theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_31

Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will take steps to ensure that care leavers are not disproportionately impacted by the proposed changes in the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. \p Sir Stephen Timms: On 18 June, the Government introduced the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill to Parliament, marking the next legislative step in delivering some of the reforms set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper.

The changes in this Bill will put more money into the pockets of some of the poorest families, alongside more support for people to work. These reforms protect the most vulnerable in our society, ensure the future of our welfare state, and give disabled people equal choices and chances to work.

We will consider the wider impacts of reforms including for care leavers as part of our wider considerations of responses to the Pathways to Work consultation as we develop our detailed proposals for change.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Steve Darling:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to provide support for people with mental health problems who need to (a) stop and (b) reduce spending on (i) therapy, (ii) counselling, (iii) personal care and (iv) other support following the implementation of her proposed changes to eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment. \p Sir Stephen Timms: PIP provides a cash contribution to support people with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. Claimants have freedom and choice to spend their PIP as they see fit and the Secretary of State has been clear this should be maintained.

We are aware there is increased anxiety relating to the Green Paper changes resulting in people seeking health related support. We want anyone who is currently in receipt of PIP and who, under the new eligibility criteria, loses their entitlement to have their health and eligible care needs met. DWP and DHSC are working together and will continue to do so as the package of reforms is developed in detail.

We also want to reassure people that the changes to PIP will not come into effect immediately. The changes will apply from November 2026 at a person’s next award review. If an existing claimant loses eligibility to PIP, they will continue to receive their full entitlement for 13 weeks after their award review. This will provide time for individuals to respond to their new situation, including accessing employment support if appropriate. This transitional cover is more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP.

The department has processes in place to support and safeguard people who use our services, and we will continue to provide this support as changes are taken forward.

If someone within a job centre is identified as being at risk of suicide, our 6-point plan will be invoked. We also have robust safeguarding processes in place during assessments where our trained health care professionals can make contact with the claimant’s GP or mental health team if they are concerned there has been or is a risk of deterioration to the mental or physical health of an individual.

We want to go further so that there is a clear and transparent process in place to ensure vulnerable individuals are adequately supported. In the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working published on 18 March we have committed to undertaking a thorough review of our current approach to safeguarding, with the aim of developing and implementing a new departmental-wide approach.

We have also already issued guidance strongly encouraging Local Authorities in England to support disabled people using the Household Support Fund. We will explore how Local Authorities can support disabled people through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund which starts from April 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to introduce emergency accommodation schemes for the transition from hotel accommodation for asylum seekers that have been granted status. \p Rushanara Ali: When newly recognised refugees leave Home Office accommodation, they are entitled to help with finding accommodation from their local authority if homeless. If in priority need, they will be provided with temporary accommodation.

The Government recognises the importance of a smooth transition out of asylum support accommodation for newly recognised refugees. Support is available to all individuals through Migrant Help and their partners. This includes providing guidance on entering the workforce, applying for Universal Credit, and connecting individuals with local authorities for housing assistance.

Since 9 December 2024, newly recognised refugees have 56 days to move on from asylum accommodation. This increases the support grace period from 28 days and is intended to support individuals and local authorities during the period of increased decision making.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what additional resources she is making available to support councils with (a) asylum dispersal and (b) homelessness. \p Rushanara Ali: The Home Office’s current accommodation funding arrangements to support local authorities are published on gov.uk here.

To support councils with homelessness, the Government has increased funding for homelessness services by £233 million this year, taking the total for 2025/26 to £1 billion. The Spending Review has protected this record level of investment for homelessness until 2028/29 and provides £100 million, including from the Transformation Fund, to fund increased homelessness prevention activity by local authorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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John Milne:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department plans to take to help ensure that local green spaces that have been designated in Neighbourhood Plans are supported, in the context of the withdrawal of funding from Neighbourhood Planning Support services. \p Matthew Pennycook: Following the Spending Review, my Department announced that it is unable to commission new neighbourhood planning support services for 2025 onwards.

Technical support which has already been awarded will continue to be provided but must be completed before the end of March 2026.

The government remains of the view that neighbourhood plans can play an important role in the planning system. Communities can continue to prepare neighbourhood plans where they consider that doing so is in their best interests. This can include designating Local Green Spaces where this is appropriate. Where a made neighbourhood plan contains a green space designation this will continue to have effect.

As of the end of March 2025, the government was aware of over 1,800 neighbourhood plans being in place. We do not hold information on the specific policies, such as green space designations, included in neighbourhood plans.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has had discussions with the Mayor of London on whether funding for green belt reviews will be used to review the use of Metropolitan Open Land. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government has awarded the Greater London Authority £770,000 to undertake a Green Belt review in conjunction with 11 London boroughs. A further six London boroughs have also each received £70,000 to undertake Green Belt reviews. The precise use of this funding is at the discretion of the recipient authority.

Metropolitan Open Land is a local designation used by the Mayor of London in his London Plan. Policy relating to the designation, as well as the current extent of Metropolitan Open Land, is entirely a matter for the Mayor.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) local communities and (b) town and parish councils can shape development and growth in their local areas. \p Matthew Pennycook: Following the Spending Review, my Department announced that it is unable to commission new neighbourhood planning support services for 2025 onwards.

Locality were informed of the decision and set it out on the official neighbourhood planning website, where announcements regarding the availability neighbourhood planning support have historically been made, thereby ensuring that neighbourhood planning groups and local planning authorities were made aware.

Technical support which has already been awarded will continue to be provided but must be completed before the end of March 2026.

We will ensure that local planning authorities continue to be appropriately funded for their neighbourhood planning function, including funding for neighbourhood planning examinations.

The government remains of the view that neighbourhood plans can play an important role in the planning system. Communities can continue to prepare neighbourhood plans where they consider that doing so is in their best interests.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of new Infrastructure Levy rules on (a) housing delivery and (b) developer contributions in high-growth areas. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government has made clear that it does not intend to implement the Infrastructure Levy as introduced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

Instead, we intend to focus on strengthening the existing system of developer contributions. Further details will be set out in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what funding her Department provides to support SMEs in the construction sector to adopt circular design and reuse practices. \p Matthew Pennycook: Small and medium sized housebuilders are essential to meeting the government’s housing ambitions and supporting local economies.

The government is acting to support SME housebuilders by increasing their access to land, providing further financial assistance and easing the burden of regulation. Further details can be found in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 2 June 2025 (HCWS673).

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has convened a Circular Economy Taskforce of experts to help develop the first ever Circular Economy Strategy for England, which the government expects to consult on in the Autumn.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress her Department has made on reaching housing targets. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government publishes quarterly data on planning applications and housing starts and completions.

The latest data on planning application statistics can be found on gov.uk here.

Data on housing starts and completions can be found on gov.uk here.

The main measure of housing supply is net additional dwellings, the latest data on which can be found on gov.uk here.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with UK brick manufacturers on meeting the demand for new homes. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government is working with industry to ensure the housebuilding sector has access to the construction materials needed to build 1.5 million safe and decent homes in this parliament.

We expect suppliers to increase capacity to meet demand, and we have seen deliveries of bricks in England, Scotland and Wales increase by 10% in the year to April 2025.

Added to that, construction materials prices are stable, rising only 1% between January 2024 and January 2025, far below the rate of inflation for the wider UK economy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to Planning Inspectorate case number APP/M1900/W/24/3346607, what her planned timetable is for determining the appeal by Brett Aggregates Limited to develop a quarry at the site of the former Hatfield Aerodrome. \p Matthew Pennycook: No timetable has yet been set for the determination of this case.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential financial impact of the creation of a single unitary authority in Leicestershire. \p Jim McMahon: We have made no such assessment for Leicestershire, nor any other area undergoing reorganisation. Ultimately it is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. In our invitation we provided guidance on efficiencies and financial sustainability, as well as size, sensible geographies, public service delivery, community engagement and devolution. It will be for the new councils to achieve the efficiencies identified in reorganisation proposals and subsequent detailed implementation and transformation plans.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, what steps he is taking to increase security (a) RAF bases (b) Army bases and (c) Royal Navy bases. \p Luke Pollard: As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to prevent (a) trespass and (b) vandalism at (i) RAF Brize Norton and (ii) other Ministry of Defence sites designated as protected under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. \p Luke Pollard: As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus.

Immediate measures were put in place following the incident to enhance existing security arrangements at RAF Brize Norton, with increased vigilance at all other sites. You will appreciate that we will not comment on the specifics of those arrangements. We have also directed a full review of security arrangements across all Defence sites. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Shockat Adam:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which countries the armed forces provided training to in (a) 2023-24 and (b) 2024-25; and which armed service provided that training. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to his Question 60404 on 24 June, where I answered:

The UK Armed Forces provided various forms of military training to around 120 countries in 2023- 24 and 140 countries in 2024-25. Our training provision is tailored to the specific needs of Allies and partners, spanning several branches across the Services to provide the relevant expertise needed. In the interests of national security and upholding trust and confidentiality with our international partnerships, it is not appropriate to provide a detailed breakdown of these countries, or the nature of that training. All training is carried out in adherence to International Humanitarian Law.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) make and (b) name was of each aircraft affected by the security breach at RAF Brize Norton on 20 June 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The two aircraft targeted in the security breach at RAF Brize Norton on 20 June 2025 are both RAF Voyagers. Due to operational security reasons, I hope the Rt hon. Gentleman will understand that we will not be able to confirm the names of the aircraft involved.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on using drone technology. \p Maria Eagle: Each of the Front-Line Commands employ a range of different drone capabilities and are currently developing an array of future capabilities aligned to the Defence Drone Strategy. In 2024 the Defence Uncrewed Systems Design Authority (DUxDA) was established to focus on Research and Development, Test and Evaluation, Policy and Regulation, Security and Integration and Knowledge Exploitation across the developing portfolio of Defence Uncrewed Systems.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much was billed by his Department to the Cabinet Office to reimburse the costs of providing fixed-wing air transport to the Prime Minister for domestic flights on aircraft registered under the marks (a) G-ZABH and (b) G-ZAHS since 4 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: It has been the practice of successive administrations not to publish granular information relating to the official movements of Ministers and those accompanying them within the United Kingdom. Information about official overseas travel is published as part of the Cabinet Office transparency returns and made available on the GOV.UK website.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June 2025 to Question 58934 on Armed Forces: Vacancies, what the ranks of the unfilled posts are; and how long they have been unfilled. \p Luke Pollard: The UK has one of the highest post fill rates in NATO. As of 1 April 2025, the UK’s post allocation was 1,053, of which 82 were unfilled. While 8% of our posts were gapped in April 2025, this was predominantly for a period of less than 10 months. The majority of gaps were at OF-3, OF-4, and OR-6 level, which corresponds to the most in demand ranks of the personnel we provide. The full data for this period is as follows:

Ranks (and corresponding Army rank)

Number of gaps per rank

OF-2 (Captain)

8

OF-3 (Major)

15

OF-4 (Lieutenant Col)

15

OF-5 (Colonel)

1

OR-2 (Private)

1

OR-3 (Lance Corporal)

2

OR-4 (Corporal)

10

OR-6 (Sergeant)

17

OR-7 (Staff Sergeant)

8

OR-8 (Warrant Officer Class 2)

2

OR-9 (Warrant Officer Class 1)

1

Gapped period

0-10 months

35

11-20 months

10

20-30 months

4

31-40 months

5

41-50 months

8

50-60 months

3

60+ months

15

80
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a next-generation, overhead, persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability with the ability to (a) sense, (b) warn of and (c) track threats in the Euro-Atlantic. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review recommended the Ministry of Defence (MOD) should seek partners to develop a next-generation, overhead, persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability to sense, warn and track threats in the Euro-Atlantic for the purpose of air and missile defence. The Review announced a £1 Billion investment in air and missile defence of the UK. Specific decisions on the UK's Integrated Air and Missile Defence will follow through the Defence Investment Plan which is in development within the MOD and due for publication in Autumn 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's planned timeline was for media engagement on the release of the Strategic Defence Review 2025. \p Luke Pollard: For the launch of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government offered embargoed briefings to members of Defence staff and senior defence leaders, plus certain Parliamentarians, trade unions, businesses, allies, and the media. The media briefing began at 1030 on Monday 2 June, and was supported by Ministerial interviews with a range of media outlets.

This is broadly consistent with the approach for previous defence reviews. At no point did stakeholders receive any commercially sensitive information ahead of publication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of vandalism at RAF Brize Norton on its (a) air-to-air refuelling and (b) transport capabilities. \p Luke Pollard: The incident did not affect RAF operational output. All flights have gone ahead as planned using alternative aircraft. Personnel at RAF Brize Norton continue to provide rapid global mobility and air to air refuelling capability, in support of operations and exercises worldwide. The Counter Terrorism Policing investigation continues.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will establish an inquiry into the adequacy of the security arrangements at RAF Brize Norton. \p Luke Pollard: As I announced in my statement to the House on Monday 23 June 2025, that I believe the right hon. Gentleman was present for, a full security review is underway at RAF Brize Norton with additional reviews across the Defence Estate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

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Sir Julian Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many sites for reserve forces managed by (a) the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations and (b) his Department are (i) unusable and (ii) partly unusable because of (A) boiler breakdowns and (B) leaking roofs. \p Al Carns: All Reserve Forces and Cadets sites are managed by the Reserves Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) and not the Department.

The Volunteer Estate (VE) contains some 5112 buildings, of which 59 (1.15%) are fully or partly unusable due to boiler breakdowns and leaking roofs. Further details can be found in the table below:

Total No. of Buildings Affected

Buildings unusable

Boiler Failure

Leaking Roof

Buildings partly unusable

Boiler Failure

Leaking Roof

59

17

9

10

42

17

25

We are committed to growing the Reserves and Cadets. As part of the plan to do so, we are looking at how we make better use of the resources and infrastructure available.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that community and school cadet expansion plans (a) do not conflict and (b) maximise (i) coverage and (ii) the use of resources. \p Al Carns: The recently published Strategic Defence Review recommended an expansion of in-school and community-based Cadet Forces across the country by 30% by 2030. Planning for this is underway with further detail to follow and as we move forward, we will ensure that our activities yield maximum gain.

This Government is firmly convinced of the fantastic benefits of the cadet experience, and we are keen to make these available to more young people. We know from independent research that each year, participation in the Cadet Forces produces a return on investment in the region of £120 million in terms of health and wellbeing, and an estimated lifetime value of the vocational qualifications gained by the most disadvantaged cadets of well over £130 million.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support is available for veterans transitioning out of the armed forces in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire. \p Al Carns: This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country, no matter which community they are based in. I am working across Government and with civil society to ensure veterans, including those in Fylde and Lancashire, have access to the health, housing, employment and other support they need.

For most Service Leavers, the successful transition into employment is the foundation of positive life outcomes. Consequently, as part of their resettlement process, all Regular Service Leavers are entitled to support and receive regular check in calls from the Ministry of Defence’s Career Transition Partnership (CTP). The CTP provides support through a range of career and employment support services, including skills development workshops, seminars, resettlement training advice, vocational training courses, and career consultancy. This has recently been changed to be an opt-out service, increasing attendance of Service Leavers.

I recently announced VALOUR, a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. This will ensure easier access to essential care and support for veterans across the UK. This regional approach, based on a network of VALOUR support centres, together with regional field officers, will ensure that services are designed to meet the needs of local communities. Please raise awareness of VALOUR and encourage organisations to sign up for updates here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/valour-information-and-next-steps.

In England Op RESTORE provides specialist care to veterans who have physical health problems, and Op COURAGE, a mental health specialist service helps veterans and their families. Housing support is available across the United Kingdom via Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway to connect veterans with help and support. Veterans can also access a range of tailored employment support, including the CTP and Op ASCEND, the employment pathway for veterans.

I would also like to take the opportunity to highlight the Defence Transition Services (DTS) and the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), which provide additional support to Service Leavers and their families who are most likely to face challenges as they leave the Armed Forces, irrespective of their reason for discharge. In your constituency, VWS have a Regional Welfare Centre based in Blackpool (Norcross).
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Statement of 17 December 2024 on Developments in Military Housing, HCWS323, when his Department commenced negotiations with Annington Homes Ltd. to reacquire 36,000 service family estate homes. \p Al Carns: Negotiations with Annington Homes Ltd to reacquire c36,000 Service Family Accommodation properties began in May 2024. These negotiations included direct meetings at a senior level. Continued legal engagement included three legal summits held in November and December 2024.

The opportunity for this landmark deal was presented following a High Court ruling in May 2023 in the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) favour. This established MOD’s legal right to reacquire the houses from Annington, providing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix the long-term decline in military housing and deliver homes fit for heroes.

The deal represented excellent value for money. MOD purchased the estate for under £6 billion and the properties were valued by Annington at £10.1 billion (when not subject to leases). Eliminating the liabilities associated with the leases created budgetary headroom to partially fund this purchase, meaning that the public expenditure impact of this measure, and the impact on public sector net debt, is confined to £1.7 billion.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints have been (a) received and (b) resolved from residents living in his Department's properties that are leased to third parties in the last 12 months. \p Al Carns: The number of complaints received and resolved for third parties leasing Ministry of Defence properties in the last 12 months is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
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Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken with Cabinet colleagues to help improve cyber resilience. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) works closely with the Cabinet Office and wider Government in many areas.

The MOD cyber security function works closely with the Cabinet Office, Government Security, the National Cyber Security Centre and others.

This includes formal boards, governance meetings, reports, returns, collaboration sessions and working groups.

A key work strand is the MOD adopting GovAssure which includes reporting using the Cyber Assurance Framework (CAF), and the new Cyber and Digital Resilience Target Operating Model (TOM) led by Government Security.

As announced in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Defence will develop a Digital Warfighter Group: a highly skilled workforce that will conceive and develop warfighting capability in a digital age. This workforce will support all other SDR announcements. Our vision is the creation of a new type of operator, whose education, training and equipment supports digital operations across the entire range of Defence activity, from warfighting to Ministerial and strategic data-led decision support. The SDR also announced the establishment and creation of a Cyber and Electromagnetic (CyberEM) Command. This will bring the necessary coherence for Defence and the Armed Forces across the CyberEM Domain – which is highly contested, complex and vital to operational success in all types of operations including warfighting.
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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the last time was that a member of UK armed forces was trained by Israel Defense Forces. \p Luke Pollard: The last time a member of the UK Armed Forces was trained by Israel Defence Forces was in Israel on a military academic course in July 2022.
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Andrew George:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria his Department uses to decide whether to grant a request from a foreign government for training for their armed forces by the British armed forces. \p Luke Pollard: The provision of training to a foreign military is assessed on a case-by-case basis and kept under review. This is underpinned by a robust process that considers strategic alignment, risks, opportunities, and compliance with International Humanitarian Law.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_63

Andrew George:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which countries armed forces have been trained by British armed forces in each of the last five years. \p Luke Pollard: The UK has a long history of providing assistance to other nations in the security and justice fields and continues to do so around the world. In 2024-25 alone, that spanned 140 different partner nations, with similar levels of engagement across each of the past five years. In the interests of national security and upholding trust and confidentiality in our international partnerships, it is not appropriate for the Government to provide a full breakdown of countries that received military training from the UK over this period. All training is carried out in adherence to International Humanitarian Law.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_64

Andrew George:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has for training foreign armed forces by British armed forces. \p Luke Pollard: As the Strategic Defence Review sets out, training forms a critical part of the UK’s support to Allies and partners, both globally and in the Euro-Atlantic. Our training offer consists of our globally renowned training institutions, including the Royal College of Defence Studies and the military academies, which continue to attract global leaders in their field, as well as bespoke activity to support Allies and partners.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_65

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that AI-generated intelligence products are (a) reproducible, (b) trusted and (c) secure. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to exploit AI tools to support intelligence analysts in producing robust and comprehensive assessments. Assessments that incorporate AI analysis are held to the same rigorous standards, such as the Professional Head of Intelligence Assessment Common Analysis Standards, which ensure the highest levels of objectivity, rigour, and auditability. In parallel, we are offering all staff AI training to ensure the MOD is best placed to interpret, manage and keep appropriately secure the large volumes of complex and often conflicting data. This will enable senior decision-makers to spend more time acting on accurate, timely intelligence assessment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_66

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of non‑deterministic AI behaviour on the validity of (a) training simulations and (b) operational planning exercises. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence intends to exploit AI across a broad spectrum of use cases from the frontline to the back office to make all parts of Defence more efficient and effective. This may include the use of ‘non-deterministic’ AI systems (such as Large Language Models). Joint Service Publication 936 on Dependable AI provides a robust framework to address AI-related risks around human control and unpredictability as part of our existing risk management process. This ensures that our legal, ethical and safety obligations are always fulfilled for all AI use cases. We expect that use cases such as training simulations and operational planning exercises will require robust assurance so that outcomes remain valid and repeatable.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_67

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance her Department has provided to local highway authorities on the timely removal of (a) cones, (b) sandbags, (c) signage and (d) other abandoned roadworks equipment. \p Lilian Greenwood: Removal of roadworks equipment comes under Section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act. The Act enables local highway authorities to charge utility companies for delays in completing roadworks on public highways, and since 2001 regulations have been in place which allow local highway authorities to impose charges on statutory undertakers. Every job has an end date and if works or barriers are still on site past this end date, daily charges can be imposed. These charges start at £250 a day, and on the busiest roads go up to £10,000 a day.

The Department does not hold any information on the number of reports or complaints of abandoned roadworks equipment, only local highway authorities have that information.

The A3, A31 and A331 form part of the Strategic Road Network. As such, National Highways is responsible for installing, maintaining, cleaning, and repairing signage on these roads. Damaged and incorrect road signage on any of these roads can be reported to National Highways at the following link: https://report.nationalhighways.co.uk/

National Highways maintains records of reports and complaints submitted via its online platform, including issues relating to road signage and other highway assets on the Strategic Road Network. The Department does not hold disaggregated data, but National Highways may be able to provide the number of reports concerning abandoned or incorrect equipment on the A3, A31 and A331 upon request.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_68

Nigel Huddleston:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with South Western Railway on the potential impact of the removal of the 7.37am service from Worcestershire Parkway to Birmingham New Street on commuters living in Droitwich and Evesham constituency. \p Simon Lightwood: CrossCountry provides train services between Worcestershire Parkway and Birmingham. Officials discussed the operator’s proposal to temporarily withdraw some services to ensure a more reliable timetable can be delivered. The Department agreed to the operator’s proposed timetable changes as it delivered benefits for the majority of passengers. CrossCountry were unable to add a Worcestershire Parkway call on another morning train but two alternative trains from Worcestershire Parkway are both scheduled to arrive at Birmingham before 0900.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_69

Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many buses were ordered from British bus manufacturers with (a) full and (b) partial financial support from (i) the Government and (ii) devolved English authorities between 2011 and 2025. \p Simon Lightwood: HMG does not hold specific data on buses ordered by devolved English authorities during the period between 2011 and 2025.

However, it is estimated that since 2011, approximately 1,494 buses were ordered from UK-based bus manufacturers with full or partial support. This estimated total accounts for the following funding schemes: Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme, Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) programmes, Transforming Cities Fund, City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements and All Electric Bus City (Coventry). It is estimated that 60% of Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA)-supported buses will be procured from UK-based bus manufacturers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_70

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that rail fares are affordable. \p Simon Lightwood: Scottish fares are a matter for the Scottish Government. However, in both administrations Scotland and England, some fares are regulated to protect passengers by setting the maximum amount that regulated fares can increase year-on-year.

London North Eastern Railway's (LNER’s) "Simpler Fares" trial is running on the East Coast Mainline, including between London and areas around Edinburgh, to explore alternative fare structures on long-distance routes.

With LNER’s Simpler Fares initiative, the number of tickets has been reduced to just three per class - fixed, semi-flexible, and fully flexible.

The off-peak and super-off-peak tickets with complex validities have been replaced by a new semi flexible ticket - “70-Flex” which allows passengers to adjust their booking in order to travel on an earlier or later LNER service, scheduled to depart within 70 minutes of their booked departure time, which is much clearer and more descriptive.

Finally, everything is priced on a single leg basis where a single costs no more than half of the equivalent return, enabling passengers to easily mix and match tickets for each leg of their journey without penalty according to their needs e.g. Fixed out and Flexible back or First Class with Standard.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_71

James Wild:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, if her Department will publish the line by line review of its spending conducted for the Spending Review 2025. \p Mike Kane: The Department for Transport is committed to meeting savings and efficiency targets set by HMT, with the Department delivering efficiency gains of 8% per year by 2028-29; with SR allocations agreed on this basis.

These funding allocations – informed by the findings of the Zero-Based Review (ZBR) – are the first step in a wider plan to finalise budgets for different projects and programmes, with any necessary savings decided through that process. The savings taken forward will be subject to the normal rigorous business planning processes and in-year financial management.

Further details of the Department’s efficiency gains can be accessed on the gov.uk website via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/departmental-efficiency-delivery-plans/departmental-efficiency-plans#department-for-transport.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_72

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support medical training for transport staff. \p Mike Kane: In the UK, there are well-established legal requirements to support medical training for transport staff and those in safety-critical roles. These statutory duties apply to all employers and include the provision of appropriate training to staff to manage the risks associated with the environment and operations in which they work. My Department will keep these legal requirements under review to ensure they remain fit for purpose. The transport industry will also continue to produce and update guidance to inform the training needs of its workforce including on medical matters.
wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_73
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-25 conversation_73

Sir Mark Hendrick:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to reduce waiting times for driving tests in (a) Preston, (b) Lancashire and (c) England. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.

On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain.

Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK.

From recent recruitment campaigns for the Preston and Lancashire areas, DVSA has a potential new driving examiner (DE) starting training next month.

DVSA will continue to recruit in the area and has had four successful potential new DEs from the latest campaign. Once background checks have been completed, DVSA will offer these candidates training courses.