theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Mims Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many hotels are (a) providing and (b) in negotiations to provide accommodation to asylum seekers in East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency. \p Dame Angela Eagle: This government inherited an asylum system under exceptional strain, with tens of thousands of people stuck in limbo without any prospect of having their claims processed. At their peak use under the previous government, in the autumn of 2023, more than 400 asylum hotels were being leased by the Home Office, at a cost of almost £9 million a day.

We took immediate action to resolve that chaos by restarting asylum processing, establishing the new Border Security Command to tackle the people-smuggling gangs, cracking down on illegal working across the country, and increasing the return and removal of people with no right to be here.

Inevitably, due to the size of the backlog we inherited, the Home Office has been forced to continue with the use of hotels for the time being. But this is not a permanent solution, and the small increase in the number in use at the end of last year was just a temporary but necessary step to manage pressures in the system, which is now in the process of being reversed.

It remains our absolute commitment to end the use of hotels over time, as part of our reduction in overall asylum accommodation costs. In the interim, we are also continuing to increase our operational activity against smuggling gangs and illegal working, and we have increased returns to their highest level since 2018, with 16,400 people removed in the first six months this government was in charge.

Data on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including hotels, and by local authority can be found within the Asy_D11 tab for our most recent statistics release: Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK.
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Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to tackle modern slavery in illegal hand carwashes. \p Jess Phillips: The Government is committed to tackling modern slavery across all sectors, including hand car washes.

The Responsible Car Wash Scheme, partly funded by the Home Office, sought to enhance compliance, and investigate non-compliance in the car wash sector. As part of the scheme, a Car Wash Code of Practice was developed in collaboration with the sector to test the effectiveness of different interventions in raising standards.

As the scheme has concluded, the Government is assessing these evaluations to understand how both to bolster compliance, and support sector-led initiatives. The Government and enforcement bodies, such as the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, continue to support industry initiatives aimed at improving standards, while also cracking down on individual carwash operators employing and exploiting illegal workers.
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Richard Tice:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her policy to deport people with dual citizenship who are charged with child grooming offences. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I refer the Honourable Member to the Answer given on 15 January to Question 22427.
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Uma Kumaran:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers between 4 July 2022 and 4 July 2024. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Between 4 July 2022 and 4 July 2024, the Department has spent £23668 on media and voice training for Ministers.

This spend only came to light after the original answer was published.

The training took place in 2023.
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Vikki Slade:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will take steps to provide the same level of support to self-employed parents taking maternity leave as to self-employed people taking leave for adoption. \p Andrew Western: Self-employed pregnant women who have paid the required Class 2 National Insurance contributions are entitled to Maternity Allowance.

As a general rule, maternity pay is primarily a health and safety provision relating specifically to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. As there is no associated period of pregnancy for adopters, they are unable to make a claim for maternity pay regardless of their employment status.

The Government very much values self-employed people who come forward to take on the challenging but rewarding role of being an adoptive parent, that is why there is provision for Local Authorities to make discretionary payments, equivalent to Maternity Allowance, to self-employed adopters who do not qualify for Statutory Adoption Pay and where they satisfy the relevant criteria. This payment is means-tested and ensures that resources are targeted at those adopters who need it most, as part of a package of post-adoption support.

Prospective adopters and the child or children that they intend to adopt are also entitled to an assessment of their family’s needs. This includes a whole host of support including discretionary means-tested financial support, advice, information and counselling, and support services.

Depending on individual circumstances, additional financial support, for example, Universal Credit, Child Benefit and the Sure Start Maternity Grant (a lump sum payment of £500) may also be available to new parents.

The Government has committed to a review of parental leave to ensure that it best supports working families. Work is already underway on planning for its delivery.
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Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 8 January 2025 to Question 21604 on Department for Work and Pensions: Artificial Intelligence, whether her Department has taken steps to inform benefits claimants that machine learning is used by her Department to flag cases for further examination. \p Andrew Western: The DWP Personal Information Charter explains to benefit claimants how we use Machine Learning to help detect and prevent fraud and error.
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Steve Darling:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes made to Support for Mortgage Interest in 2018 on people in receipt of that loan. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department published research looking at Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) loan take-up in March 2022. This is available here:Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI): Overview - GOV.UK The Department has also commissioned further research looking at the impact of SMI on existing loan recipients. The report will be released in due course.

The Department does not have any plans to revert SMI to a benefit. When SMI transitioned to a loan in April 2018, support was provided at the same level and therefore, it provides the same level of protection against repossession. Loans are repayable from any available equity when the property is sold and therefore, the policy represents excellent value for the taxpayer whilst continuing to protect homeowners.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to page 25 of the Government response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's investigation into Women’s State Pension age and associated issues, what the evidential basis is for the statement that awareness among the 45-54 age group that State Pension age was increasing had increased to 90%. \p Torsten Bell: The Attitudes to Pensions: the 2006 Survey was a large-scale survey commissioned by DWP and carried out by the respected National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the School of Social Sciences, University of Birmingham. The authors included a mix of academics and research professionals, experienced in survey design and delivery, and the report was quality assured to Government Social Research standards. Almost 2,000 adults took part in the survey, and weightings were applied to ensure results were representative of the population.

The survey report includes the finding that the percentage of women who reported knowing that women’s State Pension age would increase in the future was 90% for women aged 45-54.

The 45-54 female subgroup has a sample size of 203. With a sample of this size, we can get a reliable estimate of the percentage of women among this group who reported knowing that the women’s State Pension age would increase in the future. Using confidence intervals, we can have 95% confidence that this figure would be around 85-95%. The 95% level is a widely accepted standard of confidence. Therefore, even at the lower estimate, the data shows the vast majority of 1950s women were aware.

The 2006 Attitudes to Pensions Survey report is available online at

https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20100208141655mp_/http:/research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2007-2008/rrep434.pdf
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Dr Andrew Murrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what information her Department holds on the number of window cleaners electrocuted whilst using water-fed poles in each year for which records are available. \p Sir Stephen Timms: I refer the hon. Member to the previous reply PQ 5554
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people were (a) awarded Pension Credit and (b) paid Winter Fuel Allowance in West Worcestershire constituency in (i) 2024-25 and (ii) 2023-24. \p Torsten Bell: Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payments are household level benefits.

Pension Credit caseload statistics are routinely published and made publicly available via DWP Stat-xplore. In February 2024, 1,929 households were claiming Pension Credit in West Worcestershire. Data for 2024-25 is only available up to May 2024. At this point in time, there were 1,933 households claiming Pension Credit in the West Worcestershire constituency.

In Winter 2023 to 2024, 18,868 pensioner households received the Winter Fuel Payment in the West Worcestershire constituency. (Source: Winter Fuel Payment statistics for winter 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK).

Official Winter Fuel Payment statistics for Winter 2024 to 2025 are expected to be released by the end of 2025.
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Alex McIntyre:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that people receiving Universal Credit have adequate support for accessing (a) employment opportunities and (b) training in Gloucester. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The local Jobcentre team in Gloucestershire are committed to ensuring that all customers, including those claiming Universal Credit, have ample support in accessing employment opportunities and training. They take a multifaceted approach that draws on locally gathered information and data to deliver a bespoke service to meet the needs of customers and employers.

Through employer networking events and visits to local businesses the team communicate how they can support employers with their recruitment needs, including advice on streamlining hiring practices and application processes to take account of diverse capabilities and health challenges, as well as offering space in the Jobcentre for job interviews, support with redundancy and retention, and disability awareness.

Monthly recruitment events are held in Gloucester, in collaboration with trusted partners, showcasing a range of vacancies and pre-employment opportunities with local and national employers, with an event at GL1 Leisure Centre on 13 February. The team also hold monthly drop-in sessions on employment support in venues across the community, including Noah’s Ark in Tewkesbury and Bespoke Mentoring in Lydney. Furthermore, the 100 Futures program provides 6-week work placements for young individuals, offering valuable workplace insights and development across several employment sectors. We are working with NHS Integrated Care Boards to collaborate on the Volunteer to Career Scheme, with the first cohort starting this month.

In terms of training and provision, Gloucester Jobcentre actively collaborate with partners to offer support, including Sector Based Work Academy Programmes and Movement to Work, meeting regularly with Employment and Training leads at Gloucester County Council, to share information and discuss priorities and plans. The National Careers Service deliver career advice and training support in every Jobcentre. The Restart program offers intensive employment support and in addition to Work Coach support, customers aged 50 and over can benefit from a 12-week employability support program, run in collaboration with Forest Green Rovers and the Employment and Skills Hub. We also deliver outreach services in locations across Gloucestershire, including Cinderford, Coleford and Stroud.

These initiatives ensure that customers in Gloucester receive the necessary support to access employment opportunities and training, fostering a pathway to sustainable employment, and you would be welcome to visit Gloucester Jobcentre to see this work at first hand.
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Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress the Health and Safety Executive has made in its review of the Approved Code of Practice and guidance in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 on provision of disposal facilities in workplace toilets; and whether the Executive plans to hold a public consultation on any changes. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are reviewing the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 regarding 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.
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Richard Foord:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to support pensioners on the poverty line. \p Torsten Bell: The last Labour government lifted over one million pensioners out of poverty, and this government – despite having to make the tough decisions to deal with our fiscal inheritance – remains absolutely committed to supporting pensioners and giving pensioners the dignity and security they deserve in retirement.

We will honour our commitment to the Triple Lock throughout this parliament with a 4.1% increase to the basic State Pension and the new State Pension this April, and we are also increasing the standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit by 4.1%. As such, according to the latest OBR projections, the full yearly rate of the new State Pension is forecast to increase by around £1,900 over the course of this parliament whilst the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension is forecast to increase by around £1,500.

The Government also offers an array of support to ensure pensioners remain comfortable and safe in the winter months. This includes direct financial help to low-income pensioners through Pension Credit, the Warm Home Discount and (in England & Wales) Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payments.

We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit and want to ensure as many people as possible have access to this support. We urge pensioners to check their eligibility. Pension Credit will passport them to receive Winter Fuel Payments in future, alongside other benefits. Our take-up campaign has been successful in boosting applications by 145% since July.

All pensioners will also continue to benefit from free eye tests, free NHS prescriptions and free bus passes.

Low-income pensioners and others struggling with the cost of living should contact their local council to see what further support may be available to them. They may be able to receive support from Council Tax Reduction, or through energy support programs – or through the Household Support Fund (a scheme providing discretionary support to those most in need towards the cost of essentials, such as food, energy and water). The Government has extended the Household Support Fund in England by a further year, (until 31 March 2026) – with funding of £742 million provided to enable this extension in England, plus additional funding for the devolved Governments to be spent at their discretion, as usual.
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Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Rodenticide Stewardship Scheme in reducing wildlife exposure to rat poisons; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of taking further steps to combat criminal use of rat poisons to kill birds of prey. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Rodenticides Stewardship Scheme was developed by The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use UK to promote responsible use and is overseen by the Government Oversight Group for Rodenticide Stewardship (GOG), chaired by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The GOG is conducting a review of rodenticide stewardship, under which it will consider all appropriate evidence. The detailed work of this review is expected to be completed in 2025.

Wildlife crime is a matter for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Welsh and Scottish Governments, and the Police. Bird of prey crime is identified by Defra as a national wildlife crime priority, and significant sanctions are available against proven perpetrators of the crime, including an unlimited fine and/or a six-month custodial sentence. HSE may also take action, where appropriate, in its role as a workplace health and safety regulator.
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Richard Tice:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of migrants who entered in the UK in the last 5 years are in receipt of state benefits. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department does not hold the information to produce the requested calculation. We are, however, exploring the feasibility of developing suitable statistics related to the immigration status of non-UK / Irish customers. The Department will ensure that this work is done in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 September 2024 to Question 2170 on British National (Overseas): Pensions, whether he has had recent discussions with other banks on access to (a) pensions and (b) other financial assets in Hong Kong for people with British National (Overseas) visas. \p Catherine West: We are aware that individuals who have chosen to take up the BN(O) visa route face difficulties in the early drawing down of their savings. This government is in regular contact with banks on a range of issues. Documentary requirements for withdrawing funds are a matter for the Hong Kong authorities, and officials continue to raise this issue directly with the Hong Kong Government to encourage a pragmatic solution.
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Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the information presented in the Hong Kong Legislative Council paper CB(2)1779/24-25(01) on 7 January 2025 and the reporting in Ming Pao on 8 January 2025, if he will (a) make an assessment of the potential impact of Hong Kong's Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer Systems) Bill on UK-based banks with (i) branches or offices based and (ii) electronic systems operating in Hong Kong and (b) take steps to protect those institutions from potential extraterritorial application of this legislation. \p Catherine West: The British Consulate General liaises closely with UK businesses operating in Hong Kong regarding local regulatory developments, including in relation to the Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer Systems) Bill currently before the Hong Kong Legislative Council. We will continue to monitor developments closely as this legislation is finalised and becomes operational, and any potential impact it may have on UK business.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish all (a) correspondence and (b) representations his Department (i) has made and (ii) received on the planning application for the proposed Chinese Embassy since July 2024. \p Catherine West: The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and she will make this decision independent from the rest of Government corresponding to her quasi-judicial role. As you would expect, the FCDO has received correspondence relating to the planning application. We have no plans to publish this information. The Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary's written representations to the Planning Inquiry are publicly available.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2024 to Question 19316 on Development Aid: Review, what progress he has made on consideration of the Development Review. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Foreign Secretary has read the review in detail and is now considering the recommendations with myself and his officials.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark on (a) Greenland and (b) the Faroe Islands since taking office. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK values its strong partnerships with all parts of the Kingdom of Denmark and engages accordingly. On 13 January, I held my second meeting with Greenland's Foreign Minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, in London, to discuss bilateral relations. This followed our first meeting at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland in October. I also met the Faroese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Høgni Hoydal, in October. FCDO Officials regularly engage with Danish, Faroese and Greenlandic counterparts to discuss bilateral cooperation.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish Lord Mandelson's declaration of interests as the new Ambassador to the United States. \p Stephen Doughty: There is an established mechanism in place for the management of interests held by all Senior Civil Servants. This ensures that steps are taken to avoid or mitigate any potential or perceived conflicts of interest. In line with guidance, the FCDO does not publish declarations of interest.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what verbal discussions his Department has had with representatives of the Chinese government on the planning application for a new Chinese Embassy in London since July 2024. \p Catherine West: The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and she will make this decision independent from the rest of Government corresponding to her quasi-judicial role.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what flags other than the Union flag will be flown from his Department's buildings in London in 2025; and on which dates each flag will be flown. \p Catherine West: The FCDO's flag flying schedule for all our buildings at home and overseas is agreed by the Permanent Under-Secretary. The FCDO's flag flying policy is that all our buildings should fly the Union flag, as appropriate, throughout the year on working days during office hours. In addition, the FCDO continues to fly the Ukrainian flag from the secondary flagpole at King Charles Street. Any other flags flown on the estate are considered on a case-by-case, year-by-year basis and must have a compelling reason for inclusion. The FCDO does not advertise in advance which additional flags it will be flying and when.
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Bob Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of alleged reports of violence against (a) religious minorities and (b) Christian communities in the Dhamirahat region of Bangladesh. \p Catherine West: The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). Following the student-led protests in July and August 2024, we have been closely monitoring the situation for minorities, including Hindus and Christians in Bangladesh. In November 2024, I visited Bangladesh and discussed the importance of the protection of religious minorities with Chief Adviser Yunus. We are providing up to £27 million under the Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme for protecting civic and political space, fostering collaboration, reducing corruption, and mitigating tensions that lead to violence. We will continue to engage with the Interim Government of Bangladesh on the importance of FoRB.
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Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of continuation of the conflict in Sudan on the number of Sudanese refugees seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. \p Anneliese Dodds: Over 3.6 million people have fled Sudan since the current conflict began in April 2023; many more (8.8 million people) have been internally displaced. Those fleeing Sudan in need of international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach - that is the fastest route to safety. The UK continues to use all diplomatic means possible to bring the warring parties to the table to end this conflict - the surest way to ensure people can stay safely in Sudan. The UK continues to provide significant support to those fleeing Sudan, most recently with the Foreign Secretary announcing a major aid increase of £113 million on 17 November 2024 to support people affected by the conflict, including in neighbouring countries, such as Chad and South Sudan. The Minister for International Development and HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh witnessed the impact of the crisis on people in neighbouring countries first-hand during their respective visits to South Sudan and Chad last year.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his counterpart in Denmark on the US interest in Greenland. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Secretary and I have repeatedly and publicly made clear that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that the future of their constitutional arrangements is a matter for the people and government of Greenland, and the Kingdom of Denmark.

The UK has a strong relationship with all parts of the Kingdom of Denmark and recognises the strategic importance of Greenland. We are working with our North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Allies to ensure the stability and security of the High North and North Atlantic areas.
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Simon Hoare:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the number of farms that will be affected by changes made to agricultural property relief and Inheritance Tax at the Autumn Budget 2024 in (a) North Dorset constituency, (b) Dorset and (c) the UK. \p Daniel Zeichner: Assessing the impact of the new Inheritance Tax policy, which comes into force from 6 April 2026, relies on a number of factors such as ownership structure and debt levels. Without such information, which the Government does not hold at that level, area level assessments cannot be made.  This Government is aware that each farm is different, and so we encourage farmers to speak to their tax advisors and agents to understand how these changes may impact their specific situation and how to plan for the future.  As an outcome of the recent Spending Review, we have committed £5 billion in the agricultural budget over the next two years – the biggest ever budget for sustainable food production and nature recovery in this country’s history. This enables us to keep momentum on the path to a more resilient and sustainable farming sector.
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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of wool prices in the last (a) 6 months, (b) 12 months and (c) 8 years. \p Daniel Zeichner: British Wool, a public body, is responsible for the collection, sale and marketing of wool from across the UK. Sales are conducted through open auction and will reflect global market developments in price and availability.

This Government has made no assessment on the impact of policies on wool prices; however Defra officials meet regularly with British Wool, who share regular reports on auction sales and wool values.
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Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has for the Smaller Abattoir Fund. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Smaller Abattoir Fund closed on 30 September 2024. For the future, Defra plans to simplify and rationalise grant funding, ensuring that grants deliver the most benefit for food security and nature. We are in the process of agreeing how we will use capital to achieve outcomes through the Spending Review process, and we will confirm any future grant rounds in due course.
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Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to further restrict the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances where there are alternatives. \p Emma Hardy: A Regulatory Management Options Analysis (RMOA), published in April 2023, made a detailed assessment of the range of hazards and risks from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) identified in Great Britain, as well as a preliminary analysis of the availability of alternatives for a range of applications. The RMOA recommended a range of actions including the development of UK REACH Restrictions for a wide range of PFAS uses.

Under the UK REACH Work Programme, we are investigating whether to restrict PFAS in firefighting foams and are progressing work to consider other measures relating to PFAS. The preparation of a UK REACH Restriction proposal requires there to be an assessment of the suitability of alternatives.

Innovation of suitable PFAS alternatives is also needed and we are working to harness industry leadership in the transition away from PFAS.
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Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the ability of the abattoir network in (a) England and (b) the UK to meet the needs of food (i) production, (ii) processing and (iii) security. \p Daniel Zeichner: This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

The Government is committed to maintaining a resilient food supply chain. Defra recognises the vital contribution a thriving abattoir network plays in achieving these goals by providing a competitive route to market for producers.

England benefits from an established and resilient meat processing sector which despite some challenging circumstances in recent years has continued to process high quality products ensuring the supply of food and maintaining food security. The Government has full confidence that this will continue to be the case.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_194

Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the labour supply for abattoirs in (a) England and (b) the UK to meet requirements for (i) processing, (ii) food hygiene and (iii) veterinary oversight. \p Daniel Zeichner: The UK benefits from having a resilient meat processing sector. However, the Government has recognised the challenges the sector continues to face with the recruitment of both skilled and seasonal labour. We support the industry in its recruitment and training of more domestic workers, including through apprenticeship schemes, and in utilising the benefits that automation can bring.

There are currently sufficient levels of veterinary resource for delivery of official controls in approved meat premises. This is mainly through a recruitment pipeline from overseas, however, efforts are being made to attract domestic trained and qualified vets to this area of veterinary public health. The new Government has also confirmed the Seasonal Worker visa allocation for 2025, with 2000 visas available for the poultry sector to help with the pre-Christmas surge in demand.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_195

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the UK’s marine natural capital. \p Emma Hardy: Defra’s £38 million marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme has investigated the state of our marine natural capital assets and the environmental, societal, and economic value they hold. This is informing decisions on managing and enhancing our marine natural capital in a way that benefits both people and nature.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_196

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an estimate he has made of the value of UK’s marine natural capital to coastal communities. \p Emma Hardy: Coastal communities derive social and economic benefits from marine natural assets, including through recreation, heritage, jobs, and tourism. The Office for National Statistics estimated the value of UK marine natural capital assets at £211 billion for 2018.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_197

Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the National Food Strategy will account for the role of biodiversity in underpinning the food system. \p Daniel Zeichner: Our ambitious food strategy will set and deliver clear long-term outcomes that create a healthier, fairer, and more resilient food system, and in doing so will consider elements of the food system that can contribute towards those outcomes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_198

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support British sheep farmers. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government has committed to support the farming sector, including sheep farmers, through a farming budget of £5 billion over two years, including £2.4 billion in 2025/26.

Our environmental land management schemes, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive, include a comprehensive offer to support the management of a wide range of different grassland and moorland types that exist in England. They include actions to support the inclusion of sheep within an arable rotation, as well as actions to promote sustainable grazing management on moorlands and grasslands. The full list of actions available can be found on GOV.UK.

Eligible sheep farmers in England can also access support to continually improve the health, welfare and productivity of their animals through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

Furthermore, the Government is taking action to ensure fairness across the food supply chain to ensure producers receive a fair price for their livestock by bringing forward legislation to mandate sheep carcase classification and price reporting, bringing the sheep sector in line with the beef and pork sectors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_199

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect British wool businesses. \p Daniel Zeichner: We have a proud tradition of wool production in this country. We recognise the sheep sector’s immense contribution to rural life, local economies, and iconic landscapes across the different countries of the UK.

British Wool is a public body that works on behalf of farmers to collect, grade, market and sell British wool to the wool textile industry. As a natural, versatile, and durable textile, which is renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally sustainable, wool from Britain is already used in flooring, furnishing, apparel and indeed insultation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_200

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many incidents of flooding have been reported in (a) South Norfolk constituency and (b) Norfolk in the last five years. \p Emma Hardy: Lead Local Flood Authorities undertake formal investigations after significant floods and produce Section 19 reports, which include the number of properties affected. Not all floods require a Section 19 investigation. Criteria for investigation include the number of properties internally flooded, nature of flooding, frequency of flooding, and critical infrastructure affected.

Over the last five years, Norfolk County Council recorded over 900 reports of flooding to properties, 139 of those in the South Norfolk Constituency. In this period, the most significant flooding event in this Constituency occurred on 23 and 24 December 2020 with 83 properties flooded.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_201

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to introduce new measures to tackle perfluoroalkyl substances in the marine environment. \p Emma Hardy: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were added to the OSPAR List of Chemicals for Priority Action in 2023. This list identifies substances considered to be a threat to the marine environment and the actions that OSPAR Contracting Parties (including the UK) should take to minimise those threats. We are also working closely with domestic regulators and key stakeholders to improve our understanding and approach to managing the risks from PFAS. This includes working with the Environment Agency (EA) to assess levels of PFAS occurring in the environment, their sources, and potential risks to inform future policy and regulatory approaches.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_202

Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 December 2024 to Question 19688 on Food Supply, if he will take steps to include alternative proteins in the proposed food strategy. \p Daniel Zeichner: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 20 December 2024, UIN 19689.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_203

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to make healthy food options affordable to low-income families. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious, affordable food. The Government’s recently launched Food Strategy will ensure that access to healthy food is affordable and accessible to all.

The Government has also committed to roll out free breakfast clubs at all primary schools, whilst also tripling investment in breakfast clubs to over £30 million. Additionally, this Government has committed to delivering its plan to make work pay to turn the minimum wage into a real living wage so that working families can afford healthy food

Defra regularly engages with supermarkets and producers about a range of measures they can take to ensure the availability of affordable food. These measures include maintaining value ranges, price matching and price freezing. The range and price of food is a commercial decision for each retailer and the Government does not interfere in their day-to-day operations.

This Government will also be introducing a Fair Repayment Rate for deductions from Universal Credit, and increasing the National Living Wage, boosting the pay of 3 million workers, ensuring that everyone can afford to make healthy food choices.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_204

Dr Jeevun Sandher:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to expand the Flood Resilience Scheme to households which (a) have been affected outside named storms and (b) are at risk of flooding in the future. \p Emma Hardy: To ensure we protect the country from the devastating impacts of flooding, we will invest £2.4 billion in 2024/25 and 2025/26 to improve flood resilience, by building, maintaining, and repairing flood defences.

Included in this programme, the Environment Agency is working proactively with local authorities to deliver Property Flood Resilience (PFR) projects, where it is cost beneficial to do so, in areas where PFR is the best solution for reducing flood risk. The EA’s PFR programme is focused on reducing risk to those households and businesses at the highest risk.

Separately, we continue to support those who were affected by last year’s Storms Babet and Henk thought the PFR grant scheme, which can provide up to £5000 for eligible households and businesses to install PFR measures.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_205

Barry Gardiner:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the paper entitled Marine Protected Areas network report (2019 to 2024), published on 18 December 2024, what steps he plans to take to protect designated features within the MPA network that are not in a favourable condition from (a) destructive forms of fishing and (b) other stressors. \p Emma Hardy: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are already protected from the point of designation by the planning and marine licensing regimes that cover activities such as dredging for aggregates and construction of offshore wind farms. Fishing activity falls outside the scope of these regimes, so fisheries regulators make detailed assessments of the impact of all fishing activities on the protected species and habitats in our MPAs and develop byelaws to restrict fishing when it has been assessed as damaging. Over 60% of England’s 181 MPAs have these byelaws in place.

As mentioned in my answer to PQ 17500, the Department is considering next steps for fisheries management in MPAs in the context of our domestic and international nature conservation obligations and how we support the fishing sector.