theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_378
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has spent on translation and interpretation services in each of the last five years. \p Simon Lightwood: The table below shows how much the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has spent on translation and interpretation services (including Welsh language and British Sign Language translations) in each of the last five years:

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

Interpretation and

Translation Services

£13,334

£10,232

£9,073

£28,764

£42,431

The increase over the last two financial years is due to the DVLA’s contact centre introducing a new video service for British Sign Language.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_379
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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what targets for emissions reduction will apply to Great British Railways. \p Keir Mather: We remain committed to addressing the environmental challenges faced not only by rail – which is already a comparatively low-emission way to travel – but across transport. We will set out long term environmental expectations for GBR through the Long-Term Rail Strategy and these will also be outlined in GBR’s business plan.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 78720 on South West Railway: Nationalisation, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of public ownership of the railways on levels of Government (a) spending, (b) borrowing and (c) debt. \p Keir Mather: In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government implemented emergency contractual arrangements which involved taking on all revenue and the vast majority of cost risk from the train operating companies.

Therefore, public ownership of these rail services is not expected to change the Government’s financial exposure other than savings in the fees currently paid to privately-owned train operating companies of an estimated £110 million to £150 million every year once all currently contracted services have transferred.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_381
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Great British Railways will be required to publish an annual environmental performance report. \p Keir Mather: We expect that GBR will include detail in their annual report and accounts as Network Rail do today, and for GBR to comply with all legal requirements. We remain committed to addressing the environmental challenges faced not only by rail – which is already a comparatively low-emission way to travel – but across all transport modes.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_382
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 89627 on the Electric Car Grant, whether the eligibility criteria for that scheme could be amended to allow access to manufacturers that do not hold a verified Science Based Target from the Science Based Targets Initiative. \p Keir Mather: All vehicle grants are regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to achieve their objectives and deliver value for taxpayer's money. This includes the eligibility criteria for the Electric Car Grant.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_383
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what targets Great British Railways will be set for increasing the volume of freight transported by rail. \p Keir Mather: The Government recognises that the economic and environmental potential of rail freight is significant and is committed to the target of at least a 75% increase in freight moved by rail by 2050, alongside other targets that will be announced prior to the stand up of Great British Railways. The recently published Railways Bill requires the Secretary of State to set a rail freight growth target and for GBR to have regard for it.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_384
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of changes to staffing levels resulting from the establishment of Great British Railways. \p Keir Mather: Details on exact roles are subject to further design work. GBR will need colleagues from across the railway to continue the hard work that they do delivering for passengers. We will continue to engage with the industry on our plans for GBR.
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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans she has to ensure open access operators continue to have opportunities to expand services under Great British Railways. \p Keir Mather: The Bill contains clear legislative safeguards to ensure non-GBR operators, including open access operators, have fair access to the GBR-managed network. Open access operators can bring benefits to the rail network and passengers and will continue to play a role in delivering services where it represents best use of the network.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what timetable has been set for the transfer of assets, staff and responsibilities from Network Rail to Great British Railways. \p Keir Mather: Network Rail and its functions will become a foundational part of Great British Railways (GBR) as it is stood up. The detailed GBR design process is underway, considering how all functions in Network Rail, DfT Operator, publicly-owned train operating companies (TOC) and parts of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) should transfer to GBR.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_387
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she plans to take to ensure continuity of existing safety management systems during the transition from Network Rail to Great British Railways. \p Keir Mather: The safety of the railways will always be our first priority. Network Rail, train operators, Department for Transport Operator and the ORR have been working together to agree and implement the safety management systems that will need to be in place for day one of Great British Railways. Where appropriate, existing arrangements will continue.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_388
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the National Rail Fares Manual database is free to use by the general public through (a) download and (b) programmatic query. \p Keir Mather: The National Rail Data Portal provided by National Rail allows registered users to access railway data on fares. Where users are requesting high volumes of data, the Terms and Conditions outlines that charges apply for high volume usage in some instances.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_389
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 12 November 2025 to Question 88361 on Railways: Reform, whether either the estimated £200–£400 million set-up and transitional cost range cited in the Impact Assessment or the projected £150 million annual saving from bringing forward state control of rail has been independently validated. \p Keir Mather: These are internal estimates. The assessments of set-up and transitional costs are based on engagement with industry partners, including Network Rail and DfT Operator Limited.

The estimate that public ownership could save taxpayers up to £110 to £150 million annually, once all currently contracted services have transferred, is based on the fixed and performance-based fees currently paid to private sector train operating companies as set out in their National Rail Contracts.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_390
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer received on 14 November 2025 to written question 88030, as part of the formation of GBR will the government look to create a specific scheme for schools. \p Keir Mather: The Railways Bill will safeguard existing statutory discounts for disabled persons, younger passengers and older passengers, which today are delivered via railcards. In relation to discount schemes generally, the government's intention is for Great British Railways to have the ability to respond to changing passenger requirements.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_391
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 89630 on London North Eastern Railway: Fares, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of the LNER demand-based pricing trial on ticket prices for LNER passengers from (a) London, (b) Newcastle and (c) Edinburgh. \p Keir Mather: London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have made their customer offer easier to understand by removing tickets with complicated validity rules and introducing a more straightforward Semi-Flexible ticket. Some passengers will benefit from getting flexible options at lower prices than before, and the most popular and the cheapest type of ticket, the Advance, remains available.

As of July 2025, LNER reported that for travel between 1 August and 12 December 2025 there were:

• 1.1 million new Semi-Flexible tickets priced at less than the Super Off-Peak fare.

• 1.8 million Standard Advance fares available and priced lower than the Super Off-Peak fare on trains where that fare was previously valid.

The results of this trial – including prices and revenue, will be carefully considered before taking any further decisions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the level of additional funding for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to undertake the proposed functions in the Railways Bill; and what assessment she has made of the potential merits of ensuring the ORR has sufficient levels of resources to achieve a sufficient level of (a) independence and (b) expertise to fulfil the proposed functions in the Railways Bill. \p Keir Mather: The Railways Bill gives ORR a statutory power to levy a fee, providing stable and predictable funding to support its independence and effective operation. ORR's own analysis has been reflected in the SR settlement for 2026–27 to 2028–29. Final funding levels will depend on how ORR implements its new role and will remain subject to Spending Review outcomes.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_393
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she plans to take to ensure that track access charges for operators outside Great British Railways remain based on the direct operating costs incurred by the infrastructure manager. \p Keir Mather: Clause 64 of the Bill sets a clear legal requirement for charges to be set at the cost that is directly incurred to cover the operating costs incurred by the GBR, subject to exclusions on discounts and mark-ups. GBR will establish a charging framework that must be consistent with its duties and functions set out in legislation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Julia Buckley:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of National Highways' work to improve road safety on the A5 and A458. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department for Transport has not conducted a specific assessment of the adequacy of National Highways' work to improve road safety on the English sections of the A5 and A458.

The Department assesses safety across the Strategic Road Network which includes motorways and major A-roads managed by National Highways using a combination of data-driven analysis, risk-based assessments, and post-project evaluations.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_395
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Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department's consultation entitled The third cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS), published on 3 November 2025, if she will set out the percentage increase in the level of walking and cycling stages per person by 2030 necessary to achieve the CWIS3 objective. \p Lilian Greenwood: The consultation on the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, is seeking the views of stakeholders on a national vision, statutory objectives and underlying performance indicators. The shape of the final strategy, intended to be published, next year including targets concerning walking and cycling stages, will be informed by the responses to the consultation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Damian Hinds:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department are taking to improve the accessibility of streets for people with sight loss. \p Lilian Greenwood: The design and maintenance of local streets is the responsibility of local authorities, who are bound by the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty to ensure their infrastructure meets the needs of all users, including people with sight loss. The Department for Transport provides local authorities with best practice guidance to support accessible street design.

The Department for Transport also works closely a range of stakeholders such as Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Guide Dogs to inform policy and guidance on issues such as tactile paving, pavement parking, and bus stop accessibility.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the adoption of alcohol interlock technology in other jurisdictions. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads.

We are considering a range of policies under the new Road Safety Strategy; the first for ten years. This includes the case for changing the motoring offences, such as drink driving. We intend to publish this by the end of the year.

In 2019 the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) was awarded a grant from the Department for Transport to undertake research into the feasibility of the using alcohol interlocks (“alcolocks”) as part of drink-drive offender rehabilitation programmes.

The research was published by PACTS and can be found at:

www.pacts.org.uk/new-pacts-research-project-alcohol-interlocks/

This research examined alcohol interlock usage in other countries.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2025 to question 91631 on Motor Vehicles: Insurance, if she will make it the Department’s policy to collect data on (i) the number and proportion of collisions involving uninsured drivers that were caused by non-UK citizens and (ii) the number of uninsured drivers that are non-UK citizens. \p Lilian Greenwood: The department currently has no plans to collect this data. As outlined in my response on data held about uninsured drivers, the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires all drivers to have third party insurance cover and measures are in place to deter uninsured driving.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_399
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve cycling connectivity between rural towns and villages. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Spending Review in June 2025 allocated £616 million for Active Travel England to support local authorities to build and maintain walking and cycling infrastructure from over the years 2026/27 to 2029/30. This comes on top of £222.5 million announced in February 2025 for local authorities over xx-xxxx-xxxx, which can be used by authorities to improve cycling connectivity between rural towns and villages.

Active Travel England’s Rural Design Guidance (RDG) is currently in its final development stages and is expected to be published by the end of the year. The RDG will support authorities in delivering active travel routes both within rural settlements and between them by providing tailored guidance and support. Active Travel England currently works with local authorities during the design stage of active travel projects to increase design standards and embed guidance.
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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2025, to Question 77644, on THINK! Campaign, what is the budgeted spending on publicity on drug driving in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26, and whether such expenditure has been revised following the July 2024 savings. \p Lilian Greenwood: The budgeted spend on publicity on drug driving is below:

Total spend to date

Total budgeted spend

FY 2024/25

£35,000

£35,000

FY 2025/26

£486,724.76

£1,830,000

The increased expenditure for 2025/26 reflects the launch of a new THINK! marketing campaign to raise awareness on drug driving, in response to the increasing trend of collisions involving a driver impaired by drugs. Following the reduction in overall budget, the decision has been made to prioritise budget to focus on issues and audiences where we can have the greatest impact.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_401
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Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to ensure that diesel vehicle manufacturers responsible for illegal emissions practices contribute to environmental remediation or compensation schemes. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government takes illegal emissions practices extremely seriously. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s Market Surveillance Unit (MSU) is investigating cases of possible non-compliant diesel emissions in cars and vans. The investigations aim to ensure any non-compliance found is fixed as soon as reasonably possible, working together with manufacturers to achieve real-world impacts on air quality.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_402
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Electric Car Grant criteria will change when the new science based targets come into place. \p Keir Mather: All vehicle grants are regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to achieve their objectives and deliver value for taxpayer's money. This includes the eligibility criteria for the Electric Car Grant.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_403
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate has been made of the reduction in shipping emissions by the end of the Parliament. \p Keir Mather: Under the planned scenario presented in the Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan, the greenhouse gas emissions from UK domestic and international shipping are estimated at around 10.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2029, an estimated reduction of around 4.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), or 29%, from the 2008 base year of our emissions goals. Our approach to deliver these emission savings are set out in our Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy [2].

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbon-budget-and-growth-delivery-plan-2025

[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maritime-decarbonisation-strategy
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_404
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of distribution of (a) rapid and (b) ultra-rapid EV charging points across rural constituencies. \p Keir Mather: The Government is committed to ensuring a spread of chargepoints across the country – in our cities, towns and rural areas. In October, the Department published the latest quarterly tables showing charging devices at all UK parliamentary constituencies including a table of 50kW+ or above devices, available at tables 7a and 7b here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6900f9b584b816d72cb9aab6/electric-vehicle-public-charging-infrastructure-statistics-october-2025.ods.

Between October 2024 and October 2025 the number of public charging devices located in rural areas of England increased by 26%.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential environmental benefits of expanding EV charging infrastructure in rural and remote communities. \p Keir Mather: The zero emission vehicle (ZEV) transition is crucial to the UK meeting its climate change obligations, as well as improving air quality and supporting growth.

Government and industry support means charging infrastructure will match rising demand, so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to a ZEV. As of 1 November, there are now more than 86,700 public charging devices across the UK, an increase of 22% year on year.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure the safety of electric vehicles. \p Keir Mather: Road vehicles must meet a broad range of rigorous safety regulations and obtain approval before they can be registered for use on UK roads. Recognising the global nature of the automotive industry, these regulations are generally developed within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), in which the UK is an active member.

The UNECE regulations include specific and robust requirements to safeguard against the novel risks and potential concerns associated with electric vehicles.
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Fleur Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what metrics will be included in the four tests on Heathrow expansion and how these will be applied to the proposal. \p Keir Mather: As part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) the government will consider how any proposed scheme for Heathrow Expansion will meet the four clear tests on economic growth, climate, air quality, and noise and whether any metrics are needed to measure if these tests are being met.

To do this, during the review of the ANPS the Government will analyse the economic and environmental impacts of expansion at Heathrow, which will inform whether amendments are needed to the ANPS to meet the four tests. We expect any draft amendments to the ANPS will be ready for consultation by summer 2026.

It will be for promoters to apply for a development consent order. Applications for development consent will be examined by the Planning Inspectorate, and the Secretary of State for Transport will make a decision in line with the ANPS on whether to grant a development consent order.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_408
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Fleur Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what is the estimated cost of road and rail upgrades required to facilitate Heathrow expansion. \p Keir Mather: The cost of any rail and road infrastructure associated with Heathrow Expansion will be developed and funded by the promoters of the scheme.
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Fleur Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what economic analysis her Department has undertaken on expansion at Heathrow. \p Keir Mather: The current Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) and its supporting documents provide an economic assessment of a new northwest runway at Heathrow.

On 22 October, the Secretary of State for Transport launched a review of the ANPS. As part of the review, the Department for Transport will develop updated analysis on the economic impacts of expansion at Heathrow, and the outputs will be published alongside any amends to the ANPS for consultation by summer 2026. Any promoter will then need to prepare and submit a development consent order, including their own analysis, for expansion for consideration by the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State for Transport.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_410
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Fleur Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has undertaken on the potential impact on air pollution as a result of the expansion of Heathrow. \p Keir Mather: As part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) the Government will develop updated assessments of the noise and air quality impacts of expansion at Heathrow and will review and update the existing appraisal of sustainability and health impact analysis in line with any amendments made to the ANPS.

We expect to publish any revisions to the ANPS for consultation by summer 2026, together with supporting assessments.
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Fleur Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when her Department will publish updated aviation forecasts. \p Keir Mather: Updated aviation forecasts are being developed to support the review of the ANPS and will be published alongside the outcome of the review.
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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of protections in place for homes situated next to Farnborough Airport in the context of expansion proposals. \p Keir Mather: Assessment of the adequacy of protections for homes situated next to Farnborough Airport is a matter for Rushmoor Borough Council as the local planning authority responsible for considering the airport’s planning application for expansion.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of reopening Aldridge Station on (a) passenger interchange and (b) connectivity for routes into (i) Birmingham and (ii) Walsall. \p Keir Mather: The West Midlands Combined Authority are sponsoring Network Rail to develop detailed designs and an Outline Business Case for the proposed new Aldridge Station. This work, which is expected to complete in Spring 2026, will provide a detailed assessment of the potential merits of the scheme, including on passenger interchange and connectivity into Birmingham and Walsall.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with transport stakeholders on the adequacy of CCTV coverage in rail stations in (a) preventing and (b) prosecuting incidents of sexual offences. \p Lilian Greenwood: Everyone should be able to use the rail transport without fearing for their safety. As part of the government’s Safer Streets mission we have a commitment to reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG) by half over the next decade.

We recognise that police access to CCTV is vital to being able to identify offenders and bring them to justice, as well as to prevent crime, which is why my Department has recently announced nearly £17 million of funding to provide greater direct CCTV access from railway stations to British Transport Police (BTP).

The project, to be delivered by Network Rail in collaboration with the rail industry, will enable BTP officers to have more access to real-time footage from across the railway and help to identify sexual offenders as quickly as possible without having to request this from rail operators.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_415
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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David Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of the national speed limit of 60 mph on unlit single-track rural lanes. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department has not made an assessment of the adequacy of the national speed limit of 60mph on unlit single-track rural lanes.

On many rural lanes their width and sinuosity lead to speeds that are already far lower than the national limit. Lowering limits does not always result in significantly slower speeds and general compliance would need to be achievable without too heavy a reliance on police enforcement.

Traffic authorities are best placed to decide where lower limits will be effective on the roads for which they are responsible. In doing so, they are asked to consider important factors including the history of collisions, the road function, the composition of road users including vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, and the geometry and environment of the road.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of gaps in EV charging infrastructure on uptake of electric vehicles in rural communities. \p Keir Mather: We are committed to ensuring a spread of chargepoints across the country – in our cities, towns and rural areas. Government and industry support means charging infrastructure will match rising demand, so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to a ZEV. As of 1 November, there are now more than 86,700 public charging devices across the UK, an increase of 22% year on year.
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Fleur Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department will take to demonstrate that expansion at Heathrow will not undermine the UK's climate commitments. \p Keir Mather: The government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments.

On 22 October, the Government formally commenced the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which provides the primary basis for decision-making on whether to grant development consent for a new runway at Heathrow. The review will reflect changes in legislation, policy, and data and will set out how any scheme must meet the Government’s four tests on economic growth, climate, air quality and noise.

The Government also remains committed to engaging the Climate Change Committee on the ANPS review and will be seeking their independent advice on the relevant sections of the revised ANPS in due course.

We expect to publish any revisions to the ANPS for consultation by summer 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department expects bus usage in (a) England (b) Greater Manchester to return to pre-covid levels. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is committed to helping local leaders improve local bus services and grow usage across England, including in Greater Manchester, whilst recognising that travel patterns have changed since the COVID pandemic. We are taking action to give local leaders the powers they need to deliver better bus services for passengers, including through the Bus Services Act 2025, and empowering them to choose the model that works best in their area, whether that be franchising, strengthened Enhanced Partnerships or local authority bus companies.

We are also investing over £1 billion in 2025/26 to support and improve bus services in England outside London, of which £66.4 million has been allocated to Greater Manchester Combined Authority. This funding can be used to introduce measures to help increase bus usage, for example expanding services and improving reliability.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average waiting period is between failing a driving test and being able to book a re-test at test centres in (a) Surrey and (b) Hampshire. \p Simon Lightwood: The average waiting time in weeks for a practical driving at test in October for test centres in (a) Surrey and (b) Hampshire is shown below.

Basingstoke – 9.5 weeks

Chertsey – 24 weeks

Farnborough - 24 weeks

Guildford - 24 weeks

Lee on Solent – 24 weeks

Mitcham – 24 weeks

Newport (Isle of Wight) – 24 weeks

Portsmouth – 24 weeks

Redhill – 24 weeks

Southampton – 24 weeks

Tolworth – 24 weeks

West Wickam – 24 weeks

Winchester – 24 weeks

Every candidate has an equally important reason for wanting to take and pass their practical driving test. DVSA does not prioritise those candidates who have taken a practical driving test and been unsuccessful over those candidates taking their test for the first time.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many theory test certificates have expired before a learner was able to sit a practical driving test in the South East since 2020. \p Simon Lightwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is not able estimate the number of theory test certificates that have expired due to learners being unable to sit a practical driving test in the Southeast. Some learners who pass their theory test might decide, due to various reasons, not to book or take their practical driving test.

DVSA is doing everything it can to ensure that learners can access practical tests within the theory test validity period, to prevent candidates from having to retake the theory test.

The maximum duration of two years between passing the theory test and a subsequent practical test is in place to ensure a customer’s road safety knowledge and ability to identify developing hazards is current. This validity period is set in legislation, and the Government has no current plans to lay further legislation to extend it.

Ensuring learner drivers have current relevant knowledge and skills is a vital part of the learning to drive process as new drivers are disproportionately casualties on our roads. Learners therefore need to pass another theory test if their two-year theory test certificate expires.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Bambos Charalambous:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support the Child Nutrition Fund to ensure safe and nutritious diets are accessible to more women and children. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 November to Question 89032.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the attack on a Christian-run hospital in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. \p Chris Elmore: We condemn the horrifying attacks by Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on Christian communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Healthcare facilities, hospitals, and other humanitarian centres must never be targeted. We remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and stress that those responsible for human rights violations and abuses must be held accountable. We have raised the actions of the ADF repeatedly at the UN and have sanctioned them under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act. UK Ministers and senior officials regularly raise the importance of protecting civilians with the Government of DRC. We continue to work through UN bodies and other multilateral fora to promote and protect these rights.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking with international partners concerning the recent crackdown on citizens in Cameroon following the elections. \p Chris Elmore: Throughout the electoral process, we encouraged the Government of Cameroon to strengthen democratic institutions, highlighting the vital role of civil society in fostering dialogue and stability, and funded innovative approaches to promote political inclusion and engagement. Following the elections, the Minister of State for International Development and Africa encouraged all parties to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, and pursue inclusive dialogue to address grievances and preserve stability. We remain committed to advancing democracy and human rights in Cameroon, while maintaining a constructive relationship, grounded in shared Commonwealth values.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many incidents have been logged as alleged international humanitarian law violations reportedly conducted by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan since the civil war broke out in April 2023. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November.
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Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the death of Dr Hamza Shaheen in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We remain deeply concerned about incidents of violence in Syria, including the reports of Dr Shaheen's murder. We continue to advocate for an inclusive political transition, a greater focus in social cohesion, and protection of the rights of all Syrians, regardless of religious or ethnic background. When I met the Foreign Minister and Justice Minister in Damascus in August and during their inward visit in November, I underlined the need for the Syrian Government to ensure that the justice system serves all Syrians.
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Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Israeli counterpart on ensuring the safety of Palestinian journalists. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 3 October 2025 to question 76551.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what is the expected timetable and procedural pathway for the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to be formally received by His Majesty King Charles III for the presentation of credentials; whether, at the point of presentation of credentials, the United Kingdom will recognise the Ambassador as the representative of the State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders, as stated in Government policy; and whether the Letters of Credence, the Royal Decree of Agrément, and any associated documentation issued in connection with such recognition will explicitly reference the 1967 borders and the United Kingdom’s position on the applicability of international law, including the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions on the illegality of the occupation. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK follows the standard diplomatic process of agrément and presentation of credentials, as set out in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We recognise Palestinian statehood over provisional borders, based on 1967 lines with equal land swaps, to be finalised as part of future negotiations.
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Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to reduce the amount of the UK International Aid Budget that is going towards in-donor refugee costs. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 November in response to Question 85799.
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Phil Brickell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that businesses in Georgia are not used for third-country evasion of sanctions against Russia. \p Stephen Doughty: On 27 June 2025, the Government issued new UK sanctions guidance for non-UK businesses in several countries, including Georgia, to support compliance with UK sanctions and raise awareness of relevant national laws. This built on the extensive diplomatic engagement and technical assistance we have provided in priority jurisdictions to address circumvention risks.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Consul-General in East Jerusalem plans to present her credentials as Ambassador to the President of the State of Palestine; and whether she has had discussions with the Palestinian Authority on that process. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The British Consulate General in Jerusalem has had a special role working to promote and protect UK interests in Jerusalem for almost 150 years. The future status of the British Consulate General, and the Consul General, in Jerusalem will be determined in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether future UK-funded capacity-building programmes will be structured to (a) advance Palestinian statehood and (b) support the government of Palestine in building institutions capable of delivering public services across Palestine, including the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on the Middle East on 18 November, where support for Palestinian institutions was discussed. We will update the House in due course on any further developments.
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Chris Coghlan:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make assessment of the potential impact of companies denying employees (a) continuous service pay rises and (b) other accumulated benefits after being transferred from rolling fixed-term contracts to permanent contracts on those employees. \p Kate Dearden: There are no current plans to make such an assessment. Under the Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002, employers must not treat employees less favourably because they are on fixed-term contracts than permanent employees doing the same or broadly similar work, unless justified on objective grounds.

Where transfers from one contract to another are being made through fire and rehire, the Employment Rights Bill will make it an automatic unfair dismissal if an employer dismisses an employee in order to change certain core terms in their contract such as a reduction to pay or leave, a change in overall hours or specified changes to shift patterns, unless the employer is in severe financial difficulties and could not reasonably have avoided the need to make the change.