theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Moynihan:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions the Prime Minister's Office have had with representatives of the English Football League, including from lobbying firms, in relation to football since 5 July 2024. \p Baroness Twycross: It is entirely routine for Government departments, including the Prime Minister’s Office, to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, businesses, and other relevant groups.

Relevant meetings with external organisations are published on gov.uk as part of the government’s transparency agenda. This follows the same approach as has been the case under the previous administration.

Sports policy making is led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what regulatory or legislative changes they intend to make on chemical classification, labelling and packaging to maintain the internal market within the UK and to ensure full access to EU markets. \p Baroness Twycross: On Monday 20 January, in recognition of the deeply held and genuine concerns raised by Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly about a specific regulation on Chemical Classification, Labelling and Packaging, the Government set out its commitment to take any future steps necessary to avoid new barriers that would affect supplies of such products into Northern Ireland. This includes applying a consistent regime in this area of regulation across the whole of the UK where that is necessary to do so. We will consult as soon as possible, which will determine what regulatory or legislative changes may be necessary.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 20 January 2025 (HL3924), what stage has been reached in each of the active infringement proceedings against the UK; and on what date each was commenced \p Baroness Twycross: The list of active infringement proceedings against the United Kingdom is set out below:

INFR(2020)2202 - Incorrect transposition of the Free Movement Directive by the United Kingdom commenced on 14/05/2020 and has been referred to the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU).

INFR(2011)2054 - Comprehensive sickness insurance requirement and treatment of extended family members with prior residence in the UK commenced on 16/06/2011 and has been referred to the CJEU.

INFR(2016)2150 - Termination of the Intra-EU Bilateral Investment Treaties commenced on 14/05/2020 and has been referred to the CJEU.

INFR(2022)2059 - Non-provision by the United Kingdom of external trade statistics in respect of Northern Ireland, as required by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland commenced on 15/06/2022 and remains at the formal notice stage.

INFR(2021)2039 - Non-compliance with EU law requirements concerning the movement of agri-food, parcels and pet travel commenced on 15/03/2021 and remains at the reasoned opinion stage.

INFR(2022)2060 - Incorrect implementation by the UK of EU's sanitary and phytosanitary rules, as required by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Withdrawal Agreement commenced on 15/06/2022 and remains at the formal notice stage.

INFR(2022)2064 - Failure of the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland to implement the Import One Stop Shop for distance sales of imported goods commenced on 22/07/2022 and remains at the formal notice stage.

INFR(2022)2062 - Incorrect implementation of the EU customs legislation by the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland commenced on 22/07/2022 and remains at the formal notice stage.

Infractions 4-8 above relate to the Northern Ireland Protocol and were opened before the UK and EU subsequently agreed the Windsor Framework.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Baroness Lister of Burtersett:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the National Literacy Trust’s findings on the long-term impact of improved literacy, what assessment they have made of the economic and social benefits of investing in primary school libraries. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: School libraries complement public libraries by giving pupils access to a range of books and other kinds of texts, both in and out of school. The national curriculum states that teachers are expected to encourage pupils to develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information. There are a number of strong links between reading for pleasure and attainment. For example, the 2021 progress in reading literacy study report found a 34 point difference in reading performance between pupils in England who ‘very much’ liked reading and pupils who ‘do not’ like reading. Additionally, the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment study found that enjoyment of reading links to pupils’ reading engagement, that reading engagement was strongly positively correlated with reading performance and that reading engagement mediated effects of gender or socio-economic status on performance. There is also a strong evidence base linking reading for pleasure to other positive effects, such as improved text comprehension and grammar, increased general knowledge and character development.

It is for individual schools to decide how best to provide and maintain a library service for their pupils, including whether to employ a qualified librarian. Headteachers have autonomy to decide how best to spend the core schools funding that is allocated to them by the department. The Autumn Budget 2024 announced an additional £2.3 billion for schools for the 2025/26 financial year compared to 2024/25, bringing the total core schools budget to almost £63.9 billion in 2025/26.

Given this autonomy, the department does not collect information on the number of school libraries or school librarians.

​The government’s reading framework offers non-statutory guidance for teachers and school leaders, including helpful guidance for schools on how to organise their school library, book corner or book stock to make reading accessible and attractive to readers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government when they expect Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to be implemented. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government is strongly committed to requiring standardised Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new developments. These should be to designs that cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits, reduce run off and help to improve water quality, amenity and biodiversity. It is also important to ensure appropriate adoption and maintenance arrangements are in place.

We have made some immediate changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to support increasing SuDS. The NPPF now requires all development to utilise SuDS where they could have drainage impacts. These systems should be appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposed development.

We will review the planning system holistically and consider whether further changes are required to address SuDS when we consult on further planning reform, including national policy related to decision making, in 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Petitgas:To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to the industrial and net-zero strategies, what plans they have to publish a cross-government rural affairs or countryside strategy. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: This Government is committed to improving the quality of life for people living and working in rural areas, so that we can realise the full potential of rural business and communities. We are ensuring that the needs of people and businesses in rural areas are at the heart of policymaking, including in the development of cross-government strategies
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government what the retention rate was for NHS (1) community pharmacists, and (2) hospital pharmacists, in the financial years (a) 2022–23, (b) 2023–24, and (c) 2024–25 to date. \p Baroness Merron: Data on retention rates for pharmacists working in community pharmacies is not held centrally. The following table shows the annual leaver rates from the National Health Service of pharmacists, in NHS trusts and other core organisations in England, between 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2024:

Period

Leaver rate

September 2021 to September 2022

13.1%

September 2022 to September 2023

12.0%

September 2023 to September 2024

10.3%

Source: NHS England Hospital and Community Health Service Workforce Statistics.

The data is presented for the 12-month period to each September to allow for the inclusion of the latest data available. Leaving rates are calculated by dividing the number of joiners in the period by the average number of staff in that category at the beginning and end of the period.

The data is based on the headcount of staff and shows people leaving active service in the NHS, and therefore includes those going on or returning from maternity leave or a career break, or those moving to work as pharmacists in other sectors, such as primary care or community pharmacy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Agnew of Oulton:To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of GP practices in the top 20 percent of achievement scores in the Quality and Outcomes Framework had an exception reporting rate above the national average in the most recent financial year for which data are available. \p Baroness Merron: Personalised care adjustments (PCAs) replaced exception reporting in 2019. PCAs operate in the same way as exceptions, but PCA specification follows a consistent hierarchy which supports better attribution of the reason for care being personalised.

The national PCA rate in 2023/24 was 8.2%. 1,253 general practices’ Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) achievement rates fell in the top 20% of achievement rates, and of these, 418, or 33.6%, had PCA rates greater than 8.2%. This information is taken from the published QOF statistics, and is available in an online only format on the NHS.UK website.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Lexden:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential financial savings achieved by the NHS resulting from their plans to provide universal access to fracture liaison services by 2030. \p Baroness Merron: The Government and NHS England support the clinical case for services which help to prevent fragility fractures and support the patients who sustain them. According to the Fracture Liaison Service Database 2022, at least 60 trusts in England had access to a Fracture Liaison Service. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is committed to rolling out fracture liaison services across every part of the country by 2030.

Costs and benefits will be assessed taking into consideration the evidence gathered from the 60 services already in operation in England.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Baroness Northover:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have been raising awareness of cervical cancer in England during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and if so, how; and whether they have been collaborating with Unitaid on this and on wider programmes to improve women’s health. \p Baroness Merron: NHS England runs Help Us Help You campaigns to increase knowledge of cancer symptoms and address barriers to acting on them, to encourage people to come forward as soon as possible to see their general practitioner. The campaigns focus on a range of symptoms, encouraging body awareness to help people spot symptoms across a wide range of cancers at an early point.

Unitaid are a leading funder of innovative tools to find and treat cervical cancer in low and middle income countries, laying the groundwork for national cervical cancer elimination programmes worldwide. The Department highly values its partnership with Unitaid, and has contributed more than half a billion pounds in funding.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to incorporate a role for chiropractors in national musculoskeletal health prevention strategies. \p Baroness Merron: Improving health outcomes for the over 17 million people in England with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions forms a key part of the Government's missions to build a National Health Service fit for the future and kickstart economic growth.

Prevention, early detection, and treatment of these conditions using a multidisciplinary approach can enable people to live in good health and remain independent. As such, the Government recognises the role chiropractic treatment can play in supporting people with MSK-related pain.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to work with healthcare professionals, including chiropractors, to address workplace-related musculoskeletal issues. \p Baroness Merron: Improving health and work outcomes for the 543,000 workers in Great Britain who reported a work-related musculoskeletal disorder in 2023/24 forms a key part of the Government's missions to build a National Health Service fit for the future and kickstart economic growth.

Healthcare professionals play a vital prevention and early intervention role in supporting people to self-manage their musculoskeletal condition and enabling them to get in and get on in work.

The Occupational Health Workforce Expansion Funding Scheme, launched July 2023, funded registered health professionals to undertake occupational health training and qualifications. To date, over 200 doctors and nurses have commenced training.

The 2025 Healthcare Professionals’ Consensus Statement for action on health and work, published 20 January 2025, commits to work over the next five years to support healthcare professionals, including allied health professionals, to engage more proactively with, and to promote good work as a health outcome across, the health and care sector. This will support patients, including those with musculoskeletal conditions, to return and remain in good work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government how many specialist allergy nurses there are in England; and how those numbers are distributed across each (1) NHS England region, and (2) Integrated Care System area. \p Baroness Merron: The Department does not hold the information requested.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government what the retention rate was for NHS (1) physiotherapists, (2) radiographers, and (3) occupational therapists, in the financial years (a) 2022–23, (b) 2023–24, and (c) 2024–25 to date. \p Baroness Merron: The following table shows the leaver rates of physiotherapists, radiographers, and occupational therapists, employed by National Health Service hospital trusts or integrated care boards in England, between 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2024:

Position

Period

Leaver rate

Physiotherapists

September 2021 to September 2022

11.6%

Physiotherapists

September 2022 to September 2023

10.4%

Physiotherapists

September 2023 to September 2024

9.7%

Radiographers, therapeutic and diagnostic

September 2021 to September 2022

10.6%

Radiographers, therapeutic and diagnostic

September 2022 to September 2023

8.6%

Radiographers, therapeutic and diagnostic

September 2023 to September 2024

7.5%

Occupational Therapists

September 2021 to September 2022

12.3%

Occupational Therapists

September 2022 to September 2023

11.5%

Occupational Therapists

September 2023 to September 2024

10.1%

Source: NHS England Hospital and Community Health Service Workforce Statistics.

The data is presented for the 12-month period to each September to allow for the inclusion of the latest data available. Leaver rates are calculated by dividing the number of leavers in the period by the average number of staff in that category at the beginning and end of the period.

The data is based on the headcount of staff and shows people leaving active service in the NHS, which would include those going on or returning from maternity leave or a career break, as well as staff staying in their profession but moving to roles in other sectors, such as primary care, local authority provision, or private provision.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government what the retention rate was for NHS (1) nurses, (2) junior doctors, and (3) consultant doctors, in the financial years (a) 2022–23, (b) 2023–24, and (c) 2024–25 to date. \p Baroness Merron: The following table shows the retention rates of nurses, resident doctors, and consultant doctors who are employed by National Health Service hospital trusts or integrated care boards in England, between 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2024:

Period

Leavers rate

September 2021 to September 2022

11.5%

September 2022 to September 2023

9.9%

September 2023 to September 2024

8.8%

Source: NHS England Hospital and Community Health Service Workforce Statistics.

In addition, the following table shows the annual leaver rates from the NHS of resident doctors by grade, in NHS trusts and other core organisations in England, between 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2024:

Period

Resident doctors:

Leavers rate

September 2021 to September 2022

Specialty Registrar

23.8%

Core Training

20.3%

Foundation Doctor Year 2

53.0%

Foundation Doctor Year 1

20.1%

September 2022 to September 2023

Specialty Registrar

23.4%

Core Training

17.8%

Foundation Doctor Year 2

50.5%

Foundation Doctor Year 1

17.9%

September 2023 to September 2024

Specialty Registrar

22.6%

Core Training

15.6%

Foundation Doctor Year 2

44.7%

Foundation Doctor Year 1

18.3%

Source: NHS England Hospital and Community Health Service Workforce Statistics.

Finally, the following table shows the annual leaver rates from the NHS of consultants, in NHS trusts and other core organisations in England, between 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2024:

Period

Leavers rate

September 2021 to September 2022

6.0%

September 2022 to September 2023

5.3%

September 2023 to September 2024

4.9%

Source: NHS England Hospital and Community Health Service Workforce Statistics.

The data is presented for the 12-month period to each September to allow for the inclusion of the latest data available. This data is based on the headcount of staff and shows people leaving active service, and would therefore include those going on or returning from maternity leave or a career break, as well as staff moving to other health and care sectors such are general practice, social care, or private provision. This is important particularly in relation to resident doctor retention rates, as these staff will be moving between sectors, particularly general practice, in a planned way as part of training programmes. Leaving rates are calculated by dividing the number of leavers in the period by the average number of staff in that category at the beginning and end of the period.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the relative effectiveness of reducing body weight through (1) weight loss medication alone, (2) non-medicated lifestyle change support, such as nutritional and fitness guidance as is currently offered through NHS tier 2 weight management services, and (3) weight loss medication combined with lifestyle change support. \p Baroness Merron: The National Health Service and local government provide a range of services to help people living with obesity to lose weight, ranging from behavioural weight management programmes to specialist services which could offer more intensive support, pharmaceutical treatments, or bariatric surgery. Exactly what treatment is most appropriate for an individual is down to clinicians to advise, in discussion with patients, considering relevant clinical guidance.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) produces guidance for health and care practitioners and provides rigorous, independent assessments of complex evidence for new health technologies. The NICE has recently published an updated clinical guideline on overweight and obesity management. It brings together and updates all of the NICE’s recommendations on overweight and obesity. The guideline includes recommendations on behavioural interventions, physical activity and diet, and digital technologies, as well as medicines and surgery.

The guidance states that all medicines for weight loss should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, and that patients who are prescribed such medicines should receive information, support, and counselling on additional diet, physical activity, and behavioural strategies. Patients receiving weight loss medication on the NHS should not receive it alone, without additional support from appropriate healthcare professionals.

The guidance is clear that dietary, exercise, and behavioural approaches for weight management should be tried before medicines are considered. Whilst research has found that people receiving medicines for weight loss alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity on average lose a greater amount of weight than people receiving behaviour change support alone, medicines are not a first-line treatment, and dietary advice and behavioural support should be provided first.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to reports that over a quarter of UK adults are obese with this forecasted to rise to 40 per cent by 2030, whether they have any plans for a national obesity policy plan; and whether medical treatment, including digital weight management services, will be part of this. \p Baroness Merron: Supporting people to stay healthier for longer is at the heart of the Government’s Health Mission.

The Government recognises that prevention will always be better than a cure. We are committed to tackling the obstacles driving obesity. We have already laid secondary legislation to restrict advertisements of less healthy food and drinks to children on television and online, we have announced changes to the planning framework for fast food near schools, and we are taking steps to ensure the Soft Drinks Industry Levy remains effective and fit-for-purpose.

However, over 28% of adults in England are living with obesity, putting them at risk of a range of health conditions. Local government and the National Health Service already provide a range of services to help people living with obesity to lose weight. These range from 12-week behavioural programmes, including the NHS digital weight management programme, to specialist services for those living with severe obesity and the associated co-morbidities, which can include obesity medicines and surgery. Obesity medicines can be effective for some patients living with obesity when prescribed alongside diet, physical activity, and behavioural support, and the NHS is continuing to look at the best way to manage access to treatments recommended for managing obesity by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Exactly what treatment is most appropriate for an individual is down to health care professionals to advise, in discussion with patients, and considering relevant clinical guidance.

Further action on obesity under the Government’s Health Mission will be set out in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic following the publication by the Government of the United States on 25 January of the CIA’s analysis that the SARS-COV2 virus most likely originated in a laboratory. \p Baroness Merron: We recognise that there are questions that need to be answered about the origin and spread of COVID-19 to ensure that we can better prevent and prepare for future pandemics. The United Kingdom continues to support the World Health Organization in its ongoing expert study of the origins of COVID-19 and seeks a robust, transparent, and science-led review. This study remains open to testing all hypotheses that they deem reasonable. The Government has noted the Central Intelligence Agency’s assessment and will continually review our own assessment of the origins of the virus, considering any new intelligence. We will update the House of Commons and the House of Lords as and when there is anything new to say.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to fully review the medicines supply market, particularly with regard to shortages of medicines and their costs. \p Baroness Merron: There are no plans to fully review the medicines supply market. Medicine supply chains are complex, global, and highly regulated, and there are a number of reasons why supply can be disrupted, many of which are not specific to the United Kingdom and outside of Government control, including manufacturing difficulties, access to raw materials, sudden demand spikes, or distribution and regulatory issues. We have drawn on up-to-date intelligence and data on the root causes of medicine supply issues, with manufacturing problems being the most dominant root cause.

The resilience of UK supply chains is a key priority, and the Department and NHS England are committed to helping to build long term supply chain resilience for medicines. We are continually learning and seeking to improve the way we work, to both manage and help prevent supply issues and avoid shortages. The Department, working closely with NHS England, is taking forward a range of actions to improve our ability to mitigate and manage shortages and strengthen our resilience. As part of that work, we continue to engage with industry, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, and other colleagues across the supply chain as we progress work to co-design and deliver solutions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 13 January (HC3975) what assessment they have made of the level of compliance with the recommendation in the Joint Royal College of Surgeons of England and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency 'Statement on use of topical chlorhexidine for skin preparation prior to surgery'; including any preference for licensed medicinal products over unregulated biocidal forms to prevent antimicrobial resistance and ensure patient safety. \p Baroness Merron: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as the regulator for medicines and medical devices in the United Kingdom, continues to recommend the use of licensed medicines. Use of an appropriately authorised product, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use, ensures the benefit-risk balance remains favourable within its specified indication for use. Assessments and compliance on the use of chlorhexidine is not reported to the MHRA. Adverse reactions to chlorhexidine can be reported to the MHRA through the Yellow Card reporting system by patients and healthcare professionals.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government what are the diagnosis codes that will be used in the Office for National Statistics' assessment announced in the press release issued by NHS England on 5 December 2024 entitled "World leading NHS trial to boost health and support people in work”; and whether that analysis linking health and tax records will respect the National Data Opt Out. \p Baroness Merron: The research plan is not complete yet, but it will consider what data should be used, including diagnosis codes, and how people's choices to opt-out will be respected.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they maintain a complete, current, and accurate list of all establishments to which a GP can refer a patient for a scan, including the new community diagnostic hubs, and if so, what is the URL of the website hosting this list. \p Baroness Merron: The Department does not hold a central list of all establishments to which a general practitioner can refer a patient for a scan.

The Organisation Data Service, operated by NHS Digital, holds and publishes unique identification codes and accompanying reference data for organisations that are involved in health and social care in England and beyond. This covers a wide variety of National Health Service and non-NHS organisations, such as NHS trusts and independent sector healthcare providers, including those that provide diagnostic scans.

A list of community diagnostic centres (CDCs) is published by NHS England, and is available on the NHS.UK website, in an online only format. Where a newly opened CDC starts to deliver activity, this will be captured in an updated publication. This includes temporary CDC sites that are delivering services on an interim basis whilst the permanent CDC site is under construction.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

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Lord Berkeley:To ask His Majesty's Government what is their latest estimate of the (1) completion date, and (2) overall capital cost at 2023 prices, of (a) HS2 London to Birmingham, (b) the upgrades to TransPennine infrastructure, (c) East West Rail, and (d) Network North. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: a) The Secretary of State has asked HS2 Ltd CEO, Mark Wild, to undertake an assessment of the current position on cost, schedule, capability and culture. While the Company is undergoing this reset, it will not be possible to state a meaningful Estimate at Completion. Work is continuing with HM Treasury and HS2 Ltd to reset the price base and report the costs of the programme in 2025 prices as part of the second phase of the Spending Review. The forecast date for initial HS2 services between Birmingham Curzon Street and Old Oak Common remains within the range of 2029 to 2033.

(b) The total Anticipated Final Cost of Transpennine Rail Upgrade is £10.4 - £11.2bn. Government has committed £6.9bn to date, equivalent to 60% of the anticipated final cost projection with an expected completion date of 2036–2041. So far, the programme has performed well and remains on schedule and within budget.

(c) £1.3bn has been provided towards the delivery of East West Rail Connection Stage 1 which will provide services from Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes from 2025. The capital cost estimate for Connection Stages 2 (Oxford-Bedford) and 3 (Oxford-Cambridge) is £5bn-£6bn in 2021 prices. Connection Stage 2 will provide services from 2030, and Connection stage 3 will provide services from the mid-2030s.

(d) The previous Government made a series of funding promises in its Network North plan, the affordability of which my ministerial colleagues have had to re-examine. In December, the Chancellor launched the second stage of the Spending Review. This is a zero-based Spending Review, to ensure every line of spending – including the transport infrastructure portfolio – delivers the Plan for Change and provides good value for taxpayers. We expect the Spending Review to conclude by June 2025.
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UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-04 conversation_49

Baroness Benjamin:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to encourage members of the public return to the Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley once the improvement works to Junction 10 of the M25 have been completed; and what support is available to the Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley in this regard. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: National Highways is funded by the public purse and provides compensation as established in legislation across all its projects and schemes, to ensure appropriate use of taxpayers’ money. While there are compensation arrangements for permanent adverse impacts, it is a generally held principle that the public purse does not compensate business for loss of earnings during temporary road works. National Highways will continue to work with RHS Wisley on this important project and are determined to complete the work as soon as possible.

As the project nears completion, National Highways’ communications approach will progressively highlight aspects of the scheme as they are opened to traffic. National Highways will involve RHS Wisley, and neighbouring stakeholders in design of communications to highlight how the improved junction will provide safer access and support the local community. The completed scheme will incorporate a full suite of signs that will direct road users to RHS Wisley.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-04 conversation_51

Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve the transport connections that link Northern Ireland to Great Britain. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: As the author of the Union Connectivity Review, I am familiar with the issue raised. While transport is largely devolved to Northern Ireland, the Department for Transport is taking steps to improve links between Great Britain and Northern Ireland by funding Transport Scotland’s A75 feasibility study to explore options to bypass Springholm and Crocketford, supporting the Windsor Framework to streamline transport and customs processes, and through investment in green shipping corridors through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. The government is also subsidising flights between City of Derry Airport and London Heathrow Airport through a Public Service Obligation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-04 conversation_52

Lord Truscott:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 16 January (HL3851), what plans they have, if any, to phase out the sale of new petrol motorcycles, in line with plans to phase-out the sale of new petrol cars from 2030. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: All modes and vehicle types have a part to play in meeting net zero, including motorcycles. The Government will set out any plans to decarbonise motorcycles in due course. To encourage uptake of zero emission motorbikes, the Government has a plug-in motorcycle grant which is available until at least March 2025 and offers up to £500 off the cost of a zero-emission motorcycle.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-04 conversation_53

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will consider child maintenance as part of their forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy. \p Baroness Sherlock: The Child Poverty Taskforce continues its urgent work to publish the Child Poverty Strategy and is exploring all available levers across government to deliver an enduring reduction in child poverty in this parliament, as part of a 10-year Strategy for lasting change.

The Strategy will look at levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience; and better local support especially in the early years. This will build on the reform plans underway across government and work underway in Devolved Governments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-02-04 conversation_54

Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Livermore on 19 December 2024 (HL3296), what advice they have sought on establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the United Kingdom; and whether they have had discussions with the government of the United States of America about any potential benefits this might offer the United Kingdom. \p Lord Livermore: As set out in my previous response, HM Treasury currently has no plans to adopt a strategic bitcoin reserve.

The UK and US have a close and historic relationship and hold regular engagement. We will not comment on hypothetical policy positions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-14 conversation_1

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government how many prisoners in England and Wales voted in the general election on 4 July 2024. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Prisoners convicted of a crime and serving a sentence in custody are not allowed to vote in UK Parliamentary elections.

Those imprisoned for default in paying fines or contempt of court, individuals held on remand who are not convicted, and those released on temporary licence or home detention curfew are not legally barred from voting, but they must meet the other eligibility criteria and be registered to vote. The Government does not hold data on how many such individuals there were, nor how many voted in the general election on 4 July 2024.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-14 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-14 conversation_2

Lord Watson of Invergowrie:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support initiatives such as National Supported Lodgings Week which raise public awareness of family-based housing options for care leavers, young people at risk of homelessness and separated migrant children. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: We recognise the vital support provided by hosts in supported lodgings for children and young people.

The Government is committed to tackling homelessness. We have invested over £1 billion in homelessness and rough sleeping services this year, which can be used flexibly to address a range of local needs, including support for young people.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-14 conversation_3

Lord Jamieson:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the starting date by which the net additional dwellings will be measured for the purposes of their target of delivering 1.5 million homes this Parliament, and whether it will include net additional homes delivered before 4 July 2024, but reported later. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Progress toward the government’s Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million safe and decent homes in England in this Parliament will be measured through the number of net additional dwellings.

Whilst net additional dwellings are collected on a financial year basis only, we estimate net additional dwellings from the start of the parliament on Tuesday 9 July 2024.

The latest data on net additional dwellings can be found on gov.uk here.

Net additional dwellings (pdf, 202.7KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-14 conversation_4

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government what procedure will be available for those affected by compulsory purchase orders owing to nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) to object following changes to the NSIP regime in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Development Consent Orders (DCO) for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects may include powers of compulsory acquisition. However, Government guidance related to the procedures for the compulsory acquisition of land continues to expect acquisition by agreement wherever practicable and supports early engagement with affected parties. DCO promoters proposing to seek powers of compulsory acquisition should be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that all reasonable alternatives to compulsory acquisition (including modifications to the scheme) have been explored. The Secretary of State will only authorise compulsory acquisition in circumstances where it is satisfied that the statutory tests in the Planning Act 2008 are met—including that the land is required for the development, or to facilitate or is incidental to the development, and that there is a compelling case in the public interest for the compulsory acquisition. These matters are rigorously tested during the examination stage of an application.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill does not alter these statutory tests or the requirement to notify those with an interest in land once an application is accepted. The Bill removes the duty to consult persons who have an interest in the land, or able to make a relevant claim for compensation, but retains acceptance notification and full participation rights for affected persons. Updated guidance associated with the pre-application stage of DCO applications will set out expectations for engagement with affected persons during the pre-application stage.

Landowners, including those affected by proposed compulsory acquisition, are treated as an interested party and are still able to submit a relevant representation to provide their formal comments on the application. This also enables them to participate in the examination, make written submissions, attend hearings, and request compulsory acquisition‑specific hearings.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-14 conversation_5

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support access to training in artificial intelligence tools for employees of small and medium-sized enterprises. \p Baroness Lloyd of Effra: The Government is supporting workforce readiness for AI through a range of initiatives. The new AI Skills Hub, developed by Innovate UK and PwC, provides streamlined access to digital training. We are also partnering with 11 major companies to train 7.5 million UK workers in essential AI skills by 2030. This will help tackle critical skills gaps and improve workforce readiness, including amongst SMEs.

Confidence in the responsible use of AI systems is central to AI adoption. To build confidence among SMEs, DSIT previously published AI Management Essentials to help SMEs implement responsible AI governance practices. We are currently revising the guidance to ensure it can effectively meet industry need.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-11-14 conversation_6

Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia are diagnosed early enough to benefit from novel treatments if approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the future. \p Baroness Merron: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for developing authoritative, evidence-based recommendations for the National Health Service on whether new medicines represent a clinically and cost-effective use of resources. The NHS in England is legally required to fund medicines recommended in a NICE appraisal, usually within three months of final guidance.

A timely diagnosis is vital to ensuring that a person with dementia can access the advice, information, care, and support that can help them to live well and remain independent for as long as possible. We remain committed to recovering the dementia diagnosis rate to the national ambition of 66.7%. The latest dementia diagnosis rate reported by NHS England for the end of September 2025 was 66.3%.

To support commissioners and providers with appropriate data and to enable targeted support where needed, we have developed a memory service dashboard for management information purposes.

Our health system has struggled to support those with complex needs, including those with dementia. Under the 10-Year Health Plan, those living with dementia will benefit from improved care planning and better services.

We will deliver the first ever Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia to deliver rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. This will be informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, expected in 2026.