theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when her Department will set out details of future funding for the training of educational psychologists beyond 2026-27. \p Catherine McKinnell: Educational psychologists play a critical role in the support available to children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The department is investing over £21 million to train 400 more educational psychologists, starting their training in September 2024 and September 2025. This is in addition to the £10 million currently being invested in the training of over 200 educational psychologists who began their training in September 2023. As these trainees complete their studies, they will join the workforce to support local authority educational psychology services, including contributing to statutory assessments.

Funding for future training is subject to confirmation following the spending review process.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 16 July 2025 to Question 60215 on Universities: Finance, whether the Office for Students has (a) agreed emergency funding not yet received to any (i) university, (ii) higher education and (iii) further education provider and (b) provided a (A) guarantee and (B) other beneficial financial package to support any university since 4 July 2024. \p Janet Daby: The Office for Students has not agreed any emergency funding that is yet to be received for any university, higher education provider, or further education provider, nor has it provided any guarantee or other beneficial financial package to support any university since 4 July 2024.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the adequacy of political education in schools. \p Catherine McKinnell: I refer the hon. Member for Fylde to the answer of 21 July 2025 to Question 68042.
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Laura Trott:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many applicants for school-based nurseries have served notices to quit to PVI settings operating on their premises in the last two years. \p Stephen Morgan: High quality early years is central to our mission to break down the barriers to opportunity and give every child the best possible start in life and is essential to our Plan for Change. This government is boosting availability and access through the school-based nurseries programme, including school led provision and private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers operating from school sites.

The department continues to work closely with the early years sector to scale the programme effectively. We will use learnings from the first phase of the programme in relation to PVI providers operating from school sites to help inform future phases so any new provision continues to meet the needs of children, parents, and schools, and supports a thriving and diverse market.

The establishing school-based nurseries guidance includes advice about co-location with other providers and was published on 24 October 2024. This guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/establishing-school-based-nursery-provision/establishing-school-based-nursery-provision.
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Laura Trott:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department plans to take to ensure that school-based nurseries opened as a result of the school-based nursery grant are supplementing PVI setting provision. \p Stephen Morgan: High quality early years is central to our mission to break down the barriers to opportunity and give every child the best possible start in life and is essential to our Plan for Change. The government is boosting availability and access through the school-based nurseries programme, including school led provision and private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers operating from school sites.

To be eligible for the 2024/25 grant, schools were asked to outline how their proposals met local demand and to confirm that their local authority early years lead and pupil place planning lead were content with their proposal to use surplus space to add new or expanded nursery provision.

We are engaging with the sector, including with PVI providers, on the next phase of the school-based nursery programme which is due to launch in the autumn.
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Dame Caroline Dinenage:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the availability of driving tests within (a) half an hour, (b) an hour and (c) two hours travel of the Gosport peninsula. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA’s) main priority is to reduce car practical driving test waiting times, whilst upholding road safety standards.

As of 1 September 2025, there were 640,907 car practical driving tests booked, and 30,339 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.

The table below shows the current average waiting time and number of tests available at the driving test centres within up to two hours traveling distance from the Gosport peninsula.

Driving test centre (DTC)

Travelling distance from the Gosport peninsula

Average car practical driving test waiting time (August 24)

Booked tests (As of 01/09/2025)

Tests available in 24 week booking window (As of 01/09/2025)

Lee On Solent

Within half an hour

24

2029

92

Portsmouth

Within half an hour

24

4801

202

Chichester

Within an hour

24

1556

60

Southampton (Maybush)

Within an hour

24

3327

205

Winchester

Within an hour

24

1270

51

Basingstoke

Within two hours

11.5

1764

152

Burgess Hill

Within two hours

24

3641

183

Crawley

Within two hours

24

3905

211

Dorchester

Within two hours

24

1103

83

Farnborough

Within two hours

24

3188

163

Greenham

Within two hours

24

807

30

Guildford

Within two hours

15.3

777

28

Newport (Isle of Wight)

Within two hours

24

1346

109

Oxford (Cowley)

Within two hours

24

1324

66

Poole

Within two hours

24

3380

234

Reading

Within two hours

24

1918

49

Salisbury

Within two hours

24

1882

114

Swindon

Within two hours

24

4247

248

Trowbridge

Within two hours

5.3 (Outstation)

543

15

Worthing

Within two hours

24

1598

82
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much of her Department’s budget for (a) investment spending until 2029-30 and (b) day-to-day spending until 2028-29 is allocated to the Access for All scheme. \p Simon Lightwood: The recent Spending Review confirmed the Government’s commitment to the Access for All (AfA) programme. Total funding of £280m has been allocated to AfA over the four years of the Spending Review 2025 period, which for capital investment runs from 2026/27 to 2029/30.
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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of accession to the EUROFIMA convention. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is committed to developing a long-term industrial strategy for rolling stock, supporting British manufacturing, fostering innovation, and enhancing the rail passenger experience. As part of this work, the Department is exploring a range of financing structures to support investment, in partnership with private finance. This includes active engagement with Eurofima to assess how its financing mechanisms could support future investment in the UK rolling stock market.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 July 2025 to Question 66340 on the South West Rail Resilience Programme, whether her Department has received the assessments completed by Network Rail in 2024 on the outline design options for Phase 5 of the Programme; and what her Department’s criteria are for determining whether to proceed to the next stage of development. \p Simon Lightwood: Following receipt of the Outline Business Case for Phase 5 of the Resilience Programme from Network Rail in 2024, the Department is funding further cliff monitoring and drainage works on this section of route. The project will be kept under review at future funding events once these works are complete.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June 2025 to Question 58049 on Kirkby-in-Ashfield Station: Access, when she next plans to select stations for accessibility upgrades; and whether Kirkby-in-Ashfield station will be considered. \p Simon Lightwood: In May 2024, the previous government identified 50 stations for initial feasibility work to assess their potential for future upgrades under the Access for All programme. This did not include Kirkby-in-Ashfield station.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to publish a (a) transition plan for the transfer of retail responsibilities from train operating company retail websites to Great British Railways and (b) timetable for formal market (i) consultation and (ii) tendering for future Great British Railways retail ticketing. \p Simon Lightwood: Once Great British Railways is established, it will retail online by consolidating individual train operators’ ticket websites. This will take place alongside a thriving private sector retail market, which will continue to play a key role in driving innovation and investment and encouraging more people to choose rail.

The Railways Bill consultation took place in the Spring. As part of this process, the Government consulted closely with industry, the private sector, and wider stakeholders including in relation to the future of the rail retail market. A formal update will be provided in due course.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to provide an interim digital rail retail solution before (a) train operating company retail websites are turned off and (b) the new Great British Railways retail offer goes live. \p Simon Lightwood: Once Great British Railways is established, it will retail online by consolidating individual train operators’ ticket websites. This will take place alongside a thriving private sector retail market, which will continue to play a key role in driving innovation and investment and encouraging more people to choose rail.

The Railways Bill consultation took place in the Spring. As part of this process, the Government consulted closely with industry, the private sector, and wider stakeholders including in relation to the future of the rail retail market. A formal update will be provided in due course.
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Helena Dollimore:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of international rail travel from Ashford International on economic growth. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is keen to see the reinstatement of international rail services in Kent and recognises the benefits that international connectivity brings to local economies and to the UK.

The Government is engaging with Kent stakeholders, including MPs, councillors and representative organisations to discuss this issue and is committed to continue to explore all potential solutions including the reinstatement of these services by potential new operators.
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Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to extend smart ticketing. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is delivering on its ambition to overhaul ticketing for passengers and get more people on the railway. We have committed to expanding Pay As You Go (PAYG) with contactless ticketing to further stations in the South East, with an additional 49 stations to be rolled out this year. Additionally, PAYG pilots have been announced in both Manchester and the West Midlands, expanding PAYG to more than 90 additional rail stations, which are due to be launched in 2026. We are also launching trials on digital PAYG, to explore further smart ticketing initiatives.
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Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to encourage cyclists to undertake Bikeability training. \p Simon Lightwood: In February, the Department and Active Travel England (ATE) announced £30 million to provide Bikeability cycle training to children. The Bikeability Trust operates a number of outreach programmes to encourage more people to access cycle training, including Cycle to School Week and Get Cycling in Schools. Outside of the Bikeability schools programme, local authorities can use revenue funding awarded by ATE to support cycle training delivery for children and adults.
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Lizzi Collinge:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Active Travel England recognises equestrians as users of active travel routes; and if she will take steps to ensure that equestrian access is (a) included and (b) considered in future active travel (i) projects and (ii) policies. \p Simon Lightwood: The needs of equestrians should be considered in the design of active travel routes. New or upgraded traffic-free paths or quiet country lanes can be designed to be attractive and safe for equestrians as well as walking, wheeling and cycling although in some situations it may not be possible to accommodate their needs on all active travel routes.

Active Travel England is presently developing its Rural Design Guidance and is currently engaging with relevant stakeholders including equestrian organisations such as the British Horse Society and the Byways and Bridleways Trust, which will be published later this year.
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James Wild:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her oral statement of 8 July on Road and Rail Projects, Official Report, column 815-817, what the benefit-cost ratio is for each project. \p Simon Lightwood: Business case documents, costs and benefit cost ratios for major schemes, including for the Strategic Road Network and for relevant schemes in the Rail Network Enhancement Pipeline are published on gov.uk.

For the set of 50 schemes referenced in the Secretary of State’s statement on 8 July 2025, detailed Green Book analyses, costs, and benefit cost ratios for each scheme have not been published as a single package.

As each scheme progresses, further documentation is released and made available on gov.uk as appropriate. The Government is committed to transparency and will continue to make business case documents available in line with Green Book and Treasury guidance as schemes move forward.
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Jade Botterill:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of heavy goods vehicles travelling through villages on (a) traffic and (b) pollution. \p Lilian Greenwood: I recognise that heavy goods vehicles (HGV) can have negative safety and environmental impact on villages, particularly where roads and pavements are narrow.

Local traffic authorities have powers under Sections 1 & 2 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which allow for the restriction or prohibition of the use of HGVs on any road, for a wide range of safety and environmental reasons. These measures can be implemented by making Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) without reference to the Department for Transport.

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 provide various signs for authorities to consider if they choose to do this, including signs informing motorists that certain roads are unsuitable for HGVs or if a weight limit is in place. The restrictions are then enforceable by the police.

Local authorities can also introduce extra controls on emissions if there are air quality problems in their area. If air quality falls below required standards, the council should declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and make plans for improvements.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support regional airports. \p Mike Kane: Regional airports are vital in addressing transport inequity by connecting all regions of the UK to national and international opportunities. They serve our local communities by supporting thousands of jobs while maintaining social and family ties and strengthening the bonds between the four nations.

Government supports connectivity across the union through our joint funding of three Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes into London from Newquay, Dundee and Derry/Londonderry.

The UK aviation market operates predominantly in the private sector. Airports invest in their infrastructure to attract passengers and airlines, while airlines are well placed to deliver services to their customers by responding to demand for different routes.

Ministers and officials at the Department meet regularly with regional airports to discuss issues such as regional air connectivity.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of airports charging cars to drop off travelling passengers on blue badge holders. \p Mike Kane: The Secretary of State for Transport has made no assessment of the potential impact of airports charging cars to drop of travelling passengers on blue badge holders.

Most airports in the UK are managed and operated as private businesses, and parking arrangements are subject to contractual agreements between airport operators and car parking companies covered by consumer laws.

The provision and charging of car parking at airports (including drop off and pick charges) is a matter for the airport operator as a commercial business to manage and justify.
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Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will (a) limit and (b) regulate the (i) number and (ii) frequency of (A) pleasure and (B) display flights by small aircraft above National Landscapes that are home to protected wildlife. \p Mike Kane: The Air Navigation Guidance 2017 states that National Parks and Areas of Natural Beauty are designated areas with specific statutory purposes to ensure their continued protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. Given the finite amount of airspace available, it will not always be possible to avoid overflying these areas, and there are no legislative requirements to do so.

When airspace changes are being considered, the guidance states that local circumstances, including community views on specific areas that should be avoided, should be taken into account where possible. This applies to controlled airspace, although most pleasure flights by small aircraft use uncontrolled airspace, which does not contain restrictions for flying over National Parks and Areas of Natural Beauty. However, all airspace users must follow the Rules of the Air 2007.
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Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she made of the adequacy of the UK 261 regulation in ensuring that passengers affected by short flight delays (a) late at night and (b) at any time are protected from (i) financial and (ii) logistical consequences. \p Mike Kane: No assessment has been made of the adequacy of Regulation 261/2004 in protecting passengers from financial and logistical consequences caused by short flight delays.

The Regulation sets out passenger rights in cases of denied boarding, long delays (at least two hours), and cancellations. Airlines are required to provide care and assistance for delays of at least two hours, depending on flight length, including refreshments and overnight accommodation if necessary.

Passengers whose flights arrive at their final destination three hours or more later than scheduled may be entitled to compensation, depending on the cause of the delay.
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Josh Babarinde:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to the document entitled Maritime & Coastguard Agency Safety Code for Small Commercial Motor Vessels under MG280, updated on 22 January 2025. \p Mike Kane: There have not been any updates or amendments made to either the ‘Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial Motor Vessels’ (the ‘Yellow Code’), or Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 280(M) ‘Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats – Alternative Construction Standards’ in 2025.

However, according to Maritime and Coastguard Agency records there were two amendments made to the Workboat Code Edition 3 in January 2025. The first amendment reinstated a requirement of the Code pertaining to the control of the discharge of oil which had been erroneously omitted when the Code was updated in 2023. As this change simply reinstated a previous requirement the impact was considered lesser than the impact of not reinstating the requirement and therefore negligible.

The second amendment was to Annex 3 - The Safety of Police Boats. This two-part amendment was made to allow the required ‘second person’ on board to hold a Powerboat Advanced certificate, and to introduce the addition of a new paragraph to provide an appropriate construction standard for police vessels operating in Category C or Category D waters only.

The amendments to the Safety of Police Boats Annex were undertaken in consultation with, and with the full cooperation of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (Maritime Policing Portfolio), representing all police forces in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and were also considered negligible, especially given the short period of time since the introduction of Annex 3 and the amendment being made.
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Jade Botterill:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to mitigate the impact of heavy goods vehicles travelling through villages. \p Lilian Greenwood: Local traffic authorities have powers under Sections 1 & 2 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which allow for the restriction or prohibition of the use of HGVs on any road, for a wide range of safety and environmental reasons. These measures can be implemented by making Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) without reference to the Department for Transport.

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 provide various signs for authorities to consider if they choose to do this, including signs informing motorists that certain roads are unsuitable for HGVs or if a weight limit is in place. The restrictions are then enforceable by the police.
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Sir Oliver Dowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 58611 on Railways: Access, when her Department will fund Network Rail to undertake the next round of feasibility studies. \p Simon Lightwood: Network Rail has completed initial feasibility work for the 50 projects being considered for inclusion in the Access for All programme within the 2025 Spending Review funding period.

We plan to update stakeholders in due course.
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Sir Oliver Dowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department's announcement Railway stations awarded Access for All accessibility funding, published on 24 May 2024, what her planned timetable is for the completion of Access for All construction at Bushey Railway Station. \p Simon Lightwood: In May 2024, the previous government identified 50 stations, including Bushey, for initial feasibility work to assess their potential for future upgrades under the Access for All programme. Network Rail has now completed this initial feasibility work. We plan to provide an update to stakeholders in due course.
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Jade Botterill:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of GPS navigation services on the number of heavy goods vehicles travelling through villages. \p Lilian Greenwood: There is no legal requirement for drivers of any vehicle to have or use satellite navigation equipment and the Government currently has no plans to mandate their use.

If such equipment is provided, it is important that it is suitable for the vehicle being driven and it is updated regularly to ensure it has the latest available maps. While these systems can be useful, they cannot replace a driver’s knowledge or skill, especially in the case of diversions due to road traffic collisions or roadworks.
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Sir Ashley Fox:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what proportion of staff in his Department have flexible working arrangements; and how many of those work compressed hours. \p Hilary Benn: At the Northern Ireland Office, flexible working requests are submitted directly to line managers for discussion and approval. The department does not maintain data centrally on the number of staff working compressed hours.
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Sir Ashley Fox:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what proportion of staff in his Department did not meet the minimum office attendance target in the latest period for which data is available; and what sanctions his Department issues to staff who do not meet this target. \p Hilary Benn: The Northern Ireland Office follows the cross Civil Service expectation that everyone spend at least 60% of their time at a Government building or on official business, such as visiting stakeholders, unless they have an agreed adjustment or exception. Deputy Directors monitor records of team office attendance and therefore data is not held centrally.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what information they hold on the number of workdays that were completed remotely in their Department in (a) 2024 and (b) 2025 to date. \p Hilary Benn: The Northern Ireland Office follows the cross Civil Service expectation that everyone spend at least 60% of their time at a Government building or on official business, such as visiting stakeholders, unless they have an agreed adjustment or exception. Deputy Directors monitor records of team office attendance and therefore data is not held centrally.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what information his Department holds on the number of people who had previously received an on-the-run letter that have since been (a) charged with and (b) prosecuted for terrorist offences. \p Hilary Benn: This is a matter which falls within the devolved competence of policing and justice, with the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland being the authority responsible for making determinations on bringing criminal charges against individuals.

The Northern Ireland Office is, however, aware through publicly available information of two individuals who received ‘On the Run’ letters and who were subsequently charged with terrorist offences. One individual died before legal proceedings were concluded and the other is currently awaiting trial.

The 2014 Hallett Review, led by Lady Justice Hallett, found that the letters do not prevent investigation or prosecution. This position has subsequently been confirmed by the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as recently as March 2024.

The Government is fully committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated equally under the law, and that any framework addressing the legacy of the Troubles must be both fair and balanced.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2025 to Question 65212 on Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, whether his Department plans to lay the draft Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order before the Conference recess. \p Hilary Benn: I have laid a proposal for a draft remedial order in Parliament, representing the first step in fulfilling the Government’s commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act. The Order seeks to remedy a number of human rights deficiencies identified by the Courts, and the Government is currently considering the published recommendations of the Joint Committee on Human Rights regarding the draft Order. We will respond to this report in due course.

The Government has also committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to reform and strengthen the independent Commission established by the Act to ensure it is fully human rights compliant and can command public confidence.
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Gavin Robinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will publish a breakdown of costs per government Department for the (a) Coagh and (b) Clonoe inquests. \p Hilary Benn: Government Departments handle inquest costs in aggregate. We are unable to provide a breakdown of the costs for these specific inquests.
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Robin Swann:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the (a) Chief Commissioner and (b) Commissioner of Investigations of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Recovery. \p Hilary Benn: A growing number of families are taking cases to the independent Commission and the Government has confidence in its team of dedicated staff to effectively deliver for them. The Court of Appeal has recognised the Commission’s structural independence and wide powers.

The confidence of families in the Commission’s work is paramount and that is why this Government is in the process of repealing and replacing the previous Government's Legacy Act, and is committed to reforming the Commission to further strengthen its powers and independence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-03)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to reply to correspondence from the hon. Member for Newton Abbot of 8 July 2025. \p Michael Shanks: I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member’s correspondence about solar farms on green spaces, reference MW09123. I issued a response to the hon. Member on 2 September.
wrans/answers2025-09-03 conversation_337
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-03 conversation_337

Mims Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he considered introducing (a) carbon leakage protections and (b) carbon border adjustment mechanisms before extending the UK Emissions Trading Scheme beyond 2030. \p Sarah Jones: The Government is taking action to continue to mitigate the risk of carbon leakage for UK industry, including working with our international partners to develop a coordinated approach to carbon leakage. The Government also continues to provide protection against carbon leakage through domestic measures, currently reviewing with the UK ETS Authority the approach to the provision of UK ETS free allocation to industrial sectors to ensure it remains fit for purpose, and introducing a UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in 2027. The Government is committed to ensuring that industry can invest in decarbonisation with confidence that this will not be undermined by the risk of carbon leakage throughout the decarbonisation process.
wrans/answers2025-09-03 conversation_338
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-03 conversation_338

Adrian Ramsay:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the research entitled Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2024, published on 8 July 2024, how the conversion factors for (a) bioenergy and (b) well-to-tank bioenergy were developed. \p Kerry McCarthy: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publish Government Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Conversion Factors for Company Reporting annually. Their scope is defined to be relevant to Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulations, following GHG Protocol guidance. The conversion factors for direct emissions from fuels and biofuels are based on the most recent data from the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Well-to-tank factors are based on external studies as updated by recent available data.

Further details on how direct and well-to-tank conversion factors for fuels and bioenergy are estimated and updated can be found in the annual methodology report.
wrans/answers2025-09-03 conversation_339
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-03 conversation_339

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the cost to the UK taxpayer is for the COP30 climate summit. \p Kerry McCarthy: The size and composition of the UK delegation is still being determined, along with various logistical elements. Some costs will only be finalised after the summit concludes.
wrans/answers2025-09-03 conversation_340
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-03 conversation_340

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, which delegates the Government plans to take to the COP30 climate change summit. \p Kerry McCarthy: The size and composition of the UK delegation is still being determined.

In keeping with previous years, the UNFCCC is expected to publish a provisional list of registered participants as COP30 begins, with a final list published a few weeks after COP concludes. This will list all UK delegates who attended COP30.
wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_1

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the removal of all STEM roles from the immigration salary list on (a) the advanced manufacturing industry and (b) their ability to attract global talent. \p Seema Malhotra: The Immigration White Paper has set out that we will replace the Immigration Salary List with a new Temporary Shortage List. The Migration Advisory Committee will recommend the occupations that will be for the Temporary Shortage List by drawing on evidence from the wider Labour Market Evidence Group.

The government will be taking an evidence-based approach to skilled migration, ensuring temporary access for shortage skills while drawing on evidence from the LME Group to ensure there are workforce strategies detailing the steps that will be taken to boost the skills, training and engagement of the UK labour force.

The Government will set out further details in the coming weeks.
wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_2

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish membership of the Labour Market Evidence Group ahead of its establishment. \p Seema Malhotra: The Labour Market Evidence (LME) Group will be comprised of:

• The Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, who are encouraged to focus on domestic recruitment and training;

• The Department for Work and Pensions, tasked with reducing economic inactivity and increasing workforce participation;

• Skills England and equivalent organisations in the Devolved Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which will target training needs; and

• The Migration Advisory Committee which will guide immigration policy.

The LME Group will be set up in due course.
wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_3

Rachel Blake:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans her Department has to review the countries eligible for (a) the Registered Traveller service and (b) automatic use of e-gates. \p Seema Malhotra: eGates continue to provide a safe, secure and efficient way for millions of British and Irish citizens, and nationals of the EU/EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA and Registered Traveller service members to enter the UK each year. The Government keeps eGate and Registered Traveller service eligibility under review to ensure we are balancing border security with passenger flow.

As set out in the ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System White Paper’, we have an ambitious vision to revolutionise the UK Border by using technology and increasing the use of automation to make visible changes to border security, flow and the passenger experience.
wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_4

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the White Paper entitled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, published on 12 May 2025, if she will make it her policy to maintain the current route to settlement for BN(O) visa holders. \p Seema Malhotra: Settlement in the UK is a prerequisite for becoming a British citizen and brings lifelong benefits. Settlement is also an important step in integrating and contributing to local communities and the wider country. We will therefore reform the current rules around settlement so that individuals must earn their right to privileged immigration status in the UK through the long-term contribution they bring to our country. We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year and will provide details of how the scheme will work after that, including which immigration routes it will apply to.
wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_5

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the press notice entitled Prime Minister unveils new plan to end years of uncontrolled migration, published on 12 May 2025, what the full list of occupations is that will be eligible for the fast-track route. \p Seema Malhotra: Settlement in the UK is a prerequisite for becoming a British citizen and brings lifelong benefits. Settlement is also an important step in integrating and contributing to local communities and the wider country. We will therefore reform the current rules around settlement so that individuals must earn their right to a privileged immigration status in the UK through the long-term contribution they bring to our country. We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year and will provide details of how the scheme will work after that.
wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_6

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to review the income requirements for awarding a spousal visa. \p Seema Malhotra: The Home Office keeps all aspects of the immigration system under regular review, and recently published a White Paper setting out the Government’s plans for reform of the family route and a wide range of other areas.

In September 2024, we commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the financial requirements in the Family Immigration Rules. There will be no changes to the current threshold of £29,000, until the MAC review is complete. We will then consider their report and decide whether to implement any of the recommendations.

Information on statistics relating to family visas is available from the Immigration system statistics quarterly release - GOV.UK publication. Data on family visas can be found in the Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK.

The statistics relate to applications and outcomes (grants, refusals, lapsed and withdrawn) of entry clearance visas granted for family reasons. Family Partner visa grants is available from Table Vis_D02. The 'family' route covers visas where an individual is applying for a visa on the basis of their relationship to a person settled in the UK or a British citizen.
wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_7

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the total cost to the public purse was for English language teaching for adult (a) migrants and (b) irregular migrants in the last five years. \p Seema Malhotra: Language service needs and spend are assessed to ensure these services offer good value for money for taxpayers while maintaining high standards of service delivery. The Government’s Immigration White Paper sets out plans for the new English Language requirements across a range of routes, and makes clear our belief that the ability to speak English is critical for anyone wishing to integrate successfully into our communities.

However, there are some circumstances when it is essential to provide translation sources, for example when dealing with young women who have been trafficked into the UK against their will and subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation, and who require support and care after being rescued from those situations.
wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_8

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to increase the frequency of spot checks on taxi and private hire drivers to identify people working illegally. \p Seema Malhotra: The Home Office issues guidance to local authorities on preventing illegal working in the taxi and private hire sector. The guidance can be found on GOV.UK at: Licensing authority guide to right to work checks - GOV.UK

Enforcement visits are intelligence led and undertaken across all employment sectors. The Home Office is committed to increasing illegal working enforcement visits across a range of sectors throughout 2025-2026.
wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_9

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Prime Minister unveils new plan to end years of uncontrolled migration, published on 11 May 2025, when she plans to (a) announce and (b) implement the fast-track element of the new framework for (i) high-skilled and (ii) high-contributing individuals. \p Seema Malhotra: We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year and will provide further details at that stage.
wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-20 conversation_10

Alison Bennett:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to regulate the fees charged by GPs to applicants for a medical review for a firearms licensing application. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Medical checks are an important part of the firearms licensing process and help to ensure that those in possession of firearms licences do not present a threat to themselves or others.

Since November 2021, applicants have been required to provide medical information from a doctor when submitting their application for a firearms certificate. While doctors can charge a fee to the applicant to provide the medical information in relation to a firearms licence application, whether such a fee is charged, or the level of that fee, are a matter between the applicant and the doctor.