theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-28 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-28 conversation_11

Lord Stevens of Birmingham:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute of Social Innovation and Impact at the University of Northampton The impact and value of school-based cadet forces in the UK, published in March, and whether they plan to increase the number of state schools with a Combined Cadet Force. \p Lord Coaker: We very much welcome the excellent research by the University of Northampton on the impact and value of school-based Cadet Forces in the UK, a study commissioned by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The report makes compelling reading for anyone interested in the development of young people. There are many useful insights in the report for school leaders to help support their efforts to seek wider opportunities for all their pupils – and breaking down barriers to opportunity is a core Government mission.

The report illustrates the positive impact that school-based Cadet Forces can have on the young people who join and shows how the ‘cadet experience’ can help them develop self-confidence, teamwork, leadership and resilience.

Given these and many other benefits, we want more young people to be able to become cadets. To this end we are currently reviewing how we can increase both the size and the offer of the Cadet Forces. This work is closely aligned with the Strategic Defence Review, and we have been engaging widely to consider how best to deliver these aims.

The joint MOD and Department for Education Cadet Expansion Programme has already seen a significant rise in the number of state schools with Combined Cadet Forces and we continue to invest in this growth.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

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Lord Browne of Ladyton:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a future transformative technology partnership with the United States of America mentioned in the US–UK Economic Prosperity Deal on the regulatory framework for the artificial intelligence sector in the United Kingdom. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The US is our foremost important science and technology partner, and we look forward to strengthening collaboration on shared priorities, including AI, to drive economic growth and technological advancement.

We have had early discussions with the US Government about deepening our partnership on advanced technologies and there is appetite on both sides. Whilst areas of potential collaboration are wide ranging, it would be inappropriate to comment on the scope and impact of future discussions.

We continue to consider international context when developing policy and are committed to a proportionate AI regulatory framework which supports our vision for growth and security.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

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Lord Dunlop:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the 2021 consultation on telecommunications infrastructure remains a sufficient basis for regulatory decisions intended to support nationwide 5G standalone coverage by 2030. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: Government’s decisions on 5G policy are informed by a wide range of evidence and information, including that gathered by the 2021 consultation. This includes for example, debates during passage of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, our ongoing engagement with stakeholders, and our discussions with other government departments and Ofcom.

The government is monitoring the work of all mobile network operators to ensure that each of them meets our standalone 5G ambition. We are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework in place to support investment and competition in the market.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

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Lord Dunlop:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they undertook to support the conclusion that "no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen", in regard to the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 (Commencement No. 4, Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: Following the 2017 reforms, government representatives engaged regularly with stakeholders about their impact. The changes made by sections 61–64 were consulted on and received Parliamentary scrutiny during passage of the 2022 Act. Government has no plans to conduct a formal review of the 2017 reforms before commencing sections 61–64.

The 2022 Act was subject to a published De Minimis Impact Assessment. The regulations referred to are draft regulations intended to bring sections 61–64 into effect with transitional provisions and are subject to a technical consultation which closes on 2 July 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implementation of fines or enforcement of compensation schemes on companies for the loss or theft of individuals’ personal data. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The law provides individuals with the right to claim compensation from an organisation if they have suffered damage because of it breaking data protection law, such as through insufficient security of an individuals’ personal data.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) cannot award compensation itself, and does not enforce compensation schemes.

Individuals should first seek to settle the claim directly with the organisation. If this does not resolve the matter, they would need to make a court claim for compensation.

In terms of the implementation of fines, the ICO decides which matters to investigate and whether investigations result in a fine. The ICO is independent of government and accountable directly to Parliament. It would therefore not be appropriate to comment on how it implements its enforcement powers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the adoption of the AI Action Plan outlined in January; and how they intend to support its implementation in the future. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: We are committed to building an AI sector that can scale and win globally, ensuring global AI companies want to call the UK home, and boosting the responsible adoption of AI across all parts of the economy.

The Government welcomed the publication of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, accepting all 50 recommendations.

Progress has been made across a range of actions, including holding the first AI Energy Council meeting, signing an MOU with Anthropic, and opening the formal AI Growth Zone application process. We will continue to work on all recommendations, such as bringing the AI Research Resource online; this includes the Isambard-AI and Dawn supercomputers and is expected to increase the UK's AI compute capacity by 30 times.

My department also continues to collaborate across Whitehall and engage with stakeholders as we implement the Action Plan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-15 conversation_1

Lord Wasserman:To ask His Majesty's Government what data they collect on the state of compliance of GP surgeries with the regulations relating to making buildings fully accessible to those with disabilities, as set out in the Equality Act 2010 (Disability) Regulations 2010 and Part M of the Building Regulations 2010. \p Baroness Merron: NHS England undertakes a mandatory data collection from all general practices (GPs) in England, which they must complete every year, by way of an annual survey called the electronic practice self-declaration (eDEC). Within that survey, questions cover the practice’s premises and equipment with regards to service provision, compliance with health and safety regulations, and infection control, as defined in the contract, specifically as per Regulations 12(2)(d-f) and (h) and 15 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) and Regulations 2014 (as amended) and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974). The survey asks GPs to confirm that at least one consulting room in the practice premises is accessible to wheelchair users. NHS England holds this data at a national level.

NHS England also publishes data on the accessibility of practice buildings, which is already within the public domain on the NHS.UK website, although this may not specifically include the eDec data return.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord McColl of Dulwich:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to monitor the number of providers delivering publicly funded care services that have failed due to financial difficulties. \p Baroness Merron: The Care Quality Commission’s Market Oversight Scheme monitors the financial health of typically the largest and potentially most difficult-to-replace providers in the adult social care sector.

Adult social care services are provided through a largely outsourced market of commercial organisations and charities, commissioned by local authorities. Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to promote the efficient and effective operation of their local market. Ensuring good management of the market and securing continuity of care in the event of market exit are fundamental elements of the system.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord McColl of Dulwich:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to manage the risks of care provider collapse, in particular to ensure that vulnerable individuals who rely on those services continue to receive care. \p Baroness Merron: Local authorities have a duty under the Care Act 2014 to ensure continuity of care if a provider exits the market as a result of business failure. This means that people should continue to receive the care and support they need if their adult social care provider is no longer able to carry on delivering services.

The Care Act 2014 also provides for the Care Quality Commission to monitor the financial health of the largest and potentially most difficult-to-replace adult social care providers in England. This allows them to warn local authorities if a provider is likely to fail for financial reasons and gives local authorities time to stand up their contingency plans.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the remarks made at the Glastonbury Festival by the bands Kneecap and Bob Vylan; whether they have had discussions about this with (1) the BBC, and (2) the organisers of the Festival; and what steps, if any, they are taking in response. \p Baroness Twycross: The Secretary of State was clear in her statement in the other place that the Kneecap and Bob Vylan performances at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.

The BBC has made clear that there were serious failings in relation to events at Glastonbury. It is absolutely right that the BBC has now acknowledged the livestream should have been pulled, that it will no longer broadcast performances deemed “high risk” live, and will provide further editorial guidance around live events going forward.

Given the seriousness of what happened and the impact this has had on the Jewish community in this country, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take.

Following conversations between the Secretary of State and members of the Jewish community on concerns about imagery and slogans on display at the festival, DCMS officials have also met with Glastonbury organisers for detailed discussions on their procedures to monitor imagery on site, and the due diligence processes undertaken for festival acts.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Baroness Porter of Fulwood:To ask His Majesty's Government how many foreign national offenders they have attempted to deport since 4 July 2024; and how many of those deportations have been blocked under the European Convention of Human Rights. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Of the total returns since 5 July 2024, 4,436 were of FNOs. This is an increase of 14% compared to the 3,879 FNO returns in the same period 12 months prior (FNO returns include both enforced and voluntary returns).

Within the FNO returns, there have been 2,274 early removal scheme (ERS) returns, which is a 11% increase compared to the 2,050 in the same period 12 months prior.

Figures on the number of deportations that did not proceed due to the legal challenges, whether under the ECHR or otherwise, is not currently available from published statistics.

Work is currently underway to improve the quality of information held by the department on FNOs. If this work progresses as planned, the Home Office intend to publish more detailed information on FNOs subject to deportation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Pack:To ask His Majesty's Government how many requests police forces in England and Wales have made in each of the last three years to (1) Meta, (2) X, (3) Google, and (4) TikTok to identify users of those platforms in cases related to unlawful content; and what proportion of those requests were (a) met by the social media platform, (b) met by the social media platform but only after a court order, or (c) not met. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office does not collect data on the number of requests made by police forces to social media platforms, nor the outcomes of such requests.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government, pursuant to the non-technical summaries of project licences granted Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 between January and March, what assessment they have made of the deliberate induction of pain on primates using methods such as heat, high intensity electrical stimulation or the injection of small amounts of high-strength salt solution; and what steps they plan to take to prohibit the use of such practices. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The legal framework in the UK is set up to ensure that animals are only ever used in science where there are no alternatives, where the number of animals used is the minimum needed, and where the potential harm to animals is limited to that needed to achieve the scientific benefit.

Any application must take into account the replacement of animals with alternatives, the reduction of the number of animals used to the minimum possible and the refinement of any techniques to reduce the harm suffered by the animals to the minimum (known as the 3Rs). All project licence applications are reviewed by the Home Office Animals in Science Regulation Unit to ensure that any harm that may be caused to the animals is justified by the expected benefits for humans, animals or the environment. The Home Office only allows the use of animals if it can be demonstrated that the benefits outweigh the harms and the 3Rs have been fully applied. All licence holders have a responsibility to fully implement the 3Rs and demonstrate this requirement at audit.

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) is engaging with stakeholders to finalise a strategy to accelerate the development, validation and uptake of alternatives to animal testing which is scheduled for publication later this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on British Sikh communities of recent internal controversies within the Sikh community in India, including leadership appointments within the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC); and what steps they are taking to engage with British Sikhs and representative organisations to understand and respond to these concerns. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The Government is aware of recent developments concerning leadership appointments within the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the concerns these have raised among some British Sikhs. These are internal matters for the Sikh community, however, we recognise the importance of religious leadership and governance to British Sikhs' cultural and spiritual life. The UK remains committed to supporting the British Sikh community and promoting religious freedom and community cohesion.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Callanan:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that British assets in the Middle East are protected. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: During the crisis, we took all necessary measures to protect UK interests, UK personnel, and to work with our allies to protect their interests as well.

The Ministry of Defence keep the force protection measures of our military assets under constant review. The Ministry of Defence have put force protection measures at their highest level to safeguard our personnel in the region. The Ministry of Defence have robust measures in place to protect our armed forces personnel, and their safety is our top priority.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Collins of Highbury on 30 May 2025 (HL6904), on what date they last raised the cases of Abduljalil al-Singace and Hasan Mushaima with the government of Bahrain. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK regularly engages with the Government of Bahrain and, where appropriate, the independent oversight bodies on a range of human rights and governance matters - those with broader societal impact and individual cases. This has included the cases of Abduljalil al-Singace and Hasan Mushaima. The UK remains committed to supporting reforms in Bahrain.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Sedwill:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will retain the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission following the review of arm's-length bodies. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The Cabinet Office's Comprehensive Landscape Review of Arm's-Length Bodies across government is ongoing. Decisions will be announced in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Syria to ensure that those responsible for torture and other human rights violations against survivors of Syria’s detention systems are properly investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK has long condemned the gross human rights violations committed by the Assad regime, including those in Syria's detention systems. We support the Syrian Government in establishing Syrian-led processes, such as the National Commissions on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons. We have urged the Syrian Government to engage collaboratively with civil societies and the UN to ensure these are inclusive, comprehensive and transparent. During the Foreign Secretary's meeting with President al Sharaa in Damascus on 5 July, he raised the importance of accountability and transitional justice for a sustainable political transition, and offered UK support.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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The Lord Bishop of Gloucester:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will advocate for an independent and thorough investigation of all Israeli attacks on hospitals, healthcare infrastructure and medical personnel in Gaza, and the alleged misuse of those facilities. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The situation regarding healthcare facilities in Gaza is dire. The World Health Organization reports that 94 per cent of hospitals are damaged or destroyed and the remaining functional hospitals, including Nasser Hospital, are overwhelmed.

In April, the Foreign Secretary condemned the "deplorable" attack on Al Ahli hospital. We continue to frequently and energetically engage with our Israeli counterparts to protect healthcare facilities and workers.

We have been clear that we expect Israel to transparently investigate all attacks against humanitarians and to hold those responsible to account. Regarding Al Ahli hospital, we welcome investigations into any misuse of facilities in Gaza, including hospitals, but remain clear that medical and humanitarian workers must be protected, and be able to do their jobs safely.

This government's priority is working with our allies to secure a lasting ceasefire that can end the war, ensure the release of all hostages and a surge of aid into Gaza.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Roberts of Llandudno:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to sanction Israeli officials or military personnel plausibly linked to violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza and the West Bank. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Since day one, this Government has been clear that we need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages cruelly detained by Hamas, better protection of civilians, significantly more aid consistently entering Gaza, and a path to long-term peace and stability. It would not be appropriate to speculate about potential future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact. Outside of Gaza, on 10 June 2025, we sanctioned Israeli Government Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, in their personal capacities, in response to their repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. This followed two sanctions packages, in October 2024 and May 2025, targeting entities and individuals who also incited or supported violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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The Lord Bishop of Gloucester:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made as to the government of Israel’s commitment to a two-state solution. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK's commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. We support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people and are regularly engaging Israelis, Palestinians and regional partners on this. On May 20, the UK sanctioned Israeli individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The UK continues to support the Palestinian Authority (PA) as it delivers its vital reform agenda. An effective PA is vital for lasting peace and progress towards a two-state solution, and the UK is supporting the PA as it delivers much-needed reforms. As we have been clear, Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and harm prospects for a two-state solution. We continue to condemn actions by the Israeli government which make a two-state solution impossible.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Roberts of Llandudno:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to sanction Israeli politicians whose rhetoric has been characterised by human rights organisations and in filings before the International Court of Justice as incitement to commit genocide. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Since day one, this Government has been clear that we need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages cruelly detained by Hamas, better protection of civilians, significantly more aid consistently entering Gaza, and a path to long-term peace and stability.

It is the UK government's long-standing position that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, after consideration of all the evidence available in the context of a credible judicial process, rather than for governments or non-judicial bodies.

Sanctions can be used to achieve a range of foreign and security policy objectives. We use sanctions when they complement other tools as part of a wider strategy. It would not be appropriate to speculate about future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Baroness Porter of Fulwood:To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of foreign national offenders, and how many foreign national offenders, have been transferred to Poland to serve their sentences since the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Poland on Cooperation in Criminal Justice Matters was signed in November 2024. \p Lord Timpson: All convicted foreign national offenders (FNOs) who receive a custodial sentence are referred to the Home Office to be considered for deportation. On entry to custody, FNOs are informed of the likelihood of deportation and encouraged to take up removal schemes including prisoner transfer agreements.

The Ministry of Justice has invested £5 million on 82 FNO specialists to oversee swift removals from prisons. These specialists are working with the Home Office to remove FNOs who have no right to remain in the United Kingdom, by encouraging compliance, and by actively investigating, and seeking to remove, barriers to removal, thereby reducing the costs to the taxpayer and helping to protect the public.

These specialists have also received training on prisoner transfers and in addition to their main function of ensuring deportation under the Early Removal Scheme, they also encourage FNOs to apply for voluntary repatriation under prisoner transfer agreements including the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. Prisoner Transfer is only one of the mechanisms where FNOs can be removed early.

14 FNOs have been successfully transferred voluntarily under this Convention between July 2024 and 31 December 2024. Data on repatriations after 1 January 2025 is not able to be shared.

There were no FNOs transferred to Poland under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons between the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Poland on Cooperation in Criminal Justice Matters in November 2024 and the end of December 2024. Data on repatriations after 1 January 2025 is not able to be shared.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to deliver the full version of the new Gov.uk mobile app; and how they anticipate that it will help people access different government services. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The public beta of the GOV.UK app was launched on 1st July 2025, providing initial functionality to enhance access to government services.

The app will be developed iteratively, with new features such as the government’s generative AI chatbot – GOV.UK Chat, and GOV.UK Wallet introduced over time.

The app is designed to offer a personalised experience, proactively helping users to access and action central and local government services more easily and efficiently by understanding preferences and personal context.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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The Earl of Caithness:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will take steps to ensure that Natural England accepts requests to meet members of Parliament. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: As our main arm’s length body for nature in England and in line with its statutory purpose, Natural England is keen to keep Parliament and Parliamentarians up to speed with its operations. Natural England makes its wealth of science, evidence and experience of delivery available to Parliament in a number of ways including regular contributions to Parliamentary Select Committee inquiries and Parliamentary groups such as APPGs as well as individual meetings with MPs, Peers and Parliamentary staff where that is appropriate and adds value.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard:To ask His Majesty's Government how many currently used veterinary medicine products will not be available in Northern Ireland following the Windsor Framework proposals taking effect on 31 December. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Continued access to veterinary medicines for Northern Ireland at the end of the grace period remains a Government priority. After extensive stakeholder consultation, the current situation indicates our current estimate is that 10-15% of products are expected to be discontinued. Many of these authorisations are dormant or sold in very low volumes. We do not anticipate significant animal health or welfare issues as a result of these discontinuations. The Government also set out two new schemes, The Veterinary Medicine Internal Market Scheme and the Veterinary Medicine Health Situation Scheme, in its policy paper 'Protecting Animal Health' on 19 June. These two schemes are designed to build resilience and to plug any gaps that arise in the supply or availability of veterinary medicines necessary for animal health and welfare.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of bluetongue disease in cattle and sheep in the UK. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Since 26 August 2024, there have been 263 cases of BTV detected in Great Britain: 262 BTV-3 cases and 1 BTV-12 case. Of these, 42% were detected because animals showed clinical signs of disease. The remaining positive cases showed no clinical signs, but were detected through surveillance activities (27%), pre and post movement testing (16%) tracings from other positive cases (8%) and private testing (7%).

Clinical impacts of disease have been far less severe than feared, usually involving very small numbers of animals that have tended to recover from what have broadly been short-term effects. Vaccination is the most suitable long-term approach to controlling disease and safe and effective vaccines have been available since October 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Foster of Bath:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 7 January (HL3653), whether they considered the impact of (1) the removal of the ban on onshore wind generation, (2) the increase in offshore wind generation, (3) the increase in solar power generation, and (4) Great British Energy, in their assessments of the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in 2030. \p Lord Wilson of Sedgefield: We will deliver an updated plan that sets out the policy package out to the end of Carbon Budget 6 in 2037 for all sectors of the economy by October 2025. This will outline the policies and proposals needed to deliver Carbon Budgets 4-6 and our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) on a pathway to net zero, including for onshore wind, offshore wind and solar power generation, and describing Great British Energy’s potential role in supporting these sectors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of artificial intelligence technologies on the customer service sector; and what steps they are taking to support job security in the sector. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: In November 2023, the Department for Education published a report showing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on areas within the UK labour market and education The impact of AI on UK jobs and training - GOV.UK. The report noted that professional occupations are more exposed to AI, particularly those associated with more clerical work and across finance, law and business management roles.

The Government is committed to ensuring both learners and employers have access to crucial digital and artificial intelligence skills that have the potential to increase productivity and create new high value jobs in the UK economy. To achieve this, the Government is reforming the skills system. The Government has established Skills England to form a coherent national picture of skills gaps and to help shape the technical education system so that it is responsive to skills needs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

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Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what changes were made to the guidance Managing Public Money in the June 2025 version compared to the May 2023 version. \p Lord Livermore: As set out in the Dear Accounting Officer letter DAO 02/25, the 2025 edition of Managing Public Money includes the following revisions and additions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-15 conversation_25

Lord Mackinlay of Richborough:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Livermore on 8 July (HL8787 and HL8788), how introducing Making Tax Digital for smaller taxpayers will help reduce the tax gap. \p Lord Livermore: Making Tax Digital (MTD) helps reduce the estimated £22 billion tax gap across all taxes caused through error and failure to take reasonable care. It does this by requiring closer-to-real-time digital record keeping, underpinned by quarterly updates and submission of the end-of-year tax return using MTD compatible software. MTD for VAT is currently predicted to deliver cumulative additional revenue (ATR) of over £4 billion by 2029-30 by reducing taxpayer errors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-15 conversation_26

Baroness Alexander of Cleveden:To ask His Majesty's Government when they expect to publish updated estimates of the wealthy tax gap which is the difference between the amount of tax that should be paid by wealthy individuals and what is actually paid. \p Lord Livermore: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) estimates the size of the tax gap, which is the difference between the amount of tax that should, in theory, be paid to HMRC, and what is actually paid. The tax gap statistics are published annually, most recently on 19 June 2025, with the next release planned for June 2026. [1]

The latest estimate of the wealthy customer group tax gap was £2.1 billion for the tax year 2023 to 2024. [2]

[1] The latest estimates include tax years from 2005 to 2006 through to 2023 to 2024 and are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/measuring-tax-gaps.

[2] Historical estimates for the tax gap for wealthy customers can be found in table 1.4 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/measuring-tax-gaps-tables
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-15 conversation_27

Lord Sikka:To ask His Majesty's Government how many adults in the UK they expect not to pay any income tax in the financial year 2025–26. \p Lord Livermore: Data on the number of UK adults who are not liable to pay income tax are not currently held or published.

HMRC publishes projections for the total number of Income Taxpayers per year in Table 2.1 of the Income Tax liabilities statistics. [1] Current projections show that there are estimated to be 39.1 million Income Taxpayers in the UK in the 2025 to 2026 financial year.

The Office for National Statistics publishes projections for the total number of people in the UK by age in their population projections. [2] They currently estimate there to be 55.9 million individuals aged 18 or over in the UK in 2025.

[1] Table 2.1 of our Accredited official statistics (gov.uk).

[2] Zipped population projections data files, UK - Office for National Statistics
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-15 conversation_28

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government to what extent the rise in employers' National Insurance contributions contributed to the loss of 69,000 hospitality jobs since last October, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics, and how this compares with their initial estimates of sector specific job losses before implementing the rise. \p Lord Livermore: A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer National Insurance contributions (NICs). The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, and civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.

The Office for Budget Responsibility also published the Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO), which sets out a detailed forecast of the economy and public finances.

With all policies considered, the OBR's March 2025 EFO forecasts the employment level to increase from 33.6 million in 2024 to 34.8 million in 2029.

The Government protected the smallest businesses from the changes to employer NICs by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500. This means that this year, 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all, and more than half of all employers will either gain or will see no change.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-15 conversation_29

Baroness Altmann:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential demand from defined benefit pension funds and insurers for new issuance of Government bonds aiming to match pension liabilities or annuities and linked to (1) consumer price index, (2) limited price indexation and (3) life expectancy in the United Kingdom. \p Lord Livermore: The Government consults primary dealers and gilt investors regularly to understand their needs, taking that feedback into account when designing the gilt financing programme. The gilt market is deep and liquid and enjoys strong demand from a well-diversified investor base.

Issuing new types of gilts risks fragmenting the market, which would not be consistent with the government’s debt management objective to minimise the long-term cost of financing. Long-dated and index-linked gilts are already very effective assets for defined benefit pension funds and insurers and allow them to hedge long-term liabilities. This is reflected by the high levels of demand for these products from those sectors.

The government keeps the introduction of new debt instruments under regular review. Any new instrument would need to meet value-for-money criteria, enjoy strong and sustained demand in the long term, and be consistent with wider fiscal objectives.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-15 conversation_30

Baroness Altmann:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the potential use of UK-listed closed-ended investment companies in order to fulfil the Mansion House pension fund commitments, and (2) the risks to pension scheme members of using open-ended long-term asset funds to hold illiquid long-term assets. \p Lord Livermore: The Mansion House Accord is an industry-led agreement and information about the assets in scope is available on the websites of Pensions UK (formerly the PLSA) and the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

The Long-Term Asset Fund (LTAF) was introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The structure was designed to fulfil the need for investment products that can provide funding for long-term projects, such as venture capital, private equity and debt, real estate and infrastructure while offering investors the potential for higher returns in exchange for limited liquidity.

Pension schemes are subject to liquidity requirements as set out in law and in Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules and are subject to the oversight of the FCA and The Pensions Regulator (TPR).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-15 conversation_31

Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town:To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in implementing the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2023, and in updating the Financial Conduct Authority guidance with regard to politically exposed people. \p Lord Livermore: The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2023 came into force on 10 January 2024. All businesses within scope of the Money Laundering Regulations are now required to ensure that their starting point for assessing the risk posed by domestic politically exposed persons (PEPs), and the extent of the enhanced customer due diligence measures to be applied in relation to that customer, is that they present a lower level of risk than a non-domestic PEP.

The Government has been working closely with the FCA to follow up on the findings of its review into the treatment of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) by financial institutions and to ensure firms improve their practices where necessary. Following a consultation, the FCA published updated guidance on PEPs on 7 July 2025. It is available here: https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/finalised-guidance/fg25-3-treatment-politically-exposed-persons
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-15 conversation_32

Baroness Altmann:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact that (1) regulatory risk aversion, and (2) the encouragement of pension fund buyouts and the accompanying sales of holdings of UK Government bonds once buyout is completed, have had on the availability and cost of start-up and scale-up capital in the UK. \p Lord Livermore: The government keeps the availability and cost of start-up and scale-up capital under close review. The government is taking action to ensure that UK businesses can access the capital they need to grow, and that the financial system supports innovation and economic growth.

The Chancellor’s remit letters put the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority firmly at the heart of the Growth Mission, challenging them to go further to support growth and competitiveness. The letters made clear that there is an opportunity for more responsible and informed risk taking across the economy, and the government will support the regulators to enable this, including by facilitating innovation across the financial services sector.

Similarly, following a request in the Chancellor’s November 2024 remit letter to the Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee, the BoE is working with HM Treasury and other authorities to assess how the financial system can better support sustainable economic growth, including by improving access to finance for high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises and for long-term investment.

The British Business Bank plays a key role in supporting start-ups and scale-ups, working with over 200 delivery partners (including banks and venture capital firms) to channel funding to SMEs that might otherwise struggle to access finance. Following the June Spending Review, the Bank’s financial capacity has increased to £25.6 billion, including the new £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital initiative, which will help address the scale-up financing gap for priority sectors.

The government is also working with private sector investors to enable more institutional investment into productive UK assets. This includes initiatives like the Pensions Investment Review and the Mansion House Accord. The British Business Bank is also supporting this effort through programmes such as the British Growth Partnership. Together, these actions will help address funding gaps in the market, including the availability and cost of start-up and scale-up capital.