theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_24

Lord Mackinlay of Richborough:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to introduce charges for listed building consent applications. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Planning fees in England are set by the Secretary of State. Local planning authorities cannot charge a fee for listed building consent applications.

Under the government’s proposals for localised fee setting in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the government may continue to prescribe where a fee should not be charged for a particular type of application.

The government intends to consult on the details of localised fee setting later this year.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_25

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth:To ask His Majesty's Government, following comments by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, what assessment they have made of the case for fewer and larger police forces. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: A White Paper will be published later this year including a new national centre of policing which will help drive greater consistency across policing.

We will listen to proposals from local forces on changes that could enhance policing and public safety.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_26

Baroness Lister of Burtersett:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment was made of the impact on children of the decision to freeze the self-catered asylum support rate at £49.18. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office publishes data on asylum seekers in receipt of support, by accommodation type, on a quarterly basis, but this is not broken down by age category.

The level of the allowance given to individuals supported under section 95 and section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 is reviewed each year to ensure it continues to cover essential living needs.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_27

Baroness Lister of Burtersett:To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to publish the outcome of the review of the Adults at Risk in Immigration Detention guidance; and whether they intend to strengthen the safeguards for vulnerable people held in immigration detention. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: External engagement on the review recently concluded and policy officials are currently considering the feedback received on the proposed options. Any further announcements will be made in the normal way in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_28

Lord McColl of Dulwich:To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to the report Reasonable grounds decisions in the NRM – who has been impacted by the change to the decision-making threshold?, published by Justice and Care, what assessment they have made of the impact of the increased evidential requirements for positive reasonable grounds decisions on the ability of adult potential modern slavery victims to access specialist support. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: All NRM decisions are made on an individual basis, carried out by trained specialist decision-makers in the Competent Authorities, in line with the Modern Slavery Statutory Guidance for England and Wales (under section 49 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015) and the non-statutory guidance for Scotland and Northern Ireland. The guidance is underpinned by The Slavery and Human Trafficking Definition of Victim Regulations 2022 and in accordance with the UK's international legal obligations.

We recognise the challenges associated with the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and have made significant strides to implement changes. This Government recruited 200 new staff to clear the NRM decision backlog and as of March 2025, the backlog is now less than half the size it was at its worst in 2022.

On 30 April this year, we also published our improved and simplified NRM referral form following extensive feedback from over 450 stakeholders. The new referral form will improve the quality of referrals, better reflect victims’ experiences, and support more informed and consistent decision-making.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_29

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government whether their forthcoming food strategy will include a commitment to establish a food partnership in every local authority area by 2030, with opportunities for young people to be involved from the outset. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The food strategy will articulate the outcomes we want from the food system enabling the Government, civil society, and the food industry work to shared goals and priorities. Local and place-based approaches will have a key role to play in delivery of these outcomes. We will continue to work with partners across the food system as we develop our approach.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_30

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government whether every person who has served a prison sentence as a result of a wrongful conviction is eligible for financial compensation. \p Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede: Individuals who have had their conviction quashed in an out of time appeal following a qualifying miscarriage of justice are eligible to apply for compensation through the Miscarriage of Justice Application Service (MOJAS). S.133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 sets out the circumstances in which the Government will provide compensation under this scheme. Under subsection 1ZA, compensation will only be awarded if the conviction has been overturned as a result of a new or newly discovered fact that shows beyond reasonable doubt that the person did not commit the offence.

MOJAS compensation is just one route by which someone whose conviction is quashed can receive compensation, with other options including making a civil claim based on malicious prosecution or misfeasance in a public office, for example.

The Miscarriage of Justice Support Service which is part of Citizens Advice and funded by HM Prison and Probation Service, also provides support to all individuals who have had their conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal. They are able to support with accessing accommodation, benefits and signposting to psychological support.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_31

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Trader Support Service procurement process includes assessment of bidders' previous contract performance. \p Lord Livermore: The Trader Support Services contract is being procured in compliance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. As part of its procurement process, HMRC rigorously assesses any bidders and proposed contracts to ensure their suitability to deliver this service.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_32

Baroness Neville-Rolfe:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of the increase in employer National Insurance contributions and of the tax changes in the Autumn Budget 2024 on private sector investment. \p Lord Livermore: Forecasting the economy, including the impact of Government policy decisions, is the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

The OBR does not routinely publish estimates of the impact of individual policy measures on private sector investment. The October 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook – in particular paragraphs 3.67 to 3.73 – discuss the impact of the Budget package as a whole on the economy. [1]

[1] You can access the link to the October 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook here: https://obr.uk/efo/economic-and-fiscal-outlook-october-2024/
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_33

Lord Leigh of Hurley:To ask His Majesty's Government what impact assessments they have carried out in relation to a wealth tax. \p Lord Livermore: The Government is committed to making sure the wealthiest in our society pay their fair share of tax. That is why the Chancellor announced a series of reforms at the Budget in 2024 to help fix the public finances in as fair a way as possible.  These and other decisions announced at the Budget in 2024 will help repair the public finances and fund public services such as the NHS and education.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_34
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a potential wealth tax on the number of UK residents leaving the UK. \p Lord Livermore: The Government is committed to making sure the wealthiest in our society pay their fair share of tax. That is why the Chancellor announced a series of reforms at the Budget in 2024 to help fix the public finances in as fair a way as possible.  These and other decisions announced at the Budget in 2024 will help repair the public finances and fund public services such as the NHS and education.

Successful businesses and entrepreneurs who create jobs and wealth are the driving engine of the Government’s mission to increase economic growth. We will support them to succeed.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

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Baroness Coffey:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk of bookmakers promoting more harmful online gaming products over sports betting as a result of the proposed Remote Betting and Gaming Duty. \p Lord Livermore: The Government is consulting on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three taxes that cover remote gambling, including online gambling, into one. The Government welcomes views from stakeholders as part of the consultation process.

The Government will consider all evidence provided as part of the consultation before taking a final decision on the proposed reform.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_36

Lord Blencathra:To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking against those responsible for Network Rail mistakenly cutting down 300 trees in Derbyshire. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: The government is not taking action against Network Rail for trees removed on the Midland Main Line between Wingfield and Clay Cross. All the vegetation managed in this area was to ensure the safe operation of trains on the track. Any trees within 6.5m of the line and any capable of falling within 4m of the track were either removed or reduced in size. Dead, dying and diseased trees (some with the fungal infection Ash Dieback), as well as healthy trees which were obstructing the view of train conductors and drivers, were cut back or managed due to the risk they posed to the safe operation of the railway. This was done in line with Network Rail’s tree risk assessment model.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-22 conversation_37

Baroness Lister of Burtersett:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the reply of the Minister for Social Security and Disability, on 3 February (HC Deb col 549), when they intend to set out (1) the terms of reference of that review into Universal Credit, and (2) details of how it will be taken forward. \p Baroness Sherlock: This Government is committed to ensuring Universal Credit is fit for the future so that it drives up living standards, reduces poverty and makes work pay. Through this work, the Universal Credit review is considering the support across three themes:

We have not published terms of reference for the review, allowing us to take a flexible approach, shaped by the people with direct experience of Universal Credit. We are continuing to work with stakeholders so they are able to set out their concerns about Universal Credit as well as make suggestions about where it could be improved.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-08-11 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-08-11 conversation_1

Lord Patten:To ask His Majesty's Government how many people applied for legal consultation under the Detained Duty Advice Scheme in the last 12 months; and how many people received such legal advice. \p Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede: The requested information is not centrally held.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-08-11 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-08-11 conversation_2

Baroness Sugg:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights by providing funding to strengthen grassroots organisations. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK Government strongly values the work of grassroots organisations in improving access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in their communities and countries, especially in the context of growing international pushback on women and girls' rights. On World AIDS Day in December 2024, the Prime Minister announced the Grassroots and Counter Rollback Programme. This programme will strengthen local and national civil society organisations, movements and their networks. This will support SRHR in their own communities and countries, and build efforts in the front line facing intensified international pushback against SRHR. It will focus on neglected issues, such as safe abortion, and marginalised groups, whose rights and access to services are often denied or curtailed.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_1

Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government how many people are employed or contracted to work by (1) the Trader Support Service, (2) the Movement Assistance Scheme, and (3) any other services or schemes providing support and assistance in relation to trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Government is committed to supporting industry in moving goods smoothly between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Support to industry is offered through schemes such as the Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS) and the Trader Support Service (TSS). The costs of the MAS, TSS and Digital Assistance Scheme (DAS) are set out below:

FY 2020/21

FY2021/22

FY2022/23

FY2023/24

FY2024/25

MAS

£3.53 million

£9.78 million

£8.75 million

£9.64 million

£8.30 million (up to 30/01/2025)

TSS

£100.62 million

£148.80 million

£114.68 million

£105.19 million

£73.18 million (up to 30/01/2025)

DAS

£3.45 million

£13.73 million

£16.6 million

£18.4 million

£15.2 million (up to 28/02/2025)

In addition to the MAS, TSS, and DAS, the Government awarded £1.4m in grants from the Transitional Labelling Financial Assistance Scheme in FY2023/24.

The budget for the MAS currently covers the following FTE staff: 18.5 in Animal and Plant Health Agency, 2.0 in the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and 1.0 contractor. The TSS is overseen by HMRC and operated by a consortium led by a private contractor. There are currently 267 FTE staff employed by the consortium. Figures on the number of staff working on the Transitional Labelling Financial Assistance Scheme and Digital Assistance Scheme are not available, as these cannot be disaggregated from the wider teams in which they worked.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_2

Lord Booth:To ask His Majesty's Government how many arm's-length bodies they have set up since the General Election in July 2024, and what estimate they have made of the annual cost of each of these bodies. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The Cabinet Office maintains records and oversight of formally established Arm’s Length Bodies. There are a number of Arm’s Length Bodies currently going through the process of being established. No new ALBs have been formally established since 4 July 2024.

In a speech last week, the Prime Minister also announced that the Government is committed to cutting bureaucracy across the state, in order to focus government on the priorities of working people and shift money to the frontline. As part of this, the Prime Minister announced the abolition of the arms-length body NHS England.

The Chancellor has also announced a new approach to ensure regulators and regulation support growth, including by simplifying regulatory structures. As we approach the 2025 Spending Review, Departments will be considering where there may be benefits from merging, consolidating or rationalising the regulators they sponsor. We have already announced that we will consolidate the Payment Systems Regulator, primarily within the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and consolidate the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority, the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and the Director of Labour Market Enforcement into the Fair Work Agency (FWA)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_3

Baroness Finn:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the House of Lords Appointments Commission guidance on political donations, dated December 2019, was signed off by a Minister; and if so, which Minister approved it. \p Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent: The House of Lords Appointments Commission is an independent, advisory non-departmental body of the Cabinet Office. The guidance on political donations was approved by the Commission in December 2019 as an internal document for members. It was subsequently published in January 2022 as a result of a Decision Notice by the Information Commissioner following a previous Freedom of Information request.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_4

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of the 2024–25 UK aid package for Sudan is allocated to Blue Nile State; and whether they will provide targeted humanitarian assistance to displaced communities in the state before the arrival of the 2025 rainy season. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is the most severe globally and it has generated significant levels of forced displacement within Sudan and across the region. The already dire humanitarian context will worsen with the onset of the coming rainy season. This financial year, the UK will provide £226.5 million in life-saving aid towards the crisis. Since the conflict started more than 2.5 million people have received UK funded humanitarian aid. The UK is supporting a range of humanitarian actors, including UN agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross, who are delivering aid throughout the country. In 2024, the UK was the third largest donor to the UN's Sudan response plan which provided urgent support in Blue Nile State and other locations. We are unable to provide more detailed information about the extent of UK aid provided to communities in Blue Nile State. The UK is doing all it can to increase the scale and reach of life-saving aid to those in need in Sudan.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_5

The Lord Bishop of Leeds:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of freedom of religion or belief in Iraq; and what steps they are taking to support freedom of religion or belief in Iraq. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK is committed to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all. We demonstrate this through our engagement, both multilaterally and bilaterally. For example, earlier this month, UK Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith MP, attended the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council and met with counterparts to discuss key issues.

In Iraq, we recognise that continued insecurity is challenging for its religious and ethnic minorities. Through our diplomatic presence, we regularly raise FoRB with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government. We also support civil society groups to freely advocate on behalf of minority groups.

FoRB-specific goals are also threaded throughout British Embassy Baghdad's and British Consulate General Erbil's programme work. We are careful to ensure that these focus on local cohesion and minimise the risk of inadvertently exacerbating community divisions.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_6

Baroness Helic:To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with American and European counterparts regarding reports of a deepening security crisis in the Western Balkans; and what assessment they have made of the implications for UK and European security. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: Stability in the Western Balkans is important for UK and European security. Minister Doughty visited Montenegro and Serbia in January, where he discussed developments in the region with leaders. We continue to cooperate closely with our European and American partners. The UK hosted a meeting of 'Quint' (UK, US, France, Germany, Italy plus the European External Action Service (EEAS), European Commission and NATO) representatives in London on 26-27 February 2025 and discussions included the security implications of recent developments in the Western Balkans. The appointment of Dame Karen Pierce as the new Special Envoy and the UK hosting of the Berlin Process will be important opportunities to expand cooperation with our partners in the Western Balkans to help drive regional economic growth and tackle the common challenge of irregular migration.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_7

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 30 January (HL3712), what progress has been made in releasing funds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine, and what consideration they have given to using such funds for the needs of children who have been abducted by Russia. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The Government is working hard to ensure the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as quickly as possible, in line with the UK's unilateral declaration; UK officials continue to hold discussions with Mr Abramovich's representatives, experts and international partners, and we are doubling down on our efforts to reach a resolution. Separately, supporting Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported remains a priority for this government. We have raised this issue at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the UN and the Human Rights Council. The UK participated in the most recent meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and continues to work closely with the Ukrainian government. In November, we announced a third round of sanctions targeting those attempting to forcibly deport and indoctrinate Ukrainian children.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_8

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to discuss linking the respective emissions trading schemes of the UK and the European Union at the UK–EU leaders' summit on 19 May. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government has committed to improving the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the EU, and tackle unnecessary barriers to trade. Under the terms of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), the UK Government and EU agreed to cooperate on carbon pricing and give serious consideration to linking respective emissions trading schemes (ETSs). Ahead of the UK-EU Summit on the 19th May, the UK Government is actively considering the case for linking ETSs. This does not prejudge the outcome of any potential discussions with the EU on ETS linking.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_9

Lord Roborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of qualified and practising vets in the UK required to ensure that biosecurity regulations can be fully enforced. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Biosecurity can be deployed in multiple settings, it could be by Government vets in a field/lab setting, farm animal vets, or even an expectation for risk mitigation via biosecurity for all vets.

Defra appreciates the incredibly valuable work completed by veterinarians and recognise their essential role in achieving our ambitious goals of upholding high standards of animal welfare, supporting trade, and safeguarding public health and food security. The Government acknowledges the high demand for veterinary services and is working collaboratively across departments and with the profession to explore additional measures that will ensure sufficient staffing levels to support and sustain the sector effectively.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_10

Baroness Gale:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to phase out the use of cages for farmed animals and to explore introducing animal welfare labelling, following the European Commission's recent announcement on these measures. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: We remain firmly committed to maintaining and improving animal welfare and want to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards.

The use of cages and other close confinement systems for farmed animals is an issue which we are currently considering very carefully.

A public consultation on fairer food labelling was undertaken between March and May 2024 by the previous Government. We are now carefully considering all responses before deciding on next steps and will respond to this consultation in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_11

Lord Black of Brentwood:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have responded to the letter sent to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by the Low-Welfare Act Coalition, dated 19 February, concerning the implementation of the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023; and if so, whether they will publish that correspondence. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government has received the Low-Welfare Act Coalition’s open letter dated 19 February and a reply will be shared with representatives of the coalition shortly.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_12

Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate:To ask His Majesty's Government how many conservation covenant agreements under section 117(3)(b) and (c) of the Environment Act 2021 have been made since that Act came into force. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Conservation covenants are private, voluntary agreements between a landowner and a designated responsible body. Under section 136 of the Environment Act 2021, a designated responsible body must make an annual return to the Secretary of State. This return must include the number of conservation covenants under which an obligation was owed to the responsible body during the reporting period, along with the area of land to which each covenant relates. The deadline for responsible bodies to submit their first annual return to Defra is 31 March 2025.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_13

Lord Sikka:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to remarks by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 29 January (HL Deb col 251), what is the breakdown of the £150 million in fines issued to water companies since 2015. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Environment Agency prosecutes Water and Sewerage Companies (and the courts hand down fines) for environmental offences under the Environmental Permitting Regulations and other offences including polluting discharges to water and land, breaches of environmental permit conditions and obstruction of investigations.

Below is a breakdown of the 150 million in fines issued to water companies since 2015, as mentioned in Baroness Hayman of Ullock’s remarks on 29 January.

Water and Sewerage Company

Sum of Total Fine (£)

Anglian Water

£5,475,000.00

Northumbrian Water

£807,000.00

Severn Trent Water

£4,056,000.00

South West Water

£3,406,834.00

Southern Water

£92,024,000.00

Thames Water

£37,721,000.00

United Utilities Water

£2,816,000.00

Yorkshire Water

£4,678,750.00

Grand Total

£150,984,584.00
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_14

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government when the range of contaminants assessed for disposal at sea was last reviewed, and whether there is a regular programme for review. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: There is no limit to which contaminants can be recommended for analysis for applications for disposal at sea. Cefas – the agency that provides contaminant sampling advice – primarily uses the OSPAR Guidelines for the Management of Dredged Material at Sea (Agreement 2014-06, Updated 2024). The testing of Primary List contaminants will be recommended for most applications, whilst Secondary List contaminants will also be recommended in some applications, where considered relevant. Ultimately recommendations are based on likelihood of adverse effects and practicality considerations. The OSPAR Expert Assessment Panel on Dredged Material last reviewed these lists for the update of the Agreement in 2024. The UK has convened several Action Level Reviews against which contaminants are assessed (in 2003, 2005, 2015 and 2020).
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_15

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government when they will include bioassays and biotoxicity tests in assessments of samples for disposal at sea. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The OSPAR guidelines allow for the use of effect response analyses (such as bioassays). These are not commonly recommended by Cefas largely due to the costs and additional time implications of the analyses which would be incurred by applicants. However, if it was identified that such tests would be useful for a weight of evidence in a specific case, they could be requested or considered if an applicant wished to provide them. Cefas is considering the use of ‘Microtox’ bioassay testing as a potential option for characterising dredged material, in such instances.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_16

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to align the assessment of the levels of contaminants that can be disposed of at sea with the best practices of other countries. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: We do not have any plans to change the formal Action Levels for contaminants at this time. However, when assessing levels of contaminants that can be disposed of at sea, Defra bodies follow international OSPAR guidelines to protect the environment. Cefas use the best available evidence when providing advice on dredged contaminants, which may draw on best practice from other countries. The MMO will consider this advice when determining a dredging licence application. We will continue to work with stakeholders to improve our evidence base on the environmental and economic impacts of Action Levels, and to explore options to manage any impacts.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_17

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have a timetable for the monitoring of all marine disposal sites. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Marine Management Organisation, in conjunction with Cefas, run an annual Disposal Site Monitoring project and identify a list of disposal sites for monitoring each year, ensuring that no area is left without monitoring. Disposal can be redirected to a specific site if there are particular concerns regarding that site.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_18

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government when the range of contaminants monitored at sea disposal sites was last updated; and whether there is a programme to update the range of monitored contaminants. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The range of contaminants monitored at sea disposal sites is not a standardised list. Rather, the choice of which contaminants to monitor is based on a review of each year’s licenced disposals and considering the OSPAR Guidelines for the Management of Dredged Material at Sea (Agreement 2014-06. Updated 2024). Primary List contaminants (Technical Annex I) may be analysed for at disposal sites while Secondary List contaminants can also sometimes be analysed for. Monitoring also adheres to the OSPAR Coordinated Environment Monitoring Programme Guidelines for the assessment of dumping and placement of waste and other matter at sea (Agreement 2017-04). Other analyses such as benthic infauna and bathymetry surveys may also be undertaken, as appropriate.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_19

Lord Sikka:To ask His Majesty's Government how many sub-postmasters wrongfully convicted because of flawed Horizon computer evidence are yet to have their convictions overturned, and to receive compensation. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: All convictions which met the conditions of the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Act 2024 (and that were not overturned by the Courts prior to the legislation coming into effect) were overturned at the point of Royal Assent.

As of 28 February 2025, all 111 individuals on the Overturned Convictions scheme had received an interim payment, of which 68 individuals had reached a full and final settlement. On the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme, 407 individuals had received an interim payment, of which 273 individuals had reached a full and final settlement.[1]

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/post-office-horizon-financial-redress-data-for-2025/post-office-horizon-financial-redress-data-as-of-28-february-2025
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_20

Lord Farmer:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hanson of Flint on 25 February (HL5010), what plans they have to extend the Palace of Westminster controlled area created initially by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 so that the section of pavement adjoining both the Great George Street government offices and the section of the A302 that forms the north side of Parliament Square, rather than only the vehicular access points within that area, is subject to the same restrictions on amplified noise as the rest of Parliament Square. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government keeps its public order legislation under constant review and where gaps are identified we will seek to address them.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_21

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk that Falun Gong practitioners in the UK, including Shen Yen performers, are subjected to transnational repression by the government of China, and what plans they have to support Falun Gong practitioners. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government is committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief, including protecting the rights of Falun Gong Practitioners and their performance group, Shen Yun.

We continually assess potential threats in the UK, and take protection of individuals' rights, freedoms, and safety in the UK very seriously. Any attempt by any foreign state to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated.

We have a broad suite of powers to counter foreign interference, including those actions which amount to transnational repression. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to keep people safe.

On 4 March 2025, the Security Minister announced a new package of training which will allow frontline police officers and staff to increase their understanding of the threats that foreign powers present. This training will increase law enforcement's ability to detect criminal activity which may be state-directed, and strengthen public confidence in the UK's response.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_22

Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge:To ask His Majesty's Government what safeguards are in place to prevent access to intimate images when public authorities gain access to iCloud under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office does not comment on operational matters, including for example confirming or denying the existence of any notices. This has been the longstanding position of successive UK Governments for reasons of national security.

The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 contains numerous safeguards including independent oversight, to ensure data is only requested on an exceptional basis and when strictly necessary and proportionate.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_23

Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton:To ask His Majesty's Government what definition they use for "family members" in the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill. \p Lord Coaker: The full definition of ‘relevant family members’ for the purposes of this Bill will be included in secondary legislation. This is being done to mirror the approach taken elsewhere in legislation relating to the Armed Forces.

A draft of the definition of ‘relevant family members’ will be shared with Peers as part of Committee Stage in the House of Lords, scheduled for 19, 24 and 26 March 2025.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_24

Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government how much they have recovered from fraudulent benefit claimants in each year since 2021 and what percentage this represents of the total amount of benefit fraud in each year. \p Baroness Sherlock: The table below shows total volume of overpayment classified as Fraud (i.e. proven by conviction or admission) by financial year.

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

Recovery of overpayments classified as Fraud

£46.50m

£44.33m

£42.89m

Data for what percentage this represents of the total amount of benefit fraud is not available because recoveries in a year do not represent recoveries from fraud committed that year.

The figures provided above only include recovery of overpayments from proven fraud, that is where a claimant has been successfully prosecuted or accepted an administrative penalty. Many other overpayments are likely to be fraudulent but have not specifically been designated as either fraud or error and as such are not included here.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_25

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of new house building, and what plans they have to aid the development of new homes. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: We have recommitted in our Plan for Change to deliver 1.5m homes over this Parliament to solve the housing crisis and boost economic growth.

This government has inherited an acute housing crisis and has taken urgent action to fix this, including through bold planning reform and an £800m top up to the current Affordable Homes Programme.

Housing delivery, particularly major developments, takes time, so we expect housing supply to ramp up over the parliamentary term as our changes take effect.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_26

Baroness Eaton:To ask His Majesty's Government what definition they use for green belt land, and grey belt land. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: Land is Green Belt if designated as such in the Local Plan. The purposes of Green Belt and the definition of grey belt are set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (12 December 2024).
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_27

Lord Jamieson:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations the government of China or its representatives have made relating to the latest planning application for the Chinese Embassy, prior to and after the Secretary of State's call-in decision, and on what dates. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: MHCLG has not received any representations on this matter from the government of China or its representatives.

Representations made to the public inquiry are routinely listed at the end of the Inspector's Report.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_28

Baroness Pidgeon:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 4 March (HL5172), what is the latest status for safeguarding the revised route for Crossrail 2; and what is the timescale. \p Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill: Although development of Crossrail 2 was paused in 2020, the route remains safeguarded to protect it from conflicting development. There are currently no plans to update the safeguarding.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_29

Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect the safety and security of the judiciary in the normal course of their duties in family and other court settings. \p Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede: Judicial security is paramount in enabling our independent judges to carry out their vital work freely and impartially. There are robust court security and safety systems in place to protect the judiciary and all court users from individuals and groups threatening violence or aggression. HMCTS has reviewed and refreshed physical security measures over the past year in partnership with the judiciary and is participating in the Security Taskforce newly created by the Lady Chief Justice.

These include controls to detect and prevent such threats. Specific measures include CCTV, alarms and access control systems. Court users are also subject to a security search on entry to detect and confiscate potential weapons, with Court Security Officers exercising powers to exclude, restrain and remove individuals or groups threatening violence.

These arrangements are continuously reviewed to ensure security is as effective as reasonably practicable. Throughout the upcoming financial year, the Government is investing an additional £22 million to deliver a programme of measures to further strengthen court and hearing room security arrangements. These include providing additional Court Security Officers and physical security systems to further reduce risks.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-03-20 conversation_30

Lord Garnier:To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Annual Statement on Prison Capacity: 2024, published December 2024 (CP 1220), whether they plan to publish the underlying data behind the projections in Figures 1 and 2, which show how the measures to address the rising prison population are predicted to impact the demand on the adult prison estate and the capacity outlook. \p Lord Timpson: The Government has committed to legislating to make laying the Annual Statement on Prison Capacity before Parliament a statutory requirement in the future, when parliamentary time allows.

Figures 1 and 2 in the Annual Statement show future demand and supply for prison places. The underlying data for the prison population projections in these figures is published annually and can be found here: Prison Population Projections: 2024 to 2029 - GOV.UK. The statistical tables in this publication include the data used for the prison population line in Figures 1 and 2 of the Annual Statement.

The supply projections underpinning Figures 1 and 2 were published for the first time in the Annual Statement. Further details, including a breakdown of prison place types and expected delivery dates, can be found in the 10-year capacity strategy, attached.

10-year capacity strategy (pdf, 1041.6KB)