theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_364
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_364

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Civil Air Publication 1616 airspace change processes on his Department's ability to (a) test and (b) develop uncrewed air systems. \p Luke Pollard: Airspace within the UK Flight Information Regions is neither specifically military nor civilian. The Joint Air Navigation Services Council is responsible for the management of airspace and Air Traffic Service provision with a Joint and Integrated Approach between the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The practical policy guidance to enact an airspace change is published in CAP1616. The MOD, through the Defence Airspace and Air Traffic Management (DAATM) organisation, is invited to comment on any relevant Airspace Change Proposal. DAATM is a stakeholder in the public consultation launched by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on 25 September 2025 on ways to modernise and streamline the CAP1616 airspace change process and will comment on behalf of the MOD in time for the 18 December 2025 deadline.

The update of CAP 1616 seeks to streamline the processes for modernisation of airspace requirements and the integration of new and innovative types of airspace users. Airspace requirements for military uncrewed air systems testing and development also fall under CAP1616.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_365
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_365

Suella Braverman:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of low-cost drone swarms on (a) military and (b) civilian infrastructure. \p Al Carns: The Department is aware of the threat posed by low-cost drones to military and civilian infrastructure. the Ministry of Defence supports the Home Office in its national response to this. The Strategic Defence Review announced an investment of £1 billion to enhance our homeland air and missile defence.

This investment will be prioritised appropriately as part of the future Integrated Force. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on all aspects of the Integrated Air and Missile Defence, will be set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_366

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department holds contracts with Straight Flight Nevada Commercial Leasing LLC. \p Luke Pollard: I cannot comment on these matters for reasons of operational security.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_367
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_367

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) FV510, (b) FV511, (c) FV512, (d) FV513, (e) FV514 and (f) FV515 variants of Warrior are in service as of 1 September 2025. \p Luke Pollard: As at 1 September 2025, the figure for each Warrior variant was:

Variant

Total

FV510

261

FV511

69

FV512

73

FV513

33

FV514

40

FV515

0

Total

476

These figures include the active Warrior fleet and those platforms that were yet to start the disposal process.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_368
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_368

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase the number of frontline fast jet pilots available to the RAF. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: In line with the Strategic Defence Review 2025, an RAF programme team is being established to revise current fast jet training arrangements and optimise capacity.

A fast jet transformation project and human performance optimisation programme are being implemented. Measures to increase the number of fast jet Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) at RAF Valley have also been implemented. These include agreements with the Combat Air Force for them to provide suitably qualified and experienced QFI trainees from the front-line to RAF Valley to sustain the military QFI requirement and the recruitment of civilian QFIs though the UKMFTS Training Service Partner.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_369
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_369

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many 16 to 18 year olds girls have attended Army Foundation College Harrogate in each of the last five years. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The annual female attendee figures are provided in the table below; all figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.

Courses straddle multiple calendar years, meaning some recruits who joined in one year and remain in attendance the following year will be counted in both.

Year

Figure

2020

280

2021

250

2022

210

2023

270

2024

200

Figures include trainees who join AFC (H) and leave within the same month, who would not otherwise appear on the monthly strengths.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average cost is of training a new fast jet pilot for the RAF. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the former Minister for Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, gave to Question 36613 on 13 March 2025 to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois MP).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_371

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether their Department has run any (a) recruitment and (b) internship schemes aimed to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups in the workforce in the last year. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: As set out in the Civil Service People Plan 2024 - 2027, we are committed to ensuring we attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds to create a modern Civil Service, now and for the future. Civil Service recruitment must follow the rules set out in legislation within the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 which outlines the requirements to ensure that civil servants are recruited on merit, via fair and open competition.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to reviewing and improving its recruitment model to ensure we are attracting a skilled and diverse workforce. This includes supporting central Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) pathways, which focus on recruitment from a wide range of backgrounds into the Civil Service, including people from low socio-economic backgrounds, prison leavers, Veterans, carers and care leavers. and. We are also committed to supporting schemes such as a Great Place to Work for Veterans and the cross-Government Summer Internship Programme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_372

Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps Veterans UK has taken to provide oversight of the Motability scheme. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Motability Scheme is an independent voluntary initiative that assists disabled individuals in using their War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS), or the motability component of Disability Living Allowance to lease or purchase a car or powered wheelchair.

Where vehicle adaptations are necessary due to a disability, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) may offer financial assistance to help cover associated costs.

The MOD provides guidance and support on the Motability Scheme through multiple channels. We ensure that individuals are fully informed about the scheme and other related benefits at every stage of the WPMS process - whether a claim is being considered, submitted, or awarded - so they can explore all available support options.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_373

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to strengthen military and defence cooperation with Finland. \p Al Carns: The defence relationship between the UK and Finland is strong and growing. We cooperate closely bilaterally, in NATO and through the Joint Expeditionary Force. The UK is supporting the development of NATO's Forward Land Forces in Finland through the deployment of three Liaison Officers. In September and October, UK and Finnish personnel took part in TARASSIS, the JEF's largest exercise activity to date.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to strengthen military and defence cooperation with the Czech Republic. \p Al Carns: The UK continues to share a strong Defence relationship with the Czech Republic through which we cooperate on matters of shared interest. Our bilateral collaboration is underpinned by the British Military Advisory Training Team in the Czech Republic. Now in its 25th year, the organisation continues to play a valuable role in offering military training and assistance to NATO and NATO Partnership for Peace countries.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_375

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to strengthen military and defence cooperation with Belgium. \p Al Carns: The United Kingdom maintains a close and constructive defence relationship with Belgium, underpinned by our shared commitment to NATO and European security. We continue to strengthen this cooperation through bilateral engagements, joint training exercises, and collaboration in multinational operations. Recent steps include enhanced interoperability between our armed forces, particularly in areas such as cyber defence, and maritime security. The UK and Belgium also work closely within NATO frameworks, contributing to collective deterrence and defence initiatives.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what contingency plans he has to rapidly increase the number of front line pilots in the RAF. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Contingency plans are in place to rapidly increase the number of front-line pilots in the RAF if required. Details of specific contingency plans are not released for operational and personnel security reasons.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many pilots are expected to complete training and enter front-line service with the RAF in each of the next five years by (a) aircraft and (b) service type. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: This information is not released into the public domain for operational and personnel security reasons.

For each training year, the number of pilots that are expected to complete training and commence Operational Conversion Units is based upon the front-line demand for qualified pilots in future years. The Royal Air Force (RAF) actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum and meets the front-line requirements.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_378

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many fast jet pilots are expected to complete training and enter front-line service with the RAF in each of the next five years. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The number of Royal Air Force (RAF) fast jet pilots that are expected to complete training and commence Operational Conversion Units is based upon the front-line demand for qualified pilots in future years. The RAF actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum and meets the front-line requirements. The specific number of fast jet pilots expected to complete training and commence front-line Operational Conversion Units in the RAF in each of the next five years will not be released into the public domain as this information may provide tactical advantage to hostile forces causing operational and personnel security risks.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_379

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many fast jet pilots completed training and entered front-line service with the RAF in each of the last five years. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: This information is not released into the public domain for operational and personnel security reasons.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_380
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_380

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which vehicle platforms receive (a) spares and (b) support through the UK’s membership of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. \p Luke Pollard: The Boxer vehicle and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) land platforms are supported by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The NSPA manages support solutions for partner nations operating similar equipment, enabling increased economies of scale when purchasing spare parts to support fleets.

In addition, NSPA provides vehicle cleaning services through the Tactical Land System project.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Kate Osamor:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the the potential impact of reintroducing a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force on the UK’s commitment to nuclear disarmament under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. \p Luke Pollard: The nuclear weapons allocated to the NATO dual capable aircraft nuclear mission, to which the United Kingdom (UK) will contribute its F-35A aircraft, are United States (US) nuclear weapons and remain under US custody and control, in full compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

The UK remains fully committed to the long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons in a transparent, verifiable and irreversible manner and with undiminished security for all.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 77476 on Boxer Vehicles: Repairs and Maintenance, when the review of the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (Boxer) programme’s Initial Operating Capability will be completed; and if he will provide an update to the House once that review has concluded. \p Luke Pollard: The review of the Mechanised Infantry Boxer Programme’s Initial Operating Capability schedule has been completed and is progressing through the Ministry of Defence Approvals process.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_383
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_383

David Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with relevant stakeholders on an asylum processing hub in Kosovo. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9th June to question 56153.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_384

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to increase awareness that passports must have been issued fewer than 10 years from the date of arrival in the EU for non-EU countries, including Britain. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 23 June to question 60560.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_385
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_385

Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make it her policy to ratify the 2019 amendment to Article 8 of the Rome Statute on the use of starvation in non-international conflicts. \p Chris Elmore: The Government's position on these issues was set out most recently by Lord Collins of Highbury in response to a House of Lords debate on the use of starvation as a weapon of war held on 16 October 2025. [https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-10-16/debates/7404DF67-1A74-4DCD-8421-84BB55189F25/StarvationAsAWeaponOfWar].

In his response, Lord Collins referred to the publication in May of the Government's legal handbook on conflict, hunger and international law, further details of which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/conflict-hunger-and-international-humanitarian-law-handbook-launch-lord-collins-speech.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the US Government will be charged for use of the military base on Diego Garcia under the terms of the draft UK-Mauritius Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK does not charge the US Government for the use of the military base on Diego Garcia and does not intend to do so. The US pays for the significant operating and maintenance costs of the base and the UK benefits considerably from this arrangement.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_387
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_387

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her international partners on taking steps to help support the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to the statement on the Middle East made in the House by the Prime Minister on 14th October.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_388
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with Chinese counterparts on the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme since 5 July 2024; and what discussions (a) ministers and (b) officials have had with Chinese counterparts on their embassy planning application since 5 July 2025. \p Seema Malhotra: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials speak regularly with the Chinese Government about a range of issues.

Decisions on which foreign powers will be placed on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme are taken on a country-by-country basis, based on robust security and intelligence analysis.

The planning application has been called in by the former Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the current Secretary of State will make this decision independent from the rest of Government corresponding to his quasi-judicial role.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress has she made on renewing the New START Treaty before its expiration in February 2026. \p Stephen Doughty: The New START Treaty is a bilateral agreement between the United States and Russian Federation; any replacement treaty is a matter for the US and Russia. The UK regularly raises issues related to strategic risk reduction, including arms control with the USA and Russia through the expert-level P5 process. Genuine and verifiable strategic arms control among the largest Nuclear Weapons States can be a positive step for global security. However, following Russia's decision to suspend participation in New START verification measures in 2023, future approaches need to be based on concrete, and verifiable actions.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_390
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to encourage the USA and Russia to enter discussions on a new nuclear weapon treaty to replace the NEW START Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: The New START Treaty is a bilateral agreement between the United States and Russian Federation; any replacement treaty is a matter for the US and Russia. The UK regularly raises issues related to strategic risk reduction, including arms control with the USA and Russia through the expert-level P5 process. Genuine and verifiable strategic arms control among the largest Nuclear Weapons States can be a positive step for global security. However, following Russia's decision to suspend participation in New START verification measures in 2023, future approaches need to be based on concrete, and verifiable actions.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_391
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_391

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the activities of the Chinese government in the Caribbean on (a) her Department's objectives and (b) the UK's international role. \p Seema Malhotra: The Government monitors all such matters closely, but continues to develop its foreign policy objectives and priorities in different parts of the world according to our shared interests and values, irrespective of the activities of other countries.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_392
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_392

Mark Pritchard:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make it her policy to amend the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 to (a) strengthen the powers and (b) expand the (i) jurisdictional reach and (ii) scope of the Cyber (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 to help reduce ransomware attacks. \p Stephen Doughty: The government is committed to calling out malicious cyber activities that threaten the UK's national interests and economic prosperity. Sanctions are an important part of our diplomatic toolkit, helping us to disrupt ransomware operations.

Our cyber sanctions regime allows us to impose cost and risk on those that carry out malicious cyber activity, and to deter others who consider similar acts. The regime is suitably broad, and allows us to freeze the assets of those around the world who have undermined the integrity, prosperity, or security of the UK and its partners. Under these powers, we have designated seventy-nine people, including sixteen members of prolific Russian cybercrime gang Evil Corp, and one of the senior leaders of LockBit which, at the time, was one of the most harmful ransomware operations affecting the UK.

We will continue to explore future use and implementation of our cyber sanctions regime against ransomware actors as part of a broader range of approaches to combat cybercrime globally.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_393
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she made an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of potential security threats posed to the British cycling team who competed in the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda. \p Chris Elmore: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice provides information and advice to help British nationals make informed decisions about foreign travel. The FCDO updated our Travel Advice for Rwanda on 18 September ahead of the UCI Road World Cycling Championships. Advice to groups on matters of safety and security will always be consistent with the advice available to the public in FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK. Our Travel Advice remains under constant review to ensure it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British nationals. These assessments are made by drawing on expert sources of information available to the Government including local knowledge from our embassies, information provided by the local authorities in each country, and in some cases, information gathered by the intelligence services.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_394
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, If she will publish all (a) ministerial level contacts and (b) senior official level contacts between the UK and China since 5 July 2025. \p Seema Malhotra: Meetings between Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ministers and senior representatives of the Chinese government can be found through publicly accessible means either on GOV.UK or ministers' social media accounts. As per usual diplomatic practice globally, we do not publish details of all official level contact with China. This would not be possible for practical and policy development reasons.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_395
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations her Department has received from Chinese counterparts on the China Audit. \p Seema Malhotra: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials speak regularly with the Chinese Government on a range of issues. The reaction of Chinese officials to the conclusion of the China audit is a matter of public record, and a statement from the Chinese Embassy spokesperson is available online.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_396
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to the Hong Kong BNO immigration pathway on diplomatic relations with (a) China, (b) NATO allies and (c) Ukraine. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 22 September to Question 76322.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_397
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_397

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether their Department has run any (a) recruitment and (b) internship schemes aimed to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups in the workforce in the last year. \p Seema Malhotra: As set out in the Civil Service People Plan 2024 - 2027, published under the previous government, we are committed to ensuring we attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds to create a modern Civil Service, now and for the future.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing legislation to ensure the supremacy of domestic law in all immigration and asylum matters. \p Jake Richards: There is no need to do so: the UK’s immigration and asylum system operates within domestic law, over which Parliament is sovereign.

We will legislate to reform our approach to the application of Article 8 ECHR in the immigration system, as set out in the Immigration White Paper. This will ensure the correct balance is struck between individual rights and the wider public interest in controlling migration.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_399
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed amendments to the ECHR on the protection of individual rights. \p Jake Richards: This Government is committed to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). However, commitment does not mean complacency, and we need to make sure the Convention evolves to face modern challenges.

We are bringing forward legislation to clarify how Article 8 ECHR (right to a private life) operates domestically in relation to immigration rules to ensure an appropriate balance between the rights of individuals and the national interest. We are also looking at the interpretation of Article 3 ECHR (prohibition against torture and inhuman and degrading treatment) so that varied prison conditions or access to healthcare are not a bar to extradition or deportation.

Our proposals are designed to strike a fair and proportionate balance between individual rights and the national interest. These changes will not weaken protections, but rather ensure that our legal framework remains robust, relevant, and trusted.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_400
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_400

Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when the Government plans to implement the recommendations of the Law Commission’s 2022 report on weddings; and if it will legally recognise humanist marriages in the interim. \p Alex Davies-Jones: On 2 October, the Government announced its intention to reform weddings law in England and Wales when parliamentary time allows and plans to consult on the details of reform early next year. These reforms will allow for the first time non-religious belief groups (including humanists) to conduct legally binding weddings. Reforms will create a level playing field within weddings law for all groups, and ensure that all groups have the same freedoms in relation to how they get married.

The Government is of the view that using the existing order-making power to legally recognise humanist weddings, even on an interim basis, would mean introducing new inequalities into existing law. This is because humanists would gain more freedoms in relation to how they marry than those available to most religious groups. The Government has decided to enable humanist weddings as part of thorough comprehensive reform that ensures all groups are treated equally and fairly.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_401
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to increase support for victims of domestic abuse. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Government is absolutely committed to tackling domestic abuse and halving violence against women and girls in a decade. We are strengthening protections for victims, improving law enforcement responses, and ensuring perpetrators are held to account.

The 42 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales receive annual grant funding from the Ministry of Justice to commission local practical, emotional, and therapeutic support services for victims. This includes ‘core’ funding for victims of all crime types and funding that is ring-fenced for domestic abuse and sexual violence services. For 2025/26, we protected dedicated VAWG victims spending in the department by maintaining 2024-25 funding levels for ringfenced sexual violence and domestic abuse support. Funding after March 2026 will be agreed through the allocations process which follows on the latest Spending Review, and we are unable to pre-empt the outcome of this.

Alongside this, we have committed to a range of measures which will support domestic abuse victims, including piloting the Domestic Abuse Protection Order and expanding the use of Domestic Abuse Specialist Courts, where trained staff support victims and agencies work together to drive better outcomes, as recommended by the Independent Sentencing Review. We are also introducing a new judicial finding of domestic abuse at sentencing, which will help ensure domestic abuse offenders are better identified and monitored throughout the system. This will support stronger protections for victims, whether the perpetrator is in custody or in the community.
wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_402
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_402

Helen Grant:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what his planned timetable is for the operation of specialist courts to fast-track rape cases. \p Alex Davies-Jones: This Government is committed to improving victims’ experience of the justice system. We commissioned Sir Brian Leveson to propose bold and ambitious measures to deliver swifter justice for victims, including for victims of sexual violence, in his Independent Review of Criminal Courts. Work on Part 2 of the report, which is looking at how the criminal courts can operate as efficiently as possible, is underway. We expect it to be finalised this year. We are considering how we can deliver our manifesto commitment alongside this work.

We are also committed to tackling the outstanding caseload to improve timeliness - we have already doubled magistrates’ sentencing powers, so that Crown Courts can focus on the most serious cases, and this year we have funded a record-high allocation of 111,250 Crown Court sitting days.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_403

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether their Department has run any (a) recruitment and (b) internship schemes aimed to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups in the workforce in the last year. \p Kate Dearden: The Civil Service People Plan 2024–2027 commits to attracting and retaining diverse talent. Recruitment follows the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, ensuring fair and open competition based on merit.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) supports inclusive recruitment pathways, welcoming individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds, and other categories. GFiE helps participants gain skills, experience, and career opportunities.

From October 2024 to October 2025, the Department supported the Autism Exchange Internship Programme, offering eight placements.

The Department guarantees interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_404

Kate Osamor:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of compulsory identity verification via One Login on (a) small business owners and (b) people who are digitally excluded. \p Blair McDougall: Identity verification creates a more reliable companies register. This supports small businesses that may have limited resources in due diligence, helping them grow. Verifying the identity of those who run or control companies also protects legitimate businesses and the wider public from those who would abuse the system for criminal purposes.

Companies House has received feedback from users during the voluntary identity verification period and is developing options to support individuals unable to verify their identity through the standard route. Companies House is ensuring that staff are on hand to help users requiring assistance via its helpline and by email.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_405

Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 77729 on Horizon IT System: Compensation, whether his Department has a timeline for when this process will be available to claimants. \p Blair McDougall: The Government is committed to ensuring that postmasters receive full and fair financial redress as quickly as possible. While we are not yet able to confirm a specific timeline due to the complexity of these cases where there is no evidence of shortfalls, work is progressing at pace. Work is underway to resolve claims where postmasters are awaiting Fixed Sum Offers under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme due to a lack of available data to verify that shortfalls occurred.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_406

Zarah Sultana:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending redundancy protection to 18 months for employees experiencing pregnancy loss at any stage of pregnancy. \p Kate Dearden: If an employee experiences pregnancy loss within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, the redundancy protected period ends two weeks from the end of the pregnancy. After a stillbirth from 24 weeks, the protected period ends 18 months from the date of birth.

The Employment Rights Bill establishes a new right to bereavement leave, including pregnancy loss, and powers to provide protections around redundancy and dismissal. A primary driver of the existing enhanced redundancy protections is to protect those who take lengthy absences from work on statutory family leave and thus may be at a disadvantage in a redundancy situation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_407

Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a guest beer agreement scheme for pubs as part of (a) the Pubs Code and Pubs Code Adjudicator: statutory review and post-implementation review, 2022 to 2025 and (b) the review on retaining and expanding access to pubs for small brewers, as referenced in paragraph 2.44 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC295. \p Kate Dearden: The Government recognises that independent breweries are essential to the diversity and character of our pubs. We're currently assessing the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small brewers from accessing pubs.

This review specifically references market access for small brewers, and will cover all subcategories of the pub sector, including leased and tenanted pubs. It will not, however, consider the merits of different pub models. We’re considering the review’s findings and will announce in due course any measures that may need to be taken.

The Pubs Code (the Code) applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covering around 8,000 pubs. Separate to the beer market review, the Government is currently conducting a statutory review into the operation of the Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Alongside this statutory review, the Government is also conducting a Post Implementation Review (PIR) which will consider the Pub Code’s impact since it was introduced in 2016
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_408

Sir Gavin Williamson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to respond to the Freedom of Information request dated 13 August 2025 submitted by the Hon. Member for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge. \p Kate Dearden: A response to the Freedom of Information request (DBT reference: FOI2025/09368) was issued 02 October 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_409

Mary Kelly Foy:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of restricting the sale of fireworks to organised and regulated displays. \p Kate Dearden: No assessment has been made of the potential merits of restricting the sale of fireworks to organised and regulated displays.

The Government has launched a public campaign on fireworks safety for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign includes new guidance for those running community fireworks events, and new social media posts that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks.

The Government will continue engaging with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_410

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2025 to Question 73348 on Companies: Registration, for what reason Companies House recognised Palestinian as a nationality before the UK Government formally recognised the state of Palestine; and what is the wider policy of Companies House for what nationalities are recognised where there is no formal recognition by the UK Government. \p Blair McDougall: ‘Palestinian’ has been included in the Companies House list of nationalities for many years. This guidance was last reviewed in 2017, at which point Palestinian was retained on the list.

Nationalities and countries for company filings - GOV.UK

The current policy is to accept a nationality which matches a nationality on this list.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_411

Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications of China's restrictions on rare earth exports for trade policy; and what steps he is taking to diversify critical minerals import sources. \p Chris McDonald: We are aware of China's changes to its export controls on rare earth elements. We are concerned about the potential impact of these measures on global supply chains. We are engaging with China’s Bureau of Industry, Security, Import and Export Control to support UK companies applying for licenses and ensure steady supply to UK users.

We are taking action with like-minded partners, including in the G7, to diversify supply chains. Our upcoming Critical Minerals Strategy sets our long-term approach for securing critical minerals. It also outlines how this will be achieved by refining our approach to domestic production, the circular economy, the UK’s future demand, international partnerships and responsible and transparent supply chains.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_412

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the UK’s investment screening regime supports responsible sovereign wealth fund investment. \p Chris Bryant: The UK has close investment relationships with many of the world’s sovereign wealth funds, supporting mutually beneficial, strategic investment into the UK.

The National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) 2021 gives the UK Government the power to scrutinise and, where necessary, intervene in a transaction that is captured by the act regardless of the acquirer. Every NSIA transaction is taken on its own merit, on a case-by-case basis.

The legislation enables investment into sensitive sectors of our economy while providing robust protections to ensure the UK’s national security is not compromised.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_413

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to support mainstream schools managing high-needs SEND pupils in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Georgia Gould: The department is committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, including those in Surrey Heath, as well as ensuring special and alternative provision schools cater to those with the most complex needs.

The Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme tests a new model, providing health and education specialist support to upskill mainstream primary schools to better meet the needs of neurodivergent pupils at whole-school level. Schools in Surrey Heath have participated in this programme.

Our new regional improvement for standards and excellence teams will work with mainstream schools to help them become more inclusive places as one of four priority areas for improvement.

Ofsted will be holding leaders to account for inclusion. For the first time they have set out an explicit focus on inclusion in their new framework, which includes gathering evidence on how well schools understand disadvantaged pupils' needs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-22 conversation_414

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of increased SEND responsibilities on (a) teacher and (b) headteacher retention in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Georgia Gould: 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.

For 2025/26, we announced a Targeted Retention Incentive (TRI) worth up to £6,000 after tax for mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing teachers in the first five years of their careers who work in disadvantaged schools. Three schools in Surrey Heath constituency are eligible for the TRI.

In 2024, the department began delivery of the mandatory National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators. Participants will develop the essential skills needed to set the strategic direction and conditions to support pupils with SEND to thrive.

To ensure that there are sufficient, high quality teachers and headteachers, the department has increased the core schools budget by £3.7 billion in 2025/26, totalling £65.3 billion. This is alongside the near 10% pay award for teachers over the last two years to ensure teaching is once again a respected and attractive profession.

The department is already seeing positive signs that the investment is delivering. The workforce has grown by 2,346 teachers full-time equivalent between 2023/24 and 2024/25 in secondary and special schools, the schools where they are needed most. This year also has one of the lowest leaver rates since 2010, with 1,300 fewer teachers leaving the state-funded sector.