theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_47

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current status of all MOD sites listed within the Defence Estates Optimisation Programme. \p Luke Pollard: Defence Estates Optimisation (DEO) has completed construction at 17 sites and has disposed of 30 Ministry of Defence sites. The status for the remaining disposal sites is listed in the House of Commons Defence Disposal Database report on the Gov.UK website.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disposal-database-house-of-commons-report
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_48

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 15 September 2025 to Question 75196, whether he expects the contract between GCAP International Government Organisation and Edgewing to be announced and operational by the end of 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The first international Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) contract between the GCAP International Government Organisation and Edgewing is subject to ongoing Commercial Negotiations. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_49
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_49

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the budget is for the British Army's RAPSTONE Task Force. \p Luke Pollard: Task Force RAPSTONE has a budget of £150 million over three years. The upcoming Defence Investment Plan will provide more information around the UK’s defence procurement investment plans.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_50
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_50

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on levels of funding for training conducted by the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force in the current financial year. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: There have been no discussions around funding for training specifically. Spend on training continues to be a Departmental priority.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_51
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_51

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the post of Chief of Defence People has been abolished or re-titled. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Significant reforms are being implemented within the Ministry of Defence (MOD), fundamentally transforming its operations. This is the biggest transformation of the MOD in over 50 years. Defence is now led by a strengthened Department of State, a fully-fledged Military Strategic Headquarters, a new National Armaments Director Group, and the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

Under Defence Reform, the post of Chief of Defence People has been disestablished. The Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff and Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Force Development) will play a key role in supporting our Military people, working with the Director General, People, to improve accountability, efficiency, and clarity in our people policy and strategy.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_52
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_52

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2025 on question 83063 on Warrior Vehicles: Procurement, when the concept phase of Project Atilla is due to end. \p Luke Pollard: Project ATILLA is now in the early stages of commercial competition. This means that the project has progressed from considering conceptual elements such as evaluating project feasibility. The project is now preparing to move into the Invitation to Tender aspect of the commercial competition.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_53
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_53

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled 20,000 UK jobs secured as Türkiye buys 20 Typhoon jets in biggest fighter jet deal in a generation, published on 27 October 2025, when he plans to place a contract for a Phase 4 Enhancement electronics upgrade. \p Luke Pollard: The Phase 4 Enhancement capability package (P4E) is an essential enabler for the implementation of the next generation radar enhancement for the UK's Typhoon fleet.

The System Definition Contract for P4E was signed in June 2024 and since then the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy have been working closely alongside NETMA and our industry partners to agree on the final P4E capability package, which will then move into the Design, Development and Demonstration phase.

Additionally, the Core Nations have agreed to begin early design work on long lead activities, ensuring that critical path activities for P4E capability are protected. The delivery of the P4E package is planned to take place by the end of this decade.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_54
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_54

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled 20,000 UK jobs secured as Türkiye buys 20 Typhoon jets in biggest fighter jet deal in a generation, published on 27 October 2025, whether he has a proposed timetable for the procurement of E-Scan radar. \p Luke Pollard: The UK has already made significant investment into the development of the next generation radar system for our Typhoon Aircraft, including over £200 million released earlier this year by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury for initial production and which followed the successful completion of initial flight trials in February.

We remain committed, alongside our partners in Industry, NETMA and the other Core Nations, to the delivery of the next generation radar capability to the UK's Typhoon fleet by the end of this decade.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_55
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_55

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the estimated cost to his Department for the implementation of Defence Reform. \p Luke Pollard: The Department is currently working to determine the estimated cost of implementing Defence Reform across Defence. At present, a total cost figure is not yet available.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_56
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_56

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the companies his Department has contracts with under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy. \p Luke Pollard: I am withholding the list of companies that the Ministry of Defence has contracts with under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) as its disclosure would prejudice the commercial interests of the Ministry of Defence; and the information is operationally sensitive in nature.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_57
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_57

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of protection of sensitive military documents from online hacking. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the security of its information very seriously. Our policies set out a range of technical and procedural controls applied to systems and content throughout their lifecycle and we use a range of assurance measures. We do not comment on details as these could provide a potential adversary with information which could help them to craft a cyber attack against the MOD, which would adversely impact Defence and National Security.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_58
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_58

Zarah Sultana:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any British armed forces officers have studied or trained at Israeli military colleges since October 2023. \p Al Carns: Fewer than five British Armed Forces personnel have studied on educational staff courses in Israel since October 2023.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_59
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_59

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has authorised changes to the Army Collective Training Service contract since 5 July 2024. \p Luke Pollard: In accordance with the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011, there have been no changes to the Army Collective Training Service contract that have required Ministerial approval since 5 July 2024.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_60
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_60

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, based on the £34.7 billion cost of the deal for the Chagos Islands calculated by the Government Actuary’s Department, how much of the total figure will be paid by his department (a) each year and (b) in total. \p Luke Pollard: The £34.7 billion figure is incorrect. The correct figure is £3.4 billion, which reflects the real costs of a treaty that lasts 99 years, with an average cost of £101 million per year.

The treaty payments will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_61
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_61

Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 84339 on RAF Brize Norton: Palestine Action, what delivery forecast is for the return of each engine to serviceability. \p Luke Pollard: The two engines have now arrived at RAF Brize Norton and have been returned into service.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_62
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_62

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps are being taken to expand the number of digitalised MOD history records held by government and third party organisations to support the study and research into military family history. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence has a comprehensive programme to transfer its historical physical Service personnel records to The National Archives. The decision to digitise these records rests with The National Archives.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_63
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_63

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, following the use of lasers by the Russian ship Yantar to disrupt a Royal Air Force Poseidon P-8, what is the threshold needed to necessitate offensive action by the UK military if a foreign vessel is operating in a) UK territorial waters b) our Exclusive Economic Zone and c) international waters off the UK coast. \p Al Carns: The Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence continuously assess its response options to ensure our Armed Forces can act appropriately against malign activities and future threats.

For reasons of national security, I am not able to disclose specific details of military operations or response options. To do so would be beneficial to our adversaries.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_64
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_64

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press conference he gave on 19th November 2025 regarding the use of lasers by the Russian ship Yantar, what changes has he made to the Royal Navy’s rules of engagement. \p Al Carns: The Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence continuously assess our Rules of Engagement to ensure our Armed Forces can act appropriately in response to malign activities and evolving threats, including unsafe or unprofessional behaviour by foreign vessels and aircraft.

For reasons of national security, I am not able to disclose specific detail on Rules of Engagement.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_65
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_65

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what level of readiness is 42 Commando’s Fleet Contingency Troop held at in order to conduct maritime interdiction operations in UK territorial waters. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence continually evaluates the most appropriate options and resources to address the evolving threats faced by the United Kingdom. For security reasons, we cannot disclose specific assessments or operational decisions publicly. However, we can confirm that the Ministry of Defence maintains robust and responsive capabilities to safeguard the UK’s territorial waters and ensure national security as required.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_66
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_66

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has has with relevant stakeholders regarding the recent hacking of MOD software at RAF and Royal Navy bases. \p Al Carns: This was an incident within the supply chain and not an attack on Ministry of Defence (MOD) systems.

We take a robust and proactive approach to cyber attacks against MOD and our suppliers. Our initial assessment of the Dodd Group incident indicates that the data involved is largely routine and does not pose a significant security threat. For all investigations, the MOD has a well-tested incident coordination process led by the Defence CISO liaising across our Military Commands (including RAF and Royal Navy) to understand and mitigate any impact.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_67
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_67

Richard Foord:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure complaints in his Department exceeded the required 50-working-day timeframe for issuing an outcome in the latest period for which data is available. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Between 1 January and 31 October 2025, a total of 86 Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP) complaints were processed. Of these, 71 (83%) were resolved within the 50-working-day timeframe, while 15 (17%) exceeded this timeframe.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_68
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_68

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on the number of winter grit salt bins that were provided by local authorities for each year from 2015 to date. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_69
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_69

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many and what proportion of staff in each grade were rated in the top performance category in the last year. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_70
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_70

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the total cost was of (a) settlement agreements and (b) special severance payments made to departing staff in the last year. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_71
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_71

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average number of working days lost to sickness absence per full-time equivalent member of staff was in (a) the Department and (b) its executive agencies in the last year; and how many formal performance warnings were issued to staff whose absence exceeded departmental triggers. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_72
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_72

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many and what proportion of staff were promoted (a) in-grade and (b) to a higher grade in the last year broken down by (i) performance marking in the previous year and (ii) grade. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_73
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_73

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many disciplinary cases were concluded against civil servants in (a) the Department and (b) its agencies broken down by (i) outcome and (ii) whether the primary allegation related to (A) performance and (B) conduct. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_74
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_74

Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what fiscal provision has been made to cover the costs of relocating key Network Rail and DfT Operator Limited personnel to Derby, as part of establishing the new headquarters of Great British Railways. \p Keir Mather: The work to establish GBR Headquarters in Derby is continuing. It is not, at this time, confirmed which key roles will be based in Derby. Should any key roles be relocated, the costs associated with this will be defined as part of formal consultation.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_75
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_75

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many practical driving tests were cancelled due to examiner unavailability at test centres in (a) Surrey and (b) Hampshire since 2020. \p Simon Lightwood: The attached Excel document shows the number of car practical driving tests cancelled since 2020 at driving test centres in Surrey and Hampshire, where the reason category recorded was, ‘examiner unavailable’.

Please note, that tests that were subsequently rebooked for the same day as the cancelled test, are excluded. Please also note that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can currently only publish this data up to 31 March 2025.

Examiner unavailable   (xlsx, 18.0KB)
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_76
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_76

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she plans to announce her plans for rail fares on the Greater Anglia franchise for 2026. \p Keir Mather: The annual fares freeze will benefit passengers all across the country, including travelling on Greater Anglia. We are also taking other steps, to improve rail travel for passengers. This includes rolling out tap in tap out contactless PAYG alongside making it much easier for passengers to feel confident they are buying the right ticket. Passengers will start to feel the benefits very soon – from 7 December easier to understand fares will be available across key routes.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_77
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_77

Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what functions of Great British Railways will be located at the new Derby headquarters. \p Keir Mather: Derby will be the heart of our new rail network as the home of GBR, and work to establish the GBR Headquarters in Derby, including which functions will be located there, is continuing. The national headquarters will bring high-skilled jobs to a city already brimming with rail industry talent.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_78
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_78

Jess Asato:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport adopted a domestic abuse charter in 2018 which provides advice and guidance for staff affected by domestic abuse and for their colleagues and line management who may be called upon to support them. Line manager guidance on supporting staff experiencing domestic violence and abuse was strengthened further in 2024. This covered: the signposting of sources of support and advice such as the Employee Assistance Programme that all staff have access to; and outlining the flexible leave options available to deal with scenarios that might arise such as disruption of childcare arrangements, legal appointments, or a move of home. It also highlighted the importance of discretion and taking a reasonable approach where periods of sickness absence are directly linked to domestic violence or abuse.

Line Managers receive standard line management training when they first take on a managerial role. This includes a focus on wellbeing, recognising signs of stress or poor mental health, and conducting supportive conversations. The training also covers signposting to resources such as the Employee Assistance Programme, internal wellbeing guides, and Mental Health First Aiders, which can be relevant when supporting staff experiencing challenging personal circumstances, including domestic abuse.

DfT’s Gender Equality Network has committed to supporting the Safer Streets mission organised by White Ribbon UK, a campaign that engages with men and boys to prevent violence against women and girls. I have given permission for DfT to apply for White Ribbon accreditation.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_79
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_79

Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 21 July 2025 to Question 67397 on Aviation: Alternative Fuels, what the total budgeted cost is for the continuation of the Advanced Fuels Fund through to 2029–30. \p Keir Mather: The Spending Review 2025 will continue support for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the UK to 2029/30 by building on the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF). DfT will provide details on the parameters of this support in due course.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_80
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 28 October 2025 to Question 83387 on Large Goods Vehicles: Electric Vehicles, what estimate her Department has made of the annual cost of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme for each of the next five years from 1 January 2026. \p Keir Mather: We are unable to confirm the spend for 2025-26 as the financial year is still in progress with projects placing orders for final ZE HGVs and infrastructure sites.

All project spend is due to end at the end of the current financial year (31 March 2026). Programme spend for the remainder of the Spending Review period (2026/27-2029/30) is £1 million and will cover programme management costs, and benefits monitoring and evaluation activities.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_81
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_81

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of rail freight crime; and what steps her department is taking to reduce those levels. \p Keir Mather: The British Transport Police (BTP) are responsible for policing the rail network in England, Scotland and Wales.

The BTP work proactively with Freight Operating Companies (FOCs) to identify trends, advise on crime prevention and work to identify and arrest any offenders when crime is reported. BTP hold a 4-weekly Freight Working Group which is open to all freight operators.

For 2025/26 year to date, BTP recorded 48 crimes across all FOCs, the majority of which relate to graffiti.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_82
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to provide mechanisms for (a) local authorities and (b) Transport for London to challenge service decisions made by Great British Railways that affect their areas. \p Keir Mather: GBR will be required to consult Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) where decisions on passenger services or rail infrastructure could have a significant impact on their areas. GBR will also have regard to Local Transport Plans and the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy to ensure local priorities are considered. Alongside this, GBR will agree partnerships with Mayoral Strategic Authorities, bringing local influence into railway planning. This collaborative approach is designed to maintain regular communication and a shared understanding of trade-offs. In addition, the Bill also establishes the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) as a robust and independent appeals body, providing a clear route for appeal of GBR’s access and charging decisions.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_83
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many trains were cancelled due to staff shortages in each year since 2015; and whether she has made an estimate of the cost to the public purse of those cancellations. \p Keir Mather: The Department does not hold a complete historical dataset of cancellations specifically attributed to staff shortages dating back to 2015. However, Network Rail collects management information on the percentage of trains cancelled due to traincrew issues. Network Rail has granted permission for this data to be shared, and these figures are presented in Table 1 alongside the annual cancellations score for context.

The ‘Annual cancellation score’ represents the average cancellation score for each year covering all causes of cancellations. The ‘Cancellations resulting from Traincrew issues’ represents the average cancellations specifically attributable to traincrew-related issues.

Table 1: Annual Average of Train Cancellations and Cancellations as a result of Traincrew Issues in Great Britain (2014/15 to 2024/25)

Financial Year

Annual Cancellations score (%)1

Cancellations resulting from Traincrew issues (%)

2014/15

x

0.3%

2015/16

x

0.4%

2016/17

x

0.7%

2017/18

x

0.4%

2018/19

x

0.6%

2019/20

3.4%

0.8%

2020/21

2.1%

0.3%

2021/22

3.3%

1.1%

2022/23

3.8%

1.1%

2023/24

3.8%

1.0%

2024/25

4.1%

1.2%

Source: Network Rail and ORR Table 3124 Trains planned and cancellations by operator and cause (periodic)

Notes:

The Department has not made an estimate of the cost to the public purse of cancellations due to traincrew shortages. The Department has been working closely with the industry to increase the number of train drivers. Network Rail report that the proportion of trains cancelled because of traincrew issues has fallen from 1.19% in the year to January 2025 to 0.85% in the year to September (rail period 8). Network Rail report this is the lowest proportion of trains cancelled due to traincrew issues (MAA) in nearly 4 years.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_84
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 88125, what current through-ticketed rail-sail routes are available through (a) train operators and (b) ferry operators for (i) domestic travel and (ii) international travel. \p Keir Mather: The current through-ticketed rail-sail routes available through train operators and ferry operators for domestic travel is to Northern Ireland (Cairnryan or Holyhead to Belfast), the Isle of Wight (Portsmouth-Ryde, Southampton to Cowes, Lymington to Yarmouth), and the Isle of Man (Liverpool and Heysham to Douglas). For international travel it is to Ireland via Fishguard (currently Pembroke) to Rosslare, Holyhead to Dublin and Harwich to Hook of Holland.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_85
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the income to the Exchequer from the Greater Anglia franchise in (a) the 2025-26 financial year and (b) each of the next five financial years. \p Keir Mather: Information on subsidy/premium for each operator will be published next year in the Department for Transport's annual report and accounts. Over each of the next five financial years I expect Greater Anglia to continue to grow passenger numbers and income. I expect Greater Anglia will remain a net contributor, with the exact contribution amounts and income levels to be agreed during the rolling business planning process.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_86
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of legal protections available to British freight drivers who travel into the Schengen Area in respect of the 90/180 rule. \p Keir Mather: The Schengen 90- days in any 180-day period (“90/180”) immigration rule has been in place since 2021 and applies to all UK nationals (including British freight drivers) undertaking short stays for leisure and work in the Schengen area. The Schengen 90/180 limit is a fundamental part of the EU’s conditions of entry for third country nationals to its territory. Any amendments or exemptions to the Schengen rules are the responsibility of the EU and Member States. It is not UK Government policy.

The Department continues to encourage road haulage and coach operators to take the necessary steps to ensure their UK national drivers who work internationally remain within the 90/180 limit. Freight drivers should also ensure that they are aware of the penalty and enforcement approach for exceeding the limit in any individual EU Member States they plan to travel to or through. This is important to avoid the risk of drivers and their vehicles being turned around at the UK-EU border or being fined or suspended from re-entry. Freight drivers generally do not benefit from specific legal exemptions for border crossing under the Schengen Borders Code, unlike certain other transport-related personnel such as ship or aircraft crew.

The Government will continue to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by these rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad.
wrans/answers2025-11-26 conversation_87
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with West Midlands Rail Executive on improving rail connectivity between Walsall and Birmingham; and what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of restoring previous services levels. \p Keir Mather: The service between Walsall and Birmingham is operating with four trains per hour, which means that the previous service levels operating before Covid-19 have already been restored. These services operate with newly introduced Class 730 trains.

The Department is working with West Midlands Rail Executive, Walsall Council and the railway industry regarding rail services in the wider Walsall Council area serving the new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston from next year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how the criteria for the Electric Car Grant was determined; and what engagement with industry was held on this issue. \p Keir Mather: The Electric Car Grant criteria were designed to support British drivers in accessing affordable, sustainably manufactured electric vehicles. Over 35,000 drivers have benefited from this scheme to date. The grant's design was not discussed with industry during its development to avoid market distortion.

Following launch, the Department has engaged closely with vehicle manufacturers and will continue to do so as the grant develops. All grants are regularly reviewed to ensure value for taxpayer's money.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the total cost to the public purse of rebranding Network Rail as Great British Railways, including expenditure and losses relating to new branding, logo replacement, signage, vehicle and train livery changes, digital and printed materials, staff uniforms, estate updates and any associated transition and implementation costs. \p Keir Mather: Great British Railways i(GBR) s not a rebranding of Network Rail. GBR will bring together track and train as a directing mind, consolidating several different rail bodies to deliver better outcomes for passengers, freight users, and taxpayers.

The Department is working to develop a rollout plan for the GBR branding, with a focus on maximising opportunities to ensure value for money, such as repainting trains when they were due to be repainted by their leasing companies, and changing station signage when it is life expired.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on the number of (a) collisions and (b) offences that have later been linked to drivers found to have obtained licences fraudulently in the last five years. \p Lilian Greenwood: The requested information is not held by the Department.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made a recent assessment of the cumulative impact of multiple concurrent airport expansions at Luton, Gatwick and Heathrow. \p Keir Mather: The Government recognises a role for, and is supportive of, airport expansion where it provides economic growth and is compatible with our legally binding net zero target and strict environmental standards.

The Secretary of State has approved Luton and Gatwick Airport’s Development Consent Order (DCO) planning applications on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the relevant national policy and any material considerations. I can't comment on the merits of the Luton or Gatwick DCOs as legal proceedings are ongoing.

The Government is reviewing the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which provides the primary basis for decision making on DCO applications for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. As part of this we will review and update the existing Appraisal of Sustainability which includes an assessment of potential cumulative effects, in line with any amendments made to the ANPS.

Any DCO application for a third runway at Heathrow Airport will need to include an assessment of the cumulation of effects with other existing and, or approved projects in its Environmental Statement.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answers to question 87756 on 14 November 2025 and question 87421 on 11 November 2025, what consideration has she made of the value for money of (a) continuing to leave current railway rolling stock leasing arrangements in the private sector, and (b) bringing future procurement of railway rolling stock into the public sector. \p Keir Mather: Rolling Stock Leasing Companies (ROSCOs) play an important role in the industry, bringing benefits to both taxpayers and passengers. Since 1995 there has been significant private sector investment in rolling stock totalling over £20 billion.

The Government is now working to develop a long-term strategy for rolling stock and associated infrastructure, which will consider how the public sector can secure best value from the rolling stock market in future, but we expect Great British Railways to continue to lease rolling stock from ROSCOs where they can offer value for money terms.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of detrunking the A663 Broadway in Chadderton, Oldham. \p Simon Lightwood: During the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) covering the period 2020-25, National Highways undertook a comprehensive review of the extent of the Strategic Road Network (SRN). The A663 Broadway in Chadderton was not identified for assessment and therefore was not included in that review. As part of the forthcoming third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) for 2026-31, National Highways will revisit the scope of the SRN, and this corridor may therefore be considered for inclusion in a future assessment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to announce additional measures to support young and novice drivers. \p Lilian Greenwood: We absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads and continue to tackle this through our THINK! campaign.

We are considering other measures to address this and protect young and newly qualified drivers, as part of our upcoming strategy for road safety.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of (a) trends in the level of the build-up of traffic congestion and (b) the effectiveness of traffic light sequencing on the A663 Broadway in Chadderton, Oldham. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department has made no assessment of traffic congestion or the sequencing of traffic lights on this road. Traffic management is the responsibility of the relevant highway authority who are best placed to understand traffic flows and signal sequencing.

Traffic authorities are subject to the statutory network management duty which requires them to manage their roads to secure the ‘expeditious movement’ of all traffic, with a view to reducing congestion, and they have a wide range of tools already available to them to enable this.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much expenditure has been incurred for the new Network Rail clock design to date; and what is the budget for the programme as a whole. \p Keir Mather: Network Rail’s new clock design was the subject of an international competition launched in April 2023 under the previous Government. The winning team received £35,000 for the purchase of the Intellectual Property rights to the design, and runners up shared an additional £35,000. Installation of the one-off clock at London Bridge cost Network Rail £120,000 and is the largest circular digital screen on the UK rail network – sized to provide clear visibility for 200,000 passengers passing it each day.

The rollout of the clock to other stations has been delivered as part of a wider programme of accessibility and inclusivity upgrades to customer information systems, costing Network Rail £330,000. Network Rail do not have a separated estimate of cost for the specific clock element of this.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing compensation schemes for small businesses affected by prolonged or disruptive roadworks. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government remains committed to supporting small businesses across the country and helping them thrive. While we recognise the importance of minimising disruption, essential works do need to take place from time to time, and many businesses will ultimately benefit from the improvements these works deliver. Responsibility for road works on local roads rests with the relevant local highway authority. Decisions on whether to offer compensation to affected traders are entirely a matter for the local council. In some cases, when street works are carried out by gas or water companies, small businesses may be able to claim compensation for losses incurred. Business owners should contact the utility company directly in such circumstances. There are currently no legislative provisions requiring electricity or telecoms companies to provide compensation for works, and the Department for Transport has no plans to change the existing compensation arrangements.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Rachel Gilmour:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his department is taking to help ensure trusts have sufficient access to operational capital funding to repair buildings, replace old equipment, and provide a suitable environment for patients. \p Karin Smyth: The Government is committed to delivering a National Health Service that is fit for the future through our 10-Year Health Plan, and we recognise the importance of supporting NHS trusts to manage and maintain their estates using operational capital allocations.

The Government’s recently published 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy set out 10-year maintenance budgets for the public estate, confirming £6 billion per year for the maintenance and repair of the NHS estate up to 2034/35.

Within this overall figure, the Government is providing over £4 billion in operational capital in 2025/26 and has now allocated a further £15.6 billion directly to providers over the following four years, from 2026/27 to 2029/30. Providers have also been given further five-year operational capital planning assumptions, covering 2030/31 to 2034/35, allowing them to plan longer term with confidence and accelerate investment decisions aligned to local priorities, including repairs, maintenance, and ensuring suitable patient environments.

In addition to operational capital, the Estates Safety Fund, established in 2025/26, will continue, with £6.75 billion investment over the next nine years to target the most critical building repairs and ensure safe environments for healthcare delivery.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of making the NHS the preferred provider for commissioned healthcare services. \p Karin Smyth: The Government’s ambition, as set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, is to increasingly put power into patients’ hands themselves so they can personalise their National Health Service care to their individual needs, choices, and preferences.

More broadly, the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 provide a proportionate framework under which NHS commissioners consider the most appropriate approach in awarding contracts to healthcare providers. The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 are available at the following link:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2023/1348/contents/made

Further information on the selection processes is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/how-commissioning-is-changing/nhs-provider-selection-regime/
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to support the NHS to train more gynaecology specialists. \p Karin Smyth: As set out in our 10-Year Health Plan published on 3 July, over the next three years we will create 1,000 new specialty training posts with a focus on specialties where there is the greatest need. We will set out next steps in due course.

In acknowledgement of doctors’ concerns about jobs and access to training places, the Government made an offer to the British Medical Association’s Resident Doctors Committee to double the previously announced increase in specialty training places in the 10-Year Health Plan to 2,000, bringing 1,000 of these forward to next year, create an alternative training pathway, and take steps to prioritise United Kingdom medical graduates and doctors with significant National Health Service experience for specialty posts.