theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_361

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Dartmoor Railway Line into (a) North Cornwall constituency, (b) Launceston and (c) Bude. \p Keir Mather: The Government recognises the transport challenges faced by rural communities, including those in North Cornwall. While there are currently no plans to reintroduce rail services to North Cornwall, we encourage local authorities and transport providers, including Great Western Railway, to explore opportunities for enhancing integrated transport links, particularly between rail and bus services. For example, the new £15million Okehampton Interchange station is due to open in 2026, funded by the Government's Levelling Up Fund. This station will become a hub for trains and buses, including enabling improved bus services to North Cornwall, and improved walking and cycling links.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will hold discussions with the Judicial College on the adequacy of the mandatory training for judges on (a) domestic abuse and (b) coercive control. \p Sarah Sackman: To preserve judicial independence, statutory responsibility for judicial training is held by the Lady Chief Justice, Senior President of Tribunals and Chief Coroner. These responsibilities are fulfilled by the Judicial College. Whilst the content of judicial training is for the judiciary to decide, Ministers have relayed the Government’s view of the importance of domestic abuse training for judges and magistrates.

All judges and magistrates complete induction and regular continuation training. Training is designed to equip the judiciary with the essential knowledge and skills they need to discharge their duties effectively.

Family judges completed specialist mandatory training on domestic abuse between 2022 and 2024, which was also made available to civil judges. Training for judges who hear criminal cases includes judgecraft, effective decision-making and sentencing, and advancing procedural fairness. Dealing with the vulnerable in court and issues relating to domestic abuse are interwoven into much of the training. Magistrates sitting in the family and criminal jurisdictions receive mandatory domestic abuse training. The training is trauma-informed and reflects the wide nature of domestic abuse including coercive and controlling behaviour. Training seminars are complemented by a range of other resources, including the Equal Treatment Bench Book which includes specific guidance in relation to domestic abuse.

The College regularly reviews its training to ensure it remains high quality and up to date, and reflects contemporary law, practice and procedure.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill on (a) the (i) processing and (ii) public interest considerations of Freedom of Information Act requests and (b) how Ministers reply to written Parliamentary Questions. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The provisions in the Public Office (Accountability) Bill are not intended to have any impact on the processing or public interest considerations of Freedom of Information Act requests. The Bill does not alter the existing law or guidance about how public authorities are required to respond to freedom of information requests or the expectations on ministers in replying to written Parliamentary Questions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Sir Christopher Chope:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many appeals heard at the First-Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum) were on the grounds that removal of the appellant from the UK would breach the UK’s obligations under the Refugee Convention in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available; and how many of those appeals were successful in each of those months. \p Sarah Sackman: The number of asylum, protection and revocation of protection appeals (those lodged on grounds relating to breach of the UK’s Refugee Convention obligations) determined by the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal and the number of those that were successful and allowed by the Tribunal can be found in the following table:

Table 1. First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) - Number of appeals determined at hearing or on paper for Asylum/Protection/Revocation of Protection(1), April 2024 to March 2025(2)

Year

Month

Determined at hearings / papers

Allowed/Granted

2024

April

691

318

2024

May

832

360

2024

June

787

378

2024

July

1,006

488

2024

August

863

422

2024

September

994

447

2024

October

1,174

578

2024

November

1,198

534

2024

December

992

438

2025

January

1,085

479

2025

February

1,216

513

2025

March

1,301

553

The table shows the latest 12 months of available data. Published statistics can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-statistics-quarterly-january-to-march-2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Sir Christopher Chope:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many appeals heard at the First-Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum) were on the grounds that removal of the appellant from the UK was unlawful under the Human Rights Act 1998 in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available; and how many of those appeals were successful in each of those months. \p Sarah Sackman: The number of human rights appeals (those lodged on human rights grounds) determined by the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal and the number of those that were successful and allowed by the Tribunal can be found in the following table:

Table 1. First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) - Number of appeals determined at hearing or on paper for Human Rights Appeals, April 2024 to March 2025(1)

Year

Month

Determined at hearings / papers

Allowed/Granted

2024

April

798

402

2024

May

778

414

2024

June

722

352

2024

July

727

383

2024

August

596

306

2024

September

617

298

2024

October

710

375

2024

November

522

240

2024

December

477

234

2025

January

491

249

2025

February

550

278

2025

March

592

259

The table shows the latest 12 months of available data. Published statistics can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-statistics-quarterly-january-to-march-2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of extending the Armed Forces Covenant Duty on his Departmental responsibilities. \p Jake Richards: The Ministry of Justice adheres to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty. The principles inform a range of work across the Department. For example, in 2021, the Ministry of Justice was one of the first Departments to participate in the now civil service-wide initiative Great Place to Work for Veterans. Additionally, we introduced Advance into Justice in March 2022 as a fast-track scheme for service personnel leaving the Armed Forces to become prison officers. The scheme has since been expanded to include a wider range of roles across His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and for all those who have served in the Armed Forces, as well including spouses and legal partners of service personnel.

Across the prison estate, almost all prisons have a Veterans in Custody Support Officer to provide tailored support to veterans who find themselves in prison. HMPPS also delivers services via many third sector organisations (including military charities such as SSAFA) who provide a prison in-reach service offering resettlement advice to veterans whilst in custody and guidance in preparation for release. We also have 2 Veterans Activity Hubs at HMP/YOI Holme House and HMP Risley which provide safe and supportive spaces for former service personnel in custody.

The Department will continue to work with the Ministry of Defence on the Covenant’s Statutory Guidance and implementation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has made an estimate of reoffending rates for prisoners released under the early release scheme. \p Jake Richards: This Government inherited prisons days from collapse. We have had no choice but to take decisive action to stop our prisons overflowing and keep the public safe.

Whilst this change provided the intended medium-term relief, it was only ever a temporary change to bridge to a more sustainable solution. The Sentencing Bill has now been introduced to ensure we never run out of prison space again.

Our initial operational insights suggested there was not a significant change to the use and application of recall since the implementation of SDS40. We will, however, continue to monitor this.

The requested information cannot be provided because it would form a subset of the data that underpins future versions of these Official Statistics.

Proven reoffending rates are published regularly on an annual and quarterly basis. The most recent rates are available at the following link: www.gov.uk/government/collections/proven-reoffending-statistics.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 3 September 2025 to Question 70325 on Ministry of Justice: Translation Services, what estimate she has made of the proportion of the spending between 2021 and 2024 that was attributable to people who have arrived in the UK since 2021. \p Sarah Sackman: As this personal data is not collected in relation to the translation contract, the requested information cannot be provided.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Sir Christopher Chope:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, in how many cases before the (a) First-Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum) and (b) Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) has the applicant been in receipt of legal aid in the last 12 months for which information is available. \p Sarah Sackman: The information requested is not held centrally.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Suella Braverman:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the (a) judicial process and (b) sentencing in the case of Sir David Amess's murder. \p Jake Richards: Sentencing is a matter for the independent judiciary. In the case of Sir David Amess’s tragic murder, the judge imposed a life sentence with a whole life order. A whole life order is the most severe form of punishment the courts can impose. Such sentences have no minimum term and no possibility of Parole Board release, and as such they are reserved for the most heinous cases of murder. Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Sir David’s family.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether (a) Ministers and (b) special advisers in his Department have met with abortion providers since July 2024. \p Jake Richards: Details of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations and individuals are published by Departments quarterly in arrears on their departmental pages on gov.uk. The most recent data - for the period April 2025 to June 2025 - was published on 25 September.

Special Advisers are required to comply with the Special Adviser Code of Conduct at all times and are required to make declarations on meetings with senior media figures in line with published transparency guidance.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of sentencing outcomes in grooming gang cases. \p Alex Davies-Jones: This Government recognises the profound harm caused by grooming gangs and is committed to ensuring that victims receive justice, support and redress through a robust and victim centred justice system that brings all perpetrators of this heinous crime before the courts.

My Department continues to assess and improve court processes to ensure they are effective and responsive in all cases, including those involving grooming gangs. Where possible, judges prioritise serious sexual offences, and cases involving vulnerable complainants and witnesses. HMCTS staff support the delivering of fair and efficient hearings, with special measures available to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. Recent reforms include new powers to compel offenders to attend sentencing hearings and enhanced training across the justice system to ensure victims are treated with fairness and dignity.

The Government acknowledges the impact of delays in the justice system on victims, and Sir Brian Leverson continues to lead a comprehensive review of the criminal courts to deliver swifter justice. In the meantime, we have increased funding to ensure Crown Courts operate at their highest capacity in nearly a decade, 110,000 sitting days, and doubled magistrates’ sentencing powers.

Victims are supported through Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) during court proceedings. Also, the Ministry of Justice funds the CSA Centre to develop evidence-based training and resources to professionals across the voluntary statutory sector workforce, as well as continuing to invest in specialist support services via the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund that awards ringfenced grants to Police and Crime Commissioners.  Additionally, the Home Office has invested £1.6 million in the Support for Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Fund and an extra £1.6 million for national services for adult victims.

To support victims in seeking redress, we are removing the three-year limitation period for civil claims in cases of child sexual abuse. The Government is also working to improve awareness of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme through campaigns and consultations.

Parliament has legislated for robust custodial sentences for child sex offences, though sentencing decisions are made by independent courts. Recognising the severity of grooming, the Government has introduced legislation through the Crime and Policing Bill to make grooming an aggravating factor in sentencing for child sexual offences, ensuring this behaviour is appropriately reflected in sentencing outcomes.
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Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the report by the UN Human Rights Office entitled Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, published on 12 September 2025; and what diplomatic steps she is taking with her international partners help protect (a) human rights defenders and (b) religious leaders in the country. \p Seema Malhotra: As the September 2025 report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights made clear, there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) since 2014. In response to this report, the UK issued a statement at the UN Human Rights Council. We called on the DPRK to engage meaningfully with the international community, to take credible steps to improve its human rights record and to grant all UN human rights mechanisms access into the country. We have also raised our concerns with the DPRK's Embassy in London. We regularly discuss with key international partners how to address the DPRK's human rights record, including on freedom of religion or belief.
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Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the (a) physical assault and (b) death threats of 20 Christians on 21 September following the implementation of a new anti-conversion law in Rajasthan, India. \p Seema Malhotra: Any reports of physical assaults and death threats are concerning. We condemn all forms of violence and intimidation against individuals on the basis of their religion or belief. The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all, no matter the individual or faith involved. Our High Commission in New Delhi and Deputy High Commissions across India track developments in this space and engage with civil society organisations and religious representatives to promote tolerance and respect between communities. India is one of ten priority countries under the UK's FoRB Strategy, and we continue to monitor developments closely. We urge all governments to uphold the rights enshrined in international human rights law, including the right to practice and propagate one's religion freely and without fear.
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Gareth Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much funding she plans to provide to support development efforts in (a) Pakistan and (b) Nepal in the (i) 2025-2026 and (ii) 2026-2026 financial years. \p Seema Malhotra: For Financial Year 25/26, UK Government development funding for Pakistan is £103 million, and for Nepal it is £47 million. We are currently in the process of allocating budgets for 2026 onwards. The Minister for Development will inform Parliament in the usual manner when these budgets are confirmed.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of (a) attacks on places of worship in Sudan and (b) the attack on a mosque near the Abu Souk camp on 19 September 2025; and what recent steps she has taken with international partners to ensure the protection of (i) places of worship and (ii) religious communities in that country. \p Chris Elmore: As the Minister of State for International Development and Africa stated on 12 October, we are extremely alarmed by recent developments at El Fasher and have called for "an immediate end to the Rapid Support Forces' siege and a nationwide ceasefire to protect civilians and ensure full unimpeded humanitarian access."

The UK remains committed to promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) officials have met with both authorities in Port Sudan and RSF representatives, urging them to uphold the Jeddah Declaration to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. We have also condemned attacks on places of worship in a UK-led resolution that was passed by majority vote on 6 October this year at the UN Human Rights Council. This resolution renewed the mandate of UN Fact-Finding Mission - the only independent accountability mechanism documenting human rights violations, including FoRB, in Sudan.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to publish the UK Antarctic Strategy. \p Stephen Doughty: As confirmed in the Government's response to the Environmental Audit Committee's report into the UK and the Antarctic Environment, a UK Antarctic Strategy will be published by the Government by the end of the year.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will have discussions with her EU counterparts on exempting UK residents from obtaining a European Travel Information and Authorisation System travel permit before entering the Schengen area. \p Stephen Doughty: While the UK supports the security aims of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and other measures the EU is implementing to modernise its border, we have consistently engaged EU counterparts to seek to minimise disruption for our nationals crossing the UK-EU border as those changes take effect, and we will continue to do so.
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Rebecca Long Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to (a) identify and (b) prevent forms of support that help to maintain unlawful occupation in the occupied Palestinian territories. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 September to Question 73423.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her US counterpart on increasing US arms support to Ukraine. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK fully supports President Trump's efforts to end this war and we are in regular contact with the US, Ukraine and our other partners to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary most recently discussed our efforts in Ukraine with Secretary Rubio on 7 October, and before that on 18 September during President Trump's State Visit.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 30 June to Question 59825 on Gaza: Humanitarian Aid, what diplomatic steps his Department has taken to help ensure freedom of navigation in the Eastern Mediterranean. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 13 October to Question 77868.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her US counterpart on a ceasefire in Ukraine. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK fully supports President Trump's efforts to end this war and we are in regular contact with the US, Ukraine and our other partners to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary most recently discussed our efforts in Ukraine with Secretary Rubio on 7 October, and before that on 18 September during President Trump's State Visit.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support her Department is giving to Ukraine to help tackle Russia's increasing use of drones. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK has invested £600 million this year to accelerate drone delivery to Ukraine. At the Ukraine Defence Contact Group on 15 October, the Defence Secretary announced that the UK had delivered over 85,000 drones to Ukraine in the past six months. These drones are being used for precision strikes, reconnaissance and disrupting Russian activity behind the frontlines, countering Russia's own attempts at massed drone tactics. A £42 million energy support package announced on 12 September by the Foreign Secretary will deliver further physical protection support, as well as funding repairs to damaged energy infrastructure hit by drones and other Russian attacks.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Emma Lewell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Kosovo counterparts on a bilateral security agreement. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon. Member to my answer of 23 June 2025 to Question 59980. We will update the Hon. Member and other colleagues in the usual way if there are any further developments to report. I met the acting PM of Kosovo on 22 October.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2025 to Question 75426 on James Scott Rhys Anderson, when he last received an update from (a) Russia and (b) Ukraine on the health of James Scott Rhys Anderson. \p Stephen Doughty: I thank the Hon Member for his close interest in this important case and I refer him to answer 75426. I will keep him and other Members informed as and when there are further developments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 21% underfunding of the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025 led by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on the humanitarian situation in Yemen. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Yemen remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with 19.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. At the UN Security Council Monthly Briefing on Yemen, the UK continues to call for quick and collaborative action from the international community to respond to the rapidly deteriorating levels of food security and ensure the most vulnerable Yemenis are receiving the support they need.

The UK is currently the largest donor to the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for this financial year, and provided £144 million in humanitarian aid in financial year 2024/2025 . Since 2015, the UK has committed over £1 billion in aid to Yemen to alleviate suffering and support the most vulnerable. The UK focuses our programming on integrating health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food security responses in areas of significant need. This year, in response to increased food insecurity, we are providing cash transfers which help to feed up to 864,000 people and support 500 health facilities with the medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements they need to treat 700,000 severely malnourished children.

This year, the UK's Food Security Safety Nets programme in Yemen will provide £58 million to reduce the risk of severe food insecurity, and support the Government of Yemen economic reform to facilitate a more coherent and coordinated response. In response to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, the UK mobilised an additional £13 million to support nearly one million people with emergency cash transfers. Moreover, the UK's Affordability of Food and Finance in Yemen (AFFY) programme delivers in Government of Yemen controlled areas boosting short-term macro-economic stabilisation and encouraging economic de-escalation to combat drivers of food insecurity.
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to (a) increase UK humanitarian assistance and (b) support macro-economic measures to mitigate drivers of food insecurity in Yemen; and what her planned timetable is for this. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Yemen remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with 19.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. At the UN Security Council Monthly Briefing on Yemen, the UK continues to call for quick and collaborative action from the international community to respond to the rapidly deteriorating levels of food security and ensure the most vulnerable Yemenis are receiving the support they need.

The UK is currently the largest donor to the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for this financial year, and provided £144 million in humanitarian aid in financial year 2024/2025 . Since 2015, the UK has committed over £1 billion in aid to Yemen to alleviate suffering and support the most vulnerable. The UK focuses our programming on integrating health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food security responses in areas of significant need. This year, in response to increased food insecurity, we are providing cash transfers which help to feed up to 864,000 people and support 500 health facilities with the medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements they need to treat 700,000 severely malnourished children.

This year, the UK's Food Security Safety Nets programme in Yemen will provide £58 million to reduce the risk of severe food insecurity, and support the Government of Yemen economic reform to facilitate a more coherent and coordinated response. In response to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, the UK mobilised an additional £13 million to support nearly one million people with emergency cash transfers. Moreover, the UK's Affordability of Food and Finance in Yemen (AFFY) programme delivers in Government of Yemen controlled areas boosting short-term macro-economic stabilisation and encouraging economic de-escalation to combat drivers of food insecurity.
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to (a) increase UK humanitarian assistance and (b) support macro-economic measures to mitigate drivers of food insecurity in Yemen; and what her planned timetable is for this. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Yemen remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with 19.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. At the UN Security Council Monthly Briefing on Yemen, the UK continues to call for quick and collaborative action from the international community to respond to the rapidly deteriorating levels of food security and ensure the most vulnerable Yemenis are receiving the support they need.

The UK is currently the largest donor to the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for this financial year, and provided £144 million in humanitarian aid in financial year 2024/2025. Since 2015, the UK has committed over £1 billion in aid to Yemen to alleviate suffering and support the most vulnerable. The UK focuses our programming on integrating health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food security responses in areas of significant need. This year, in response to increased food insecurity, we are providing cash transfers which help to feed up to 864,000 people and support 500 health facilities with the medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements they need to treat 700,000 severely malnourished children.

This year, the UK's Food Security Safety Nets programme in Yemen will provide £58 million to reduce the risk of severe food insecurity, and support the Government of Yemen economic reform to facilitate a more coherent and coordinated response. In response to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, the UK mobilised an additional £13 million to support nearly one million people with emergency cash transfers. Moreover, the UK's Affordability of Food and Finance in Yemen (AFFY) programme delivers in Government of Yemen controlled areas boosting short-term macro-economic stabilisation and encouraging economic de-escalation to combat drivers of food insecurity.
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Rebecca Smith:To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Commissioners have made of the potential impact of the implementation of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 on revenue to churches. \p Marsha De Cordova: The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_390

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the number of transactions that will take place (a) up to £125,000, (b) from £125,001 to £250,000, (c) from £250,001 to £925,000, (d) from £925,001 to £1.5 million and (e) above £1.5 million in its forecast of residential Stamp Duty Land Tax receipts in the 2029-30 financial year. \p Dan Tomlinson: A split of forecast property transactions by price band is not available.

However, a forecast of overall property transactions from the Office for Budgetary Responsibility is available here: https://obr.uk/forecasts-in-depth/the-economy-forecast/housing-market/#transactions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_391

Helen Morgan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to reduce the number of illegal tobacco and vaping products on sale in North Shropshire. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government is committed to reducing the number of illicit tobacco and vaping products on sale nationally.

For tobacco, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has a robust strategy to tackle the illicit tobacco trade. HMRC works closely with Trading Standards to disrupt the illicit tobacco trade at retail level – known as Operation CeCe. In its first three years, more than 46 million illegal cigarettes and 12,600kg of hand-rolling tobacco were seized.

In July 2023, HM Revenue and Customs introduced a strengthened sanctions regime for breaches of the UK Tobacco Track and Trace System to combat illicit tobacco sales. New powers were also given to Trading Standards to make referrals to HMRC where they find evidence of high street retailers selling tobacco products that do not comply with the UK Tobacco Track and Trace System.

In January 2024, HMRC and Border Force published their latest illicit tobacco strategy, ‘Stubbing Out the Problem’. This sets out the Governments’ continued commitment to restrict the trade in illicit tobacco with a focus on reducing demand, and to tackle and disrupt organised crime groups. This strategy is supported by £100 million of new smokefree funding allocated over 5 years to boost existing HMRC and Border Force enforcement capability.

As with tobacco, there is a cross-government approach to reducing the number of illegal vapes. The vaping equivalent of Operation CeCe, Operation Joseph, led to the seizure of over 1 million illegal vapes in 2023-24, the last full year for which statistics are available.

HMRC are also working closely with both Trading Standards and Border Force to develop a robust compliance approach for the introduction of Vaping Products Duty (VPD) on 1 October 2026.

VPD is a new excise duty on vaping products, which will introduce additional compliance powers and controls across the vaping supply chain. This includes the introduction of a Vaping Duty Stamps (VDS) scheme, which will require highly secure stamps to be placed on all duty paid goods, supporting enforcement agencies and customers to identify illegal products.

HMRC are recruiting over 300 staff to strengthen this compliance approach and deliver VPD.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_392

Mary Glindon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increasing taxes on the land based gambling sector on (a) jobs and (b) high street investment. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government makes tax policy decisions at fiscal events. If any changes are made to gambling duties at Budget, legislation will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.
wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_393
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_393

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of a national road-user charging system on (a) data-protection and (b) costs in administration. \p Dan Tomlinson: Fuel duty is projected to raise £24.4bn in 2025/26 and will remain in place. At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut and cancelling the planned increase in line with inflation for 2025/26.

The Chancellor meets with her Ministerial colleagues on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of issues. The Government keeps the tax system under review, with changes announced at fiscal events.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_394

Andrew Cooper:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of nature depletion on trends in the level of GDP growth. \p James Murray: The Treasury continues to make progress and explore ways to strengthen processes for assessing the climate and environmental impacts of fiscal decisions and improve the Green Book in line with emerging evidence and best practice.

The Government is investing in sustainable farming and nature recovery, both boosting productivity and supporting food and economic security.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_395

John Lamont:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policy on the triple lock for the State Pensions of the report by the International Monetary Fund entitled United Kingdom: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for United Kingdom, published on 25 July 2025. \p James Murray: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an independent international organisation. The Government engages regularly and constructively with the IMF, including during the annual bilateral surveillance process known as Article IV.

The Government is committed to the triple lock for the duration of this Parliament.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_396

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of nationalising the rail network on the Government's (a) balance sheet, (b) debt and (c) future liabilities in each of the next ten years. \p James Murray: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) are responsible for classification decisions and measurement of public debt. Both publicly and privately owned DfT-contracted train operating companies are already included in the public sector, classified currently by the ONS as public non-financial corporations. Network Rail is also already classified to central government. HM Treasury and Department for Transport officials will assist the ONS in this work as required.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_397

Andrew Cooper:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps her Department is taking to utilise the (a) protection and (b) restoration of nature to increase trends in the level of green economic growth. \p James Murray: The Government recognises that nature makes an important contribution to green economic growth and is taking action to invest in our natural assets.

The Government is investing in sustainable farming and nature recovery, both boosting productivity and supporting food and economic security.

To help deliver its environmental ambitions, the Government is also seeking to create the conditions to mobilise additional private finance into nature, including by driving the development of high-integrity nature markets for the UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_398

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 71255 on the Restoring Your Railway Fund, if she will publish all the assessments undertaken by her Department relating to the decision to cancel the Restoring Your Railway fund. \p James Murray: In her first week on the 8th of July 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer instructed HM Treasury officials to undertake an audit of public spending and public finances left by the last government. The audit’s findings showed a devastating forecast overspend on departmental spending of £21.9 billion above the resource departmental expenditure limit (RDEL) totals that had been set at Spring Budget 2024.

Taking immediate action to respond to the spending pressure on the UK’s public finances left by the last government, the government cancelled the Restoring Your Railway programme as a vital cost-saving measure of £85 million.

HM Treasury always carefully considers the impact of its decisions, but had to make difficult decisions in light of the black hole left by the last government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_399

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the UK’s approach to VAT on hospitality compared with EU member states. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government recognises the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. The UK’s VAT rate of 20 per cent is close to the OECD average of 19.3 per cent. The UK has a higher VAT registration threshold than any EU country and the joint highest in the OECD, at £90,000. This keeps the majority of businesses out of the VAT regime altogether.

HMRC estimate that the cost of a 5 per cent reduced rate for accommodation, hospitality and tourist attractions would be around £13 billion this financial year. If the scope were also to include alcoholic beverages, the cost would be approximately £3 billion greater.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_400

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of removing VAT from children’s bicycles. \p Dan Tomlinson: VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Taxation is a vital source of revenue that helps to fund vital public services.

Evidence suggests that businesses only partially pass on any savings from lower VAT rates. In some cases, reliefs do not represent good value for money, as there is no guarantee that savings will be passed on to consumers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_401

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the (a) average waiting time for people calling and (b) time people spent on hold for HMRC was in the last year. \p Dan Tomlinson: HMRC telephony performance data, including the average speed of answering a customer’s call, is published on a regular basis and can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-quarterly-performance-updates

The definition of ‘average speed of answering a customer’s call’ is the average time spent waiting in the queue for an adviser. This is from the time that the customer finished listening to HMRC’s automated messages and completed their selection from HMRC’s automated menu to the time when they get to speak to an adviser.

The below table shows the average amount of time people spent on hold with HMRC – this is when a call has been answered by an adviser and the individual has subsequently been put on hold. The data covers the past year, broken down by quarter:

2024-25 Q1

2024-25 Q2

2024-25 Q3

2024-25 Q4

1min 4s

1min 25s

1min 16s

1min 15s

HMRC are taking steps to make sure more of their services are digital, so customers can self-serve online. HMRC online services and the HMRC app are convenient to access and receive high customer satisfaction ratings. As more people use HMRC online services, advisers are freed up to support those with more complex queries and those who are digitally excluded.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-27 conversation_402

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to rename the combined authority of Hampshire and the Solent to include a reference to the Isle of Wight. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: In January 2025 we received an expression of interest from all four constituent councils (Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and the Isle of Wight Council) to establish a combined county authority over this area. They unanimously proposed the name ‘Hampshire and the Solent’. The Hampshire and the Solent mayoral combined county authority can also change its name by resolution once it is established, should it decide to.