theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_23

Lord Grantchester:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend that any future reinterpretation of the Sustainable Farming Incentive would comprise distinct non-universal schemes for more targeted purposes such as small farms, hill farms and other designations. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: No decision has been made on exactly how the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will be adapted.

We are evolving the SFI offer and are exploring ways to better target the money, for instance, potentially towards smaller farmers, the least productive land or delivering specific outcomes. We will provide further details about the reformed SFI offer once the Spending Review has been completed.

However, although SFI is an important offer, it is part of a wider package. We plan to launch the new Higher Tier scheme later this year; Capital Grants will re-open in summer 2025; we continue to move forward with Landscape Recovery; and we are increasing payment rates for Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement holders to recognise their ongoing commitment to delivering environmental outcome.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Lord Krebs:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the identification of a case of avian influenza in a sheep in Yorkshire, what action they have taken to introduce additional monitoring of livestock to detect other cases of avian influenza crossing the species barrier. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Influenza of avian origin (H5N1) has been detected in a sheep in England, following routine surveillance of co-located livestock on a premises where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 had been confirmed in other captive birds. To mitigate the risk of further disease spread the affected birds and the infected ewe have been humanely culled. Further official testing of the remaining flock of sheep was all negative for the presence of avian influenza virus. Surveillance in the disease control zones in force in the area surrounding these premises will be undertaken, and these zones will remain in force until all disease control and surveillance activities have been successfully completed.

While this is the first time avian influenza virus has been detected in a sheep, it is not the first time influenza of avian origin has been detected in livestock in other countries. Whist we remain vigilant for any changes in risk, there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the nation's livestock population.

In response to the unprecedented global outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in recent years, the UK's avian influenza national reference laboratory has increased its surveillance for avian influenza virus in mammals and genome analysis of the virus itself. The case definition for influenza of avian origin has been updated and provides guidance for animal keepers and veterinary professionals on how and when to report suspicion in mammals. Additional information on how we monitor influenza of avian origin in wild mammals and how the public can report suspicion is available via GOV.UK/birdflu.

Following this detection, the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group have carried out a risk assessment, and assessed the probability of infection with influenza of avian origin from lactating livestock as very low for the general population and low for individuals interacting with infected lactating livestock.

While risk levels remain low, keepers are encouraged to maintain strict biosecurity in order to protect the health and welfare of their animals.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_25

Lord Krebs:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the identification of a case of avian influenza in a sheep in Yorkshire, what assessment they have made of the risk of transmission to other livestock, and the risk to human health. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Influenza of avian origin (H5N1) has been detected in a sheep in England, following routine surveillance of co-located livestock on a premises where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 had been confirmed in other captive birds. To mitigate the risk of further disease spread the affected birds and the infected ewe have been humanely culled. Further official testing of the remaining flock of sheep was all negative for the presence of avian influenza virus. Surveillance in the disease control zones in force in the area surrounding these premises will be undertaken, and these zones will remain in force until all disease control and surveillance activities have been successfully completed.

While this is the first time avian influenza virus has been detected in a sheep, it is not the first time influenza of avian origin has been detected in livestock in other countries. Whist we remain vigilant for any changes in risk, there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the nation's livestock population.

In response to the unprecedented global outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in recent years, the UK's avian influenza national reference laboratory has increased its surveillance for avian influenza virus in mammals and genome analysis of the virus itself. The case definition for influenza of avian origin has been updated and provides guidance for animal keepers and veterinary professionals on how and when to report suspicion in mammals. Additional information on how we monitor influenza of avian origin in wild mammals and how the public can report suspicion is available via GOV.UK/birdflu.

Following this detection, the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group have carried out a risk assessment, and assessed the probability of infection with influenza of avian origin from lactating livestock as very low for the general population and low for individuals interacting with infected lactating livestock.

While risk levels remain low, keepers are encouraged to maintain strict biosecurity in order to protect the health and welfare of their animals.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_26

Lord Gascoigne:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to retain full UK control over all fishing rights in UK waters, as agreed in the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, from 1 July 2026. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Our fisheries relationship with the EU is governed by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) which provides reciprocal access to waters during a five-and-a-half-year adjustment period until 31 June 2026. After 31 June 2026, EU access to UK waters (and vice versa) becomes a matter for annual negotiation under the TCA, as is typical between coastal States.

We know that the EU want a new multi-year access agreement, and we will to listen to what they have to say. We will protect the interests of our fishing communities and fulfil our commitments to protect the marine environment.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_27

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ways in which artificial intelligence technologies can be used to predict, and plan resourcing for managing, natural disasters. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Defra is the Lead Government Department in England with risk ownership for air quality, drought and flooding hazards. MHCLG lead on earthquake and wildfire hazards. The Met Office lead on storms, high temperatures, heatwaves, cold temperatures, snow and severe space weather hazards.

Defra is keen to make use of Artificial Intelligence to improve its capability to reduce harm from natural hazards. Defra is upskilling staff members to make appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence and will be examining how to strengthen its resilience capabilities.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Lord Grantchester:To ask His Majesty's Government what provision they intend to make for those who were partway through the Sustainable Farming Incentive application process before its cancellation. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The high level of participation in the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) means we have now reached the upper limit and the SFI budget has been successfully allocated. This meant as of Tuesday, 11 March we had to stop accepting new applications for the SFI.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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The Lord Bishop of St Albans:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the UK complies with World Health Organization air quality guidelines for PM2.5 levels. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines are not statutory targets. The guidelines do not consider achievability or individual countries’ circumstances. We will continue to work towards reducing PM2.5 levels and the new Environmental Improvement Plan will set out the action we intend to take on air quality.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_30

Lord Grantchester:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to mitigate the impact on those subject to Basic Payment Scheme cuts who had planned to apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: We remain committed to investing £5 billion of funding in the farming budget this year and next (£2.6 billion for 24/25 and the £2.4 billion for 25/26, as previously announced), and are on track to do so, with every penny of the reductions to delinked payments staying within the sector.

We will target investments away from Direct Payments towards improving the Environmental Land Management schemes, including to those farms least able to adapt.

The Sustainable Farming Incentive is an important offer, but it is part of a wider package. We remain committed to investing in Environmental Land Management schemes. We plan to launch the new Higher Tier scheme later this year; Capital Grants will re-open in summer 2025; we continue to move forward with Landscape Recovery; and we are increasing payment rates for Higher Level Stewardship agreement holders to recognise their ongoing commitment to delivering environmental outcome.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_31

Lord Krebs:To ask His Majesty's Government how many passengers they expect to travel between Oxford and Cambridge each day on East West Rail. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: EWR Co are continuing to model forecast passenger numbers and are working with the Government to understand overall trends.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Lord Berkeley:To ask His Majesty's Government what investigations they have undertaken about the provision of a link between the new station at Old Oak Common and the proposed new Hythe Road station on the London Overground's Mildmay Line. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The HS2 station currently being constructed at Old Oak Common will connect HS2 services with services on the existing Great Western Main Line including an interchange with the Elizabeth line; provisional journey times are approximately 15 minutes from Old Oak Common to London’s West End, 20 minutes to the City, and 25 minutes to Canary Wharf.

The local area surrounding Old Oak Common station is currently subject to proposals for development by various organisations. Whilst the HS2 Ltd design for Old Oak Common has not yet integrated designs, the urban realm area and station itself has been designed and sized to account for growth. To the east of the site, in the direction of Hythe Road, the station design provides passive provision for both pedestrian and vehicle bridge links so that these can be added later if needed, after the station ceases to operate as a terminus. Note that the proposed station at Hythe Road is a Transport for London proposal and HS2 Ltd isn't delivering any direct scope associated with this station.

HS2 Ltd continues to work closely with the Old Oak Park Royal Development Corporation, local boroughs and Transport for London to review potential pedestrian routes and ensure feasibility of proposals for development.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Lord Birt:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will conduct a strategic review of road construction, renewal and repair to identify the most economic approach to reduce potholes and costs to road users caused by potholes. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: It is the responsibility of individual highway authorities to maintain and improve their networks, based upon their local knowledge, circumstances, and priorities. This includes decisions on how best to prevent road surfaces from deteriorating in the most economic way. The Government is committed to updating its guidance to local highway authorities on how to manage their networks, which will include advice on matters of this sort.

For 2025/26, the Government is providing almost £1.6 billion for local highway maintenance, an increase of £500 million compared to 2024/25. Funding is not ring-fenced, and it is a matter for local authorities to determine how the money is best spent. The Department for Transport has written to all local highway authorities asking them to demonstrate that they are complying with certain criteria aimed at driving best practice and continual improvement. The Department will assess the information provided by local highway authorities in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_34
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Lord Krebs:To ask His Majesty's Government how the passenger and freight trains on East West Rail will be powered. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: At the recent non-statutory consultation, EWR Co confirmed their preference for discontinuous electrification to power passenger services once the full route is open from the mid-2030s. The rolling stock used for freight services will be a matter for freight operators to decide.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Baroness Lister of Burtersett:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Sherlock on 18 March (HL Deb col 1203), whether the above-inflation increase in the standard rate of Universal Credit by the end of this Parliament represents an above-inflation increase in any year other than 2026–27. \p Baroness Sherlock: The announced increase in the standard allowance will see an above inflation increase in every year from 2026/27 to the end of Parliament.

The proposed increases are inflation (measured by CPI), plus: 2.3% in 2026/27, 3.1% in 2027/28, 4.0% in 2028/29 and 4.8% in 2029/30.

As such, in each year, the rates will be what they would have been under CPI uprating and then increased by the relevant percentage figure.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the average waiting time for applicants to the Access to Work scheme to receive a decision and how many applications are there currently awaiting a decision. \p Baroness Sherlock: The average waiting time for applicants to the Access to Work scheme to receive a decision in February 2025 was 84.6 days. Between the period April 2024-February 2025, the average waiting time for a decision was 56.9 days.

In February 2025 there were 62,000 applications waiting to be processed (this includes new claims, renewals and change of circumstances).

Please note that the data supplied is derived from unpublished management information, which was collected for internal Departmental use only, and have not been quality assured to National Statistics or Official Statistics publication standard. They should therefore be treated with caution.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to review the operation of the Motability scheme, in the light of reports of increased levels of misuse of that scheme. \p Baroness Sherlock: Motability Foundation is a registered charity regulated by the Charity Commission so is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the Motability Scheme. The Scheme is delivered by Motability Operations which is an independent commercial company under contract to the charity. Any misuse of a scheme vehicle is a matter for Motability, and they will take action as appropriate.

The Department takes benefit fraud extremely seriously, as has been underlined by our campaign to warn people of the consequences of trying to defraud the benefits system. People who suspect benefit fraud can ring the National Benefit Fraud Hotline number on xx-xxxx-xxxx to report in confidence any information which would help the Department’s officials in their investigations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_38

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to (1) increase the number of data centres and (2) expand the availability of green energy to improve the infrastructure that supports artificial intelligence technology. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government is taking several steps to increase the number of data centres and expand the availability of green energy to support AI technology infrastructure. Policies such as AI Growth Zones are being implemented to encourage the development of AI data centres. The Government is committed to including data centres as part of its strategic energy plans and the Department is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in setting up the AI Energy Council. The Council will have senior representatives from both the energy and AI industry to ensure the growth of AI and data centres in the UK is done in a way that supports our clean power mission and longer-term decarbonisation goals.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Lord Young of Acton:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will require social media platforms to remove content which is currently unlawful in Scotland under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021, but is not deemed unlawful in the rest of the United Kingdom. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The Online Safety Act 2023 requires providers to tackle illegal content. The Act defines relevant offences for the purposes of these duties. Unless designated as a priority offence, an offence created by an Act of the Scottish Parliament is not a relevant offence and the Online Safety Act does not require providers to take any action. Currently, no offences under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 are priority offences. However, the list of priority offences includes hate crime and public order offences and providers must take action regardless of where a user is based in the UK.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_40

Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town:To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, following the publication on 19 March of the report by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender, whether the House of Lords Administration, in collecting personal data for employment purposes, will ensure that (1) any question about sex should by default concern biological sex, and (2) the form of such questions should be “what is your sex” and the options for response are “male” or “female”. \p Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The House of Lords Administration collects personal data from all employees which is recorded on the HR system and provided to HMRC. Employees must provide the sex recorded on their birth certificate or Gender Recognition Certificate (female or male).

The House of Lords Administration is not within the scope of the independent review commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). However, the absence of a single source of authoritative guidance on data collection on sex and gender and the need for attention to maintain impartiality on issues including gender noted in the review are as relevant to the Administration as they are to public bodies within the report’s scope.

The way in which data about sex and gender is collected by the House of Lords Administration is subject to periodic review. Work is currently underway to consider how we approach these issues in survey and data collection undertaken by the Administration, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology review will be a helpful contribution.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total number of people serving Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences at the latest available date; how many of these have been (1) released and recalled, or (2) never released; and how many remain in prison beyond their tariff. \p Lord Timpson: The Ministry of Justice routinely publishes statistics on the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) population in Offender Management Statistics Quarterly (OMSQ). The latest published figures can be accessed using the links below.

As at 31 December 2024, there were a total 2,614 prisoners serving IPP sentences in custody, of which 1,045 were unreleased and 1,569 were recalled. The figures can be found in Table 1.Q.14: prison-population-31-Dec-2024.ods.

As at 30 September 2024, there were 2,885 offenders serving IPP sentences in the community. Of these, 1,742 had their IPP licences automatically terminated on 1 November 2024. The figures can be found in Table 6.13: Probation-Jul-to-Sep-2024.ods.

Between January and September 2024, there were 128 IPP first releases. The figures can be found in Table 3.Q.2: prison-releases-July-to-Sept-2024.ods.

Between 1 January and 30 September 2024, there were 471 IPP recalls. The figures can be found in Table 5.Q.2: licence-recalls-July-to-Sept-2024.ods.

Between 1 January and 30 September 2024, there were 451 IPP recall re-releases. The figures can be found in Table 5.Q.11: licence-recalls-July-to-Sept-2024.ods.

As at 31 December 2024, there were a total 1,035 unreleased IPP prisoners beyond their tariff. The figures can be found in Table 1.Q.18: prison-population-31-Dec-2024.ods.

It is right that the IPP sentence was abolished, and this Government is determined that those serving the sentence get all the support and opportunities they need to make further progress towards a safe and sustainable release.

On 15 November 2024, the Government published the updated IPP Action Plan, which puts a stronger emphasis on effective frontline delivery in our prisons. It will ensure that prisoners serving IPP sentences have robust and effective sentence plans, which they can actively engaging with, and that they are in the correct prison to access the right interventions and rehabilitative services.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_42

Lord German:To ask His Majesty's Government on what date HM Prison Millsike will open, and whether it is still projected to provide capacity for approximately 1,500 prisoners. \p Lord Timpson: HMP Millsike officially opened on 27 March 2025 and is forecast to receive its first prisoners by May. It will provide c.1,500 safe, secure, modern and decent prison places.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_43

Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the additional cost of children who transfer into the state education system as a result of changes to business rates for private schools. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The government’s impact note on the removal of eligibility of private schools for business rates charitable relief estimates an extremely limited impact from the business rates policy taking effect, with any movement estimated to represent 0.03% of the total state school pupil population in England. This impact note is attached and can be found here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/59-01/0129/ImpactNote.pdf.

Removing the eligibility for business rates charitable relief from private schools will raise approximately £140 million per year. Based on average per-pupil spending in England for the 2024/25 financial year, the government expects the revenue costs of pupils entering the state sector as a result of the business rates measure in England to steadily increase to a peak of around £20 million per annum after several years.

HL5701_Attachment (pdf, 305.9KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Baroness Barran:To ask His Majesty's Government what analysis they have carried out of the uptake of existing free breakfast club and childcare provision in primary schools in England; and what percentage of pupils attend such clubs regularly. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The Government Social Research release ‘Parent, pupil and learner panel: 22/23 March/April wave’ found that as of March 2023, 36% of parents with primary aged children reported that they had used some kind of wraparound childcare for their primary aged children since the start of term, equating to around 1.6 million children. The full release is attached and can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1170040/Parent__pupil_and_learner_panel_-_2022_to_2023_-_March_and_April_wave.pdf.

Findings from the ‘School and college voice: February 2024’ report show that 72% of primary school leaders (excluding special schools) said their school offers childcare both before and after school, but this includes paid for childcare and clubs with only limited spaces available.

HL5342_Attachment (pdf, 1421.1KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-03 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-03)

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Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the legal fulfilment of the statutory duty of every local authority to provide sufficient childcare places. \p Baroness Smith of Malvern: The department has regular contact with each local authority in England about their sufficiency of childcare and any issues they are facing.  No local authorities are reporting that they are unable to meet their sufficiency duty. Under Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area. Part B of the ’Early education and childcare’ statutory guidance for local authorities highlights that local authorities are required to report annually to elected council members on how they are meeting their duty to secure sufficient childcare, and to make this report available and accessible to parents. The full guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-education-and-childcare.

Where local authorities report sufficiency challenges, we discuss what action they are taking to address those issues and, where needed, support the local authority with any specific requirements through our childcare sufficiency support contract.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_1

Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Ryan Cornelius’ health and treatment while in detention in the United Arab Emirates. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) prioritises Mr Cornelius' welfare. Since he was first detained in 2008, FCDO consular staff in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been in regular contact with him. If Mr Cornelius has any health or welfare concerns, with his consent, we can raise these with the UAE authorities.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_2

Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made, if any, on behalf of Ryan Cornelius in the ongoing negotiations for the free trade agreement between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Consular cases are not raised as part of trade negotiations. We continue to provide consular support to Ryan Cornelius.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_3

Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to impose targeted sanctions against the individuals responsible for the arbitrary detention of British citizen Ryan Cornelius in the United Arab Emirates. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Sanctions can be used to achieve a range of foreign and security policy objectives. We use sanctions when they complement other tools as part of a wider strategy. We consider designations under our sanctions regimes, including the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations, guided by the evidence and the objectives of the sanctions regime. It would not be appropriate to speculate about future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

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Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to make a new appeal for clemency for Ryan Cornelius by the end of Ramadan, in accordance with United Arab Emirate law; and whether they plan to make a public statement in support of this plea for clemency. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The Minister for the Middle East submitted a supporting letter alongside Mr Cornelius' clemency application to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, on 30 January ahead of the next round of pardons. The Government's support of Mr Cornelius' clemency application is already public.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

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Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the humanitarian situation in Sudan. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The conflict in Sudan has created the worst humanitarian disaster in the world, with the most vulnerable, including children, bearing the brunt. More than 637,000 people are projected to be in famine conditions and a further 8.1 million people on the brink of starvation. Sudan is also now the world's largest displacement crisis, with almost 9 million people estimated to be internally displaced and a further 3.7 million having fled to neighbouring countries since April 2023. In response UK aid is making a difference and saving lives. Over 600,000 people in Sudan and a further 700,000 people in neighbouring countries are now receiving life-saving aid. In Sudan, UK funded humanitarian aid delivered by the UN and NGOs is providing urgent food, cash, shelter, healthcare, clean water and sanitation support including assistance to mutual aid groups, such as the Emergency Response Rooms, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Between October 2023 and October 2024, UK aid has benefitted nearly 2.5 million people.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

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Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of fair trial rights in the United Arab Emirates, in the light of the cases of British citizens detained there, and considering the recent UAE84 mass trial highlighted by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK has a strong history of protecting human rights and promoting our values globally. We continue to encourage all states, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to uphold international human rights obligations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_7

The Lord Bishop of Leeds:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of proposed changes to the Personal Status Law on the rights of women and children in Iraq. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK continues to assess the implications for minorities', women's and children's rights following the amendment to Iraq's Personal Status Law was passed by Iraq's Parliament on 21 January. We have long emphasised the importance of any legislative change to be compatible with Iraq's international obligations.

We urge all our partners to uphold international norms, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1976) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_8

The Lord Bishop of Leeds:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they provide assistance to parliamentarians visiting Iraqi Kurdistan. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) can support parliamentarians' visits overseas that support parliamentary business and the UK's objectives. An appropriate level of assistance from the FCDO is dependent on resource implications and capacity issues of individual missions, including the British Consulate General in Erbil.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_9

Baroness Whitaker:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Iran regarding the arrest and imprisonment of Behnam Momtazi, a member of the Baha’i religious minority; and regarding the persecution of Baha’is in that country. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK condemns Iran's restrictions against Freedom of Religion or Belief. Baha'is face particularly acute repression by the authorities in Iran, which includes but is not limited to unfair arrest, detention, and lengthy prison sentences. We are committed to working with international partners to hold Iran to account for its repression of the Bahai's, and other religious minorities, including at the UN Third Committee. The UK raised ongoing discrimination against minority groups during Iran's Universal Period Review on 24 January.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_10

The Lord Bishop of Leeds:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Iraq on the case for legislation that protects children, especially girls, from the harmful impacts of early marriage. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK is committed to protecting women and girls' rights and supports projects that strengthen women-led organisations, support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and increase women's participation in political life.

Through our diplomatic presence, we regularly encourage the Iraqi authorities' role in safeguarding the human rights for all. Countering the rollback of and promoting the rights of women and girls is a key focus of the UK's programming and policy work in Iraq. Following successful lobbying by the UK and our international partners, the amendment to the Personal Status Law maintained the same age of marriage as the current law (18, with 15 on exception).

We urge all our partners to uphold international norms, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1976) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_11

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to update public health guidance for travellers to the United States of America, particularly in regard to measles, tuberculosis and flu viruses. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice provides information to British nationals travelling overseas, including any health risks. Country Travel Advice pages link to the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)'s Travel Health Pro website, which offers comprehensive health advice and country-specific advice to travellers on a full range of health issues, including measles, tuberculosis and flu viruses where appropriate. NaTHNaC is commissioned by the UK Health Security Agency to provide travel health advice to the British public. Travel Advice pages are kept under regular review.

Travel Health Pro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_12

The Lord Bishop of Southwark:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the prospects of a negotiated peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The prospect of an agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closer now than it has been throughout the 30-year conflict. We welcome the progress on the delimitation of their borders and encourage both sides to maintain momentum to agree a lasting settlement. The Minister for Europe called both Foreign Ministers in October and met with the Armenian and Azerbaijani Ambassadors to the UK on 16 December 2024 and 13 January 2025 respectively, where he reiterated the UK's support to secure a long-lasting peace deal. The Foreign Secretary also spoke with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister on 22 January 2025 where he conveyed this message.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_13

Lord Balfe:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will be renaming the Gulf of Mexico; and, if so, what to. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: We have long-standing processes on establishing geographical feature names for UK use, which will continue to govern future labelling.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_14

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the possibility of changes to costs for parish councils putting some councils into deficit; and any resultant effects on local democracy. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The costs of any local elections are to be met locally. Elections (whether to principal local authorities, or to parish and town councils) are administered by returning officers, who recover their expenditure of the election from the principal authority. The principal authority may then, if it chooses, require the parish council in turn to meet those costs.

It is for each principal authority to decide whether to require payment for all or part of the cost of a parish election or by-election, and to set deadlines for this payment.

Parish councils are responsible for ensuring that they have sufficient income to meet their costs and can do so by charging a precept on council tax. We recognise that parish councils do not take the decision to increase precepts lightly.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_15

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the decision by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 5 December 2024 to approve the demolition of the Marks &amp; Spencer building on Oxford Street, how they took into account (1) the architectural interest of the building, and (2) the increased climate change impact of a demolition and rebuild over a conventional refit, when considering the proposal. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Full reasons for the Secretary of State’s decision are set out in the decision letter and Inspector’s Report published on 5 December 2024.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_16

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that house prices and rental costs remain affordable. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Boosting the supply of homes across all tenures must be at the heart of any strategy to improve housing affordability. This is why the Government’s Plan for Change includes the ambitious milestone of delivering 1.5 million safe and decent homes in this Parliament.

We are also committed to delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation. At the Budget, the Chancellor announced a cash injection of £500 million to the Affordable Homes Programme to deliver up to 5,000 additional affordable homes.

We will set out details of new investment to succeed the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme at the Spending Review. This investment will deliver a mix of homes for sub-market rent and homeownership, with a particular focus on delivering homes for Social Rent.

The Government has also committed to introducing a permanent, comprehensive mortgage guarantee scheme to support first-time buyers who struggle to save for a large deposit from tenants looking to secure a tenancy.

We are taking action on affordability in the private rented sector through the Renters’ Rights Bill which will empower tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases, as well as end the practice of rental bidding and prohibit landlords from demanding more than one month’s rent in advance.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_17

Baroness Hoey:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that elected representatives, including local councillors, exercise public powers publicly to be accountable to the electorate for their decisions. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Local authorities are accountable to the public as they are democratically elected bodies. There are a range of measures in place to ensure authorities are transparent and accountable. These include the recordings of meetings under the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations, the publication of spending data mandated by the Transparency Code, the requirement for minutes, agenda and reports to be made available for public inspection as set out by the Local Government Act 1972, and the statutory requirement for authorities’ accounts and VFM arrangements to be externally audited.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_18

Baroness Eaton:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they issue guidance to local authorities on the frequency of reviews of social housing waiting list, and whether they hold data on when each local authority last conducted a review of their social housing waiting list. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: My department does not issue guidance or collect data on local authority reviews of social housing registers (waiting lists). Local authorities manage their own housing registers and as such the frequency of reviews varies between local authorities.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_19

Lord Berkeley:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of UK-based infrastructure in supporting the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS); and what discussions they have had with European counterparts on the potential for the UK’s continued hosting of that infrastructure to facilitate the restoration of EGNOS services for UK aviation. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The UK continues to host two Ranging Integrity Monitoring Stations, in Glasgow and Swanwick, that support European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) services. The Government is considering options for future UK access to a Satellite Based Augmentation System such as EGNOS, and no decision has been taken. The Government has not had any discussions with European counterparts on the restoration of EGNOS services.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-07 conversation_20

Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take to discourage the use of excessive egress fees in public sector contracts for cloud services, to foster competition in the cloud services market. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: As part of the Government’s blueprint for modern digital government published in January the government has committed to streamline the procurement of cloud services. We will also continue our work to negotiate whole-of-public-sector agreements and contracting once for a limited number of high value cases, including platform services such as cloud.