theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps her Department is taking to support seasonal businesses in Fylde constituency. \p James Murray: The Government recognises the important role that seasonal businesses play in Fylde, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

At the Budget the Government implemented a range of fiscal measures that benefit businesses in Fylde. These included:

Looking forward on business rates, we intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality & leisure properties with rateable values under £500,000, from April 2026.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions her Department has had with the National Cyber Security Centre on (a) long-term contract costs and (b) cybersecurity implications of awarding government-wide data infrastructure work to Palantir Technologies. \p Darren Jones: The National Cyber Security Centre is part of GCHQ, and works closely with the rest of Government to improve the cyber security of critical infrastructure and systems.

It is HMG policy not to comment on the details of the Single Intelligence Account, including contract costs and conversations with HMT.
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Laurence Turner:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 11 November 2024 to Question 12091 on Prisons: Staff, when she plans to conclude the review of the guidance on the New Fair Deal. \p Darren Jones: The Government confirmed on 14 November 2024 that New Fair Deal was extended to further education bodies that operate in the statutory sector. The change applies from the date of the announcement and applies to tendering and outsourcing exercises that were in progress on that date, where the transfer of staff had not yet been concluded. This includes the tender for prison education services referenced in the answer of 11 November 2024 to Question 12091 on Prisons: Staff.
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Dave Doogan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 16 June 2025 to Question 59132 on Intelligence Services: Finance, whether the provision of 2.5% of GDP on defence spending includes spending on the increase to the Single Intelligence Account. \p Darren Jones: The Prime Minister announced in February 2025 that NATO-qualifying defence spending will increase to 2.6% in 2027 through a reduction in ODA funding, and, in line with practice among our allies, recognising the contribution of our intelligence and security services to the defence of our nation. The SIA budget will be fully NATO qualifying from 27-28.

The inclusion of departmental spending that falls under NATO qualifying defence spending definitions will continue to be periodically reviewed in line with NATO guidance.
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Dave Doogan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the planned increase of £13.4 billion in annual defence spending by the 2027-28 financial year includes previously announced funding of (a) £150 million for national security and (b) £4.5 billion for the Single Intelligence Account in the 2025-26 financial year. \p Darren Jones: The Prime Minister announced in February 2025 that NATO-qualifying defence spending will increase to 2.6% in 2027. This will be achieved through an increase in funding from a reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from 0.5% to 0.3% Gross National Income, and, in line with practice among our allies, recognising the contribution of our intelligence and security services to the defence of our nation.

The inclusion of other departmental spending that falls under NATO qualifying defence spending definitions will continue to be periodically reviewed in line with NATO guidance.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing tax relief for pensioners undertaking unpaid caregiving responsibilities. \p James Murray: This Government is committed to supporting pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement, including those who are unpaid carers.

The Government has launched an independent commission, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey, to start a national conversation about what care and support working age adults, older people, and their families expect from adult social care, including exploring the needs of unpaid carers who provide vital care and support.

Providing tax relief for pensioners undertaking unpaid caregiving responsibilities would not benefit those earning under the Personal Allowance, and would have a cost at a time when the Government has already had to take a number of difficult but necessary decisions on tax, welfare, and spending to restore economic stability, fix the public finances, and support public services.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59297 on Civil Servants, if she will make an assessment of the reasons for which the number of people employed in Northern Ireland is smaller than in England, Scotland and Wales. \p Emma Reynolds: The distribution across the United Kingdom, of Civil Servants employed as Government Social Researchers, is comparable to the distribution across the United Kingdom of the wider Civil Service.

Excluding those on the Fast Stream programme, Government Social Researchers are all directly employed by Departments, Devolved Administrations, and other UK Civil Service organisations.

They are recruited on the basis of demand from individual Departments, Devolved Administrations, and other UK Civil Service organisations, to employ Government Social Researchers.

The regional distribution of the Civil Service reflects the diverse functions and geographic locations of government departments and agencies.
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Mark Garnier:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on (a) potential changes to the threshold at which the Soft Drinks Industry Levy starts and (b) the potential impact of that levy on (i) the economy and (ii) her fiscal policy. \p James Murray: His Majesty’s Treasury engages with the Department for Business and Trade at ministerial and official level on a range of issues.

The Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) is central to the Government’s strategy for reducing rates of obesity, and helping to secure the fit and healthy population that is essential for a thriving economy.

After SDIL was announced, the average sugar content of soft drinks in scope of the levy fell 46% between 2015 and 2020. These positive health outcomes have been achieved without a negative impact on soft drink sales, with sales of drinks subject to the levy increasing by 21% over the same period.

The Government is currently consulting on proposals to strengthen SDIL.

Any changes to the levy will be announced at a future fiscal event, with costings certified by the Office of Budget Responsibility as standard.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 10 October 2024 to Question 5278 on Cabinet Office: Departmental responsibilities, whether he plans to further transfer Cabinet Office functions or agencies to other departments. \p Georgia Gould: In addition to the Machinery of Government changes set out in the Answer of 10 October 2024 to Question 5278, there have been two further Written Ministerial Statements on changes which affect the Cabinet Office:

On 17 January 2025, it was announced that responsibility for all of the Infrastructure and Project Authority’s functions and responsibilities, including the Government’s project delivery expertise and functions, and assurance reviews for the Government’s largest projects, will move from the Cabinet Office to HM Treasury.

On 3 June 2025, it was announced that responsibility for government and public sector cyber security will move from the Cabinet Office to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Any other such changes would be announced in the normal way.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to lay a new Official Statistics Order to include the Passenger Standards Authority. \p Georgia Gould: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 16th June is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 90.5KB)
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question HL6032 on Arms Length Bodies, what the target date is for each of those bodies listed in the answer to be operational. \p Georgia Gould: The Cabinet Office does not centrally estimate, nor hold information on when proposed arm’s-length bodies will be operational. Departments are responsible for setting target dates for the establishment of their proposed new bodies.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to establish a social value council. \p Georgia Gould: The Government is determined to ensure the £385 billion of public money spent on public procurement annually delivers economic growth, supports small businesses, champions innovation, creates good jobs and skills opportunities across the country, and maximises social value.

To build on progress made to date and the Government’s new National Procurement Policy Statement, we will consult with stakeholders on further reforms to public procurement to drive economic growth and support jobs and skills.
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Dr Ben Spencer:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister uses large language model software to help in drafting his social media posts. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: No, the Prime Minister does not use large language model software to help in drafting social media posts.
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Dave Doogan:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to extend his definition of national security to include (a) airport infrastructure, (b) broadband, (c) food, (d) energy and water infrastructure and (e) climate security. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The National Security Strategy 2025, published on 24 June, sets out the UK’s approach to national security. It states that we will enhance the resilience of our critical national infrastructure, as well as how we continue to address the challenges of a changing climate. The definition of national security used by the Government is necessarily broad to ensure an appropriate response to the evolving threats faced by the British people.
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Max Wilkinson:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, whether he plans to allow cyber security entrepreneurs to have access to a proportion of the additional funding provided to the Single Intelligence Account for research and development. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: As has been the policy of successive governments, the government does not comment on matters relating to the intelligence agencies.
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Vikki Slade:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions the Office for National Statistics has had with local government stakeholders on the 2031 census. \p Georgia Gould: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon Lady’s Parliamentary Question of 17th June is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 102.9KB)
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, whether the UK will have a veto over new EU laws that apply under dynamic alignment provisions. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The details of new agreements described in the Common Understanding are subject to negotiation. The Common Understanding is clear that where the UK Government decides to align with EU rules as part of an agreement this will give due regard to the UK’s constitutional and Parliamentary procedures. The UK will be involved, as a sovereign nation outside of the European Union, at an early stage and contribute to the decision-shaping process of European Union legal acts.

The Common Understanding does not provide for oversight of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) within Great Britain or Northern Ireland. Instead it provides that the CJEU will have a limited role in assisting an independent arbitration tribunal responsible for deciding a dispute between the UK and the EU, and only where there is dynamic alignment of laws under any future SPS agreement, ETS linking agreement or an electricity agreement. The CJEU does not rule on the substantive outcome of the dispute - that is a matter for the independent arbitration panel.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Cabinet Secretary plans to respond to the correspondence of 15 May 2025 from the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton on the Prime Minister’s and Home Secretary’s visit to Cambridgeshire. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Cabinet Office responded to this letter on 23rd June.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many data breaches his Department has reported to the Information Commissioner's Office under the UK GDPR since 4 July 2024; and what type of information did these breaches relate to. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Cabinet Office has reported eight data breaches to the Information Commissioner since 4 July 2024. The breaches and the data they related to is set out as follows:

Date of breach

Type of information released

12 July 2024

Data relating to the Equality Hub copied to a private email account

26 July 2024

Data errors led to a civil service pension being paid to the wrong individual

20 July 2024

Data errors led to a civil service pension being paid to the wrong individual

10 September 2024

Employee email shared with incorrect recipients

10 March 2025

Vetting data was shared with the incorrect recipient

19 March 2025

An attachment of earnings order was sent to an incorrect recipient

17 April 2025

Ex-staff member retained departmental data on personal email account

19 May 2025

Data published in error as part of Cabinet Office transparency report
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the UK-US trade deal on the (a) culture, (b) media and (c) sport sectors. \p Chris Bryant: The deal does not have direct or immediate implications for the culture, media or sports sectors, but the UK and US have a long mutually beneficial relationship embracing our thriving cultural, media and sports sectors and we will continue to monitor the situation, and take action where needed to protect and promote these sectors' interests.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the contribution of the Highland Games to UK sporting (a) culture and (b) heritage. \p Chris Bryant: DCMS recognises the contribution of the Highland Games to UK sport, culture and heritage but no formal assessment has been made as these areas are devolved to the Scottish Government.

However, we would encourage the Highland Games community to engage with our work on living heritage.

As part of the implementation of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the UK Government is working closely with the Devolved Governments to create inventories for each of the four nations in the UK; these will combine into one inventory of Living Heritage (or Intangible Cultural Heritage) in the UK.

We would welcome a submission from the Highland Games community when we open the call for submissions later this year.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many Radio Teleswitch Service meters are left to be switched off in (a) Shropshire and (b) North Shropshire constituency. \p Michael Shanks: The Department does not hold constituency or county level data on RTS meters. Ofgem data shows that as of 30 May, 314,935 RTS meters remain in premises in Great Britain.

Energy suppliers have contacted all premises with RTS meters and Ofgem is encouraging customers to book an appointment to ensure they are provided with a replacement meter as soon as possible.
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Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much GB Energy has invested in renewable energy projects in each of the nations of the UK. \p Michael Shanks: Great British Energy (GBE) has announced £300 million to invest in offshore wind supply chains, and £700 million to help build manufacturing facilities in the UK. That totals £1 billion in funding, available across all four nations.

GBE is also providing £4.85 million for Scotland, £2.88 million for Wales, and £1.62 million for Northern Ireland to support clean energy projects. This may be combined with existing or new funding from the three governments, which host their own community energy schemes.

In England, GBE is providing £90 million for solar panels on schools and hospitals. A further £10 million is committed for the Mayor Renewables Fund.
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Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the £9.3 million community energy funding for devolved governments announced on 21 March 2025 is funding from GB Energy. \p Michael Shanks: Great British Energy is committed to working with the Devolved Governments to help enhance community energy across the UK, whilst respecting the devolution settlements. £9.3 million is being provided to the devolved governments to support clean energy projects and may be combined with existing or new funding from the three governments to support specific clean energy projects in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This funding is part of the £100m announced in October 2024 to kick-start GBE’s work investing in clean energy project development.
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Noah Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of replicating GB Energy’s investment in hospital rooftop solar for commercial and industrial buildings aligned with the UK’s industrial strategy. \p Michael Shanks: The investment in solar power and complementary decarbonisation technologies totalling £180 million, announced by the Government and Great British Energy (GBE) in March, is for schools and hospitals for the 2025/26 financial year. Beyond 2025/26, we expect future decisions on funding and investment to be made by GBE as it becomes fully operational.

The UK’s overall approach to Net Zero commercial buildings will be set out in the government’s Warm Homes Plan strategy later this year. It will provide long-term regulatory clarity for industry and unlock considerable UK and foreign investment in commercial buildings driving economic growth.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that consumers are not disadvantaged by the RTS switch-off scheduled for 30 June 2025. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: DESNZ has stepped in to ensure there will be a managed and more controlled start of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) phase out from 30 June. People with an RTS meter will not face any unexpected disruption to their heating or hot water at the end of the month.

We urge any customers yet to arrange a replacement for their RTS meter to get in touch with their supplier as soon as possible.
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Adam Dance:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many homes have been upgraded under the Warm Homes Plan in Yeovil constituency as of 16 June 2025. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government is investing £13.2 billion in the Warm Homes Plan over the Spending Review period, in line with the Manifesto commitment. This is a major step forward in the government’s plans to upgrade up to 5 million homes, including those in the Yeovil constituency, over this Parliament and cut energy bills for good. Further detail on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out by October.

The Department publishes Household Energy Efficiency Statistics. The detailed annual reports provide breakdowns of measures installed under various government support schemes. These are available at GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/household-energy-efficiency-national-statistics).

Warm Homes: Local Grant and Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund schemes began in April 2025. Statistics on the delivery of these schemes will be published in due course.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the RTS switch-off on consumers in Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire constituency. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Department and Ofgem have been clear that they expect energy suppliers to promptly arrange suitable replacement metering solutions for their remaining RTS customers.

Suppliers should sufficiently resource themselves to ensure they have installer workforce capacity to replace RTS meters in rural and remote areas including Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire. This could involve measures such as deploying roaming teams of installers in areas with low installer capacity.

Ofgem has consulted on plans to ensure that suppliers must take all reasonable steps to provide an energy tariff that leaves all their customers ‘no worse off’ than before once their RTS meter is replaced.
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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will have discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on support for domestic heating oil consumers, in the content of potential increases in oil prices caused by the conflict between Iran and Israel. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: My Rt. Hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Chancellor of the Exchequer have regular discussions on a range of issues.

We are confident in the UK's security of gas and fuel supply, even in light of geopolitical tensions and the current crisis in the Middle East. The UK benefits from a secure and diverse energy system, which allows us to draw on global gas and fuel supplies, reducing our reliance on any single source. Additionally, despite regional disruptions, global energy markets continue to function, ensuring stability in our supply.
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Adam Dance:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what targets his Department has for upgrading homes in Yeovil Constituency through the warm Homes Programme in the next two years. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government is investing £13.2bn in the Warm Homes Plan over the Spending Review period, in line with the Manifesto commitment. This is a major step forward in the government’s plans to upgrade up to 5 million homes, including those in the Yeovil constituency, over this Parliament and cut energy bills for good.

Further detail on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out by October, including additional funding allocations for the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and Warm Homes: Local Grant.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of roads in (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) Nottinghamshire and (c) England are deemed to be in poor condition. \p Lilian Greenwood: In the financial year ending March 2024, the percentage of Local A roads and motorways in Nottinghamshire where maintenance should have been considered was 3%, B and C roads was 4%, and unclassified roads was 35%. For the same period, in England, the percentage of Local A roads and motorways where maintenance should have been considered was 4%, B and C roads was 7%, and unclassified roads was 17%. The Department does not hold information of the condition of roads for Ashfield constituency.
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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to ensure that all taxi drivers undertake safeguarding training. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport’s statutory guidance, published in 2020, to licensing authorities on how they should use their powers to protect children and vulnerable adults recommends that they should require taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to undertake safeguarding training. Licensing authorities must have regard to the statutory guidance, and we expect the recommendations to be implemented unless there is a compelling local reason not to. As of 1 April 2024, 96% of licensing authorities in England required the taxi and private hire vehicle drivers they license to undergo awareness training on child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation. We are currently reviewing licensing authorities’ compliance with existing DfT guidance and will hold those who do not follow it to account.

In response to the recommendation made in Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Report in respect of taxis and private hire vehicles, my department has committed to legislate to address the important issues raised in the report, tackling the inconsistent standards of taxi and private hire vehicle driver licensing. We are working quickly to consider all options, including national standards, seeking the best overall outcomes for passenger safety. It is highly likely that any national standards would be subject to consultation, with the existing statutory guidance recommendations, including safeguarding training for drivers, providing the starting point for any future national standards.
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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to ensure that only taxis regulated in a specific (a) combined authority or (b) local authority area will be able to pick up customers from that area. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport will legislate to address the important issues raised in the report, tackling the inconsistent standards of taxi and private hire vehicle driver licensing. We will work as quickly as possible and consider all options – including out of area working, national standards and enforcement – seeking the best overall outcomes for passenger safety.

In the interim we will act urgently to make improvements, including consulting on making local transport authorities, including combined authorities, responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing, and determining how existing statutory guidance can be strengthened to further protect the public. We are also reviewing authorities’ compliance with existing guidance and will hold those who do not follow it to account.

Some important protections have already been put in place since earlier inquiries into Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. All licensing authorities in England now undertake extensive driver background checks, and since 2023 they are required to use a single database to prevent a driver refused a licence in one area on safety grounds going elsewhere. Careful consideration of the options is needed as we do not want any change to decrease the availability of highly vetted licensed drivers and vehicles and inadvertently increase the use of those offering illegal services that evade these licensing checks.
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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of transport infrastructure investment announced in the Spending Review 2025 on Surrey. \p Simon Lightwood: We are yet to announce the regional allocations for the majority of the transport funding announced in the Spending Review. This will be announced in due course. We have informed Surrey County Council of their allocation of the Local Transport Grant which is £38.19 million for the period from April 2026 to April 2030 for local transport improvements.
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Sarah Hall:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to Recommendation 11 of the National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Report, published on 16 June 2025, what legislative proposals her Department is developing to standardise taxi and private hire vehicle licensing across local authorities; and what steps she is taking to prevent the use of out of area taxis. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport will legislate to address the important issues raised in the report, tackling the inconsistent standards of taxi and private hire vehicle driver licensing. We will work as quickly as possible and consider all options – including out of area working, national standards and enforcement – seeking the best overall outcomes for passenger safety.

In the interim we will act urgently to make improvements, including consulting on making local transport authorities responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing, and determining how existing statutory guidance can be strengthened to further protect the public. We are also reviewing authorities’ compliance with existing guidance and will hold those who do not follow it to account.

Some important protections have already been put in place since earlier inquiries into Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. All licensing authorities in England now undertake extensive driver background checks, and since 2023 they are required to use a single database to prevent a driver refused a licence in one area on safety grounds going elsewhere. Careful consideration of the options is needed as we do not want any change to decrease the availability of highly vetted licensed drivers and vehicles and inadvertently increase the use of those offering illegal services that evade these licensing checks.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 38692 on Whitchurch (Shropshire) Station: Access, when a decision on whether Whitchurch Station will proceed under the Access for All programme will be made. \p Simon Lightwood: This government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

In May 2024, the previous government selected 50 stations for initial feasibility work for potential upgrades as part of our Access for All programme. This included Whitchurch railway station. We are in the early stages of understanding the full implications of the Spending Review for Access for All and other rail projects and will engage with stakeholders in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_307

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress she has made on (a) design finalisation, (b) contract award and (c) surveys for the Whitchurch step-free access project. \p Simon Lightwood: This government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

In May 2024, the previous government selected 50 stations for initial feasibility work for potential upgrades as part of our Access for All programme. This included Whitchurch railway station. We are in the early stages of understanding the full implications of the Spending Review for Access for All and other rail projects and will engage with stakeholders in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_308

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 37330 on Gobowen-Oswestry Railway Line, if her Department will confirm whether the Oswestry-Gobowen scheme is included in the Spending Review 2025 and (b) by what date a decision on (i) funding and (ii) operator consultation will be made. \p Simon Lightwood: While some key schemes have already been referenced by the Chancellor following the Spending Review, we are now finalising the wider portfolio of rail enhancements, which will be published shortly as part of the Government’s commitment to set out its overall infrastructure pipeline.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_309

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will commission a review into the (a) management arrangements and (b) maintenance outcomes on non-trunk A roads that cross multiple local authority areas. \p Lilian Greenwood: It is the responsibility of local highway authorities to maintain the highways network in their area, as per section 41 of the Highways Act 1980.

However, the Government is determined to end the pothole plague on our roads, which is the result of a decade of under-investment by the previous Government. We have provided an extra £500 million for councils this year to allow them to make an immediate start on this.

To qualify for their share of the £500m funding uplift, local highway authorities will have to publish a report in plain English on their websites by the end of June, detailing the condition of their local roads, how much they are spending on maintaining them, and how well they are adhering to best practice.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_310

Sarah Olney:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham on the fatigue life of components of Hammersmith Bridge. \p Simon Lightwood: My officials are in regular contact with their counterparts at both the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and Transport for London regarding the condition of Hammersmith Bridge and options for repair.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_311

Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has considered the potential merits of conducting a review into the Transport for London zoning of (a) Watford Junction, (b) Watford High Street, (c) Bushey railway station and (d) Watford Underground station. \p Simon Lightwood: Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and Transport for London, and it is for them to make decisions regarding the zoning of their services.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_312

Cameron Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of reducing speed limits to 20mph outside all schools. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department for Transport published a comprehensive three-year evaluation of the effect of 20mph limits, which are 20mph schemes relying only on signage, on 22 November 2018 20mph Research Study Process and Impact Evaluation Report.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_313

Alex Ballinger:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to introduce further legislative measures to enhance road and pedestrian safety in relation to (a) electrically assisted pedal cycles and (b) electric scooters. \p Lilian Greenwood: This Government takes road safety very seriously and reducing those killed and injured on our roads is a key priority. There are already strict laws in place for e-cyclists and e-scooter users, and police have the power to prosecute if these laws are broken.

The Department is working with the Home Office on new offences intended to tackle those rare instances where a user’s behaviour is dangerous or careless, and results in the death or serious injury of another road user.

This is in addition to the new powers for the police to seize any vehicle, including e-cycles and e-scooters, being used in an anti-social manner and without first being required to give a warning.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_314

Matt Bishop:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the HGV weight restriction on the M48 Severn Bridge on (a) haulers, (b) congestion and (c) businesses in (i) Forest of Dean constituency and (ii) surrounding areas; and what steps her Department is taking to (A) identify and (b) implement a solution to the weight restriction. \p Lilian Greenwood: The weight restriction on the M48 Severn Bridge was introduced by National Highways as a safety measure following the identification of deterioration in the bridge’s main suspension cables. To keep the bridge open to the majority of traffic, vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, have been temporarily restricted.

National Highways carried out traffic modelling to understand potential impacts, including on hauliers, congestion and rerouting in areas such as the Forest of Dean and nearby junctions. The decision to impose a weight restriction followed a review of alternative options and was considered the most effective way to address safety concerns while limiting disruption.

National Highways has engaged with local authorities, industry bodies and operators to keep them informed. A dedicated team is progressing work on a medium-term traffic management solution, which is currently in the feasibility stage. The restriction is expected to remain in place for 12 to 18 months subject to further investigations, with updates provided to stakeholders as work progresses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_315

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department is taking steps to introduce formal tribunal rules for traffic commissioner tribunal functions. \p Lilian Greenwood: I understand the important role that the Traffic Commissioners perform with regards to the licensing and regulation of the HGV and PSV industries, and road-user safety.

My Department are currently considering a range of reform options aiming to ensure that the powers and functions of Traffic Commissioners remain robust and effective. The introduction of formal tribunal rules will form part of these considerations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_316

Ann Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to support people whose driving license expires whilst waiting for the DVLA to process their application for a renewal when this impacts their employment. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) sends renewal reminders to drivers before their current licence is due to expire to prompt renewal applications to be made as early as possible.

Where the DVLA is made aware that a driving licence is required urgently for employment purposes the application will be processed as a priority. Most applicants will be able to continue driving while their application is being processed, providing they meet certain criteria as outlined in this guidance at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla.

There are no delays in straightforward driving licence applications regardless of whether the driver was previously disqualified. These are being processed within normal turnaround times.

Driving licence applications where a medical condition(s) requires investigation can take longer as the DVLA is often reliant on information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued.

DVLA is continuing to make improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions and is introducing a new strategic system to process cases. This will provide better services for customers and allow straightforward applications to be processed more quickly.

In the 2024/25 financial year, the average time to make a licensing decision in such cases was 44 working days, a significant reduction from 54 working days in the 2023/24 financial year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_317

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the National road traffic projections, published on 12 December 2022, when her Department plans to publish the next update of these projections. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Department regularly reviews evidence and data on the drivers of travel demand and will publish an update in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_318

Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ban conversion practices. \p Dame Nia Griffith: This Government’s position is that conversion practices are abuse. Such practices have no place in society and must be stopped.

We are committed to bringing forward a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices. This is a complex issue, and it is imperative that we get this right. That is why, in collaboration with Cabinet colleagues, my officials and I are working hard to draft legislation that protects LGBT individuals from these harmful practices.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-24 conversation_319

Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether she plans to conduct an impact assessment for the Equality and Human Rights Commission's draft Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions, and Associations. \p Dame Nia Griffith: On 20 May, the EHRC opened its consultation on the changes made to the draft updated statutory Code of Practice following the Supreme Court ruling. This consultation is open until 30 June. We will consider the EHRC's final draft Code of Practice once it has been submitted and engage with them to ensure it provides the clarity service providers need, in line with the Supreme Court ruling.