theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-30)

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Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the integrity, freedom, and fairness of the recent Albanian general election held on 11 May. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK promotes free and fair elections and works closely with international community partners, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in support of democratic process and structures in Albania. The UK contributed observers to the ODIHR-led observation mission. We share the mission's preliminary conclusions that the election was "competitive and professionally conducted but took place in a highly polarized environment and contestants did not enjoy a level playing field".

It is important that deficiencies in electoral practices and reported election irregularities are addressed to support public confidence in the process. We continue to encourage the Albanian authorities and Central Election Commission to make best use of ODIHR expertise and implement outstanding recommendations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-30)

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Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government how many individuals in receipt of Universal Credit were exempt from the benefit cap because a member of their household was in receipt of Disability Living Allowance in (1) 2020–21, (2) 2021–22, (3) 2022–23, and (4) 2023–24. \p Baroness Sherlock: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Baroness Merron on 12 March (HL Deb col 700), what consideration they have given to reviewing the priorities of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and its role with digital clinics. \p Baroness Merron: Digital clinics do not currently fall within the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act and therefore are out outside of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s (HFEA) remit at present.

The HFEA published Modernising Fertility Law in November 2023, which made a number of recommendations for legislative change, including around its regulatory powers.

Ministers have met with the HFEA Chair and discussed the emerging regulatory challenges. The Government is considering the HFEA’s priorities for changing the law and will decide how to take this forward at the earliest opportunity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the general practice extraction service data for pandemic planning and research is being used for any direct care decisions. \p Baroness Merron: The General Practice Extraction Service Data for Pandemic Planning and Research is not being used for direct care decisions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Health Data Research UK about projects that used NHS England’s data for pandemic planning and research without disclosure to a Professional Advisory Group or NHS England's Advisory Group for Data. \p Baroness Merron: NHS England has a Data Sharing Agreement, project code DARS-NIC-381078-Y9C5K, with a consortium of academic organisations in the United Kingdom for the purpose of the Health Data Research UK-led, British Heart Foundation Data Science Centre’s CVD-COVID-UK programme. This agreement was put in place by NHS Digital prior to its merger with NHS England in 2023.

The agreement was subject to reviews by NHS Digital’s Independent Group Advising on Release of Data on 25 June 2020, 23 July 2020, 15 October 2020, 3 December 2020, 25 February 2021, 29 July 2021, 5 May 2022, and 24 November 2022. It was also subject to advice from the Professional Advisory Group on 24 June 2020 and 28 July 2021.

As part of the agreed process, all projects undertaken under this agreement required approval by the CVD-COVID-UK Approvals and Oversight Board. NHS Digital/NHS England had a representative on that board and through this decision-making forum, engaged in discussions with Health Data Research UK about projects that used NHS England’s data for pandemic planning and research.

For a project to proceed, approval was required from the NHS Digital/NHS England representative and from the board as a whole. Under the terms of the agreement, the CVD-COVID-UK oversight committee is required to maintain a list of projects undertaken under the agreement and must provide a quarterly report to NHS Digital/NHS England.

Subsequently, concerns have been raised by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the British Medical Association in relation to the Foresight project which was undertaken under the above agreement. NHS England has confirmed to the Royal College of General Practitioners and the British Medical Association that NHS England’s Data Protection Officer is undertaking assurance, and NHS England has met operationally with others, including Health Data Research UK, in relation to this work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to bring forward reforms to improve NHS efficiency. \p Baroness Merron: The merger of NHS England and the Department will lead to a smaller, leaner and more agile department. Alongside this, the restructuring of integrated care systems and commissioning support units is set to reduce running costs and NHS England is also tackling corporate cost growth in providers. These ongoing reforms will transform the way the centre and the National Health service works, prioritise resources for the front line and deliver significant efficiency savings. NHS efficiencies also include more effective use of medicines, commercial levers, automation, shared corporate services and reduced use of agency staff.

Looking forward, the funding provided at the recent Spending Review will enable the NHS to achieve 2% productivity growth each year, and we will shortly be publishing the 10-Year Health Plan that will set out the wider reform agenda.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Baroness Smith of Llanfaes:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implementation of the baby loss certificate scheme, and whether they have plans to extend it further. \p Baroness Merron: The baby loss certificate scheme was launched by the Department in February 2024, initially for losses that occurred after 1 September 2018. In October 2024, the scheme was extended to make the service available for all losses. The scheme has received very positive feedback from families, enabling those who have experienced pregnancy loss to receive a certificate recognising their loss, if they wish to do so. To date, over 100,000 certificates have been issued. The scheme currently only applies to losses that took place in England.

A formal assessment of the implementation of the baby loss certificate scheme has not been made. As part of plans for the future of the scheme, the Department and its Welsh and Northern Irish counterparts have discussed the possibility of the Baby Loss Certificate scheme becoming available in Wales and Northern Ireland. As healthcare in Wales and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of their respective governments, Welsh and Northern Irish officials are leading on this piece of work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 20 May (HL7198), whether they have carried out an impact assessment of reducing staff costs by 50 per cent for NHS England, including on the regional impacts; and if not, when an impact assessment will be carried out and published. \p Baroness Merron: Work is progressing at pace to develop the design and operating model for the new integrated organisation, and to plan for the smooth transfer of people, functions, and responsibilities

It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts, as is due process. These ongoing assessments will inform our programme as appropriate.

The Government is committed to transparency and will consider how best to ensure that the public and parliamentarians are informed of the outcomes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Baroness Parminter:To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance is available to integrated care boards about the provision of treatment of patients with longstanding eating disorders. \p Baroness Merron: The Department has worked with NHS England to produce various guidance for integrated care systems (ICSs) to plan and deliver eating disorder services, and to provide treatment for patients with longstanding eating disorders.

NHS England published guidance in 2019 for adult eating disorder services, to support delivery of community eating disorder services, reduce admissions, length-of-stay and improve outcomes for users, families and carers. A revised service specification for Adult Eating Disorder inpatient provision has just been through public consultation, and following a review of the comments received will progress to publication in 2025.

NHS England is currently producing new national guidance for eating disorders in children and young people, to update and replace the previous commissioning guidance for the Access and Waiting Time Standard for Children and Young People with an Eating Disorder.

NHS England also worked with the Royal College of Psychiatrists to produce guidance on managing medical emergencies in eating disorders amongst young people and adults.

ICSs also have access to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines which sets out best practice for commissioners and providers for identifying and treating eating disorders.

In addition to this guidance, all ICSs have received support via fair shares funding since April 2021 to transform their adult community mental health services. This includes the transformation and expansion of eating disorder services. For children and young people, additional long term plan funding was made available for systems, rising to £54 million from 2023/24 and with further funding in 2024/25 to support increasing capacity in community eating disorder services.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Baroness Jenkin of Kennington:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 4 June (HL7528), whether the revised NHS constitution consultation will include the previous proposals about recognising biological sex and protecting single-sex spaces. \p Baroness Merron: A consultation on the NHS Constitution, as part of a 10-year review, was launched by the previous administration in May 2024, and was superseded by the General Election in July 2024. The Government will launch a new consultation on the NHS Constitution, with the exact timings for this to be set out in due course.

The proposals that will be included within the upcoming consultation have been developed from a range of evidence, including feedback from the previous consultation, intelligence gathered as part of the 10-Year Health Plan engagement exercise, and the Government’s ambitions for the National Health Service.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the annual health check for people with a learning disability at their GP practice will continue to be a priority healthcare assessment for the rest of this Parliament. \p Baroness Merron: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that general practitioners (GPs) should offer an annual health check to all adults, children and young people with a learning disability. The Government expects integrated care boards (ICBs) and health professionals to have due regard to NICE guidelines when making commissioning decisions. NHS Operational Planning Guidance for 2025/26 requires ICBs to report on the number of people on the quality outcome framework learning disability register aged 14 years old and over who receive an annual health check during the quarter.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of artificial intelligence in the identification of patients with prostate cancer who would benefit most from treatment with abiraterone. \p Baroness Merron: We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new capacity, including artificial intelligence (AI) where it is beneficial to do so.

AI can be used to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of a number of diseases, including prostate cancer. This technology enables patients to be seen more quickly, which increases their likelihood of a successful outcome whilst simultaneously being more cost effective.

Through the AI in Health and Care Award, the Department has provided £113 million to test and evaluate AI technologies in crucial areas. Two of the tools funded by the AI award are Ibex Medical Analytics’ AI System and Paige Prostate Cancer Detection Tool. Both of these tools help with the early detection and grading of prostate cancer. Funding from the AI award helps to generate the evidence needed to deploy effective AI tools across the NHS and improve the lives and health outcomes of our population.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Lord Rennard:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Statement by Baroness Merron on 22 May (HLWS662), what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the Advertising Standards Authority in its role as the frontline regulator of the measures in the Health and Care Act 2022 about the advertising of unhealthy food and drink on TV and online. \p Baroness Merron: The Government has set a bold ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever, and will take action to address the childhood obesity crisis. As part of this, we are committed to implementing the advertising restrictions for less healthy food and drink on television and online.

The Government appointed Ofcom as the statutory regulator for the advertising restrictions and this was set out in primary legislation via the Health and Care Act 2022. Ofcom appointed the Advertising Standards Authority as the frontline regulator of the advertising restrictions, using powers in the Communications Act 2003. It consulted on this appointment and published the statement, Regulation of advertising for less healthy food and drink: Implementation of new statutory restrictions, following the consultation in July 2023.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of the ecological and environmental damage caused by the collision between two ships in the North Sea on 10 March. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Defra worked with multiple organisations, including the Centre of Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Cefas’s Premiam Monitoring Coordination Cell (PMCC) was set up immediately following this incident. This cell implements post-incident monitoring to assess the impacts of marine pollution incidents and as part of this, shellfish (seafood) and seawater samples were collected in the days and weeks following the incident. The analysis from these samples has indicated that there were no significant adverse ecological or environmental impacts due to fuel or chemicals released from either vessel, or during the response to the incident.

Plastic nurdles and burned debris washed ashore along the Lincolnshire and North Norfolk coast following the incident. Large quantities of plastic pollution and debris were recovered from the shoreline and the sea. Work is still ongoing regarding this, with Environment Agency staff regularly visiting affected sites to assess and if necessary, remove newly visible pollution.

The PMCC has now been stood down, but the impacts of this incident are continuously monitored as part of routine ongoing water and environmental sampling in the area.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to raise international awareness and promote accountability in response to reports of the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and forced organ harvesting in China. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The environment for freedom of religion or belief in China is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. This Government stands firm on human rights, and we raise our concerns at the highest levels. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang, Vice Premier He and Vice Premier Ding respectively).

This Government champions freedom of religion or belief for all abroad. We work to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora. We continue to closely monitor the situation for Falun Gong practitioners and maintain a dialogue with NGOs and international partners on the issue.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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The Lord Bishop of Southwark:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report of the European Parliament A-10-0067/2025 on the 2023 &amp; 2024 Commission on Türkiye and the subsequent motion of 6 May, in particular paragraph 25 of the report where the parliament calls for Turkey to respect the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Orthodox Christians; recognise its legal personality and the public use of the ecclesiastical title of Ecumenical Patriarch; and protect the value of UNESCO World Heritage sites the Hagia Sophia and Chora Museum. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK calls on Turkey, as a founding member of the Council of Europe, to uphold the rights of all religious groups in Turkey as enshrined within the Turkish constitution and to implement the recommendations of the Venice Commission and the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. Decisions on the status of Hagia Sophia are a sovereign matter for Turkey. However, the Government expects Hagia Sophia and the Chora Museum, as part of a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, to remain accessible to all and that their cultural and religious significance be preserved. We welcome assurances by the Turkish Government that the Hagia Sophia will remain open to people of all faiths and nationalities. The UK continues to work closely with UNESCO, its advisory bodies and partner governments, including Turkey, to promote the highest standards of heritage protection. This will ensure designated sites are protected effectively for the whole of humanity and for future generations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Lord Cromwell:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to apply sanctions in relation to removal of children from Ukraine by Russia. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Russia's forcible deportation of Ukrainian children is a despicable and systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian identity, and with it, Ukraine's future. We are playing our full part in international efforts to reunite these children with their families. In November 2024, we announced a third round of sanctions targeting those involved in forcibly deporting and indoctrinating Ukrainian children. We do not comment on any potential future designations as to do so could lessen their impact.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to use artificial intelligence to modernise Great British Railway's systems and improve its efficiency in the areas of (1) customer experience, (2) railway operations, including planning and management of train operations, and (3) infrastructure management. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: There are significant opportunities for using artificial intelligence to improve rail services, reliability and safety, modernise rail infrastructure, and reduce costs. This Government is committed to creating a unified and simplified railway, putting passengers and customers first, through the creation of Great British Railways and through the public ownership of franchised passenger services.

Great British Railways will work in partnership with private sector companies to unlock and accelerate innovation across the rail network, including through the increased use of artificial intelligence, and to equip the rail sector with the skills and capabilities needed to achieve this. Great British Railways’ work in this area will align with the Government’s Transport AI Action Plan, published in June 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the transfer of South Western Railway services into public ownership, what progress they have made towards providing catering services on longer distance routes, such as London Waterloo to Exeter. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: South-Western Railway (SWR) successfully transferred into public ownership on the 25 May 2025. The current priorities of SWR are to improve operational performance and introduce the new Class 701 fleet.

I have asked the new Managing Director of South-Western in due course to review catering on longer distance routes including the London Waterloo to Exeter service - any decision will be subject to a positive financial case which balances the need of passengers and taxpayers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Lord Framlingham:To ask His Majesty's Government how many houses have been compulsorily purchased along the route of HS2, and how many have been demolished. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: HS2 Ltd does not categorise properties by type - i.e. ‘houses’ - as a property can have mixed usage. For example, a farm can be (or have within it properties which are) residential, commercial, and/or agricultural, and similarly, a pub can be (and often is) both residential and commercial.

HS2 Ltd does record the number of property compensation claims made, however, the quantity of claims does not indicate how many houses (or other properties) have been acquired because property arrangements are highly varied.

HS2 Ltd does record the amount of land that has been acquired. To date, approximately 56km2 of land has been acquired for Phases One and 2a through compulsory purchase. No land or properties have been compulsory purchased along the route of Phase 2b as HS2 Ltd has never had the legal powers to do so.

In respect to demolitions, HS2 records show that 332 structures have been or were scheduled to be demolished along the route of HS2. It should be noted that this figure is not limited to properties but includes other structures such as substations and bridges.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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The Lord Bishop of Southwark:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to curb the sale of looted antiquities from Syria on the international market. \p Baroness Twycross: The Government is committed to preventing the sale of looted antiquities. Through our International Cultural Heritage Protection programme, we work closely with international partners, including the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA), Blue Shield International and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on projects to prevent the trafficking and sale of looted antiquities, including those from Syria.

We have a range of provisions in international and domestic UK law, including criminal offences, to protect cultural objects from unlawful removal and illicit trade. UK authorities work with the UK art market and online selling platforms, such as eBay, to combat the sale of stolen and looted cultural objects. The Government encourages anyone who believes that a cultural object has been stolen or looted to raise it with the appropriate authorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Baroness Hoey:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the BBC about making access to its television channels by residents of the Republic of Ireland subject to subscription payment. \p Baroness Twycross: The Government does not hold information about the number of people who have access to free BBC channels from the Republic of Ireland.

The Government has not had discussions with the BBC about making access to its television channels by residents of the Republic of Ireland subject to subscription payment. With regard to the ongoing distribution of UK television services in the Republic of Ireland, the Government remains committed to the relevant provisions set out in the Good Friday Agreement and 2010 Memorandum of Understanding.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Pearson of Rannoch:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of teaching at police training colleges, in particular in regard to teaching about hate speech and free speech. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government is committed to ensuring there are consistent, high standards in police training and leadership to help maintain public trust and confidence. That is why the Home Office continues to fund the College of Policing to deliver support to forces and improvements to leadership and training standards through the National Police Leadership Centre.

The College of Policing sets national guidance and standards for policing in England and Wales, which includes publishing Authorised Professional Practice (APP) on hate crime. This APP provides guidance on how police should respond to hate crimes and promotes a proportionate and consistent approach that upholds the rights of victims and protects free speech.

While the College sets the overall framework, individual police forces are responsible for determining their own local delivery of training.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Cameron of Lochiel:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Hanson of Flint on 30 October (HL Deb cols 1501-2), whether they will provide further detail of the way in which asylum seekers will be phased into housing in Ministry of Defence barracks. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Alternative Home Office sites are populated with a phased and incremental approach to full occupancy.

Consideration of both sites is ongoing and any final decision to utilise any site for the intended purposes will be made once the relevant factors have been properly considered.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Cameron of Lochiel:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Hanson of Flint on 30 October (HL Deb col 1501), whether both local authorities were fully consulted prior to making a final decision on the selection of sites to house asylum seekers. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Consideration of both sites is ongoing and any final decision to utilise any site for the intended purposes will be made once the relevant factors have been properly considered. The Home Office continues to engage regularly with representatives from the local authority, the NHS, the Police, and local partners, including via Multi Agency Forums pre-delivery and post-Go Live of the proposed site to address the concerns of those most impacted and to identify ways to keep them informed. We will ensure that any development is safe, appropriate and compliant with planning regulations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne:To ask His Majesty's Government on what date they will announce the appointment of the chair of the national inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: We are working urgently to establish the Inquiry and Baroness Casey of Blackstock is supporting this process.

Our immediate priority is appointing a Chair with the credibility and experience to lead the inquiry, ensuring a trauma-informed approach to engaging victims and survivors throughout - from its design to reporting. We aim to announce a Chair as soon as possible.

Under the Inquiries Act, the Minister is responsible for defining the scope and structure of an inquiry. Once a Chair is appointed, in line with the requirements of the Inquiries Act 2005, the Chair will play a central role in shaping the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Pearson of Rannoch:To ask His Majesty's Government how many Afghans who have been granted asylum in the UK have subsequently returned to Afghanistan for a holiday or to visit relatives. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government does not publish information on how many Afghans who have been granted asylum in the UK have subsequently returned to Afghanistan for a holiday or to visit relatives.

Where an individual returns to their country of origin, this will usually indicate voluntary re-availment and may lead to revocation of refugee status under paragraph 339A(i)-(vi) or humanitarian protection under paragraph 339GA of the Immigration Rules. Cases are considered on a case-by-case basis.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Freyberg:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to ensure that the proposed Creative Content Exchange does not displace or undermine existing rights management organisations, collecting societies and digital marketplaces that facilitate the licensing and monetisation of creative works. \p Baroness Twycross: We are developing a proof-of-concept pilot scheme for the Creative Content Exchange (CCE) to test the need for a new marketplace for selling, buying, licensing, and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets. The pilot scheme is being developed as a research project with the input of a broad range of partners - including public organisations - to design an exchange that best suits the needs of content owners and data users. We are also working with licensing and rights management societies to benefit from their input and expertise.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Freyberg:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will proceed with the proposed Creative Content Exchange (CCE) before establishing a clear and enforceable framework for copyright, data use and fair remuneration for creators; and what assessment they have made of the risk of the CCE benefitting large technology platforms more than UK rightsholders. \p Baroness Twycross: The development of the CCE functions in tandem with the Government’s work on copyright, and we will ensure a copyright regime that values and protects human creativity, can be trusted, and unlocks new opportunities for innovation across the creative sector and wider economy. Supporting rightsholders in licensing their work in the digital age while allowing AI developers to benefit from access to creative material, such as through the CCE, will unlock new opportunities across the whole economy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking with industry partners to develop innovation funding and training programmes for the use of generative artificial intelligence in the video games sector. \p Baroness Twycross: The Government has partnered with leading tech firms to deliver AI skills training to 7.5 million UK workers. In the creative industries, Skills England have conducted research and analysis to identify AI-related skills gaps across the creative industries and support emerging creative AI roles. As outlined in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, we will introduce short courses in England, funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, in areas including AI. We will also work with the Digital Skills Council, an industry-led advisory body, to support sector training pathways and ensure the workforce is prepared for the future of work.

The Government recognises that AI already plays an established role in the UK's video game sector, having multiple use cases from content generation, character behaviours, and more. As technology advances, AI has the potential to further enhance creativity, efficiency, and accessibility in games development.

DCMS will continue to engage with the games industry to understand opportunities and challenges related to the responsible use of AI, ensuring that we continue to support our innovative games industry to thrive in the age of AI.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_9

Baroness Deech:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Ofcom about the BBC’s compliance with its Charter obligations of impartiality and accuracy of news for home and overseas audiences. \p Baroness Twycross: DCMS Ministers and officials meet with Ofcom regularly to discuss a range of issues.

It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator, to ensure the BBC is fulfilling its obligations to audiences, including on impartiality and accuracy, as outlined in the Charter.

Ofcom does not have any functions in relation to the BBC World Service. The BBC agrees objectives, priorities and targets for the World Service directly with the Government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_10

Lord Bradshaw:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the YouGov report Press regulation: public attitudes and expectations, published by the Press Recognition Panel on 5 November; and whether they plan to take further action in this area. \p Baroness Twycross: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is interested in a range of evidence concerning public attitudes to news media and we have noted the publication of the report.

The UK has a self-regulatory system for the press, which is independent from Government. This is vital to ensure the public has access to accurate and trustworthy information from a range of different sources. Our aim as a Government is to ensure we strike the balance between freedom of the press and protecting the public from harm. We are carefully considering next steps to determine the best route forward to safeguard public trust in our news media.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_11

Viscount Younger of Leckie:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to ensure a balance of perspectives among the chairs and steering group members of the review of Personal Independent Payment, and whether they will consider members with backgrounds in operational delivery, systems reform and efficiency. \p Baroness Sherlock: The Government is committed to ensuring that the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) draws on a wide range of perspectives and expertise.

On 30 October the Minister for Social Security and Disability announced that he would co-chair the Review alongside Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise and experience in health and disability issues, as well as the co-production process.

Members of the steering group will be recruited through an open Expression of Interest process, which is now live. The EOI has been designed to ensure the steering group reflects a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds. The t applications will be sifted against the criteria set out in the EOI, including experience and expertise in disability and social security issues, working with disabled people, commitment to working collaboratively and inclusively, and ability to evaluate a range of evidence and engage with complex policy issues.

The steering group will not work alone: it will oversee a wider programme of participation to ensure the full range of views and voices are heard.

The Review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by autumn 2026, with an interim update expected ahead of that.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_12

Baroness Lister of Burtersett:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Universal Credit should be increased for those aged under 25 who are living independently, in line with payments to those aged over 25. \p Baroness Sherlock: There are no plans to change the under 25 standard allowance rate.

This government is committed to rebuild opportunities for young people, so that every young person can fulfil their potential, and we are taking significant steps to support people to do so including through our Get Britain Working reforms. The under 25 standard allowance rate maintains the incentive for young people to find, and progress in work and the Department for Work and Pensions provides a range of support to help people into employment.

For those who live independently or have additional living costs, Universal Credit includes separate elements to support all eligible customers with these, including elements for housing, children, childcare costs, disabled people, and carers.

We continue to work in close partnership with other government departments to ensure that care leavers can access the right skills, opportunities and wider support, to move towards sustained employment and career progression. The Department provides a range of targeted additional support for care leavers including access to the higher one-bedroom Local Housing Allowance rate up to the age of 25, as well as tailored support through Jobcentre Plus. We review this regularly.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_13

Baroness Shawcross-Wolfson:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the report into young people and work will examine the reasons behind the number of young people claiming health and disability benefits. \p Baroness Sherlock: We recognise that some young people are struggling to find their place in work, education or training.

The report into young people and work will seek to:

The Right Honourable Alan Milburn will author the report and will be supported by a range of voices with expertise from the labour market and health spheres.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_14

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government when and how they intend to respond to the report by the Children's Commissioner "A production line of pointlessness": Children on custodial remand, published on 11 November. \p Lord Timpson: The Government recognises the importance of the Children’s Commissioner’s report and shares concerns about the number of children remanded to custody. We have taken steps to address this, including publishing the Youth Remand Concordat earlier this year to help all partners meet their statutory responsibilities and work effectively together throughout the bail and remand process. We are also supporting local authorities to tackle this issue, for example, by continuing to fund the Greater Manchester remand pilot to enable regional pooling of remand funding, supporting the development of alternatives to custodial remand. Reducing unnecessary remands to custody remains a priority, and we will set out further plans in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_15

Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that biological male prisoners are not held in women's prisons. \p Lord Timpson: Almost all transgender prisoners are already allocated in line with their biological sex. Over 95% of transgender women are held in men's prisons, and the majority of those in the women's estate are held on E Wing at HMP/YOI Downview, a separate unit where they cannot access the wider regime unless risk assessed as being safe to do so and they are supervised by staff.

No transgender women who retain their birth genitalia and/or have any history of sexual or violent offences can be held in the general women’s estate unless an exemption is granted by a Minister.

The small number of transgender women who are held in the general women's estate are there because they have been risk-assessed as being safe to do so, and because there is a compelling reason to hold them there (which can include risks to them from a placement elsewhere).

We are reviewing transgender prisoner policy following the For Women Scotland vs. The Scottish Ministers Supreme Court ruling and will be able to say more about this in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_16

Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede on 16 July (HL9057), whether they now have a timeframe for bringing section 138 of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 into effect. \p Baroness Levitt: This Government is committed to implementing the provisions in section 138, as soon as practicable.

These provisions will be commenced by regulations at an appropriate time, having regard to any impact on the wider criminal justice system.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_17

Baroness Smith of Llanfaes:To ask His Majesty's Government whether it is possible for the Welsh Ministers to make His Majesty’s Probation and Prison Service liable to be required to comply with Welsh language standards, pursuant to the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, without the Secretary of State’s consent. \p Lord Timpson: It is for Welsh Ministers to specify, in regulations under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, the bodies which the Welsh Language Commissioner may require to comply with Welsh language standards. Where Welsh Ministers seek to provide for standards to apply specifically to a Minister of the Crown, they must obtain the consent of the relevant Secretary of State.

HM Prison & Probation Service has a Welsh Language Scheme (2024-27) which outlines its Welsh language obligations. The scheme, which applies in England as well as Wales, has been approved by the Welsh Language Commissioner, who regulates compliance with Welsh language requirements under the Welsh Language Act 1993 and the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_18

Lord Roberts of Llandudno:To ask His Majesty's Government what quantity of humanitarian aid entered Gaza in each of the past six months. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Quantifying how much aid has entered into Gaza is difficult, due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data, as well as Israel's restrictions on humanitarian workers and monitors. All allocations from the UK's Humanitarian Programme are available publicly on the Development Tracker website.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_19

Lord Roberts of Llandudno:To ask His Majesty's Government how many crossings into Gaza for humanitarian aid are open. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Border crossing access remains limited and only the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings are currently operational. The UK continues to put pressure on Israel at official and ministerial levels to open all border crossings, and allow the unrestricted flow of aid into Gaza.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-24 conversation_20

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of plans for Mauritius to join China's belt and road initiative. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: I refer the Noble Lord to the answers provided on 16 June to Question HL7997, and on 3 July to Question HL8281.