theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Ireland concerning the proposal to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023; whether they have held such meetings with the main political parties in Northern Ireland; and, if so, when. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Government continues to undertake discussions on specific measures to be included in primary legislation; this includes with the Northern Ireland parties and bilateral discussions with the Irish Government. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland last met party leaders to discuss legacy matters on the 3 and 4 June 2025.

At the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in April, both the UK and Irish governments expressed a desire to reach agreement on a joint approach to addressing legacy issues. These discussions remain constructive, and we continue to work intensively with a view to reaching a formal agreement. This was highlighted by the Prime Minister’s recent constructive call with the Taoiseach on 18 July.

The effective participation of both the UK and Irish governments in a legacy process is vital if we are to provide as many families as possible with the information and accountability that they have long sought.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce legislation to prevent those interned in Northern Ireland during the Troubles from being eligible for compensation following the repeal of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023; and, if so, when. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: As the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has set out previously in answers to the Honourable Member for Stockton North and the Honourable Member for Reyleigh and Wickford (UIN 63126 and 65213), the main issue here is the application of the Carltona principle in the context of ICOs. The previous Government’s attempt to address this following the 2020 Supreme Court judgment in Adams was found by the Northern Ireland courts to be unlawful and we need to find a better way of reaffirming this principle.

The Government will therefore legislate to address this issue in forthcoming primary legislation when Parliamentary time allows.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the comments of the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission regarding the independence of the Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery and the Commissioner for Investigations. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Government has confidence in the ability of the Independent Commission’s leadership and staff to effectively deliver for victims and survivors. The Court of Appeal has recognised the ICRIR’s structural independence and wide powers.

However, the confidence of families in the Commission’s work is paramount and that is why the Government is committed to reforming the Commission to further strengthen its powers and independence, as well as to ensure that legacy mechanisms are compliant with human rights obligations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Lord Caine:To ask His Majesty's Government what has been the total expenditure on air travel since 5 July 2024 between Great Britain and Northern Ireland for: (1) the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; (2) the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; and (3) Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: Since 5 July 2024, the total cost of expenditure on air travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is £17,972.56, for the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State it is £12,483.01. My total air travel expenditure is £817.27.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Horticulture Working Group has reported on the movement of seeds to consumers in Northern Ireland from Great Britain as set out in Safeguarding the Union (CP1021); if so, what assessment they have made of the report and its proposed solutions; and what action they have taken in response to each proposed solution. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Horticulture Working Group identifies and seeks to resolve issues related to the movement of plants and seeds between Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. The Group has not provided the Government with a formal report; however, it has discussed the options and requirements for the movement of seeds to consumers in Northern Ireland. The options and requirements are published through guidance on GOV.UK.

The Group has also discussed the expected benefits of the UK-EU SPS Agreement. Once finalised, it will remove a broad and wide-ranging set of SPS and agri-food requirements for goods and plants moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the independence of (1) the Chief Commissioner and (2) the Commissioner of Investigations, both of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Government has confidence in the ability of the Independent Commission’s leadership and staff to effectively deliver for victims and survivors. The Court of Appeal has recognised the ICRIR’s structural independence and wide powers.

However, the confidence of families in the Commission’s work is paramount and that is why the Government is committed to reforming the Commission to further strengthen its powers and independence, as well as to ensure that legacy mechanisms are compliant with human rights obligations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Baroness Primarolo:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reported deaths of Palestinian individuals while trying to access distribution points for humanitarian aid. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: We are horrified by repeated reports of mass casualty incidents in Gaza, with desperate civilians killed when trying to access aid. The UK calls for urgent investigations to establish what has happened and to ensure accountability. We have been clear that the Government of Israel must allow the full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza and facilitate the UN and aid partners to deliver aid safely and with dignity to Gazans wherever they are.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made with the government of Lebanon regarding protections for Christian churches in Lebanon. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Continued escalation across the Israel-Lebanon Blue Line, and its impact upon communities on both sides of the border is deeply concerning. The Government of Lebanon has cited its commitment to freedom of religion. We encourage Lebanon to meet its international obligations and uphold the values of equality and religious coexistence that are enshrined in its national laws. The UK Government remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief globally.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to initiate a structural investigation into international crimes in Ethiopia. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK co-sponsored the establishment of the Independent Commission on Human Rights in Ethiopia (ICHREE). The UK welcomed the 2023 ICHREE report and its recommendations. We repeatedly call, publicly and privately, for independent investigations into conflict related human rights violations and for perpetrators to be held to account. The UK is financing international monitors from Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCR) and building the investigative capacity of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) through our human rights and peacebuilding programme. We also support multiple dialogue initiatives across Ethiopia to find political solutions to conflict and help end conflict related human rights abuses. Where we see immediate risks of atrocities, we raise our concerns bilaterally with the countries involved and multilaterally through international organisations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Baroness Primarolo:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the proposals by the government of Israel to build a "humanitarian city" in southern Gaza. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: We are appalled by Defence Minister Katz's proposal to create a new "humanitarian city", which would displace Gaza's entire population to Rafah. We have been clear that Palestinian territory must not be reduced, and Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities and rebuild their lives. The Government of Israel must allow the full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza and facilitate the UN and aid partners to deliver aid safely and effectively to the population across the Gaza Strip.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are taking steps, alone or in partnership with other countries, to initiate proceedings against Ethiopia before the International Court of Justice for violations of the Genocide Convention. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Our approach to genocide determination does not, and has not, prevented us from taking action to call out and seek to address atrocities, or work to build resilience in places where there are risks of instability and violence. Where we see immediate risks of atrocities, we raise our concerns bilaterally with the countries involved and multilaterally through international organisations.

On 15 November 2023, the UK jointly with Canada, Denmark, France, Germany and the Netherlands filed a declaration of intervention at the International Court of Justice in order to set out our interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Genocide Convention before the Court. This, and Written Observations submitted to the Court in March 2025, are intended to assist the court in its independent deliberations.

The UK has not initiated proceedings against the Government of Ethiopia. It is the long-standing policy of the UK Government that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred should be made following a judgment by a competent national or international court. This policy is consistent with our obligations under the Genocide Convention, providing a clear, impartial and independent measure for the determination of whether genocide has occurred.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Baroness Primarolo:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current availability and supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Not enough aid is getting in and vital services such as water supplies, ambulances and hospitals are at risk of shutting down due to fuel shortages. On 12 July, the UN stated that fuel shortages in Gaza had reached a critical level. We continue to call on Israel to allow for a full and unhindered resurgence in the flow of aid into Gaza and to allow the UN and humanitarian partners to operate in line with humanitarian principles. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 12 July, where he reiterated our concerns about the situation on the ground and pressed for a return to a ceasefire. On 16 July, the UK co-called a session of the UN Security Council where we called on Israel to urgently open all access routes and allow fuel into Gaza.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-25)

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Lord Davies of Gower:To ask His Majesty's Government what analysis they have conducted on whether the current visa system is incentivising employers to recruit from overseas rather than invest in training UK-based workers. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office’s Immigration White Paper, published 12 May, looked in depth at the flaws in the previous Government’s visa system that had incentivised employers to recruit from overseas rather than investing in training UK-based workers and set out proposals for extensive reform of that system.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government when they expect to complete the quango review. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Arms Length Body (ALB) Review, formally launched on 7th April 2025, is ongoing and its outcomes will be communicated in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Norton of Louth:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to implement the recommendation of the House of Commons Select Committee on Standards, in paragraph 242 of its Third Report of Session 2023–24 (HC247) that the Recall of MPs Act 2015 be subject to post-legislative scrutiny. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: As stated in the Government's response to the report of the House of Commons Committee on Standards (HC637), the Government believes that the Recall of MPs Act 2015 is broadly operating as intended. Where there are procedural challenges, the standards system has evolved to accommodate these.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to increase awareness among local and regional authorities of the economic and social benefits of hosting data centre infrastructure. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: This government has engaged with local authorities to increase awareness of the local benefits of data centres. Through the AI Growth Zones programme, we are ensuring the selected sites deliver for working people, by providing £5 million in support for each AI Growth Zone for local AI adoption and skills. To deliver even broader local benefits to communities, local authorities in England will retain 100% of business rate growth in AI Growth Zones for the next twenty-five years. A central AI planning team backed by £4.5 million will also support local councils across the UK with expert planning advice.

The designation of the sector as Critical National Infrastructure last year was a recognition that the sector occupied a similar level of national importance as water, energy, and emergency services. We are actively looking into how we secure the best deal possible for local communities, ensuring they benefit from ongoing direct employment and this Government encourages operators to seek opportunities for the reuse of waste heat, to invest in local technical skills, improvements to local broadband and other beneficial initiatives.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the dangers of state-sponsored disinformation. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The government recognises the serious threat posed by state-sponsored disinformation and has a number of tools available to respond and protect against these threats. For example, the Foreign Interference Offence in the National Security Act is now a priority offence in the Online Safety Act, requiring companies to act against a range of state-linked disinformation online targeting the UK.

In addition, the Defending Democracy Taskforce was established in November 2022. Its mission statement is to reduce the risk of foreign interference to the UK’s democratic processes, institutions, and society, and ensure that these are secure and resilient to threats of foreign interference.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Baroness Alexander of Cleveden:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support technological innovation. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The Digital and Technologies sector plan, part of the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, aims to make the UK the best place in the world to start and scale a fast growing technology business.

The plan focuses on six frontier technologies - Advanced Connectivity Technologies, AI, cyber, engineering biology, quantum and semiconductors - where the UK has comparative advantage. We will take a cross government approach to developing these frontier technologies to grow including through, skills programmes, improving access to finance, support with energy costs and leveraging international opportunities.

Targeted R&D investment will also be critical to driving innovation and incentivising private sector investment in these technologies. That is why in this SR, £58.5 billion is allocated for DSIT to invest in R&D, including funding for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Innovate UK - the UK’s national innovation agency.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to take steps to allow police forces to increase the use of stop and search without suspicion. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Stop and search is a vital tool which enables police to tackle crime and keep the public safe. The Government supports the lawful and appropriate use of these powers.

Where serious violence has occurred or is anticipated, senior officers may authorise the use of stop and search of any individual or vehicle for weapons, with or without reasonable suspicion. These authorisations are limited to a particular area for a specific period of time, usually no longer than 24 hours.

In the year to March 2025, there was a 5% increase in the use of these powers (under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994), compared to the previous year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Baroness Stedman-Scott:To ask His Majesty's Government whether participating employers in the Local Government Pension Scheme are permitted to hold separate notional investment strategies within their administering authority’s pension fund; and, if not, whether administering authorities have any discretion to apply differentiated investment approaches or notional asset allocations for individual employers as part of their Funding Strategy Statements or Investment Strategy Statements. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: It is for administering authorities to set an investment strategy for their fund. Relevant legislation, regulations and guidance does not preclude a fund from setting a different strategy for different employers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Bailey of Paddington:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to help local authorities in London with the increasing costs of temporary accommodation. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Government has increased funding for homelessness services by £316 million this year to a total of more than £1 billion. That includes more than £420 million for London, an increase of £118 million on the previous year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Pack:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that there is sufficient legal certainty about who is eligible to stand as a candidate in postponed local elections. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Legislation that postpones a council’s elections does not alter the statutory requirements for candidacy; the only adjustment is that the relevant period runs up to the rescheduled election date rather than the original date.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Baroness Griffin of Princethorpe:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to embed fire safety measures in all newly built and renovated housing and public buildings. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Government is committed to ensuring that fire safety is embedded in all new and refurbished buildings.

The Building Regulations 2010 set functional requirements for fire safety in new building work, including new builds, extensions, material alterations, and certain changes of use, the Regulations are support by statutory guidance – Approved Document B (Fire Safety). Under the Building Safety Act 2022, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has a duty to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review.

Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Government has implemented a series of reforms to strengthen fire safety in new and existing buildings. These include:

To ensure fire safety is considered from the earliest stages of development, Planning Gateway One was introduced in August 2021. It requires developers of relevant high-rise residential buildings to submit a fire statement with their planning applications and establishes the Health and Safety Executive as a statutory consultee.

For existing and renovated buildings, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places duties on the responsible person to carry out and regularly review a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, and to implement appropriate fire precautions.

In response to the Phase II Grenfell Inquiry Report, The Government has committed to keeping Approved Document B under continuous review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Roberts of Llandudno:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of cryptocurrency for donations to UK political parties. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: We are bringing forward a package of reforms which represents a substantial tightening of the UK’s political finance system. These measures will introduce strict new requirements on political donations to reduce the risk of foreign money entering UK politics. While the law already prohibits foreign donations, it is clear that the threat of foreign interference is evolving, becoming increasingly hostile and sophisticated.

Under new legislation, we will require enhanced checks by recipients of donations to consider the risk of political donations being illegitimate, ensure political donors declare any benefit or sources of funding connected to their donation and tighten the rules around company donations by allowing them to donate only if they have a genuine connection to the UK or Ireland.

The rules around political donations must be abided by regardless of the type of donation made, which includes donations made using cryptocurrency. Political donations can only be accepted from permissible sources, and the recipients of donations must make an honest assessment of the value of the donation at the time they receive it. The Electoral Commission provides guidance on donations, including for non-standard donations such as those made in cryptocurrencies.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Bassam of Brighton:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will ensure that access to Heathrow Airport from Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire are considered in any assessment of new rail links to the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Government recognises the vital role that surface access will play as part of any future expansion of Heathrow Airport. As part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), launched on 22 October 2025, we will consider the transport infrastructure required to support a third runway, including rail connectivity and mode share targets. This will include considering the impacts for travellers from different regions.

The Government has been clear that expansion must be affordable and delivered in the best interest of passengers. Scheme costs should be minimised and financed through private funding, including any surface transport costs.

While it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the ANPS review at this stage, it will be the responsibility of any expansion promoter to set out a surface access strategy demonstrating how they will meet the requirements set out in the ANPS.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they expect Heathrow Airport (1) to model the impact of expansion on road traffic, (2) to reset mode share targets, and (3) to confirm that road traffic will not increase as a result of any expansion proposals, in line with commitments set out in the Department for Transport document Heathrow Northwest Runway: Connectivity published in 2016. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Any promoter of expansion at Heathrow will need to model the impact of expansion on roads around the airport as part of their Development Consent Order application. National Highways will also be consulted as part of this process.

Mode share targets and road traffic mitigations will also be considered as part of the Airports National Policy Statement review. This will be published for consultation by summer 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential merits of including broader value elements, such as societal and economic benefits, in the health technology assessment of vaccines. \p Baroness Merron: The Department works closely with the UK Health Security Agency and NHS England to design, implement, and deliver programmes offering high levels of long-term protection against preventable diseases.

When doing so, the Department takes into consideration the expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), an independent departmental expert committee. The JCVI bases its advice and recommendations on evidence of the burden of disease, of vaccine safety and efficacy, and of the impact and cost effectiveness of immunisation strategies.

Broader socio-economic factors such as productivity costs from illness, improved educational attainment from reduced school absences, and out-of-pocket expenses and opportunity costs from attending a vaccination may be highlighted by the JCVI or other colleagues across the tripartite to inform policy-making.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to include a hearing check as part of the NHS Health Check to help identify mid-life hearing loss. \p Baroness Merron: The NHS Health Check’s Expert Scientific and Clinical Advisory Panel considered proposals to include a hearing check as part of the programme in 2019 and 2021. The proposals were not supported by the panel, in line with the UK National Screening Committee which has recommended against screening for adult hearing loss. For these reasons, there are no current plans to include a hearing check as part of the NHS Health Check.

The Department is carefully considering options to improve the impact of the NHS Health Check programme, and this work is ongoing.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Cashman:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that sarcoma patients in Cornwall, currently facing journeys of hundreds of miles for medical treatment, receive the appropriate medical and therapeutic support within that region. \p Baroness Merron: NHS England has published a national service specification, covering both bone and soft tissue sarcomas. The specification requires close working between sarcoma services and other National Health Service partners, co-ordinated by Sarcoma Advisory Groups, to improve care pathways.

Work is underway across both bone and soft tissue sarcoma provision to ensure that cancer care providers meet national service standards and improve care to patients across the country, including Cornwall.

Although patients will sometimes need to travel to specialist centres to access treatment, the National Cancer Plan will seek to make cancer care easier, more local, and more responsive. Rather than requiring endless trips to hospitals, cancer care will happen as locally as it can. This means digitally by default, in a patient’s home if possible, in a neighbourhood health centre when needed, in a hospital if necessary. Bringing cancer care into the Neighbourhood Health Service is an important part of the National Cancer Plan for England, enabling cancer patients to be treated and cared for closer to home.

The National Cancer Plan will aim to improve how the physical and psychosocial needs of people with cancer can be met, with a focus on personalised care to improve quality of life. It will address how the experience of care can be improved for those diagnosed, treated, and living with and beyond cancer.

The Government welcomes the recent publication of Sarcoma UK’s Sarcoma State of the Nation report as it highlights the importance of early diagnosis, care co-ordination across complex pathways, research into new treatments, and survivorship. Our forthcoming National Cancer Plan will set out how we will improve the experience and outcomes for people with cancer, including sarcoma.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to reform the NHS Health Check to identify individuals at increased risk for dementia. \p Baroness Merron: The NHS Health Check programme, a core component of England’s cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programme, already aims to prevent some cases of dementia in eligible people by making them aware that many of the risk factors for CVD are the same as those for vascular dementia.

All attendees aged 65 to 74 years old should be made aware of the signs and symptoms of dementia and be signposted to memory services where appropriate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 8 October (HL10211), what recourse is available to patients for whom a 'do not resuscitate' decision was made by medical staff prior to a surgical procedure without consulting either the patient or their family. \p Baroness Merron: A Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) is a clinical decision made on the basis of a senior clinical assessment of a patient’s condition. It remains best practice to communicate this decision to the patient and if they lack capacity, their family or representative.

If the patient or their family or representative do not agree with the decision, they should be given time to ask for a second opinion or review. This is in line with the National Health Service guidance for DNACPR decisions. Guidance and information for the public on DNACPR decisions is available on the NHS website, including information on asking for a second opinion or a review and what to do if there are concerns about, or disagreement with, a DNACPR form in a patient’s or family member’s medical records.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

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Lord Randall of Uxbridge:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they assessed the risk of infected game meat from highly pathogenic avian influenza in released pheasants entering (1) the human food chain, and (2) pet or zoo meat supplies; and what controls are in place to prevent that entry. \p Baroness Merron: There are several statutory measures which minimise the risk of game birds infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) entering the food and feed chains.

The release of game birds is not permitted in any avian influenza disease control zone, nor are game bird releases permitted while an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ), including mandatory housing measures, is in force. Additional biosecurity measures for game bird operations mandated by the AIPZs are currently in force across England and Wales.

For farmed game, assimilated Regulation 2019/627 does not permit animals showing symptoms of disease to enter the food chain, and they are actively prevented from entering the slaughterhouse by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

For wild game, assimilated Regulation 853/2004 requires a trained hunter/person to identify signs that may indicate that the meat presents a health risk. If abnormal behaviour is observed before killing or there are abnormal findings during examination, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the FSA must be notified and the bird(s) will be removed from the food and feed chain if the findings are consistent with HPAI.

Under assimilated Regulation 1069/2009, carcases of wild animals, including game animals, when suspected of being infected with diseases communicable to humans or animals, including HPAI, are classed as a Category 1, or high risk, animal by-product and cannot be used for pet food.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-20 conversation_20

Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the success of research projects funded through the Small Business Research Initiative regarding reform to occupational health services. \p Baroness Merron: Projects funded through the Small Business Research Initiative have submitted self-reported outcomes to the Government for internal assessment. The reports suggest that the fund has helped to stimulate innovation in the occupational health market and encouraged the development of new models of occupational health tailored to the self-employed and small to medium enterprises with better use of technology.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-20 conversation_21

Lord Randall of Uxbridge:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of the impact of gamebird releases on Lyme disease risk. \p Baroness Merron: Direct impacts of gamebird releases on Lyme disease risk are difficult to quantify due to the complex transmission cycle that occurs between Borrelia and a wide range of British wildlife. The lack of clarity on where humans are exposed to infected ticks, as well as levels of engagement in protective behaviours that reduce disease risk further complicates matters.

A recent study by the University of Exeter and the UK Health Security Agency in southwest England compared woodlands with and without pheasant release and provided evidence that woodlands with pheasants have a higher percentage of ticks infected with the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. The study, however, did not link this directly with human case data and thus cannot be used to infer Lyme disease risk.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-20 conversation_22

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government whether patients with a cancer diagnosis will have access to local genomic testing; and if so, what is the timeline for that access to be in place. \p Baroness Merron: The 10-Year Health Plan committed to every cancer patient having the choice to receive a comprehensive genomic analysis and molecular profiling, where appropriate. The NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) ensures equitable access to genomic testing for cancer patients across England through seven regional GMS geographies working with Cancer Alliances and National Health Service trusts. Genomic testing is delivered by a national network of seven NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs, guided by the National Genomic Test Directory, which includes over 200 cancer indications for a range of genomic tests, including whole genome sequencing. In 2025/26, NHS England is continuing its Cancer Genomics Improvement Programme for a second year to deliver quality improvement initiatives, education, local engagement, and to establish Cellular Pathology Genomic Centres to streamline cancer genomics pathways and accelerate genomic testing.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-20 conversation_23

Baroness Morris of Yardley:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they are developing to create a barcoded stock management system for medicines, akin to the EU's falsified medicines directive. \p Baroness Merron: The European Union’s Falsified Medicines Directive’s (FMD) primary purpose was to help prevent falsified medicines from entering the legal supply chain through the introduction of safety features on the packaging and verification at certain points of the supply chain to confirm authenticity. The monitoring and management of shortages was not part of its original legal framework.

There are provisions in the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021 providing powers to enable the introduction of a similar system to the EU’s FMD’s ‘safety features’ and verification in the United Kingdom. However, the powers allow us to go beyond the FMD and use derived data from any system for other health related purposes. For example, to support the recall of medicines, to support patient care, research, policy development, and medicine supply, to prevent diversion and support patient access to medicines, and to counter fraud in primary care. Regulations would be needed to set out the details of any scheme, which would require consultation. Consideration is being given as to whether to consult on options for a potential UK system. Any consultation would be published in the usual way on the GOV.UK website.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-20 conversation_24

Baroness Manzoor:To ask His Majesty's Government, following analysis by the Royal College of Nursing showing an increase in complaints about racism at work, what steps they are taking to address the increase in racism and discrimination in the health service. \p Baroness Merron: Any form of racism or discrimination is unacceptable and has no place in our National Health Service.

Action is being taken to address racism and discrimination in the NHS, including an urgent review of antisemitism, other forms of racism, and the oversight and regulation of healthcare professionals. The NHS is also strengthening mandatory anti-racism training across the NHS.

Additionally, as set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will introduce a new set of staff standards for modern employment which will include reducing violence against staff and tackling racism and sexual harassment. They will underpin the NHS Oversight Framework and act as an early warning signal for the Care Quality Commission.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-20 conversation_25

Baroness Morris of Yardley:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made on where medicine shortage sits on the Department for Health and Social Care risk register, and what is its corresponding 'RAG' rating. \p Baroness Merron: The current Department’s High Level Risk Register categorises the risk to the continuity of medicine supply as amber-red after consideration of the mitigations available. This assessment is continuously reviewed in light of changing external risks to the supply of medicines and actions are taken to further reduce the risk of medicine shortages.

When medicine supply issues occur, we have established processes and systems in place to limit the impact on patients. This has been set out in detail in our recent publications Managing a robust and resilient supply of medicines and A guide to the systems and processes for managing medicines supply issues in England.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_1

Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will list the infringement proceedings currently being pursued by the EU against the United Kingdom under the EU–UK withdrawal agreement. \p Baroness Twycross: The list of active infringement proceedings against the United Kingdom are set out below:

INFR(2020)2202 - Incorrect transposition of the Free Movement Directive by the United Kingdom.

INFR(2011)2054 - Comprehensive sickness insurance requirement and treatment of extended family members with prior residence in the UK.

INFR(2016)2150 - Termination of the Intra-EU Bilateral Investment Treaties.

INFR(2022)2059 - Non-provision by the United Kingdom of external trade statistics in respect of Northern Ireland, as required by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

INFR(2021)2039 - Non-compliance with EU law requirements concerning the movement of agri-food, parcels and pet travel.

INFR(2022)2060 - Incorrect implementation by the UK of EU's sanitary and phytosanitary rules, as required by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Withdrawal Agreement.

INFR(2022)2064 - Failure of the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland to implement the Import One Stop Shop for distance sales of imported goods.

INFR(2022)2062 - Incorrect implementation of the EU customs legislation by the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland.

Infractions 4-8 above relate to the Northern Ireland Protocol and were opened before the UK and EU subsequently agreed the Windsor Framework.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_2

Baroness Finn:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on 27 November 2024 (HC14966), whether the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals advises the Prime Minister or the Sovereign directly; and whether the Prime Minister can veto decisions by the Committee. \p Baroness Twycross: The Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals advises the Sovereign directly.

As noted in our answer to HC 14966, the Prime Minister’s Principal Private Secretary is a member of the committee. This is the mechanism by which the Prime Minister is able to feed into decisions taken by the committee, and the view of the PPS carries equal weight to all other committee members.