theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_233
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_233

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he expects to publish the Review of the Electricity Market Arrangements. \p Michael Shanks: We aim to conclude the policy development phase of REMA soon. We want to ensure that our final package of reforms continues to underpin the investment needed to reach our 2030 commitment whilst also benefitting consumers through reducing system costs.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_234
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_234

David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had discussions with Ofgem on the level of additional support provided by energy companies to assist people on the Priority Services Register with meter readings. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Vulnerable customers who need extra support are able to sign up for the Priority Services Register for free. This allows energy suppliers to provide extra help for vulnerable consumers, such as help taking their meter readings, advanced noticed of power cuts, and making sure their phone calls are a priority. Eligible individuals include those at or above State Pension age, those with a disability or medical condition, and people with children under the age of 5.

I have regular discussions with Ofgem, energy suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure that vulnerable consumers are supported, including using the Priority Services Register to help assist eligible individuals.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_235
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_235

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to increase the number of homes with heat pumps in Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire constituency. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Heat policy is devolved to Scotland, the Warm Homes Plan will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and transform our ageing building stock into comfortable, low-carbon homes that are fit for the future. We will partner with devolved governments to roll out this plan.

Further support for energy efficiency measures and clean heating systems, including heat pumps, in Scotland is available on the Home Energy Scotland webpage [https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/].
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_236
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_236

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 57479 on Energy: Standing Charge and with reference to the OFGEM consultation entitled Introducing a zero standing charge energy price cap variant, what steps his Department is taking in response to this consultation. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: It is for Ofgem to respond to its consultation on introducing a zero standing charge energy price cap variant.

As part of their update on standing charges, Ofgem announced it will be undertaking a broad review of system costs considering how costs are allocated and recovered across domestic and non-domestic consumers. Ofgem's update can be found here - Standing charges: update on our review | Ofgem.

The Government continues to work constructively with the regulator on the issue of standing charges.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_237
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_237

Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on energy affordability for disabled people. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: My Rt. Hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Chancellor of the Exchequer have regular meetings on a range of issues.

The Government knows that more needs to be done to support vulnerable households that are struggling with bills whilst we transition to clean power. The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 rebate off winter energy bills for eligible low-income households. On 19 June we announced that we are expanding the Warm Home Discount to around an additional 2.7 million households. This means that from next winter, around 6 million low-income households will receive the £150 support to help with their energy bill costs. The Warm Home Discount regulations expire in 2026, and we will want to consider all options for future bill support beyond this point.

I have been clear with suppliers that they should do all that they can to support their customers – including vulnerable consumers – who may be struggling with their bills.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_238
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_238

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he has taken to increase apprenticeship opportunities within his Department. \p Michael Shanks: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is expanding apprenticeship opportunities through its upcoming Talent Strategy. With 83 apprentices currently in post, the Department is broadening the offer by launching a Social Mobility Apprenticeship Programme, procuring new contracts aligned with its core delivery and mission priorities, and promoting opportunities through targeted outreach and engagement. It is also improving the apprentice experience through stronger networks and dedicated guidance. DESNZ continues to recruit through Civil Service schemes and remains fully committed to creating meaningful, high-quality early career pathways for both new and existing staff through a growing apprenticeship offer.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_239
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_239

Graeme Downie:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the length of visa free travel for (a) UK citizens in the (i) EU and (ii) Schengen area and (b) EU citizens in the UK. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The UK and the EU allow for visa-free, short-term travel in line with their respective arrangements for third country nationals. This means, under the UK global immigration system, that EU citizens can travel visa-free to the UK for up to six months. UK nationals can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. UK nationals planning to stay longer will need permission from the relevant Member State. The UK Government will continue to listen to and advocate for UK nationals.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_240
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_240

Liam Conlon:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent steps he has taken to develop relations between the UK Government and the European Union. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: At the first UK-EU Summit held on 19 May, the Government agreed a substantial package to take forward our future partnership. The Government will now move forward to begin negotiations to conclude as swiftly as possible. We will keep Parliament updated on significant developments.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_241
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_241

Alex Burghart:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Departments will be required to produce internal Outcome Delivery Plans (a) to monitor spending outlines in the Spending Review 2025 and (b) as part of the Mission Board delivery programme. \p Georgia Gould: The Government has published its Plan for Change, which sets out clear and ambitious milestones to reach over this Parliament from each of the Government’s national missions. Detail on wider government commitments will continue to be provided by relevant departments.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_242
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_242

Paula Barker:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the average number of men who have committed suicide in each of the last five years. \p Georgia Gould: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon lady’s Parliamentary Question of 26th June is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 103.8KB)
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_243
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_243

Alex Sobel:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much of the UK's trade with Morocco is with Western Sahara. \p Georgia Gould: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 26th June is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 93.7KB)
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_244
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_244

Lisa Smart:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman cases are pending the appointment of the new Ombudsman. \p Georgia Gould: There were 187 pending decisions when Paula Sussex CBE was appointed as the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman on 26 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_245
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_245

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 12 June 2025 to Question 56482 on Civil Service: London allowances, if he will take steps to ensure that the London weighted salaries for his Department's civil servants only apply to employees that work in London. \p Georgia Gould: I refer the Hon Member to the answer on 10 June 2025 (PQ 56482).

Pay arrangements, including those for London, are delegated to each department. The Cabinet Office does not have a London Weighting Allowance. There are separate London and National pay ranges. An individual’s pay, paid as a salary, is determined by the location of their designated office, as set out in their contract.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_246
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_246

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to ensure defibrillators in public buildings are properly serviced. \p Georgia Gould: The Government Property Agency maintains defibrillators across its estate inline with best practice (annual servicing) and is aligned to manufacturer’s guidelines. Defibrillators are also regularly visually inspected.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_247
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_247

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that Capita PLS meets its contractual milestones for the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme. \p Georgia Gould: The pension scheme administration is transitioning from MyCSP to Capita, with a formal transfer scheduled for December 2025. The Cabinet Office has outlined 12 Transition Milestones to ensure a smooth transfer, with payments to Capita contingent on meeting deliverables to the standards set by the Cabinet Office Future Services Team.

After the transition, the new contract includes 38 Performance Indicators that monitor service delivery to ensure accountability and high-quality service throughout the contract period.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_248
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_248

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how the Crown Commercial Service determines when to insert break clauses in procurement contracts. \p Georgia Gould: This information is not held by the Cabinet Office.

Contracts are established by the contracting authority (customer) with the supplier. It is the contracting authority's responsibility to assess the need for, and timing of, any break clauses in the contract based on their specific requirements.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_249
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_249

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the average length of time is for MyCSP to respond substantively to a query relating to the Civil Service Pension Scheme. \p Georgia Gould: I refer the right hon. member to the answer given to PQ 60018, given on 19 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_250
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_250

Alex Burghart:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what metrics are tracked on his Department's internal dashboards; and if he will make it his policy to publish them on gov.uk. \p Georgia Gould: The Cabinet Office does not centrally record the total number of metrics captured. Our teams and business units maintain a wide array of dashboards tailored to their specific functions and business requirements. A precise, aggregated figure is not available. The dashboards contain internal management information, and it is not Cabinet Office policy to publish them.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_251
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_251

Alex Burghart:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will place in the Library a copy of the standard template for submissions to (a) Cabinet Office Ministers and (b) the Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary. \p Georgia Gould: I refer the Hon Member to the answer on 17 February 2025 (PQ HL4631) and on 7 April 2025 (PQ 42819).
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_252
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_252

Alex Burghart:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the appointment of the (a) chair and (b) members of the Ethics and Integrity Committee will be (i) a regulated public appointment and (ii) subject to Select Committee pre-appointment scrutiny. \p Georgia Gould: We are restoring confidence in government and the highest standards in public life and have already taken steps to improve probity and transparency, including through issuing a new Ministerial Code which highlights the importance of the principles of public life, by strengthening the terms of reference for the Independent Adviser, and by introducing a new monthly Register of Gifts and Hospitality.

An update on the Ethics and Integrity Commission will be provided in due course.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_253
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_253

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government has made an assessment of the potential merits of abolishing the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: There are no plans of this kind.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_254
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_254

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 18 June 2025 to Question 59753 on Civil Servants: Media and Public Speaking, whether guidance has been provided on Permanent Secretaries giving press conferences with Ministers. \p Georgia Gould: The Government Communication Service (GCS) Propriety & Ethics Guidance applies to all civil servants.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_255
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_255

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answers of 3 June 2025 to Question 53890 on Civil Servants: Media and Public Speaking, and 18 June 2025 to Question 59753 on Civil Servants: Media and Public Speaking, if he will publish the guidance issued to civil servants. \p Georgia Gould: The Civil Service Management Code makes clear that civil servants “must clear in advance material for publication, broadcasts or other public discussion which draws on official information or experience.”

As it has done for several years, the Government continues to approve public activity by civil servants on a case-by-case basis. Informal, internal guidance is available to support this decision-making process. There are no plans to publish this.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_256
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_256

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the delay to the gigabit broadband target to 2032 in Newton Abbot constituency. \p Chris Bryant: Openreach is delivering a Project Gigabit contract in the Newton Abbot constituency, that is expected to run until 2030. The first connections are expected to be made early next year.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_257
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_257

Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help  reduce waiting times for driving tests; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of waiting times on driving test (a) candidates and (b) examiners. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.

On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain.

As acknowledged in the announcement regarding these measures, DVSA understands the potential impact high waiting times have on learner drivers, and the importance of helping learners pass quickly.

Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s plan to reduce waiting times, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.

All staff at the agency are working tirelessly to reduce waiting times and help more people get on the road.

Driving examiners have been asked to carry out overtime, but this is on a voluntary basis. Examiners may also revise their shift patterns to incorporate weekend working.

The wellbeing and health and safety of colleagues, including driving examiners, is paramount, and DVSA will continue to support its people through its comprehensive wellbeing approach.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_258
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_258

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department will have direct responsibility for the quality of (a) hot drinks and (b) other catering on nationalised rail services. \p Simon Lightwood: Catering services are a matter for each train operating company, whether publicly or privately owned, and they are responsible for their catering offer. The Department expects operators to tailor their catering provision to local needs while driving value for the taxpayer.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_259
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_259

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that the Midlands Rail Hub contributes to economic growth in rural areas in Shropshire. \p Simon Lightwood: Midlands Rail Hub will kickstart economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity, by upgrading connectivity and reliability – with benefits across the country. This means providing capacity for hundreds of extra trains per day into central Birmingham and improving performance of services through New Street station, by making better use of Moor Street station.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_260
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_260

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help increase the capacity of passenger rail services on the Lytham to Preston rail line. \p Simon Lightwood: The department expects operators to match capacity and frequency of their services to demand, which can mean increased service frequency where that is the right response - although these must also be operationally sustainable and deliver value for taxpayers.

Northern is currently in discussions with train manufacturers over its plans to procure up to 450 new trains to replace the oldest trains in its current fleet. Approximately two thirds of the existing fleet is targeted to be replaced in the next 10 years. The new trains, the first of which are scheduled to enter service in 2030, will be cleaner and greener and will also deliver additional capacity on busy lines like Lytham-Preston.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_261
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_261

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support the (a) research and development and (b)deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles; and whether specific targets have been set for infrastructure rollout to support hydrogen car adoption. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department for Transport (DfT) considers that hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives could play an important role in decarbonising the transport sector, particularly in heavier transport such as aviation and maritime.

We are supporting the deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles including through the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate and the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrators (ZEHID).

The Government is funding academic research and development for hydrogen-powered transport technologies, including through ZEHID’s Zero Emission National (ZEN) Freight project that is working with Imperial College London and the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme’s £3.7m funding to the Clean Maritime Research Hub - a consortium of 13 UK universities.

This is in addition to other research funding allocated under the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition and support for the Civil Aviation Authority's Hydrogen in Aviation Regulatory Challenge.

The Government will continue to assess the need for further funding for academic research on hydrogen in transport as more evidence becomes available.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_262
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_262

Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department is taking steps with National Highways to install LED cat’s eyes on the A34. \p Lilian Greenwood: National Highways is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the A34. The A34 has approximately 0.5 million metres of longitudinal road markings, with a legacy of associated road studs of various types. Surface-mounted road studs are typical, although more robust embedded studs are used where necessary, such as at centre lines near junctions.

LED flush solar road studs have already been installed at several locations on the A34, including around the West Ilsley, Chilton, Milton, Hinksey Hill, and Botley junctions, to improve nighttime visibility.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_263
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_263

Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department is taking steps with National Highways to introduce new (a) signage and (b) road markings to improve visibility on the A34. \p Lilian Greenwood: National Highways is taking steps to improve visibility on the A34 through planned work on both new signage and road marking.

National Highways is currently developing a scheme to renew approximately 51 signage assets along the route, in addition to refreshing road markings on the A34 and its slip roads between the Chieveley Interchange and the junction with the M40.

Traffic signs on the A34 are inspected annually, alternating between one year as visual inspections and the second year as drive-through surveys measuring sign reflectivity. National Highways inspectors also patrol the length of the A34 at least twice a week, looking for obstructed signs or deteriorating road markings with any issues identified and raised as defects for attention.

This year, National Highways has so far carried out 1,053 soft estate works on the A34, including the clearance of vegetation and obstructions from sightlines at junctions, signage, footpaths, and technology equipment.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_264
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_264

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to review the statutory guidance on civil parking enforcement to strengthen protections for (a) disabled people, (b) children and (c) other vulnerable patients. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department has no plans to review the statutory guidance on civil parking enforcement. There is already a duty for public authorities to promote equality under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that the needs of people with protected characteristics are met. The Department for Transport encourages local authorities to consult with representatives of various user groups, such as local disability groups, to help inform the design of local streets.

Local authorities are not only responsible for providing disabled parking facilities, but for enforcing the parking restrictions which they have put in place using their civil parking enforcement powers.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_265
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_265

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help reduce the number of fatal cycling accidents on rural roads in West Dorset constituency. \p Lilian Greenwood: On 12 February, the Department and Active Travel England announced local authority allocations of the Consolidated Active Travel Fund. Of this funding, Dorset Unitary Authority has been awarded £774,233 in revenue and capital funding. It will be for the local authority to allocate this funding in line with local investment priorities, such as improving safety for cyclists in West Dorset.

The Government is committed to improving the safety of all road users, especially the most vulnerable such as pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists. This is a key priority for the Department which was reflected in the updated Highway Code in January 2022, with the implementation of a Hierarchy of Road Users.

We are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. The Department is developing our Road Safety Strategy and will set out more details in due course.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_266
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_266

Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve the quality of road surfaces on the A34 slip roads. \p Lilian Greenwood: National Highways is responsible for the maintenance and the quality of the A34 and its slip roads surfaces. National Highways currently has a resurfacing scheme ongoing in the East Ilsley area, which includes the resurfacing of the northbound slip roads.

In addition, several A34 slip roads have been resurfaced since December 2023. These include:

National Highways will continue to monitor the condition of the A34 and plan further maintenance as necessary.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_267
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_267

Josh Babarinde:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to reintroduce a direct train service between Eastbourne and London Bridge. \p Simon Lightwood: Operators must make the best use of train paths when planning their timetables to meet current and future demand, while ensuring value for the taxpayer. Govia Thameslink Railway is currently engaging with stakeholders and actively developing proposals for a direct service between Eastbourne and London Bridge and will ensure that stakeholders are kept updated on any progress in this area as soon as possible.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_268
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_268

Zöe Franklin:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to (a) increase capacity and (b) ensure more passengers are able to be seated on services into London on South Western Railway. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department is working closely with South Western Railway on the introduction of the Arterio fleet which will add the much needed additional capacity and seats on services into London. In the meantime, South Western Railway is managing the rest of its train fleet to ensure that capacity is prioritised where it is most needed.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_269
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_269

Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to respond to her Department's consultation entitled Pavement parking: options for change, that closed on 22 November 2020. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department has been carefully considering the responses to the consultation and working through the policy options and the appropriate means of delivering them. As soon as the Government has decided its preferred way forward, we will announce the next steps and publish our formal response. In the meantime, local authorities can make use of existing powers to restrict and enforce pavement parking.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_270
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_270

John Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions his Department had with the Scottish Government on the planned visits of the Scottish Government's (a) Minister for Business and Employment to China and Japan in April 2025 and (b) Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to Japan in June 2025. \p Ian Murray: The Scotland Office, in coordination with the FCDO, regularly engages with the Scottish Government to discuss and coordinate overseas ministerial visits. This ongoing engagement ensures alignment with UK foreign policy objectives. Discussions of this nature took place in relation to the planned visits mentioned by the Hon. Member.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_271
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_271

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will hold discussions with the First Minister of Northern Ireland on the potential impact of her attendance at IRA commemorative events on inter-community relationships in Northern Ireland. \p Hilary Benn: I speak regularly with Northern Ireland’s Ministers and Party Leaders on a variety of issues. The attendance of Northern Ireland’s political representatives at commemorative events is a matter for the political parties to decide themselves.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_272
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_272

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the Office for Equality and Opportunity's press release entitled Government announces preferred candidate for Chair of Equality and Human Rights Commission, published on 5 June 2025, whether Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson has made a declaration of political activity. \p Dame Nia Griffith: Dr Stephenson has been selected as the Government Preferred Candidate for the next EHRC Chair, following a fair and open process, in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. As per the Code, all candidates were asked to declare any conflicts of interest they held as part of the interview process. We will continue to follow the Code as the process continues.
wrans/answers2025-08-30 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-08-30 conversation_1

Neil O'Brien:To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2025 to Question 63010 on Church of England: Slavery, how much has been spent on this project so far. \p Marsha De Cordova: From 2019 to the end of the financial year 31 December 2024 inclusive, the Church Commissioners' expenditure in connection with Project Spire was approximately £1 million. This is related to commissioning research and developing our formal response

The Church Commissioners' spending in this period relates to forensic accountancy, risk management, consultation, engagement events, communications, governance and ancillary matters. This figure does not include any estimate of internal staff time, as it is not possible to separate this from the general administration of the Church Commissioner's Secretariat and would incur a disproportionate cost to the organisation.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_1

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit: Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, if he will list the policy areas that dynamic alignment will apply to. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The UK has taken a sovereign decision to agree to dynamic alignment of some laws. By regulating consistently with the EU in specific areas, we will unlock further market access for UK firms with one of our largest trading partners, thereby improving growth for British people. Where we are making new commitments to introduce new laws Parliament will play a role in scrutinising the legislation that implements those commitments.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_2

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit: Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, in which areas the European Court of Justice would have oversight that is not permitted by existing treaties in (a) Great Britain and (b) Northern Ireland. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Common Understanding between the UK and the EU sets out the results of exploratory discussions ahead and a new agenda for cooperation. The UK and the EU have agreed to take forward these commitments swiftly through technical negotiations.

The Common Understanding does not provide for oversight of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) within Great Britain or Northern Ireland. Instead it provides that the CJEU will have a limited role in assisting an independent arbitration tribunal responsible for deciding a dispute between the UK and the EU, and only where there is dynamic alignment of laws under any future SPS agreement, ETS linking agreement or an electricity agreement.

The Windsor Framework continues to apply in Northern Ireland with a role for the CJEU within that framework.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_3

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to publish an updated Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. \p Georgia Gould: Yes, we are currently developing a new strategy. A further update will be provided in due course.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_4

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 52338 on House of Lords Appointments Commission, whether other competitions have taken place since 4 July 2024 for the House of Lords Appointments Commission which have (a) concluded with appointees and (b) been cancelled after being opened. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: There has been one recruitment campaign to appoint independent members to the House of Lords Appointments Commission since July 2024. This campaign is still live.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_5

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has received payments from the Labour Party since 4 July 2024. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Cabinet Office has received three payments from the Labour Party since 4 July 2024. Each of these payments was for use of Government Car Service.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_6

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 48180 on 10 Downing Street: Flags, whether (a) Downing Street and (b) the Government Property Agency own a NATO flag. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: Yes. NATO is the cornerstone of our security and our commitment to the alliance is unshakeable. As a founding signatory, the UK plays a leading role, having contributed to every NATO mission. By increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, we will continue to strengthen our capabilities and contribution to NATO. To mark NATO Day, the NATO Flag was flown above the FCDO and above the MoD Main Building on 4th April 2025.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_7

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the creation of the Ethics and Integrity Commission will involve the (a) abolition and (b) merger of (i) the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, (ii) the Committee on Standards in Public Life, (iii) the Public Appointments Commissioner and (iv) the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: I refer the Honourable Member to the answer he was given to PQ UIN 46285 on 28 April 2025.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_8

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many properties owned by central Government are unoccupied according to information held by (a) the Government Property Agency and (b) the Electronic Property Information Mapping Service; and what the address is of each of these properties. \p Georgia Gould: The Cabinet Office, through the Office of Government Property (OGP), does not centrally collect data on whether individual properties owned by central government departments are entirely unoccupied.

InSite, the system that replaced the legacy ePIMS (Electronic Property Information Mapping Service), allows departments to record floor space as vacant, but this does not confirm whether an entire property is unoccupied. InSite does not hold a central record of wholly unoccupied properties or their addresses. Figures on vacant space across the government estate, aggregated from departmental submissions, are published annually in the State of the Estate report. This includes total square metre figures by department, but not individual property-level occupancy or address data.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_9

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to establish a Social Value Council. \p Georgia Gould: The Government is determined to ensure the £385 billion of public money spent on public procurement annually delivers economic growth, supports small businesses, champions innovation, creates good jobs and skills opportunities across the country, and maximises social value.

To build on progress made to date and the Government’s new National Procurement Policy Statement, we will consult with stakeholders on further reforms to public procurement to drive economic growth.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_10

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance his Department provides to the House of Lords Appointments Commission on the processes to follow when vetting peerages. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The House of Lords Appointments Commission is an independent, advisory non-departmental public body. The Commission is responsible for vetting all nominations for life peerages for propriety and advises the Prime Minister on these matters.

Information about the Commission’s approach to vetting nominees for propriety is set out on its website.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_11

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the Prime Minister's post on X dated 19 May 2025, what is the evidential basis for the proposition that the UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding will result in “lower food prices at the checkout” for consumers. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The UK-EU SPS Agreement will cut costs, remove red tape and reduce delays at the border for businesses for most agrifood products imported from the EU. Supermarkets have said publicly the SPS Agreement will help to ease the pressure on food prices.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_12

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to publish a Regulatory Impact Assessment for the measures contained in the (a) UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding and (b) UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Common Understanding between the UK and the EU sets out the results of exploratory discussions and a new agenda for cooperation. The UK and the EU have agreed to take forward these commitments swiftly through technical negotiations. The government will follow normal processes for any necessary legislative changes.

No legislative changes are currently proposed as a result of the Security and Defence Partnership.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_13

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the publication of the EU/UK Common Understanding of 19 May 2025, whether any of the measures directly affect (a) the Channel Islands and (b) Gibraltar. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Common Understanding has the same territorial scope as the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The Crown Dependencies will be able to benefit from many of the measures if they wish to, including the SPS Agreement. The Government has separate negotiations concerning Gibraltar.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_14

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to paragraph 14 of the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit: Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, whether young people will be given voting rights in local elections in (a) England and (b) Northern Ireland under the proposed youth experience scheme from an EU Member State (i) that are residing in the UK and (ii) where there is not a bilateral reciprocal agreement between the UK and that EU Member State under the Representation of the People Act 1983. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Prior to the UK’s departure from the EU, in December 2018, the Government wrote to all 27 EU member states signalling willingness to enter into bilateral agreements to ensure continuity of local election voting and candidacy rights for each other's citizens.

EU citizens from countries that have a bilateral agreement with the UK can therefore vote in local elections in England and Northern Ireland (alongside those who have been legally resident in the UK prior to withdrawal from the EU). We have such agreements with Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Spain.

These agreements are separate from Youth Mobility Schemes.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_15

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to paragraph 16 of his Department's policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the commencement of the EU Entry/Exit System on the use of eGates by (a) UK nationals and (b) other third party nationals travelling from the UK. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Since the UK left the EU, UK nationals, as third-country nationals, cannot use eGates in most Schengen countries. The UK-EU Common Understanding confirms that there will be no legal barriers to eGate use for British Nationals traveling to and from EU Member States after the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES). This is a positive step forward and we can now work quickly with Member States to get these arrangements in place and improve our citizens’ travel experience reducing lengthy and imbalanced queues at various entry points across the EU. We continue to work with the European Commission, France and local authorities to ensure we are prepared for the introduction of EES.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_16

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to paragraph 14 of the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit: Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, whether he has estimated the number of EU participants in the Erasmus+ programme who will be eligible to enter the UK each year. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: We have agreed to work towards the association of the UK to the EU Erasmus+ programme. The specific terms of this association will be discussed going forward.

Erasmus+ offers a broad range of opportunities across education, youth, and sport sectors. Historically, many UK and EU participants took up opportunities under Erasmus+, which is about short-term exchanges, after which participants return to their home countries.
wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-28 conversation_17

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many Cabinet Ministers have visited Huntingdon constituency and (a) informed and (b) not informed the hon. Member for Huntingdon of that visit in advance. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: I refer the Hon Member to my previous answer [46065] given on 19 May.