theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions his Department has had with Ofgem on the introduction of lower standing charge tariffs for electricity consumers. \p Martin McCluskey: The Government knows that, for many consumers, too much of the burden of the energy bill is placed on standing charges. We are committed to lowering the cost of standing charges and are working constructively with Ofgem on this issue.

Ofgem have been working to ensure that domestic consumers can choose tariffs with low or no standing charges. You can read about this here:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/policy/standing-charges-energy-price-cap-variant-next-steps.

Ofgem have also been reviewing how ‘fixed’ costs, which tend to be funded through standing charges, should be recovered in the future energy system through their Cost Allocation and Recovery Review. This includes whether those fixed costs could be recovered in more progressive ways, and we are working closely with the regulator on this. You can read about this here: Energy system cost allocation and recovery review | Ofgem
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2025 to Question 81636 on Carbon emissions: Housing, what organisation is leading this work; and what are the terms of reference of the research. \p Martin McCluskey: The research is being led by Energy Saving Trust in consortium with Taylor McKenzie and Elmhurst Energy.

The research aims to (1) identify the range of archetypes of the UK housing stock that are complex-to-decarbonise (CTD), (2) help householders and industry understand the economic costs and trade-offs associated with different decarbonisation approaches across the different CTD archetypes, and (3) propose the best practice approaches to making low carbon heating viable and affordable for CTD householders.

The research involved ~450 in-person retrofit assessments of homes deemed likely to be complex, and subsequent desk-based evaluation of measure mixes to determine suitability of installation, costs to install and potential savings. Findings are expected to be published in Spring/Summer 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Imran Hussain:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment she has made of the level of fuel poverty in Bradford; and what steps her Department is taking to support households spending more than a quarter of their income on energy bills. \p Martin McCluskey: In 2023, 18.7% of households in the Bradford East parliamentary constituency were estimated to be in fuel poverty.

It is imperative that fuel poor homes benefit from the transition to net zero. We are working across government on a comprehensive Warm Homes Plan for households to cut energy bills for good and will publish more details soon. We will upgrade up to 5 million homes across the country, including those in Bradford, and the transition to warmer, decarbonised homes. This will include support for the most vulnerable to help slash fuel poverty.

There are multiple targeted schemes in place to deliver energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating to low income and fuel poor households. Schemes include the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, and the new Warm Homes: Local Grant.

Support is also available through the Warm Home Discount schemes which provide eligible low-income households across Great Britain with £150 off their winter energy bill. We are expanding the Warm Home Discount to around an additional 2.7 million households. This means that from this winter around 6 million low-income households will receive the £150 support to help with their energy bill costs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Imran Hussain:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department plans to increase funding to local authorities such as Bradford Council to support the delivery of local home retrofit and insulation programmes as part of the Carbon Budget Delivery Plan. \p Katie White: As set out in the Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan, the Government is committed to working in partnership with local places like Bradford to deliver net zero, and is pursuing policies which upgrade homes with more efficient clean energy technologies, cut bills and deliver warmer homes. This includes our planned £13.2bn investment in the Warm Homes Plan, which aims to upgrade up to 5 million homes over this Parliament and cut energy bills for good. Further detail on the Warm Homes Plan will be announced soon.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Imran Hussain:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much funding has been allocated to clean energy and green industrial projects in West Yorkshire since July 2024; and what steps she is taking to ensure that Bradford benefits from those investments. \p Michael Shanks: Since July 2024, over £52 billion of private investment has already been announced into the UK’s clean energy industries for projects and plans over the coming years.

Recent projects supported by Government include two district heat networks in West Yorkshire which have received funding from the Local Net Zero Accelerator programme, Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 benefitting projects like the Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen project and GBE placing solar panels on NHS sites in Bradford and beyond.

As part of the Industrial Strategy, the Government is committed to devolving significant powers to Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) across England, giving them the tools they need to grow their sectoral clusters and improve the local business environment.

Local Growth Plans are a cornerstone of the place-based approach. These locally owned, 10-year strategies will set out how MCAs will use their devolved powers and funding to drive growth in their region.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Clean Power 2030 target in reducing average household energy bills. \p Martin McCluskey: The Government and Prime Minister is fully committed to delivering clean power by 2030. Last December, we published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which provides the foundation for the UK to build an energy system that can bring down bills for households and businesses for good, and protect them against future price shocks. For example, NESO modelling showed that if gas use for power generation remained at the levels of 2023 and gas prices were raised to the peak levels in 2022 (300 p/therm on average), this would add around £12 billion to annual electricity system costs in Great Britain. In the clean power pathways, a similar price shock would only add around £5 billion.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Imran Hussain:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many homes in Bradford East are expected to benefit from the Government’s Warm Homes Plan; and what estimate she has made of the average annual saving per household from those upgrades. \p Martin McCluskey: The Government is working on a comprehensive Warm Homes Plan for households, including those in Bradford, to cut energy bills for good and will publish more details soon.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of households in the Highlands with improved wall and loft insulation. \p Martin McCluskey: As issues of energy efficiency are devolved, Scotland has specific Net Zero strategies. We work closely with our counterparts in the Devolved Governments to ensure our strategies align.

Consumers can visit Home Energy Scotland for advice on home upgrades and information about the Scottish Government funded Warmer Homes Scotland programme which provides grants and support. A phoneline service is available on xx-xxxx-xxxx.

Rural off-gas-grid properties in Scotland receive a 35% uplift incentivising delivery in harder to reach areas and reflecting additional energy costs.

Between Jan 2013 and June 2025, the Highlands (Local Authority) received 15,874 measures under the ECO scheme, and 9,242 via ECO Flex between April 2017 and June 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Imran Hussain:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will publish regional breakdowns of households spending more than 20 per cent of disposable income on energy, including figures for Bradford, as part of the annual Fuel Poverty Statistics. \p Martin McCluskey: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is currently reviewing our approach to affordability metrics, following the consultation published earlier this year on the review of the fuel poverty strategy. We will provide further updates in our upcoming fuel poverty strategy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Imran Hussain:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to end the higher standing charges paid by prepayment meter users; and if she will make an assessment of the impact of that inequality on low-income families in Bradford East. \p Martin McCluskey: Since 1 April 2024, under the price cap, Ofgem has levelised standing charges for prepayment meter and direct debit customers and implemented a process of cost reconciliation for suppliers. This reduces the standing charges of consumers with prepayment meters, while each direct debit consumer pays more than they would have otherwise done.

This ends the inequity of people with prepayment meters, many of whom are vulnerable, being charged more up-front for their energy than other consumers. The Government knows too much of the burden of the energy bill is placed on standing charges. We are working with Ofgem to address this.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Imran Hussain:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent progress her Department has made in meeting the targets set out in the Carbon Budget Delivery Plan; and what assessment she has made of the implications of current progress for households in high-poverty areas such as Bradford East. \p Katie White: The government’s Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan set out how the UK will reduce emissions and benefit from lower bills, skilled jobs, warmer homes and cleaner air. We are working across government on a comprehensive Warm Homes Plan, which will be a major step forward to cut energy bills for good. Scaling up new clean energy industries will create opportunities to actively reduce inequalities and create good jobs. We will continue to invest in clean low-cost energy. Our approach to the transition is built on fairness, ensuring everyone reaps the benefits and that no one is left behind.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer to Question 88051 answered on 17th November 2025, if he will consider publishing interim data on this topic. \p Martin McCluskey: Fuel poverty statistics are based on the English Housing Survey which is collected annually. The department does not hold interim statistics or data on fuel poverty collected between English Housing Survey samples. The date for the next publication in 2026 will be pre-announced in line with the standards for official statistics.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Seamus Logan:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress has been made on the Fuel Finder scheme; whether the launch date of late 2025 is still applicable; and what further work is being done by the Government to help reduce fuel prices. \p Michael Shanks: This Government is committed to ensuring drivers get a fair deal which is why we are implementing Fuel Finder as quickly as possible. Subject to parliamentary passage, we aim to launch Fuel Finder by the end of 2025.

In the meantime, a voluntary scheme is in place where fuel retailers are encouraged to share fuel prices until Fuel Finder gains a statutory footing. This is an important first step in increasing competitive pressure on retailers while legislation is finalised.

In addition, we have introduced statutory powers for the Competition and Markets Authority to monitor the market and identify the need further intervention
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will publish analysis on the affordability and availability of renewable liquid fuels. \p Martin McCluskey: On 18 November, the Government published a consultation exploring the role of alternative clean heating solutions, including renewable liquid fuels (RLFs). The consultation, which will run for 12 weeks, seeks further evidence on the affordability and availability of RFLs. Findings from the consultation will be published in the government response in due course.
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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress his department is making on delivering new jobs for North East Somerset & Hanham in clean energy industries. \p Martin McCluskey: Our Clean Energy Jobs Plan sets out how the number of jobs supported by clean energy industries is estimated to grow from around 440,000 jobs in 2023 to support 860,000 jobs across the UK by 2030.

In South-West England, the demand is estimated to reach up to 35,000 direct jobs by the end of the decade, which is an increase of up to 15,000 jobs.

This is driven by projects in the wider area, such as Hinkley Point C, which will have at least 25,000 jobs during construction, 900 jobs during operation, 1,000 apprenticeships, and adult training placements.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of improved household insulation on levels of fuel poverty in the Scottish Highlands. \p Martin McCluskey: Energy efficiency policy is devolved in Scotland. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has reporting responsibilities for England only.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October to Question 81636 on Carbon Emissions: Housing, if he will publish a list of industry groups that have been consulted. \p Martin McCluskey: The research under consideration was a social research project which used in-person home retrofit assessments to determine the suitability of a range of decarbonisation options in potentially complex to decarbonise properties.

Industry groups have not been directly consulted as part of this specific research project, as the focus was on delivering these bespoke assessments to householders of the potentially complex homes. Energy Saving Trust and consortium (leading the project) recruited independent PAS-certified energy assessors to conduct these assessments, as well as MCS qualified professionals to quality assure a small subset of these assessments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of lower standing charge tariffs on households in the Scottish Highlands. \p Martin McCluskey: The Government knows that, for many consumers, too much of the burden of the energy bill is placed on standing charges. We are committed to lowering the cost of standing charges and are working constructively with Ofgem on this issue.

Ofgem have been working to ensure that domestic consumers, in the Scottish Highlands and across Great Britain, can choose tariffs with lower standing charges. You can read about this here: Requirement to offer lower standing charge tariffs | Ofgem

Ofgem have also been reviewing how ‘fixed’ costs, which tend to be funded through standing charges, should be recovered in the future energy system. Through the Cost Allocation and Recovery Review (CARR), Ofgem will consider how options for allocating and recovering costs in a fairer and more efficient way. This includes considering whether ‘fixed’ costs should vary across regions or whether they should be standard across Great Britain.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Imran Hussain:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of the additional annual cost to households in Bradford caused by delays in delivering large-scale home insulation programmes since 2019. \p Martin McCluskey: No estimates have been made on the delays of home insulation programmes since 2019. We know improving the energy efficiency of our homes is an important step in reducing fuel poverty.

There are several government energy efficiency schemes and households can access the government's home retrofit tool on GOV.UK (www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency), which allows users to get tailored recommendations for home improvements that could make their property cheaper to heat and keep warm.

This government’s ambitious Warm Homes Plan will transform homes across the country by making them cleaner and cheaper to run, from installing new insulation to rolling out solar and heat pumps. We will publish more details soon.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer to Question 88054 answered on 17th November 2025, how involve is defined with regard to consulting Fire and Rescue Services during public consultation. \p Michael Shanks: The relevant part of the Planning Practice Guidance on expected interactions between local planning authorities and local fire and rescue services with respect to grid-scale batteries is at paragraph 35.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much OFGEM has spent on translation and interpretation services in each of the last five years. \p Martin McCluskey: Ofgem has compiled and shared the following information with the Department:

Financial year Spend (£) (nominal)

20/21 3,790.00

21/22 6,840.00

22/23 3,348.35

24/25 2,260.80

25/26 (to date) 7,214.28
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to increase Ministerial pay in the next four years. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The entitlement of government ministers to receive a salary is set out in the Ministerial and other Salaries Act 1975. Ministerial salaries currently remain frozen.

In addition, the government has introduced reforms to ministerial severance pay. Ministers will be expected to forgo their severance pay if they serve in office for fewer than six months, or if they leave office following a serious breach of the Ministerial Code.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 85499 on Cabinet Office: Facility Agreements, how facility time is authorised; and whether Ministers approve it. \p Anna Turley: Trade Union representatives have a statutory right to be granted reasonable paid time off to undertake trade union duties and reasonable unpaid time to undertake trade union activities.

The facility time guidance sets out that Civil Servants who are Trade Union representatives will spend at least 50% of their time delivering their Civil Service role. Where time is required above this figure including acting in a 100% role, this will be by exception and will need to be agreed by the Secretary of State.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has issued guidance to special advisers on the use of government email in 2025. \p Anna Turley: Special advisers are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers at all times. No specific guidance has been issued centrally from the Cabinet Office to special advisers on the use of government email in 2025.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Admiralty House residences will be offered to another Minister. \p Anna Turley: I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 13 October 2025, Official Report, PQ 77624.
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Tim Farron:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many deaths in (a) England, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) Scotland and (d) Wales were attributable to (i) alcoholism, (ii) obesity, (iii) air pollution and (iv) smoking in the latest year for which data is available. \p Josh Simons: The Cabinet Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many times the Resilience and Security Committee met between April 2024 and March 2025; and what the attendance record of each member was. \p Dan Jarvis: It is a long-established precedent that information about Cabinet and its Committees, including the discussions that have taken place, how often they have met and attendance, is not normally shared publicly. The list of standing members of the National Security Council (Resilience) Committee can be accessed on GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Integrated Security Fund Annual Report 2024–25, of 30 October 2025,what assessment he has been of whether including compulsory UN peacekeeping contributions within the ISF is consistent with the Fund’s stated purpose of supporting “agile and innovative” security programming. \p Dan Jarvis: The Integrated Security Fund (ISF) currently fulfils UK mandatory commitments to UN peacekeeping missions around the world. UN peacekeeping is critical in supporting global peace and security, including by preventing conflicts from escalating and creating space for political solutions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Integrated Security Fund Annual Report 2024–25, of 30 October 2025, for what reason the ISF’s non-ODA spend for Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2024–25 is recorded as negative. \p Dan Jarvis: As set out in the Integrated Security Fund (ISF) Annual Report, in the financial year 2024/25 funding which had previously been provided to the Afghan National Army Trust Fund (ANATF), was returned to the ISF following the change in context in Afghanistan in the financial year 2021/22. Therefore, the ISF’s non-ODA balance of spend in Afghanistan and Pakistan portfolio in financial year 2024/25 is recorded as negative £1.51m.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance his Department provides on financial settlements for public appointments that are cancelled or withdrawn. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: There are a wide variety of public appointments which are made by Ministers. A person appointed to such a position is an office holder, whose appointment is defined by the office itself, not a contract.

An office holder’s terms of engagement will set out a Minister’s authority to terminate an appointment at any time with or without notice. Office holders do not receive payment in lieu of notice or severance for loss of office because they are not employees with contractual rights.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 89231 on Cabinet Office: Social, which channels were (a) contracted and (b) paid by his Department in the last financial year. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Please see below Cabinet Office spend by social platform from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025:

Supplier

Net Media Spend

Meta

£791,705.41

LinkedIn

£325,259.65

Reddit

£13,888.89

Snapchat

£54,812.17

TikTok

£65,494.21

Grand Total

£1,251,160.33
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Tom Kibasi was a (a) direct ministerial appointment, (b) special adviser, (c) secondment, (d) civil servant recruited by exception or (e) permanent civil servant, when working in 10 Downing Street. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Tom Kibasi was recruited via secondment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 3 November 2025, to Question 84247, on Public Appointments: Political Impartiality, if he will make it his policy to amend guidance to require disclosure of previous political activity to be declared within and at the time of the gov.uk announcement of the appointment. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Governance Code on Public Appointments requires that relevant political activity, as defined within the Code, should be publicly disclosed for successful candidates. This is expected to happen at the time that a department or appointing body announces the successful candidate. Or in the case of those appointments subject to pre-appointment hearing by a House of Commons select committee, the preferred candidate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the names, roles and dates of appointment of the members of the Forfeiture Committee are; how each member was selected; and which members are classified as independent. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Forfeiture Committee is chaired by a Permanent Secretary on delegation from the Cabinet Secretary. This is currently Dame Sarah Healey, MHCLG. She has been in post as Chair since July 2025. The other permanent member is the Treasury Solicitor, currently Sussana McGibbon. She has been a member of the Committee since March 2021.

The Committee has four independent members, drawn from the Chairs of the ten independent honours committees. These Chair appointments are made through a Public Appointments process. The current independent members are Sir Hamid Patel, John Booth CVO, Stephen Kelly and Dame Jane Dacre. Each was appointed to the Forfeiture Committee in October 2022.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much his Department has spent via Berry Bros Ltd since 4 July 2024. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: All relevant spending is available in the Cabinet Office’s government procurement card transparency return for March 2025 which can be found on gov.uk
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Jim McMahon:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of household income is spent on (a) Council tax, (b) Income tax, (c) National Insurance and (d) VAT by income decile. \p Josh Simons: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 17th November is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 151.7KB)
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 139 of the Cabinet Office Annual report and accounts 2024-2025, HC1372, 23 October 2025, what items were purchased to furnish the empty Downing Street flat; which flat it was; whether those items were new; and how that spend was classified. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 27 October 2025, Official Report, PQ 85501.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 10 October 2025 to Question 70573 on 10 Downing Street: Official Hospitality, whether the transparency return for official receptions in July to September 2025 will list the cost to the public purse of the 31 July reception for content creators. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Official receptions in 10 Downing Street are hosted by Ministers across Government, with details published as part of the Government's transparency returns. The cost of hospitality in 10 Downing Street is included in the Cabinet Office Annual Report and Accounts. There are no plans to update inherited guidance in order to provide a breakdown of costs for individual receptions. The approach is in line and follows that of the previous administrations, which did not publish the information in this way.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 28 March 2024 to Question 39576 on Prime Minister: Aviation, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel for the Prime Minster's flights; and whether he plans to do so. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Prime Ministerial flights are carbon offset where that is possible.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_404
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_404

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many meetings his Department has had with the European Union on the proposed UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme since the announcement of the UK-EU Reset Deal. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: We have agreed that we will work towards the establishment of a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU at the UK-EU Summit. The exact parameters are subject to ongoing negotiations. Since the Summit we have held a number of rounds of negotiations with the European Commission regarding outcomes of the Common Understanding, including a youth experience scheme, as well as other areas including a food and drink deal (SPS) and linking our carbon markets (ETS) that started this week.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_405
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_405

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve the UK’s space funding model. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence is committed to developing the Defence Space Portfolio and wider space requirements to harness space for national and military advantage. The recent publication of the Strategic Defence Review served to reinforce the importance of the domain and the need to invest appropriately. The level of investment is being tested and confirmed against current and future requirements through the development of the Defence Investment Plan which will provide the strategic capability direction for the next decade.

Defence and other Government Departments will ascertain space synergies, create a common demand signal with which to develop investment options for both the military and national advantage. Aligned to the Own, Collaborate, Access framework, the most effective mix of sovereign owned, collaboration with allies, and access though existing and new partnerships will be determined with which to deliver Defence and wider UK needs.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_406
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_406

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the full scope of Operation CROSSWAYS. \p Al Carns: The scope of Operation CROSSWAYS is to provide military support to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, primarily focused on training and tailored military advice to the Saudi armed forces. It also includes a phased deployment of air defence equipment to Saudi Arabia.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_407
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_407

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support has he provided to Lebanon in the development of its armed forces. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a wide range of support to Lebanon in the development of the Lebanese Armed Forces' capacity as the legitimate defender of Lebanon's sovereignty. This includes providing equipment, training on both maritime and counter-terrorism activities, and the contracted construction of infrastructure to enhance their border security. The Department also co-ordinates bilateral support with international partners.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_408
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_408

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to deploy British service personnel to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force. \p Al Carns: As the Prime Minister has said previously, the UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees to achieve a lasting peace for Ukraine. This includes further support for Ukraine's military, where the UK has already committed £3 billion a year until at least 2030. But it also means being ready and willing to contribute to security guarantees to Ukraine by putting our own troops on the ground after the ceasefire if necessary.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_409
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_409

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the urgent question response made by the Minister for the Armed Forces on 20 November 2025, what percentage of the 100,000 drones produced this year were made by British companies. \p Al Carns: Where the UK's drone industry can meet Ukraine's requirements, the Ministry of Defence sources equipment from UK suppliers. A significant proportion of the drones procured for Ukraine this year have been produced by British companies, supporting hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the country and contributing to local economies.

At the last Ukraine Defence Contact Group in October 2025, the Defence Secretary confirmed that £600 million has been invested by the UK this year to accelerate drone delivery to Ukraine, with more than 85,000 military drones delivered in just six months.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_410
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_410

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether he has held discussions with his EU counterparts on the participation of the UK in common procurement under SAFE since 2 June 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_411
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_411

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what the status is of the New Medium Helicopter programme. \p Luke Pollard: Officials continue to consider the New Medium Helicopter business case as part of the Government’s approval process, with a decision to be made shortly as part of the upcoming Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_412
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_412

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timetable is for the implementation of the Home Defence Programme. \p Luke Pollard: The Cabinet Office leads the Home Defence Programme, with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a key contributor. Implementation is guided by the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, the National Security Strategy, and the Resilience Action Plan, each setting distinct timelines for projects within the programme.

Defence of the homeland is an ongoing responsibility for the MOD, ensuring the safety and resilience of the United Kingdom in accordance with the threat. Accordingly, the MOD will maintain up-to-date plans in coordination with NATO and wider Government.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_413
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_413

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK building the factories of the future as government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories, published on 19 November 2025, what percentage of the £250 million funding will be spent on British companies. \p Luke Pollard: We are committed to ensuring the Defence industry is an engine for growth through strengthened industrial relationships and domestic investment. We have committed £1.5 billion in the Strategic Defence Review to move munitions production to "always on" and build six new munitions and energetics factories, taking our total munitions spend this parliament to £6 billion. The £250 million investment is supporting the Defence Growth Deals that were announced in the Defence Industrial Strategy. Whilst it is currently premature to comment on specific proposals, more detail will be available once the necessary preparatory work has been completed.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_414
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_414

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there were any stipulations regarding financial penalties if all 48 F - 35 fighter jets were not supplied by December 2025 in the original contract with Lockheed Martin. \p Luke Pollard: The F-35 Joint Program Office orders aircraft for the F-35 Partner Nations through annual production contracts. The seven F-35B aircraft in production contract Lot 17 should have been delivered by the end of 2025. The Department anticipates four of those aircraft will slip into 2026 and be delivered by April 2026 (a three to four month delay from the original contract). There is not a financial remedy for the delivery of Lot 17 aircraft.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_415
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_415

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of enabling existing defence-manufacturing clusters in the North West, including aerospace and advanced materials firms, to contribute to the planned ‘always on’ munitions pipeline. \p Luke Pollard: We are committed to ensuring the Defence industry is an engine for growth through strengthened industrial relationships and domestic investment. As published in the UK Defence Footprint the North West region has seen £4.8 billion of Defence spending in 2024-25. We have committed £6 billion this Parliament towards munitions, as outlined in the Strategic Defence Review 2025, which supports defence capacity whilst generating local jobs and economic prosperity. This investment includes £1.5 billion for building six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK to deliver an 'always on' pipeline, locations and arrangements of which are being assessed through ongoing work. Whilst it is currently premature to comment on specific site proposals and their assessment, more detail will be available once the necessary preparatory work has been completed.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_416
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_416

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to coordinate work on space between government, industry and universities. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence actively coordinates space activity across Government, industry, and academia to sustain the UK’s leadership in space innovation and capability. Through the Defence Industrial Strategy, and in collaboration with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and other government departments, we advance the National and Defence Space Strategies with a particular focus on Space Domain Awareness, delivered through the National Space Operations Centre. We work with universities through initiatives such as the Defence Universities Alliance and the Space Academy to address skills gaps, foster innovation, and support research in dual-use technologies.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_417
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_417

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the meetings and communications his Department has had with (a) ERCAS BV and (b) RUK Advance Systems Limited in each of the last three years. \p Luke Pollard: I can confirm that the Ministry of Defece (MOD) hold no direct contracts with ERCAS BV or RUK Advance Systems Limited. A list of the meetings held with each company is not held centrally by MOD and the information could only be gathered at disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_418
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-25 conversation_418

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with veterans’ representatives on compensation arrangements for people unable to bring claims relating to service before 1987. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: This Government is fully committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and who have served, to ensure Veterans and their families get access to the health, housing, employment and other support they need. For Veterans facing challenges or difficulties, the Veterans Welfare Service, run by the Ministry of Defence, provides free one-to-one support for Veterans or anyone supporting a Veteran, their families and dependants.

There are currently no plans to apply the Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987 retrospectively. Successive Governments have had a policy against retrospective changes to schemes. However, there is a route to compensation, outside of litigation, for Service personnel who served before May 1987, via the War Pension Scheme (WPS). If a Veteran feels that they have been impacted by their Service before 1987 they are able to make a claim under the WPS. The WPS is a no-fault scheme which provides compensation for Service personnel who are disabled or die due to injury caused or made worse by service in the UK Armed Forces before 6 April 2005. There are also a range of supplementary pensions and allowances payable, including for dependants.