theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Lee of Trafford:To ask His Majesty's Government how many Hamas fighters they estimate have been killed since 7 October 2023; and what they estimate is the current size of their military force following likely recent recruitment. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not produce estimates on these figures.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Niger concerning the recent abduction of American missionary Kevin Rideout; and what diplomatic steps are they taking to secure his release. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Kevin Rideout is a US national so the response to his abduction is being led by the US. We have updated our Niger Travel Advice page to highlight the risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including Niamey.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what recent representations they have made to the government of Nigeria on ensuring protection of Christians, especially in the middle belt and north of Nigeria; what response they have received; and whether they plan to review extant UK arms export licences to Nigeria. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: I refer the Noble Lord to the answer I provided on 24 November to Question HL11756.
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Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the government of Iran about the resentencing of Anisa Fanaian, and what steps they are taking to ensure her release. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Further to the answer provided on 7 March to Question HL5221, we are concerned by Anisa Fanaian's case and we continue to monitor the situation for Baha'is in Iran.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Pakistan concerning blasphemy charges against Rasheed Masih; and what steps they are taking to ensure his release. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given in the House of Commons on 12 June in response to Question 58220, which I have reproduced below for ease of reference:

The UK Government remains deeply concerned by the use of blasphemy laws to undermine human rights in Pakistan. We regularly raise this issue at the highest levels - pressing for due process to prevent wrongful convictions and ensure fair trials for those accused. In March 2025, the Minister for the Middle East raised the heated discourse around blasphemy with Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior. Lord Khan of Burnley raised the misuse of blasphemy laws when he met Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs in April 2025. We are not prepared to discuss the detail of individual cases where to do so could put individuals and their families at risk.
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Lord Patten:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risks to UK citizens travelling to Benue State in Nigeria. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 3 November to Question 85661, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

Nigeria is witnessing rising conflict and insecurity, including violent extremism and intercommunal violence. Violence in Nigeria's North-East is driven by terrorist groups including Boko Haram, who target all those who do not subscribe to their extremist views. These attacks are distinct from the intercommunal violence across Nigeria's Middle Belt. The UK Government is committed to supporting Nigeria to address these challenges by working with Nigeria's security forces, and through peacebuilding efforts to tackle the root causes of violence. Through our UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, we are supporting Nigeria to tackle insecurity and promote human rights. This includes facilitating civil-military cooperation within North-East communities and utilising UK experience to strengthen the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC). Additionally, the UK's Strengthening Peace and Resilience programme ('SPRING') works to address the root causes of intercommunal violence across Nigeria's Middle Belt, through collaboration with local communities to support productive livelihoods for both farmers and pastoralists.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Watson of Wyre Forest:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of the United States of America about the use of intelligence derived from UK sources in maritime operations in the Caribbean since 1 September. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 3 November in the House of Commons to Question 85121, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

We have extensive discussions with the US on a wide range of shared security objectives, including on counter narcotics but specific operational activities undertaken by the US military in the Caribbean and the Pacific are a matter for the US.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Walney:To ask His Majesty's Government what criteria and standards BBC Arabic is subject to for its receipt of (1) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office grant funding, and (2) World2020 programme funding. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: All BBC World Service language services are governed by the standards set in the BBC Charter, the Framework Agreement with HMG, and the World Service licence. The licence states that all BBC World Service output must meet the BBC's editorial standards as set out in the Editorial Guidelines agreed by the BBC Board. As part of the grant funding made to the World Service through the World2025 programme, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office agrees Objectives, Priorities and Targets for the World Service, covering audience reach, quality, impact, and value for money.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Baroness Hoey:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer given by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 5 November (HL11229), what advice they have received from the European Court of Human Rights regarding the current status of the Republic of Ireland's interstate case against the United Kingdom; and what plans they have to propose that the government of Ireland withdraw the case at the 1545th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies at the Council of Europe in December. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: Ireland v. the United Kingdom (III) at the European Court of Human Rights has not progressed beyond preliminary stages since it was lodged by Ireland in January 2024. On 2 July 2025, the United Kingdom received correspondence from the Court to confirm that it had adjourned its proceedings pending the final outcome of the ongoing domestic proceedings for judicial review in the case Dillon and Others, which is currently awaiting judgment by the United Kingdom Supreme Court.

The withdrawal of the case is a matter for the Irish Government. The UK Government is clear that the implementation of the Troubles Bill, which seeks to fulfil long standing commitments made by this Government, will mean that the basis for any interstate case will fall away.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to appoint anyone with a paramilitary background to the proposed legacy commission. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill already sets out that a person may not be appointed as a Commissioner, a Director of Investigations or a Judicial Panel member if they have been convicted of an offence. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland therefore cannot, and will not, appoint anyone to the Commission who has been convicted of an offence, related to paramilitary activity or otherwise.
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Lord Harper:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Independent Medical Expert Group has been tasked to study a potential causal link between chemical exposure and cancer incidence in Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel; and, if so, what is the timetable for its report. \p Lord Coaker: The topic of a causal link between chemical exposure and cancer incidence in Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel was referred to the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) in June 2025. The IMEG is actively considering the matter and no date has yet been set for the publication of their report.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Harper:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made about whether there is a causal link between chemical exposure and cancer incidence in Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel. \p Lord Coaker: Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials reviewed with interest the March 2025 British Journal of Urology International research letter on a potentially increased risk of bladder cancer in military personnel exposed to explosive ordnance. MOD referred this matter to the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) for their independent medical advice. The possible link between exposure to explosives and an increased risk of bladder cancer among military personnel was discussed by the IMEG at their June 2025 meeting. This matter now forms part of their current work plan. This is a complex issue on which we await their advice.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Leigh of Hurley:To ask His Majesty's Government what options they are considering for the future of the RFA Argus. \p Lord Coaker: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary continue to work alongside DE&S, surveyors and commercial partners to assess the cost and value of effecting the required repairs.
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Lord Trefgarne:To ask His Majesty's Government whether deterrence remains a core element of the United Kingdom’s defence policy. \p Lord Coaker: Deterrence remains at the core of the UK’s defence policy and influences everything we do; from capability procurement choices to operational activity. The Strategic Defence Review (2025) affirms the centrality of deterrence to Defence thinking. It underpins our focus on home defence and resilience, our move towards warfighting readiness, and our NATO First approach.
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Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the current level of total teacher vacancies. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: Data on the number of teacher vacancies is published in the ‘School workforce in England’ statistical publication. Figures for November 2024, which are the latest available, have been available since 5 June 2025.

Teacher vacancies (full and part-time) decreased to 2,200 in November 2024, having more than doubled in the previous three years, from 1,100 in November 2020 to a peak of 2,800 in November 2023. The vacancy rate, which takes into account changes in the teaching population, also decreased to 5 per 1,000 teachers in service, from 6 per 1,000 teachers in 2023.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Birt:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to reduce persistent absences in schools. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: Thanks to the work of the sector, persistent absence has fallen to 18.7% in the latest published data. Our world leading data collection and tools enable schools to identify earlier those pupils who are at risk of becoming persistently absent to intervene early.

The department has also expanded its attendance mentor programme, committing £15 million to provide one-to-one support for 10,800 pupils in local authorities with some of the poorest attendance rates in the country.

Breakfast Clubs have been rolled out to all primary schools since September 2025 to ensure that good habits and routines are established early in a child’s school life.

We have also started to establish RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs with £1.5 million of funding being made available this year, where up to 90 hubs led by schools with excellent attendance and behaviour practice will support more than 4,500 schools to improve.
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Lord Moraes:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are seeking to rejoin the Erasmus programme, or an equivalent scheme, as part of their post-Brexit reset plans. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The UK and EU agreed a substantial package to take forward our future partnership, at the first UK-EU Summit in London on 19 May. At the summit, the UK agreed to work towards association to Erasmus+ on mutually agreed financial terms. The government will ensure that any agreement resulting from the negotiations reflects a fair balance between the UK financial contribution and the number of UK participants who receive funding from it.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie:To ask His Majesty's Government what provision they are making to ensure that specialist music and dance schools continue to be financially supported so that they are able to offer places on the basis of talent and potential, not ability to pay. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: I refer the noble Lady to the answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 79898.
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Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which measures required under the Nature Restoration Fund take agricultural land out of food production. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government recognises that food security is national security and is committed to safeguarding the most productive agricultural land to maintain long-term food production.

The Nature Restoration Fund will offer opportunities for farming and land management businesses to diversify their business revenue through the provision of conservation measures.

The impact on agricultural land use and management will depend on the nature of the environmental service they will be paid to provide as part of a given Environmental Delivery Plan (EDP). Natural England already considers the impact of its activities on agriculture, for example, when designing mitigation measures, the existing Nutrient Mitigation Scheme seeks to avoid the best and most versatile agricultural land. We expect Natural England to apply this approach to EDPs.

By shifting to a strategic approach, we can leverage economies of scale across an EDP and reduce the need for piecemeal or disjointed mitigations secured by individual development projects. This will ensure every pound spent helps deliver our environmental goals.
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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 30 October (HL11477), how much of the £4.2 billion spending review commitment for flood defences will be made up of capital spending. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change, we are investing record levels in flood protection. Over the next Spending Review period (2026/27 to 2028/29), £4.2 billion will be allocated to build new flood schemes and maintain and repair existing defences across the country. This equates to an average of £1.4 billion per year, a 5% increase on the current average of £1.33 billion for 2024/25 and 2025/26. Further details will be published in due course, including the split between capital and revenue funding.

Natural flood management (NFM) plays a vital role in reducing flood risk while delivering wider benefits for people, communities, and the environment. That is why we will be investing at least £300m in NFM over ten years – the highest figure to date for the floods programme. We have also removed barriers that previously held back these projects. Working closely with the Environment Agency, we will explore opportunities to enable more landscape-scale NFM through partnership working and strengthen the evidence base for these interventions.

To ensure the new funding policy delivers effective outcomes, including NFM, we will review its impact after three years.
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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are planning to review the design and adequacy of the Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 include a statutory review provision requiring an assessment of the regulatory provisions and a published report outlining the conclusions.

The review will consider whether the Regulations are meeting their intended objectives, how effectively those objectives are being achieved, and whether they remain appropriate. The review will be carried out in due course.
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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to recommendation 11 of An independent review of Defra’s regulatory landscape, published on 2 April, which environmental regulations will be in scope of the rolling programme of regulatory reform. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Dan Corry’s review of Defra’s regulatory landscape recommends that the Department scope a rolling programme of reform for specific regulations, suggesting several early priorities for reform. Work is ongoing to establish where improvements are most needed and where legislation would be required. In the meantime, the Department continues to lay statutory instruments on a regular basis to deliver environmental improvements and commitments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Randall of Uxbridge:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to introduce requirements for gamebird shoots in areas in England outside of European sites (1) to have a vet inspect reared gamebirds for signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) before release, (2) to report mortality or suspicion of HPAI in released gamebirds, and (3) to remove dead released gamebirds. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) currently in force throughout the whole of England was updated to include additional biosecurity measures for game bird operations on 26 August 2025. These measures reflect the specific disease risks associated with the game bird and shooting sector during the gamebird release season and are intended to protect both wild and captive bird populations.

Within the AIPZ, birds must not be put in a release pen if they show signs of avian influenza. Game birds kept in release pens must be checked daily and any birds showing clinical signs suggestive of avian influenza must receive immediate and appropriate attention, including discussing the clinical signs with a veterinary surgeon. Any suspicion of avian influenza must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately. Keepers must also conduct a daily search of the area within and up to a 50-metre radius surrounding the release pen(s) and feeding and watering stations, for carcases of dead game birds and/or dead wild birds. These should be reported to Defra using the online reporting service for dead wild birds. If carcases are not required for avian influenza surveillance, the carcases must be appropriately disposed of (see attached).

Attachment 1 (pdf, 222.7KB)
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Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government by which date they expect to implement Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 in England. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government is strongly committed to improving the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and we are looking at what additional steps might be taken to support this.

Better delivery of SuDS may be achieved by continuing to improve the current planning policy-based approach and looking at ways of improving the approach to adoption and maintenance, rather than commencing schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

We intend to consult on national planning policy related to decision making, including policies on flood risk and SuDS. The Government also recognises the importance of long-term maintenance of SuDS. We will be consulting on legislative and policy options to reduce the prevalence of unadopted estates, and the injustices associated with them, including for SuDS.
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Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government what opportunities there are for fishing and increased quotas for under-10-metre fishing vessels under the determination of fishing opportunities for British fishing boats. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Following the annual UK-EU and Coastal State negotiations, the UK secured approximately 747,000 tonnes of quota for 2025, valued at around £956 million. Targeted initiatives have expanded the quota pool available to the under 10 metre (U10) fleet, particularly for stocks that were previously underutilised.

The 350kg annual cap on finfish quota species for English U10 vessels has been removed. The Secretary of State’s Determination sets total UK catch limits for quota stocks, after which allocations, being a devolved matter, are made available. In England, quota for the U10 pool is managed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). Licence variations have increased catch limits for certain species, enabling more effective use of quota throughout the year.

By removing restrictive caps and adjusting monthly limits, these measures create significant new opportunities for U10 vessels.
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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government how many meetings the Agriculture Supply Chain Adjudicator and Grocery Code Adjudicator have had since the former adjudicator was established to share information and discuss food supply chain issues that may cross between them, and what were the outcomes of the meetings. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: As of 17 November 2025, the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) has received 1 formal complaint relating to areas of a milk purchase contract that was alleged to be not compliant with the requirements of the Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024. ASCA led an informal resolution which was fully agreed between the complainant and the processor resulting in an amended milk purchase contract being provided to the producer. No formal intervention was required from the ASCA as the complaint was withdrawn by the producer.

The ‘in confidence’ ASCA email channel was established to ensure producers could raise issues to the ASCA without fear of identification or reprisal. This was identified as a key barrier for producers to raise their concerns in an earlier ASCA survey. No formal complaints have been raised via this channel, but the ASCA has received over 15 separate issues in confidence. The confidential feedback has been used by ASCA to raise specific and anonymised issues with industry where possible.
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Lord Lucas:To ask His Majesty's Government what species are proposed to be planted in the new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor to generate an economic return given the relative lack of rainfall in that area and the expectation that there will be even less in future. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The design of the new forests will be led by delivery partners on the ground, so exact species mix is not known at this time. We know that the UK climate is more likely to experience frequent extreme weather events (such as summer droughts and winter storms) and therefore it is important for us to plant a wide range of tree species that will adapt to these future changes, in line with our National Adaptation Plan commitment to ensure new woodlands have current and future climate conditions considered in their design and species choice, whilst also being selected carefully on a site-by-site basis to suit multiple functions, such as recreation, flood management, timber production and wildlife habitat .
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Lord Wharton of Yarm:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of poultry and egg imports from Ukraine in meeting demand that cannot be met by domestic production of those products. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Under our Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine, tariffs on all goods are temporarily removed until March 2029, except for poultry and eggs, where the liberalisation is due to end on 31 March 2026.

We consistently consider the views and impact on our domestic industry, and this is reflected in our approach to tariff liberalisation support for Ukraine. We will continue to take these views into account as part of our policy development process.

In 2024, domestic production made up 89% of eggs consumed and 83% of the poultry meat consumed. Our food security relies on a combination of both domestic production and a secure import route. Ukrainian imports of poultry and eggs currently constitute a small proportion of UK consumption and account for a small proportion of the UK’s total imports of these products.
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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of gas and oil lobbyists at the 30th United Nations climate change conference, and what steps they are taking to prevent those lobbyists from attending future climate conferences. \p Lord Whitehead: The UNFCCC Secretariat, its Presiding officers, and the annually nominated COP Presidency are jointly responsible for upholding the standards that govern participation at COP meetings, relating to impartiality and transparency.

The UK continues to champion a transparent, inclusive, and effective UNFCCC process that supports enhanced ambition and strengthened implementation of the Paris Agreement and COP outcomes.
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Earl Russell:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce legislation that would enable people and businesses to buy community energy locally. \p Lord Whitehead: The Government is hugely ambitious about the role that local energy will play in achieving our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.

The Department – with Great British Energy – are looking at the issue of local supply and the options available.

In parallel, Elexon have been progressing the P441 code modification through a series of workgroup roundtables and have recently concluded a consultation to gather wider sector responses on proposed P441 changes. These changes if supported would clarify and simplify balancing and settlement arrangements for complex metering sites, such as those likely to be used by many community energy schemes.

The Government will continue to monitor these developments closely and will publish the Local Power Plan in due course.
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Lord Bradshaw:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Wilson of Sedgefield on 3 November (HL11119), what proportion of the solar panels being used in the UK are manufactured domestically or in Europe. \p Lord Whitehead: The Department does not hold this information.

Several small firms based across the UK are involved in assembling conventional solar panels at a small scale as well as more innovative, building-integrated roof slates, and thin film technology that can also suit structurally lighter roofs. Several other firms also produce mounting structures and composite electrical equipment for ground-mounted and rooftop solar installations.
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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to require artificial-intelligence shopping assistants to disclose when they are acting autonomously on behalf of consumers. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: AI is a general-purpose technology, with a wide range of applications, which is why the UK believes that the vast majority of AI should be regulated at the point of use. A range of existing rules already apply to AI systems, such as data protection, competition, equality legislation, and online safety. In response to the AI Action Plan, the government confirmed it would work with regulators to boost their capabilities.

The Government is committed to preparing the UK for the changes AI will bring and welcomes evidence on novel consumer developments which may inform future policy.
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Baroness Kidron:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support UK-headquartered AI companies and small and medium-sized enterprises in AI procurement strategy. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The Government is taking several steps to support UK-headquartered AI companies and SMEs in procurement:
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Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications of requiring the use of technology that does not yet exist, or function satisfactorily, in notices under section 121 of the Online Safety Act 2023. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: Ofcom will set out what technology is required for a service to comply with a Technology Notice under section 121 of the Online Safety Act. That technology must be accredited as meeting minimum standards of accuracy. Ofcom’s consultation on the minimum standards of accuracy closed in March 2025 and the finalised version will be published in due course.

Where a tech solution does not exist in relation to a particular service design, Ofcom will be able to direct companies to use best endeavours to develop or source technology that deals with child sexual exploitation and abuse content.
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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they are having with the technology industry to ensure artificial intelligence models are tested robustly before deployment, and to embed safeguards such as suicide prevention into model development. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The Government has ongoing partnerships with artificial intelligence developers to ensure the safety of the models they develop. It is essential that AI models are appropriately tested to ensure safeguards are robust, possible harms are considered and risks mitigated, to ensure the British public are protected.

The role of the AI Security Institute (AISI) is to build an evidence base of these risks, to inform government decision making and help make AI more secure and reliable. AISI works in close collaboration with AI companies to assess model safeguards and suggest mitigations. To date, AISI has tested over 30 models from leading AI companies, including OpenAI, Google DeepMind and Anthropic. AISI’s findings lead to tangible changes to AI models before deployment, reducing the risk from day one.

Once deployed, many AI services are captured by the Online Safety Act 2023, which places robust duties on all in-scope user-to-user and search services, including those deploying generative artificial intelligence chatbots, to prevent users from encountering illegal suicide and self-harm content. These duties apply regardless of whether content is created by AI or by humans.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_56

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to reduce the risks of harm from generative artificial intelligence and chatbots. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: Generative AI services, including AI chatbots, which allow users to share content with one another or search live websites to provide search results, are regulated under the Online Safety Act. In-scope services are required to protect all users from illegal content and children from encountering harmful content, including where it is AI generated.

The Government will not hesitate to act where required – for example we have introduced an offence in the Crime and Policing Bill to criminalise AI models which have been optimised to create child sexual abuse material.

Responding to the AI Action Plan, the Government committed to work with regulators to boost their AI capabilities. We are committed to ensuring our rule book is up to date and future-proofed so the UK is prepared for the changes AI will bring.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_57

Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total cost to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) of the Data and Analytics Research Environments UK research programme; how much if any in additional funds that programme has received from non-UKRI sources; and how much of those funds were finally spent, and by which UK universities or organisations, at the end of the institutional funding chain. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Data and Analytics Research Environments UK (DARE UK) programme is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and co-delivered by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK) who jointly oversee programme delivery.

The Medical Research Council (MRC), which is part of UKRI, has provided £24.4m since 2021 to the DARE UK research programme. This was allocated from the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure (DRIC) fund. Funding has been awarded to a range of projects led by over 28 research organisations.

Details of recipient organisations are available at GtR.ukri.org.

A list of the DARE UK Early Adopters (projects supporting the testing and integration of capabilities in UK Trusted Research Environments) awarded by the DARE UK team are available at dareuk.org.uk.

Final spend figures for on-going projects will be confirmed in due course via DARE UK (Data and Analytics Research Environments UK) – HDR UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_58

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of firms prioritising investment in artificial intelligence systems over recruitment for entry-level roles. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: AI has the potential to transform jobs and the economy. The government is working to ensure the UK is well prepared, so that AI drives growth, productivity and opportunities for workers, businesses, and communities.

Whilst the evidence on the impact of AI on entry-level roles is mixed, we are actively preparing for a range of scenarios and closely monitoring its effects on early-career jobs and skills.

Through TechFirst, we are supporting those entering the workforce by funding innovation in recruitment and career pathways, enabling people to directly benefit from the growth of frontier technology sectors through better paid job opportunities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_59

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential use of artificial intelligence by mobile networks operators to detect and block number-spoofing scams. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The Government recognises the threat of number-spoofing scams and thinks artificial intelligence has a key role to play in detecting and preventing telecoms fraud.

We recently published the second Telecoms Fraud Sector Charter with industry where one of the commitments is to share case studies across the sector, including with law enforcement, on where artificial intelligence has disrupted fraud. We will keep our assessment under review as the case studies develop.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_60

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of artificial intelligence to generate objections to planning applications. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: We are aware of concerns that AI could be used to generate objections to planning applications, and the impacts this may have on local planning authorities and the Planning Inspectorate. We are considering this and the role of AI more generally in the planning system and want to ensure that an appropriate balance is reached.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_61

Baroness Scott of Needham Market:To ask His Majesty's Government whether parish and town councils are permitted to spend the neighbourhood portion of Community Infrastructure Levy receipts on the cost of the neighbourhood plan process, including consultation, plan-writing, examination and referendum. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts must be used for the purposes which are set out in section 216 of the Planning Act 2008 and Part 7 of the CIL regulations.

Local authorities must spend the levy on infrastructure needed to support the development of their area. Where charging authorities collect the levy, they can use up to 5% of funds from the levy to recover the costs of administering the levy.

Where all or part of a chargeable development is within the area of a parish council, the charging authority must pass a proportion of the CIL receipts from the development to the parish council. The ‘neighbourhood portion’ of CIL can be spent on infrastructure or anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area.

Further information on spending the levy is set out in CIL guidance (attached) and which can be found on gov.uk here.

Community Infrastructure Levy (pdf, 1824.1KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_62

Lord Naseby:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the capacity of the National Wealth Fund to finance (1) new manufacturing facilities, and (2) the hydrogen and fuel cell technology manufacturing sector. \p Lord Livermore: The NWF is the government’s principal investor and policy bank, with £27.8 billion of capital to mobilise investment in the growth and clean energy missions

The NWF prioritises clean energy, digital and technologies, advanced manufacturing, and transport sectors. The NWF will commit at least £5.8 billion over this Parliament to green hydrogen, carbon capture, ports, gigafactories and green steel sub-sectors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_63

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what engagement the Chancellor has had with representatives from the pub industry ahead of the upcoming Budget. \p Lord Livermore: Government Ministers and Senior Officials regularly meet with businesses and business representation organisations from a range of sectors, including the pub sector. These meetings provide an opportunity for the Government to hear the views of the business community to aid in the formation of policy, including fiscal policy. These engagements are ongoing and will continue to be so.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_64

Lord Sharpe of Epsom:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the correlation between employment levels and economic activity over the past year. \p Lord Livermore: Employment measures the number of people in paid work or who had a job that they were temporarily away from. GDP is a measure of economic activity and measures the size and growth of the economy over a given period.

Real GDP (GDP adjusted for inflation) has grown by 1.3% across the past year (Q3 2024 - Q3 2025). In Q3 2025 the 16+ employment level rose from 33.8 million in Q3 2024 to 34.2 million in Q3 2025, based on data from the Labour Force Survey.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) continue to advise caution when interpreting changes in the Labour Force Survey over the past two years due to the effects of methodological changes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_65

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to account for car weight in vehicle excise duty. \p Lord Livermore: Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. For certain vehicle classifications, VED liability is partially calculated in accordance with the vehicle’s weight, reflecting the greater road damage caused by heavier vehicles. For example, Heavy Goods Vehicle VED rates are set based on a vehicle’s weight, suspension and trailer.

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_66

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of new taxes on electric vehicles (EVs), such as a pay-per-mile scheme, on manufacturers' ability to increase EV sales in line with the zero-emission vehicle mandate. \p Lord Livermore: The government keeps the tax system under review, with changes announced at fiscal events and careful consideration given to the impacts of any changes.

The government remains committed to supporting the transition to electric vehicles, which is key to meeting our net zero goals and will drive growth and productivity across the UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_67

Baroness Buscombe:To ask His Majesty's Government what is their definition of a net contributor to the tax system. \p Lord Livermore: There is no set definition of a net contributor to the tax system. All taxpayers contribute to the public finances, supporting the provision of our public services.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_68

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risks to financial stability arising from increased equity valuations linked to artificial-intelligence companies. \p Lord Livermore: The government does not comment on individual market moves.

The Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC) is responsible for identifying and monitoring risks to UK financial stability. Their latest Record (October 2025) sets out their views on the financial stability outlook, including their assessment of risks related to artificial-intelligence company valuations.

HM Treasury continues to work closely with the FPC and UK financial regulators to assess risks to financial stability, including those relating to financial markets.