theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_13

Lord Richards of Herstmonceux:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan, and whether they will publicise those plans in good time before the events. \p Baroness Twycross: The Government announced the VE and VJ Day 80 programme with a statement to both Houses on 13 March. Debates were held on the same topic on 6 May in the House of Commons and on 9 May in the House of Lords.

On Friday 15 August, the Royal British Legion, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will lead a service at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, honouring those who served in the War in the Far East.

DCMS is also supporting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to run more than 250 mobile exhibitions across the UK and at key global commemorative sites to the Pacific, highlighting the stories of those who fought in the Second World War.

To recognise the war’s continuation beyond VE Day and the sacrifices made in the Far East, the Government’s National Engagement Programme runs throughout this 80th anniversary year to include both VE and VJ Day. More information is available at ve-vjday80.gov.uk.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_14

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to restore to their full value the pension entitlements of Allied Steel and Wire workers. \p Baroness Sherlock: The Department recognises that the Allied Steel and Wire pension scheme was among the earliest of schemes to benefit from the Financial Assistance Scheme. The Minister for Pensions met with some Allied Steel and Wire workers and heard first-hand how members have been affected by aspects of the Financial Assistance Scheme, including the issue of the indexation of pre-1997 pension accruals.

The erosion of income due to the high inflation of recent years has led to this matter being considered by the Work and Pensions Select Committee (WPSC) in its recent inquiry into Defined Benefit pension schemes. On 30 April, the Government response to the recommendations in the WPSC’s report was published.

The government will consider and reflect on what we have heard on the issue of Pension Protection Fund and Financial Assistance Scheme rules on the indexation of pre-1997 pension accruals. Any change in this area has significant implications on public finances for both the taxpayer funded Financial Assistance Scheme and for the levy funded Pension Protection Fund. These are complex matters requiring a balanced approach for those receiving compensation, levy payers and taxpayers. This is an important issue and one where we will continue to work with the Pension Protection Fund.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_15

Lord Birt:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to commission an independent review of both the economic and non-economic benefits and disbenefits resulting from Brexit. \p Lord Livermore: The Government is focused on looking forward, building the UK’s relationship with the EU and finding practical solutions that deliver for the British people. As such, the Prime Minister hosted EU leaders at the first ever UK-EU summit on 19 May, during which we agreed a new Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed our shared values and commitment to deeper cooperation against the backdrop of an evolving global geopolitical landscape.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_16

Lord Allen of Kensington:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of the recently announced Mansion House Accord on economic growth. \p Lord Livermore: Seventeen of the largest workplace pension providers in the UK have signed the Mansion House Accord, a voluntary commitment which will see signatories allocating at least 10 per cent to private markets across all main defined contribution (DC) default funds by 2030, with at least half (5 per cent) of the total invested in the UK.

The Government welcomes the Accord which, via more diverse portfolios, can improve outcomes for savers and boost growth for Britain with greater investment in the likes of infrastructure and fast-growing businesses across the country.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_17

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Welsh Government concerning the transfer of responsibility for the Crown Estate in Wales to the Welsh Government. \p Lord Livermore: The UK Government has regular discussions with the Welsh Government at official and ministerial level. I met with Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, on 27th February, where we discussed the Welsh Government’s request that the UK Government considers devolution of the management of The Crown Estate in Wales.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_18

Lord Berkeley:To ask His Majesty's Government which statutory harbour authorities in England charge for overhanging residential balconies. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The department has not conducted a review of all Statutory Harbour Authorities to assess if they have the power to charge for overhanging residential balconies. Given the divergence in port local acts, it is not clear how many ports have this power.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_19

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to revise section 19 of the Transport Act 1985 to require those driving school minibuses to hold a professional driving qualification or equivalent. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Transport Act 1985 permit system was designed to recognise the value of not-for profit organisations that provide services for community, social and charitable benefit including schools and the wider education sector.

Whilst there are no immediate plans to alter the section 19 and section 22 permit system, ensuring the arrangements work well and are safe is something that is regularly under consideration.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_20

Lord Berkeley:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how bringing railways into public ownership will (1) reduce operating costs, (2) deliver economic growth, (3) improve delivery for passengers and freight operators, (4) reduce cost to passengers, and (5) ensure fair access to the network by all passengers and freight operators. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Bringing train operations into public ownership is the first step in the Government’s plans for wider rail reform, including establishing Great British Railways (GBR). Under public ownership, passenger services will be operated in the interests of passengers, not shareholders. Under GBR, we will create a unified and simplified railway that puts passengers first, rebuilding trust.

GBR is set to be the ‘directing mind’ for the rail industry, bringing together the management of the network and the delivery of passenger services into a single public body, to deliver better services for passengers and freight customers, and better value for money for taxpayers. These changes form a critical part of the Government’s wider Plan for Change - delivering growth, jobs, and housing through greater connectivity, putting more money in people’s pockets, and rebuilding Britain.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_21

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the timeframe for considering improvements to east-west rail links; what progress they have made in providing a regular passenger service on the Hellifield Link between Lancashire and Yorkshire. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: In May 2024 Northern Trains launched the Yorkshire Dales Explorer, which links Manchester and Ribblehead, restoring passenger services to the line between Clitheroe and Hellifield for the first time in more than two decades. Northern has worked with local bus providers to co-ordinate services and with stakeholders including the Yorkshire Dales National Park and rambling groups, who organised walks around the timetable. This service has been a great success and won a silver award in the tourism category at the 2025 Community Rail Awards.

Rail North Partnership and Northern are now working with stakeholders including Lancashire County Council and York & North Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to assess whether additional services on this line could be operationally practical and offer value for money.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_22

Lord Berkeley:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 10 April (HL6331), whether they have held any meetings with the Port of London Authority in the past 12 months; on what date any such meetings took place; and whether the issue of overhanging residential balconies was discussed. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The department has held many meeting with the PLAs. As one of the most important UK ports, officials and Ministers from across government meet with the Port regularly to discuss a range of issues. I can confirm that the issue of balconies has been raised.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-27 conversation_23

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will prohibit the export of arms to Israel until the government of Israel allows deliveries of food and medicines to Gaza. \p Baroness Gustafsson: In September, we suspended all licences for exports of items for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) that might be used in military operations in Gaza, subject to the specific measures announced in Parliament with respect to the global F-35 programme.

Of the remaining licences for Israel, the vast majority are either for civilian purposes, including scientific equipment and body armour for journalists or NGOs, or for components for products for re-export to other countries.

We have taken the same approach to new licence applications since September, refusing any licences for items that could be used in military operations in Gaza.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-04 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-04 conversation_1

Baroness Thornhill:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 19 March (HL5631), whether the Collection of Client Level Adult Social Care Data (No 3) Directions 2023 will be revised to mandate collection of data on sex and not gender following the publication of the Sullivan Review and the decision in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16. \p Baroness Merron: Our guidance to local authorities on the adult social care data collections is kept under continuous review to ensure that it is fit for purpose and in line with the relevant legislation.

The Collection of Client Level Adult Social Care Data (No 3) Directions 2023 set out the data that local authorities are required to collect and submit, for the Department to produce national data on the provision of adult social care in England. The 2023 Directions do not preclude local authorities from collecting any further information, including for example sex, that local authorities may consider necessary to effectively discharge their legal obligations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_1

Baroness Wolf of Dulwich:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the provisions proposed in the Employment Rights Bill on the proportion of apprenticeships offered by employers to (1) existing employees, (2) new hires, and (3) 16–24 year olds; and what evidence regarding employers' decisions to award apprenticeship contracts they have used in this assessment. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: In October, Government published 24 Impact Assessments representing a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill. This analysis shows that the Bill is expected to benefit younger workers, typically disproportionately represented in low paid, low quality, insecure jobs.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_2

Lord Lee of Trafford:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the entitlement of a shareholder to choose whether to attend public company annual general meetings in person or digitally. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: It is clear that the use of digital or “virtual” platforms can provide benefits to both companies and shareholders in the context of annual general meetings and indeed “hybrid” meetings, which provide a combination of physical and virtual access, are already relatively commonplace. While the Government committed last Autumn to clarifying the law around wholly virtual general meetings, we fully recognise the importance of shareholder rights. Therefore, the appropriate safeguards will be considered as part of any legislative changes. My officials will continue to develop this policy and work towards a position that balances the interests of all relevant stakeholders.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_3

Lord Freyberg:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the costs and benefits of the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; and whether the findings of that assessment will be made publicly available. \p Baroness Gustafsson: DBT conducted an evaluation of the UK presence at Expo 2020 Dubai. This provided accountability and learning to inform continuous improvements. The lessons are directly feeding into planning and delivery of the UK presence at Expo 2025 Osaka.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_4

Baroness Northover:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of critical minerals supply from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: Whilst Government has not made an economic assessment of the benefits of critical minerals supply from any specific region to the rest of the UK, the new Critical Minerals Strategy will set out how increasing our domestic production of critical minerals in all areas of the UK will support our economic growth and security, industrial strategy, and clean energy transition.

As part of her industry engagement, Minister Sarah Jones MP, met with Ionic Technologies, a cutting-edge permanent magnet recycler based in Belfast, who are a real asset to critical minerals supply across the UK. The world-leading critical minerals innovation led out of Queen’s University Belfast also demonstrates how Northern Ireland can contribute to UK critical minerals supply.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_5

Baroness Northover:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have engaged with the Northern Ireland Executive about critical minerals supply. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: A secure supply of critical minerals is vital for the UK's economic growth and security, industrial strategy, and clean energy transition.

Government is engaging widely in developing the new Critical Minerals Strategy, including in partnership with the devolved governments, to make this Strategy a UK-wide effort.

The Critical Minerals Strategy will be published in 2025, aligning with the multi-year Spending Review and the new Industrial Strategy.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_6

Lord Birt:To ask His Majesty's Government what was the total annual production of crude steel in tonnes by (1) the UK, (2) other G7 countries, (3) China, and (4) India, in 2024. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: In 2024, the United Kingdom produced 4,011,973 tonnes of crude steel. The G7 countries collectively produced 247,817,568 tonnes of crude steel. Table 1 below provides detailed steel production figures for the rest of G7 countries. Meanwhile, China produced 1,005,090,000 tonnes of crude steel, and India produced 149,421,000 tonnes.

Table 1: Crude Steel Production by G7 Countries (excl. UK), 2024

Country

Crude steel production (tonnes)

France

10,754,987

Canada

12,349,087

Italy

20,001,983

Germany

37,234,082

United States

79,456,590

Japan

84,008,866

Source: World Steel Association
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_7

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in negotiations on a bilateral trade deal with the United States of America. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: We continue to have productive discussions with the US on securing a wider economic deal, including through a call between the Prime Minister and President Trump on 18 April. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has also been engaging with the US Administration including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss this.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_8

Baroness Northover:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential importance of a UK domestic critical minerals supply strategy to underpin economic growth and the UK industrial base. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: A secure supply of critical minerals is vital for the UK's economic growth and security, industrial strategy, and clean energy transition. Building on the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre’s updated criticality assessment, government will work hand in hand with industry to publish a new Critical Minerals Strategy this year.

The Strategy will refine our approach to domestic production and will be explicitly targeted to UK strengths and delivering for businesses.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_9

Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the application for a new site for the embassy of China. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave on 11 March 2025 to question HL5338.

HL5338 (pdf, 107.9KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_10

Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government what is their most recent estimate of the number of unoccupied dwellings in England. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: According to the latest published statistics, excluding second homes, there are 719, 470 vacant dwellings in England. Statistics on vacant dwellings in England as reported for the purposes of council tax are published in the Department’s live table 615 which is accessible on gov.uk.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_11

Lord Bailey of Paddington:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of housing associations offering lifetime tenancies to social housing tenants on the housing market. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The majority of housing association tenants are lifetime tenants with assured tenancies, and therefore already enjoy a high security of tenure.

The Renters' Rights Bill will abolish fixed term assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies. This change will enhance the security and stability for the minority of tenants with private registered providers who currently lack assured (lifetime) tenancies. Landlords will also benefit from clear and expanded possession grounds to evict tenants in circumstances where that is justified and reasonable.

The government published its Impact Assessment for the Renters’ Rights Bill on 22 November 2024, following scrutiny from the Regulatory Policy Committee. The Impact Assessment received a ‘green’ rating, indicating it is ‘fit for purpose’.

The impact assessment can be found on gov.uk here.

Impact Assessment (pdf, 1842.3KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_12

Lord Pearson of Rannoch:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Khan of Burnley on 11 April (HL6315), whether they will answer the question put, namely whether they will invite the Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia Definition Working Group, in formulating its definition, to protect freedom of expression in similar terms to the saving provision in section 29J of the Public Order Act 1986, so that the definition does not, for example, restrict criticism of Islam or prevent individuals from urging Muslims to cease practising Islam. \p Lord Khan of Burnley: All forms of discrimination and hate crime are completely unacceptable, and the Government is committed to tackling this wherever it manifests. Our efforts to build a country of tolerance and inclusion apply to people of all faiths and none.

The most recent police-recorded hate crime statistics showed that almost 2 in 5 religious hate crimes target Muslims, which is why we have established a working group to provide rapid advice to the Government. Working group members have been selected for their technical expertise, experience and ability to work to deliver the group’s objectives. The group will consult with a wide variety of stakeholders to ensure that the voices of all relevant stakeholders are heard and considered.

The proposed definition will advise the Government and other bodies on the appropriate language to describe, understand and define unacceptable treatment, prejudice, discrimination and hate targeting Muslims or anyone who is perceived to be Muslim. It must also be compatible with the unchanging right of British citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression. The initial advice the working group produces will be private however once the Government has had time to review the advice, it will consider its next steps.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_13

Lord Singh of Wimbledon:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of failing to include other faiths, including Sikhs, in the terms of reference for the Working Group on Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia Definition. \p Lord Khan of Burnley: All forms of racial and religious discrimination are completely unacceptable, including that directed at Sikhs. Hate crime has no place in our communities. Our efforts to build a country of tolerance and inclusion apply to people of all faiths and none.

The government recognises that the common misidentification of Sikhs as Muslims can compound the burden of religious hatred and discrimination faced by Sikhs. The terms of reference for the group recognise that anti-Muslim hatred/Islamophobia can also impact communities that are perceived to be Muslim, and that cultural markers adopted by wider faith communities like Sikh, Hindu, Jain and Buddhists are often used to attack communities that are mistakenly identified as Muslim.

The group will consult with a wide variety of stakeholders to ensure that the voices of all relevant stakeholders are heard and considered.

Though the work of the Group will be independent, Ministers and officials will meet regularly to ensure the work is developing in line with the objective set out in the Terms of Reference. The Government retains the right to not accept the recommendations made by the Working Group.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_14

Lord Agnew of Oulton:To ask His Majesty's Government how many members of the Senior Civil Service (SCS) left their roles in the past financial year; of those, how many had formal exit interviews within the Cabinet Office, and what proportion of Cabinet Office SCS leavers this represents; and how many had formal exit interviews, and what proportion of total SCS leavers this figure represents. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The table below sets out the number of Senior Civil Servants (SCS) who left the Cabinet Office and turnover of Senior Civil Servants in the year to the dates shown.

31 March 2024 (FY 2023/24)

SCS Leavers

91

SCS Turnover %

24%

Number of completed exit interview / or completed an exit survey

29*

Proportion of SCS leavers with completed formal exit interviews

31.9%

*a record of the completed interview is not centrally held

**exit survey response only, therefore planned leavers

The SCS Exit survey was relaunched in April 2024 to encourage a better response rate. SCS leavers who resign or where the departure is unplanned - for example, when a member of staff resigns or moves to another government department - are expected to have an exit interview with their line manager or the HR Business Partner.

SCS leavers that are planned - for example, when a member of staff retires, their fixed term contract or loan ends - do not need to take part in an exit interview, although they are able to do so.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_15

Lord Agnew of Oulton:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 18 February (HL4612), how many non-statutory public inquiries have been established since 2005; what were the names of each inquiry; what were the projected costs of each inquiry at the time of its establishment; and, for those that have concluded, what was the final cost of each inquiry upon its conclusion. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: Since 2005, His Majesty’s Government has established 18 non-statutory inquiries.

The Cabinet Office collects data on the duration and cost of inquiries from departments, inquiries’ own reports, and other publicly available information. We do not centrally hold data on the projected costs of each inquiry as each Government Department is responsible for the inquiries they sponsor.

We have provided details on all non statutory inquiries established since 2005 in the table below. In the table below, “unknown” means that it is not known by Cabinet Office.

Inquiry

Legislative Basis

Year established

Duration in months (from announcement to publication of final report)

Reported final costs where publicly available

Manston Inquiry

Non-Statutory

2025

Ongoing

Pending

Cranston Inquiry

Non-statutory

2023

Ongoing

Pending

Andrew Malkinson Inquiry

Non-statutory

2023

Ongoing

Pending

Fuller Inquiry

Non-statutory

2022

Ongoing

Pending

Angiolini Inquiry

Non-statutory

2022

Ongoing

Pending

The Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review

Non-statutory

2018

29

£1.7m

Independent Inquiry into the issues raised by Ian Paterson

Non-statutory

2018

26

£1.9m

Independent inquiry into the award of the Magnox decommissioning contract by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and its subsequent termination

Non-statutory

2017

48

Unknown

Gosport Independent Panel

Non-statutory

2014

42

£13m

Harris Review / Independent review of self-inflicted deaths of young adults in custody aged between 18 and 24

Non-statutory

2014

17

£0.2m

The Morecambe Bay Maternity and Neonatal Services Investigation

Non-statutory

2013

18

£1.1m

Daniel Morgan Independent Panel

Non-statutory

2013

97

£17.6m

The Detainee Inquiry

Non-statutory (Committee of Privy Counsellors)

2010

45

£2.3m (exc. VAT)

The Hillsborough Independent Panel

Non-statutory

2009

33

Less than £5m

Independent Inquiry into care provided by Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust January 2001 – March 2009

Non-statutory

2009

7

Unknown

The Iraq Inquiry / The Chilcot Inquiry

Non-statutory (Committee of Privy Counsellors)

2009

85

£13.1m

Inquiry into Human Tissue Analysis in UK Nuclear Facilities / Redfern Inquiry

Non-statutory

2007

43

Unknown

Contaminated Blood and Blood Products Inquiry

Non-statutory

2007

48

£75k
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_16

Lord Leigh of Hurley:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 22 April (HL6565), how, if at all, the policy of salary transparency applies to transparency on (1) severance payments, and (2) cash equivalent transfer value pension amounts, with respect to (a) senior civil servants and (b) special advisers. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The government financial reporting manual (FReM) is the technical accounting guide for the preparation of financial statements. The FReM sets out a number of transparency requirements when it comes to severance payments and cash equivalent transfer values specifically, which are separate from the salary transparency requirements.

For severance payments, departments are broadly required to report the number and value of compensation payments made under the terms of any approved compensation schemes, as well as certain detail on any special severance payments made. The FReM also provides that information about the cash equivalent transfer values at the start and end of the report year must be disclosed in relation to directors, together with the real increases.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_17

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government how much public funding they have provided to public inquires in each of the last five years; and which are the current and anticipated (beginning in 2025) public inquiries to which they are providing, or are expecting to provide, support or funding. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: Since 2020, His Majesty’s Government has supported 16 public inquiries under the Inquiries Act 2005. The Cabinet Office does not centrally hold data on the yearly public funding to inquiries as each Government Department is responsible for the inquiries they sponsor.

Four inquiries have been established so far in 2025. The Independent inquiry into Manston short-term holding facility and the Stockport Inquiry will be sponsored by the Home Office, the Nottingham Inquiry will be sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, and the Patrick Finucane Inquiry by the Northern Ireland Office.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_18

Lord Blencathra:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the decision of the Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16 on 16 April, what plans they have to ensure that departments reflect the decision of the Supreme Court in (1) guidance, (2) publications, and (3) policy proposals. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: We will review and update policy wherever necessary to ensure it complies with the latest legal requirements.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_19

Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 22 April 2025 (HL6561), whether there are informal or political committees of Cabinet which are not listed on the Cabinet Office's list of Cabinet committees and whether this includes a ministerial 'quad' meeting. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: There are various configurations of ministerial meetings. Cabinet committees are publicly listed on GOV.UK
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_20

Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government whether it remains their intention that the Northern Ireland Assembly and Northern Ireland local government elections will be held on the same day in 2027. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The dates on which Northern Ireland local elections and Northern Ireland Assembly elections are to be held are set out in legislation. The Government does not intend to change the date of the 2027 elections.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_21

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what categories of information, such as name, address, date of birth, they routinely capture about foreign national offenders, and how they store and access this information. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Biodata to establish nationality and identity is obtained and stored on the digital case-working system Atlas. Atlas provides caseworkers access to all the data that they need to manage and progress foreign national offender cases.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_22

Lord Davies of Gower:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the influence of racial and religious aggravation in instances of child sexual abuse. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government continues to focus on delivering real change for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

I refer the Noble Lord to the statements made by the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls on 08 April and Lord Hanson of Flint on 22 April 2025, which provided an update on the Government's work to tackle child sexual abuse and exploitation, including progress on the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). IICSA, led by Professor Alexis Jay, was a full national inquiry taking 7 years, which engaged over 7,000 victims and survivors, and had 15 separate strands, including a specific two-year inquiry into child sexual exploitation by organised networks.

Victims, survivors and experts, including Alexis Jay, have been clear that they want to see action now. That means protecting more children, pursuing more criminals, and getting justice for more victims and survivors. That is why we are delivering on the package of measures announced by the Home Secretary in January, including expanding the victims’ right to review and asking all police forces to review historic grooming cases that were closed with ‘No Further Action’. We are also developing a new national best practice framework for victim-centred, locally-led inquiries, drawing on the experience of experts, including victims and survivors. Further details will be provided later this month.

Alongside that, we will set out how local authorities can access support for independent local inquiries or related work through a national fund. The Home Secretary has commissioned Baroness Louise Casey to conduct an audit to improve national understanding of the scale, nature, and profile of group-based child sexual abuse, including the characteristics of offenders. The audit is well underway and will report to the Home Secretary in the coming weeks.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_23

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government on how many occasions in the last 10 years the "chosen lifestyle choice" contained in Schedule 2 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has been cited in prosecutions and convictions of those profiting from modern slavery. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Modern slavery is a barbaric crime that dehumanises people for profit. The Government is committed to tackling it in all its forms and continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies and prosecution services to strengthen the operational response, to ensure we use every tool to pursue perpetrators and that victims are supported to recover from this horrendous abuse.

The Home Office Bulletin on Asset Recovery enables us to review how the powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 are being utilised by law enforcement in modern slavery cases.

The value obtained from orders in modern slavery cases can fluctuate depending on the specifics of each case and the criminal proceeds involved. There has been a consistent upward trend in the imposition of confiscation orders since the financial year 2021, however, we recognise more can be done to disrupt criminal enterprises and support victims of modern slavery through compensation.

That is why a key part of the Government’s work with the police and criminal justice partners is to encourage the use of financial investigations at the earliest opportunity in modern slavery cases. Through the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit (MSOIC), funded by the Home Office, guidance and training has been delivered to forces to both enhance understanding of modern slavery among financial investigators, and to support Senior Investigating Officers’ use of financial investigation techniques.

Alongside this work, the National Crime Agency is also working with the banking sector through the Joint Money Laundering Intelligence Taskforce to identify red flags in financial transactions and alert these to the authorities.

During Anti-Slavery week last October, the Safeguarding Minister hosted roundtables with law enforcement agencies, criminal justice partners and Non-Government Organisations to get a better shared understanding of the criminal justice challenges. Over the next year, the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit will lead work to develop a national framework for the investigation of modern slavery, to support police forces to secure better criminal justice outcomes, including through increased use of asset recovery powers.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_24

The Lord Bishop of Bristol:To ask His Majesty's Government how the recruitment of more modern slavery case workers announced in October 2024 will improve National Referral Mechanism waiting times for conclusive grounds decisions for women, which, according to recent data from the International Organization for Migration, are 16 months longer than for men. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government inherited a system in which decision-making times were too long and that is why we made it a priority to reduce these via the recruitment of additional 200 decision makers. This will support all victims, and the backlog of cases has already reduced significantly,

NRM statistics are published and can be found here Modern slavery: NRM and DtN statistics, October to December 2024 - GOV.UK
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_25

The Lord Bishop of Bristol:To ask His Majesty's Government whether their forthcoming Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy will consider victims of sexual exploitation in the light of recent data from the International Organization for Migration showing that fewer women and girls are being supported through the National Referral Mechanism. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government is working closely with law enforcement to tackle the drivers of trafficking for sexual exploitation, including through law enforcement operational intensifications aimed at tackling modern slavery threats and targeting prolific perpetrators. We are currently considering policy options on how we can best support those impacted by sexual exploitation, including in the context of our violence against women and girls strategy.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_26

Lord Blencathra:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the decision of the Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16 on 16 April, whether they will ask His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services to conduct a thematic inspection of all police forces in England within six months to assess the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: I refer the Rt Hon Lord to the answer provided to PQ UIN 45760 on 2 May 2025.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_27

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of the United States of America about efforts to seek the release of the Chinese activist Dr Wang Bingzhang. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK Government stands firm on human rights in China. 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).

We continue to coordinate efforts with our international partners to hold China to account for human rights violations and will continue to call on China to uphold its commitments under international law.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_28

Lord Roberts of Llandudno:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they recognise the term "scholasticide". \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK Government does not recognise the term "scholasticide". "Scholasticide" is not a standalone international crime, though certain breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) involving schools and educational facilities may be war crimes. Promoting IHL compliance is central to the Government's humanitarian policy, and IHL compliance provides protections for civilian objects, such as schools.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_29

Lord Oates:To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they plan to take with other nations participating in the London conference on Sudan on 15 April to end the conflict in that country, to protect civilians and to ensure aid reaches those who most need it. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Alongside those states that attended the Sudan London Conference, the UK is taking coordinated action to strengthen the protection of civilians and to improve aid delivery. We continue to advocate for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including UNSCR 2736 (2024) on El Fasher, Darfur. Additionally, the UK and its partners are advocating for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_30

Lord Oates:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to increase flexible funding to support the most food-insecure people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Last financial year, the UK provided over £245 million to Sudan and its neighbouring countries, supporting over 1 million people affected by the conflict. On 15 April, the Foreign Secretary announced an additional £120 million of life-saving aid for the current financial year. This includes 650,000 people to be reached with food assistance for 3 months, 205,000 people to benefit from financial assistance and 600,000 people who will receive nutrition, water and sanitation support.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_31

Baroness Mobarik:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 27 February (HL5034), what specific steps are they taking to work with the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce to deepen trade links with Northern Cyprus. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: In accordance with the rest of the international community, with the sole exception of Turkey, the UK does not recognise the self-declared 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' as an independent state. We regularly engage the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce to discuss how we can deepen trade links between the UK and the north of Cyprus within the parameters of international law. The UK urges both sides to strengthen efforts to remove obstacles to intra-island trade. Ultimately, we continue to believe that a just and lasting settlement is the best means of resolving the serious challenges for all Cypriots caused by the division of the island. The Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories discussed these matters during his recent visit to Cyprus on 7 March.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_32

The Lord Bishop of St Albans:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the success of existing programmes in the military in reducing gambling-related harm among serving personnel. \p Lord Coaker: I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave him on 15 April 2025 to Question HL6577.

Armed Forces Gambling (docx, 16.5KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-05-07 conversation_33

The Lord Bishop of St Albans:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce legislation to require (1) annual medical screening questions related to gambling disorder in the military, and (2) the annual assessment of the prevalence of gambling disorder among members of the armed forces. \p Lord Coaker: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has no current plans to introduce legislation. The MOD already has a number of policies and programmes in place within the Armed Forces that assist Service personnel with gambling addiction.