theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_477
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Anneliese Midgley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what representations he has received from creative industry stakeholders on the economic impact of generative AI. \p Feryal Clark: The Government published a consultation on 17 December 2024, seeking views on several topics relating to the interaction between copyright and artificial intelligence (AI). This included seeking evidence on the economic impact of its proposals.

The consultation closed on 25 February 2025 and the Government received over 11,500 responses. Ministers have also met with representatives of the creative industries and AI sectors to discuss the impact of generative AI.

The Government’s priority now is to review all responses to the consultation, to help inform its approach to copyright and AI. The Government will set out its proposals in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Ian Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if his Department will take steps to strengthen consumers' online privacy protections. \p Feryal Clark: The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) apply to all online services that use personal data and require organisations to process personal data lawfully, fairly, transparently and securely, unless certain limited exemptions apply. The legislation already gives consumers important rights in relation to their personal data, such as the right to seek access to it, object to its processing or seek its erasure. Consumers can also bring complaints about the handling of their personal data to the independent regulator for data protection, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Measures in the Data (Use and Access) Bill include revamping the ICO with a new governance structure and powers of enforcement – ensuring people’s personal data will continue to be protected to high standards. Under the new digital markets regime, the Competition and Markets Authority could also introduce targeted remedies that strengthen consumer choice and control.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Fabian Hamilton:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the rights of (a) authors and (b) other creators are upheld in relation to the use of their copyrighted works in the training of artificial intelligence systems; and whether he plans to introduce requirements for (i) transparency and (ii) compensation for historic use. \p Feryal Clark: Copying protected material in the UK infringes copyright unless it is licensed, or a copyright exception applies. There are mechanisms for redress in cases of infringement.

The Government’s consultation on copyright and AI closed on 25 February. This sought views on giving authors and other creators greater control over use of their material to train AI models, supporting their ability to be remunerated, and requiring AI developers to be more transparent about the works used in AI training.

The Government’s priority now is to review all responses to the consultation. The Government will set out its proposals in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what estimate he has made of the potential level of funding to be allocated from the UK Research and Innovation Natural Environment Research Council budget to the (a) British Antarctic Survey and (b) National Oceanography Centre in the 2025-26 financial year. \p Feryal Clark: The allocation of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) was published in DSIT research and development (R&D) allocations for 2025/2026.

NERC funding for the British Antarctic Survey and the National Oceanography Centre is currently being finalised as part of UKRI’s own allocations process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his timetable is for publishing the second part of the Independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender. \p Feryal Clark: The government has now published the independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender commissioned by the previous Government.

Professor Sullivan is entitled to publish further research in this area in her capacity as an academic and may choose to publish a further report in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of Argentinian activity in Antarctica on (a) the environment, (b) British interests and (c) international interests. \p Catherine West: The Antarctic Treaty preserves Antarctica as a place of peace and science and ensures international cooperation. The Treaty requires Parties to share advance notice of their plans in Antarctica and all activities are subject to environmental impact assessments. The UK actively scrutinises plans to ensure compliance with the Treaty's robust environmental principles as well as the prohibition on military training and the establishment of military bases. The UK has no doubt about its sovereignty over the British Antarctic Territory, although the Treaty effectively places in abeyance all sovereignty claims and is committed to maintaining a permanent presence on the continent, allowing us to conduct world-leading science and preserve British heritage.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Independent Development Review in the context of recent changes to Official Development Assistance. \p Stephen Doughty: The review recommendations are now being considered as part of the Foreign Secretary's wider work to reform the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including how the FCDO approaches the reduction in the Official Development Assistance budget.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the recent $1.5 billion cryptocurrency theft by North Korea; what steps he has taken to trace the assets and prevent further illicit transactions; what steps have been discussed to strengthen security protocols; and whether this has included the imposition of sanctions on cryptocurrency and related entities linked to North Korea. \p Catherine West: The UK Government is aware of reporting relating to the recent cyber activity linked to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, involving the cryptocurrency exchange ByBit. The UK has been consistent in challenging malicious cyber activity carried out by North Korean groups. This has included exposing and sanctioning North Korean actors for disruptive attacks that impacted the NHS. The National Cyber Security Centre has also issued multiple Cyber Security Advisories specifically on threats from North Korean groups, informing UK technical audience on the way these groups operate and ways to defend against them. We do not comment on future sanctions as this could affect their impact.
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Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the planned reduction of Official Development Assistance on the number of women at risk of preventable death in pregnancy and childbirth. \p Stephen Doughty: Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations and the impact on programmes are being worked through, following the decision to reduce UK ODA from 0.5 per cent or gross national income to 0.3 per cent in 2027. We will be taking a rigorous approach to ensure that all ODA delivers value for money, including by considering the impact on women and girls in accordance with the public sector equality duty.

The UK remains unequivocally committed to supporting global efforts to end preventable maternal, child, and newborn deaths in line with Sustainable Development Goal targets. This month the UK delegation to the UN Commission on Population and Development committed to protect and progress sexual and reproductive health and rights, including maternal and newborn health by cosponsoring the launch of the Global Midwifery Accelerator. The UK continues to work closely with partners and provides strong political leadership on maternal health, to end preventable deaths.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has he made of potential opportunities for the BBC World Service to further support UK soft power. \p Catherine West: The Government highly values the World Service, which makes a significant contribution to UK soft power. Soft power indices and perception studies regularly highlight the BBC's soft power attraction. Tapestry Research carried out an international study in 2022, finding that international BBC consumers, particularly 'influential' audiences: have a more positive attitude towards the UK; are more likely to use UK goods and suppliers; and more likely to invest in the UK, and visit the UK for leisure, study, or business.

The World Service Licence requires that the World Service provides value for money. The BBC tracks World Service performance against impact and quality metrics compared with global comparators across multiple markets. The World Service continues to outrank other international news providers on trust, reliability and independence. It also rates highest for helping audiences to understand and engage with news topics.

The HMG uplift for the World Service in 2025/26 takes our total contribution to £137m. The uplift ensures that the World Service will continue operating all 42 language services. This is a significant increase in an exceptionally tight fiscal situation, clearly demonstrating the value that the Government places on the World Service.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Mr Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will consider the case of Ali Kololo in the review of the Overseas Security and Justice Assistance Guidance. \p Stephen Doughty: The Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) assessment is an essential tool to ensure that the UK's overseas security and justice assistance meets our human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL) obligations, increases respect for the rule of law, and supports UK values. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is currently reviewing the Government's guidance for OSJAs so that it remains fit for purpose and captures emerging risks that could contribute to violations of human rights and IHL. As part of that review, the FCDO will consider a wide range of material from civil society and other stakeholders, including internal users across HMG Departments and our overseas network. We will consider the relevance of the Ali Kololo case to the OSJA guidance review.
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Preet Kaur Gill:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent progress his Department has made in efforts to decrease the number of instances of persecution on Bahai communities. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK champions, and remains strongly committed to, freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all abroad. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. Working with the Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith MP, we are championing the right to FoRB and promoting tolerance and mutual respect through our engagement in multilateral organisations, our bilateral work, and our programme funding,

The continued persecution of the Baha'i community including in Iran and Yemen, including unfair arrest and detention, land grabs, and denial of burial rights, is unacceptable. We are committed to working with international partners to hold countries to account for repression of the Bahai's, and other religious or belief minorities, including at the United Nations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of the report by the Lancet entitled Impact of an international HIV funding crisis on HIV infections and mortality in low income and middle income countries, a modelling study, published on 26 March 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK takes note of the current context for international HIV funding. We remain committed to our long-standing support to global health organisations at the core of the response to HIV and AIDS, and we continue to support efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. We are excited to be co-hosting the 8th replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria together with South Africa. In countries where the Global Fund invests, AIDS-related deaths have declined by 73 per cent since 2002.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Belarussian counterpart on the reported disappearance of Anzhelika Melnikava and her daughters. \p Stephen Doughty: I am concerned by reports of Angelika Melnikava's disappearance. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials are following the case closely. We have not raised this with the Belarusian Government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much money has been spent in overseas aid on roads in each of the last five years. \p Stephen Doughty: FCDO Official Development Assistance in Road Infrastructure 2020 to 2024

Year

Spend per Year in £ Million

2020

55.2

2021

55.8

2022

26.7

2023

22.1

2024

11.2

Source: FCDO Aid Management Platform.
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Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which UK-based charities and organisations have lost funding as a result of reductions to the Overseas Development Assistance budget since 2024; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact on the delivery of international aid programmes. \p Stephen Doughty: This government remains fully committed to the UK playing a globally significant role on development; it is both in our national interest and in the interest of our partners across the globe.

Detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review based on various factors including impact assessments
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has allocated funding to Client Earth since 4 July 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: Based on review of available data held centrally, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not allocated any funds to Client Earth since July 2024.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2025 to Question 35682 on Disease Control: International Assistance, how much of the £10 million transferred to the Pandemic Fund has been spent during the current financial year. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK transferred £10 million to the Pandemic Fund in FY 2022/23. Since it was established in September 2022 (and over the period 2022/23 to 2025/26), the Pandemic Fund has announced allocations of $885 million, supporting 47 projects in 75 countries.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many FCDO staff attended the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris in March 2025; and what was the total budget versus the actual cost of attending. \p Stephen Doughty: At the 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris, the UK delegation was led by Baroness Chapman, the Minister for International Development, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In total, five Foreign, Commonwealth, Development Office (FCDO) staff members travelled to Paris to support the Minister's agenda and the coordination of the two side-events we co-hosted, including the Minister's private secretary.

While the final figure is being confirmed, FCDO estimates the total cost of attending came to under £6,000. Staff attendance was staggered throughout the week, with two UK based staff members already in Paris for other partner meetings, also providing support to the Minister's visit and the organisation of the side-events. FCDO has also sought to achieve good value for money through its other N4G activities in Paris, including the arrangement of venues for events.

The UK's development expertise is critical to agendas like nutrition. We will continue to play a leadership role in the future with less money to spend.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2025 to Question 38547 on China: Cook Islands, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of that strategic agreement on his negotiations on the proposed treaty with the Government of Mauritius on the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory. \p Stephen Doughty: Under the agreement we will retain full control over Diego Garcia with robust provisions to keep adversaries out. These include unrestricted access to and use of the base for the UK and US; a buffer zone around Diego Garcia; a comprehensive mechanism to ensure no activity in the other islands threatens base operations; and a ban on the presence of any foreign security forces. This will ensure the long term secure and effective operation of the base well into the next century.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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David Mundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of the Global Fund on tackling (a) HIV (b) tuberculosis and (c) and malaria globally. \p Stephen Doughty: The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria is the world's largest multilateral funder of global health grants in low- and middle-income countries . Since 2002, the Global Fund partnership has saved over 65 million lives and reduced the combined death rate from the three diseases by 63 per cent. In countries where the Global Fund invests, AIDS-related deaths have been reduced by 73 per cent, TB deaths have been reduced by 36 per cent and malaria deaths have been reduced by 28 per cent.
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Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he plans to take to support the scale up of the provision of long-acting HIV prevention medicines now entering the market. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK remains committed to sustainable development goal 3.3 in ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030. Long-acting technologies have the potential to be game-changers in the global response to HIV, but only if they reach the countries and communities that need them most. The UK supports key partners to improve access to long-acting technologies, including Unitaid who recently committed £17 million in market-shaping grants with the Wits Institute in South Africa and Fiotec in Brazil to accelerate affordable access to Lenacapavir.
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Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to take steps to encourage (a) the private sector and (b) other donors to increase funding for global HIV prevention and treatment. \p Stephen Doughty: As the co-host with South Africa of the 8th replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the UK is actively engaging with both international counterparts and private sector partners to advocate for maintaining or increasing funding for global health, including HIV prevention and treatment. The Minister for the Indo-Pacific attended an event in parliament on 2 April celebrating the contribution of the private sector where the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) made a landmark $150 million pledge to the 8th replenishment. The Minister welcomed this significant contribution from a British partner which demonstrates the key role of the private sector in the fight against HIV and AIDS, TB and malaria, and global health more broadly.
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Fabian Hamilton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether there are provisions in the agreement on the future of the Chagos Islands for the United States government to contribute financially to the maintenance of the Diego Garcia military base. \p Stephen Doughty: The deal will be between the UK and Mauritius. The base is an essential part of the UK-US defence relationship, and the US contributes a great deal to the operating cost of the base. Once the treaty is signed it will be put before both Houses for scrutiny before ratification in the usual way. This will include costs.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the quantity of Ukrainian grain being transported through the Black Sea. \p Stephen Doughty: Over 80 per cent of Ukraine's grain exports are now transported through the Black Sea corridor. In 2024, over 48 million tonnes of grains and oilseeds were exported, and monthly volumes were consistently at the highest levels since the war began. Through all routes, Ukraine exported all its surplus harvest from 2023 and is on course to do so for its 2024 harvest.
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David Mundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department is having with (a) their international counterparts and (b) private sector donors on maintaining their levels of funding for the Global Fund. \p Stephen Doughty: As the co-hosts of the Global Fund's 8th replenishment with South Africa we are actively engaging with both international counterparts and private sector partners to advocate maintaining or increasing funding for the Global Fund. The Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) pledged $150 million to the Global Fund on 2 April at an event in parliament celebrating the contribution of the private sector. Minister West spoke at the meeting and welcomed the pledge, the first of the replenishment.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the resilience of Ukraine's export infrastructure to export grain. \p Stephen Doughty: The resilience of Ukraine's grain export infrastructure is demonstrated by the fact that it exported all its surplus harvest from 2023 and is on course to do so again for its 2024 harvest. Ukraine is now exporting over 80 per cent of its grain through its maritime corridor in the Black Sea. It is also exporting grain through its Danube ports and by rail and truck through neighbouring EU member states.
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Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of prioritising aid for Christians and ethnic faith groups in Myanmar following the recent earthquake. \p Catherine West: The UK has announced up to £25 million in life-saving support for people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar, including ethnic and religious minorities.

The UK's earthquake support is funding local actors on the ground who can directly access affected populations and will prioritise the most in need.

The UK Government is committed to defending religious freedom for all in Myanmar. In April this year, the UK co-sponsored a UN Human Rights Council resolution on Myanmar, emphasising the importance of eliminating all forms of discrimination against ethnic and religious minority groups and stressing the importance of equal access to health services, education, livelihood opportunities, and basic services.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with Indo-Pacific counterparts on the risks of increased geopolitical competition over island territories. \p Catherine West: Geopolitical competition and its implications are a consistent and central focus of engagement with the UK's Indo-Pacific partners. The Foreign Secretary regularly engages with his counterparts in the region, including most recently with the Foreign Ministers of China, Japan, India and the Philippines.
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Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what types of humanitarian aid his Department is providing to Myanmar; and what assurance his Department has that the aid will reach those in need. \p Catherine West: The UK has announced up to £25 million in life-saving support for people affected by the recent earthquake in Myanmar. This includes up to £5 million to match the British public's generous donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal.

The UK's earthquake support is funding local actors on the ground who can directly access affected populations. UK-funded food, water, healthcare and shelter supplies are already reaching affected areas, helping over 86,000 people so far.

Since the 2021 coup the UK has provided more than £170 million in live-saving humanitarian assistance, emergency healthcare and education support, and work to support civil society and local communities in Myanmar.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken with international partners to ensure humanitarian aid is received by people in need in Myanmar. \p Catherine West: We are working closely with a range of international partners to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches all those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar. The UK has announced up to £25 million in life-saving support for people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar. This includes up to £5 million to match the British public's generous donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal.

The UK supports the people of Myanmar by funding local actors on the ground who can directly access affected populations. Immediately after the earthquake our partners assessed needs and mobilised an initial humanitarian response. UK-funded food, water, healthcare and shelter supplies are already reaching affected areas, helping over 86,000 people so far.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_508
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Tracy Gilbert:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much financial assistance his Department is providing to Myanmar following the earthquake that hit on 28 March 2025. \p Catherine West: The UK has announced up to £25 million in life-saving support for people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar. This includes up to £5 million to match the British public's generous donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal.

The UK supports the people of Myanmar by funding local actors on the ground who can directly access affected populations. Immediately after the earthquake our partners assessed needs and mobilised an initial humanitarian response. UK-funded food, water, healthcare and shelter supplies are already reaching affected areas, helping over 86,000 people so far.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_509
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to take steps to help tackle the potential impact of aid cuts on (a) South Africa, (b) Kenya, (c) Nigeria and (d) other countries of strategic importance to the UK. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government remains fully committed to the UK playing a globally significant role on development; it is both in our national interest and in the interest of our partners.

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and official development assistance. Detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review on the basis of various factors including the likely impact on the UK's international partnerships with developing nations.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2025 to Question 28503 on USA: Diplomatic Service, if he will publish that guidance on publication of declarations of interest. \p Stephen Doughty: Cabinet Office guidance outlines the process for declaring and resolving conflicts of interest for Senior Civil Servants. The guidance can be found on Gov.uk.
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Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to take steps with (a) G7 and (b) European donors to return to previous levels of Official Development Assistance. \p Stephen Doughty: The Government remains committed to returning Official Development Assistance to 0.7 per cent of gross national income when the fiscal circumstances allow. Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals requires collective action, and the UK will continue to work through international partnerships towards that vision. Other donors' decisions on overseas development funding are a matter for their governments.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps to help protect the (a) human and (b) educational rights of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK remains committed to protecting the human and educational rights of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

We support human rights, including through projects to provide legal support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in BiH and to assist social cohesion in heavily divided communities.

Our embassy in Sarajevo regularly raises educational rights in engagements with BiH authorities, underlining our support for an inclusive future in BiH where fundamental rights are respected and all may access education.

We continue to work with international partners, including through the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, to support these aims.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_513
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if Ministers in her Department will meet with the hon. Member for Surrey Heath to discuss railway infrastructure improvements aimed at enabling more direct services to London. \p Simon Lightwood: Future rail infrastructure investment is being considered as part of the Spending Review, which will conclude in June 2025. The Rail Minister would therefore be happy to meet the MP for Surrey Heath once this process has concluded.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_514

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with GWR on ticket offices in Devon. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department expects all train operating companies to use reasonable endeavours to meet their obligations for regulated staffed ticket office opening hours under Schedule 17 of the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement. As such, we regularly review ticket office opening hours compliance.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_515

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed Luton Airport expansion on Thameslink services. \p Simon Lightwood: Luton Airport Parkway station is well served with up to eight Thameslink and two East Midlands Railway trains an hour to and from the station.

Most passenger demand for the airport is either in the off-peak period or in the contra-peak direction, when trains are typically less busy.

The two train operators for the station, Govia Thameslink Railway and East Midlands Railway, were involved in the planning process for the airport expansion plans, including in relation to their ability to provide sufficient capacity to meet expected changes in demand.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_516

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of multi-year funding settlements on (a) service improvements and (b) long-term planning by South Western Railway. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is committed to delivering a unified and simplified governance structure for the railways, alongside passenger train services under public ownership. This will provide improved services for passengers, better value for money for taxpayers and ensure decisions across infrastructure and operations are aligned. A multi-year funding settlement will better enable delivery of these outcomes. This will include on South Western Railway, following its transition to public ownership on 25th May 2025.

Officials are also developing a financial framework under which Great British Railways will be expected to operate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_517

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure sufficient electric vehicle charging infrastructure for all cars parked on-street. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government is committed to accelerating the roll-out of charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to an electric vehicle (EV). As of 1 April 2025, the Government and industry have supported the installation of 76,507 publicly available charging devices, an increase of 28% compared to this time last year.

The £381m Local EV Infrastructure Fund, which is expected to leverage significant further private investment, is expected support the installation of at least 100,000 local chargepoints across England.

The Department is also working with local authorities to encourage the use of cross-pavement solutions. This allows EV drivers to access their domestic electricity tariffs by safely connecting a home EV charger to their vehicle parked on-street. Government has published cross-pavement guidance, as well as offering the EV Chargepoint Grant for Households with On Street Parking.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_518
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_518

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with (a) hon. Members and (b) the trade associations who contributed to the volumetric concrete mixers review prior to announcing the findings. \p Lilian Greenwood: My Department engaged with hon. Members and industry stakeholders through correspondence prior to the announcement. Additionally, industry and interested parties were given the opportunity to present views and evidence on this topic as part of the Call for Evidence between October and December 2023.

The call for evidence sought views on three potential options on weight limits for Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCMs). The following factors were considered: reduction in payload per journey, increased waste, and increased vehicle mileage. Information received did not provide any compelling evidence for permitting a weight limit exemption specifically for VCMs. As part of its consideration of the evidence, the Department for Transport has assessed the potential environmental impacts in accordance with the Environment Act 2021 which requires Ministers of the Crown to have ‘due regard’ to the environmental principles policy statement when making policy.

Current exemptions to weight limits for VCMs will expire in 2028. This policy is being maintained.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_519

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the discount offered by the disabled persons railcard. \p Simon Lightwood: The Disabled Persons Railcard provides a third off rail travel for the traveller plus an adult companion. This discount is in line with other railcards.

The current criteria for the Disabled Persons Railcard has been in place for some time, however, in the years since these criteria were established, our understanding of disability has improved. The Department is considering how the Disabled Persons Railcard could better meet its objectives with any changes made requiring balancing against the potential impacts on passengers, taxpayers and the railway.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_520
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_520

Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much is the capital grant to Telford and Wrekin Council for (a) road and (b) pothole (i) repairs and (ii) improvements in each of the last six years. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local highway network. DfT allocates capital funding to local highway authorities so they can most effectively spend it on maintaining and improving their respective networks, based upon their local knowledge, circumstances, and priorities.

Local highway authorities should consider all parts of the highway network as part of their highway asset management plans, such as bridges, cycleways, and lighting columns – not just the fixing of potholes. Funding allocations for local highway maintenance are published on gov.uk.

Telford and Wrekin Council, as a highway authority, has been allocated the following highway maintenance funding:

Year

Highways Maintenance funding for Telford and Wrekin Council

2020/21

£5,747,000

2021/22

£4,311,000

2022/23

£4,311,000

2023/24

£5,625,400

2024/25

£4,859,000

2025/26

£7,164,000

To receive the full funding allocation in 2025/26, Telford and Wrekin will have to comply with the requirements announced by the Secretary of State in March 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_521

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department is taking steps to enable railcard holders to use their discounts with contactless payments on (a) London Northwestern Railway and (b) Govia Thameslink Railway services. \p Simon Lightwood: Whilst currently you are not able to link railcards to contactless bankcards, we are working with Transport for London on the functionality to use Railcard discounts with Pay As You Go (PAYG) with contactless, and this will follow in due course.  Passengers will continue to be able to use Railcard discounts on the equivalent barcode, smartcard, and magstripe fares which are price equivalent in many cases to the PAYG price.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_522
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_522

Brian Mathew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to prevent reduction in access to ticket offices on the Great Western Railway network. \p Simon Lightwood: Officials regularly discuss ticket offices with Great Western Railway, including those in Wiltshire, on behalf of the Secretary of State. Any changes to ticket offices in relation to regulated stations covered by Schedule 17 of the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement must be made following the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement process and Secretary of State guidance.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_523
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_523

Amanda Hack:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Transport & Environment, publication entitled Palm Oil?, published on 9 April 2025, what assessment his Department has made of the potential disruption to the transport fuel supply. \p Mike Kane: We take the concerns raised in Transport & Environment’s publication relating to the biofuel feedstock Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) seriously.

Fuel supplied in the UK under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) is subject to robust checks as required by legislation. If evidence of fraud or non-compliance is found we have powers to withhold or revoke certificates, issue civil penalties and, where appropriate, refer the matter to the relevant authorities.

The Department does not expect the concerns raised to result in disruption to the overall supply of transport fuel.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_524

Ruth Cadbury:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of seeking an agreement with the European Union on the mutual recognition of (a) qualifications and (b) licenses for (i) pilots, (ii) flight crew and (iii) aircraft engineers. \p Mike Kane: The Government has been clear that it will work to reset the relationship with Europe, to strengthen ties and tackle barriers to trade. Establishing an effective personnel licensing regime that supports UK aviation remains a priority for us, and the UK is keen to establish closer cooperation on personnel licensing where possible to ease the current burden on UK and EU personnel.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_525

Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the China Investment Company’s ownership stake in Heathrow airport on national security. \p Mike Kane: The Government takes its responsibility for national security extremely seriously and balances this with its continued commitment to welcome inward investment in a way that provides investors with the certainty and transparency they need to do business in the UK.

For any new investments into the UK that fall under an area of the economy deemed to be in a sensitive sector, which includes new investments into the transport sector, we will use the powers afforded by the National Security and Investment Act 2021 to scrutinise transactions and intervene if necessary to protect national security. We work across government to conduct due diligence and other assessments and ensure that any potential national security risk to the UK is handled appropriately.