theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many of the illegal migrants who were not deported after their arrest following raids carried out by Immigration Enforcement between October 2024 to September 2025 were moved to immigration removal centres. \p Alex Norris: We do not routinely publish the information you have requested, and we are unable to provide this information, as it could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
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James Wild:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to house asylum seekers in North West Norfolk constituency. \p Alex Norris: The priority is to ensure that the procurement of secure, safe and sustainable dispersed accommodation is carried out in a fair and equitable manner so that the Home Office continues to meet its statutory obligations while also carefully considering the impact on local areas.

The Home Office operates a Full Dispersal model which works to ensure that asylum accommodation is equitably and fairly spread out across the country. Dispersed accommodation offers accommodation that delivers better value for money for the taxpayer and helps the Home Office work towards the fair and equitable spread of accommodation. The Home Office continues to work with local government to allocate asylum seekers based on a range of evidence, including the availability of housing, pressure on services and community cohesion.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many of the migrants removed to France under the UK-France treaty were given payments ahead of their removal. \p Alex Norris: No migrants were given payments to return to France under the Treaty.
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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the average number of asylum seekers who are housed in each property procured for dispersal accommodation in each local authority in Greater Manchester. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office has a legal obligation to support asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute by providing appropriate support which usually includes accommodation.

The Home Office does not disclose information about average number of asylum seekers who are housed in each property procured for dispersal accommodation.

Data, published quarterly, on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including accommodation type, can be found within the Asy_D11 tab of our most recent statistics release. Immigration system statistics data tables - www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release
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Catherine West:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that asylum seekers are living in (a) safe and (b) suitable accommodation. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office is firmly committed to ensuring that destitute asylum seekers are provided with safe, secure, and appropriate accommodation, and that they are treated with dignity throughout the asylum process. As part of its assurance processes, the Home Office conducts regular inspections and monitoring of asylum accommodation sites to ensure compliance with contractual and safety standards, including security arrangements. Feedback from local authorities and asylum seekers is also considered and informs improvements.

The Asylum Accommodation and Support Contract (AASC) Requirements (AASC Schedule 2 - Statement of Requirements) gives a detailed breakdown of all the services to be undertaken by Home Office accommodation providers and to the standards expected.
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Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many hotels are being used as contingency accommodation for irregular migrants in Northern Ireland. \p Alex Norris: Northern Ireland is not a dispersal area and asylum seekers are therefore not routed between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, Northern Ireland’s asylum population is however, proportionate to its population when compared to the UK. Because Northern Ireland is not a dispersal area, only those claiming asylum in Northern Ireland are accommodated there.

For the safety, security and wellbeing of staff and those being accommodated, the Home Office does not disclose information about accommodation sites.

However, data on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including contingency, by local authority (including Northern Ireland) can be found within the Asy_D11 tab for our most recent statistics release: Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum seekers accommodated in (a) hotels or (b) other residences were in that accommodation for longer than 12 months since 2022. \p Alex Norris: 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.

The latest published Immigration Statistics detail the number of asylum seekers accommodated in hotel and other residences can be found at Asylum and resettlement datasets - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many murders have been committed by asylum seekers in each year since 2020. \p Alex Norris: The information you have requested is not available from published statistics.

Work is currently underway to improve the quality of information held by the department on foreign national offenders (FNOs). If this work progresses as planned, the Home Office intend to publish more detailed information on FNOs subject to deportation. Further information on this work can be found at: Statistics on foreign national offenders and the immigration system - GOV.UK.

We are committed to delivering justice for victims and safer streets for our communities. Foreign nationals who commit serious crimes will face the full force of the law and be deported at the earliest opportunity.

This government has already removed almost 5,200 foreign national offenders in its first year of office, a 14 per cent increase on the previous twelve months (5 July 2024 to 4 July 2025) and we will continue to crack down on any foreign nationals who come to this country and break our rules.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been prosecuted for espionage in the last 12 months. \p Dan Jarvis: From 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, eight people have been convicted of espionage offences.

These convictions were contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act 2023, section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911 and conspiracy to spy offences contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.
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Sir Christopher Chope:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (a) how many and (b) what value of facilitation payments were made to people subject to (i) deportation and (ii) removal in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available. \p Alex Norris: The information requested regarding the specific value of payments made under the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) and Facilitated Return Scheme (FRS) are not separately available from published statistics.

The Home Office publishes all available information on returns expenditure in the Home Office Annual Report and accounts at Home Office annual reports and accounts - GOV.UK(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab).

The number of foreign national offenders returned under FRS is published as part of the Immigration Enforcement quarterly release, with the latest publication being in 2022. The latest published data on FRS returns can be viewed at: Immigration Enforcement data: Q2 2024 - GOV.UK.

Whereas the number of foreign nationals returned under the VRS is published as part of the Immigration system statistics return summary tables, with the latest publication being for Q2 2025. The latest published data on VRS returns can be viewed at: Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK.

FRS and VRS are not an alternative to removal or deportation but facilitate the early removal of FNOs and those without leave to remain in the UK, helping them to re-settle in their country of origin. Voluntary removals benefit the UK taxpayer as costs of detention, appeals, and other legal challenges are significantly reduced.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many extradition cases have involved requests for European Arrests Warrants issued under part 1 from European countries for requested persons who were not citizens of the requesting state have been heard in courts in England and Wales in the past five years. \p Dan Jarvis: The Home Office does not hold this information requested.

The National Crime Agency is the competent authority for all extradition requests between the UK and EU Member States and, as such, is the holder of all verified data concerning UK-EU extradition cooperation.
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Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of proscribing Russia’s main political parties as terrorist organisations. \p Dan Jarvis: While the UK Government keeps the list of proscribed organisations under review, we do not routinely comment on whether an organisation is or is not being considered for proscription.
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Neil Coyle:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure representatives of the People’s Republic of China employed in the (a) UK embassy, (b) consulate and (c) Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London do not engage in (i) supranational suppression and (ii) intimidation tactics against Hong Kongers now living in the UK. \p Dan Jarvis: The safety and security of Hong Kongers in the UK is of the upmost importance. The UK will always stand up for the rights of the people of Hong Kong.

We continually assess potential threats in the UK, and take protection of individuals’ rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously. Any attempt by any foreign state, including China, to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK will not be tolerated.

Wherever we identify such threats, we will use any and all measures, including through our world-class intelligence services, to mitigate the risk to individuals.

The UK’s response to tackling state-directed threats is world leading. The National Security Act 2023 ensures that the appropriate tools and system-wide safeguards are in place to robustly counter state threats.

Guidance can be found on GOV.UK providing those who believe themselves to be at-risk of TNR with practical advice for their safety both physically and online.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's joint press release entitled UK removes Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham from terrorist organisation list, published on 21 October 2025, whether she has placed conditions on Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham as part of her decision to deproscribe that organisation. \p Dan Jarvis: HTS was proscribed as an alias of Al Qa’ida in 2017. The Government no longer assesses HTS to be an alias of AQ.

Deproscription decisions are not taken lightly. The Home Secretary is supported in her decision making by a robust process which involves substantial consultation with operational partners and other Government departments. The decision to deproscribe HTS will support our continued efforts to counter Daesh in Syria and reduce the risk to the UK.

We want to step up our engagement and support to give this transition the best chance of success. Deproscription will enhance our ability to do this. A stable Syria is in the UK's interests, reducing the risk of irregular migration and the threats to our national security.

The Home Secretary reserves the right to review proscription decisions in response to evolving threats. The Government will always act swiftly and decisively in the interests of national security.
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Robbie Moore:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, published in June 2025, what progress her Department has made on implementing recommendation seven. \p Jess Phillips: The Home Office has been working closely with the Department for Education to understand how the proposed Unique Identifier will operate in order to plan for upgrades to police IT systems.

In June we conducted a Preliminary Market Engagement to understand how the market could support the need to better integrate data across policing. We are currently evaluating those responses against the existing policing landscape to determine the best way forwards.

We also awarded a contract to deliver a Police Technology Strategy and Roadmap.
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Sir Julian Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has recently received representations from the (a) Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, (b) Royal College of Psychiatrists and (c) Department of Health on the potential clinical use of psilocybin under controlled conditions to treat serious psychiatric illness. \p Sarah Jones: No recent representations on the potential clinical use of psilocybin to treatpsychiatric illness have been made to the Home Office by the AdvisoryCouncil on the Misuse of Drugs, Royal College of Psychiatrists or theDepartment of Health and Social Care.

The Government recognises that studies into the potential use of psilocybinas part of the treatment for mental health conditions have been or are being conducted in the UK under Home Office licence.

On 16 July, the Government responded to recommendations from theAdvisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) on how best to reducebarriers to clinical research with Schedule 1 drugs, such as psilocybin.
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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions her Department has had with relevant stakeholders on anti-violence education programmes in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle, (d) the North East and (e) England. \p Sarah Jones: Halving knife crime over the next decade is a central priority for this Government. Reducing youth-related violence, including in the North East of England, will be critical to achieving this goal.

Home Office officials hold monthly discussions with the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) on delivery of early intervention and prevention programmes, including anti-violence education.

For 2025/26, Northumbria VRU has been allocated £2,140,937, including funding for a range of interventions. These include educational programmes for professionals to raise awareness of the impact of knife crime; active bystander training; and mentoring initiatives and sports programmes to provide positive engagement and help to steer young people away from violence.

The Home Office also engages regularly with a wider network of Violence Reduction Units and Serious Violence Duty partnerships in England to discuss their progress in embedding a public health approach to violence prevention.

The Home Office also meets regularly with Department for Education colleagues to discuss the inclusion of related issues in the curriculum.

As part of the updated Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum, primary school pupils will learn how to manage relationship challenges and seek help when concerned about violence. At secondary level, the focus will be on developing social and emotional skills to avoid conflict, understanding the law on knives and violence, and knowing which trusted adults to approach.
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Jessica Toale:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that (a) Christian, (b) Muslim, (c) Jewish and (d) other faith communities are able to access timely security support in instances where they are targeted by extremist or far-right activity. \p Sarah Jones: In 2025/26, up to £70.9 million is available to protect faith communities. This includes £18 million through the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant, £29.4 million through the Protective Security for Mosques scheme and for security at Muslim faith schools, and £3.5 million for the places of worship and associated faith community centres of all other faiths. In addition, up to £10 million of emergency funding has been made available for both Jewish and Muslim communities each to further strengthen security measures at their places of worship and other community sites.

In response to public disorder in August 2024, the Home Office introduced a rapid protective security response process as a temporary measure for places of worship at risk of imminent violent disorder or in the immediate aftermath of such an incident. We provided security to over 700 places of worship during this period.

This Government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion at their chosen place of worship, and to making our streets and communities safer.
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Jessica Toale:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to support (a) police forces and (b) councils in responding to hate-motivated vandalism of places of worship. \p Sarah Jones: The Government is determined to tackle all forms of hate crime wherever in the country it occurs, and whoever is responsible for committing it. We are actively seeking to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals and communities across England and Wales.

In 2025/26, up to £70.9 million is available to protect faith communities. This includes £18 million through the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant, £29.4 million through the Protective Security for Mosques scheme and for security at Muslim faith schools, and £3.5 million for the places of worship and associated faith community centres of all other faiths. In addition, up to £10 million of emergency funding has been made available for both Jewish and Muslim communities each to further strengthen security measures at their places of worship and other community sites.
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Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the National Crime Agency is carrying out inspections on cargo flights from the Uyghur region to ensure they are not carrying goods made with Uyghur forced labour. \p Jess Phillips: The Government remains firmly opposed to the use of state-imposed forced labour. We are committed to working with international partners and businesses to ensure global supply chains are free from human and labour rights abuses.

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) (2002) provides law enforcement agencies, including the NCA, with a powerful range of powers to seize cash and assets from individuals profiting from criminal activity. Government cannot direct how the POCA powers are used by law enforcement and independent operational decisions are a matter for the NCA.

In the recently published Trade Strategy, the Government announced a review of its approach to Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) policy. The review will consider the effectiveness of the current UK regime and alternative means of supporting responsible business practices, including consideration of mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence laws and import controls on goods made by forced labour. The Department for Business and Trade will engage regularly with stakeholders to develop findings and provide updates.
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Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to (a) identify and (b) deport foreign nationals residing in the UK who have committed identity fraud. \p Dan Jarvis: The Home Office performs mandatory identity verification and security checks on individuals applying to enter or remain in the UK and those applying for British citizenship. These checks are set out in comprehensive, internal guidance called the UK Visas and Immigration Operating Mandate (OM). To protect the integrity of the specific identity and security checking processes that are conducted under the OM, the information contained within it is not disclosed publicly.

We are committed to delivering justice for victims and safer streets for our communities. Foreign nationals who commit crime should be in no doubt that the law will be enforced and, where appropriate, we will pursue their deportation.

This government has already removed 5,179 foreign national offenders in its first year in office, a 14 per cent increase on the previous twelve months, and we will continue to ensure there is no hiding place for foreign criminals in our country.
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Robbie Moore:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, published in June 2025, what progress she has made on implementing recommendation 4. \p Jess Phillips: The government has committed to make it a requirement for the police to collect ethnicity and nationality data of perpetrators of group-based child sexual exploitation. This data is vital in enabling us to develop the most accurate and robust picture of the nature of this offending.

In July this year, the former Home Secretary wrote to all Chief Constables to set out the clear expectation that ethnicity data on grooming gang suspects should be collected in every case, and to urge them to make sure they are fulfilling their obligation to collect suspect ethnicity data as part of the government's commitment to transparency and accountability. The Home Office is closely monitoring data collection and provision from forces, and continues to engage with individual forces on where improvements are required.

If we do not see improvements, we will not hesitate to put this requirement into legislation.
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Chris Philp:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with Oldham Council on the potential starting date for its inquiry into grooming gangs operating in Oldham. \p Jess Phillips: In June this year, Baroness Casey published her independent audit into group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse, and the Government accepted every recommendation it made, including establishing a new national inquiry. The national inquiry, equipped with statutory powers under the Inquiries Act 2005, will direct targeted local reviews in specific areas.

The former Home Secretary made a specific commitment to support Oldham Council in undertaking their own local inquiry. The Department has been discussing the right approach for Oldham’s inquiry with Oldham Council, given the Government’s commitment to a new national inquiry. We also intend to consult the prospective chair of the national inquiry once appointed and will confirm the proposed approach for Oldham alongside further details about the national inquiry in due course.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Green Paper consultation on the Future of the Post Office, which ended on 6 October 2025. what progress he has made on holding joint discussions with the Post Office and banks on potentially expanding the range of banking services available at post offices. \p Blair McDougall: I refer the Honourable Member to the answer I gave to Question 83450 on 23 October 2025. As I stated in that response, together with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, I plan to co-chair a roundtable with the Post Office and key banks which will provide an opportunity to discuss where future potential collaboration, on a commercial and voluntary basis, may be in the interests of both parties. This will take place in due course.
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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps the Office for Investment is taking to help promote Northumberland as an investment destination. \p Chris McDonald: The Office for Investment is piloting an Investment Opportunities Accelerator with North East Combined Authority to unlock and accelerate investment opportunities working in collaboration with regional partners, Whitehall departments and industry. The North East’s designation as the UK’s first AI Growth Zone—with sites in Northumberland and North Tyneside—positions it as a national leader in AI innovation. NECA is also receiving support through DSIT’s £30m Innovation Accelerator Fund to strengthen its R&D ecosystem and drive commercialisation in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital sectors.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support investment in businesses in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) Staffordshire. \p Chris McDonald: The Department for Business and Trade supports regional growth by working with local areas to attract private investment, helping business to grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities in Staffordshire and Newcastle-under-Lyme. As part of the recent Office for Investment expansion, we work with local areas, leveraging public finance from institutions like the National Wealth Fund and the British Business Bank, to deliver strategic investments, aligned with the 10-year Infrastructure and Industrial strategies.

Carlsberg Britvic plans to invest £4 million in Staffordshire, supporting hundreds of jobs, and the approval, of the M54-M6 link road, will further boost the local economy.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps his Department has taken to improve the rights of older workers in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) Staffordshire. \p Kate Dearden: The government’s Plan to Make Work Pay will strengthen employment rights for people, at all stages of their working lives, boosting fairness and equality in the workplace. Measures in the Employment Right’s Bill to make it easier to access flexible working may help older workers balance their work with changes in their personal circumstances. The existing right to one week of unpaid carer’s leave from day one may help older workers manage work and care commitments. The government is currently reviewing the implementation of unpaid Carer’s Leave, including examining the potential benefits of introducing paid Carer’s Leave, while being mindful of the cost and impact on small employers.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Certification Officer has received (a) representations and (b) complaints on the elections of the Unite trade union. \p Kate Dearden: The Certification Officer does not comment on whether any complaints are under consideration.

The Certification Officer lists all forthcoming hearings and publishes all decisions on their website.
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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to improve support for pubs in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle, (d) the North East and (e) England. \p Kate Dearden: Pubs are the beating heart of their communities, providing not just a place to socialise but essential services and local jobs, especially in rural areas. That’s why we’re investing £440,000 with Pub is The Hub to help rural pubs diversify, aiming to support rural communities, create new jobs and services.

We also want planning and licensing systems to work fairly for businesses and residents, we’re creating a more balanced premises licensing system that not only safeguards communities but also supports responsible businesses. On 7 October the Government issued a Call for Evidence on Reforming the licensing system - GOV.UK (deadline: midday, 6 November 2025) We are also planning to introduce permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value.

We work closely with the Hospitality Sector Council to improve the productivity and resilience of hospitality businesses by co-creating solutions to the issues impacting business performance.
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Tim Roca:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department is taking steps with (a) Google UK and (b) other search engines to help tackle advertisements by fraudulent locksmiths. \p Kate Dearden: Online platforms must comply with The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act which prohibits unfair trading, including misleading omissions and actions. The Act clarifies that online platforms must exercise professional diligence in relation to consumer transactions promoted or made on their platforms. The legislation carries criminal penalties and is enforced by Trading Standards officers.

The Government encourages consumers to use providers that operate under a regulated trusted trader scheme, such as the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), which has a Police Crime Prevention-approved licensing scheme in place to ensure approved locksmiths are appropriately vetted, inspected and qualified.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of banning fireworks to support veterans with PTSD. \p Kate Dearden: At this time no assessment has been made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of banning fireworks. However, the Government is continuing to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities, including those supporting veterans, to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks to inform any future action.

The Government has also launched a public campaign on fireworks safety for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign includes new guidance for those running community fireworks events, and new social media posts that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps he has taken to support (a) pubs, (b) publicans and (c) the pub industry in Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency since his appointment; and what plans he has to visit a public house in Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency. \p Kate Dearden: The Government fully recognises the cultural and economic significance of pubs in communities, like Newcastle-under-Lyme and has taken a range of steps to support pubs and publicans.

We want planning and licensing systems to work fairly for businesses and residents and so we are creating a more balanced premises licensing system that not only safeguards communities but also supports responsible businesses. On 7 October the Government issued a Call for Evidence on Reforming the licensing system - GOV.UK (deadline: midday, 6 November 2025).

Additionally, we have cut alcohol duty on qualifying draught products, covering about 60% of pub sales saving pubs over £85m annually. We are also creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value

We continue to work closely with the sector, including through the Hospitality Sector Council, working together to address the challenges facing all hospitality businesses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what representations he has received from stakeholders on reforms to the Constitutional Reform and Governance process for approving trade deals. \p Chris Bryant: Although the department has received representations from NGOs, academia, trade bodies and Parliamentary Committees on this subject over the year, we believe the scrutiny provisions under CRaG remain fit for purpose and have no plans to reform these mechanisms.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_274

Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has received representations from the Welsh Government on the amount of funding to allocated to Wales from the steel fund. \p Chris McDonald: The UK Government has committed up to £2.5 billion to support the steel industry, which is being delivered in part through the National Wealth Fund. This is in addition to £500 million towards Tata’s transformation of Port Talbot steelworks. The National Wealth Fund, which is operationally independent, is already engaging with companies across the UK on projects that meet its investment principles.

The Welsh Government is represented on the Steel Council, which is a key body for developing our Steel Strategy, to be published later this year.
wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_275
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_275

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79409 on Navy: Patrol Craft, what recent progress has he made in identifying the replacement for Batch 1 OPVs ahead of their out-of-service date. \p Luke Pollard: All decisions on capabilities will be taken in the Defence Investment Plan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_276

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many personal data breaches were reported by his Department to the Information Commissioner’s Office in each year since 2020; and how of those resulted in enforcement action. \p Luke Pollard: 22 personal data incidents have been reported by the Ministry of Defence to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) since 2020.

Three of those resulted in enforcement action.

The personal data incidents reported to the ICO are listed in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts:

Financial Year

Number of personal data incidents reported to the ICO

Incidents resulting in enforcement action

2020-2021

7

0

2021-2022

12

3

2022-2023

2

0

2023-2024

1

0

The Annual Report and Accounts for 2024-2025 has not yet been published. This report will include an additional incident identified in 2023 which happened in February 2022 but was not reported previously due to an injunction being in place.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_277

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled, Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, what proportion of manufacturing will a winning international partner of a UK defence contract be required to deliver in the UK. \p Luke Pollard: As part of the Defence Industrial Strategy's commitment to backing British businesses, we launched a public consultation on a possible UK offset policy on 23 October 2025. The consultation seeks input on key principles for implementation, including on the nature and level of obligations. It is essential that any offset policy is explored and developed in partnership with the defence sector so we should not pre-empt the outcome of this consultation. The hon. Gentlemen is welcome to submit his views to the consultation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_278

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 18 October 2025 to Question 79357 on Navy: North Atlantic Ocean, what capability options under Atlantic Bastion have been submitted for consideration in the Defence Investment Plan. \p Luke Pollard: The Atlantic Bastion capability options submitted for consideration in the Defence Investment Plan include a blend of uncrewed systems, underwater payloads, options to increase lethality, and improvements to crewed platforms. These are consistent with the transition to a Hybrid Navy and reflect industry maturity to deliver, as set out in the Strategic Defence Review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_279

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date (a) Ministers in his Department were informed of the data breach affecting Afghan nationals who worked with UK forces and (b) that breach was escalated to the Information Commissioner’s Office. \p Luke Pollard: Officials were alerted to the data incident on 14 August 2023, and it was reported the next day to Ministry of Defence (MOD) Head Office and Ministers in the previous Government. Immediate action was taken to ensure that the compromised dataset, which had appeared online, was removed and an internal investigation was conducted. The incident was reported to the Metropolitan Police and the Information Commissioner’s Office on 17 August 2025, within 72 hours of first learning about the data incident. The Information Commissioner’s Office has continued to work with the Department on this matter and on improvements to MOD data handling and protection.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_280

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled, Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, whether the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth will produce Government policy. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), published in September this year, has set the Ministry of Defence's policy to support our thriving ecosystem of defence small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through our new Office for Small Business Growth and dedicated SME Commercial Pathway to boost opportunities and access. The Office will seek to deliver the DIS policy intent, simplify entry routes into the defence supply chain for smaller companies, and shape future policy and strategy to improve the Department’s approach to working with SMEs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_281

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release, entitled Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, what the total is cost of establishing the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth. \p Luke Pollard: Supporting the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth office is a priority, and we will ensure it has appropriate funding necessary to establish itself and deliver on its objectives.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_282

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled, Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, when he expects to launch the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth. \p Luke Pollard: Planning for the Office for Business Growth is well underway. The support that will be offered by the Office has been developed following wide ranging consultation with a variety of stakeholders, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), prime contractors, trade associations, mid-tier suppliers, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, and academia. The Office will provide services to both small businesses and Ministry of Defence teams, which will focus on growth and shaping the defence industry landscape to develop resilient supply chains.

The Office will be established by late January 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_283

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79415 on Air Force, what the scope is of the Chief of the Air Staff's Optimise Directive. \p Luke Pollard: The principal focus of the Optimise Directive is to increase the operational readiness and resilience of the Royal Air Force by targeting effectiveness, driving change and maximising the potential of existing resource.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_284

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled, Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, whether the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth will consult with third parties. \p Luke Pollard: The Office for Small Business Growth is collaborative by design. In planning the scope of the Office, we have already consulted widely with third parties including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), prime contractors, trade associations, mid-tier suppliers, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, and academia to ensure that the new service meets defence SMEs needs and fully integrates with support offered to smaller companies by other organisations and Government Departments. Collaboration across the Defence enterprise will continue once the Office has been established to ensure it continues to be a user-centric service for SMEs, start-ups and non-traditional suppliers to Defence.
wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_285
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_285

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, how the Defence Office for Small Business Growth will interact with the Department for Business and Trade. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) commitment to the establishment of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth has been outlined in the Department for Business and Trade’s ‘Backing Your Business’ plan, published in July this year. The Office will work collaboratively with other MOD and Government organisations, including the Department for Business and Trade Growth Hubs, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, Trade Associations and Strategic Partners and other suppliers to bring coherence to the total support offering available to SMEs seeking to work in defence.