theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_87

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many assaults at the Oasis Restore secure school at Medway have been reported to the police since it opened. \p Jake Richards: The latest published statistics for assaults relate to the period up to 31 March 2025. During that period, there were 31 assaults on staff and 10 child-on-child assaults. The total number reported to the police was five or fewer: it is not possible to provide an exact figure, as that would risk identifying individuals.

In the period up to 28 August 2025, 32 weapons were found.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

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Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average age is of the children held at the Oasis Restore secure school at Medway since it opened. \p Jake Richards: The number of children at the secure school at the end of each month, to the end of July 2025, is shown in the table below. The average age was 16.

Aug 2024

Sep 2024

Oct 2024

Nov 2024

Dec 2024

Jan 2025

Feb 2025

Mar 2025

Apr 2025

May 2025

Jun 2025

Jul 2025

Number of children

[x](1)

9

11

8

13

17

15

15

8

8

10

10

(1) The symbol [x] indicates that the total is five or fewer. Where this is the case, an exact figure is not provided, in order to avoid the risk of identifying individuals.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

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Markus Campbell-Savours:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress he has made on improving data on joint enterprise cases. \p Alex Davies-Jones: Joint enterprise is not a specific criminal offence. It is a common law doctrine which can apply in situations where two or more individuals have a common purpose to commit any criminal offence.

The Ministry of Justice currently collects information on how many defendants are prosecuted and convicted of specific criminal offences but not whether those crimes are committed as part of a joint enterprise. We are, however, considering the feasibility of collecting data on joint enterprise cases as part of the development of the Common Platform, a criminal justice IT programme.

Following a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) pilot to monitor joint enterprise homicide and attempted homicide cases in February 2023, the CPS implemented a national monitoring scheme in 2024, using a mandatory case management system flag to track such prosecutions and ensure greater oversight. On 23 September, the CPS published its annual report on data collected during the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, which can be found at: CPS Joint Enterprise National Monitoring Scheme 2024-25 | The Crown Prosecution Service.
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will list the responsibilities of each of his Department's Ministers. \p Kate Dearden: Departmental Ministerial portfolios can be found at Department for Business and Trade - GOV.UK
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Sir Gavin Williamson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department holds correspondence between Jeffrey Epstein and former Ministers in his Department on the sale of Sempra Commodities. \p Kate Dearden: Any such information is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

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Lola McEvoy:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing statutory menstrual leave for people diagnosed with (a) endometriosis, (b) adenomyosis and (c) other chronic reproductive health conditions; and what steps his Department is taking to support women who experience debilitating symptoms that affect their ability to work. \p Kate Dearden: The Government takes women’s health issues very seriously; we are committed to supporting women to balance work alongside managing their health. Endometriosis and adenomyosis can classify as disabilities and, in these cases, existing protections under the Equality Act 2010 require employers to make reasonable adjustments where appropriate. By strengthening rights through the Employment Rights Bill, including expanding flexible working and statutory sick pay, the Government is also taking steps to support the wellbeing and work-life balance of all workers. Therefore, there are no plans to introduce a specific leave entitlement.
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Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when Horizon redress claimants where no evidence of shortfalls can be established will have their claims assessed. \p Blair McDougall: We are aware that some postmasters are waiting for their Horizon Shortfall Scheme Fixed Sum Offer due to a lack of available data to verify that shortfalls occurred. To help address this, the Post Office is conducting further investigations using branch files to identify potential Horizon-related shortfalls. Where evidence is found, fixed sum payments are being issued as quickly as possible.

In cases where additional information is needed, the Post Office will reach out to these individuals for further information about the shortfalls that they experienced.
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what the full terms of reference will be for the UK-China Industrial Decarbonisation Working Group. \p Chris Bryant: The UK-China Industrial Decarbonisation Working Group will focus on accelerating decarbonisation of UK and Chinese industry, and identifying opportunities for commercial collaboration in relevant subsectors linked to industrial decarbonisation, such as CCUS.

Further discussion on areas of focus will take place at the first meeting.
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what the (a) membership and (b) appointment process will be for the UK-China Industrial Decarbonisation Working Group. \p Chris Bryant: The UK-China Industrial Decarbonisation Working Group will comprise officials from the Department for Business and Trade and China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department is taking steps to assess the potential impact of economic partnership agreements made with countries in Africa in the last 5 years on those countries' (a) economic development, (b) level of exports from and (c) capacity to pursue (i) regional integration plans and (ii) the African Continental Free Trade Area. \p Chris Bryant: I refer the member for Newcastle-under-Lyme to the answer my predecessor gave on 3 September 2025 to UIN 71764.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed reductions to the number of roles in his Department’s overseas network on supporting British exporters abroad. \p Chris Bryant: We are creating an overseas network which is ready to deliver for British business.

In June we published our Trade Strategy including a vision for a more effective and agile overseas network, shaped by our assessment of the markets, sectors and opportunities that will drive UK economic growth for the next decade and beyond.

We will focus more of our resource on attracting the high value inward investment the economy needs and tackling market access barriers that hold British businesses back. However, directly supporting British exporters will remain the biggest part of what DBT teams do overseas.
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Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to differentiate between goods and services from (a) illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and (b) Israel. \p Chris Bryant: The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods originating in these settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the existing agreement between the UK and Israel or in our agreement with the Palestinian Authority.

UK operators are advised on gov.uk that all movement certificates and invoice declarations made out in Israel must include the postcode where production has taken place. Where there are doubts about the declared origin of goods, HMRC undertakes checks to verify the origin of those goods to ensure compliance. The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators on how goods from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories should be labelled.

UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of getting involved in economic and financial activities in settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice. We routinely update our guidance to British businesses on the Overseas Business Risk website.
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when the UK-China Industrial Decarbonisation Working Group will be operational. \p Chris Bryant: Agreement to establish a UK-China Industrial Decarbonisation Working Group was an outcome of the Industrial Cooperation Dialogue between the Department of Business and Trade and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which took place on Wednesday 10 September 2025.

Discussions on scheduling the first meeting of the group are ongoing.
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Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of taking legislative steps to prevent the importation of goods from the illegal territories in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. \p Chris Bryant: The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) are illegal under international law. Goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the existing agreement between the UK and Israel or in our agreement with the Palestinian Authority. We do not encourage or offer support to such activity and advise that those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the impact of the Economic Partnership Agreement on (a) African and (b) Caribbean countries. \p Chris Bryant: The Department for Business and Trade engages closely with partner governments and businesses to gather feedback on tariff arrangements, including Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with African and Caribbean countries. Whilst this feedback is not shared externally, the Government does publish two sets of UK trade data with developing countries: statistics on UK utilisation of tariff preferences under trade agreements, and country factsheets outlining broader trade relationships.

These data sources are available on the gov.uk website.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had recent discussions with his counterpart in Kenya on the sunset clause on investment in the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement. \p Chris Bryant: The UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) does not contain expiry provisions or ‘sunset clauses’, so preferential market access will continue indefinitely. The EPA does include a ‘rendez-vous clause’, committing Parties to conclude negotiations on areas such as investment. This was discussed at the UK-Kenya EPA Committee of Senior Officials in 2022.

At the 2023 Ministerial EPA Council, both sides agreed to accelerate efforts to remove investment barriers, and the UK held workshops with Kenyan officials in March 2025 to support this.
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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps his Department has taken to negotiate trade agreements with other countries. \p Chris Bryant: The government has concluded a trade deal with India, the fastest-growing economy in the G20. We have also agreed the General Terms for an Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) with the United States and agreed a new Strategic Partnership with the European Union.

We are continuing to make good progress in our negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Republic of Korea, Switzerland and Turkey.
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many officials from his Department were on site at British Steel Limited locations in each week since 12 April 2025. \p Chris McDonald: There has been a consistent senior civil servant presence on British Steel's Scunthorpe site since 12 April, supporting British Steel's management team and providing oversight of public funds. The senior civil servants are supported on site by a range of staff from the Department for Business and Trade and UK Government Investments.
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Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department will suspend (a) trade preferences and (b) procurement contracts with entities (i) operating in or (ii) profiting from settlements in (A) East Jerusalem and (B) the West Bank. \p Chris Bryant: The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Government of Israel.

There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.
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Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what consideration has the UK given to the suspension of the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement contingent upon Israel’s compliance with the human rights provision in the agreement and with the ICJ Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024. \p Chris Bryant: Our trading relationship with Israel underpins key areas of UK life and UK exports to Israel support thousands of jobs in the UK. Action to suspend trade preferences risks unpredictable consequences and significant economic disruption for British businesses.

The UK Government is committed to international law and fully respects the independence of the ICJ. We continue to consider the Court’s Advisory Opinion carefully, with the rigour it deserves.

The UK Government has recently announced a number of measures in relation to the actions of the Netanyahu Government. We have been clear that if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.
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Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) revising the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement to explicitly prohibit the importing of goods (i) produced and (ii) sourced (A) in whole and (B) in part in the illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and (b) ensuring that the supply of goods imported into the UK are free from human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. \p Chris Bryant: The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the existing agreement between the UK and Israel or in our agreement with the PA.

There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.
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Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has considered barring (a) financial institutions, (b) banks and (c) other corporations headquartered in the UK from investing in settlement-based companies. \p Chris Bryant: The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity.

The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides further information for UK operators. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.
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Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he raised animal welfare issues in relation to trade during his visit to China in September 2025. \p Chris Bryant: The Secretary of State for the Department of Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, visited China from 10-11 September to co-chair the first UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission since 2018 and the UK-China Industrial Cooperation Dialogue. The visit delivered over £1bn market access wins in potential additional exports over 5 years, including the signing of a Pet Food Protocol in the agrifood sector.

Animal welfare was not discussed during the Secretary of State’s visit. The Government raises concerns about the welfare of animals with other Governments and international organisations when appropriate.
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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what plans his Department has to support exports of UK-manufactured hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to international markets. \p Chris Bryant: Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies constitute a frontier Industrial Strategy sector, so the government has committed targeted support to boost exports by showcasing UK capabilities through our global network, increasing access to international supply chains, and expanding clean energy sector agreements. UK Export Finance can offer a range of support for overseas sales, and as set out in the new Trade Strategy, aims to deliver £10bn in clean growth financing by 2029. Additionally, DRIVE35 will provide £2.5bn for zero-emission vehicle manufacturing including fuel cells, and the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme offers grants to UK fuel cell manufacturers investing in UK-based research and development.
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Natalie Fleet:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of support provided to businesses in Bolsover constituency by UK Export Finance. \p Chris Bryant: In its role as the UK’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance has a range of products designed to support exporters or businesses in the whole of the UK with export potential. In 2024/25, UKEF provided £14.5 billion in support for UK exports. Earlier this financial year, UKEF provided a sizeable guarantee through its Bond Support Scheme to a business in nearby Shirebrook to support its export of freight wagons to Ireland. UKEF’s full product suite can be found at: www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk/products-and-services/.

UKEF also has a network of export finance managers (EFMs) around the whole country who are valuable points of contact for local businesses and can provide information on the range of support available. Contact details for the Derbyshire EFM, and others can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/find-an-export-finance-manager.

Businesses in Bolsover and across the country seeking to sell overseas can also access support from the Department and Business and Trade, such as our network of International Trade Advisors and guidance on GREAT.GOV.UK'.
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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had discussions with industry stakeholders on opportunities to grow UK-based manufacturing of hydrogen and fuel cell equipment by 2030. \p Chris McDonald: The Government recognises the need for strong, home-grown clean energy supply chains to support good jobs and support sustainable economic growth as we accelerate to net zero. Our Clean Industries Sector Plan sets out a strong offer for domestic manufacturing such as the £1bn Great British Energy supply chain fund included in our comprehensive Public Finance Institution offer, as well as considering expanding the Clean Industry Bonus to hydrogen.

My officials in the UK and overseas are working closely with UK-based companies to highlight and develop opportunities across the hydrogen value chain both in the UK and abroad.
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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Industrial Strategy, published on 23 June 2025, on North East Somerset and Hanham constituency. \p Blair McDougall: The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to back our strengths and realise Britain’s potential, targeting government investment towards eight-growth driving sectors (IS-8). There are clusters of the IS-8 sectors across the whole country, and the policy package addresses the biggest constraints to growth highlighted by businesses in these sectors.

The West of England Combined Authority will receive targeted interventions to support sectors in the area including devolved funding from the Creative Places Growth Fund, £0.8bn Transport for City Regions funding, and dedicated support from a British Business Bank Cluster Champion.

To ensure robust and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of the Industrial Strategy, we have chosen six economic indicators that reflect a range of desirable objectives for the IS-8 and the economy as a whole, which will be tracked at the economy-wide, sector and place level. Monitoring and evaluation of the Strategy will be overseen by the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council who will take a data-led approach.
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Mr Paul Kohler:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that e-bikes on the UK market meet product (a) safety and (b) compliance standards. \p Kate Dearden: Businesses have legal responsibilities to ensure e-bikes are safe and comply with product safety laws before they place them on the market. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and Local Authority Trading Standards (LATS) have enforcement powers. OPSS uses data and intelligence, working alongside LATS, to identify and target unsafe e-bikes entering the UK. OPSS has assessed the compliance of more than 80 UK-based businesses involved in the supply chain for e-bikes, e-scooters or conversion kits, and has published 23 product recalls and 43 other product safety alerts for e-bikes and associated products since 2022.
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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help support independent retailers in North East Somerset and Hanham constituency. \p Kate Dearden: We’re creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street and supports investment, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value. The government has protected the smallest businesses from the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500, which means that 865,000 employers will pay no employer NICs at all this year.

Our recently announced Small Business Strategy aims to tackle late payments, boost access to finance, and remove red tape to enable small businesses, including independent retailers, grow and thrive.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the kitchen manufacturing industry on (a) demand, (b) fixed costs and (c) access to (i) investment and (ii) restructuring support. \p Blair McDougall: The department has not held recent specific discussions with the kitchen manufacturing industry regarding demand, fixed costs, or access to investment and restructuring support.

However, the department maintains regular engagement with manufacturing sectors across the economy through various forums and stakeholder meetings. This includes addressing broader business concerns such as energy costs, supply chain resilience, and access to finance.

The government remains committed to supporting UK manufacturing, including through the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan and the British Business Bank's investment programmes and business support services that are available to all manufacturing sectors.
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Andrew George:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February 2025 to Question 34047 Small Businesses: Training, what steps his Department is taking to support SMEs to adopt AI; and whether this support includes management-practice support to maximise productivity gains. \p Blair McDougall: To ensure AI is widely adopted by businesses and workers across the economy, government is working with 11 industry partners to provide 7.5 million workers with essential AI skills by 2030.

The Help to Grow: Management scheme, which helps SME leaders with management skills to help boost productivity, already includes a module on digital transformation.

Additionally, the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce has set out ten recommendations to drive SME digital and AI adoption, including: a new public-private initiative for SMEs, evidence gathering on firm-level financial support for digital, and economy-wide reforms. We will report on progress in Spring 2026.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether external stakeholders will be invited to provide input into the UK-Canada Economic and Trade Working Group’s consideration of market access barriers. \p Chris Bryant: The Working Group will meet this Autumn and will consist of officials from the UK and Canadian Governments.

We are open to the views of any relevant businesses with an interest in UK-Canada trade.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress the UK-Canada Economic and Trade Working Group has made since its establishment. \p Chris Bryant: The UK-Canada Economic and Trade Working Group will meet this Autumn in line with the commitment made between our Prime Ministers in June. Since this meeting, officials have been engaging with the government of Canada at all levels to explore ways to deepen our trading relationship further.

Specifically, we intend to work together to address existing market access barriers, to expand existing arrangements into new areas, such as digital trade, and to explore cooperation in the development of critical minerals and sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure.
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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support the sustainable bioethnol production sector. \p Chris McDonald: Government has been in negotiations with the bioethanol sector to understand what support could be delivered to ensure its long-term sustainable future.

The Department for Transport confirmed their intention to consult on amendments to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, including options for increased targets. DfT also confirmed plans to convene an expert working group to explore whether ethanol blending in petrol can be increased beyond the current E10 blend.
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions (a) he, (b) his predecessor and (c) his Department have had with the Government of the People’s Republic of China on British Steel Limited. \p Chris McDonald: In recent months, Ministers and officials have had short, factual discussions with the Government of the People’s Republic of China regarding British Steel Limited, most recently during the Business & Trade Secretary’s visit to China on 10-11 September.

We continue to engage directly with British Steel’s owner to find the best solution for the Scunthorpe site.
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Sir Gavin Williamson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what information his Department holds on meetings between Jeffrey Epstein and former Ministers from his Department. \p Kate Dearden: The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) do not hold any records on meetings between Jeffrey Epstein and former Ministers from his Department. The records of meetings for the former Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and former Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) transferred to the former Department for Business Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and are held by Integrated Corporate Services (ICS) following machinery of Government changes.
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Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the New Zealand Government’s new subsidies for oil and gas development on the UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Although there are no such significant direct impacts, the UK raised the issue of oil and gas developments with New Zealand on several occasions, including following New Zealand's Budget 2025 announcements after  the Environment and Climate Change Sub-Committee meeting in May 2025. The Department continues to keep this matter under review, working closely with colleagues at the British High Commission Wellington.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

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Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to support pupils with SEND in Epping Forest constituency. \p Georgia Gould: This government’s ambition is that every child or young person receives the best possible educational experience, one that is academically stretching, where every child or young person feels like they belong and that sets them up for life and work.

As part of our Plan for Change, we are determined to fix the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system and restore parents’ trust by ensuring schools have the tools to better identify and support children before issues escalate to crisis point.

We will build a better system which is grounded in evidence, identifies and supports need at the earliest opportunity and ensures families can secure support swiftly without a fight. There will always be a legal right to the additional support that children with SEND need.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_125

Alison Bennett:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of withdrawing funding from applied general qualifications on the number of young people not in education, employment or training. \p Josh MacAlister: ​​​The department introduced 140 newly reformed qualifications to be taught from the beginning of this academic year and just announced a further 27 newly reformed qualifications which it will fund from August 2026. This includes newly reformed alternative academic qualifications and new technical qualifications in health and social care and related areas such as science, that will sit alongside the T Level in health and related A levels. The department is withdrawing funding from unreformed qualifications in the same areas, so that students can benefit from the higher quality reformed alternatives.

​T Levels are out-performing other qualifications. Where a student wishes to study a large qualification in health they should undertake the T Level.

​We published an equalities impact assessment alongside the outcome of the review of qualifications reform. The review is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-level-3-qualifications-reform-equality-impact-assessment. The department expects the impact on the number of young people not in education, employment or training, to be mitigated by the availability of T Levels and other reformed qualifications. ​
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_126

Edward Argar:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of Ofsted making a separate judgment on SEN provision in schools on its published inspection report. \p Georgia Gould: This is a matter for His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver. I have asked him to write to the hon. Member for Melton and Syston and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_127

Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to improve the process of applying for an ECHP. \p Georgia Gould: This government inherited a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system that has failed to meet the needs of families for far too long.

We want to ensure that, where required, education, health and care (EHC) needs assessments are progressed promptly and, if required, high-quality EHC plans are issued in line with statutory deadlines.

The department continues to monitor and work closely with local authorities that have issues with EHC plan timeliness. Where there are concerns about a local authority’s capacity to make the required improvements, we help to identify the problems and put in place an effective recovery plan. This includes, where needed, providing specialist SEND Advisor support to help identify the barriers to carrying out the EHC plan process in a timely way and put in place practical plans for recovery.

We are working closely with experts, including parents, local authorities, SEND organisations and education settings across the country, as we consider the next steps for SEND reform.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_128

Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to provide mental health support in schools in Epping Forest constituency. \p Olivia Bailey: The government is providing access to specialist mental health professionals in every school by expanding Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs). 53% of schools and colleges in Epping Forest constituency were supported by an MHST in March 2025. Further data for 2024/25 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transforming-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-provision. This has been available since 16 May 2025 at national, regional and local authority level and since 10 July 2025 at constituency level. Around six in ten pupils nationally are expected to have access to an MHST by March 2026. Under government plans, all pupils will have access to mental health support in school by 2029/30.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_129

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of making student nurses eligible for the 30 hours of free childcare. \p Olivia Bailey: It is our ambition that all families have access to high-quality, affordable and flexible early education and care, giving every child the best start in life and delivering on our Plan for Change.

Students who work in addition to their studies and earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week at National Minimum Wage (this is equivalent to £195 per week/£10,158 per year in 2025/2026), and under £100,000 adjusted net income per year, may be eligible for this offer. If they are unable to meet this threshold, they will remain eligible for the universal 15 hours of free early education, which is available to all 3 and 4-year-olds, regardless of family circumstances.

The government recognises the value of parents continuing in education and provides a range of support for students in further or higher education to support them with childcare. Support available to full-time students with dependent children includes the Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance. Entitlement to these grants is based on a student’s household income. Healthcare students may also be entitled to the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Further information on the childcare offers available to parents can be found at: https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_130

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Defence Investment Plan will consist of a single document. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Investment Plan will be a single document that sets out how the Ministry of Defence will deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review over the next 10 years.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_131

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 24 July 2025 to Question HL9397 on Typhoon Aircraft: Factories, on what evidential basis his Department calculated that Combat Air would support 40,000 long-term, high-quality UK manufacturing jobs. \p Luke Pollard: The figure related to an estimate of the number of jobs sustained across the Combat Air sector and its supply chains by the additional investment announced in the Strategic Defence Review over the next ten years. The estimate was based on internal analysis and some open-source data from the wider Combat Air industrial base.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_132

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 24 July 2025 to Question HL9397 on Typhoon Aircraft: Factories, what proportion of the funding for Combat Air will be spent on the (a) Typhoon, (b) F-35 and (c) Global Combat Air Programme. \p Luke Pollard: Future spending on Combat Air programmes will be determined through the Defence Investment Plan. No decisions have yet been made on either the amount to be spent on Combat Air or the proportion that will be spent on Typhoon, F-35 and the Global Combat Air Programme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_133

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure there are a total of 19 RN Type 26 frigate vessels by 2030. \p Luke Pollard: The Royal Navy is making substantial progress towards deploying autonomous systems alongside crewed platforms to increase the lethality of the fleet and deliver the SDR recommendations

The Royal Navy has two frigate acquisition programmes that will ensure surface fleet capabilities are sustained. The current Type 23 Duke Class frigates will be replaced by eight Type 26 City Class frigates and five Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates. Type 26 frigates are expected to enter service from 2028 onwards, and all Type 31s are expected to be in service by the early 2030s. The Royal Navy is also continuing to make significant investment in its six Daring Class destroyers, the Type 45, to enhance and sustain the class into the late 2030s.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_134

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is taking steps to help people for employment in the defence supply chain sector in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports employment in the defence supply chain, including in Surrey Heath, by prioritising UK businesses through the Defence Industrial Strategy, boosting innovation, exports, and job creation. Initiatives such as Defence Growth Deals and a robust skills package create job opportunities across the UK. MOD expenditure with UK Industry in the South-East is the highest within the United Kingdom at £7.85 billion.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-13 conversation_135

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussion he has had with his Norwegian counterpart on defence co-operation. \p Al Carns: There are regular discussions between UK and Norwegian Defence Ministers and our defence and security relationship is stronger than ever. A Norwegian frigate has participated throughout the UK's 2025 Carrier Strike Group deployment and our Royal Marines have trained in Norway for over 50 years.

Most recently, the Defence Secretary met his Norwegian counterpart on 4 September 2025 in Stavanger to sign the Capability Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) underpinning Norway’s decision to procure a minimum of five Type 26 frigates. As well as marking the beginning of a new strategic partnership with Norway, this deal will provide a £10 billion boost to the UK economy. It also delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change, supporting over 4,000 jobs and safeguarding ship building on the Clyde until 2040.