merits of automatic compensation for denied boarding has not been made.

Provision of automatic compensation to passengers for denied boarding would present some practical challenges that would need to be fully considered through a full public consultation ahead of any potential legislative reforms.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_84
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_84

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reducing the bus fare cap to £2. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government has made no assessment of reducing the bus fare cap to £2.

The Government is committed to ensuring bus travel remains affordable, and stepped in to prevent a cliff-edge return to commercial fares by investing over £150 million to introduce a £3 cap on single bus fares in England outside London from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, replacing the £2 cap.

Under the plans of the previous administration, the £2 cap on bus fares had been due to expire on 31 December 2024, and prior to the Autumn 2024 Budget, there was no further funding available to maintain a cap on bus fares beyond this point.  Maintaining the cap at £2 for the entirety of 2025 would have cost an estimated £444 million. The £3 cap represents a significant saving for taxpayers whilst ensuring bus services remain affordable.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to investing in bus services in the Spending Review by confirming additional funding to extend the £3 cap by over a year until March 2027 as part of dedicated funding to maintain and improve bus services long-term.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_85
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_85

Aphra Brandreth:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the Civil Aviation Authority's requirement that commercial pilots cease commercial air transport operations at the age of 65, regardless of (a) medical condition and (b) licence status, in the context of the State Pension age. \p Mike Kane: Pilot age limits ultimately derive from standards and recommended practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which sets age limits globally. Standards and recommended practices are kept under review and the CAA actively participates in these reviews.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_86
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_86

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the (a) applicants and (b) Community Law Partnership received legal aid in relation to the case that resulted in the High Court decision of [2024] EWHC 1137 (Admin). \p Sarah Sackman: Whether or not an individual is in receipt of legal aid constitutes their personal data. Having regard to data protection legislation, it is not possible to disclose whether the Claimant in this matter received legal aid.

Legal representatives only receive legal aid funding to the extent that they represent a client in whose favour legal aid has been granted.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_87
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_87

Kirsteen Sullivan:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she has consider the potential merits of introducing a specific offence group classification for thefts involving high value goods from (a) haulage and (b) freight vehicles. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Government recognises the distress felt by those who are victims of theft, and such matters should be reported, investigated and, where appropriate, taken through the courts to provide justice. Theft of goods, regardless of value, is a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968 and the maximum penalty is seven years’ imprisonment. The sentencing guidelines for theft acknowledge that, where the items stolen were of substantial value to the victim, then regardless of their monetary worth and consequential financial harm to victims and others, this will indicate a higher level of harm, and the offender should be sentenced accordingly.

The government does not intend to introduce a specific offence of theft involving high value goods from haulage or freight vehicles.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_88
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_88

Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to help reduce the time taken to process compensation claims by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority; and if she will introduce measures to help ensure timely decisions for people awaiting compensation. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (the 2012 Scheme) does not prescribe a time limit for applications to be decided.

The majority of applications are decided within 12 months. Each application must be considered on its own facts and assessed based on the information available. In almost all cases, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) needs to get information from third parties such as the police and medical authorities to assess applications.

Some applications will by necessity take longer to decide. This could be where information is not available due to ongoing criminal proceedings, where CICA needs time to assess the long-term impacts of complex injuries (e.g. brain injuries), or where there is an application for loss of earnings which requires at least 28 weeks of loss. CICA has continued to uplift staff numbers in line with funding and identify operational efficiencies to ensure applications are decided as quickly as possible.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_89
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_89

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether (a) she and (b) her Ministers have had discussions with (i) the Chair and (ii) members of the Working Group on Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia to discuss its work. \p Alex Davies-Jones: Details of ministers' meetings with external stakeholders and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Data for the period of July to September 2025 will be published in due course.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_90
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_90

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she will make it her policy to lay a Legislative Reform Order to permit outdoor religious weddings. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Law Commission’s 2022 report on weddings raises a number of issues around weddings law, including giving greater choice in how and where individuals can get married.

Given marriage will always be one of our most important institutions, it is right that we take the time to carefully consider this report. An update on our position on weddings reform will come soon.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_91
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_91

Cat Eccles:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment  she has made of the effectiveness of the probation service in the West Midlands. \p Alex Davies-Jones: Performance ratings for prisons in the West Midlands are published by the Ministry of Justice as part of the Annual Prison Performance Ratings. The 2023-24 ratings can be found at: Prison Performance Ratings: 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK.

The performance of the Probation Service in the West Midlands is published as part of the Community Performance Annual publication. The 2023-24 edition can be found at: Community Performance Annual, update to March 2024 - GOV.UK.

The ratings for 2024-25 for both prisons and probation will be published on 31 July 2025.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_92
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_92

Liz Saville Roberts:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of veterans therapists' ability to access veteran inmates in Wales to provide PTSD treatment. \p Alex Davies-Jones: Healthcare in Wales is devolved to the Welsh Government, with seven Local Health Boards responsible for the planning and delivery of health services (including mental health therapy, such as PTSD) in prisons across Wales.

A strong partnership exists between HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) in Wales, the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales, underpinned by a 2019 agreement. Regular strategic meetings and local partnership boards ensure that prisoners can access appropriate interventions, including mental health support, through coordinated efforts between prison services and healthcare providers.

HMPPS delivers a range of initiatives to support veterans including via third sector organisations, who provide a prison in-reach service to veterans whilst in custody.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_93
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_93

Liz Saville Roberts:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of using National Insurance numbers to proactively identify veterans in the criminal justice system in order to provide them with appropriate support. \p Alex Davies-Jones: There is no mechanism for identifying former Armed Forces personnel or any other category of individuals through National Insurance numbers. Those eligible are issued a National Insurance number for the administration of Social Security Benefits, National Insurance and tax only.

However, all newly received prisoners are asked if they have previously served in the Armed Forces as part of the screening process at reception. The Probation Service also uses a self-declaration form to identify former Armed Forces personnel.

Those who choose to report as former members of the Armed Forces are given access to specialist support that is available to them via the armed forces and military charities that work in prisons and in the community.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_94
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_94

Robert Jenrick:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many assaults on prison officers by prisoners were recorded by HM Prison & Probation Service in each month since January 2025. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The information requested is not currently able to be shared. Accredited Official Statistics on assaults on staff from January 2025 onwards are subject to future publication through our Safety in Custody quarterly publication. The data from January - March 2025 will be published on 31 July 2025.

The latest available assaults data covers up to December 2024 and can be found via: Safety in custody statistics - GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_95
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_95

Robert Jenrick:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisoners have been released under SDS40 since July 2024; and how many of those prisoners have subsequently committed another offence. \p Alex Davies-Jones: This Government inherited prisons days from collapse. We have had no choice but to take decisive action to stop our prisons overflowing and keep the public safe.

Reoffending rates are published regularly on an annual and quarterly basis. The most recent rates are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/proven-reoffending-statistics.

We have also published SDS40 release data alongside the quarterly Offender Management Statistics, in line with the Lord Chancellor’s commitment to transparency: Standard Determinate Sentence (SDS40) release data - GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_96
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_96

Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment her Department has made of the prevalence of gambling among the prison population; and what steps she is taking to help tackle gambling-related issues in prisons. \p Alex Davies-Jones: His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) co-commissioned, and subsequently published, an independent report to help inform our understanding of the prevalence of gambling harms among those in prison and on probation in the community. The report was undertaken from 2023-2024 and published in May 2025.

We are committed to rehabilitating those impacted by gambling and its harms, driven by good rehabilitative culture, positive relationships and pro-social staff. Alongside this, HMPPS delivers a broad range of interventions to address individuals’ criminogenic risks and needs, including accredited offending behaviour programmes.

The NHS also provides support for prisoners who are experiencing gambling addiction, and HMPPS is working in partnership with health and social care partners so that people in prison can access the equivalent standard and range of services to those they would receive in the community.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_97
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_97

Kirsteen Sullivan:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to repurpose national infrastructure originally used in the fossil fuel sector for new green technology sectors. \p Michael Shanks: Repurposing existing offshore and onshore infrastructure could make a significant contribution to the UK’s drive to net-zero. In 2022, analysis by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) identified more than 100 pipelines which could be suitable for CCS or hydrogen projects.

The NSTA supports government and others to identify opportunities for repurposing, including for carbon dioxide or offshore hydrogen transportation and storage projects.

We are already seeing this in practice. HyNet will be served by a combination of new and existing infrastructure, with more than 90 miles of offshore and onshore pipeline being repurposed.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_98
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_98

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what contribution GB Energy has made to reducing (a) gas, (b) electricity and (c) fuel bills since its establishment in May 2025. \p Michael Shanks: Great British Energy (GBE) is a key part of our plan to protect bill payers from volatile international fossil fuel markets by accelerating clean power deployment. By investing in and developing clean energy projects GBE will ensure UK taxpayers and billpayers reap the benefits of homegrown energy.

The Great British Energy Act gained Royal Assent on the 15th May and the company is now setting up its headquarters in Aberdeen and recruiting the team that will deliver its work. The Secretary of State will set out a Statement of Strategic Priorities in due course but in the meantime GBE has made initial investments in community energy and working alongside other government departments to deliver a programme of solar power for schools and hospitals across the country.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_99
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_99

Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much (a) has been spent to date and (b) he expects to spend on measures to continue the operation of the Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery. \p Michael Shanks: As I sent out in my Written Ministerial Statement on 1 July 2025, the Government is providing the Official Receiver with short-term funding to cover the essential operating costs of the refinery as a result of the unexpected insolvency of the company. The final operating cost will depend on market conditions and the strategy adopted by the Official Receiver, and this will be subject to close scrutiny and governance by the Government and the insolvency office holders. This funding is necessary to provide the Official Receiver with the necessary tools to fulfil their statutory duties and to avoid an immediate, unsafe shutdown of the refinery.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_100
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_100

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help mitigate the environmental impacts of AI data centres in relation to the target of Net Zero by 2050. \p Michael Shanks: The Government’s forecasts for data centre demand to 2030 are consistent with its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. The Government expects to be able to meet this demand through its plans to increase renewable power capacity, other low carbon generation and flexible and dispatchable power.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_101
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_101

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the proportion of overall household spending by lower income households on energy costs. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: DESNZ’s fuel poverty statistics include an affordability measure of the number of households in England required to spend over 10% of income on energy costs. In 2024, this was estimated at 8.99 million households (36.3%).

The review of the fuel poverty strategy consultation document includes a version of this measure limited to households on a low income, in the ‘Measuring fuel poverty’ section. An estimated 6.6 million low income households spent over 10% of income on energy costs in England in 2023.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_102
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_102

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the level of preparedness in the event of a coordinated cyber-attack on public service infrastructure. \p Feryal Clark: Government is working tirelessly to improve the cyber resilience of the public sector, which includes some of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Cyber risks are kept under review, through the internal, classified National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA), and the external facing version, the National Risk Register (NRR), to ensure that we effectively plan at the national and local levels. The NSRA assesses a number of cyber risks, including the impact of a cyber-attack against government systems on the delivery of public services.

We face a persistent and evolving threat landscape, the intent and capability of both state and non-state threat actors is increasing, and the pace of this change has accelerated considerably over the last 24 months. Public service infrastructure and systems remain an attractive target for our adversaries and criminals, with recent incidents clearly highlighting the risk posed by cyber attacks on both private and public sector organisations.

Responding to a cyber incident is a cross-government responsibility with roles and responsibilities identified in the National Cyber Incident Management Framework. As well as developing a more sophisticated understanding of cyber risk across UK CNI, the Government is focussed on ensuring that CNI operators are prepared to respond to and recover from incidents through better planning and regular exercises across Government and as part of the National Exercising Programme. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) also works with partners to help public and private CNI operators detect and respond to attacks.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_103
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_103

Sarah Olney:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, when he plans to publish a consultation on the regulation of frontier AI systems. \p Feryal Clark: Artificial intelligence is the defining opportunity of our generation, and the Government is taking action to harness its economic benefits for UK citizens. As set out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, we believe most AI systems should be regulated at the point of use, with our expert regulators best placed to do so. Departments are working proactively with regulators to provide clear strategic direction and support them on their AI capability needs. Through well-designed and implemented regulation, we can fuel fast, wide and safe development and adoption of AI.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_104
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_104

Alex Brewer:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to (a) understand and (b) help tackle the threats posed by artificial intelligence to young people through social media platforms. \p Feryal Clark: Protecting children is at the heart of the Online Safety Act.

The Act’s duties apply to AI generated content in the same way as to ‘real’ content - AI generated content is regulated where it is shared on an in-scope service and is either illegal content or content which is harmful to children. In-scope services will be required to assess the risk of harm to users from this content and implement measures to manage and mitigate this risk.

Government is clear that we will not hesitate to build on the Act where necessary when it comes to keeping children safe.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_105
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_105

Josh Babarinde:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help improve levels of digital literacy in the South East. \p Chris Bryant: The Government published its Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which outlines the first five actions we are taking over the next year to boost digital inclusion in every corner of the UK.

These will be targeted at local initiatives for boosting digital skills and confidence, widening access to devices and connectivity, and getting support to people in their own communities. This includes improving digital literacy, increasing digital upskilling, and enhancing support for the Essential Digital Skills framework, which helps businesses and individuals to get the digital skills they need.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_106
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_106

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 2 July 2025 to Question 63169 on MBR Acres, what support his Department is providing to MBR. \p Feryal Clark: Due to national security concerns, I cannot provide more detailed information.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_107
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_107

Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with industry representatives on the impact of data protection requirements on SMEs. \p Chris Bryant: Yes, my department has regularly engaged with businesses, trade associations and other interest groups during passage of the Data (Use and Access) Act. Many of the provisions in the Act are designed to simplify the data protection legislation for organisations, while promoting innovation and economic growth, and maintaining high data protection standards.

My officials and I will continue to engage with stakeholders in the months ahead as we implement the Act. An impact assessment can be found here.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_108
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_108

Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the UKRI on its funded research projects on solar radiation modification. \p Feryal Clark: The Department engages regularly with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and its constituent Councils, on a range of research and innovation priorities.

In April 2025, UKRI’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) invested £10 million in four research projects on solar radiation modification (SRM). These projects cover stratospheric aerosol intervention; marine cloud brightening; the environment’s response to SRM; and the cooling potential of lesser-known SRM approaches. These projects will not involve outdoor experiments.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_109
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_109

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many grant assistance programmes are run in partnership between Innovate UK and Invest NI for Companies based in Northern Ireland. \p Feryal Clark: Innovate UK and Invest NI co-fund the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme, which partners businesses with graduates. Approximately 450 projects have been successfully completed in Northern Ireland since 2003.

More widely, Invest NI is part of the Innovate UK Business Growth Delivery Programme. Although not a grant assistance programme, this programme has supported 339 businesses in Northern Ireland in the last 3 years.
wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_110
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-11 conversation_110

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June 2025 to Question 58921 on Innovate UK: Northern Ireland, how many companies were awarded contracts for Innovation grants in Northern Ireland in 2024. \p Feryal Clark: In 2024, 3 Contracts for Innovation (CfI) grants were awarded by Innovate UK to companies in Northern Ireland, totalling just over £2 million.

The majority of CfI competitions in Northern Ireland are organised and delivered by other public bodies; for which Innovate UK do not hold data.