theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_209
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_209

Mr Luke Charters:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to improve access to education, health and care plans for children with cerebral palsy in education settings. \p Catherine McKinnell: This government is committed to strengthening the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system for all children and young people, including those with cerebral palsy, to ensure they receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.

For too long the education system has not met the needs of all children, particularly children and young people with SEND, with parents struggling to get their children the support they need and deserve, particularly through long and difficult education, health and care (EHC) plan processes.

The department is aware that local authorities have experienced increased demand for EHC plans and the subsequent demands on workforce capacity. This government wants to ensure that EHC needs assessments are progressed promptly and plans are issued quickly in order to provide children and young people with the support they need to help them achieve positive outcomes.

Where there are concerns about a local authority’s capacity to make the required improvements, the department helps the local authority to identify the barriers and put in place an effective recovery plan.

The department is providing almost £1 billion more for high needs budgets in the 2025/26 financial year, bringing total high needs funding to £11.9 billion. This funding will help local authorities and schools with the increasing costs of supporting children and young people with complex SEND. The department has also announced £740 million of high needs capital funding for the 2025/26 financial year to invest in places for children and young people with SEND or who require alternative provision.

The department is working closely with experts on reform, recently appointing a strategic advisor for SEND, who will play a key role in convening and engaging with the sector, including leaders, practitioners, children and families as we consider next steps.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_210
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_210

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to increase funding for rural schools. \p Catherine McKinnell: Through the dedicated schools grant, the department is increasing funding for mainstream schools to £48.7 billion in 2025/26. This is an increase of 2.15% per pupil in 2025/26, compared to 2024/25.

The schools national funding formula (NFF) distributes funding for mainstream schools based on schools’ and pupils’ needs and characteristics. The NFF recognises that some schools are necessarily small because they are remote and do not have the same opportunities to grow or make efficiency savings as other schools and that such schools often play a significant role in the rural communities they serve. As such, small and remote schools can attract additional funding through the sparsity factor. In 2025/26, the department is allocating £100 million in respect of small and rural schools through the sparsity factor.

The department will take the time needed to consider changes to various funding formulae going forward, ensuring that we get any changes right, and recognising the importance of establishing a fair funding system that directs funding to where it is needed.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_211
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_211

Mr Luke Charters:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the different ways in which local authorities allocate funding for education, health and care plans. \p Catherine McKinnell: This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.

Following the Autumn Budget 2024, the department is providing an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year, bringing total high needs funding for children and young people with complex SEND to £11.9 billion. Of that total the City of York Council is being allocated over £30 million through the high needs funding block of the dedicated schools grant (DSG), an increase of £1.7 million on this year’s DSG high needs block.

Local authorities are responsible for allocating funding from their high needs budget to schools and colleges to secure suitable provision as specified in an education, health and care plan. The department is keeping the high needs funding arrangements under review as we progress wider SEND reforms, including those that will support mainstream inclusion.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_212
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_212

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to support councils (a) in West Dorset and (b) nationally to increase local special school places to reduce reliance on out-of-county placements for children with Education, Health and Care Plans. \p Catherine McKinnell: The department knows that many children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) struggle to find a suitable school placement that is close to their home and meets their needs. This government is committed to addressing this by improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to children and young people with the most complex needs.

The department wants more children and young people to receive the support they need to thrive in their local mainstream school, reducing the need for pupils to travel a long way to access a specialist placement. Many mainstream settings are already going above and beyond to deliver specialist provision locally, including through resourced provision and special educational needs units.

The department is committed to ensuring special schools play a vital role in supporting those pupils with the most complex needs. The Children and Families Act 2014 requires local authorities to ensure there are sufficient school places for all pupils, including those with SEND. If a local authority identifies a shortage of special school places, resulting in a significant number of pupils needing to travel a long way to access a placement, they could consider creating or expanding provision.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced £740 million for high needs capital in 2025/26 to support children and young people with SEND or who require alternative provision. This new funding can be used to adapt classrooms to be more accessible for children with SEND, create specialist facilities within mainstream schools that can deliver more intensive support adapted to suit the pupils’ needs, alongside continuing to provide places to support pupils in special schools with the most complex needs.

Departmental officials work closely with Dorset Council to strategically oversee SEND place planning and to see what support we can provide to ensure there are sufficient high-quality SEND places in the system. We will confirm local authority allocations to West Dorset for high needs capital funding in the spring.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_213
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_213

Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what additional checks have been put in place at UK border ports for animals, animal products and vehicles coming from (a) the area affected by Foot and Mouth disease and (b) Germany. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government has stepped up measures to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), following a case being confirmed in Germany.

The import of cattle, pigs and sheep and their untreated products from Germany to GB have now been banned to protect farmers and their livelihoods.

GB health certificates will no longer be issued for animals susceptible to FMD including all live animals and fresh meat and relevant animal products.

Defra has issued instructions to officials at Border Control Posts in respect of import restrictions put in place following confirmation of foot and mouth disease in Germany.

These are available at APHA Vet Gateway - OVS Notes. All commodities that are impacted are being selected for checks at the border.

We will continue to keep the situation under review working closely with the German authorities.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_214
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_214

Dr Danny Chambers:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessments his Department has made of the (a) functionality and (b) operational effectiveness of the Border Target Operating Model. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra continues to monitor and review the impact of the Border Target Operating Model. We are working closely with industry, trade partners and enforcement agencies to minimise disruption and costs to trade, while continuing to protect our biosecurity.

The effectiveness of the import controls was demonstrated throughout September and October 2024 by the interception at Sevington of consignments of plants infested with Pochazia Shantungensis, a fruit tree pest native to China but now present in mainland Europe. The consignments were destroyed, preventing the potential for a damaging outbreak for UK fruit growers.

In January 2025, following a confirmed case of Foort and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany, Defra has issued instructions to officials at Border Control Posts, ensuring all impacted commodities are selected for checks at the border. Such measures prevent significant economic losses due to production losses in the affected animals such as reduced milk yields as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and milk for affected countries.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_215
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_215

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether there were any financial implications to the Exchequer of the sale of the White Cliffs Business Park that hosts the Bastion Point Inland Border Facility site on 4 September 2024. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra considers this to be commercially sensitive information and therefore may not be released.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_216
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_216

Steff Aquarone:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will introduce a re-insurance scheme for properties at risk due to coastal erosion. \p Emma Hardy: The £36 million coastal transition accelerator programme is supporting communities and businesses at risk of coastal erosion to transition and adapt to a changing coast.

This includes working with the finance and property sectors to explore innovative finance or funding mechanisms to help move communities away from rapidly eroding areas, for instance schemes to incentivise the relocation of at-risk infrastructure for businesses and homeowners.

The Environment Agency administers the Coastal Erosion Assistance Grant on behalf of Defra. The grant provides £6,000 per property to assist local authorities with the demolition and removal costs associated with homes at imminent risk from coastal erosion.

There are currently no plans to extend the scope of the Flood Re scheme, however Defra regularly reviews all policies, including eligibility for Flood Re.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_217
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_217

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to bring forward legislation on sustainable drainage systems. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is strongly committed to requiring standardised Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new developments. These should be to designs that cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits, reduce run off and help to improve water quality, amenity and biodiversity. It is also important to ensure appropriate adoption and maintenance arrangements are in place.

We believe that these outcomes can be achieved through either improving the current planning led approach using powers now available or commencing Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. A final decision on the way forward will be made in the coming months.

We have made some immediate changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to support increasing SuDS. The NPPF now requires all development to utilize SuDS where they could have drainage impacts. These systems should be appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposed development.

We will review the planning system holistically and consider whether further changes are required to address SuDS when we consult on further planning reform, including national policy related to decision making, in 2025.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_218
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_218

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support is available from his Department to set up a new Internal Drainage Board for the Fylde coast. \p Emma Hardy: Internal Drainage Boards (IDB) are local independent statutory public bodies, mainly funded by the beneficiaries of their work; this includes farmers who pay drainage rates and local authorities that pay special levies. Determining where new IDBs should be created is a matter of local choice, and the Government will only consider proposals where there is clear local support, including from local authorities and farmers.

Defra is addressing the current barrier to establishing new IDBs and expanding existing ones. Changes were made to the Land Drainage Act 1991, via the Environment Act 2021, enabling new IDBs to be created and existing IDBs to expand their boundaries. Defra will bring forward the necessary statutory instrument when Parliamentary time allows.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_219
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_219

Tracy Gilbert:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to make an announcement on the establishment of the Marine Recovery Fund; and whether he plans to include sufficient approved measures on ornithological impacts to deliver the projects required to meet (a) the Government’s Clean Power 2030 Plan and (b) offshore wind targets beyond 2030. \p Emma Hardy: As announced in the Clean Power Action Plan, we will establish an industry‑funded Marine Recovery Fund into which applicants can pay to discharge their compensation obligations, underpinned by a library of approved strategic compensation measures. This will be launched in late 2025. A consultation on the Marine Recovery Fund will be published this Spring.

The library of approved compensation measures for offshore wind projects in England is being developed by Defra in collaboration with stakeholders through the Collaboration in Offshore Wind Strategic Compensation programme (COWSC). COWSC brings together Government representatives, Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (SNCBs), environmental NGOs, offshore wind industry representatives, and Devolved Governments to work together in partnership. The focus of the programme is to propose sufficient measures to meet the Government’s offshore wind ambitions.

DESNZ estimates that delivery of strategic compensation through the Marine Recovery Fund will remove environmental barriers to up to 16GW of offshore wind.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_220
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_220

Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with emergency services providers on the provision of services during (a) storm and (b) flooding incidents. \p Emma Hardy: Defra regularly engages with other government departments and operational partners during flooding incidents, and storms with flooding impacts. This includes the Home Office, the Department for Health and Social Care, and National Resilience.

The National Police Coordination Centre and National Fire Chiefs Council are members of the Floods Resilience Taskforce and contribute to discussions on flood resilience, preparedness and response.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_221
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_221

Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the Flood Re Scheme is accessible for people impacted by flooding. \p Emma Hardy: Flood Re is a joint Government and industry flood reinsurance scheme established specifically to help UK households at high risk of flooding to access affordable insurance through their insurance provider.

Many household insurers also now offer Build Back Better (BBB). This can provide an additional up to £10,000 as part of a claim to enable installation of property level resilient measures, which can help properties be more resilient to future flooding. We advise that homeowner ask their insurance provider whether this is included in the policy they are considering.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_222
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_222

Dr Ben Spencer:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2025 to Question 24940 on Bridges: Runnymede and Weybridge, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the response of the Environment Agency to public safety concerns. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) prioritises public safety across all of the activities it carries out and also the assets it is responsible for.

The towpath bridges that are currently closed will remain closed until the recommended refurbishment works have been completed.

The EA are aware that the safeguarding measures at Bridge 142 have been repeatedly vandalised and EA staff have regrettably experienced hostility. They are, however, regularly checking the bridge’s signage and security fencing when it is safe to do so and have commissioned a more robust security measure that will be more resilient to vandalism.

The EA is doing everything it can to address public safety across its assets.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_223
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_223

Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to publish the National Land Use Strategy. \p Mary Creagh: The Government plans to publish a 12-week consultation on land use shortly. The consultation will inform the publication of a Land Use Framework, planned for later in the year.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_224
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_224

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much was spent on products of animal origin spot checks at the (a) Port of Dover, (b) Port of Felixstowe, (c) Port of Liverpool, (d) Port of London, (e) Port of Grimsby and Immingham, (f) Port of Southampton, (g) Port of Tees and Hartlepool, (h) Port of the Forth and (i) Port of Belfast in each of the last five financial years. \p Daniel Zeichner: Our checks are intelligence-led and based on biosecurity risk. To protect the integrity of this approach, we cannot share granular data on inspections
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_225
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_225

Tracy Gilbert:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of giving Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies a statutory duty to consider (a) net zero and (b) the delivery of the Clean Power Mission when providing advice on applications for renewable energy infrastructure projects to (i) developers and (ii) competent authorities. \p Mary Creagh: Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (SNCBs) under Defra’s purview include Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). Remits differ with Natural England advising developers and competent authorities on environmental assessments and certain planning applications related to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and best and most versatile agricultural land; and JNCC focusing on nature conservation in the marine environment.

These statutory remits ensure development, including renewable energy infrastructure projects, contribute to net zero and clean power goals, and enable development to progress with a full understanding of impacts. Furthermore, Natural England’s aims, as set out in their Strategy, are in support of the 25 Year Environment Plan and government’s net zero commitments, and they have a priority action for 24/25 to help align Local Nature Recovery Strategies with other local spatial plans including net zero.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_226
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_226

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many products of animal origin spot checks were undertaken at the (a) Port of Dover, (b) Port of Felixstowe, (c) Port of Liverpool, (d) Port of London, (e) Port of Grimsby and Immingham, (f) Port of Southampton, (g) Port of Tees and Hartlepool, (h) Port of the Forth and (i) Port of Belfast in each of the last five financial years. \p Daniel Zeichner: Our checks are intelligence-led and based on biosecurity risk. To protect the integrity of this approach, we cannot share granular data on inspections.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_227
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_227

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many tonnes of (a) dangerous and (b) illegal meat were intercepted at the (i) Port of Dover, (ii) Port of Felixstowe, (iii) Port of Liverpool, (iv) Port of London, (v) Port of Grimsby and Immingham, (vi) Port of Southampton, (vii) Port of Tees and Hartlepool, (viii) Port of the Forth and (ix) Port of Belfast in each of the last five financial years. \p Daniel Zeichner: Please see the table below for total seizures of illegal meat, for full year on year. We are unable to provide further levels of detail as we do not release details of the location of seizure; this information could risk undermining border security, by providing intelligence in our resource deployment and targeting.

Total seizures for full year on year since 2022 are as follows:

2022 (Sept-Dec)

3745kg

2023

44,482kg

2024

92,270kg

2025*

5,593kg

*2025 runs from 3 to 10 January 2025
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_228
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_228

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of vehicles entering the Port of Dover being under no obligation to attend Sevington Border Control Point if asked to do so on biosecurity. \p Daniel Zeichner: Consignments called in to Sevington Border Control Post (BCP) for an inspection will have completed the necessary customs declarations and pre-notifications. These goods will not be legally cleared for sale or use within the UK until they have checked and been cleared by the BCP. If the importer fails to attend, the Port Health staff will commence the necessary action.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_229
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_229

Charlie Maynard:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what meetings (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had with representatives of Ofwat since July 2024. \p Emma Hardy: Details of ministerial meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Data for the period of July to September 2024 will be published in due course.

Officials meet a variety of external stakeholders, including representatives of water and sewerage companies, and regulators; however, we do not hold this information centrally and obtaining it would be disproportionate.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_230
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_230

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to (a) improve the (i) communication and (ii) public awareness of flooding risks and (b) integrate the risk know-how framework into its (A) flood preparedness and (B) response strategies. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) has responsibilities to assess the risk of emergencies such as flooding. This includes putting in place emergency plans and preparations for the management of flooding, alongside arrangements to warn, inform and advise during an emergency.

In December 2024, the EA published a ‘National assessment of flood and coastal erosion risk in England 2024’ report. On 28 January 2025 the data will be available on Check your long term flood risk, Check coastal erosion risk for an area in England, Shoreline Management Plan Explorer and data.gov.uk

The EA provides the Check for flooding service, giving information on flood alerts and warnings as well as a 5-day forecast. Its flood warning system directly alerts 1.6 million properties in England who are registered to receive flood warnings.

The EA provides advice on what can be done to reduce the impacts of a flood, including preparing personal flood plans, adapting a home or business and getting insurance.

The EA does not currently use the “risk know-how framework” within the preparedness and response strategies to flooding. The EA uses the UK Government recommended model of “Integrated Emergency Management” (IEM) and has an internal incident management cycle which includes a comprehensive incident management framework.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_231
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_231

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to introduce new fisheries management measures in England’s Marine Protected Areas on (a) bottom trawling and (b) dredging. \p Emma Hardy: It is essential to manage all forms of damaging fishing activity, including bottom trawling and dredging, in our Marine Protected Areas appropriately due to the significant damage it can have on protected seabed habitats. The department is considering next steps in the context of our domestic and international nature conservation obligations and how we support the fishing sector.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_232
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_232

Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the effectiveness of (a) Smoke Control Areas and (b) Ecodesign regulations, in the context of the impact of domestic log burners on air quality. \p Emma Hardy: Since the introduction of Smoke Control Areas in 1956 emissions from domestic combustion have reduced significantly. However, domestic combustion is a major source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in the UK, and wood stove ownership is increasing.

Whilst we are not required to carry out an assessment of the effectiveness of Smoke Control Areas or Ecodesign regulation we have commissioned reports in both areas.

Kantar prepared a report on Burning in UK Homes and Gardens for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 2020. This report included an analysis of burning in Smoke Control Areas, and can be found at Report: Burning in UK homes and gardens (plus a number of annexes) - Defra, UK

Ricardo prepared reports on Emission Factors for Domestic Solid Fuels Project which for Defra in 2024. These include details of emission factors using Ecodesign-compliant stoves compared to other types of stoves. These can be found at WP1 - Report: Emission Factors for Domestic Solid Fuels Project - Work Package 1 Report - Defra, UK and Ricardo report template The final report in this series is due to be published shortly on Air Quality Library - Defra, UK.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_233
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_233

Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the classifications of waste to help ensure that critical minerals in (a) used batteries and (b) other e-waste are used as (i) feedstock for connected and automated mobility research and development and (ii) other (A) recycling and (B) circular economy projects. \p Mary Creagh: We will consider the evidence for action right across the economy and evaluate what further interventions may be needed in the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) sector as we develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_234
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_234

Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding he has allocated to flood resilience in South Cotswolds constituency. \p Emma Hardy: £2.4 billion will be invested in 2024/25 and 2025/26 to improve flood resilience by maintaining, repairing and building flood defences. The list of projects to receive government funding in 2025/26 will be agreed in the usual way through Regional Flood and Coastal Committees with local representation.

The Environment Agency is continuing to work across the South Cotswolds constituency to support communities at flood risk, particularly those who have recently flooded. This includes communities such as Dauntsey where the Environment Agency is continuing to provide flood resilience advice to better prepare people for the risk of flooding.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_235
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_235

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published. \p Daniel Zeichner: This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament. As the House would expect, the Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer. Public reviews will be available on Gov.uk as they are published.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_236
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_236

Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will provide funding to (a) improve water quality in the river Tone in Somerset and (b) reduce pollution discharges (i) upstream of French Weir Bathing Water and (ii) downstream at Hook Bridge. \p Emma Hardy: For too long, water companies have discharged unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas. This Government is committed to holding water companies to account to protect the environment.

Ofwat published their final determinations for Price Review 2024 on 19 December, which sets company expenditure and customer bills for 2025-2030. This will deliver substantial, lasting improvements for customers and the environment through a £104bn delivery plan for the water sector, including around £12bn to reduce spills from storm overflows.

Under these plans, Wessex Water will investigate and invest to improve water company assets along the River Tone, including those discharging to the French Weir designated bathing water, which will also benefit Hook Bridge. They committed to ensuring their spills will have no adverse ecological impact by 2050 through the Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan, with the most sensitive sites prioritised for early action.

The Water (Special Measures) Bill will also drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_237
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_237

Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the readiness of the supply chain to implement a deposit return scheme; and if he will engage with the wine and spirits industry on steps to implement such a scheme. \p Mary Creagh: The UK Government is fully committed to a Deposit Return Scheme and will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland to launch the scheme across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2027.

The Department has been working closely with industry, including the wines and spirits sector, during the development of DRS policy and legislation. Officials have engaged with the Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) and the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) who have been acting as Industry Champions of the DRS Small Producers sub-group, working alongside the UK and devolved governments.

In England and Northern Ireland, glass will not be in scope of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers. Scottish Government have also agreed to exclude glass from the DRS to progress the delivery of the schemes. This means most wine and spirit drinks containers will not be included in the scheme, only those supplied in PET plastic, aluminium and steel containers will be in scope of the scheme.

We aim to appoint the industry-led scheme administrator, the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO), in April 2025. The DMO will work with industry and support them to implement DRS in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_238
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_238

Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the vote in the Israeli Knesset on annexation of the Jordan Valley on 22 January 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government's view is that Israel's presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is governed by the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, to which Israel is a state party. The Government is also clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and harm prospects for a two-state solution. We stand opposed to expansion, to settler violence, and to any talk of annexation, which would breach international UN resolutions that successive UK Governments have supported. Annexation only undermines the prospects for peace, would lead to greater instability and would be illegal under international law.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_239
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_239

Mr Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress his Department has made on re-opening the British embassy in Damascus. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are actively engaging with the new interim authorities in Syria, including via visits to Damascus, to press for progress towards an inclusive political process, which leads to a stable Syria. We are keeping the re-establishment of a permanent presence in Damascus under review.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_240
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_240

Mr Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress his Department has made on dismantling sanctions in support of the new regime in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As the Foreign Secretary stated in Parliament on 14 January, we are currently reviewing our Syria sanctions.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_241
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_241

Shockat Adam:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the (a) protection and (b) fair treatment of UK citizens who visit Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites in Jerusalem. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Supporting British nationals travelling and living overseas who request consular assistance is a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). However, the personal safety of British Nationals overseas does not fall within the jurisdiction of the FCDO, as this is the responsibility of the individual and local authorities. We provide information and guidance in our Travel Advice on the issues most likely to be of relevance to British nationals visiting or living in each country/territory for them to consider such as entry requirements, the security situation and local laws & customs.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_242
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_242

Mr Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support he is providing to medical facilities in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Since the fall of Assad, the UK has announced a further £61 million in humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable Syrians inside and across the region. This will support the delivery of essential services, including healthcare activities.

Overall in 2024, the UK provided over £30 million to support healthcare activities in Syria through UNICEF, UNFPA, Humanitarian Pooled Funds and a dedicated UK-funded health partner. UK funding has helped over 2.3 million people access primary healthcare, supported improvements to medical facilities, and provided a range of specialist mental health and Gender-based violence (GBV) support to the most vulnerable people across Syria. The UK has directly supported 79 health facilities, including 17 hospitals, 21 primary healthcare centres, 16 mental health, protection and specialised services centres, and 25 mobile medical units that can travel to remote areas to provide essential healthcare.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_243
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_243

Mary Glindon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Iraqi counterpart on the case of Elizabeth Tsurkov. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK remains concerned over the kidnapping of Israeli-Russian dual national Elizabeth Tsurkov. The Government of Iraq's investigation into her kidnapping is ongoing. Those suspected of criminal responsibility of her kidnapping should be brought to justice in fair trials. The Government has not had any discussion with the Government of Iraq regarding the kidnapping.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_244
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_244

Mary Glindon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has held discussions with his (a) Egyptian and (b) Israeli counterparts about the expedition of exit permits for Gazans seeking urgent medical evacuations. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We engage routinely on the importance of addressing health needs within Gaza. An immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with many in need of urgent medical assistance. Israel should ensure that there is a sustained passage for patients who need treatment not available in Gaza, by reopening routes and increasing the approval rate for medical evacuations.

We have announced £1 million for the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, delivered through the World Health Organization Egypt, to support medically evacuated Palestinians from Gaza. The UK is also supporting the provision of essential healthcare to civilians in Gaza, including support to UK-MED for operating their field hospitals.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_245
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_245

Preet Kaur Gill:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to the authorities in Afghanistan on the treatment of women and girls in that country. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We repeatedly condemn the Taliban's draconian restrictions on women and girls' rights, both bilaterally and internationally. The UK Mission to Afghanistan in Doha continues to press Taliban acting ministers and Afghan officials on their grotesque human rights abuses. UK officials most recently visited Kabul in January 2025 to raise human rights issues with senior members of the Taliban, including their policies which limit women and girls' freedoms.

While in New York in January I publicly demonstrated my support for Afghan women and girls at the UN, ahead of the International Day of Education on 24 January.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_246
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_246

Preet Kaur Gill:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure the long-term stability of (a) NGOs and (b) aid agencies that (i) provide humanitarian support and (ii) have other operations in Afghanistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is a strong supporter of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and aid agencies in Afghanistan. We are planning £161 million in aid to Afghanistan this financial year (2024-25), much of which supports NGOs to deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid for women, girls and other marginalised people. UK officials regularly lobby the Taliban on the vital role of NGOs and risk of further restrictions on their activities. The UK underlined the importance of the humanitarian response in a G7+ senior officials' joint statement on 20 December, and in a statement by UN Security Council members on 27 December.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_247
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_247

Mary Glindon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help secure the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK remains concerned over the kidnapping of Israeli-Russian dual national Elizabeth Tsurkov. The Government of Iraq's investigation into her kidnapping is ongoing, and we await the findings. Those suspected of criminal responsibility of her kidnapping should be brought to justice in fair trials. The Government has not had any discussion with the Government of Iraq regarding the kidnapping.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_248
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_248

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) he and (b) the Minister of State (Europe, North America and Overseas Territories) has met the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark since taking office. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Secretary and I have met the Danish Ambassador through our engagements with the European diplomatic community in London.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_249
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_249

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Spanish counterpart. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Secretary last met with his Spanish counterpart Foreign Minister José-Manuel Albares in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Luxembourg in October 2024 and was in touch with Mr Albares to express the UK's condolences and offer our support after the heavy flooding in Valencia later in October. I visited Madrid on 17th January 2025 where I had discussions with Foreign Minister Albares and my Spanish counterpart, Minister for Europe Fernando Sampedro.
wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_250
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-30 conversation_250

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and Mauritius joint statement, 3 October 2024, published on 3 October 2024, from whom will the United States lease the Diego Garcia military base; and over what period of time will the new lease cover. \p Stephen Doughty: With respect to Diego Garcia, there is no lease. US presence and operations in the British Indian Ocean Territory are governed by a series of international agreements, beginning with a 1966 Exchange of Notes between the US and UK, which set out that the whole Territory should be made available for UK and US defence purposes. Under the proposed Treaty between the UK and Mauritius, the UK will exercise all rights and authorities which the UK requires for the long-term, secure and effective operation of the military base. The agreement will have a duration of 99 years from entry into force, extendable with the agreement of both parties.