theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Richard Baker:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to publish his Department's updated Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The 2022 - 2030 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Disability Inclusion and Rights strategy provides a long-term framework for the FCDO's international approach to disability inclusion. When we published it, we committed to updating it at midpoint to ensure that it would remain current and reflective of Government priorities.

On 25th February, the Prime Minister delivered the government's commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product from April 2027, to be funded by a reduction to Official Development Assistance spending. While we had anticipated updating the strategy in advance of the Global Disability Summit in Berlin on 2-3 April, we will explore the options for updating it following the conclusion of the multi-year Spending Review and resource allocation processes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps through the UN Security Council to (a) protect Sudanese (i) women and children and (ii) other civilians and (b) hold people responsible for (A) violence and (B) displacement to account. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The conflict in Sudan is having a devastating impact on children. An estimated 17 million children are out of school. More than 50 per cent of Sudan's caseload of 8.8 million internally displaced persons are children. The UK is playing an active role at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to help protect Sudanese civilians. For example, through public interventions, senior engagements, Council products and sanctions, we continue to push the warring parties to take every precaution to safeguard Sudanese civilians, including children. In November 2024, the Minister for Africa chaired a meeting of the UNSC to address the plight of Sudanese civilians, including women and children. The UK also tabled a UNSC resolution on protection of civilians in Sudan which shamefully Russia vetoed. Last month, the Minister for Africa chaired a UNSC Briefing on conflict related sexual violence in Sudan, emphasising the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The UK has also led efforts at the Human Rights Council to establish and renew the mandate for the UN Fact-Finding Mission which is crucial for supporting future accountability efforts in Sudan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what funding the UK has provided to support social programmes benefiting cocoa farming communities in Ghana in the last five years. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has supported a number of global programmes relevant to the cocoa sector in Ghana, most notably 'Partnerships for Forests' (£120 million for 2015-24 across six countries including Ghana) and the 'Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) Programme' (£141.5 million since 2019, of which £17 million was allocated to Ghana). In addition, a bilateral 'Ghana Agricultural Transformation Programme' (£900,000 over four years) also included investments supporting cocoa companies to trial schemes to improve cocoa farmers' livelihoods.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with his Nigerian counterpart on the decision by (a) Bauchi, (b) Kano, (c) Katsina and (d) Kebbi States to close (i) public and (ii) private (A) primary and (B) secondary schools for Ramadan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Improving access to education in Nigeria is a key priority for the UK and we are working with the Nigerian Government to ensure that all Nigerians have access to a quality education. Through the Partnership for Learning for All Nigerian Education (PLANE) programme, we have commissioned research to document the number of school days lost through ad hoc closures, insecurity, religious holidays and climate-related factors in states in Northern Nigeria. We will share the key finding of this research with the Nigerian Government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to increase funding for international humanitarian organisations that provide aid in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has been a longstanding and major humanitarian donor to Sudan with £226.5 million allocated in financial year 2024/25 towards the crisis. In his statement to Parliament in February about defence and Official Development Assistance spend, the Prime Minister made clear that Sudan would remain a humanitarian priority for the UK. The Prime Minister is committed to returning to 0.7 per cent spending when fiscal conditions allow. The ongoing obfuscation of relief operations by Sudan's warring parties is imperilling millions of people. More funding is required from across the international community. However, without a step change in access the already dire situation will drastically deteriorate. The UK will however continue to support international humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Food Programme, who are providing life-saving food commodities and nutritional programmes to those most in need.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with his Nigerian counterpart on the decision by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development in Kano State, Nigeria, not to return children to the care of Professor Solomon and Mrs Mercy Tarfa on 19 March 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government is aware of a Kano State court ruling instructing the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Social Development to return children removed from Du Merci orphanage to the custody of Professor Soloman Tarfa and Mrs Mercy Tarfa. We have previously raised the case with the Nigerian authorities and stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of the children involved. Enforcing the court ruling is a matter for the Nigerian authorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what initiatives his Department is supporting to strengthen cultural ties between the UK and Ghana. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The British High Commission in Accra hosts regular networking events with the Ghana diaspora to share information and build connections to promote culture, trade and investment. This includes our annual Diaspora New Year networking event hosted by the High Commissioner which gathers up to 1,000 influential people from the UK/Ghana diaspora. Through collaboration with the British Council, the UK supports emerging creative talent through the Creative Economy Programme and sponsors projects across theatre, dance, visual arts and design.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to promote educational exchanges between the UK and Ghana. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Over the last 40 years, the Government's Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programmes have funded Masters-level education for almost 2,500 Ghanaian nationals at UK universities. This support allows talented and motivated Ghanaians to gain knowledge and skills in areas such as education, health and STEM subjects. The British High Commission in Accra hosts an annual Young Leaders Summit on International Youth Day to highlight the UK's role in promoting educational exchanges in Ghana, to support the development of young leaders. The UK-Ghana Science Technology and Innovation strategy also recognises and celebrates dozens of university-to-university partnerships operating across the two countries.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish a breakdown of the costs that contribute to the £570 fee for an emergency travel document. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The fee for an Emergency Travel Document is £100. The costs break down as follows: 69% on staffing for our Emergency Travel Document Centres, 27% on the online application system and other digital services, and 4% on consumable items.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria was used to select Dapo Akande KC to represent Britain at the International Court of Justice in the 2026 election. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Members of the Permanent Court of Arbitration from each contracting State form "National Groups". Under the International Court of Justice (ICJ) statute, national groups are entitled to nominate candidates for election to the ICJ and should consult its highest court of justice and academia before doing so.

The independent UK National Group intends to nominate Professor Dapo Akande as the UK candidate for the 2026 ICJ election.  Professor Akande was selected following a robust selection process based on merit which is independent of Government.

The UK Government is delighted to support Professor Dapo Akande's nomination. Professor Akande is an elected member of the International Law Commission and a renowned legal scholar and practitioner. He is an outstanding candidate who would make a formidable judge on the ICJ.  Professor Akande's nomination reflects the UK's firm commitment to international justice, human rights and the international rule of law.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases in hard-to-reach areas of Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The conflict in Sudan and the widespread destruction of sanitation and health services has caused devastating disease outbreaks across the country. Two-thirds of states in Sudan are now experiencing more than three different disease outbreaks, which are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. In response, the UK is supporting the United Nations Children's Fund and others who are delivering lifesaving emergency health interventions including cholera vaccines, treatment, and prevention. Specifically, we are also contributing to an ongoing cholera vaccination campaign in Kosti and Rabak, targeting one million people. UK aid is also addressing related needs across the region given the cross-border risks of Sudan's cholera outbreak. We continue to urge all parties in Sudan to facilitate humanitarian access so that aid reaches those most in need.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to publish information on the level of funding he plans to provide to Sudan in the 2025-26 financial year. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan remains a priority for the Prime Minister and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Ministers. The UK has been a longstanding and major humanitarian donor to Sudan with £226.5 million allocated in Financial Year 2024/25 towards the crisis. 2025/26 budgets are now being finalised, and we will share information in due course.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) support, (b) funding and (c) capacity building his Department is providing to Sudanese civil society organisations. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: This financial year (FY) the UK will provide £226.5 million towards the crisis in Sudan. UK funding is delivered through key UN agencies such as the World Food Programme and UNICEF. We are also one of the largest donors to the UN-led Sudan Humanitarian Fund which provides support to local and national responders, Emergency Response Rooms and international non-governmental organisations. The majority of the UK's work with national civil society actors has been paused following the outbreak of hostilities. In Darfur the UK continues to support local conflict mitigation initiatives via national organisations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of the £570 fee for an emergency travel document. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The current cost for an Emergency Travel Document is £100 as published on gov.uk and in all consular public waiting rooms.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of Official Development Assistance funding to Sudan has been spent on Sudanese refugees in Chad. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Since the start of the conflict in Sudan, almost one million people have crossed the border into Chad which now has Africa's largest refugee caseload. On average, 200 people each day seek safety in Chad from Sudan. In January, whilst in Chad, the Foreign Secretary announced a doubling of aid to Sudan with an overall allocation of £226.5 million for financial year 2024/25. We have also provided over £40 million this financial year to address humanitarian needs in eastern Chad among refugees and host communities which has benefited 300,000 people with food assistance.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the risks of (a) radicalisation and (b) human trafficking to children not in school in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The conflict in Sudan is having a devastating impact on children. An estimated 17 million children are out of school and children comprise over 50 per cent of Sudan's 8.8 million caseload of internally displaced persons. We urge the warring parties to take every precaution to safeguard the wellbeing of children. And we will push hard for those suspected of targeting, abusing or exploiting children to face justice, including through our position on the United Nations Security Council.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to United Nations World Food Programme press release entitled Tens of millions at risk of extreme hunger and starvation as unprecedented funding crisis spirals, published on 28 March 2025, whether he has had discussions with the World Food Programme on Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is the largest and most severe globally. Tens of millions of people require life-saving aid with almost 640,000 people projected to be experiencing catastrophic famine conditions. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Ministers and officials are in regular communications with representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP). On 10 March, the Minister for Development met the WFP Country Director for Sudan alongside other senior United Nations staff. More recently, WFP staff participated in a UK organised roundtable meeting about the crisis in Sudan as part of preparations for the UK's Sudan London Conference, taking place on 15 April.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has he made of the potential implications for his policies of the risks to displaced people in Sudan of (a) human trafficking and (b) exploitation for crime. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are concerned by reports of the increasing prevalence of human trafficking as a result of the conflict in Sudan. The UK continues to prioritise the protection of civilians and we are taking action on this agenda. In November 2024, the Minister for Africa chaired a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address the plight of Sudanese civilians. The UK tabled a UNSC resolution on protection of civilians in Sudan which Russia vetoed. We will continue to use our position on the UNSC and as leader of the Core Group on Sudan at the UN Human Rights Council to keep a spotlight on, and take actions in response to, the appalling human rights situation in Sudan.
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David Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he is taking steps with his international partners to reduce arms sales to warring parties in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Support from external actors to both warring parties only prolongs the conflict and the terrible human suffering. In our engagement with international partners, the UK continues to emphasise the importance of refraining from activity that prolongs the fighting and rather use their influence to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We will continue to work closely with partners at the UN Security Council to enforce the existing UN sanctions regime and arms embargo on Darfur. There is also a longstanding UK arms embargo in place for the whole of Sudan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the outcome of the Iranian nuclear talks undertaken by Iran, China and Russia in March 2025; and what steps he plans to take following those talks. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Iran's nuclear programme has never been more advanced and threatens international peace and security. The UK continues to work with international partners in pursuit of a diplomatic solution. We welcome efforts to this end and we will track the outcomes of the recent meeting between Iran, China, and Russia. The onus is now on Iran to take the offer of diplomacy as proposed by President Trump. We will use all diplomatic options to ensure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon including UN snapback, if necessary.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) Philippe Sands and (b) Dapo Akande have provided external legal advice to his Department since 4 July 2024. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: It is not normal practice to comment on the provision of external legal advice. However, in this case we can confirm that neither Philippe Sands KC nor Professor Dapo Akande have provided external legal advice to the FCDO since 4 July 2024.
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Iqbal Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on (a) the enforcement of an immediate ceasefire and (b) unrestricted humanitarian access to aid in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As the Foreign Secretary said to the House on 20 March, we strongly oppose Israel's resumption of hostilities and urgently want to see a return to a ceasefire. We have been clear that Hamas must release all the hostages, negotiations must resume and in all scenarios Israel must allow the entry of humanitarian aid. We are appalled by recent attacks on aid workers and their premises - they must be protected and never targeted. The Government of Israel must urgently ensure that effective deconfliction mechanisms are in place to enable them to conduct their lifesaving work safely.  We've repeatedly called on Israel at the UN and elsewhere to immediately allow urgently-needed aid back into Gaza. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer on 20 March and to Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 21 March and pressed them to reopen humanitarian access, restore a ceasefire and work for a negotiated path forward, and has discussed the situation with UN leadership.
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Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the number of civilian casualties resulting from Israeli air strikes on Gaza on 18 March 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: At least 400 people were killed by Israeli air strikes on Gaza overnight on 18 March according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the biggest wave of strikes since the January ceasefire was announced. We have made clear that the UK strongly opposes Israel's resumption of hostilities in Gaza. Our priority is urging all parties to return urgently to dialogue and to ensuring the ceasefire agreement is implemented in full - most notably hostage releases and humanitarian scale-up - and becomes permanent.
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Nesil Caliskan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to provide further aid to (a) the Occupied Palestinian Territories and (b) Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As the Prime Minister made clear in the House on 25 February, this Government is proud of the UK's pioneering record on overseas development, and we will continue to play a key humanitarian role in Gaza. As with all Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend, any new allocations to humanitarian partners will be announced in the usual way. The UK has now announced £129 million for the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) this financial year, including £41 million for the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), providing essential services to civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Palestinian refugees across the region delivered through partner agencies.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with regional partners on the potential reconstruction of Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary welcomed the Arab initiative of a Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza, alongside Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and Italy on 8 March. Recovery and reconstruction efforts must be based upon a solid political and security framework that provides long term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike. We are committed to working with regional partners on the Arab initiative, and Palestinians and Israel. The UK is engaging with international partners to help cohere support for Palestinian-led recovery. We are funding technical expertise to support Palestinian Authority planning for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with his Israeli counterpart on whether UK-made (a) arms and (b) arms components for (i) F35 aircraft and (ii) other arms have been used in the Israeli Defence Force air strikes that commenced in Gaza on 18 March 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK's robust export licensing criteria states that the Government will not issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). In September 2024, following an IHL review, we have suspended certain export licences to Israel where we have assessed there is a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of IHL. The suspension of relevant export licences for Israel will be kept under review and we hope to see evidence of sustained improvements that address concerns relating to IHL.
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Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his international counterparts on re-establishing the processes for the remaining hostages held by the Hamas regime to be released. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We thank Qatar, Egypt, and the US for their support in bringing these individuals' and their families' horrific ordeal to an end. Our thoughts are also with those still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones, including the family of UK linked hostages hostage's. Since the renewed outbreak of hostilities, the Foreign Secretary has spoken to Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer on 20 March and to his Israeli counterpart Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 21 March during which he urged that Israel to do all it can to return to a ceasefire in Gaza. The Foreign Secretary also remains in regular contact with US Secretary of State Rubio.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the level of (a) support, (b) resources and (c) financing provided by Iran to Hamas. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Iran's support for Hamas is unacceptable and further destabilises regional stability and security. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have reiterated to our Iranian counterparts that Iran must cease providing its proxies and partners with weaponry and financing.

We will continue to work with our international partners to hold Iran to account for its destabilising regional activity, and to reiterate our commitment to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages by Hamas.
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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help increase capacity building within the African Union to tackle human rights violations. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is committed to supporting the African Union's capacity to tackle human rights violations across Africa. This includes support to African Union-led efforts on conflict resolution, governance and security, which help to reduce the factors that often underpin human rights abuses. The UK is a leading supporter of the African Union's peacekeeping mission in Somalia, their continued mediation efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan and their efforts to call for a return to democracy in countries such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies in the Middle East of the US's approach to (a) Iran, (b) the Houthis in Yemen and (c) Hamas. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We work closely with the US on all of our Middle East priorities and the Foreign Secretary has discussed the situation in the Middle East with Secretary Rubio on multiple occasions.

We will continue to work with the US to advance regional peace and stability. This includes reiterating the UK's commitment to a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages by Hamas and holding Iran to account for its malign regional activity, including in multilateral fora and through our sanctions regimes. We also continue to work with the US to contain the Houthi threat and protect Freedom of Navigation in the Red Sea.
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Sir Edward Leigh:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to monitor UK funding in the People's Republic of China; and how much has been allocated to the provinces of (a) Tibet and (b) Xinjiang. \p Catherine West: As an open economy, the Government welcomes foreign trade and investment where it supports growth and jobs in the UK, meets our stringent legal and regulatory requirements, and does not compromise our national security.

The Government expects all UK businesses to respect human rights and the environment throughout their operations and supply chain relationships in line with the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The UK's Overseas Business Risk guidance makes clear to UK companies the risks of operating in certain regions and urges them to conduct appropriate due diligence when making business decisions. The UK also has reporting requirements for companies with a turnover of £36 million or more under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act.

This Government stands firm on human rights, including the repression of people in Xinjiang and Tibet. We are committed to working with international partners and businesses to ensure global supply chains are free from human and labour rights abuses.
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Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to strengthen diplomatic cooperation with European allies in the context of US foreign policy. \p Stephen Doughty: In March, the Prime Minister convened international leaders to shape our support for Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary met EU High Representative Kallas, spoke to his Polish and French counterparts, and attended a Weimar+ meeting in Madrid. We are setting up structures to ensure our partnerships deliver in the long-term, including through summits with Ireland, France and the EU, and groups like the European Political Community, Calais Group and Joint Expeditionary Force. We look forward to re-starting negotiations on a UK-Germany treaty once the new German government forms. We continue to work closely with European partners in multilateral fora such as the Council of Europe and OSCE.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the (a) Office for National Statistics, (b) National Audit Office, (c) Northern Ireland Civil Service, (d) Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, (e) GCHQ, (f) MI5, (g) SIS and (h) Crown Commercial Service pay subscription fees to Stonewall. \p Georgia Gould: As the sponsoring department for the following bodies, the Cabinet Office can confirm that the Office for National Statistics, the Public Health Service Ombudsman, and the Crown Commercial Service do not pay subscription fees to Stonewall.

All other bodies asked about are not sponsored by the Cabinet Office, and are therefore a matter for their individual sponsoring departments.
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Sarah Champion:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that only suppliers that (a) offer secure jobs, (b) treat workers fairly, (c) pay a decent wage and (d) recognise trade unions can (i) bid for and (ii) hold public contracts. \p Georgia Gould: This government is committed to creating jobs that provide security, treat workers fairly, and pay a decent wage. The government’s Social Value Model provides an opportunity to reward suppliers who provide good working conditions for staff working on public contracts.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

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Max Wilkinson:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what changes he plans to make to rules governing SME procurement in public contracts, in the context of the Spring Statement 2025. \p Georgia Gould: This Government is taking major steps to give SMEs greater access to public contracts - including the publication of the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) which sets out a mission-led procurement regime focused on driving economic growth that supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations. To support implementation of the NPPS in central government, we have announced new rules requiring all government departments and their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies to set three-year targets for direct spend with SMEs from 1 April 2025, and from 1 April 2026 for VCSEs, and publish progress annually.

We will be consulting on more reforms including a requirement for large contracting authorities to publish their three-year targets for small business and social enterprise spend and report on this annually - as well as the exclusion of suppliers from contracts worth more than £5million if they don’t complete prompt payments of invoices.

In the Spring Statement, the Chancellor also announced measures to reform our procurement system to give small businesses across the UK better access to Ministry of Defence contracts.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_488

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the value is of the severance payment to the outgoing director of communications. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: It is a longstanding policy not to comment on individuals. The Model Contract for Special Advisers is published online and details the circumstances in which severance is payable.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_489

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2025 to Question 40573 on Alex Chisholm, for what reasons the final advice from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, dated 30 October 2024, was not published before 12 March 2025. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments is operationally independent of government and is responsible for publishing its advice on applications once the appointment or employment has been taken up or announced by the applicant.

In this case, the Committee has publicly stated that the timing of the publication of the advice on GOV.UK was impacted by staffing issues within the Secretariat.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_490

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to appoint a dedicated Minister for Resilience. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has overall responsibility for resilience policy across government. He is supported by a number of ministerial colleagues with resilience responsibilities in their departments. The full List of Ministerial Responsibilities is available on GOV.UK here.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_491

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has issued guidance to Ministers on whether they may undertake personal visits whilst on official Ministerial visits overseas. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: Guidance on overseas visits by Ministers is found in Chapter 10 of the Ministerial Code.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_492

Wendy Morton:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the number of new (a) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and (b) micro businesses created between 30 October 2024 and 31 March 2025. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon lady’s Parliamentary Question of 1st April is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 108.7KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_493

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Security and Intelligence Agencies Financial Statement 2023-24, for what reason the administration cost estimate for 2023-24 was higher than the outturn; and what assessment he has made of the accuracy of financial planning for the Security and Intelligence Agencies. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: As has been the policy of successive governments, the government does not comment on matters relating to the intelligence agencies. The Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament scrutinises the policies, expenditure, administration and operations of the intelligence agencies on behalf of Parliament.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_494

Ruth Jones:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has had discussions with the Office for National Statistics on the potential merits of consulting (a) patients, (b) carers, (c) academics, (d) clinicians and (e) devolved Administrations on the design of long covid survey questions. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: No. The design of surveys is the responsibility of the ONS which is operationally independent and accountable to Parliament.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_495

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will ensure that the National Security Adviser gives evidence to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Government welcomes the important work of the JCNSS to scrutinise the national security decision making.

I refer the Honourable Member to the letter sent by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 24 February 2025, to the Chair of the JCNSS, which has been published here https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/46888/documents/241917/default/.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_496

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2024 to Question 14976 on Cabinet Office and Prime Minister: Travel and with reference to the Freedom of Information Act response with reference FOI2025/01531, disclosed on 28 February 2025, if he will publish that response. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: We have deposited a copy of the policy in the House library.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_497

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 5 December 2024 on Plan for Change: Milestones for mission-led government, HCWS285, if he will make it his policy to establish a unit to monitor the Government's progress in meeting the targets set out in the Plan for Change document. \p Ellie Reeves: A specialist Mission Delivery Unit has already been set up in the Cabinet Office to support delivery of the Missions. It advises the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on the delivery of the government’s five missions and the milestones set out in the Plan for Change.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_498

Mary Kelly Foy:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he is having discussions with counterparts in the EU on the impact of the Withdrawal Agreement on UK citizens with homes in both the UK and Schengen Area. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: UK nationals lawfully resident in the EU prior to 31 December 2020 are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement and enjoy certain rights, including the right of residence in their host state provided that they maintain continuity of residence.

The Government takes these rights extremely seriously and engages regularly with the European Commission and Member States to resolve difficulties UK nationals face in accessing their rights.

UK nationals not protected under the Withdrawal Agreement should ensure that they comply with the Schengen rules: these allow for certain third country nationals, including UK nationals, to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_499

Mary Kelly Foy:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to improve mobility arrangements for UK citizens within the Schengen Zone. \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. The UK allows EU citizens short-term visa-free travel for up to six months. Meanwhile, the EU allows for travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period; this is standard for third countries travelling visa-free to the EU. UK nationals planning to stay longer will need permission from the relevant Member State. This may require a visa and/or permit.The UK Government will continue to listen to and advocate for UK nationals.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_500

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance his Department has issued on delivering efficiency savings through reducing spending on external public relations. \p Georgia Gould: The Government regularly evaluates the effectiveness of all communication activities to ensure they are delivering and providing the best value for money for taxpayers. An example of this is the recent comprehensive communications Spending Review that delivered savings of £85 million in 2024-25 and up to £96 million in 2025-26.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_501

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2024 to Question 14354 on Civil Servants: Pay, what the budget for civil service pay is (a) including and (b) excluding National insurance employer contributions in (i) 2024-25 and (ii) 2025-26. \p Georgia Gould: Departments are responsible for pay, terms and conditions of civil servants, within the parameters set out in the Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance, this includes setting budgets for annual increases for its own workforce.

Salary data for the Civil Service is published annually as part of Civil Service Statistics, an Accredited Official Statistics release. Civil Service Statistics 2025 is due to be published on 30 July 2025.

For 2025/26, departmental pay awards have not yet been made and the 2025/26 Pay Remit Guidance will be published in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_502

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse was of the Civil Service Race Forum in each year since its creation. \p Georgia Gould: The Civil Service Race Forum (CSRF) is a volunteer collaborative group of Civil Service ethnic minority staff. The CSRF does not hold a budget, but a department can choose to provide support where there is a business case to do so. We are not aware of any such financial support since 2020. We do not hold any records prior to this date. The CSRF was created in 2016.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-08 conversation_503

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the total planned cost of the repairs to doors in Flat 1 of Admiralty House; and whether any other works are planned for that property. \p Georgia Gould: We are not able to comment on specific repairs to Admiralty House on security grounds. Admiralty House is a Grade I listed government freehold property and any necessary repairs undertaken have to be compliant with those regulations.