theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking through the water reform white paper to consider potential options for increasing access rights for (a) swimming and (b) non-motorised craft. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is considering the approach to improving access to nature, including for recreational water users. We will respond to the recommendations published in the final report of the Independent Water Commission through a White Paper and will bring forward root and branch reform to secure better outcomes for the environment and restore trust and accountability. The Government’s full response to the Commission’s recommendations will be published through the White Paper.

The Government has already responded to a number of Sir Jon’s recommendations, as set out in the statement made by the previous Secretary of State on 21 July.  This set out the Government’s intention to establish a single regulator for water, to include a regional element within the new regulator, to establish a new statutory water ombudsman, to end operator self-monitoring and transition to Open Monitoring, and to issue an interim Strategic Policy Statement to Ofwat and give Ministerial directions to the Environment Agency, setting out our expectations and requirements.
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Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of method of production labelling on (a) the economy and (b) farm incomes. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Manchester Rusholme, Afzal Khan, on 20 October 2025, PQ UIN 78472.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her Department will carry out a risk assessment on the impact of the Environment Agency ceasing maintenance of the River Perry. \p Emma Hardy: On the River Perry, the EA has not ceased maintenance activities. The EA continues to carry out critical maintenance work, focussing on significant obstructions, like fallen trees blocking the river channel.

The EA’s maintenance approach on the River Perry is to focus on specific communities at risk of flooding as this is found to offer the greatest benefit in reducing flood risk.

The primary responsibility for river maintenance rests with individual landowners. The Environment Agency (EA) prioritises its public funded maintenance activities on main rivers, focussing efforts where they have the greatest benefit.
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Mr Connor Rand:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the extended producer responsibility regulations on the costs of (a) reporting, (b) compliance and (c) other matters for (i) smaller and (ii) all breweries using (A) bottles and (B) cans. \p Mary Creagh: A full impact assessment of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 is available. Impact on wider producers is covered in Section 8 of that impact assessment. Around 70% of producers, including many smaller breweries, are exempt from paying Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees due to thresholds of £2 million turnover and 50 tonnes of packaging. Businesses with turnover over £1 million and placing more than 25 tonnes of packaging must still collect and report packaging data. Where larger producers supply empty packaging to exempt smaller breweries, the larger producer is responsible for the associated fees.

Final fees for glass bottles were set at £192 per tonne in June 2025, down from the earlier illustrative rate of £240. Aluminium and steel cans are charged at different rates depending on material type. Fees are calculated per tonne and reflect local authority waste management costs, apportioned by weight and volume. From 2026–2027, fees will be modulated based on recyclability, with less recyclable packaging incurring higher charges, assessed using the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).
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Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of (a) remaining in and (b) leaving the Aarhus Convention. \p Mary Creagh: The Government remains committed to the effective implementation of its international obligations and to the three pillars of the Aarhus Convention of access to environmental information, participation in environmental decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters.

We remain committed to working with the Convention's mechanisms to ensure it functions effectively and upholds these principles.
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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department plans to take to ensure that farmers in Buckinghamshire can transition smoothly from Countryside Stewardship to the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme. \p Dame Angela Eagle: On the 15 October 2025 we announced a one-year extension to more than 5,000 farmers with Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier agreements expiring on 31 December this year.

This targeted, time-limited extension is being offered whilst we develop the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive for 2026, refresh the Environmental Improvement Plan and administer the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier.

We will publish the 2026 information on the Sustainable Farming Incentive in due course.
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Clive Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps to publish a list of live legal cases the Government is taking against water companies. \p Emma Hardy: At the conclusion of an investigation into a water company the Environment Agency (EA) will ordinarily be able to disclose the fact of the live prosecution from the point the information has been laid and summons granted. This is subject to any reporting restrictions imposed by the Court.

Information about formal cautions and prosecutions carried out by the EA can be found here.

For any ongoing criminal investigations into water companies, the EA may be constrained in what it can say in order to ensure that they do not prejudice the ongoing investigations, or any criminal proceedings that may follow. Each investigation would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Details about all open enforcement and customer disputes cases with Ofwat are available on the Ofwat website.
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that nature recovery projects support (a) biodiversity and (b) community wellbeing in Essex. \p Mary Creagh: Essex is particularly rich in nature, from ancient woodland to nature-rich farmland to wild coastal marshes. Seven National Nature Reserves and numerous designated sites provide statutory protection that underpins rich biodiversity.

Essex County Council, as one of 48 Responsible Authorities supported by Natural England, was one of the first areas to publish its Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) earlier this year. The Essex LNRS sets out local priorities for nature's recovery and identifies where action could best be taken to achieve those priorities. It aims to target investment to restoring and connecting habitats, and integrate nature into planning. It will guide coordinated action not just for nature, but for flood resilience, climate adaptation and urban greenspace to build better places for people.

The Essex coast is internationally important for birdlife, rare plants, insects and marine wildlife. The vast majority of this long coast is protected for its special value for nature under a range of different statutory designations.

In the Blackwater estuary a Natural Flood Management Project delivered by Harwich Haven, Essex Wildlife Trust and the RSPB is using dredged material as bunds to protect homes from coastal erosion while providing new habitat for birds.

Transforming the Thames is a partnership of industry, government, nature groups and landowners, working to restore the fragmented and damaged wildlife habitats of the wider Thames Estuary.

The City of Southend-on-Sea along with regional partners, is working with local communities across Thurrock to develop Nature Based Solutions to drought, flooding and coastal erosion: Catchment to Coast.

This is just a small selection of initiatives which are strengthening Essex’s natural environment while creating healthier, and more resilient communities.
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Adrian Ramsay:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when her department intends to respond to the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee's report to the Eighth Meeting of the Parties to the Aarhus Convention on Decision VII/8s, published on 3 October 2025. \p Mary Creagh: The United Kingdom Government recognises the important role played by the Compliance Committee in making recommendations to promote compliance with the Aarhus Convention. The UK is considering the Committee's recommendations in the run up to the Aarhus Convention Meeting of the Parties in November.
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Graham Stuart:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the gas transmission network’s potential ability to meet rising electricity demand from AI and data centres if it does not receive adequate funding under Ofgem’s RIIO-GT3 price control. \p Michael Shanks: Ofgem, as the independent regulator, are responsible for agreeing the funding and investment allowances for the gas transmission network and gas distribution network. Final decisions regarding the next price control period (RIIO3 – which covers April 2026 - April 2031) will be confirmed by Ofgem before the end of the year.

Through this process, Ofgem has a statutory responsibility to attract investment and maintain security of supply while incentivising efficiency and protecting consumers from excessive costs.

Ofgem advised in their draft determinations for RIIO-3 that funding for projects supporting rising electricity demand, including those driven by AI and data centres, will be considered where appropriate evidence is submitted, and will be confirmed in their final determinations.
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Graham Stuart:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential risk to the UK’s security of energy supply if the gas transmission network does not receive adequate funding under Ofgem’s RIIO-GT3 price control. \p Michael Shanks: Ofgem, as the independent regulator, are responsible for agreeing the funding and investment allowances for the gas transmission network and gas distribution network. Final decisions regarding the next price control period (RIIO3 – which covers April 2026 - April 2031) will be confirmed by Ofgem before the end of the year.

Through this process, Ofgem has a statutory responsibility to attract investment and maintain security of supply while incentivising efficiency and protecting consumers from excessive costs.

The Department will continue engaging with Ofgem to ensure RIIO-3 delivers the investment needed to maintain energy security through this period. DESNZ launched an Energy Security and Resilience Taskforce with CEOs of critical operators, with Ofgem in attendance, as a key forum to discuss risks and standards.
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Graham Stuart:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for the gas transmission network’s cyber security capabilities if it does not receive adequate funding under Ofgem’s RIIO-GT3 price control. \p Michael Shanks: Funding for National Gas Transmission is set by Ofgem’s RIIO (Revenue = Incentives + Innovation + Outputs) framework for each five-year regulatory period. Both the current RIIO-2 framework (covering the 2021-2026 regulatory period) and the draft RIIO-3 framework (which will cover 2026-2030) include a Cyber Resilience UIOLI (‘Use it or lose it’) allowance, providing flexible funding capped at up to 20% of total expenditure for network companies to improve cyber resilience.

While arrangements for RIIO-3 are still being finalised, the framework is expected to include a re-opener enabling National Gas Transmission to request changes to cyber resilience funding during the 2026-2030 price control period.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will hold discussions with businesses planning to invest in the UK under the Technology Prosperity Deal on making investments in renewable energy. \p Michael Shanks: Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much and what proportion of the average energy bill for households not in receipt of the Warm Homes Discount was allocated to support the Warm Homes Discount in the latest period for which data is available. \p Martin McCluskey: The UK Government has statutory duties to address and reduce fuel poverty and is committed to helping the poorest in our society. The expanded Warm Home Discount will support around 6m households this winter, offering essential support through the winter for those in or at risk of fuel poverty.

The scheme’s expansion to 2.7 million additional households will be cost neutral, with costs offset through Ofgem’s work to reduce energy debt.
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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent progress his Department has made on preparing for COP30. \p Katie White: Net Zero is the economic opportunity of the 21st Century – one that has the potential to reignite our industrial heartlands, create good jobs for the future, and lower bills in the long term

We’re restoring the UK as a global leader on climate action and green growth, and you can expect to see the PM driving forward that agenda at COP30.  As he did last year at COP29, the Secretary of State will be leading the UK delegation in Brazil supported by myself and other Ministers. We will work with others to support multilateralism and push for maximal ambition.
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Sir Christopher Chope:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer on 27 October 2025 to Question 84141 on All-party Parliamentary Group for Energy Studies, how many invitations he received for speaking events in (a) August, (b) September and (c) October 2025; and how many of those invitations were (i) answered within (A) one month and (B) two months and (ii) not answered. \p Michael Shanks: As I notified the hon. Member in my Answer on 27 October 2025 to Question 84141, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero receives a high volume of invitations to events and is not able to accommodate all requests.
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Afzal Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle deforestation. \p Katie White: The UK strongly supports global efforts to protect forests, including advocating for the international commitment to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030, while supporting livelihoods and economic development. Through diplomacy, partnerships and development programming, we are working to improve forest governance, sustainable trade and investment, and to mobilise finance to protect and restore the world's major tropical forest basins.
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Afzal Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the Government intends to support the Tropical Forest Forever Facility at COP30. \p Katie White: The Government recognises the importance of protecting tropical forests and welcomes Brazil’s leadership in developing the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) ahead of COP30. The UK has supported the development of the TFFF through technical assistance. The Government continues to consider its position regarding a financial contribution to the Facility.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the United Kingdom’s (a) identified and (b) recoverable coal resource in millions of tonnes. \p Michael Shanks: As of June 2025, the Coal Authority (now the Mining Remediation Authority) estimates that there were 68 million tonnes of economically recoverable coal resources in the United Kingdom. Source: DUKES_2025_Chapter_2.pdf
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Sally Jameson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the hydrogen technology manufacturing sector on (a) investment to the UK and (b) the growth in good jobs. \p Michael Shanks: The hydrogen sector is nascent but is expected to grow significantly; the global hydrogen market could exceed $1 trillion by 2050, with the UK well positioned to capture a substantial share.

We intend to publish a revised Hydrogen Strategy which will highlight the opportunities available to UK hydrogen technology manufacturers and set out plans to optimise the job creation and economic benefits delivered by the UK hydrogen economy.

We will continue to engage with stakeholders across the hydrogen value chain; working together with industry and unions to identify actions that support the skills and workforce needs of the UK’s future low carbon hydrogen economy.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to align the oil and gas sector with international climate commitments. \p Michael Shanks: The UK is committed to transitioning away from fossil fuels and meeting global climate targets.

The Government has published supplementary environmental guidance on end-use emissions from burning extracted offshore oil and gas. This guidance will ensure that the full environmental impact of offshore hydrocarbon development projects is considered. Environmental Impact Assessments will be subject to a robust regulatory decision-making process.

The Government supports decarbonising oil and gas production. It has also consulted on its commitment to not issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields and will publish a response setting out its next steps in due course.
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Tim Roca:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking with utilities companies to protect consumers from utility account identity fraud. \p Martin McCluskey: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is the lead department for the energy sector only.

Regarding energy utility accounts, Ofgem is the energy regulator for Great Britain. Ofgem works to protect energy consumers and ensure they are treated fairly.

Ofgem has a specific counter fraud team who work to detect, prevent, deter, and take firm action where there is evidence of fraud.

Ofgem has also issued guidance to energy suppliers regarding identity checking of new customers. Due diligence on verifying the identity of a customer is important for energy suppliers, especially if they are extending credit on an energy account.
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Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent progress his Department has made on the implementation of the Local Power Plan. \p Michael Shanks: The Local Power Plan is a joint plan between GBE and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero which will outline our shared vision for the local and community energy sector: to drive the growth of locally-owned renewable energy projects and support efforts to unlock cleaner, cheaper and more resilient power at the community level. This will give communities a direct stake in the transition to net zero.

We are continuing to develop the Local Power Plan with GBE and other key stakeholders and updates will be provided soon.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department is taking steps to encourage companies building AI infrastructure to use renewable energy. \p Michael Shanks: The Government is determined to facilitate the deployment of data centres in ways that are compatible with its Clean Power 2030 ambition. Through the AI Energy Council and its working groups, it has brought the energy and tech industries together at the highest levels to consider the ways in which data centres can be powered by reliable low-carbon generation.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when his Department last made an estimate of the United Kingdom’s (a) onshore and (b) offshore coal resource. \p Michael Shanks: Data on oil and gas reserves are published on page 24 of Energy in Brief. Further information about reserves and resources is available from the North Sea Transition Authority.

Data on coal resources are published in Table 2.6 of the Digest of UK Energy Statistics.

Data for on and offshore resources are not available separately.
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Dr Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the report by Citizens Advice entitled Stepping Up: Reforming protections in the retrofit market, published on 17 October 2025, and to the report by the National Audit Office entitled Energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation, published on 14 October 2025, HC 1334, whether she plans to accept the recommendations in those reports to publish a timeline for the reform of protections as part of the Warm Homes Plan. \p Martin McCluskey: The Government is reviewing and considering the NAO recommendations in full and will publish a response in due course.

The results of the independent audits published by the Department demonstrate systemic failures in the consumer protection regime, which is why we are conducting a sweeping overhaul, with details to be brought forward in the Warm Homes Plan.

The Government welcomes Citizens Advice’s report and is committed to working with them and other stakeholders to ensure reforms deliver for both customers and installers.

The Government is planning to consult on proposals early next year.
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Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2025 to Question 83177 on Batteries: Storage, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the Planning Practice Guidance in ensuring that battery developers consult fire services. \p Michael Shanks: The Government engages regularly with the National Fire Chiefs Council, representatives of local authorities and other key stakeholders to gather feedback on the effectiveness of the safety framework for grid-scale batteries, including the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).

The PPG sets a clear expectation that developers engage with fire and rescue services before they submit a planning application for a grid-scale battery site. It also encourages local planning authorities to engage with fire services as part of the formal period of public consultation and before reaching a planning determination. As such, government considers the PPG to be effective in setting out clear expectations for developers and decision-makers on grid-scale planning applications.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and what proportion of local authorities provide (a) private and (b) social housing for asylum seekers. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office continues to work closely with local authorities to manage all the pressures arising from the provision of asylum accommodation including the impact on wider LA obligations and plans.

Data, published quarterly, on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation can be found within the Asy_D11 tab for our most recent statistics release. The data can also be broken down by region and by local authority. Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much her Department has spent on dental care for asylum seekers in hotels in the last year; and whether asylum seekers have access to free dental care. \p Alex Norris: Information on asylum expenditure is published in the Home Office Annual Report and Accounts at Home Office annual reports and accounts - GOV.UK.
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Sarah Pochin:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance her Department has issued to staff who (a) examine and (b) process asylum claims on the implementation of background checks. \p Alex Norris: Asylum caseworkers receive extensive training and mentoring for the role. All asylum claimants are subject to mandatory security checks to establish their identity and to link it to their biometric details for the purpose of immigration, security and criminality checks - including war crimes, crimes against humanity and terrorism.

The Home Office performs mandatory identity verification and security checks on individuals applying to enter or remain in the UK. These checks are set out in comprehensive, internal guidance called the UK Visas and Immigration Operating Mandate (OM). To protect the integrity of the specific identity and security checking processes that are conducted under the OM, the information contained within it is not disclosed publicly.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 78583, on Immigration: English Language, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of making it a requirement of anyone being granted asylum to subsequently learn English to continue (a) residing and (b) receiving benefits. \p Alex Norris: Successfully integrating refugees is a Government priority. The ability to speak and understand English is a key factor in successful integration, allowing refugees to become active contributors to the communities in which they live.

The Immigration White Paper set out plans to increase language requirements for most routes to B2 level at settlement stage, as well as the intention to consult on wider settlement reform later this year. These changes will impact the requirements for people who wish to reside in the UK and have access to public funds through settlement.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the letter from the Minister for Border Security & Asylum to the Home Affairs Select Committee of 8 October 2025, if she will publish each Service User Demand Plan. \p Alex Norris: The Service User Demand Plans are not published. The Home Office publishes information about asylum seekers across the UK quarterly here Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the letter from the Minister for Border Security & Asylum to the Home Affairs Select Committee of 8 October 2025, if she will publish the full specification and services offered under Changing Lives. \p Alex Norris: Simply Active Group CIC (formerly Changing Lives Limited) is contracted to deliver a structured programme of recreational activities for Service Users at Wethersfield. These activities include three days of on-site sports provision between the hours of 11.00am and 4.00pm. A varied rota of a minimum of four activity sessions per day is provided.

Further details related to this contract are publicly available: Recreational Activity Provision - Contracts Finder. The contract has been extended with services now extended to February 2026.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 77304 on Multiple Occupation: Migrants, whether her Department (a) collates data on which individual houses of multiple occupation are used to house asylum seekers and (b) holds data on the number of those HMOs, broken down by local authority. \p Alex Norris: I refer the Honourable Member to the answer provided in PQ 77304.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the cost to the public purse of operating the UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme. \p Alex Norris: In August a £100m funding boost was announced for this financial year to bring forward a number of projects to secure our borders. This includes our landmark pilot with France which the UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme is part of. More on this £100 million comprehensive funding package can be found at the following link: Investment for Border Security Command to tackle people smuggling gangs - GOV.UK

There are commercially sensitive arrangements as part of the UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme which we do not comment on. To do otherwise could harm our ability to get the best value for money for the British taxpayer.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the cost to the public purse was of payments to Stay Belvedere Hotels for asylum accommodation in the last 12 months. \p Alex Norris: Stay Belvedere Homes Limited (SBHL) was not contracted directly by the Home Office to provide asylum accommodation. They were a subcontractor to Clearsprings Ready Homes until the Home Office asked that SBHL be removed from the supply chain.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many immigration enforcement raids have taken place in each of the last five years. \p Alex Norris: The relevant statistical figures can be accessed via the official government website at the following link: Illegal working and enforcement activity to the end of September 2025 - GOV.UK

The government takes illegal working very seriously, and we are determined to clamp down on the employment of individuals with no right to work in the UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_226

Sir Christopher Chope:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to improve decision-making by her Department in the context of the number of successful appeals under the Human Rights Act 1998 upheld by the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). \p Alex Norris: The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’.

Data on initial decisions and outcomes on asylum claims, is published in table Asy_D02 of the ‘Asylum claim and initial decisions detailed datasets’. The latest data relates to as at 30 June 2025.

Data for as at 30 September 2025 will be published on 27 November 2025.

Data on asylum appeals is published in table Asy_D06 and Asy_D07 of the ‘Asylum appeals lodged and determined detailed datasets’. The latest data relates to the year ending March 2023.

Information on how to use the datasets can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbooks.

Appeals data from April 2023 onwards is currently unavailable for publication due to ongoing work as immigration data transitions to a new caseworking system. Work is ongoing to make this information available, and it will be included in a future edition of the Immigration System Statistics release.

Please note that figures for immigration and asylum appeals at First-Tier Tribunal and subsequent stages are published by the Ministry of Justice as part of their Tribunal Statistics release. The latest data relates to January to March 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_227

Dr Beccy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department plans to take to ensure that visa applications for foreign nationals visiting the UK through aid-funded project deliverables are processed in a (a) timely and (b) efficient manner. \p Mike Tapp: All short term visit visas are governed by our published service standards. These can be found here: Visitors and transit: customer service standards - GOV.UK

Customers are advised to allow enough time to receive their visa before applying. Customers in certain locations have the option to apply for a premium paid service to allow them to receive a decision quicker than the advertised times. Information on premium paid services can be found here: Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application: Applying for a faster decision - GOV.UK

Visa processing times are constantly monitored to ensure that visas are being delivered within our published service standards. Where an application will not be processed within service standards due to the complex nature of the application, the applicant is informed their application will take longer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_228

Ruth Cadbury:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to reduce the average time taken to reach a decision on priority visa applications. \p Mike Tapp: UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) are currently processing Priority Visa (PV) applications within published customer service standards for straightforward applications. Information on applicable routes and processing times is available at: Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application: Applying for a faster decision - GOV.UK

It may however take longer to process an application if:

The UKVI Customer Service Standard performance can be found on the GOV.UK website, including PV applications: Migration transparency data - GOV.UK
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_229

John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2025 to Question 83227 on Visas: Skilled Workers, what assessment she has made of the number of workers working under the skilled worker visa route who will find themselves ineligible to (a) extend their employment, (b) change employment and (c) apply for settled status in (i) 2026, (ii) 2027 and (iii) 2028, in the context of increases in income thresholds which came into effect on 22 July 2025. \p Mike Tapp: Updates to the salary requirements on the route reflect the latest available UK pay data and do not contain any policy changes. We expect sponsored workers’ pay to progress similarly to other UK workers. Transitional arrangements exempt workers who are already in the Skilled Worker route from the increase to the skills threshold, however they will not be in place indefinitely and will be reviewed in due course.

It is our intention to publish an Impact Assessment at the earliest opportunity. A technical annex (www.gov.uk/government/publications/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-technical-annex) was published alongside the Immigration White Paper setting out the impact of some of the key policy changes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_231

Melanie Onn:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure registrars receive clear (a) guidance and (b) training on registering births to same-sex couples who conceive after marriage. \p Mike Tapp: The General Register Office for England and Wales provides handbooks and e-learning products to registrars. These cover the whole range of registration duties.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_232

Lizzi Collinge:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her planned timetable is for responding to the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations on the minimum income requirement for the UK’s spouse and partner visa routes. \p Mike Tapp: The report is under review and we will consider the recommendations made by the MAC. The Home Secretary will respond to the review in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_233

Susan Murray:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of extending the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain to ten years on the finances of families with children; and what steps she is taking to ensure that this change does not affect (a) integration and (b) long-term stability for families with children. \p Mike Tapp: Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review.

Relevant impact assessments will be carried out in relation to the earned settlement proposals, which were set out in the Immigration White Paper.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_234

Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many refugees there are by nationality in Northern Ireland. \p Mike Tapp: Data on refugees by location and nationality is published in the Immigration system statistics quarterly release - GOV.UK.

Data on resettled refugees by UK region is published in table Res_D01 and by nationality in table Res_D02 of the resettlement detailed datasets.

Data on asylum seekers in receipt of support, by nationality and UK region, is published in table Asy_D09 of the asylum support datasets. An asylum seeker does not receive refugee status until after their claim is granted refugee permission. Please note that the Home Office does not track the addresses of those granted refugee status, and refugees are free to move around the UK or leave.

The latest data is available up to the end of June 2025. Information on how to use the datasets can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_235

Abtisam Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to implement a permanent framework for refugee students to study in the UK. \p Mike Tapp: The Immigration White Paper published on 12 May announced a review of the UK’s existing refugee resettlement and sponsorship schemes. This will ensure that there is a framework which allows businesses, universities and communities to sponsor refugees to live, work and study in the UK. Further details will be set out in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_236

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) sponsored and (b) non-sponsored workers had been granted permission to work on offshore wind projects in UK waters under the Immigration (Offshore Worker Notification and Exemption from Control (Amendment)) Regulations 2023 by 27 October 2025. \p Mike Tapp: The information requested is not currently available from published statistics, and the relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_237

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 77304 on Multiple Occupation: Migrants, how many asylum seekers have been moved from hotels to houses of multiple occupation in the last year. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office does not publish data on moves within the asylum accommodation estate.

Data, published quarterly, on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including accommodation type, can be found within the Asy_D11 tab of our most recent statistics release. Immigration system statistics data tables - www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_238

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people attempting to illegally enter the UK by stowing away in (a) lorries and (b) other road vehicles have been apprehended in each of the past ten years. \p Alex Norris: Irregular migration data, which includes figures for clandestine detections at UK ports, is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/immigration-system-statistics-data-tables#irregular-migration.

The Home Office does not disclose statistics regarding the specific vehicle involved in these detections.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_239

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish the list of (a) nationalities and (b) age group range of the 42 illegal migrants removed to France under the UK-France treaty. \p Alex Norris: A full evaluation of the pilot will be completed after its conclusion in June 2026. We will not provide regular updates on ongoing operations, as this involves sensitive information that could prove valuable to the organised immigration crime gangs that are behind small boats crossings.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-04 conversation_240

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to help reduce tensions within local communities arising from the use of (a) hotels and (b) military barracks to accommodate asylum seekers. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office works closely with local authorities, police, and health partners to ensure that military sites operate safely, with secure perimeters, on-site services and regular Multi-Agency Forums to address local concerns. This self-contained approach helps reduce pressures on local services and supports community cohesion.

The Home Office works closely with local authorities and statutory partners to ensure that all asylum accommodation sites operate safely with regular engagement to address local concerns, reduce pressure on local services and support community cohesion.