theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_206
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_206

Peter Fortune:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Draft information and guidance on storm overflows, published on 16 December 2024. \p Emma Hardy: The Department launched the consultation ‘Draft information and guidance on storm overflows’ on GOV.UK on 21 November 2024, with more information available at the following link:

Draft information and guidance on storm overflows - GOV.UK

The consultation documents are lengthy and technical in nature and so these are published as a PDF to preserve formatting and technical content. Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the documents in an accessible format by emailing xxx@xxx.xx.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_207
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_207

Clive Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will take steps to monitor the water usage of data centres built in AI Growth Zones. \p Emma Hardy: As part of the Government’s commitment to reduce the use of public water supply by 20% by 2037/38, Defra continues to work with the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, the Department for Business and Trade and the Environment Agency (EA) to determine how water efficiency and demand in data centres can be improved.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_208
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_208

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of adverse weather conditions on arable farm output in South Suffolk constituency in each of the last three years. \p Daniel Zeichner: There are multiple factors that influence arable production, for example farmers will make business decisions in response to market signals such as input and output prices, so we are unable to attribute what degree of change between years is solely as a result of the weather.

Unfortunately, we do not produce output statistics at a constituency level.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_209
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_209

Barry Gardiner:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of total percentage of the biodiversity for which the UK has global responsibility is located in the UK's Overseas Territories. \p Mary Creagh: The Joint Nature Conservation Committee, as the Government’s statutory nature advisor, does not have, nor is it aware of, an estimate of the total percentage of the biodiversity for which the UK has global responsibility and is located in the UK Overseas Territories. Of the total number of endemic species associated with the UK’s biodiversity, 94% reside in the Territories.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_210
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_210

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to ensure legally compliant labelling on imported food and drink. \p Daniel Zeichner: The UK maintains high standards on the information that is provided on food labels so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy. The fundamental principle of food labelling rules is that information provided to the consumer must not mislead and must enable the safe use of food.  The rules also specify what particular information must be provided and how it must be presented.

All food sold on the UK market, including that which is imported, must comply with food labelling rules.

Food labelling rules are enforced by local authorities. Concerns that a specific food does not comply or is otherwise misleading, should be raised with a local trading standards officer who will be able to investigate and take necessary action.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_211
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_211

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of recent trends in the level of farm incomes in South Suffolk constituency. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government has committed to support farmers through a farming budget of £5 billion over two years, including £2.4 billion in 2025/26. We publish regular accredited official statistics on farm income in England and other data related to farm businesses. For example, on 14 November 2024, we published our Farm Business Income statistics (Farm business income - GOV.UK), which looked at how Farm Business Income has changed in 2023/24, including the contribution of Direct Payments and agri-environment payments to farm incomes and analysis by farm type.

The Farm Business Survey is based on a sample of around 1,400 farm businesses across England. While it is possible to produce some sub national information, the sample size means it is not possible to produce statistically robust breakdowns at constituency level.

In England, Farm Business Income has seen substantial year-on-year fluctuations over the past 15 years driven by a multitude of factors which include weather and market fluctuations. For most farm types, Farm Business Income in 2023/24 saw very large falls relative to the exceptional highs in 2022/23. At the all-farm level and a longer-term view, the average Farm Business Income of approximately £82,000 for the agricultural transition (2021/22-2023/24) remains above the pre-transition average of approximately £58,000 (2018/19-2020/21).

The Secretary of State discussed the department’s approach to the problem of low farming income across Britain at the Oxford Farming Conference on 9 January, and his full remarks can be found here.

We will continue to carry out appropriate and timely assessments of our interventions to inform policy development.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_212
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_212

Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to provide more data to horticulture businesses on (a) sanitary and phytosanitary border movements and (b) inspection rates generated from the Import of products, animals, food and feed system. \p Daniel Zeichner: Our checks are intelligence-led and based on biosecurity risk. To protect the integrity of this approach, we cannot share granular data on movements and inspections. Traders should continue to follow the published guidance which sets out Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) inspection rates.

Regarding communication with horticulture businesses, there is regular official level engagement with the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) concerning the border and there has been throughout the development of the BTOM; including the recent November 21st roundtable on plants, cut flowers, and the border.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_213
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_213

Rosie Duffield:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what criteria is being used to select the body administering funding from the statutory gambling levy. \p Stephanie Peacock: In line with the Gambling Act 2005, the levy will be collected and administered by the Gambling Commission under the strategic direction of the government. As set out in the government’s response to the statutory levy consultation, we have appointed UK Research and Innovation and NHS England as the research and treatment commissioners respectively. This approach will leverage world-leading expertise among existing public bodies, maximise efficiency and see levy funding directed where it is needed most. Further consideration of the evidence is needed in order to appoint an appropriate body to lead the prevention strand of the levy system. We will confirm our decisions in due course.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_214
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_214

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made a recent assessment the effectiveness of self-regulation by the gambling industry with regard to gambling advertising. \p Stephanie Peacock: There are a range of robust rules in place to ensure that gambling adverts, wherever they appear, are socially responsible. However, as the Gambling Minister set out in her speech at the GambleAware conference on 4 December, more needs to be done to improve protections. The industry now has a clear task to further raise standards to ensure that levels of gambling advertising does not exacerbate harm, and this work will be monitored closely.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_215
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_215

Saqib Bhatti:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with (a) the Guardian Media Group and (b) Tortoise Media on the proposed buyout of the Observer newspaper. \p Stephanie Peacock: It would be inappropriate to comment on any live merger case. As is clear under the Enterprise Act, this is a quasi-judicial process for the DCMS Secretary of State alone to exercise the statutory powers based on the evidence and following the established regulatory process. If there are any updates to report, Parliament will be informed in the usual way.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_216
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_216

David Simmonds:To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what discussions the Electoral Commission has had with the Government on reforms to regulation on political donations. \p Sir Jeremy Wright: Since 2013, the Electoral Commission has recommended changes to strengthen the political finance regime, including changes that would improve the transparency and controls on donations. It has regular discussions with the Government on these proposals and will use its expertise and experince regulating the political finance regime to ensure any changes are workable and evidence based.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_217
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_217

David Simmonds:To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what guidance the Electoral Commission has issued on political donations (a) from impermissible foreign donors and (b) funnelling money to avoid political donation restrictions. \p Sir Jeremy Wright: The Commission provides guidance and support for parties and campaigners to ensure they understand and comply with donation laws.

Its guidance sets out the requirements and checks necessary when accepting donations. Parties and campaigners are responsible for carrying out checks on donations they receive to ensure they are from permissible sources, and for properly and accurately reporting them.

The guidance makes clear that the law requires political parties to report unlawful donations and return them to the donor. It also explains that parties must not knowingly or recklessly make a false declaration about the true origin of the donation.

As well as issuing guidance, the Commission carries out permissibility checks on a sample of donations. It has the powers to sanction parties that accept impermissable foreign donations or do not comply with the political finance laws.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_218
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_218

David Simmonds:To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what the Electoral Commission's timetable is for the publication of third party data for the 2024 general election. \p Sir Jeremy Wright: The Commission has recently published a range of data, including on the experiences of voters and candidates, from the 2024 general election as part of its statutory duty to report on elections.

It also publishes spending and donations data from parties, campaigners and candidates. It will publish returns received from political parties and register non-party campaigners in two stages, with returns under £250,000 published shortly and those over £250,000 published later in the year.

This will provide transparency to voters about the money spent and received by non-party campaigners at the general election.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_219
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_219

David Simmonds:To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Electoral Commission has produced guidance on how non-monetary donations in kind should be reported. \p Sir Jeremy Wright: The Electoral Commission provides guidance on notional spending, which outlines the reporting requirements for services or goods provided for free or at a discount.

The Elections Act 2022 changed the legal test for when a candidate must record notional spending. The Commission supports parties and campaigners to understand and comply with the updated law and how it should be applied in practice to their campaigns. It produced a statutory Code of Practice on controlled spending for non-party campaigners, which include the changes introduced to notional spending.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_220
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_220

David Simmonds:To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Electoral Commission has produced guidance on foreign donors channelling funds through UK-registered corporate bodies. \p Sir Jeremy Wright: The Commission provides guidance and support for parties and campaigners on the donation laws, including the permissibility of donations given to UK-registered companies. The Commission has highlighted that the limitations of the current law mean it is possible for money from foreign sources to enter the UK electoral system, through donations from UK companies.

Since 2013, the Commission has called for the laws around company donations to be strengthened. It has recommended changes to ensure parties and campagners cannot accept money from companies that have not made enough money in the UK to fund the amount of their donation or loan. It also recommends a duty on campaigners to carry out enhanced know-your-donor checks and improved transparency over the political donations made to unincorporated associations.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_221
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_221

David Simmonds:To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Electoral Commission has produced guidance on whether social media companies intentionally adjusting network algorithms to favour specific political (a) candidates and (b) parties constitutes a donation in kind for the purposes of election finance requirements. \p Sir Jeremy Wright: The Electoral Commission has not published specific guidance on network algorithms used by social media companies.

Delibaretely adjusting an algorithm to favour specific candidates or parties may constitute a donation in kind, if this has been agreed with the candidate or party in question.

If the candidate or party is unaware of the adjustment, it is unlikely to be a donation as donations require acceptance from the recipient.

Intentially adjusting an algorithm may constitute regulated non-party campaigning by the social media company, but this would depend on the nature of the platform and the adjustment made.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_222
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_222

Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that people in Northern Ireland who (a) have their vehicles damaged by stolen cars where the driver is not apprehended and (b) do not have comprehensive insurance are aware of their eligibility to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB); when the MIB took responsibility for compensating victims in these cases; and what steps he has taken to inform the public of this change. \p Hilary Benn: The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) is an independent organisation within the motor industry and separate from the UK Government. The Northern Ireland Office has no role in decisions relating to the investigation and payment of claims, which are the responsibility of the MIB.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_223
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_223

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to encourage people to buy electric vehicles. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government offers several incentives to encourage people to buy electric vehicles. £120m of new funding was announced at the Autumn Budget to support the purchase of zero emission vans and wheelchair accessible vehicles through the Plug-in Vehicle Grants next financial year. Grants will also continue to incentivise the purchase of zero emission motorcycles, taxis, and trucks until at least the end of the 2024/25 financial year.

There are also several tax measures designed to encourage the adoption of zero emission vehicles. They are exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) until April 2025, after which they will pay the lowest first year rates of VED at £10. Favourable Company Car Tax rates have also been set out to 2030 and will continue to strongly incentivise electric vehicle uptake.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_224
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_224

Alex McIntyre:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points across (a) Gloucester and (b) the South West. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government is committed to accelerating the roll-out of charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to an electric vehicle (EV). As of January 2025, the Government and industry have supported the installation of 73,334 publicly available charging devices, up 37% on this time last year.

Gloucestershire County Council was allocated almost £3.7m capital and resource funding through the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to increase the number of local public chargepoints. The South West region has been allocated over £45.5m capital and resource funding to increase the installation of local charging infrastructure across the region.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_225
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_225

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to (a) increase the number of practical driving tests available in (i) Greater London and (ii) Essex and (b) help prevent unauthorised vendors selling practical test slots online. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work to attract and recruit more driving examiners in the London and South East area, including Greater London and Essex.

As well as new Driving Examiners (DEs) who have now begun testing, DVSA is running training courses for successful candidates from recent campaigns, who, if successful, will join driving test centres (DTCs) in the region.

DVSA concluded another recruitment campaign at the end of 2024 and is in the process of making offers to successful candidates. Another

recruitment campaign is currently expected to begin in March 2025.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. A call for evidence was launched on 18 December 2024, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes.

On 6 January 2025, DVSA also introduced tougher terms and conditions for the service driving instructors use to book and manage car driving tests for their pupils.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_226
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_226

Melanie Onn:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress she has made with National Highways on the next round of RIS3 funding: and whether the A180 will be included in this funding stream. \p Lilian Greenwood: The multi-year Spending Review, concluding in late spring, will help frame the 5-year RIS3 funding envelope that National Highways has to operate, maintain, renew and improve the strategic road network in the next road period starting in 2026. Once the level and profile of RIS funding is confirmed, National Highways can plan what it will deliver and when, including the scope, ambition and timing of major renewals projects, such as the A180 in North East Lincolnshire.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_227
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_227

Maureen Burke:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of amending the national speed limit for rural roads. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department for Transport has not made a recent assessment, of the merits of amending the national speed limits for rural roads.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_228
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_228

Maureen Burke:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if her Department will publish practical driving test results broken down via (a) age and (b) gender for each of the test centres in greater Glasgow. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) publishes data annually showing car driving test pass rates by age (17 to 25 year olds), at all driving test centres (DTCs). This data table can be found online at drt122d-car-driving-test-by-age-by-test-centre.ods. This data was last updated on 2 September 2024 with data to March 2024.

The DVSA publishes data quarterly showing car driving test pass rates by gender per month at all DTCs. This data table can be found via: drt122a-car-driving-test-by-test-centre.ods. This data was last updated on 20 December 2024 with data to September 2024.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_229
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_229

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a single Public Service Operator licence for each traffic area in England. \p Lilian Greenwood: Under current arrangements, licensing for Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators in Great Britain is divided into eight traffic areas. No entity can hold more than one PSV licence in any single traffic area (except in the case of Special Restricted licences). This means that in effect an operator could hold a single PSV operator licence in each traffic area in England.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_230
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_230

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the safety of LED headlights on cars (a) generally and (b) on country roads. \p Lilian Greenwood: All types of road vehicle headlamps are designed, tested, and approved to internationally recognised standards to help prevent undue glare and ensure safety on a broad range of roads and environments.

However, noting increased public concern about headlamp glare, Government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes and develop potential countermeasures. This work is underway and due to deliver in summer 2025; it will include real-world assessment of glare on a broad range of road types and scenarios including country roads.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_231
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_231

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that heat pumps are a viable option for homes and businesses currently off the gas grid. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: We expect most off-grid properties will ultimately transition to heat pumps as these are a proven technology.

We are supporting deployment through a range of other policies including supporting growth in the supply chain through the reformed Clean Heat Market Mechanism, investing in new heat pump manufacturing capacity through the Heat Pump Investment Accelerator, and helping installers train up through the Heat Training Grant.

Our Boiler Upgrade Scheme also offers consumers £7,500 in grant funding for a heat pump, enabling consumers to purchase a heat pump at an increasingly comparable price to a gas boiler.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_232
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_232

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed Grimsby to Walpole pylon project on the availability of farmland. \p Michael Shanks: Developers of the Grimsby to Walpole project, like all nationally significant infrastructure projects in England and Wales, must assess the impacts of their proposals. This includes conducting assessments of the project's impacts on the environment, habitats, and farmland through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA). Additionally, developers engage with statutory and non-statutory stakeholders, including farmers, through consultations to ensure their feedback is considered and incorporated into project proposals. The Government does not make assessments for specific projects until they come to the Secretary of State for final planning decision.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_233
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_233

Peter Fortune:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Capacity Market: proposals to modernise Rules and improve participation and delivery assurance of consumer-led flexibility, published on 16 December 2024. \p Michael Shanks: The Department published the consultation on Capacity Market: proposals to modernise Rules and improve participation and delivery assurance of consumer-led flexibility on GOV.UK and is content that it meets the expected accessibility standards to allow all interested parties to contribute their views.

Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in an alternative format by emailing xxx@xxx.xx.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_234
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_234

Peter Fortune:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the call for evidence on Capacity Market: consumer-led flexibility, published on 16 December 2024. \p Michael Shanks: The Department published the call for evidence on Capacity Market: consumer-led flexibility on GOV.UK and is content that it meets the expected accessibility standards to allow all interested parties to contribute their views.

Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the call for evidence in an alternative format by emailing xxx@xxx.xx.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_235
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_235

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help increase storage levels of gas. \p Michael Shanks: National Gas has confirmed on 10 January that “the overall picture across Great Britain’s eight main gas storage sites remains healthy - with average levels at just over 60% across the board." We have diverse sources of gas supply, including from the North Sea, as well as the second largest LNG import capacity in Europe and three gas interconnectors. Only a small proportion of GB gas supply comes from our eight storage facilities, which primarily act as source of system flexibility, with capacity fluctuating throughout the year.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_236
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_236

Jo White:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to paragraph 3.71 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC 295, what support will be provided for fusion energy research in financial year 2025-26. \p Kerry McCarthy: On 16th January 2025, the Government announced £410 million investment to accelerate development of fusion energy and kickstart economic growth as part of its Plan for Change. The funding will support the rapid development of the UK fusion energy sector over 2025 to 2026 with investment in the skills needed for scientists, engineers, welders and programme managers to enter the cutting-edge industry. Fusion already supports thousands of jobs in the UK, with thousands more to follow as the technology advances.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_237
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_237

Peter Fortune:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on UK Emissions Trading Scheme: free allocation review - carbon leakage, published on 16 December 2024. \p Sarah Jones: The UK ETS Authority published the Free Allocation Review Carbon Leakage consultation in response to a call from stakeholders to see a draft UK Carbon Leakage List. The consultation also seeks to provides greater clarity on Free Allocation adjustments for sectors covered by the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. While the consultation is technical in nature, there are annexes published alongside it to explain the methodology taken to develop proposals. In addition, during the consultation window over January to March, events for UK ETS participants and other interested stakeholders will take place to improve accessibility of the technical content.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_238
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_238

Peter Fortune:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Raising product standards for space heating, published on 17 December 2024. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Department launched the consultation ‘Raising product standards for space heating’ on GOV.UK on 17 December 2024, with more information available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/raising-product-standards-for-space-heating (opens in a new tab)

Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation and supporting documents in an accessible format by emailing xxx@xxx.xx. Users who have queries on the consultation can also contact xxx@xxx.xx.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_239
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_239

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help small and medium sized businesses with energy costs in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government believes the only way to protect billpayers in Lincolnshire permanently, including businesses and non-domestic organisations, is to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels and towards homegrown clean energy. The Government recently published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan which details our approach to boosting our energy security, creating good jobs, protecting consumers and tackling climate change.

The Government recently launched a consultation on regulating Third-Party Intermediaries, such as energy brokers, in the retail energy market which closed on 15 November, aimed at enhancing consumer protection, particularly for non-domestic customers. A government response will follow in due course once we have reviewed the feedback received.

On 19 December last year, the Government also expanded the remit of the Energy Ombudsman services so that small business consumers with fewer than 50 employees can resolve issues with their supplier through this service. This expands the level of support to 99% of businesses in Great Britain. In September we also launched a public consultation on regulating Third Party Intermediaries for non-domestic consumers, seeking views on different potential regulatory options for this market.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_240
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_240

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the use of hydrogen for heating. \p Sarah Jones: As set out last December, the Government will assess the latest evidence on costs, benefits and feasibility before consulting on the role of hydrogen in home heating later this year.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_241
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_241

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of hydrogen-hybrid vehicles on achieving the UK's net-zero emissions targets. \p Kerry McCarthy: Hybrid powertrains in vehicles, including hydrogen-based hybrids, are a transitional technology that could support the decarbonisation of UK transport in certain cases. The Government is currently consulting on the role of hybrid cars in the transition to net zero, with a focus on 2030-2035.
wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_242
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-20 conversation_242

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of integrating hybrid-fuelled boilers with (a) electric air-source heat pumps and (b) smart technology to help decarbonise residential properties. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Hybrid heat pumps, a heating system comprised of a fossil fuel boiler and a heat pump, have the potential to play an important role in heat decarbonisation over the coming years.

The Government will continue to consider their potential and is consulting further through the ‘Raising product standards for space heating’ consultation, which is open until 25 March 2025.

The previous Government consulted in April 2024 on a proposal to require smart functionality for electric heating appliances with high flexibility potential and to extend this to hybrid heat pumps. A response to that consultation will be published in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_1

Clive Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Bedfordshire Police consulted her Department on appointing Palantir for a pilot scheme trialling AI technology. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The Government is committed to ensuring that law enforcement has the resources it needs to tackle crime effectively. AI presents an opportunity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of policing and law enforcement – from automating back-office tasks freeing up time for officers to be on the front line and live language translation enabling better interactions with those unable to speak English, through to applications like facial recognition and CCTV analysis, helping police to catch more criminals and speed up investigations to bring offenders to justice.

Bedfordshire Police consulted the Home Office on appointing Palantir for a pilot scheme trialling AI technology, and this was agreed. While it remains the responsibility of individual police forces to comply with the ‘Covenant for Using AI in Policing’, the Home Office received assurances that Bedfordshire Police are meeting these requirements.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_2

Sir Ashley Fox:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Spending Review 2025 on funding allocated to national Violence Against Women and Girls (a) helplines and (b) charities supporting victims in 2025-26. \p Jess Phillips: In May 2025, the Home Office announced a £19.9m investment in the 2025/2026 financial year to provide vital support to victims of VAWG as well as other projects across the country that help prevent these crimes.

This includes over £6 million for national helplines supporting victims of domestic abuse, 'honour'-based abuse, revenge porn and stalking. This is in addition to £2.5m on prevention and early intervention to help stop VAWG happening in the first place, to identify what works to prevent VAWG and improve multi-agency working.

The upcoming VAWG Strategy will be published later this year and will set out the strategic direction and concrete actions to deliver on the Government’s VAWG ambition.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_3

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will appoint a chair with no (a) political affiliation and (b) prior conflict to lead the grooming gang inquiry. \p Jess Phillips: We will announce further details on the inquiry in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_4

Suella Braverman:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a review of police conduct in relation to the treatment of grooming gang survivors. \p Jess Phillips: On Monday 16 June 2025 the Home Secretary set out the Government’s response to Baroness Casey’s audit on grooming gangs, which includes the Government’s commitment to establish a national inquiry, and our support for the police in launching a new national criminal operation in.

Any evidence of police wrongdoing identified through the work of the new national operation should be fully investigated and referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as required. The national inquiry will also direct local investigations and hold institutions to account for past failures. Further detail on the new national operation and the inquiry will be announced in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_5

John Lamont:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what (a) resources and (b) funding her Department will provide to the new commission into grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation. \p Jess Phillips: The Government will resource the national inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation. Further details will be set out in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_6

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, by which date she will (a) appoint a Chair and (b) agree a Terms of Reference for the national inquiry into grooming gangs. \p Jess Phillips: Further details will be announced in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_7

Sarah Hall:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Law Commission’s report entitled Hate crime laws: Final report, published on 7 December 2021, whether her Department is taking steps to implement the recommendation to extend aggravated offence provisions to include hostility based on (a) sexual orientation and (b) gender identity. \p Jess Phillips: We have a robust legislative framework in place to respond to hate crimes.

The Government has committed to ensuring parity of protection for aggravated offences and will bring forward a suitable amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill at the Lords' Committee stage to give effect to that commitment.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_8

John Lamont:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether there will be a limit on the number of local inquiries overseen by the new commission into grooming gangs and child exploitation. \p Jess Phillips: An independent chair will determine the conduct and procedure of the inquiry. We will announce further details on the inquiry, including the appointment of an independent chair, in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_9

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people who have had their asylum application rejected are still living in the UK. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Home Office publishes data on asylum-related returns in Ret_04 and Ret_05 of the ‘Returns summary tables’. The latest data is up to March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_10

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with retailers on the prevention of shoplifting. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Shop theft continues to increase at an unacceptable level and we will not stand for it. That’s why our Crime and Policing Bill introduces a new offence of assaulting a retail worker to protect the hardworking and dedicated staff that work in stores. Also included as part of the Bill, we will be repealing the legislation which makes shop theft of and below £200 a summary-only offence, which means it can only be tried in a magistrate’s court, sending a clear message that any level of shop theft is illegal and will be taken seriously.

Retail crime is regularly discussed with the sector at both Ministerial and official level. I am committed to chairing the Retail Crime Forum, which has held two very productive meetings to date. The Forum brings together representatives from the retail sector, security providers and law enforcement agencies to promote collaboration, share best practice and to work collectively to tackle the serious issue of retail crime.

This work includes the development of a new strategy to tackle shop theft published by retail sector representatives and policing. The strategy builds on previous progress made by police and retailers but provides a more comprehensive and intelligence-led approach to tackle all perpetrators of shop theft – not just organised criminal gangs.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_11

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) migrants and (b) asylum seekers are housed in (i) hotel accommodation and (ii) other temporary accommodation in (A) Fylde and (B) Lancashire. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Data is published quarterly, on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including hotels, in each local authority area, at: Asylum seekers in receipt of support detailed datasets, year ending March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_12

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will increase the use of stop and search to tackle knife crime. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Stop and search remains a fundamental tool for tackling knife crime, exercised fairly and effectively. Police officers have the power to stop and search individuals or vehicles for offensive weapons, provided they have reasonable grounds to suspect they will find the item.

In addition, where serious violence has occurred, or where intelligence suggests it may occur, a senior police officer may authorise police to stop and search any individual or vehicle for weapons, with or without reasonable suspicion. These authorisations are limited to a particular area for a specific period of time, usually no longer than 24 hours but may be extended to up to 48 hours in certain circumstances.

The operational use of these powers is a matter for individual police forces, based on local intelligence and community needs. Police powers must always be exercised fairly and effectively.
wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_13

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on tackling anti-social car driving. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Ministers and officials meet with their counterparts on a regular basis and discuss a wide range of topics.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for the Government, and a key part of the Safer Streets Mission.

On 25 February 2025, the Crime and Policing Bill was introduced to Parliament. The Bill includes proposals to give the police greater powers to clamp down on all vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizing these vehicles.

On 28 May, the Government launched a 6-week consultation on proposals to allow the police to dispose of seized vehicles which have been used anti-socially from 14 days to 48 hours.

These measures will strengthen the law and send a clear message that antisocial car driving will not be tolerated.