theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_156

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy on visa fees is for non-UK based veterans and their dependents who have served in the UK armed forces for four or more years. \p Al Carns: This Government is committed to removing visa fees for non-UK veterans who have served our country for four or more years, and their dependents. The Ministry of Defence is actively working with the Home Office to take this forward.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase his Department’s support for SMEs in the defence industry in Fylde constituency. \p Maria Eagle: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) make a vital contribution to economic growth and are a valuable source of technical innovation in defence. This is recognised in the Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent, as well as the Department’s Social Value policies. We work with our largest suppliers through a network of their SME Champions, trade associations and SME representatives to ensure that SMEs have fair access to opportunities in our supply chain and that our prime contractors are adopting policies, such as fair payment practices, that support small businesses working in defence.

We have announced the launch of a new hub to provide SMEs with better access to the defence supply chain and have committed to set direct SME spending targets for the Ministry of Defence by June this year, ensuring that thousands of small businesses in the UK, including those in the Fylde constituency, will benefit from the decision to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed increase to employers’ National Insurance contributions on the defence industry in Fylde constituency. \p Maria Eagle: As individual suppliers and contractors will manage the changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions differently, it would be extremely difficult for the Department to estimate the impact this will have on the defence industry, including those based in the Fylde constituency.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Navendu Mishra:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of replacing retiring Tranche 1 Typhoon aircrafts with foreign-built aircraft on (a) BAE Systems sites at (i) Warton and (ii) Samlesbury and (b) the UK aerospace sector. \p Maria Eagle: The RAF's fleet of Typhoon Tranche 2 and 3 aircraft will remain at the cutting-edge of the UK and NATO Combat Air power until at least 2040. The decision in 2021 to retire our oldest Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft was independent of the decision to procure Lockheed Martin F-35B, which are required to deliver combat aircraft capable of operating from our Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

Around 20,000 people are employed within the UK on the Typhoon programme, which is expected to rise to 24,000 by 2030. The vast majority of those jobs support the maintenance and upgrade of the existing multinational Typhoon fleet. This Government is strongly committed to supporting the export of Typhoon internationally and pressing for success in the campaigns currently in train. 37% of the major units required for new Typhoon aircraft ordered by Germany, Spain and Italy will be manufactured by BAE Systems in the UK.

In addition, through Lockheed Martin and the Joint Program Office approximately 15% by value of the total global F-35 Lightning production is manufactured by UK companies. This manufacturing and equipment support includes over 100 UK-based suppliers and has created over 20,000 jobs in the UK. As part of this BAE Systems employ approximately 1,800 people on F-35 sub-system production at their UK plant in Samlesbury. The equipment support provided by the UK for the global fleet of F-35 will likely endure until the F-35 retires from service, which is 2069 for the UK fleet and longer for some other nations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there has been a delay to the in-service date for MQ-9B Protector. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to Question 25381 on 28 January 2025, to the hon Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Johanna Baxter). There has been no delay to the Protector Programme In-Service date.

Unmanned Air Systems (docx, 15.9KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2025 to Question 34448 on Ministers: Helicopters, how many journeys this figure relates to; and whether this cost was the total cost of the journeys or a pro-rata cost for Ministers as part of a wider group. \p Maria Eagle: The figure provided relates to three helicopter journeys undertaken by Defence Ministers since 4 July 2024. It covers the costs captured for helicopter use for those journeys.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2025 to Question 34448, on Ministers: Helicopters, how much of the post-4 July Ministerial expenditure to date relates to helicopter travel (a) before 1 January 2024 and (b) after 1 January 2025. \p Maria Eagle: All expenditure relates to the period 4 July to 31 December 2024. There has been no Ministerial expenditure on helicopter transport since 1 January 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what types of ear defence equipment are issued across all three armed forces; and how many of each type are in use. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 20 March 2025 to Question 38440. Information on how many of each type of hearing protection are in use is not held centrally.

Armed Forces: Protective Clothing (docx, 37.5KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will initiate a judicial review against the findings of the Clonoe inquest. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence has carefully considered the findings of the Clonoe inquest. I can confirm that we have written to the Coroner outlining our intent to initiate judicial review proceedings.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Rosie Duffield:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the sale of his Department's Old Park and Chequers Wood site in Canterbury on levels of biodiversity. \p Maria Eagle: The Defence Infrastructure Organisation has undertaken a Baseline Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment for Old Park and Chequers Wood.

This Assessment details primary habitats and provides an ecological baseline for the site.

The site is being disposed of in accordance with the Department's standard process as mandated by His Majesty's Treasury. The site is designated in part as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and any development potential is limited. However, once sold, the future use of the site is a matter for the potential purchaser in conjunction with the local planning authority, and this is something the Ministry of Defence cannot influence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the procurement of a medium range precision strike system. \p Maria Eagle: A Prior Information Notice for Medium Range Precision Strike was released in October 2024, and a well attended Industry day was held in December 2024. Since then, the team at Defence Equipment and Support have actively engaged with industry to ensure communication continues between stakeholders and industrial partners. Concurrently, significant internal work has been completed on necessary documentation for project progression at pace; project approvals by required stakeholders remain on schedule, with contract award anticipated in 2027 and introduction into service in 2028.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the sustainment contract for E-7 Wedgetail to be signed. \p Maria Eagle: The sustainment contract for E-7 Wedgetail will be established once the Full Business Case is approved.

I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5 February 2025 to Question 26433 to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois).

Boeing E-7: Procurement (docx, 14.7KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has set a formal target date for the decommissioning of all conventional crewed mine hunting vessels in use by the Royal Navy. \p Maria Eagle: The Royal Navy is gradually phasing out its traditionally crewed and complex mine countermeasure vessels, as modern, autonomous systems are delivered. We do not routinely comment on the timeline for the decommissioning of vessels.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_169

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many E-7 Wedgetail aircraft are expected to enter service in the Royal Air Force. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 July 2024 to Question 432 to the hon Member for North Durham (Luke Akehurst).

Boeing E-7: Procurement (docx, 28.7KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his target date is for RNMB ARIADNE to reach (a) Initial Operating Capability and (b) Full Operating Capability. \p Maria Eagle: Royal Navy Motor Boat (RNMB) ARIADNE is currently undergoing trials and testing prior to transition to operations. The Royal Navy does not comment on future availability and the dates of Initial Operating Capability and Full Operating Capability will be reached in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has a target date for Proteus to reach minimum deployable capability. \p Maria Eagle: There is currently no target date for PROTEUS to reach a minimum deployable capability under the existing contract.

A large-scale PROTEUS type UAS currently sits outside of the funded Agile work package that UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy (via SPEARHEADS) has placed with Leonardo Helicopters Yeovil, to develop a Technology Demonstrator. As part of the Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy, the current contract aims to develop technologies and grow evidence across the Defence Lines of Development to inform future investment decisions via the appropriate commercial strategy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the RAF has deployed Shadow R1 surveillance flights to Gaza since 15 January 2025. \p Luke Pollard: Since the terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals.

In support of this, the Royal Air Force has been conducting unarmed surveillance flights over the Eastern Mediterranean, including in airspace over Israel and Gaza. For the avoidance of doubt, our mandate is narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of hostages only.

I cannot comment further on detailed intelligence matters for reasons of operational security.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has authorised any changes to the length of training undertaken by the Royal Air Force for pilot cohorts since 5 July 2024. \p Luke Pollard: No significant changes to the length of pilot training courses have been made since 5 July 2024.

Changes to the length of the training undertaken by Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots do not require authorisation by the Secretary of State for Defence. RAF training courses have a nominated individual who is appointed as the Training Requirements Authority (TRA), who authorises the courses through a Training Authorisation Document. The TRA adjusts training routinely based on feedback from trainees and to ensure training reflects the needs of the front-line.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the number of additional service personnel who will be recruited to the (a) Royal Navy, (b) British Army, (c) Royal Air Force in the 2027-28 financial year, in the context of increases in defence spending. \p Luke Pollard: The increase in defence spending is a vital part of ensuring the nation can realise the ambition which will be set out in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). All Defence personnel - in and out of uniform - are at the heart of Defence's plans. The SDR has been considering all aspects of Defence, including the approach to recruiting, training, and retaining the people Defence needs, including Regular, Reserve, Civil Service, and Industry.

The new tri-service Armed Forces Recruiting Service will also launch in 2027, providing a flexible Candidate recruiting pathway, with the aim of recruiting from the broadest spectrum of society to attract the best talent into the Armed Forces.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the 24 Archer artillery systems ordered in 2019 were operationally ready on 14 March 2025. \p Luke Pollard: A total of 14 Archer 6x6 artillery systems were procured in 2023 to fill a capability gap following the Granting in Kind of AS90 to Ukraine. Archer reached Initial Operating Capability in November 2024 and there are no current plans to procure any additional systems.

I hope the hon. Member will understand that we would not routinely disclose figures relating to operationally deployable platforms in the interests of security and operational effectiveness.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to (a) procure and (b) test new defence (i) equipment and (ii) technology at RAF Valley. \p Maria Eagle: The Defence Industrial Strategy, due to be published in late Spring 2025, will set out how we will prioritise and support businesses to create a more innovative and resilient defence sector across the UK, including Wales.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK Government's planned increase in defence spending on (a) jobs and (b) job security at RAF Valley. \p Maria Eagle: No assessment has been made.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2025 to Question 36712 on Ministry of Defence: Public Appointments, what the annual salary will be of the incoming National Armaments Director. \p Maria Eagle: The advert for the new National Armaments Director role was published on 18 March 2025. It sets out that if the successful candidate is from outside of the Civil Service, they can expect their salary on appointment to be in the range of £290,000 - £400,000 plus a bonus of up to 60% of salary, per annum. If they are an existing Civil Servant, their salary will be agreed in line with the Civil Service pay rules in place on the date of their appointment.

The salary has been benchmarked against Defence industry best practice and standards to offer a competitive remuneration package to attract the right candidate with the right skills.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Sir Julian Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office on the prevention of future acquisition of UK defence companies by US defence companies; and what powers are at the Government's disposal to intervene to prevent such sales on national security grounds. \p Maria Eagle: The Secretary of State for Defence has regular discussions with the Foreign Secretary – and other members of the National Security Council – on a range of national security issues.

The Government scrutinises any transactions in sensitive sectors such as defence on a case-by-case basis to assess potential national security risks and has powers, including under the National Security and Investment Act 2021, to intervene where it is necessary and proportionate. The Government will not hesitate to act where necessary to protect UK national security interests.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many additional (a) tanks and (b) armoured vehicles are expected to be operational in 2027-28, in the context of increases in defence spending. \p Maria Eagle: Whilst the Army’s modernisation will continue over the next decade with a programme of investment worth billions of pounds, future capability development priorities will be guided by the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). There are no current plans to procure additional tanks or armoured vehicles to those already announced however, it would be inappropriate to comment on future capability decisions until the SDR has reported and decisions have been made.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has authorised any changes to the allocated rotary budget for the (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26 financial year. \p Maria Eagle: There is no centrally held rotary budget. Rotary capability is delivered across multiple front line commands, who make prioritisation decisions within their budgets as a part of normal financial management.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase the level of domestically-procured defence (a) equipment and (b) technology. \p Maria Eagle: This Government recognises the vital role the UK defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK.

Our industry partners, of all sizes, are very much at the heart of our One Defence approach. The Defence Industrial Strategy will align our security and economic priorities to boost the prosperity of our people across the country, provide resilience for the UK, and ensure the credibility of our deterrence. We will ensure a strong defence sector and resilient supply chains across the whole of the UK.

The Defence Industrial Strategy will also examine how to best prioritise and promote UK based businesses for investment, enhancing stability and boosting our sovereign industrial capabilities. We will reform Ministry of Defence procurement to reduce waste, create good jobs and grow UK exports.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_183
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of food supplied to armed forces personnel is sourced from British farms. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 March 2025 to Question 36360 to the hon. Member for South Holland and the Deepings (The Rt Hon Sir John Hayes MP CBE).

Ministry of Defence: Food (docx, 28.8KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to question 36205, whether the Dreadnought-class submarine programme will use the Trident 2 D5 missile. \p Maria Eagle: Yes. The Dreadnought Class submarines will carry nuclear-armed Trident II D5 ballistic missiles.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 37367 on Armed Forces: Protective Clothing, what categories of items were purchased through the Tactical Hearing Protection System since 2015. \p Maria Eagle: Equipment has been procured through the Tactical Hearing Protection System programme since its introduction in 2015 to the present. This equipment can be described as falling within the category of 'hearing protection'.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has banned the use of DeepSeek. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence takes security very seriously in order to protect its personnel, information, and systems. We do not comment on specific details.

The Government has a robust set of security policies in place to oversee how information is handled, within our buildings, on our IT, and by our staff.

We keep these policies under constant review to ensure they are applicable to new technologies.

The AI Playbook for the UK Government outlines that only corporately assured Generative AI tools should be used to process HMG information. The Mobile Device Management policy mandates that any application downloaded onto Government devices must first be approved by security and technology teams. Everyone who works in Government has a duty of confidentiality and a responsibility to safeguard any Government information or data that they process, access or share, and all Government Departments are required to meet a range of mandatory security standards.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Natalie Fleet:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many defence jobs (a) supported by direct expenditure by his Department and (b) in SMEs in the supply chain there are in Bolsover constituency. \p Maria Eagle: The number of direct and indirect jobs supported by Ministry of Defence (MOD) expenditure with UK industry in 2022-23 by region can be found in the MOD supported employment estimates 2022/23 report on gov.uk.

This shows MOD expenditure with UK industry in the East Midlands supported 5,500 direct jobs. The MOD does not hold the information in the format required to provide a more specific breakdown.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made on the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on the levels of employment of women in the (a) hairdressing and (b) beauty industries. \p James Murray: The Government has taken a number of difficult but necessary decisions on tax, welfare, and spending to fix the public finances and fund public services.

The Government has set out the impacts of the policy changes from Autumn Budget 2024 in the usual way.

The Office for Budget Responsibility’s October 2024 forecast, which considers the impact of all the Budget measures, expects the employment level to increase from 33.1 million in 2024 to 34.3 million in 2029.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Connor Naismith:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department plans to review the overseas scale rates. \p James Murray: As with all taxes and allowances, the Government keeps flat rates expenses, including Overseas Scale Rates, under review. Any decisions on future changes in this area will be taken in the context of the wider public finances.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Alex Ballinger:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of changing the UK VCT rules on the age limit for qualifying companies in line with EU regulations. \p James Murray: The Venture Capital Trust (VCT) Scheme was evaluated in 2022, and these evaluations were published on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-venture-capital-schemes.

The evaluations found that the schemes were well targeted to address the market failure which makes it difficult for early-stage, high-risk companies to secure the investment they need.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 35862 on Beer: Excise Duties, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of variations in (a) beer and (b) other alcohol taxation policy in the (i) UK and (ii) Europe. \p James Murray: A Tax Information and Impact Note was published alongside the changes to alcohol duty announced at Autumn Budget. This is available here: Alcohol Duty uprating - GOV.UK

As with all taxes, the Government keeps alcohol duty rates under review during its Budget process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many businesses in South Holland and the Deepings constituency applied to use the Enterprise Investment Scheme in each of the last ten years. \p James Murray: The information cannot be provided as it could lead to a breach of taxpayer’s confidentiality.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make it her policy to publish an impact assessment on the impact of the increase in class one employer National Insurance contributions on the charity sector within the first six months of the introduction of that change. \p James Murray: A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer National Insurance contributions. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.

The Office for Budget Responsibility also published the Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO), which sets out a detailed forecast of the economy and public finances.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to raise awareness of the Blind Person's Allowance. \p James Murray: Blind Person's Allowance is an extra amount of tax-free allowance that can be added to an individual’s Personal Allowance, for those who are blind or severely sight impaired. Blind Person's Allowance is £3,070 for the tax year 2024-25. If the recipient does not pay tax or have enough taxable income to use their full BPA, the remainder of the allowance can be transferred to a spouse or civil partner.

HMRC promotes the availability of Blind Person's Allowance through supporting and funding key charities, such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People, through dedicated communications partners and the 2024-27 HMRC Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme. This ensures communications are accurate and reach the greatest number of eligible customers.

Information on how to claim Blind Person's Allowance is available on the GOV.UK website and it can be claimed by telephone to HMRC. Blind Person’s Allowance is also signposted on the application form for registering any sight impairments with Local Authorities.

HMRC follows comprehensive government accessibility standards. These include guidance on writing and producing braille developed by the Royal National Institute of Blind People and the Sensory Trust as well as making social media accessible.

HMRC’s ongoing support for Blind Person's Allowance campaigns seeks to raise awareness of the eligibility criteria for the allowance, encourage take-up and educate customers on how to claim.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2025 to Question 26424 on Cars: Credit, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the level of consumer credit debt relating to car purchases for the next five years. \p Emma Reynolds: The government believes it is vital that consumers have access to a thriving motor finance market to enable them to spread the cost of a vehicle in a way that is manageable and affordable.

The government engages with a broad range of stakeholders such as the financial regulators, industry, debt advice charities and consumer groups to monitor trends in consumer debt and understand issues affecting consumers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_196

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department holds information on the dates of future meetings of the Global Sovereign Debt roundtable in 2025. \p Emma Reynolds: The Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) meets at Principals (i.e., Finance Minister or equivalent) level during the IMF-World Bank Spring and Annual meetings, in April and October respectively. Technical and preparatory meetings, including open workshops, take place in the intervening months. As a participant in the GSDR, the UK is invited to all GSDR meetings when they are scheduled, and actively participates in the sessions.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_197
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_197

Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to ensure that funding allocated through the National Wealth Fund provides effective support to different port requirements. \p James Murray: I refer the member to the answer given to UIN 38914 on 20 March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_198
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_198

Ruth Jones:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of differentiating the emissions associated between pre- and post-consumer scrap metal in the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. \p James Murray: As set out in our response to the consultation on the introduction of a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), imported scrap products within the aluminum and iron & steel sectors will not be within scope of the CBAM, upon introduction from 1 January 2027.

The use of scrap, either post-consumer products at the end of their useful life or pre-consumer products such as offcuts with no productive use other than as a feedstock for recycling, has a net benefit on emissions as it reduces the need for additional production. Therefore, the carbon leakage risk posed by such goods is low.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_199
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_199

Mr Paul Kohler:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department plans to make an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a targeted VAT relief to 15% for (a) food, (b) alcohol and (c) tickets for (i) grassroots and (ii) cultural nightlife businesses. \p James Murray: The Government recognises the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for vital public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer.

At Autumn Budget the Chancellor announced a duty cut on approximately 60% of the alcoholic drinks sold in pubs. This represents an overall reduction in duty bills of over £85m a year and is equivalent to a 1p duty reduction on a typical pint.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_200
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_200

Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the level of disguised employment in the (a) hairdressing and (b) beauty industries; and what steps she plans to take with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle disguised employment. \p James Murray: HMRC is committed to ensuring that the tax system operates fairly and efficiently and creates a level playing field for compliant businesses. Most businesses pay what they owe but a minority fail to register with HMRC or only declare a portion of their earnings.

HMRC is committed to tackling false self-employment and will investigate evidence suggesting businesses have misclassified individuals for tax purposes. In these cases, HMRC will take steps to ensure they pay the right Income Tax and National Insurance contributions.

HMRC recognises that some customers can find it hard to understand their tax obligations. HMRC is developing and testing new educational material specific to the hair and beauty sector to explain better the rent-a-chair model making it easy for customers to get things right and reduce mistakes. HMRC is planning for this to be ready for publication on GOV.UK in the spring. HMRC is continuing to work on updates to the Taxable Persons manual and these will be published in due course.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_201
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_201

Mr Louie French:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the Shadow Football Regulator on the regulation of businesses. \p Darren Jones: The Chancellor of the Exchequer has not held any discussions with the Shadow Football Regulator.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_202
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_202

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Prime Minister's Oral Statement of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, columns 631-634, if she will make an estimate of the savings to the public purse by reducing the amount spent on official development assistance as a proportion of gross national income. \p Darren Jones: We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of Europe and must increase our security and defence spending now. To fund this increase, the government has taken the difficult decision to reduce Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the equivalent of 0.3% of GNI by 2027. Future ODA allocations will be decided at Phase 2 of the Spending Review and the ODA savings trajectory will be set out in due course.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_203
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_203

Alex Easton:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of her Department's proposed welfare reforms on the Northern Ireland block grant. \p Darren Jones: For any funding implications of these welfare reforms, the arrangements set out in the Statement of Funding Policy will apply in the usual way.

Where UK Government programmes are in Annually Managed Expenditure (AME), such as welfare, the UK Government provides AME funding to the Northern Ireland Executive. Where the Northern Ireland Executive offers broadly comparable terms, the UK Government funds the costs of the programme.

If the Northern Ireland Executive offers more generous terms, the higher costs must be met by the Northern Ireland Executive.

As set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper published on 18 March, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on the proposals, in line with the general principle of parity in matters of social security between DWP and its counterpart in Northern Ireland, the Department for Communities.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_204
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_204

Monica Harding:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the 0.3% of Gross National Income figure for official development assistance is a (a) target figure or (b) minimum budget spend. \p Darren Jones: We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of Europe. The peace dividend we have enjoyed for the past years is over and we need to raise defence spending to keep the UK safe. In order to remain committed to our fiscal rules, the government has taken the difficult decision to reduce Official Development Assistance (ODA) to fund this defence spending increase.

We will fund ODA spending to the equivalent of 0.3% of GNI by 2027.

The Government remains committed to international development and to returning ODA to 0.7% of GNI when fiscal conditions allow but will adopt a measured approach in the interim. The UK will continue to be a champion for development finance, championing innovation and pushing for reforms of the international financial architecture to support vulnerable countries.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_205
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_205

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential cumulative impact of her Department's (a) economic forecasting and (b) fiscal rules on economic policy. \p Emma Reynolds: The Treasury does not produce economic forecasts. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is the Government’s independent official economic and fiscal forecaster. The Government uses the forecasts and analysis it produces to inform policy decisions. The OBR will publish its next Economic and Fiscal Outlook on 26 March alongside The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spring Statement.

The fiscal rules demonstrate the Government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and help underpin economic stability. The stability and investment rules put the public finances on a sustainable path and prioritise investment to support long term growth.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_206
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_206

Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 14 March to Question 36039 on Foreign Relations: China, on what dates these meetings were held. \p Emma Reynolds: As stated in my Answer of 14 March, UK Officials regularly engage with Chinese counterparts in order to further UK interests, cooperating on areas of mutual interest and challenging on areas where we disagree.

This government is taking a consistent, long-term and pragmatic approach to managing the UK’s relations with China. It is only right that we engage with China where there are clear UK and global interests, including on international stability, climate, health and bolstering our trade relationship.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_207
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_207

Lisa Smart:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December 2024 to Question 20062 on Bank Services: Direct Debits, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that organisations receiving payments via Direct Debit are held accountable when they do not (a) verify that Direct Debit instructions have been properly authorised by the payment account holder and (b) provide advance notice of the (i) amount and (ii) collection date for each Direct Debit payment, except where an alternative arrangement has been explicitly agreed. \p Emma Reynolds: Direct Debits are subject to rules made by Pay.UK, a private sector payment system operator that is regulated by the Bank of England and Payment Systems Regulator.

In order to receive Direct Debit payments, businesses and other organisations must be ‘sponsored’ by a Payment Service Provider (usually their bank or building society). Businesses undergo stringent checks to ensure their identity and that they understand their responsibilities and obligations when using the Direct Debit scheme. If a business does not comply with the rules Pay.UK has a range of sanctions available, including removing the business from the service altogether if necessary.

In the case of any incorrect or fraudulent payments, the account holder is entitled to an immediate refund of any unauthorised amounts collected from their account provider under the Direct Debit Guarantee scheme. Further information about Direct Debits is available at: www.directdebit.co.uk.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_208
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_208

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the National Violence Disorder Programme became operational. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The National Violent Disorder Programme consisted of the police’s activation of the National Mobilisation Plan on 1st August; the Government commitment that the Police Special Grant would be used to support forces with the additional costs incurred in policing the disorder; and the criminal justice system moving at pace to bring swift justice to offenders.

We are committed to working with the police to ensure that the future of the Programme is suitably designed to tackle policing challenges of the future.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_209
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_209

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what data on the performance of firearms licensing departments her Department has received in each of the last three years. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The issuing of firearms certificates and the efficiency of police forces is a matter for individual Chief Officers of Police and they are held to account by Police and Crime Commissioners.

However, the performance of forces is actively being monitored by the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for firearms licensing, Deputy Chief Constable David Gardner, and he is developing a new performance framework for firearms licensing teams, which it is intended will be published soon, to provide greater transparency on application turnaround times.
wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_210
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-24 conversation_210

Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the number of contacts that UK Fire and Rescue Services have had with (a) people experiencing suicidal ideation and (b) where a suicide is in progress; and if she will publish this data by each UK Fire and Rescue Service. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The Home Office collects data on incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) through the Incident Recording System (IRS), with this including non-fire incidents such as suicide / attempts. This data is published available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-statistics.

The latest available data on the number of suicide / attempts incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services in England is published in FIRE0901: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6787b920868b2b1923b64653/fire-statistics-data-tables-fire0901-230125.xlsx

The table below provides the number of suicide/attempts incidents in England between the years ending March 2011 and March 2024.

Year ending March

Number of suicide/attempts incidents

2011

1,172

2012

1,169

2013

1,071

2014

1,112

2015

1,101

2016

1,301

2017

1,493

2018

1,625

2019

1,915

2020

2,041

2021

2,096

2022

2,582

2023

2,829

2024

3,113

The data in this table are consistent with records that reached the IRS by 26 November 2024, and was published on 23 January 2025.