theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Callum Anderson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of (a) Venture Capital Trusts, (b) the Enterprise Investment Scheme, (c) the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and (d) the Social Investment Tax Relief on economic growth in the last five fiscal years. \p James Murray: Growth is the central mission of the Government, and investment is a vital part of addressing the growth challenge. The venture capital schemes are a key part of this.

The venture capital schemes were evaluated in 2022, and these evaluations were published on gov.uk. [1] The evaluations found that the schemes were well targeted to address the market failure which makes it difficult for early-stage, high-risk companies to secure the investment they need.

SITR expired in April 2023.

[1] Evaluation of Venture Capital Schemes - GOV.UK
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Gareth Davies:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the revenues to the Exchequer (a) in total and (b) from each form of tax in (i) 2024-25 and (ii) 2025-26. \p James Murray: HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) publish tax receipts and National Insurance contributions for the UK each month. This information is publicly available and currently presenting outturn up to January 2025.

The OBR publish forecasts for receipts and public spending in their Economic and Fiscal Outlook. The OBR are due to publish their latest outlook for the economy and public finances on 26 March 2025.
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Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed increase in employer National Insurance contributions on independent pharmacies. \p James Murray: A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, and civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.

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

Primary care providers – general practice, dentistry, pharmacy and eye care – are valued independent contractors who provide nearly £20bn worth of NHS services. The Department for Health and Social Care has entered into consultation with Community Pharmacy England (CPE) regarding the 2024-25 and 2025-26 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework, and the final funding settlement will be announced in the usual way following this consultation.
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Callum Anderson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of Enterprise Investment Scheme funding was provided to companies based in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire in each of the last five financial years. \p James Murray: HMRC publish national statistics for the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) every year. HMRC’s most recent published statistics are for the 2022 to 2023 tax year.

HMRC publish statistics outlining regional investment, but this is not broken down further. Information about EIS funding in the South East can be found in these statistics publications. [1]

[ 1 ] Enterprise Investment Scheme, Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and Social Investment Tax Relief: May 2024 - GOV.UK
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost of was of air travel by the Chancellor of the Exchequer since 4 July 2024. \p James Murray: Costs for all overseas ministerial travel is regularly published in transparency returns. These figures are scheduled to be published in due course.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the potential impact of changes to the taxation rules on death-in-service benefits on service families. \p James Murray: There is a long-standing full exemption from inheritance tax when a member of the armed forces dies from a wound inflicted, accident occurring, or disease contracted on active service in certain circumstances. There is also an exemption for service personnel if they die as a result of being deliberately targeted because of their job. More information is available at www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/inheritance-tax-manual/ihtm11301 and www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/inheritance-tax-manual/ihtm11311.

Estates of service personnel will benefit from the normal nil-rate bands, reliefs, and exemptions available. For example, the nil-rate bands mean an estate can pass on up to £1 million with no inheritance tax liability and the general rules mean any transfers, including the payment of death benefits, to a spouse or civil partner are exempt fully from inheritance tax. The Government will bring most unused pension funds and death benefits payable from a pension into a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes from 6 April 2027. Inheritance tax is already applied to death in service benefits for some pension schemes.
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Bob Blackman:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of recent trends in the level of tobacco bundle purchases on the taxes received via the minimum excise duty on cigarettes. \p James Murray: The Chancellor has not held any discussions with cabinet colleagues on this topic.

As with all taxes, the Government keeps the tobacco duty system under review during its Budget process.
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Callum Anderson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many companies that received funding through the Enterprise Investment Scheme in the each of the last five financial years were in their first year of trading. \p James Murray: The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) offers tax reliefs for investors investing into companies below a certain age. This ensures it is targeted towards the most early-stage, high-risk companies, who face the greatest struggle securing the investment they need to grow and develop. The initial investment into a company must occur within 7 years of the company’s first commercial sale, or within 10 years for knowledge intensive companies (KICs).

HMRC does not publish statistics on the age or length of trading time for companies receiving investment through the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).
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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department is using AI software in responding to written parliamentary questions. \p James Murray: In HM Treasury, written parliamentary questions are drafted by civil servants and answered by ministers.

For information on the use of AI in HM Treasury, I refer the member to the answer given to UIN 23715 on 22 January 2025.
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Paula Barker:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of increasing wine duty on the independent hospitality sector. \p James Murray: A Tax Information and Impact Note was published alongside the changes to alcohol duty announced at the Autumn Budget 2024. This is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-rates-of-alcohol-duty/alcohol-duty-uprating

The wine industry makes a vital contribution to our economy and society, which is recognised in the tax system. Ahead of the Autumn Budget 2024, the Government heard representations to increase alcohol duty by more than inflation to tackle increasing alcohol-related deaths, as well as economic inactivity. The Government is also mindful of the cost-of-living pressures on people who drink responsibly and on hospitality businesses and alcohol producers. Balancing these pressures, the Chancellor announced that she would uprate alcohol duty in line with RPI inflation.

The wine easement also ended on 1 February 2025. This was a transitional measure, which gave the wine industry over two years to adapt to the new system.  HMRC have worked closely with industry to support this transition.
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Gareth Davies:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Autumn Budget 2024, HC 295, if she will list the tax changes that will come into effect on 6 April 2025. \p James Murray: A full list of the tax measures announced at Autumn Budget 2024, including when the measures take effect, can be found in the Overview Of Tax Legislation And Rates on the gov.uk website.
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Ruth Cadbury:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what information his Department holds on the number of people who live in residential houseboats in permanent moorings in (a) London and (b) England. \p Emma Hardy: The Department does not hold such information. Navigation authorities are responsible for operational matters on their waterways, including issuing licences for permanent moorings on their waterways. This does not necessarily involve recording the number of people living on a boat.
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Ruth Cadbury:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of rights for residents living on houseboats in permanent moorings in the context of the (a) length and (b) security of their tenure. \p Emma Hardy: No assessment has been made. Navigation authorities have responsibility for operational matters on their waterways, including setting the terms and conditions of the licences that they issue for the use of permanent moorings.

The length and security of tenure of houseboat owners will depend on the terms they agree with the mooring owner. The terms of the agreement issued by the mooring owner must comply with the unfair terms in consumer contracts requirements in the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Boat owners with residential moorings will also benefit from the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. This requires mooring owners to get a court order to evict boat owners who continue to moor after their license agreement has ended.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to ensure that agricultural environmental payments will be adjusted in line with inflation. \p Daniel Zeichner: Prices in Environmental Land Management schemes have increased three times in the last three years to reflect inflation and pay a fairer price for action. In 2022 and 2023 prices in Countryside Stewardship increased and at the National Farmers’ Union Conference last week the Secretary of State announced an increase in prices for Higher Level Stewardship agreements.
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Rachel Gilmour:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the right to roam in England. \p Mary Creagh: The Government committed in its manifesto to improving responsible access to nature. The Department is currently assessing the best way to deliver this, and further information will be made available in due course.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken with relevant authorities to reduce aviation noise pollution in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is committed to ensuring that noise is managed effectively to promote good health and minimise disruption to people’s quality of life.

Defra is required to produce, consult and publish Noise Action Plans for transport noise, under the terms of the Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006, every five years to help manage noise. Under the Regulations airport operators are the competent authority for preparing airport Noise Action Plans.

The latest Round of Airport Noise Action Plans were published in October and November 2024 by 15 Airports including London City Airport and Stansted Airport. It is up to individual airports to determine, including through public consultation, the most effective measures to implement within an action plan.

Defra has worked with the Department for Transport which commissioned the Civil Aviation Authority to conduct a critical review of the efficiency and effectiveness of Noise Action Plans, for 10 Airports in the UK and Europe, in managing aviation noise around airports. The recommendations along with the final report are expected to be published in April 2025.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish the costs to pet owners for (a) pet passports and (b) Animal Health Certificates for travel between the UK and the EU in the last ten years. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government does not collect data on the cost of pet passports or Animal Health Certificates.

All fees are set by veterinary surgeons or veterinary practices and are a private matter between individual practices and their clients and neither the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the UK regulator of the veterinary profession, nor Defra intervene in the level of fees that are charged.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to provide compensation to poultry farmers who have had eggs destroyed as a result of Avian flu. \p Daniel Zeichner: Compensation paid for birds culled by the Government for disease control purposes is designed to promote prompt reporting of suspicion of disease and is only payable for healthy birds as set out in the Animal Health Act 1981. There is no compensation available for sick birds or birds that have died.

Compensation is not paid for consequential losses, including business interruption caused by control measures, or for eggs or poultry meat. We have no plans to reconsider this policy at this time.
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Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help meet (a) climate and (b) nature targets. \p Mary Creagh: The UK fully supported the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and has already submitted to the Convention on Biological Diversity National Targets that are fully aligned with the Framework. We will publish the full UK National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in due course, and we will provide an assessment of our progress in the implementation of the KMGBF, including progress towards the national targets, in our seventh and eighth national reports in February 2026 and June 2029, respectively.

The UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 2030 and 2035 targets – to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% and 81% respectively on 1990 levels – are a fair and ambitious contribution to global action on climate change, in line with the Paris Agreement temperature goal, and remains in place.

We are absolutely committed to our climate targets. That is why making Britain a clean energy superpower is one of the five missions of this Government - delivering clean power by 2030 and accelerating the transition to net zero across the economy. This will make it easier and affordable for people across the country to move towards sustainable lifestyles.

The UK was the first major economy to halve its emissions, cutting them by around 53% between 1990 and 2023, while growing our economy by 79%.

The UK over-achieved against the first, second and third Carbon Budgets, and we will deliver an updated cross-economy plan in due course, which will outline the policies and proposals needed to deliver carbon budgets 4-6 and the 2030 and 2035 NDCs on a pathway to net zero.
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Damian Hinds:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what information his Department holds on the retail price of a basket of food goods (a) in cash terms and (b) as a proportion of average family income spent on food goods in (i) the UK and (b) comparable countries. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Office for National Statistics reports the average weekly household expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages in the UK, which is collected via ONS’s Living Costs and Food Survey and published in Family Spending in the UK.

OECD Data Explorer publishes annual household final consumption expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as total expenditure, in the G7 countries. Using this data, it is possible to calculate the proportion of expenditure spent on food and non-alcoholic beverages. The UK data is taken from the Office for National Statistics’ Consumer Trends publication.

G7 countries

% of expenditure spent on food and non-alcoholic beverages (2022)

Canada

9.4

France

13.2

Germany

11.5

Italy

14.4

Japan

15.9

United Kingdom

8.4

Unites States

6.9
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the environmental impact of running artificial intelligence technologies. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues.

The AI (artificial intelligence) Opportunities Action Plan sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for growth, driving adoption and building UK capabilities.  We recognise that data centres face sustainability challenges, from energy demands to water use.

Through the AI Energy Council, we will be exploring bold, clean energy solutions from next-generation renewables to small modular reactors to ensure our AI ambitions align with the UK’s net zero goals. This builds on the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology’s contribution to make Britain a clean energy superpower by investing in relevant research on clean energy and climate change.
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Sarah Dyke:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support his Department is providing those impacted by flooding following Storm Herminia. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency surged support at strategic, tactical and operational levels and worked with Local Resilience Forums to manage flood impacts in areas affected by Storm Hermina. There were approximately 160 properties flooded and 6000 protected.

The Environment Agency routinely provides flood warning and information and maintains 250 mobile pumps, including 17 ultra-high-volume pumps which can assist with flood recovery across England. There was no activation of the flood recovery framework or Defra led support schemes as a result of flooding caused by Storm Hermina.

We recognise the devastation the storms this winter have caused to those affected. The role of any Government is to protect its citizens which is why, under our Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026.

Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. This Government inherited flood assets in their poorest condition on record, so we are also prioritising maintenance of existing flood defences, ensuring an additional 14,500 properties will have their expected level of protection maintained or restored.
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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the timeline for implementing marine net gain. \p Emma Hardy: Defra is assessing the role that marine net gain may play in nature recovery including consideration of timescales for operation of the policy.
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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the French Government's decision to ban products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. \p Emma Hardy: The Government has recently completed a rapid review of the Environment Improvement Plan (EIP) 2023 and will introduce a revised EIP in 2025. The revised EIP will include the Government's approach to managing chemicals, including the risks posed by PFAS. Other work is continuing across the Government to help us assess levels of PFAS occurring in the environment, their sources and potential risks to inform future measures. This includes the initiation of a UK REACH dossier investigating whether to restrict the use of PFAS in firefighting foams. We also monitor measures being taken in other jurisdictions such as France to inform possible approaches in the UK.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken with relevant authorities to reduce light pollution in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England. \p Emma Hardy: Defra has not had direct discussions with local authorities in Romford or elsewhere about monitoring levels of artificial light

The statutory nuisance regime requires local authorities to take reasonably practicable steps to investigate complaints of artificial light emitted from premises.
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Robin Swann:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many vehicles containing (a) live animals and (b) food products failed to attend a further inspection at Sevington in the last 12 months. \p Daniel Zeichner: Due to the intelligence led and dynamic nature of our biosecurity controls, and to ensure operations are not impacted, we are unable to share this data.

The risk of legitimate commercial loads not attending Sevington is mitigated by robust, data-backed enforcement options. Consignments called to Sevington for an inspection will have completed the necessary customs declarations and pre-notifications. These goods will not be legally cleared for sale or use within the UK until they have attended and been cleared at the Border Control Post (BCP).

Where the BCP has concerns, for example due to non-attendance, there are existing robust provisions for contacting the person responsible for the load. These provisions are enforceable through the data collected in customs declarations and pre-notification.

Meanwhile, vehicles suspected to be carrying illegal imports (e.g. those for which customs declarations and pre-notification have not been made or suspected to have been made in bad faith) will continue to be stopped and dealt with by Border Force at the point of entry to the UK, not sent to the BCP.
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Dr Rosena Allin-Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing statutory regulation of the veterinary profession. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra officials are actively engaging with key stakeholders, including representatives from the BVA (British Veterinary Association), as well as the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons), BVNA (British Veterinary Nursing Association), and the Vet Schools Council to review opportunities for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA). This core working group is looking at how changes to policy can support the profession, animals, and consumers in the future.
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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with local authorities to maximise the recycling of household waste. \p Mary Creagh: Waste is a devolved policy area. The upcoming Simpler Recycling reforms in England will ensure that people will be able to recycle the same materials, whether at home, work or school - to make recycling easier and improve recycling rates. Defra has previously consulted local authorities and other key stakeholders on these reforms, and we continue to engage through regular forums and newsletters. Defra has established a joint sounding board with the Local Government Association to support policy development and implementation for local authorities. Furthermore, the Minister for Nature recently held a roundtable with local authorities to discuss our work on the Circular Economy including Simpler Recycling.
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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential merits of mandating swift bricks in new property developments. \p Mary Creagh: Natural England has identified that the lack of nest sites is one of the pressures on species including the swift. Therefore, provision of swift bricks may aid recovery alongside other actions, such as to increase food resources. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published a revised National Planning Policy Framework in December. This expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support species like swifts, such as swift bricks.

Defra policy officials are continuing to work with MHCLG colleagues to consider what action may be appropriate to drive up rates of swift brick installation in new build properties.
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Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help prevent microplastics entering nature from washing machines. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is concerned about the possible risks to public health and wildlife from microplastics which enter the environment from the atmosphere and road runoff and from washing machines.

Previous collaborative work with the water industry found that microplastic from clothing and textiles make up a small proportion (around 1%) of the total microplastics found within wastewater treatment works.

We are continuing to investigate microplastics and the risks they may have to public health and to the environment. Defra is working with water companies to investigate microplastics detected during wastewater treatment and their potential to enter the receiving aquatic environment.
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Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of OFWAT in delivering value for money for consumers. \p Emma Hardy: We are confident that Ofwat are delivering their core functions effectively.

Ofwat holds water companies to account for the delivery of affordable, secure and resilient water services. Ofwat must protect the interests of consumers whilst ensuring the companies properly carry out and finance their statutory functions.

It is Ofwat's responsibility to independently scrutinise water company business plans and ensure that the prices water companies charge their customers are fair and proportionate. Ofwat’s final determination saved customers £11 billion compared to what companies initially proposed in the next price review period.

Furthermore, the Independent Water Commission, launched in October 2024 by the UK and Welsh Governments, will consider the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators and how we can ensure our regulators operate as effectively as possible.
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Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of recent trends in the level of water chargers on consumers. \p Emma Hardy: For too long, investment has not kept pace with the challenges of an ageing infrastructure system, a rapidly growing population and climate change. Bills will therefore now need to rise to invest in our crumbling infrastructure and deliver cleaner waterways.

These bill rises equate to around £3 additional per month on average, before inflation. This will pay to fix crumbling infrastructure, which will dramatically reduce sewage spills and lead to cleaner rivers, lakes and seas.

This Government has been clear with Ofwat that increases to customer bills must not flow through to company profits, or to executive bonuses where performance is poor.
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Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department made of the potential merits of nationalising the water industry. \p Emma Hardy: The Secretary of State has been clear the Government has no intention to nationalise water companies. Nationalising a water company would cost billions of pounds, and it would take years to unpick the current ownership model, during which time underinvestment in infrastructure and sewage pollution would only get worse. The Government wants to improve the situation in the water industry as quickly as possible, by focusing on improving the privatised regulated model.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of President Trump's call for a peace agreement on the war between Ukraine and Russia. \p Stephen Doughty: We share President Trump's desire to bring this barbaric war to an end. Russia could do this tomorrow by withdrawing its forces and ending its illegal invasion. We are working closely with the US, and both the UK and the US remain focused on bringing a just and lasting peace to Ukraine. We are clear that there can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo; and what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on seeking a resolution to the violence. \p Catherine West: The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory. The Foreign Secretary has been clear that there would be a strong response from the international community in response to the escalating conflict. In recent weeks, the UK has coordinated closely with international partners, including those from the G7 and the International Contact Group on the Great Lakes, on that response. On 25 February the Foreign Secretary announced a package of measures which aim to bring about a ceasefire, avoid regional escalation and bring Rwanda back to the negotiating table under the AU African led peace process. The Foreign Secretary and Lord Collins, the Minister for Africa continue to engage with international counterparts to push for an end to the killing and a return to peaceful negotiations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_224

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that its development funding in Tanzania is not implicated in the forced evictions of the Maasai people. \p Catherine West: The UK works hard to uphold human rights around the world and UK Ministers and officials regularly raise human rights concerns with our international partners, including the Government of Tanzania.

We have robust measures in place to ensure our aid spending is strictly monitored, and we work with the Independent Commission for Aid Impact to apply the highest standards to our programmes.

Further information about our programmes can be found at Devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_225

Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will call in the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China following reporting of cash offered by the Chinese Embassy for information on Hong Kong activists living in the UK. \p Catherine West: We will not tolerate attempts by foreign powers to intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas. Following the issuing of arrest warrants on Christmas Eve, the Foreign Secretary strongly condemned the targeting of Hong Kongers in the UK.

Following recent reports, FCDO officials again raised the matter with the Chinese Embassy. The Hong Kong Police's issuing of arrest warrants encourages reckless behaviour on UK soil and damages Hong Kong's reputation.

The safety of Hong Kongers in the UK is of upmost importance for the Government. This has been referred to the police who are dealing with this matter.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_226

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he last had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the (a) financial implications and (b) costs of the proposed UK-Mauritius Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Secretary continues to hold regular discussions with Ministerial colleagues, including the Chancellor, on issues related to a treaty with Mauritius on the British Indian Ocean Territory and the base on Diego Garcia. The UK Government remains committed to reaching an agreement with Mauritius which is in the best interests of both parties.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_227

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Mauritian counterpart on maintaining the British Indian Ocean Territory Marine Protected Area; and what representations he has received from his Mauritian counterpart on fishing (a) activities and (b) rights in the territorial waters of the British Indian Ocean Territory (i) now, (ii) in the future and (iii) in the proposed UK-Mauritius Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK and Mauritius are committed to cooperating on combatting environmental threats such as illegal fishing, with a shared objective of protecting of the world's most important marine environments. This will include the establishment of a new Mauritian Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Agreement.

Before the signature and ratification of the Agreement, we have no plans to change the British Indian Ocean Territory marine protected area which is fully compatible with United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea obligations.

The British Indian Ocean Territory Administration operates a system of permits to control access to and activities within the Marine Protected Area. We also work closely with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission to limit illegal fishing.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_228

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which ministers across Government have (a) been consulted and (b) taken part in negotiations on the UK-Mauritius Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Secretary continues to hold regular discussions with Ministerial colleagues on issues related to a treaty with Mauritius on the British Indian Ocean Territory and the base on Diego Garcia. The UK Government remains committed to reaching an agreement with Mauritius which is in the best interests of both parties.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_229

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Official Development Assistance will be used to fund the (a) trust fund for Chagossians and (b) economic partnership with Mauritius in the proposed UK-Mauritius Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: The treaty with Mauritius will include an economic partnership with Mauritius, of which one component will be the Trust Fund for Mauritius to use in support of Chagossians. Details of the Trust Fund will be published as part of the implementation of the Agreement after signature.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_230

Mr James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if his Department will release a full impact assessment for the reduction in Official Development Assistance. \p Stephen Doughty: The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review on the basis of various factors including impact assessments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_231

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to safeguard British claims in Antarctica from foreign state actors. \p Stephen Doughty: British sovereignty over the area of Antarctica now called British Antarctic Territory (BAT) dates back to 1908. This is the oldest claim to Antarctica. The UK has maintained a permanent presence in Antarctica since 1944. The UK has no doubt about its sovereignty over the British Antarctic Territory. Our overarching objective is to support the security and the good governance of the Territory. UK presence is provided by the British Antarctic Survey, who operate three scientific stations, the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, who manage the historical base at Port Lockroy, and the Royal Navy's Ice Patrol Ship HMS Protector. Article IV of the Antarctic Treaty 1959 effectively places in abeyance all territorial sovereignty claims to Antarctica, recognition, and non-recognition of claims, and precludes any activity to assert any new claim or enlarge any existing claim to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica. The UK remains a foremost advocate of the Antarctic Treaty and its essential principles of peace and scientific exploration.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_232

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of halving the foreign aid budget. \p Stephen Doughty: On Tuesday 25 February, Prime Minister announced that we will increase defence spending to 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2027; the security of the UK is the first duty of government.

Doing so demands the difficult but necessary decision to reduce our Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI).

While we will of course face tough choices resulting from the reduced ODA available, this government remains fully committed to a globally significant role on development. It is both in our national interest and in the interest of our partners across the globe.

The prime minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and official development assistance. Specific allocations will be worked through as part of the ongoing spending review on the basis of various factors including impact assessments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_233

Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed reduction of the international development budget on the UK's international partnerships with developing nations. \p Stephen Doughty: The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and official development assistance. Detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review on the basis of various factors including the likely impact on the UK's international partnerships with developing nations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_234

Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Prime Minister's Oral Statement of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, whether the Government has commissioned an impact assessment on the decision to reduce Official Development Assistance to 0.3% of gross national income from 2027. \p Stephen Doughty: The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and official development assistance. Detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review on the basis of various factors including impact assessments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_235

Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will list the global health programmes which will have their UK contributions (a) reduced and (b) cut, in the context of reductions in the level of ODA spending. \p Stephen Doughty: The impact on specific programmes is being worked through following the decision to reduce UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI) to 0.3% in 2027. We will be taking a rigorous approach to ensure all ODA delivers value for money. Announcements will be made following the completion of the ongoing Spending Review process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-05 conversation_236

Lola McEvoy:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions he has had with police authorities to ensure a single point of contact in the police for families affected by (a) serious trauma and (b) violent crime. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Police Family Liaison Officers provide support and information, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, securing confidence and trust of families of victims of crime (primarily homicide), road fatality, mass disaster or other critical incident, ensuring family members are given timely information in accordance with the needs of the investigation.