theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_38

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what ongoing contractor monitoring and accountability processes are in place to ensure value for money and service quality. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The impact of the Horizon scandal on postmasters and their families has been horrendous. The Government is determined to hold those responsible to account and will continue to seek to make rapid progress on compensation and redress. Fujitsu’s role in Horizon is one of the issues currently being reviewed by Sir Wyn Williams’s statutory inquiry. The Government are carefully considering volume 1 of the report. Once the inquiry has established the full facts, we will review its final report and consider any further action, where appropriate.

In January 2024, Fujitsu committed to withdraw from bidding for contracts with new government customers until the Post Office Horizon inquiry concludes. It will bid for work with existing government customers only where it already has a contract with them or where there is an agreed need for Fujitsu’s skills and capabilities.

Individual contracting authorities are responsible for the award and management of contracts. With regard to scrutiny during procurement processes, the Procurement Act 2023 enables and, where appropriate, requires the exclusion of suppliers where they pose particular risks to public procurement. The Cabinet Office has issued substantial guidance for departments, available on gov.uk. The exclusions regime provides a framework within which contracting authorities must consider a supplier’s recent past behaviour and circumstances (or their presence on the debarment list) to determine whether it should be allowed to compete for or be awarded a public contract.

The National Procurement Policy Statement asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money.

To provide transparency, the government regularly publishes Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for its most important contracts, and the performance of the vendor against those KPIs.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_39

Lord Patten:To ask His Majesty's Government what are the reasons for the delays in the compensation payments which are due to those affected by infected blood following the Infected Blood Inquiry; and who is responsible for them. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The delivery of compensation is a matter for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA).

IBCA has opened the service to those who are living with infection, registered with a support scheme, and prioritising those who are nearing the end of their lives within this cohort. IBCA is contacting an average of 100 people every week so start their claim. At that rate, they expect to have contacted all those who are living with infection and registered with a support scheme this calendar year.

IBCA is taking a ‘test and learn’ approach to the delivery of compensation. By starting small, they are able to improve the service they deliver, which means that compensation can be paid to everyone faster.

As of 15th July, IBCA has contacted 2, 215 people to start their compensation claim, and 1,934 people have started the claim process. 808 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £602 million, and so far 587 people have accepted their offers with more than £411 million paid in compensation.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_40

Lord Pack:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have considered creating a Gov.uk account on Bluesky, and if so, when that consideration took place, and what the outcome was. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Government Communications Service (GCS) undertakes assessments of platforms, such as X and Bluesky, when there are significant platform updates. The last assessment on X was made in April 2023.

SAFE is the single, comprehensive framework that the government uses for these assessments, providing thorough guidance and processes to ensure appropriate use of digital advertising environments.

The platform X is currently used for non-paid communications activity only (also known as 'organic' activity). There are currently no government or ministerial accounts on Bluesky and no SAFE Framework assessment has been completed.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_41

Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what correspondence the Prime Minister’s Office has had with Greta Thunberg since 4 July 2024. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: It is not routine to publish correspondence between the Prime Minister and any individual or organisation.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_42

Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to defend the integrity of airspace above the prison estate from drone incursions which facilitate the delivery of illicit materials to prisoners. \p Lord Timpson: His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is working hard to deter, detect and disrupt the use of illegal drones to deliver contraband into prisons.

Restricted Fly Zones have been introduced around all closed prisons and young offender institutions. These restrictions make all unauthorised drone incursions a crime and support police and prison collaboration to disrupt illegal drone use. Those using drones to smuggle illicit items which drive violence and criminality in custody may face up to a decade behind bars.

This year, we are investing over £40 million in physical security across 34 prisons.

Whilst we cannot share our counter drone tactics, as that would aid sophisticated serious and organised criminals, HMPPS uses suitable technology, alongside physical countermeasures and intelligence tools, with the support of Law Enforcement Agencies, to disrupt those who use drones. We are also working with UK and global partners to understand the tactics used abroad and identify opportunities to strengthen our response to illicit drone activity.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_43

Lord Blencathra:To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to his Written Answer on 1 July (HL8639), why it was not possible for the fence mounted onto the existing bi-steel barriers to match the design of that around Cromwell Green, divided into barrier-length sections as necessary, given that any fence mounted onto the barriers is inherently removeable. \p Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The chosen design option was endorsed on the balance of all considerations, including security, heritage, deliverability, and value for money. It was also a factor that the permission for the ‘siting of a boundary fence’ is temporary and was granted for ten years.

The Abingdon Street Fence has a height, pale dimensions, and pale spacing consistent with other Fences elsewhere on the Parliamentary Estate.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_44

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist:To ask His Majesty's Government what funding they (1) allocated to, and (2) spent on, railways in Wales between 2010 and 2024 by fiscal period. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The table below shows the UK Government funded expenditure on operations, maintenance, renewal and enhancement of railways in Wales for each financial year, noting that we do not have data for the financial year 2010/2011.

Financial Year

11/12

12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

17/18

18/19

19/20

20/21

21/22

22/23

23/24

£million

230

249

318

307

388

508

502

551

460

414

434

521

525

Spending on railways in Wales by the Welsh Government, including continuing subsidy for rail services operated by Transport for Wales is not included, nor is payment made by the Department in respect of services that Transport for Wales operates wholly within England.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_45

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist:To ask His Majesty's Government how much funding they have (1) allocated to, and (2) spent on, railways in Wales since July 2024. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: In financial year 2024/2025, £259m was allocated for railways in Wales, which includes UK Government funded expenditure on operations, maintenance, renewal and enhancements. This is being built on through the Spending Review settlement, which marks a significant step forward in addressing Wales’s long term infrastructure needs, with a commitment of at least £445m over the next ten years for rail enhancements in Wales. Details of funding spent since July 2024 is not available at the current time.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_46

Lord Jamieson:To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to Appendix 2, page 61, Annex 1: Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects reform, of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Impact assessment (published May 2025) Appendix 2, page 61, and the November 2027 target date for the updated Airports National Policy Statement, whether they anticipate that the infrastructure planning application for the Heathrow Airport expansion can be submitted before the publication and ratification of the revised Airports National Policy Statement. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once proposals have been received, the Government will review the Airports National Policy Statement in line with the requirements of the Planning Act 2008.

When the ANPS has been reviewed, and depending on the outcome of the review, it will be for scheme promoters to decide when to submit a Development Consent Order application for a third runway scheme.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_47

Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support ports wishing to offer onshore power connections to cruise line customers. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: On 25 March, the government published the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy and a call for evidence on Net Zero Ports. This call for evidence focused on potential options to reduce emissions from vessels at berth and the future energy demand at ports, including the provision of shore power to customers, including cruise operators. We are considering the responses to the call for evidence.

In addition, research and development into the future fuels and technologies necessary to decarbonise the sector have been supported through the UK SHORE R&D programme, including projects such as Portsmouth’s shore power installation. This project will go live later this year, backed by nearly £20m of government funding, and will allow visiting cruise ships to connect.

The Government working closely with Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator on fundamental reforms to the connections process that will release up to 500GW of capacity from the connections queue. This may enable quicker provision of shore power where capacity is released in port locations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_48

Lord Harper:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to begin the investigation into the London Southend Airport plane crash on 13 July. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is responsible for investigating civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents in the UK. An AAIB team arrived on scene at London Southend Airport on 13th July to begin their investigation. It is the responsibility of the AAIB to ascertain whether any safety recommendations need to be made as a result of this accident.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_49
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-23 conversation_49

Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government what (1) economic, and (2) social, impact assessment they made in the decision to pause the next phase of electrification of the Midland Mainline. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The electrification of the Midland Main Line that is complete will enable bi-mode intercity trains to operate in electric traction between St Pancras and Wigston. These new trains will have more seats and will provide a step change in passenger experience.

Continuing electrification to Nottingham and Sheffield was considered in the Spending Review, which prioritised investment across all government spending, taking account of business cases and affordability, including economic and social impacts.

The next phase of electrification has been paused as it is lower value for money, partly due to rising costs and partly as a consequence of having already delivered substantial electrification, but we will continue to keep it under review as part of our longer-term pipeline of schemes.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_1

Lord Rooker:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 11 November (HL11422), whether they will now answer the question put, namely whether the Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance has been sent to devolved administrations in draft. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The Minister is following the process in the Equality Act 2006 and is consulting the Devolved Governments at the relevant stages, as required under section 14(9).

Consultation with Welsh and Scottish Ministers is required if, or in so far as, the Code relates to a duty imposed by or under the Public Sector Equality Duty. As part of the consultation, the draft Code has been shared with the Devolved Administrations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_2

Baroness Kidron:To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to including advice about supplier diversity and small and medium-sized enterprise participation in procurement in the Artificial Intelligence Playbook. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: This government is committed to supporting SMEs and British business as much as possible including through procurement. The current edition of the AI Playbook for government contains broad advice for decision makers looking to procure effective, ethical and safe systems. Updates to Government guidance will have lines on how to adhere to the Procurement Act (2023) which came into force this year. The Act has specific provisions to encourage government procurement from small and medium sized by enhancing transparency and competition.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_3

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the development of UK-based autonomous and agentic artificial intelligence start-ups, particularly in regard to partnerships and infrastructure. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The Government is backing UK-based AI start-ups through targeted investment and strategic partnerships via several initiatives.

In partnership with DSIT, Innovate UK is launching a £1 million Prize Fund. This initiative aims to accelerate Agentic AI adoption for design across Advanced Manufacturing, Health and Life Sciences, and the Creative Industries.

Alongside this, the Sovereign AI Unit was announced in the AI Opportunities Action Plan as a new initiative specifically designed to build homegrown capability in emerging areas of the AI ecosystem. Backed by £500 million at the Spending Review, the programme is focused on unlocking opportunities where targeted public intervention can support UK leadership, scale national champions, and secure long-term strategic advantage.

The government has also committed over £1 billion to expand the capacity of the AI Research Resource (AIRR) at least twentyfold by 2030. AIRR is now live and is free to use for academics, public sector organisations, and SMEs. By taking these measures, we are ensuring the UK remains a top destination for leading AI innovation, fostering resilience and long-term prosperity.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_4

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to monitor the compliance of artificial intelligence systems deployed in the UK with standards on privacy, transparency and non-discrimination. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The UK’s data protection framework adopts a technology-neutral and principles-based approach, that applies to all organisations processing personal data, including those deploying Artificial Intelligence systems. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which is responsible for enforcing data protection laws, has taken steps to provide guidance on how data protection law applies specifically to AI systems, including through updates following recent generative AI consultation series. The ICO also has the power to investigate and impose penalties for non-compliance. Organisations deploying AI systems are required to ensure that any personal data is processed fairly, lawfully, transparently, and securely. Where legal or similarly significant decisions have been made about individuals based solely on automated processing, organisations must put in place safeguards to allow individuals to exercise their right to make representations about the decisions, contest that decision, and to obtain human intervention for it.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_5

Baroness Helic:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the governments of (1) Bosnia and Herzegovina, and (2) Italy, regarding recent reports that foreign nationals participated in killings during the siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s; and whether they intend to liaise with those governments to establish whether any British nationals were involved. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK welcomes the investigation being conducted into these very serious allegations, and we will, wherever needed, cooperate with the governments of Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other relevant authorities to ensure justice is done.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_6

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to deliver on the ambitions of the International Fungal Conservation Pledge through domestic policies; and what assessment they have made of the merits of action to better protect fungi. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The UK Government co-launched the pledge with the Chilean Government and remains committed to promoting action that recognises the vital role fungi plays in the ecosystem. Domestically, Natural England are leading a consortium of experts (including Natural Resources Wales, NatureScot, RBG Kew, Aberystwyth University, the British Mycological Society) to develop the first Great Britain Red List of non-lichenised fungi in 15 years, identifying species most at risk and requiring protection. In August, Natural England published the Threatened Species Recovery Actions (TSRA) which includes measures for 155 fungi and lichen species, alongside work on reintroductions and improving data access. UK government also supports the new Network for Fungal Conservation, which brings together agencies, NGOs and experts to embed fungi in nature recovery plans. The UK is also playing a leading role in research that will enhance our understanding of the evolution of fungi and the role they play in ecosystems, including through work at RBG Kew, where Defra funding is supporting the DNA sequencing of the world's largest fungarium (collection of fungi). Internationally, we are leading a proposal to ensure fungi are better recognised within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) at this year’s Conference of the Parties (CoP20) and continue to engage with experts through the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_7

Lord Bailey of Paddington:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they remain committed to delivering a modern 21st century estate at the Lancaster West Estate following the Grenfell Tower fire; and what plans they have to provide funding for its refurbishment. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The government is committed to supporting the community affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy for the long term, and to working with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) so the vision of 21st century estate for the residents of the Lancaster West estate can be realised.

I understand how important and pressing this is. My officials are engaging with RBKC, who lead on the refurbishment of the estate, to fully understand the Council’s plans and timelines for delivery and explore potential funding options to determine whether government can further support the Council in refurbishing the estate.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_8

Lord Jamieson:To ask His Majesty's Government, whether, once an outline application for a site not in a local plan is granted permission by a local planning authority, the provisions of paragraph 59 of the National Planning Policy Framework separately apply to any subsequent planning applications for the site, including any conditions made at outline consent. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Paragraph 59 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is intended to apply to applications for planning permission, including applications for outline permission and reserved matters applications. The NPPF is a material consideration in planning decisions. Viability considerations may be relevant at the stage of approving reserved matters or conditions.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_9

Lord Bailey of Paddington:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the cost for delivering local government services is higher in rural or urban areas. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: On Thursday 20 November, we published (attached) the government response to the Fair Funding Review 2.0, which sets out the government’s plan to introduce a fairer and evidence-led funding system.

These updates will account for local circumstances, including different ability to raise income locally from council tax, and the variation in cost of delivering services, including between rural and urban areas. In doing so, we will target a greater proportion of grant funding towards the places that need it most, ensuring the best value for money for government and taxpayers.

The vast majority of councils with social care responsibilities will see their Core Spending Power increase in real terms over the multi-year Settlement. We will also support local authorities to manage their updated funding positions through a package of transitional arrangements, which we set out in detail in the response.

We will publish provisional local authority allocations at the upcoming provisional multi-year Settlement in December. Proposals and allocations will be subject to consultation and the usual Parliamentary process.

The Fair Funding review (pdf, 656.9KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_10

Baroness Bakewell:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage healthy eating. \p Baroness Merron: As set out in our 10-Year Health Plan, we will take decisive action on the obesity crisis, easing the strain on our National Health Service and creating the healthiest generation of children ever.

With measures like mandatory business reporting and targets, we are moving to a more strategic, outcomes-based approach focussing on reducing less healthy food consumption, in line with United Kingdom dietary guidelines. We are implementing restrictions on the advertising of less healthy food or drink products on television before 9:00pm and all paid-for advertising online. Volume price promotion restrictions came into force in England on 1 October 2025. This restricts volume price promotions on ‘less healthy’ food and drink in stores and their equivalent places online.

The UK dietary guidelines, as depicted in the Eatwell Guide, advise that people should eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and wholegrain or higher-fibre foods, as well as less processed meat, and food and drink that is high in sugar, calories, saturated fat, and salt. The Eatwell Guide principles are communicated through a variety of channels, including the NHS.UK website and Government social marketing campaigns. The guide also underpins Government catering guidance and standards.

The Department also has a series of websites and digital tools that support adults and families to eat better, providing guidance on healthy eating. These include the Food Scanner app, NHS weight loss plan app, email programmes and websites such as Better Health, Better Health Families, and Best Start in Life.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_11

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to conduct a survey of medical professionals to assess willingness to partake in assisted suicide. \p Baroness Merron: The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill that is currently under consideration in Parliament is not a piece of Government legislation. As such, the Government does not currently have a plan to conduct a survey of medical professionals as per the question.

As currently drafted, clause 31 of the Bill “No obligation to provide assistance etc” subsection (1) describes that “No person is under any duty to participate in the provision of assistance in accordance with this Act.”

Should the Bill gain Royal Assent, detailed work on a delivery model would need to be undertaken. As part of this work, the Government would work closely with relevant stakeholders, including medical professionals.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_12

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will make an assessment of the ability of doctors to detect coercion accurately should the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill become law. \p Baroness Merron: The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill that is currently under consideration in Parliament is not a piece of Government legislation.

Should the Bill gains Royal Assent, detailed work on a delivery model would need to be undertaken. This work would include developing guidance for medical practitioners on all aspects of the Bill, including detecting coercion if necessary.

Further considerations for information regarding Provision and Training of a Voluntary Assisted Dying service can be found in section 10 of the Bill’s impact assessment. A copy of the impact assessment is attached.

Additional document 1 (pdf, 1528.9KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_13

Lord Cameron of Lochiel:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Queen's Own Highlanders Regimental Association will be required to relocate from Cameron Barracks in Inverness as a result of plans to temporarily house asylum seekers there; and if so, where they will be relocated to, and will they be compensated for any costs incurred. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Discussions are underway to use the Cameron Barracks site for asylum accommodation. Consideration of this site is ongoing and any final decision to utilise any site for the intended purposes will be made once the relevant factors have been properly considered.

The government remains committed to engaging with local authorities and stakeholders, and to transitioning away from hotel use as soon as practicable.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_14

Baroness Helic:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the investigation and prosecution of any person in the United Kingdom who is suspected of being responsible for torture or inhuman treatment of Palestinian detainees since 7 October 2023. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The War Crimes Team at the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command are responsible for the investigation of allegations of Core International Crimes CIC). The Counter Terrorism Division within the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is responsible for the review and prosecution of CIC.

The CPS will consider any information that is referred by the police and any decision to prosecute will be considered on a case-by case basis and in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

The CPS has also published War Crimes/Crimes Against Humanity Referral Guidelines in regard to the investigation and prosecution of allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and torture (Core International Crimes), in order to enable the process for investigations, arrests and prosecutions to be conducted in an orderly and transparent way.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_15

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government how many cases for compensation arising from the Post Office Horizon scandal are outstanding, and how much has been allocated to pay those outstanding claims. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: As of 31 October 2025, approximately £1.27 billion has been paid to over 9,500 claimants. The table below illustrates the progress to date and is available on GOV.UK. The Department only reports on claims received, as there is not a fixed cohort of claims across these schemes.

Scheme

Full & Final Claims received

Full & Final Offers made

Full & Final Offers accepted

Full & Final claims paid

Horizon Shortfall Scheme: eligible claims before deadline

2,417

2,417

2,129

2,129

Horizon Shortfall Scheme: eligible late claims

8,823

6,919

6,236

6,192

Group Litigation Order Scheme

476

473

400

396

Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme

462

460

447

445

At the Autumn Budget 2024, the government set aside £1.8 billion of funding for redress payments from 2024-25 in addition to around £200 million that had already been distributed. This is not a target or limit.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_16

Baroness Lister of Burtersett:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken since the Impact Assessment on Converting Support for Mortgage Interest from a benefit into a loan, published in June 2017, identified limited data on disabled claimants using the Support for Mortgage Interest loan scheme; and what measures they have taken to address the impact assessment's conclusion that the scheme was likely to have a disproportionate impact on disabled claimants. \p Baroness Sherlock: Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) transitioned from a benefit to a loan in April 2018. Support was provided at the same level as before, ensuring the same degree of protection against repossession.

SMI loans are not repayable until the property is sold and then, only to the extent that there is any available equity.

Since SMI converted to a loan, the Department has regularly reviewed the impact of the policy on its recipients, including on people with disabilities. In March 2021, loan ‘porting’ was introduced to allow SMI recipients to transfer their loan to a new property rather than repay. The primary purpose of this change was to enable disabled recipients to move home due to changes in their disability requirements. Further changes were introduced in April 2023 which extended eligibility to in-work Universal Credit recipients and support was provided after three months instead of nine.

Two separate research projects related to SMI have been conducted and published, in March 2022 and May 2025. Both are publicly available, and a copy will be deposited of both publications in the House of Lords library.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_17

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how consumers are influenced to become more aware of their energy consumption patterns; and what assessment they have made of how consumers can be encouraged to change their energy consumption patterns. \p Lord Whitehead: Smart meters are helping households manage their energy consumption patterns so that they can improve their efficiency and save money on their bills.

The half-hourly consumption information recorded by smart meters unlocks innovative products and services such as smart ‘time of use’ tariffs which allow customers to save money by using energy when demand is low or when there is excess clean electricity available. The In-Home Display (IHD), which households are offered when they have smart meters installed, gives accurate information about energy consumption costs in near-real time.

To promote the benefit of heat pumps and encourage consumers to adopt low carbon heating technologies the government has recently relaunched its ‘Warm and Fuzzy’ campaign.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_18

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are supporting the proposed P441 modification to the Balancing and Settlement Code; and if so, what changes they expect local energy generators and consumers to experience as a result. \p Lord Whitehead: The Government is hugely ambitious about the role that local energy will play in achieving our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.

The Department – with Great British Energy – are looking at the issue of local supply and the options available.

In parallel, Elexon have been progressing the P441 code modification through a series of workgroup roundtables and have recently concluded a consultation to gather wider sector responses on proposed P441 changes. These changes if supported would clarify and simplify balancing and settlement arrangements for complex metering sites, such as those used by some community energy schemes.

The Government will continue to monitor these developments closely.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_19

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of possible actions that could be taken to encourage local energy clubs. \p Lord Whitehead: The Government is hugely ambitious about the role that local energy will play in achieving our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.

The Department – with Great British Energy – are looking at the issue of local supply and the options available.

Under the Local Power Plan, Great British Energy will provide support to local and community energy projects by partnering with community energy groups and providing commercial, technical and project planning assistance.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_20

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government how many Russian drones have been identified as being within 50 miles of the UK coast in each quarter of the past year. \p Lord Coaker: The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and stands ready to respond to the presence of Russian drones. For reasons of national security, we cannot disclose the specific number of incidents of Russian military activity recorded during any given period.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_21

Lord De Mauley:To ask His Majesty's Government to what extent the Veterans Strategy, published on 10 November, applies to reservists. \p Lord Coaker: The Veterans' Strategy applies to all those who have previously served in HM Forces, Regular and Reserve. The Strategy is an important milestone in this government's work to renew the UK's contract with those who serve and have served.

It resets the narrative around the remarkable men and women who have served in our Armed Forces, ensuring all veterans' service is celebrated, their potential to make further contributions is realised and, for those that need it, that the right support is available to them.

The strategy is aligned with key Ministry of Defence priorities, the Strategic Defence Review and the extension of the Armed Forces Covenant, together with the government's wider Plan for Change.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_22

Baroness Altmann:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Livermore on 6 November (HL11291), what were the annual costs of the tax exemption of income receipts and capital gains in pension funds in the past three years. \p Lord Livermore: Estimates of Income Tax relief on pension contributions can be found in Table 6 of the Private Pension Statistics publication. [1]

Table 6 summary: Estimated cost of pension Income Tax and National Insurance contribution (NIC) relief (£million)

2021 to 2022 tax year [revised]

2022 to 2023 tax year [revised]

2023 to 2024 tax year [provisional]

Total pension Income Tax relief

45,300

47,800

54,200

- of which on Net Pay Arrangement contributions by employees

5,100

5,500

6,200

- of which on Net Pay Arrangement contributions by employers

16,100

17,400

20,800

- of which on Relief at Source scheme contributions by employees

3,600

3,900

4,400

- of which on Relief at Source scheme contributions by self-employed individuals

800

800

1,000

- of which on Relief at Source scheme contributions by employers

5,900

6,700

8,100

- of which on Salary Sacrificed contributions by employees

5,100

6,000

7,200

- of which on Deficit Reduction Contributions by employers

4,300

3,100

2,100

Figures are in £ million and rounded to the nearest £100 million.

The column totals may not equal the sum of the individual components due to rounding.

HMRC does not hold data on the cost of the tax exemption of capital gains in pension funds.

[1] This publication can be access via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/personal-and-stakeholder-pensions-statistics

Table 6 (xlsx, 51.1KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_23

Baroness Altmann:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to make changes to tax and National insurance reliefs for salary sacrifice pension arrangements; and if so, what estimate they have made of the cost to employers, in particular in regard to the cost of changing payroll processes and renegotiating employment contracts. \p Lord Livermore: The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process. The Chancellor will announce any changes to the tax system at fiscal events in the usual way.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_24

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist:To ask His Majesty's Government whether ministers have met Welsh farmers regarding the agricultural inheritance tax on working farms. \p Lord Livermore: Ministers from several Government departments have met with organisations including the National Farmers’ Union, the Tenant Farmers’ Association, the Country Land and Business Association, the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_25

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist:To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they have taken to boost cross-border economic growth between England and Wales. \p Lord Livermore: Economic growth is the central mission of the government. We work closely with the Welsh Government to ensure that Wales, like all parts of the United Kingdom, plays a full part in this mission and benefits from our modern Industrial Strategy, with higher living standards delivered across the country.

As part of this mission, the government is investing in projects that will drive growth across Wales. Alongside rail commitments announced at the last Spending Review, we have recently announced that Anglesey in North Wales will pioneer the UK’s first small modular reactors at Wylfa, with £2.5 billion of UK Government funding. This represents the most significant industrial investment in North Wales in a generation. The project is expected to support up to 3,000 jobs at peak construction and provide power for up to three million homes. Alongside this announcement, we have designated a new AI Growth Zone at the Anglesey Freeport, as well as another in South Wales.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_26

Lord Bradshaw:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 11 November (HL11526), when the post-opening evaluation of Worcester Parkway Station will be carried out. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Worcestershire Parkway was funded by Worcestershire County Council (WCC), it developed the business case with forecast usage, revenue and costs. The Government supported it through a commercial agreement for train services to use the station. The Government has not commissioned post opening evaluation, but WCC has undertaken studies that show the passenger usage and revenue has exceeded their forecast. Lord Bradshaw is advised to contact WCC for further information.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-26 conversation_27

Lord Bradshaw:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 10 November (HL11340), when were the Stated Preference Techniques used in Transport Analysis Guidance assessments last updated. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) uses evidence based on a range of valuation methods, including Stated Preference (SP) techniques.

The valuations of changes to passenger travel time in TAG are based on a large-scale set of SP surveys carried out in 2014/15, which surveyed 9,000 individuals and businesses to understand travel behaviour, and elicited values relating to travel time and reliability, as well as parameters relating to journey quality. Findings from this research were implemented in TAG in 2017, and are kept under review.

Further guidance on journey quality impacts for bus and active mode travel are underpinned by SP studies undertaken in 2009 and 1996/7 respectively, while evidence on the ‘option value’ of rail travel is drawn from a 2006 SP study.

Aspects of the evidence base in TAG on impacts to life and health, used in the appraisal of environmental and safety impacts, draw on several SP studies undertaken during the 1990s.

The DfT regularly reviews the evidence base underpinning TAG to ensure it remains a robust basis for investment decision-making. This includes commissioning new research using a variety of valuation methods. A notable recent example relates to the 2023 DfT and National Highways-commissioned study into road freight values of travel time, which utilised SP techniques.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-11 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-11 conversation_1

Baroness Maclean of Redditch:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to their policy paper Backing your business: Our plan for small and medium sized business (CP 1358), by what date the administrative costs of regulation for business will be cut by 25 per cent. \p Lord Leong: We have committed to reduce bureaucracy for businesses by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for businesses by 25% by the end of this Parliament. We are working with taking a whole of government approach toward achieving this by asking all government departments to work with us to meet this ambitious target.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-11 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-11 conversation_2

Lord Sharpe of Epsom:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of the day-one right to not be unfairly dismissed on employment tribunal caseloads. \p Lord Leong: The Employment Rights Bill Impact Assessments were published in October 2024 and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments. This analysis includes an assessment of the potential impact of the day-one right to not be unfairly dismissed on employment tribunal caseloads.