theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on the vehicle manufacturing industry. \p Justin Madders: On Monday 21 October, the Government published a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill. This package provides analysis of the potential sectoral impacts of the Bill.

It shows the majority of employees will benefit from new protections in the Bill and our assessment finds that workers in low-paying sectors, including social care, hospitality, retail, transport, and some manufacturing sectors will benefit the most.

The Bill will also deliver wider benefits for the business environment by improving wellbeing, incentivising higher productivity, and creating a more level playing field for good employers. This could have a positive knock-on impact on productivity and growth.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

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Adam Dance:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the (a) funding, (b) resources and (c) powers available to the Groceries Code Adjudicator. \p Justin Madders: The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) determines the level of funding and resources he needs to discharge his functions. Subject to Ministerial consent, the GCA imposes an annual levy on the 14 large retailers regulated by the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (the Code) to fund his work.

The government is currently undertaking the fourth statutory review on the effectiveness of the GCA in enforcing the Code. If stakeholders believe there are additional powers that would increase the GCA’s effectiveness, they will be able to share their views through the public consultation that the government will issue shortly to support the statutory review process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he has taken to hold Royal Mail accountable when local delivery services fall below the standard expected under its regulatory obligations. \p Justin Madders: It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to set and monitor Royal Mail’s service standards, and to decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action.

In December 2024, following its investigation of Royal Mail’s performance in the 2023-24 financial year, Ofcom fined the company £10.5m because of its failure to significantly improve service levels. The government expects that Ofcom will continue to closely monitor Royal Mail’s performance and its action plan to improve its quality of service.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support van manufacturers in the context of US tariffs. \p Sarah Jones: A landmark economic deal with the US, announced on 8 May, protects jobs in key sectors including automotive, directly supporting over 320,000 jobs across the UK. The Government also continues to support van manufacturing through the Automotive Transformation Fund, aiming to build a competitive electric vehicle supply chain. The 2024 Autumn Budget allocated over £2 billion for zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and supply chains, including £120 million to extend the Plug-in Van Grant (PIVG) until 2025/26. In addition, following the recent ZEV support consultation, fine levels for vans will also decrease by £3,000 to £15,000, and a bidirectional mechanism will be implemented for credit exchange between car and van schemes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of increasing the Autonomous Tariff Quota on the domestic sugar beet industry. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The Government recognises the importance of the domestic sugar beet industry and is carefully considering the potential impacts of any changes to the Autonomous Tariff Quota (ATQ) on raw cane sugar following an engagement exercise which closed in March 2025.

We will aim to strike the right balance between supporting our domestic sugar beet and raw cane refining industries, alongside a range of other factors including the UK’s wider strategic trade objectives. The outcome of this review will be announced in due course.
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Cat Eccles:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK-US trade agreement on the UK (a) steel and (b) aluminium sectors. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: This government is determined to look after the country's national interest. That's why we have concluded a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. For steel and aluminium, the US has committed to remove the 25% Section 232 tariffs currently faced by UK exporters, by applying a quota system.

UK Steel and ALFED, who represent the UK steel and aluminium industries respectively, have both publicly welcomed the deal.
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Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many shipments of military items have been made from the UK to Israel since October 2023. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC.

The Government has however published extensive information relating to export licensing decisions in relation to Israel. On 10 December, an ad hoc data release was published on ‘Export control licensing management information for Israel’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024) which provides information on export licences to Israel to 6 December 2024.
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Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to prohibit the import of Bovine Somatotropin-treated dairy products in trade deals. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Our approach to trade deals ensures all agri-food products must comply with our sanitary and phytosanitary standards and wider import requirements to be placed on the UK market. There is no import ban in the UK on dairy products from cows treated with bovine somatotropin, however consignments must be accompanied by animal and public health certification and come from approved countries and establishments. We will not change this in any trade deal.

The UK prohibits the use of artificial growth hormones, beta-agonists such as ractopamine and anything other than potable water to decontaminate poultry carcasses in both domestic production and imported meat products.

We will continue to maintain our existing high standards for animal health and food hygiene, ensuring that imported products comply with our import requirements.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

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Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many shipments under commodity code 87 10 00 00 were made to Israel since October 2023. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: DBT does not hold records of final exports of strategically controlled goods, and the fact that a licence is granted does not mean that an export takes place. For specific goods export data, you should refer to HMRC.

The Government has however published extensive information relating to export licensing decisions in relation to Israel. On 10 December, an ad hoc data release was published on ‘Export control licensing management information for Israel’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/export-control-licensing-management-information-for-israel/israel-export-control-licensing-data-6-december-2024) which provides information on export licences to Israel to 6 December 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

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Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on businesses’ reliance on gas for profitable commercial operations. \p Sarah Jones: The Secretary of State works closely with all of Cabinet, discussing a wide range of issues. He is committed to this Government's growth mission and ensuring the UK is a place where businesses can thrive.
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Paul Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress he has made towards publishing the Small Business Command Paper. \p Gareth Thomas: The Government will publish its SME Strategy later this year. The Strategy will set out the Government’s ambition to champion entrepreneurship, create an environment for SMEs to thrive and support them in their growth ambition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

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Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support small businesses to develop AI investment plans. \p Gareth Thomas: Adoption of new digital technology, including AI, can help businesses become more productive – but we know Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) sometimes need additional help and support to do so.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan set out a vision for AI to drive economic growth, including through investment. InnovateUK’s BridgeAI programme helps businesses in high growth potential sectors harness AI, offering funding opportunities and expert advice.

To go further, the industry-led SME Digital Adoption Taskforce will soon be publishing their final recommendations on ways to help SMEs adopt productivity-enhancing digital technology, which will inform our upcoming SME Strategy.
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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent progress his Department has made on repealing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. \p Hilary Benn: The Government has already begun the process of repealing and replacing the previous Government's Legacy Act. On 4 December 2024, I laid a proposed draft remedial order before Parliament that, if adopted, will remove from the Act a number of provisions that have been found by the NI courts to be incompatible with the UK’s human rights obligations. These include all those relating to the immunity scheme, and the bar on new civil cases.

While we want to make progress as swiftly as possible, we remain committed to engaging widely with all interested parties to help determine what provisions should be included in new primary legislation. At the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) on 24 April, the Governments discussed Legacy issues, including proposals for legislative reform. As noted at BIIGC, the Government remains committed to introducing primary legislation when Parliamentary time allows.
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Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussion he has had with Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on the potential impact of regulatory divergence between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom on the oversight of post-Brexit trade arrangements. \p Hilary Benn: I speak regularly on a wide range of matters to Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and the Northern Ireland political parties. This includes discussion of the Government's commitment to safeguarding the UK internal market, handling divergence and encouraging economic growth, in line with the Government's manifesto and the five missions.
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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of adopting aspects of the investigative model used by Operation Kenova to reform the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. \p Hilary Benn: The Government is committed to repealing and replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. As part of that process, we are considering a range of options for ensuring the ICRIR is both fully ECHR compliant and capable of commanding public confidence across all communities in Northern Ireland.

During ongoing policy development, the Government is examining a number of operational models, including the one used by Operation Kenova, which has rightly been praised for its independence, and victim-centred approach.

The Government’s objective in this area is to ensure a reformed Commission is able to win the trust of families, and is underpinned by transparency, rigour and accountability at every level.
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Ian Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will launch a consultation on the (a) production, (b) import and (c) sales of eggs from caged hens. \p Daniel Zeichner: We remain firmly committed to maintaining and improving animal welfare and want to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards.

The use of cages for laying hens is an issue which we are currently considering very carefully.
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Katie Lam:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2025 to Question 24563 on Farms: Domestic Visits, when he next plans to visit a farm in Kent. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra ministers regularly visit farms and meet with farmers nearly every week.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to answer Question 36241, tabled on 6 March. \p Daniel Zeichner: An answer to Question 36241 was provided on 25 April 2025.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many farms the Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs visited in the period (a) before and (b) after the Autumn Budget 2024. \p Daniel Zeichner: Ministers visit farms and other food production premises regularly and have met with farming stakeholders nearly every week since entering Government.
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Sir Desmond Swayne:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will (a) review and (b) update the Ministers mandate for the New Forest. \p Mary Creagh: The Minister’s Mandate, first introduced in 1971, is mainly concerned with the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the Crown lands of the New Forest. The Protected Landscapes Duty requires relevant authorities such as Forestry England to seek to further the statutory purposes of Protected Landscapes including the New Forest. Forestry England is also subject to a range of regulations, assurance schemes, procedures and other guidance to steer its activity in the New Forest, including the New Forest Acts 1877, 1949, 1964, and 1970, Ancient Monuments & Archaeological Areas Act 1979, Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, Environment Act 1995, and Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Forestry England continues to manage the Crown lands of the New Forest to achieve a proper balance between people, nature and a working commercial forest. For this reason, there is no plan to review the Minister’s Mandate at this time.
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David Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of sanctions on imports of aviation fuel on Myanmar. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office regularly reviews the effectiveness and impact of UK sanctions and remains committed to continuing to impose and enforce sanctions, alongside our partners, to constrain the Myanmar military's ability to inflict harm against civilians. It is vital for the UK that any sanctions imposed against the Myanmar military and its affiliates, have the desired effect of denying the regime credibility and constraining their access to finance, arms and equipment. Since the coup in 2021, the UK has announced sanctions on 25 individuals and 39 entities under the Myanmar (Sanctions) Regulations, most recently in October 2024, where we announced sanctions against companies involved in the procurement of aviation fuel to the Myanmar Armed Forces.
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David Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of multilateral arms embargos on Myanmar. \p Catherine West: The UK is clear that countries should not sell arms to the Myanmar military as this will exacerbate the violence. We raise our opposition regularly in international fora. In March 2025, the UK co-sponsored a UN Human Rights Council Resolution, calling for all states to cease the illicit transfer and diversion of arms, munitions and other military equipment to Myanmar. UK sanctions include a comprehensive arms embargo on Myanmar. These sanctions prohibit the provision of military related services, including technical assistance, to or for the benefit of the Myanmar Armed Forces.
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Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Chinese counterpart on the treatment of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet. \p Catherine West: The UK Government stands firm on human rights in China, including the repression of people in Xinjiang and Tibet.

We raise our concerns at the highest levels: the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang, Vice Premier He and Vice Premier Ding respectively).

This Government continues to coordinate efforts with our international partners to hold China to account for human rights violations. For example, joining a statement led by Australia on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN General Assembly in October.
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Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with international allies on the case of Alaa Abd el-Fattah. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office officials regularly speak with likeminded partners on how to enhance international cooperation and end the practice of arbitrary arrest, detention or sentencing. The Government is committed to securing Mr El-Fattah's release and we continue to raise his case at the highest levels of the Egyptian government. The Prime Minister raised the case in a letter to President Sisi on 4 May. The National Security Adviser also raised Mr-El Fattah's case with the Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty on 27 April and the Foreign Secretary raised with Foreign Minister Abdelatty on 9 April.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure UK aid to Myanmar (a) reaches people impacted by the recent earthquake and (b) is not intercepted by the military regime. \p Catherine West: The UK has announced up to £25 million in life-saving support for those affected by the recent earthquake in Myanmar, including up to £5 million to match public donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. So far this support has provided food, water, healthcare, and shelter supplies to over 300,000 people. The UK funds local actors who can directly access affected populations, overcoming humanitarian access restrictions to support the most vulnerable communities.

The UK does not fund the military regime in Myanmar, and the regime has no involvement in directing our programmes. To manage the increased risk of aid diversion due to security and access constraints, we contract a third party to monitor our humanitarian programmes, verifying activities have taken place and flagging any allegations of aid diversion or other malpractice.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether a proportion of UK aid to Myanmar will be ringfenced for healthcare provision. \p Catherine West: Since the coup, the UK has provided over £170 million to Myanmar in lifesaving humanitarian assistance, including healthcare provision through the Access to Health (A2H) Fund. The UK is the largest donor to A2H, which has supported vulnerable populations with critical nutrition services, maternal and child health interventions, and immunisation services since 2021. In 2024, UK-funded support provided essential health services to approximately 1.2 million people.

The UK has announced up to £25 million in life-saving support for people affected by the recent earthquake in Myanmar, including £2 million to the (A2H) Fund. So far, UK funding has reached over 48,000 people with healthcare services following the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.
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Josh Newbury:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of vehicles rented by his Department are electric vehicles. \p Catherine West: This information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
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Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the state of freedoms in Hong Kong; and what steps the Government is taking to support the rights of British National (Overseas) passport holders. \p Catherine West: The UK has deep and longstanding ties with Hong Kong. However, as set out in detail in the Government's successive Six-monthly Reports on Hong Kong, the continued erosion of rights and freedoms threatens Hong Kong's way of life. China's imposition of the National Security Law (NSL) has seen dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the NSL to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.

The UK has demonstrated our commitment to the people of Hong Kong through the bespoke immigration route for British National (Overseas) status holders and their eligible family members. This Government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong and provide a welcoming home to Hong Kongers.
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Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answers of 17 March 2025 to Question 36633 and 29 April 2025 to Question 45904 on China: Audit, for what reason the timeline for concluding the China audit has changed from spring 2025 to being in due course. \p Catherine West: The Audit will improve the UK's ability to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses. It will help inform the government setting out a long-term, consistent approach to our relationship with China. The timing of the audit remains determined by the need for widespread consultation both within and beyond government. Work being done by the Audit team is already proving valuable in developing policies and planning engagement.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2025 to Question 37986 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, if she will hold discussions with the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland on taking steps to increase the number of publicly available electric vehicle charging points. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Secretary of State met with the Minister for the Economy, on 6 May to discuss decarbonising road transport. Minister Lightwood also met the Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure in April during the British-Irish Council meeting to discuss the EV transition. Additionally, my officials regularly engage with the Department for Infrastructure on zero emission vehicle initiatives, including charging infrastructure development.

While transport is largely devolved to the Department for Infrastructure, the Department is supporting Northern Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. Through Round 1 of the Levelling Up Fund, we are providing up to £3.27 million to upgrade and expand the EV charging network. Previously, two grants totalling £1.38 million were awarded under the On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme.
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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 48569 on Shipping: Training, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the (a) number and (b) type of maritime apprentices that will be offered by maritime (i) colleges and (ii) training providers in England in each year from 2025-26 to 2029-30. \p Mike Kane: There have been no discussions with the Secretary of State for Education on the (a) number and (b) type of maritime apprentices that will be offered by maritime (i) colleges and (ii) training providers in England in each year from 2025-26 to 2029-30. The UK remains committed to growing the number of trainee seafarers, as demonstrated though the work of the Cadet Training and Modernisation Programme and the Ratings Review. Trained seafarers benefit both UK economic growth and support a maritime sector fit for future. DfT officials are engaging with the Department for Education on the establishment of Skills England and Ministers are kept updated as this work is progressed.
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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s expenditure on support for the maritime training scheme in 2024-25. \p Mike Kane: The estimated expenditure by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme for the financial year 2024–25 is £16.835 million.
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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department's press release of 8 May 2025 entitled Seafarer cadets funding secured for extra 12 months by Maritime and Coastguard Agency, what estimates the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has made of the (a) cost and (b) potential impact of this policy on seafarer training. \p Mike Kane: The Department has commissioned a research project, to be carried out by an external supplier supported by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, to assess the effectiveness and value for money of the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) funding. The aim is to ensure the UK continues to provide a talented pool of seafarers to meet its economic and strategic maritime needs. This will be achieved through an effective funding system that delivers best value in terms of outcomes.

The external supplier is about to engage with seafarers, employers, and other key stakeholders to gather data and evidence. The resulting report will evaluate the scheme’s past performance and provide information to support the development of a future funding strategy and inform future policy development. The project is expected to be completed by the end of September 2025.
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Emma Foody:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of congestion at Moor Farm Roundabout between the A19, A1 and A189 on regional economic growth in each of the last five years. \p Lilian Greenwood: The impact of delay to road users is an integral part of National Highways assessment of the potential economic benefits of proposed enhancements to the strategic road network, within a scheme’s business case. The performance of Moor Farm junction has been considered in isolation and in combination with A1 Seaton Burn as part of the A19 North of Newcastle RIS Pipeline scheme.
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Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of (a) climate change and (b) extreme weather events on the railway network. \p Lilian Greenwood: Network Rail is undertaking a programme of climate change adaptation pathways across the network to develop a long-term strategic adaptation plan and identify priority areas for further adaptation investment. This approach will help identify those parts of the network which may require transformational change to enable safe and reliable services to continue in the future. Network Rail has produced local level weather resilience and climate change adaptation plans. These explain Network Rail’s understanding of how weather and climate change can affect infrastructure at a more targeted, local level.
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Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations she has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for additional funding to mitigate the impact of (a) climate change and (b) extreme weather events on the railway network. \p Lilian Greenwood: My department takes resilience of the railway very seriously. The recent Climate Change Committee progress report on adapting to climate change rated plans and policies of the rail sector as being 'good' – one of only three parts of the economy. DfT’s upcoming climate change adaptation strategy will address the recommendations from the progress report within our remit and empower the sector to take further action.

Network Rail is undertaking a programme of adaptation pathways across the network to develop a long-term strategic adaptation plan and identify priority areas for further adaptation investment. This approach will help identify those parts of the network which may require transformational change to enable safe and reliable services to continue in the future. Network Rail has produced local level weather resilience and climate change adaptation plans. These explain Network Rail’s understanding of how weather and climate change can affect infrastructure at a more targeted, local level.

For the current Control Period in England and Wales (CP7 - from 2024/25 to 2028/29) Network Rail will invest around £2.4 billion in activities that deliver primary weather resilience benefits. A large proportion of this is used for core maintenance and renewals activity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_205

Emma Foody:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on the average delay in minutes as a result of congestion at Moor Farm Roundabout between the A19, A1 and A189 in each of the last five years; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of those delays on costs to the regional economy. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department holds and publishes data on the average speed and delay for both the strategic road network, of which the A19 and A1 form part, and locally managed ‘A’ roads, including A189. Datasets for both networks are available via interactive maps on the Department for Transport’s website.

The information is held at an individual link level each year from 2021 onwards.

The impact of delay to road users is an integral part of National Highways’ assessment of the potential economic benefits of proposed enhancements to the strategic road network, and the performance of Moor Farm junction has been considered as part of the A19 North of Newcastle RIS Pipeline scheme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_206

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which railway routes are most at risk from (a) climate change and (b) extreme weather events. \p Simon Lightwood: Network Rail is undertaking a programme of adaptation pathways across the network to develop a long-term strategic adaptation plan and identify priority areas for further adaptation investment. This approach will help identify those parts of the network which may require transformational change to enable safe and reliable services to continue in the future.

Further, we recognise that the UK rail network is large and diverse, with different landscapes and communities facing different climate risks. Network Rail has produced a Weather Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation (WRCCA) plan for each of its five regions. This allows Network Rail to better identify, at a regional scale, those routes most at risk from climate change and extreme weather events. In 2026, 14 TOCs will also submit their first WRCCA strategies. As most TOCs operate over confined geographical regions, these will add further detail to our understanding of regional risks.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_207

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what emergency plans (a) her Department and (b) Network Rail has made for future extreme weather events. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department requires Train Operating Companies and Network Rail to put in place measures to avoid, where possible, the potential impact of disruption including as a result of weather.

Network Rail owns and is responsible for maintaining railway infrastructure to ensure passenger and freight services operate safely. Officials hold regular discussions with Network Rail and industry to ensure severe weather preparedness plans are in place with clear mitigations to reduce the impacts of weather on punctuality and reliability.

Network Rail Routes liaise closely with Train Operators to ensure comprehensive checklists are in place and to align customer messaging. Extreme Weather Action Telecons (EWATs) are stood up in anticipation of adverse or extreme weather conditions likely to impact upon rail networks, attended by Network Rail, British Transport Police, the Rail Delivery Group, train operators and the Department. EWATs coordinate the response to severe weather, for example by prepositioning people, equipment, assets to at-risk areas and implementing speed restrictions and emergency timetables where appropriate. Where services need to be cancelled, train operators will seek to provide alternative transport where possible, although there may be instances where this is not viable.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_208

Luke Myer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has to increase funding for public transport infrastructure in Teesside. \p Simon Lightwood: Investment in the North’s transport infrastructure continues to be a priority for this government and has a key role to play in unlocking regional growth. The Government has already committed £310m in capital grants to Tees Valley in the current financial year, via the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS). We are currently examining all future spending commitments through a Spending Review, and any future funding will be confirmed in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_209

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department's statistics entitled Seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry: 2024, published on 26 February 2025, if she will work with maritime trade unions to set targets for the number of maritime apprentices in (a) Deck, (b) Engine, (c) Electro-technical (d) Catering and (e) On Board Service roles. \p Mike Kane: The UK has a strategic need to ensure a pipeline of trained seafarers, particularly with greener ships, future fuels, new technologies and automation. The Department is working with the sector, including trade unions, to deliver the recommendations from the Ratings Review, published in 2023. This will ensure the UK has the ratings workforce needed to secure the long-term strength of our maritime industry.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_210

Luke Myer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department plans to take to help (a) improve local bus services, (b) increase routes and (c) reduce fares in rural parts of Teesside. \p Simon Lightwood: Good reliable and affordable local bus services are an essential part of prosperous and sustainable communities. The Government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform. The Bill puts the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders and is intended to ensure bus services reflect the needs of the communities that rely on them right across England, including in rural parts of Teesside.

In addition, the Government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent, protect crucial bus routes or introduce initiatives to reduce fares for local communities.  Tees Valley Combined Authority has been allocated £7.2 million of this funding.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_211

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 48569 on Shipping: Training, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the (a) number and (b) type of maritime apprenticeships that maritime (i) colleges and (ii) training providers will offer in each year from 2025 to 2030. \p Mike Kane: The Ratings Review Oversight Committee, made up of industry representatives and officials, is responsible for delivering the recommendations from the review. This will include engagement with the Department for Education.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_212

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her spokesperson's comments in the Birmingham Mail article entitled The reason staff at a Birmingham school decided a last resort strike, published on 7 March 2025, whether she plans to make an Academy Order for the George Dixon Primary School in Birmingham. \p Catherine McKinnell: High and rising standards are at the heart of this government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity so every child can achieve and thrive.

An academy order for George Dixon Primary School in Birmingham was issued in June 2023 and remains in place. Departmental officials continue to work with the local authority on next steps. A request has been made by the school’s governing body to revoke the academy order, and a decision will be shared with them shortly.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_213

Greg Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the governance arrangements of the National Foundation for Educational Research. \p Catherine McKinnell: The National Foundation for Educational Research is a leading provider of research and assessments in the UK. The department has no formal oversight or management relationship with them, and as such, has not made an assessment of the adequacy of their governance arrangements.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_214

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many children have been granted (a) 25%, (b) 50%, (c) 75% and (d) 100% Special Educational Needs Inclusion Funding in each constituency in Cambridgeshire in each of the last five academic years. \p Catherine McKinnell: All local authorities are required to have a Special Educational Need Inclusion Fund (SENIF) for all eligible children for the entitlements and who have special educational needs.

Local authorities should establish their SENIFs using funding from the early years block and/or the high needs block of their Dedicated Schools Grant, considering pressures on high needs and early years budgets locally.

The department gives local authorities the autonomy to set SENIF budgets and to decide on eligibility criteria locally, as they are best placed to meet local need.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_215

Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has produced an impact assessment for the recently announced changes to grants available under the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. \p Janet Daby: The new criteria for the adoption and special guardianship support fund will enable as many children and families as possible to access the available funding. The department always assesses the impact of changes on vulnerable children. This includes reviewing the equalities impact assessment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_216

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to encourage SMEs to participate in the apprenticeships scheme. \p Janet Daby: I refer the hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills to the answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 37179.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_217

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of ringfencing the skills levy for funding apprenticeships. \p Janet Daby: I refer the hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills to the answer of 7 April 2025 to Question 40142.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-16 conversation_218

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of looked after children (a) were and (b) were not Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children in each year since 2005. \p Janet Daby: Information on the number of looked after children, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), is submitted to the department on an annual basis and is published at local authority level in our statistical release at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions.

Figures on the number of UASC in each year since 2005 can be found here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/32f71e7b-83b1-4494-96d7-08dd85738b16. This table also provides data on all children looked after at 31 March from which the number and proportion of non-UASC can be calculated. Similarly, the percentage of UASC can also be derived from this table.