theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-07-11 conversation_7

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of people who are obese; what estimate they have made of the costs of obesity to the economy and society; and what action they are taking to combat obesity and reduce the number of obese people. \p Baroness Merron: Using the latest Health Survey for England estimates from 2022, and the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) population estimates for England, we estimate that in 2022, approximately 13.5 million adults, or 28.9% of England’s population, were living with obesity. In addition, using the latest National Child Measurement Program estimates from 2023/24, and the latest ONS population estimates for England, we estimate that in the 2023/24 school year, there were approximately 1.4 million children living with obesity.

In 2023, Frontier Economics estimated that the total cost to society of obesity was approximately £74.3 billion per year in the United Kingdom. This estimate encompasses reduced quality of life, sickness absence, and National Health Service and social care costs, due to a higher probability of hospitalisation and/or death.

In relation to the NHS, in 2023 Frontier Economics found that the annual cost to the NHS of obesity related ill-health is £11.4 billion, which is the equivalent to approximately 7% of the NHS’ 2023/24 budget. Frontier Economics also found that higher body mass index increases the likelihood of requiring social care for long-term illness, with a total social care cost of £5.9 billion. The total social care cost is composed of informal social care, at approximately £5.5 billion, and formal social care, at approximately £400 million.

Finally, estimates from Frontier Economics in 2023 found that increased sickness absence and early death reduces workforce productivity, with a total economic cost of £8.9 billion per year. Individuals living with obesity take more sick days, reducing productivity across the workforce.

Our 10-Year Health Plan sets out the decisive action we will take on the obesity crisis.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Lord Mackinlay of Richborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential implications for policy of the recommended Areas of Improvement of the report by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body, Sepsis: investigating under the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF), published on 26 June. \p Baroness Merron: Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition, taken very seriously by the Government. The Government therefore welcomes the three patient safety investigation reports on sepsis, published on 26 June by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB).

Together, the Department and NHS England are closely considering the HSSIB’s recently recommended Areas of Improvement. This will include working with stakeholders to assess implications for current policies and guidance, including reinforcing the updated Royal College of Physicians National Early Warning Score guidance, as well as implications for future policy and development.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they expect to provide a response to The Hughes Report: Options for redress for those harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh, published on 4 February 2024 by the Patient Safety Commissioner before parliament rises for the summer; and if not, on what timeframe they expect to provide a response. \p Baroness Merron: The Government is carefully considering the work by the Patient Safety Commissioner and her report, which set out options for redress for those harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh. This is a complex issue involving input from different Government departments. The Government will provide a further update to the Patient Safety Commissioner’s report in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Lord Mackinlay of Richborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to the development and implementation of a sepsis pathway, a standardised treatment plan to ensure sepsis patients receive the right care from the point at which they present their symptoms to a clinician through to receiving their diagnosis. \p Baroness Merron: Sepsis has no specific diagnostic test, and the signs and symptoms can vary hugely. As a result, sepsis can be challenging to diagnose. It is therefore critical that all acutely unwell patients are treated promptly and appropriately regardless of cause. The National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) is a clinical screening tool for the recognition of acutely unwell adults, including those with sepsis. NEWS2 supports clinicians to determine the need for immediate care and is used in 99% of acute trusts and 100% of ambulance trusts in England.

To further support clinical staff and ensure unwell patients are identified promptly and are immediately started on life-saving treatment, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence published updated national guidance in March 2024 on sepsis recognition, diagnosis, and early management, which staff can access alongside NHS England’s online sepsis training programmes. Furthermore, the Department continues to fund research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, to improve our understanding of sepsis diagnosis and immediate management.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential to commission digital-first healthcare providers to support the tirzepatide (Mounjaro) roll-out in primary care services for (1) patients and (2) primary care providers. \p Baroness Merron: From 23 June, tirzepatide, brand name Mounjaro, started to become available in primary care, in line with the agreed plans for a phased rollout, meaning it can be prescribed in general practices.

NHS England has been working closely with local health systems, including integrated care boards, to design approaches for the safe and effective roll out of tirzepatide in primary care. This includes the use of digital providers, as NHS England recognises that digital first models can offer valuable tools to support patients and clinicians in the safe and effective delivery of care. Some patients have already been referred to receive diet, physical activity, and lifestyle support digitally through NHS England’s interim offer for behavioural support for obesity prescribing.

No full assessment has been made of the role of digital providers in supporting this roll out. To support equitable access and avoid risks of digital exclusion for those with less digital skills, a range of service delivery models are being made available, including face-to-face, remote, and digitally supported care.

There will be a robust evaluation of the initial phased rollout of tirzepatide in primary care, which will consider the use of digital providers. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence will review progress at three years.

The 10-Year Health Plan sets out our ambition to build on these plans by testing innovative models of delivering weight loss services and treatments to patients. We will work closely with industry and local health systems to increase patient access. Full details will be announced in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of schools in promoting and administering vaccinations for children. \p Baroness Merron: School-based vaccination delivery is a key component of the National Immunisation Programme. Currently, vaccines offered in schools include: human papillomavirus; meningococcal A, C, W, Y; tetanus, diphtheria, and polio; measles, mumps, and rubella; and the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Educational settings play a vital role in supporting the routine immunisation programme by sharing accurate and timely information with parents and caregivers. To assist with this, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provides a wide range of educational resources designed to raise awareness of vaccine-preventable diseases, the importance of immunisation, and how vaccines protect individuals and communities. These resources include:

School Age Immunisation Service (SAIS) providers are commissioned by NHS England to deliver the school-based immunisation programmes. Children who are home-schooled or not in mainstream education are also included. The success of school-based immunisation programmes depends on close working relationships between the schools, school nurses, and SAIS providers. Therefore, schools also play a vital role in facilitating SAIS providers to deliver vaccinations within school settings and in supporting the delivery of routine and seasonal immunisation programmes through the sharing of information with parents and caregivers at key points. Schools support the immunisation process by:

The UKHSA publishes regularly updated guidance for schools on how to support immunisation activities effectively, with further information available on the GOV.UK website, in an online only format.

Recognising the need to improve the vaccine uptake of our school-aged programme, the Department of Health and Social Care is working closely with NHS England, the UKHSA, and the Department for Education to better understand the barriers and facilitators to effective delivery of school-based immunisation programmes, and approaches to supporting increased vaccination uptake among school-aged children. This work is to ensure a more comprehensive and focused support offer is made available to schools to deliver their role effectively and support improvements in vaccine uptake.

Alongside this work, NHS England also continues to work with all key stakeholders at a regional level, and is involved in the delivery of school-aged vaccinations to strengthen local initiatives and encourage innovative models of vaccination delivery.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to bring forward legislation or guidance for non-therapeutic male circumcision. \p Baroness Merron: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates surgical procedures, including male circumcision for therapeutic and non-therapeutic reasons, where the procedure is carried out by a health care professional.

The CQC has developed guidance with other professional organisations entitled Additional guidance and prompts: non-therapeutic male circumcision, a copy of which is attached.

The Government has no current plans to bring forward legislation or further guidance on non-therapeutic male circumcision.

Guidance (pdf, 125.0KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Lord Foulkes of Cumnock:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve access to clinical trials for new disease-modifying dementia treatments; and how they will ensure that early and accurate diagnosis is prioritised. \p Baroness Merron: Government responsibility for delivering dementia research is shared between the Department of Health and Social Care, with research delivered via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered via UK Research and Innovation.

The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with dementia, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.

As an example, the Department, via the NIHR, is investing nearly £50 million into the Dementia Trials Network, a coordinated network of trial sites across the United Kingdom, which will offer people with dementia the opportunity to take part in early phase clinical trials irrespective of where they live. This is complemented by the £20 million Dementia Trials Accelerator, designed to position the UK as the destination of choice for late phase clinical trials in dementia and neurodegenerative diseases.

In partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, and Alzheimer Scotland, the NIHR also delivers Join Dementia Research, an online platform which enables the involvement of people with and without a dementia diagnosis, as well as carers, to take part in a range of important research, including studies evaluating potential treatments for dementia.

The Government’s Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme, which is expected to have nearly £150 million of Government funding allocated to it, or aligned with it, aims to speed up the development of new treatments for dementia and neurodegenerative conditions by accelerating innovations in biomarkers, clinical trials, and implementation.

Our health system has struggled to support those with complex needs, including those with dementia. Under the 10-Year Plan, those living with dementia will benefit from improved care planning and better services. We will deliver the first ever Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia to deliver rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. This will be informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, expected in 2026.

We recognise the importance of a timely diagnosis, and remain committed to increasing diagnosis rates and ensuring that people can access any licensed and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence-recommended treatment and/or support they need.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government what measures are being implemented to enable more people with early-stage dementia to participate in clinical trials for new treatments, and to ensure equitable access to trials across all regions. \p Baroness Merron: Government responsibility for delivering dementia research is shared between the Department of Health and Social Care, with research delivered via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered via UK Research and Innovation.

The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with dementia, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.

As an example, the Department, via the NIHR, is investing nearly £50 million into the Dementia Trials Network, a coordinated network of trial sites across the United Kingdom, which will offer people with dementia the opportunity to take part in early phase clinical trials irrespective of where they live. This is complemented by the £20 million Dementia Trials Accelerator, designed to position the UK as the destination of choice for late phase clinical trials in dementia and neurodegenerative diseases.

The NIHR also funds research infrastructure which supports patients and the public to participate in high-quality research, including research on dementia. For example, the aim of the University College London Hospitals’ Biomedical Research Centre’s dementia theme is to develop novel treatments through precision medicine. The theme’s focus on young onset and familial dementias provides key insights into the factors that can cause or speed up neurodegeneration, allowing a window for treatments to be administered, before functional decline occurs.

In partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, and Alzheimer Scotland, the NIHR also delivers Join Dementia Research, an online platform which enables the involvement of people with and without a dementia diagnosis, as well as carers, to take part in a range of important research, including studies evaluating potential treatments for dementia.

The Government’s Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme, which is expected to have nearly £150 million of Government funding allocated to it, or aligned with it, aims to speed up the development of new treatments for dementia and neurodegenerative conditions by accelerating innovations in biomarkers, clinical trials, and implementation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Baroness Hoey:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will release all documents relating to the Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994; and if not, why. \p Lord Coaker: The Mull of Kintyre crash was a tragic accident and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of those who died.

The early release of the closed records held at The National Archives would breach data protection rights as they contain personal information relating to third party individuals. However, as part of Ministry of Defence’s business as usual activity to renew the Retention Instrument associated with these closed records, an assessment of the potential merit of removing the 100-year closure status is due to take place in 2029.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government, of the additional expenditure on the steel industry announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 11 June (HC Deb cols 980–81), how much will be spent in (1) Scunthorpe, (2) Sheffield, and (3) Port Talbot. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: We are committed to providing up to £2.5bn for steel which is being delivered in part through the National Wealth Fund.

At the Spending Review, the Chancellor confirmed that we will invest in the long-term future of Scunthorpe. We have been clear that private investment to modernise British Steel will also be required and work continues at pace to develop the optimal approach. Funding of approximately £130m in total has been provided to British Steel to ensure continued operation of the blast furnaces.

In addition to the £2.5bn for steel, the Chancellor confirmed:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-11)

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Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government how many meeting requests they have received from the London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy over the past two years, including requests to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials, the UK Mission in Geneva, and other relevant diplomatic posts; and on how many occasions such meetings were granted. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not retain information on the specific number of meeting requests they receive from the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, although we are aware that they have met FCDO officials during this period.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-17 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-17 conversation_1

Baroness Morgan of Cotes:To ask His Majesty's Government, what discussions they have had with the government of the United States of America about the Online Safety Act 2023 and the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 in the context of a free trade agreement. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: We will always act in the best interests of UK businesses and consumers. That’s why, throughout the last few weeks, the government has been fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the United States that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship. The UK remains committed to continuing these discussions.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-17 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in the light of the imposition of widespread trade tariffs by the United States of America, they will now establish a dedicated unit to research and promote import substitution in the United Kingdom. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: We are disappointed by these tariffs and aware of the significant impact they may have on UK industry and consumers. The UK is keeping all options open in response and will not hesitate to act in national interest. We are seeking the views of UK businesses as part of a wider request for input on potential tariff response options. Officials continue to work closely with the Trade Remedies Authority to assess the possible trade diversion impact from these US measures. We will continue to engage and support domestic industries and consumers on this matter.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government how they intend to protect the United Kingdom from potential ‘dumping’ by countries adversely affected by the imposition of trade tariffs by the United States of America. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: In preparation for any US tariffs, departmental officials were assessing the potential impacts of trade diversion on UK industry. The extent of US tariffs became clear on 3 April. Officials continue to work closely with the Trade Remedies Authority to assess the possible trade diversion impacts from these US measures. Where imports are being dumped into the UK, causing injury to UK producers, either UK industry or the Secretary of State can apply to the Trade Remedies Authority for an anti-dumping investigation. This government will not hesitate to act to protect UK industry should we need to do so.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Lord Empey:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States of America following the unilateral imposition of tariffs on the United Kingdom. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works for both the UK and the US, but nothing is off the table and the government will do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest. Should our negotiations not be successful, we have a range of tools at our disposal. As such, on 3 April the government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform our response to US tariffs. Once the Request for Input closes, the Government will reflect on the feedback and consider how best to respond.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the 10 percent tariffs that the United States of America has placed on United Kingdom imports; and how will this affect United Kingdom manufacturing and exports. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The Government is disappointed by the announcement of an increase in tariffs, which are not in the UK’s national interest, and we understand businesses are concerned.

That is why the government has been focused on negotiating an economic deal with the United States, and we will continue to engage with the US to understand the details of how these tariffs will be implemented.

We remain resolute in our support for UK industry across the board. We have already heard from a number of business organisations including the CBI and the British Chamber of Commerce, that they support our approach and want us to continue working to secure an economic deal with the US. Ministers and officials will continue to meet with impacted stakeholders from a range of sectors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage more investment into British publicly traded companies. \p Baroness Gustafsson: The UK government has been taking action to boost investment in British publicly traded companies by promoting stability and delivering the reforms needed to support growth as set out in the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech last year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Lord Blencathra:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of impact of growth in the reuse and repair sector on opportunities for green skilled jobs. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: No formal assessment has been made of the impact of growth in the reuse and repair sector on opportunities for green skilled jobs.

Defra recognises that repair and reuse are fundamental tenets of any circular economy, and a successful circular transition will deliver increased supply chain resilience, economic productivity, and economic growth. Furthermore, capitalising on the opportunity to effect a circular transition will attract investment into new product manufacturing and processing infrastructure; create new highly skilled green jobs in circular product design and development; and help our economy retain more of the critical resources on which it depends. We will consider the evidence for appropriate action right across the economy as we develop the Circular Economy Strategy for England.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Earl Cathcart:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have for the vaccination of hens against bird flu. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The vaccination of poultry and captive birds, excluding those in licensed zoos in England, against avian influenza is not currently permitted. While vaccination is not a viable option at present, Defra continues to explore the potential for use of vaccination as a preventative measure for avian influenza through the work of the cross-Government and industry avian influenza vaccination task force. The task force published an interim statement on 7 March 2025 (copy attached), and will publish a more detailed report in summer 2025.

As part of this work, Defra and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate will continue to monitor the development and availability of vaccines for their utility in preventing and responding to avian influenza outbreaks as they are put forward for market authorisation by vaccine manufacturers.

Vaccination of birds joint statement (pdf, 268.5KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Lord Gascoigne:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce legislation to protect the welfare of farmed fish at the time of killing. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Current legislation already provides protection for farmed fish kept for the production of meat or other products whilst on farm and during transport. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any protected animal, including fish, or to fail to provide for the welfare needs of a protected animal, for which that person is responsible. Legislation on the protection of animals at the time of killing also requires that farmed fish are spared avoidable pain, distress or suffering during their killing and related operations.

The Animal Welfare Committee’s updated Opinion on the welfare of farmed fish at the time of killing was finalised in 2023. A copy is attached to this answer. As a result of this a GB-wide joint government and industry working group on farmed trout has been examining the issues raised in the report to explore potential options for more detailed welfare at killing requirements. This co-design work is making good progress. The Scottish Government is also working closely with the salmon industry regarding more detailed welfare at killing requirements. We are awaiting the completion of this group’s work and we will then explore all the potential next steps, including options for creating detailed guidance and new legislation.

Update to the 2014 FAWC Opinion  (pdf, 368.6KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Benyon on 17 May 2024 (HL4375), what progress they have made on the collection of soil monitoring data from the Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment programme; and whether 2027–28 remains the target for 100 percent completion. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme remains on track (subject to spending reviews) to complete its 5-year baseline soil sample within Financial Year 2027/28.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Douglas-Miller on 12 April 2024 (HL3653), what progress they have made on the regulation or other oversight of the sale of plant biostimulants, including consideration of their efficacy, safety and ecological impacts. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

There are no specific requirements for plant biostimulants in domestic fertiliser legislation. Fertilisers are a devolved matter, and we will continue to work with the devolved governments through the Fertilisers Common Framework on fertiliser regulation.

Defra has funded a review of the evidence for the safe and effective use of plant biostimulants and methods for verifying the efficacy of plant biostimulants. This review is due to conclude November 2026. However, due to the wide variety of compounds used in biostimulants and innovation in the sector, further research and support from industry may be needed.

As part of our mission-driven Government, we are now considering how we can achieve our ambitious, measurable and long-term goals for all our farming sectors, which includes fertilisers as a key input.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Lord Fuller:To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker how many members of both Houses have accepted the Restoration and Renewal Programme’s invitation to visit the Palace of Westminster basement to view the underground services before the presentation of fully costed proposals expected by the end of the year. \p Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The R&R Programme offers tours of the Palace of Westminster, starting in Royal Court and including the medieval Cloister Court and the basement, for members, staff of both Houses, and members’ staff. Attendees are provided with an insight into the work already being undertaken to maintain the Palace as well as an understanding of the future works needed and the challenges facing the Palace.

Since 2015, 292 members have been on a Palace R&R tour, comprising of 175 MPs and 117 Peers. Of the current members of either House, 193 members have been on a Palace R&R tour, comprising of 93 MPs and 100 Peers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Viscount Younger of Leckie:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication on 26 March of Spring Statement 2025: policy costings, what the (1) purpose, and (2) cost, of the 500 additional new fraud and error staff will be; and where these staff will be recruited from. \p Baroness Sherlock: At the Spring Statement 2025, it was announced that DWP will provide additional resourcing to action data alerts which will enable the Department to detect and correct under- and over-payments. The cost of these staff actioning these data alerts comes from a package of £80m out to 29/30 to support this measure and expected to generate AME savings of £245m by 29/30. Recruitment options are being considered but will likely include some redeployment of existing operational staff.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

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Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of proposed welfare reform on the projected number of people who are deemed unfit for work by 2030. \p Baroness Sherlock: The recent Pathways to Work Green Paper announced our plans to abolish the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and instead use the Personal Independence Payment assessment as the single assessment for additional financial support, subject to parliamentary approval. Once the WCA has been abolished the Department for Work and Pensions will no longer classify people as fit or unfit for work.

The Department published “Spring Statement 2025 health and disability benefit reforms – Impacts” alongside the Spring Statement.

This report contains estimated caseloads for the Universal Credit health element from 2026/27 to 2029/30, categorised by whether claimants are receiving the higher rate or the frozen rate from 2025/26.

By 2029/30 an estimated 2.25 million people, the pre-April 2026 current claimants, will still be receiving the higher rate of the UC health element, frozen at its 2025/26 level. A further 730,000 are forecast to be receiving the new lower rate of the health element. All will receive a standard allowance that has been increased by more than CPI inflation.

Table A5: Benefit units affected by UC health element change

Average caseload over year (1,000s)

2026/27

2027/28

2028/29

2029/30

Pre April 2026 claimants (current)

2,670

2,510

2,380

2,250

Post April 2026 claimants (future)

120

360

560

730

Note: Estimates are after behavioural effects and are rounded to the nearest ten thousand. A benefit unit is a single adult or a married or cohabiting couple and any dependent children.

A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months.

Health and Disability Benefit Reforms – Impacts (pdf, 392.2KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-17 conversation_16

Viscount Younger of Leckie:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to communicate with vulnerable people about planned welfare reform, particularly in regard to providing clarity and alleviating concerns. \p Baroness Sherlock: We have set out proposals to reform the health and disability benefits proposals in the Pathways to Work Green Paper published on 18 March 2025. A full suite of accessible versions is available including Audio, British Sign Language, Braille, Large Print and Easy Read.

The consultation will close on 30 June 2025, to ensure that everyone has sufficient time to engage with and respond to the consultation.

We want to improve and refine our plans by consulting on certain measures as described within the paper. We are committed to putting the views and voices of disabled people and people with health conditions at the heart of everything we do.

The Green Paper is an important staging post on a journey of reform, building on the vision and approach set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper in November 2024. It sets out our vision, strategy and proposals for change. We would like to hear views from a wide group of people, in particular disabled people and people with health conditions and disability organisations and encourage responses to the consultation through the online form, email and post.

We are also running a number of accessible virtual and face-to-face events on the Green Paper to hear from stakeholders, including disabled people and their representative organisations, directly. More information on these events and registration are available on GOV.UK.

In the Green Paper, we have also announced that we will set up collaboration committees to develop parts of our reforms further. This will involve bringing together disabled people and other experts with civil servants around specific issues to collaborate, provide ideas, challenge, and input into recommendations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-17 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-17 conversation_17

Viscount Younger of Leckie:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication on 26 March of Spring Statement 2025: policy costings, how many corrections to benefit claims they have forecasted, and how they made these estimates. \p Baroness Sherlock: Table 1 shows the estimated corrections to benefit claims associated with the costing entitled “Welfare Fraud and Error: Recruit over 500 new counter fraud and error staff from April 2025”. This costing is described on page 15 of the Spring Statement 2025: Policy Costings document which accompanied the publication of the Spring Statement.

Table 1. Forecast corrections to benefit claims

Total

xx-xxxx-xxxx

Caveats:

The methodology underpinning this forecasts is outlined on page 15 of the Spring Statement 2025: Policy Costings document which accompanied the publication of the Spring Statement.

The cost base

The cost base for this measure is estimated using DWP data on performance of current fraud and error programmes and current and forecasted levels of fraud and error in DWP benefits, including national statistics on DWP fraud and error.

Costing

The costing is estimated by taking the performance of the Verify Earnings and Pensions Service and the General Matching Service and applying this to forecasted levels of DWP benefit expenditure. This produces the savings achieved from correcting payments that were incorrect in the past, as well as correcting payments that would have otherwise been incorrect in the future without DWP’s intervention.

Spring Statement 2025: Policy Costings (pdf, 339.5KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-17 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-17 conversation_18

Viscount Younger of Leckie:To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication on 26 March of Spring Statement 2025: policy costings, how they identified benefit payments that would otherwise be incorrect without the employment of an additional 500 fraud and error staff. \p Baroness Sherlock: It is the customer’s responsibility to report change of circumstances impacting their entitlement to benefit to the Department for Work and Pensions. By providing additional resource to action data alerts we are taking action to more promptly detect and correct under, and overpayments.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-17 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-04-17 conversation_19

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports from the government of South Korea that a further 3,000 North Korean troops have been sent to fight in the war in Ukraine this year; and what measures they have taken to hold those responsible to account. \p Lord Coaker: The Ministry of Defence is aware of recent reports in the press citing South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff that DPRK has subsequently deployed a further 3,000 additional troops in support of Russian Forces in Kursk.

As stated by the Foreign Secretary previously, such cooperation between Russia and the DPRK is not only in violation of multiple UNSC resolutions, but also prolongs the suffering of the Ukrainian people and threatens global security, including those in the ROK and the UK, and demonstrates the desperation of the DPRK and Russia. We are committed to providing the support Ukraine requires to secure a just and lasting peace.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-19 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-19 conversation_1

Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of claims that universities are threatening legal action against the Alan Turing Institute over cancelled partnerships. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The Alan Turing Institute is currently undertaking a consultation process which will aim to concentrate the institute’s activities on fewer projects in line with its Turing 2.0 strategy. The Alan Turing Institute is an independent legal entity, so these consultations, and any related changes, are being handled internally within the institute.

It is important that the Institute delivers value for money and maximum impact for taxpayers, and we will continue our work to support that ambition.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-19 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-19 conversation_2

Lord Clement-Jones:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential closure of the Public Policy Progamme at the Alan Turing Institute, as suggested by the recent departure of both co-directors; and what assessment they have made of the impact of this potential closure on the Institute’s charitable mission. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: In 2024, the Quinquennial Review provided advice on how to strengthen successful delivery of the Turing 2.0 strategy and help shape its future direction in a rapidly changing artificial intelligence (AI) landscape.

Following this review, the Alan Turing Institute has launched a consultation process, which will aim to concentrate the institute’s activities on fewer projects in line with its strategy. The Alan Turing Institute is an independent organisation, and these consultations are being handled internally within the institute.

We note that the CEO of the Institute has recently announced her resignation. We will continue ensuring that the Institute delivers value for money to the taxpayer.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-19 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-19 conversation_3

Lord Meston:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to amend the Mental Health Bill to provide professionals with clarity about how to assess whether children under 16 are competent to make relevant decisions under the Bill in the light of the judgment in Re S (Wardship: Removal to Ghana) [2025] EWCA Civ 1011. \p Baroness Merron: We agree that it is right to focus on improving the practical application of Gillick and the assessments of competency. We have already committed to consulting on the guidance for assessing competence in mental health settings in the revised Mental Health Act Code of Practice, with the intention to provide further clarity to decision makers. This will include engagement with key stakeholders and clinical decision makers with experience of assessing competence in children.

As part of this, we can look to summarise and explain what case law has said on how competence should be assessed, including Re S (Wardship: Removal to Ghana). It remains our position that we would not consider a statutory test in the Mental Health Act.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-19 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-19 conversation_4

Lord Harper:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that high quality palliative care is available to everyone in England and Wales who requires that care, and when they expect that care to be available. \p Baroness Merron: The funding and provision of palliative and end of life care in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Government.

Palliative care and end of life care are broad, holistic approaches provided through a range of professionals and providers, generalist and specialist across the National Health Service, social care and voluntary sector organisations. Therefore, the cost of provision is challenging to measure in its totality.

One of the three ‘shifts’ that the 10 Year Health Plan will deliver is around the Government’s determination to shift healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, to ensure patients and their families receive personalised care in the most appropriate setting. Palliative care and end of life care services will have a big role to play in that shift and were highlighted in the Plan as being an integral part of neighbourhood teams.

The Department and NHS England are currently looking at how to improve the access, quality and sustainability of all-age palliative and end of life care in line with the 10 Year Health Plan.

The Government and the NHS will closely monitor the shift towards strategic commissioning of palliative care and end of life care services to help ensure that services remove variation in access and quality, although some variation may be appropriate to reflect both innovation and the needs of local populations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-19 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-09-19 conversation_5

Baroness Deech:To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to choosing a model for reform of the law of financial provision on divorce as set out in the Law Commission report Financial remedies on divorce and dissolution, published 17 December 2024 (HC 460). \p Baroness Levitt: The Law Commission’s 2024 scoping report on financial remedies on divorce considered whether the current law provides a cohesive framework in which divorcing couples can expect fair and sufficiently certain outcomes. The report also highlighted a number of possible models for reform, noting the potential benefits and challenges of each. The Government is carefully considering the report’s findings, including the possible models identified, and will provide a response in due course.