theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_15

Lord Moynihan:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State for the Department for Business and Trade on 26 November 2024 (HC15163), why they are unable to comment whether Elon Musk or representatives from Twitter UK or X were invited to attend the International Investment Summit in October 2024. \p Baroness Gustafsson: The invitees for the Summit were carefully selected by DBT, HM Treasury and No.10 from our list of strategic business and current and future investment deals in the UK. DBT will continue to engage with all businesses that want to invest in the UK.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_16

Lord McColl of Dulwich:To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports in the Sunday Times on 26 January about the forced labour of at least 16 people in a McDonald’s restaurant, a car wash and a commercial bakery, what steps are they taking to ensure that the proposed Fair Work Agency will have sufficient powers and resources to detect and prevent such exploitation in future. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The Government is committed to giving the Fair Work Agency the tools it needs to enforce its remit effectively and robustly. It will have strong powers that will allow it to investigate and take action against businesses that flout the law. Details around the implementation and funding will be provided in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_17

Baroness Smith of Llanfaes:To ask His Majesty's Government whether their agreement with the Welsh Government on the Welsh Government’s fiscal framework, published on 19 December 2016, is under review. \p Lord Livermore: We remain committed to working in partnership with the Welsh Government to ensure the Fiscal Framework continues to deliver value for money while upholding our shared commitment to fiscal responsibility. Discussions regarding the Welsh Government’s request to amend the budget management tools outlined in the Framework are ongoing.

As set out in the Welsh Government Fiscal Framework agreed in 2016, a full review is triggered if the Welsh Government’s relative funding falls below 115% of equivalent UK Government spending per head in the rest of the UK.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_18

Baroness Eaton:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have had discussions with local authorities regarding the prospect of providing interest repayment holidays on loans issued to local authorities by the Public Works Loan Board. \p Lord Livermore: The Government engages regularly with local authorities on a range of issues and is committed to working in partnership with local authorities to deliver for their residents. The Public Works Loan Board lending facility provides cost-effective loans to local authorities and the terms of lending and requirements for interest repayments are set out in published guidance.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_19

Lord Allen of Kensington:To ask His Majesty's Government whether their Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy will include policies to encourage more firms to list on the London Stock Exchange. \p Lord Livermore: At Mansion House 2024, the Chancellor published a call for evidence on the first-ever Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy. The call for evidence focussed on how to deliver long-term, sustainable and inclusive growth, with UK capital markets (including retail investment) identified as a priority growth opportunity. The final Strategy will be published later this year.

Alongside this, the government is already undertaking an ambitious programme of reforms to improve the competitiveness of UK markets.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_20

Lord Rose of Monewden:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to provide employers with a national insurance rebate calculated at 40 per cent of the total combined salaries of each new employee who was not previously in education, employment or training; and what assessment they have made of the Centre for Social Justice's report The case for a Skills Tax Break, published February 2025. \p Lord Livermore: Employers of those under the age of 21 and apprentices under the age of 25 already receive 100% employer National Insurance relief on salaries up to £50,270. It is likely that a new relief would have to be paid for, at least in part, by increased taxes for other taxpayers or reducing expenditure on public services.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_21

Lord Sikka:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 5 February 2021 (HL1819), whether they will provide a reason why the Financial Conduct Authority has not launched an independent inquiry into banking fraud at HBOS and Lloyds Banking Group. \p Lord Livermore: The Government regularly engages with a range of stakeholders across the financial services landscape, and it is important that communication can take place in a free and frank way.

The matter of HBOS Reading is first and foremost for the Financial Conduct Authority as the independent non-governmental body responsible for regulating and supervising the financial services industry, and is subject to an ongoing review being led by Dame Linda Dobbs DBE.

The most appropriate form of investigation is a matter for the Financial Conduct Authority to determine. However, the Government notes that the regulator has already undertaken an investigation into this matter, in addition to the Cranston Review and, latterly, the work of Sir David Foskett to ensure adequate compensation. The Financial Conduct Authority will receive a copy of the Dobbs Report in due course and will be able to consider whether any further action is appropriate.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_22

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they (1) are preparing, and (2) will provide, guidance to businesses in Northern Ireland on the impact of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. \p Lord Livermore: Following its transitional period, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will enter its definitive regime from January 2026. UK officials have been discussing CBAM requirements with the EU and engaging affected businesses to support them in responding to new requirements.

For goods moving from Northern Ireland into the EU, guidance is a matter for the European Commission and EU Member States. The Commission website [1] is the most up to date source of information for businesses seeking guidance on requirements.

Businesses experiencing EU market access issues in relation to CBAM may wish to seek additional support via the Government’s UK Export Support Service [2].

[1] https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_en

[2] https://www.great.gov.uk/support/get-in-touch/
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_23

Lord Sikka:To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the link between stamp duty rates and house prices. \p Lord Livermore: Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a transaction tax paid on the purchase of the property in England or Northern Ireland. A range of complex factors influence house prices in the UK.

On SDLT, the Office for Budget Responsibility publishes its assumptions on the relationship between SDLT and property prices.

Supplementary forecast information release (pdf, 60.9KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_24

Lord Lucas:To ask His Majesty's Government how often since 2017 has the joint liability rule been used to pursue an online marketplace for VAT which a seller on that marketplace has evaded; and with what success. \p Lord Livermore: Since the start of 2017, HM Revenue & Customs has issued over 17,000 notices to online marketplaces resulting in the successful removal of non-compliant sellers.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_25

Lord Pearson of Rannoch:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any abuse of Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 in detaining journalists. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: There is rigorous and independent oversight of Schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000, and strong and specific safeguards are in place to protect journalists.

Schedule 7 is subject to significant independent oversight by the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation (IRTL), Jonathan Hall KC. The IRTL provides independent oversight, scrutiny, and transparency in the use of counter-terrorism legislation, including Schedule 7, by operational partners.

Any person, irrespective of their profession, can be subject to an examination under Schedule 7 if the statutory conditions set out in the primary legislation are met. The code of practice governing the use of Schedule 7 powers by counter-terrorism police is clear that the decision to select a person for examination must not be arbitrary. An individual subject to the power cannot be detained for more than six hours.

Schedule 7 also includes additional safeguards to protect journalists who have been selected for a Schedule 7 examination. For example, to ensure Article 10 ECHR compliance, the code of practice provides that protected material, including confidential journalistic material, cannot be examined by counter-terrorism police officers.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_26

Lord Godson:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the Rapid Analytical Sprint reports leaked on 28 January, whether they plan to retain the previous Government’s policy on community engagement or disapply it. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: I refer the Noble Lord to the response I gave to his question to this House on the 10 February of this year when asked which department will have responsibility for cross-Government engagement principles.

As I stated at the time, the Home Office works on countering extremism, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) continues to lead work on strengthening community cohesion with local councils. It is vital that the two programmes on cohesion and extremism work in parallel.

The findings from the sprint have not yet been agreed by Ministers and we are considering a wide range of potential next steps arising from that work. MHCLG continues to work in partnership with communities and local stakeholders to rebuild, renew and address the deep-seated issues.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_27

Lord Godson:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has a working definition of Islamism. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: In the context relevant to the Home Office's responsibility for tackling Islamist extremism or terrorism the UK's counter-terrorism strategy CONTEST says that Islamist terrorism is the threat or use of violence as a means to establish a strict interpretation of an Islamic society.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_28

Baroness Taylor of Bolton:To ask His Majesty's Government why the HM Passport Office General Register Office Death Certificate Application Form (for events registered overseas) asks a question about marital status "if deceased is female", but the same question is not asked in relation to males. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The General Register Office (GRO) Death Certificate Application Form (for events registered overseas) asks for ‘Marital Status’ only if deceased is female, as the Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 specifically defines ‘maiden surname’ in England and Wales as the name a woman has prior to her first marriage or civil partnership.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_29

Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to enable Ukrainian individuals currently living legally in the UK under temporary visas to convert these visas into a permanent right to stay, either as a bespoke scheme or through any other provision. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes.

This is why the temporary Ukraine Schemes do not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application.

There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_30

Baroness Smith of Llanfaes:To ask His Majesty's Government what proposals, if any, they have received from the European Union regarding a youth mobility scheme. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government set out clear priorities for the reset with the EU in the manifesto. There are no plans for a Youth Mobility Scheme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_31

Lord Wallace of Saltaire:To ask His Majesty's Government how many individuals entered the UK under the India Young Professionals Scheme in each of the past five years, or since the implementation of the scheme; and how many UK citizens entered India under that scheme in the same period. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office publishes data on entry clearance visas, including Youth Mobility Scheme visas, by nationality in the 'Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release'.

[https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release]

Data on grants of visa applications are published in table 'Vis_D02' of the detailed entry clearance visas dataset.

[https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/immigration-system-statistics-data-tables#entry-clearance-visas-granted-outside-the-uk]

Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the 'Notes' page of the workbook.

The below data is found in the latest Immigration System Statistics release, published on 27 February, for data up to December 2024.

Youth Mobility Scheme visas granted by year and nationality

Nationality

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Andorra

0

0

0

0

4

Australia

2886

2057

7594

9858

9754

Canada

1617

1955

2717

2732

3060

Hong Kong

559

289

358

188

137

Iceland

0

0

59

26

23

India

0

1

0

2104

2257

Japan

885

1496

1263

886

2276

Monaco

1

2

2

1

1

New Zealand

847

633

3233

5322

4304

San Marino

0

2

4

1

3

South Korea

602

1003

815

737

xx-xxxx-xxxx

Taiwan

564

867

745

730

656

Uruguay

0

0

0

0

138

Total

7961

8305

16790

22585

24306

Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the 'Research and statistics calendar'.

[https://www.gov.uk/search/research-and-statistics?keywords=immigration&content_store_document_type=upcoming_statistics&organisations%5B%5D=home-office&order=relevance]

Information on UK citizens entering other countries on youth mobility schemes is either not centrally held or currently available from the published statistics, and could only be collected and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_32

Lord Lucas:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the College of Policing or the National Police Chiefs Council report to them about any analysis those organisations have undertaken on the effectiveness of recording non-crime hate incidents in (1) reducing, and (2) preventing, hate crime; and, if so, how often. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Secretary is clear a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken with NCHIs.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), supported by the College of Policing, is currently conducting a review on the use and effectiveness of NCHIs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_33

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon:To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in rolling out the "Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) 100" approach to every police force in the country. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: As part of this Government's ambitious goal to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade, we have committed to use every tool available to protect more women and girls from harm, to relentlessly target perpetrators including via methods used to tackle terrorism and serious organised crime, and other measures to improve the police response to VAWG.

Working closely with the National Police Chiefs' Council and the College of Policing, the Home Office is overseeing the development of a new national approach for the use of data-driven tools and algorithms to identify and pursue offenders involved in domestic abuse, sexual assault, harassment, and stalking. Recognising the range of applicable technologies already in use across police forces in England and Wales, the new framework will support forces to meet their local need while standardising the use of these tools, ensuring those who pose the greatest threat are identified and managed through the criminal justice system or community-based, multi-agency interventions.

In February, we announced £13.1 million funding to launch a new National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection to improve the policing response to VAWG and child sexual abuse. Centralising policing expertise to tackle these crimes will drive national coordination. The creation of the Centre is a key step in delivering on the Government's public protection priorities through bringing together expertise to drive organisational change and improve practice, and work on the use of data-driven tools in VAWG policing is central to this.

Later this year we will publish a cross-government VAWG strategy, unpinning the ambitious agenda to halve VAWG and tackle the most prolific and harmful perpetrators.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_34
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_34

Lord McColl of Dulwich:To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports in the Sunday Times on 26 January about the support that forced labour victims received from victim navigators at the charity Justice and Care, what steps they are taking to implement the recommendation of the  Modern Slavery Act 2015 Committee Report, The Modern Slavery Act 2015: becoming world-leading again, that "Victim navigators should be rolled out nationally". \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government recognises the importance of supporting victims to engage with the criminal justice system and the positive impact an independent support worker, working alongside law enforcement, can have on securing this engagement.

The Minister for Safeguarding and Violence and Woman and Girls has met with the non-governmental organisation delivering the Victim Navigator Programme to better understand the impact of the programme to inform considerations of how we best support victims.

In addition, all consenting adult potential and confirmed victims of modern slavery in the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in England and Wales, can access specialist need-based support via the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract. In the current Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract support workers are required to signpost and facilitate survivor access to legal advice service, including support by non-governmental organisations, ensuring access to qualified advisors.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_35

Lord Swire:To ask His Majesty's Government how many police officers in England and Wales have been recruited in each of the past five years without proper references being obtained prior to their employment. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government expects all forces to uphold the highest standards in recruitment so that only those fit to serve as police officers are appointed.

All candidates for appointment as a police officer should meet the standards set by the College of Policing. The Home Office does not hold data related to candidate references as this element of the end-to-end recruitment process is managed locally by forces.

The Government has committed to delivering stronger vetting standards, placed on a legislative footing, by the end of the year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_36

Baroness Goudie:To ask His Majesty's Government when the Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 Report will be published. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Angiolini Inquiry is an independent public inquiry, and the Chair is responsible for delivery of its Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference for Part 2 anticipated that the Inquiry would report to the Home Secretary within 24 months of Part 2 commencing in May 2023. The Department is in regular contact with the inquiries it sponsors about their delivery plans.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_37

Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what opportunities there will be for stakeholders, including civil society organisations, to contribute to the forthcoming review on the use and effectiveness of non-crime hate incidents. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), supported by the College of Policing, will conduct a review on the use and effectiveness of non-crime hate incidents.

The Government welcomes this review and will work closely with the NPCC and the College as they develop their findings and any proposals. It will be for the NPCC and the College of Policing to provide further details on the review in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_38

Lord Davies of Gower:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the feasibility of underwriting or otherwise guaranteeing the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service Safety-of-Life Service to enable its use for domestic aviation purposes; what plans they have to implement such an arrangement to restore localiser performance with vertical guidance approach capability in the UK; and what is their estimate of the cost and timeframe for doing so. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: As a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) programme the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) terminated the EGNOS working agreements with aerodromes, resulting in the UK’s access to an assured EGNOS Safety of Life (SoL) service provision being terminated. Whilst the signal in space is still available and receivable, the signal should no longer be used as a SoL service. It should be noted that flights that are taking place continue to do so safely, following alternative Civil Aviation Authority approved procedures.

The Government is still considering options for UK access to a satellite-based augmentation system, following our withdrawal from the EU's EGNOS system. This work is continuing and no decision has yet been made.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_39

Lord Berkeley:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the financial and operational implications of continuing to rely on ground-based precision approach infrastructure (such as instrument landing systems) in poor weather conditions following the loss of European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) enabled approaches; and what steps they are taking to mitigate the impact on aviation safety, regional connectivity, and emergency air services caused by the absence of EGNOS for precision landing guidance. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Larger UK airports and many regional airports have Instrument Landing Systems in place and therefore a satellite-based augmentation system) such as European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), is primarily beneficial at smaller regional airports and General Aviation aerodromes during periods of poor weather resulting in restricted visibility. Flights that are taking place continue to do so safely, following alternative Civil Aviation Authority approved procedures.

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) will, in the UK, be supported through a GNSS Point in Space ‘PinS’ approach to helicopter landing sites at trauma hospitals which will greatly assist in increasing the utility of air ambulance helicopters in poor visibility conditions.

Government is considering options for UK access to a satellite-based augmentation system, following our withdrawal from the EU's EGNOS system. This work is continuing and no decision has yet been made.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_40

Lord Spellar:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 11 February (HL4960), what is the reason for the delay between the close of the consultation on hydrogen-powered off-road construction vehicles, and the development of an amendment to the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: In light of the responses received during the consultation process, a decision was made to adapt the approach to hydrogen safety in the proposed amendment for both Non-Road Mobile Machinery and agricultural equipment. Since the consultation closed, the department has taken the time to liaise closely with manufacturers and other regulators to work through the detail.

In addition, policy development of the amendment was paused over the general election period in line with government practice. This legislation is due to be laid in April 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_41

Lord Berkeley:To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the European Commission and other relevant EU bodies on securing the reinstatement of UK access to the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service for localiser performance with vertical guidance approach procedures; and what timeline they have established for restoring this capability to UK airports. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Government are resetting the relationship with our European friends to strengthen ties, secure a broad-based security pact and tackle barriers to trade. However, the Government is still considering options for UK access to a satellite-based augmentation system, following our withdrawal from the EU's EGNOS system. This work is continuing and no decision has yet been made.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_42

Lord Berkeley:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the removal of localiser performance with vertical guidance approaches on general aviation, emergency medical services, and regional airports; and what steps they are taking to mitigate the economic and operational impact of the loss of European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service services. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Larger UK airports and many regional airports have Instrument Landing Systems in place and therefore a satellite-based augmentation system) such as European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), is primarily beneficial at smaller regional airports and General Aviation aerodromes during periods of poor weather resulting in restricted visibility. Flights that are taking place continue to do so safely, following alternative Civil Aviation Authority approved procedures.

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) will, in the UK, be supported through a GNSS Point in Space ‘PinS’ approach to helicopter landing sites at trauma hospitals which will greatly assist in increasing the utility of air ambulance helicopters in poor visibility conditions.

Government is considering options for UK access to a satellite-based augmentation system, following our withdrawal from the EU's EGNOS system. This work is continuing and no decision has yet been made.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_43

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger:To ask His Majesty's Government whether, and if so why, they are advocating for parish councils to change to ‘gov.uk’ domain names and associated email addresses for councillors; and what assessment, if any, they have made of the cost of such a change. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The Government has advocated for Parish Councils to use .gov.uk domains for their websites and email accounts although there is no legal obligation to do so. This helps councillors to use government branded email for official business, have additional security benefits and meet legal obligations such as Freedom of Information and Data Subject Access Requests.

The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has helped to lower the cost of buying .gov.uk domain names and has set up the Parish Council Domains Helper Service to support councils, which choose to move to .gov.uk. The department also works with the National Association of Local Councils and Society of Local County Clerks to support their efforts to professionalise the Parish Council sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_44

Lord Berkeley:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of the reasons why the European Union has provided European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service services to non-EU countries, including Iceland and Serbia, at no cost; and what steps they are taking to ensure that the UK receives fair and equitable treatment in its access to the service. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Government has not made an assessment of the EU's reasons for providing European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) services to Iceland and Serbia, and respects the EU's decision-making independence on whether to grant EGNOS working agreements to non-EU countries. UK businesses and organisations are able to use the freely available "open" EGNOS signal. The Government is considering options for future UK access to a Satellite Based Augmentation System such as EGNOS, and no decision has been taken.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

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Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to upskill public sector workers in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve productivity; and what training in AI is given to civil servants. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Government Digital Service leads on developing our digital experts, and is taking steps to upskill public sector workers in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity. This includes the AI Accelerator Programme which, as one of the five Kick Starters in the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government, will upskill >50 data scientists to become machine learning engineers. Furthermore, following a successful AI pilot with second-year Digital Fast Streamers, the Government Digital Service is introducing AI to the broader digital Fast Stream curriculum. Finally, the Civil Service Learning platform offers over 250 hours of AI learning, and is available to all civil servants.

The incubator for AI, within GDS, is also building a suite of productivity tools for public servants, nicknamed 'Humphrey' including meeting transcription and consultation analysis.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_46

Lord Agnew of Oulton:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch on 13 February (HL4576), what are the 29 government services that have reached the “great” standard under the Top 75 programme; and what is the classification of the remaining 46 services. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: From a baseline of eight ‘great’ services, 29 of the top 75 services achieved the ‘great’ standard at the point of closing the Top75 Services Programme. In addition to the report provided to the Public Accounts Committee, GDS will shortly publish the list of the 29 ‘Great’ services along with conclusions and learnings from the programme.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_47

Lord Hain:To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the Written Answer by the Senior Deputy Speaker on 17 February (HL4749), what are the specific quantities of asbestos found in the Palace of Westminster, and what assessment has been made of the risks of asbestosis. \p Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are present across the Palace of Westminster, to date a total of 1057 items have been identified. The assessment of risks is determined by management surveys that identify and where deemed necessary the ongoing monitoring the condition of any ACMs. The purpose of the management survey is to identify the presence, material score (condition) and proximity risk (e.g. how likely the ACMs are to be disturbed).

Where management surveys identify a significant risk related to the ACMs they are removed by a licenced asbestos removal contractor. Where more invasive works are planned across the Palace such as for construction projects, refurbishment or demolition, a survey is undertaken and where ACMs are identified and where practicable, planning is made for removal.

There is a programme of management surveys conducted by experts who identify the presence of asbestos and update the Parliamentary asbestos register. These surveys inform the asbestos risk assessment which determines how asbestos containing materials are managed or removed where necessary. Detailed processes are in place to support safe invasive works including support from an asbestos analytical consultant and removal of asbestos containing materials via a licenced asbestos removal contractor.

Parliament appoints competent internal duty holders to advise on risks, and actions required to make the estate safe, and provides appropriate training and awareness to employees on risks related to asbestos.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_48

Lord Lucas:To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what the implications are for the security of parliamentary data and devices of the decision by Apple to reduce the security features they make available to UK users. \p Lord Gardiner of Kimble: Apple has removed Advanced Data Protection in the UK, meaning some iCloud data categories now have standard rather than end-to-end encryption. Parliament-issued devices have separate security protocols, and we continue to provide advice to Members on how to protect Parliamentary and personal data on iPhones. The Parliamentary Security and Digital Departments do not assess that this change will have an adverse impact on Security.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_49
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_49

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in negotiating a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU, and when they expect such an agreement to be concluded. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government is committed to resetting our EU relationship, including by seeking to negotiate a SPS agreement. We have been clear that an SPS agreement could boost trade and deliver significant benefits on both sides. We will not be providing a running commentary on discussions with the EU. We cannot provide further information at this stage whilst negotiations are continuing.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_50
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_50

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government how the Circular Economy Taskforce will engage with ministers and the healthcare sector to coordinate work to develop a circular health economy. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: This Government is committed to transitioning to a circular economy. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has convened the Circular Economy Taskforce to help us develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England, which will be supported by with a series of roadmaps detailing the interventions that the government and others will make on a sector-by-sector basis.

This is a cross-government agenda and together we are considering the evidence for interventions right across the economy. We are exploring the circularity impacts of a wide range of levers, including in the health sector, as we develop our strategy.

Furthermore, the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) Design for Life programme is dedicated to the delivery of a circular economy for medical devices, through greater reuse, remanufacture, and recycling. DHSC published the Design for Life Roadmap in October 2024, which sets out the plan to achieve this vision and transition away from all avoidable single-use medical technology products by 2045.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_51
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_51

Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage the provision of more sanitary bins in (1) public, and (2) workplace, toilets for men. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government oversees policy and legislation with respect to the safe management of waste and litter as well as the protection of drains and sewers. This however does not extend to compelling or explicitly encouraging local authorities with regard to types of waste receptacles or their placement. These decisions are for local authorities to make.

The Building Regulations for England were updated in 2024 with the addition of a new ‘Part T’ which sets out toilet requirements in new non-domestic buildings in England.  Part T is supported by statutory guidance which includes space for disposal bins in the design layouts. However, the Building Regulations are limited to the provision and design of toilet facilities and do not extend to the management and use of disposal bins.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reviewing the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and the guidance of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 regarding the provision of disposal facilities in workplace toilets. This work is included within the Government’s wider plans under Make Work Pay, and HSE will hold appropriate consultation in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_52
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_52

Lord Mott:To ask His Majesty's Government what grants have been made since 4 July 2024 to fund research into alternative proteins for human consumption. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government recognises the importance of innovative approaches and novel technologies to boosting productivity sustainably.

In August 2024, the Government’s UK Research and Innovation body (UKRI) invested £15 million in the new National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). This National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre will drive research and innovation bolstering the alternative proteins sector in the UK, fostering innovation across a variety of protein sources, including plant-based proteins, cultivated meat and protein-rich algae.

Innovate UK and BBSRC have also invested £15.6 million to support innovation funding (32 projects) as part of the Novel Low Emission Food Production Systems competition to address sustainable agriculture. These industry-led, collaborative projects include development of alternative proteins such as plant-based and cultivated meat.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_53
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_53

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger:To ask His Majesty's Government what the egg-laying hen population in the UK is; how many of those are kept in caged systems; what proportion of eggs laid in the UK come from caged hens; and what progress has been made on reducing the use of cages for hens. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: According to Defra’s official statistics on livestock populations in the United Kingdom, from June 2024 the total number of egg-laying hens (including breeding birds) was 54.6 million birds. Of these, 41.9 million were laying hens and pullets for table egg production.

Eggs produced from hens in enriched ‘colony’ cage systems accounted for 20% of the total egg throughput in Q4 2024. We do not hold figures on the number of egg-laying hens kept in caged systems.

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.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_54
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_54

Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what was the tonnage of seed potatoes which (1) Northern Ireland sent to Scotland, and (2) Scotland sent to Northern Ireland, in the past five years, broken down by seed classification \p Baroness Hayman: The following table shows the tonnage of seed potatoes moved in the past five years broken down by seed classification (data from 2020 for Northern Ireland to Scotland is unavailable due to COVID related disruption):

Seed Classification

Northern Ireland to Scotland Quantity (Tonnes)

Scotland to Northern Ireland  Quantity (Tonnes)

Pre basic (PB)

0

826.2

Basic (S)

17.5

1415.3

Basic (SE)

0

695.7

Basic (E)

0

3387

Total

17.5

6324.1
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_55
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_55

Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 18 February (HL4686), whether they will now answer the question put, namely how many miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path (1) have been, and (2) are still to be, completed. \p Baroness Hayman: The Government is continuing to make progress on the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP), with over 51% of the path completed and now open for public use.

Of the remaining 1,270 miles, establishment works are underway on 976 miles, with less than 300 miles still to be approved. The entire project is set to be completed by Spring 2026, and when finished, the KCIIIECP will become the longest waymarked and managed coastal walking route in the world.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_56
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_56

Lord Mott:To ask His Majesty's Government what impact they expect their proposed Land Use Framework to have on livestock production. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Land Use Consultation and its analytical annex clarify the land use change implied by the Environment Act Targets and Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry sector contributions to Net Zero.

The Land Use Framework will not prescribe changes in agricultural management. There are opportunities for grazing on grassland to contribute to target delivery, such as peat restoration in the uplands and restoration of species-rich grassland in other parts of the country. The Framework will provide guiding principles and tools for land managers to make informed decisions about their land and businesses.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_57
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-10 conversation_57

Lord Rogan:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have had discussions with the European Union about amending the Windsor Framework to allow Northern Ireland consumers to buy plants from online retailers in Great Britain. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework in good faith at the same time as seeking to negotiate an SPS agreement with the EU. Under the Windsor Framework, the Northern Ireland plant health label (NIPHL) allows growers and traders to move certain products to Northern Ireland without the need for a Phytosanitary Certificate, giving Northern Ireland consumers access to plants and seeds from Great Britain.

We continue to work closely with the horticultural sector, including through a Horticulture Working Group which meets regularly, in order to maximise opportunities for trade in plants and plant products within the United Kingdom.