theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_3

Earl Howe:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Neville-Rolfe on 21 November 2023 (HL36), whether they will publish data on an annualised basis on what proportion of deaths where COVID-19 is mentioned on the death certificate have been (1) male, and (2) female, for the period in which data are available. \p Baroness Twycross: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

Please see the letter attached from the National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority.

The Rt Hon. the Earl Howe GBE

House of Lords

London

SW1A 0PW

13 January 2025

Dear Earl Howe,

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Neville-Rolfe on 21 November 2023 (HL36), whether data on an annualised basis on what proportion of deaths where COVID-19 is mentioned on the death certificate have been (1) male, and (2) female, for the period in which data are available, will be published (HL3740).

The Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) mortality statistics are compiled from information supplied when deaths are certified and registered as part of civil registration, which is a legal requirement. This data enables the ONS to produce detailed statistics on deaths that are registered in England and Wales. In October 2024, the ONS published annual statistics for deaths registered in 2023[1]. Deaths where COVID-19 was the underlying cause by year are published in our Deaths registered in England and Wales dataset[2]. Table 1 also provides the data you have requested.

Table 1: Deaths registered where COVID-19 was the underlying cause, England and Wales, all ages excluding under 1, 2020 to 2023.

Year of registration

Sex

Number of deaths

2023

Male

6,450

2023

Female

5,387

2022

Male

12,219

2022

Female

10,226

2021

Male

36,792

2021

Female

30,556

2020

Male

40,995

2020

Female

32,771

Source: Office for National Statistics

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

[1]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregistrationsummarytables/2023

[2]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/datasets/deathsregisteredinenglandandwalesseriesdrreferencetables
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_4

Earl Howe:To ask His Majesty's Government how many age-standardised excess deaths there have been in England and Wales for each year in which data are available in the last decade. \p Baroness Twycross: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

Please see the letter attached from the National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority.

The Rt Hon. the Earl Howe GBE

House of Lords

London

SW1A 0PW

13 January 2025

Dear Earl Howe,

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Questions asking how many excess deaths over the state pension age there have been in England and Wales for each year in which data are available in the last decade (HL3738); and how many age-standardised excess deaths there have been in England and Wales for each year in which data are available in the last decade (HL3739).

In February 2024, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published new estimates of excess deaths in the UK using a new method[1]. Estimates of excess deaths in the UK for those aged 65 and over for the last decade can be found in Table 1. State pension age varies by sex and changes over time, so we have presented figures for the 65 and over age group which most closely aligns with those at state pension age or above. Please also note that estimates from our model are only possible at a UK level when they are broken down by age.

Our new methodology for estimating excess deaths uses a statistical model to estimate the expected number of deaths. The model accounts for changes in population size, age structure, and trends in mortality over time. The estimates shown in Table 1 therefore account for changes in age structure. Further breakdowns providing excess deaths by age group are available in our Estimating excess deaths in the UK, methodology changes dataset[2].

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

Table 1: Annual estimates of expected and excess deaths, aged 65 and over, UK: 2011 to 2023.

Year

Deaths

Expected deaths

Excess deaths

2011

456,325

465,039

-8,714

2012

476,380

465,439

10,941

2013

483,793

464,395

19,398

2014

478,365

480,138

-1,773

2015

509,320

483,194

26,126

2016

502,024

505,470

-3,446

2017

512,972

509,638

3,334

2018

519,410

519,379

31

2019

509,129

541,019

-31,890

2020

583,671

515,763

67,908

2021

557,006

515,535

41,471

2022

553,884

513,315

40,569

2023

556,678

544,447

12,231

Source: Office for National Statistics

[1]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/causesofdeath/articles/estimatingexcessdeathsintheukmethodologychanges/february2024

[2]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/causesofdeath/articles/estimatingexcessdeathsintheukmethodologychanges/february2024/relateddata
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_5

Baroness Finn:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Government Digital Service or an external IT company have been commissioned to build a new platform for transparency data, as set out in the July 2023 policy paper on “Strengthening Ethics and Integrity in Central Government”. \p Baroness Twycross: This Government is fully committed to transparency and to looking at how the range of information published can be improved and made as useful as possible. As part of this, the government has committed to publishing a new central register of ministers’ gifts and hospitality on a monthly basis. The first register will be published by the Cabinet Office in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_6

Baroness Finn:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to make it their policy to publish agendas and minutes from their mission boards; and whether the mission boards are able to make agreements on government policy. \p Baroness Twycross: It is a long-established precedent that information about the discussions that have taken place in Cabinet and its committees - including mission boards - is not normally shared publicly.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_7

Baroness Hooper:To ask His Majesty's Government what arrangements are in place for Colombian nationals applying for visas to the United Kingdom following the reintroduction of a visa requirement on 26 November 2024. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: Colombian nationals who wish to apply for a visa for the UK are able to submit their application and upload their supporting documents online before attending an appointment to provide their biometrics at a Visa Application Centre. Customers can apply for a UK visit visa from any country/territory. Those applying via other routes (e.g. study, work, settlement) may be required to apply in the country/territory in which they are currently living. In Colombia, there are 3 Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration. These are located in Bogotá and Medellín, which are currently open 5 days per week, and Cali, which is open 2 days per week. Once concluded, the customer may either collect their passport in person or have it shipped directly to them by courier.

The reintroduction of the visit visa requirement on 26 November 2024 was accompanied by a 28-day transition period, which allowed Colombian nationals with confirmed travel bookings made before 15.00 on 26 November 2024 to enter the UK visa-free if their scheduled arrival was before 15.00 on 24 December 2024. A transition period was also implemented for Colombian nationals transiting the UK to an onward destination.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_8

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of social media platforms in inciting the riots in Southport between 30 July and 5 August 2024. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The government engages constructively with all social media platforms, whilst being clear about their responsibility to deal with harmful content.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_9

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government how many individuals from the Rohingya community have been granted refugee status each year over the past ten years; what consideration they have given to creating a special asylum route for Rohingya refugees; and what assessment they have made of the humanitarian impact of pushback policies conducted by nations in the region, including Malaysia. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office does not hold any data on specific asylum claims from the Rohingya community as data is only held and published at the nationality level.

However, the UK has been at the forefront of international efforts to support Rohingya refugees having contributed £406 million to the response in Bangladesh since 2017, as well as providing over £48 million to supporting the Rohingya and other Muslim minorities in Rakhine state, Myanmar.”
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_10

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government whether the full range of assistance services, including housing and other provision, will be available to Syrian asylum seekers while their applications are on hold. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office has a legal obligation, as set out in the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, to support asylum seekers (including any dependants) who would otherwise be destitute. This includes Syrian claimants who have had their cases paused temporarily.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_11

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect consumers from rising levels of banking scams, particularly in relation to those involving AI voice cloning. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Government takes the issue of fraud very seriously and is dedicated to protecting the public from this devastating crime. The Home Office continues to work with industry partners, including the financial institutions, to prevent fraudsters from targeting consumers with banking and other scams.

The “Stop! Think Fraud” communications campaign helps people spot and avoid fraud and provides fraud prevention and recovery advice. AI has the potential to assist fraudsters in impersonating others and this campaign helps protect the public by raising awareness and helping the public to protect themselves. This Government has also supported initiatives such as agreeing a safe phrase with trusted friends and family to verify their identity.

We are also developing our new, expanded fraud strategy over the coming months. In collaboration with key industry, law enforcement and civil society partners, we will be ensuring that collectively we are doing everything possible to protect the public from fraud.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_12

Lord Hain:To ask His Majesty's Government what are the latest figures for antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes for the (1) Metropolitan Police, (2) Greater Manchester Police, and (3) West Midlands Police, compared with the figures for September 2023; and what is the average figure for all police forces over the same period. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office collects information on the number of religious hate crimes by targeted religion on a monthly basis from police forces in England and Wales. However, information is only available for 31 police forces, including the Metropolitan and Greater Manchester Police, for the time period asked about. The available data broken down by month from September 2023 to March 2024 are given in the table below:

Number of religious hate crimes targeted against Jews and Muslims recorded by the police by month, 31 police forces in England and Wales, September 2023 to March 2024

Hate crimes targeted against Jews

Hate crimes targeted against Muslims

Month

Metropolitan Police

Greater Manchester Police

Total for 31 police forces

Metropolitan Police

Greater Manchester Police

Total for 31 police forces

September

42

8

95

77

19

194

October

315

85

577

153

40

325

November

222

68

444

166

49

362

December

124

33

264

89

40

243

January

108

37

226

71

37

217

February

91

34

211

96

34

233

March

108

51

238

129

51

332

Monthly average (September 2023 to March 2024

144

45

294

112

39

272

Source: Police recorded crime, Home Office
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_13

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of "prostitute’s cautions", on opportunities for employment and other stigmatisation of those affected and what relationship this holds with the natural right to justice; and whether they plan to abolish such cautions. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: For too long, people have been trapped within commercial sexual exploitation under the guise of prostitution. This Government will use every lever available to stop this. As prostitution is an extremely complex issue and there are a wide range of potential legislative approaches, further work is required to understand the options. We are currently considering policy options on how we can best support those impacted by prostitution and sexual exploitation as part of work towards a new strategy on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_14

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they are putting in place to ensure that every government department is accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence for government business. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The AI opportunities Action Plan has been published and in response, the government has accepted all 50 recommendations. The digital centre within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, has been established to bring together central digital, data, technology and AI teams and act as a catalyst for technology adoption and service transformation across government.

The digital centre is leading the response to public sector AI adoption and working across departments to drive the use of AI within government, and the wider public sector, to improve citizens’ lives and make government more efficient. This includes adopting a ‘scan, pilot, scale’ approach to rolling out AI tools, building on the work of the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_15

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to increase the availability of broadband services in the UK, particularly with regard to (1) expanding the available connections, and (2) increasing broadband access in rural low-service areas. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: According to the independent website Thinkbroadband.com, over 85% of premises in the UK can already access a gigabit-capable connection. Building Digital UK’s latest annual report shows that between April 2023 and March 2024, 92% of premises benefitting from publicly-subsidised broadband rollout, including Project Gigabit, were rural.

To improve connectivity further, more than £2 billion of contracts have been signed to connect over a million more premises with gigabit-capable broadband. These are premises that fall predominantly in rural areas. For very hard to reach premises, we are actively discussing with industry where support might be required to accelerate the deployment of appropriate technologies.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_16

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Grimstone of Boscobel on 28 April 2022 (HL7909), what is the current status of Project DEFEND; and what assessment they have made of its success in (1) strengthening national resilience, and (2) reducing supply chain dependency on China. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: Under the previous government the then Department for International Trade (DIT) ran Project Defend from April 2020 to March 2021 when the project closed.

We recognise the importance of strengthening the resilience of UK supply chains to boost our preparedness for potential disruptions and shocks, Further consideration will be given to this in our forthcoming Trade Strategy. More widely, we are carrying out a full and comprehensive audit of the UK’s interests with regards to China, which will bring a consistent, long-term and strategic approach.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_17

Lord Hain:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to pardon and compensate sub-postmasters convicted as a result of the Post Office's Capture project. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: On 17 December, the Government published its response to the independent report into Capture, committing to offer redress to affected postmasters. We will develop our proposals through engagement with postmasters and key stakeholders.

The Kroll report does not make conclusions on whether Capture led to unsafe convictions The scale of convictions relating to Capture is so far unknown and no convictions have been overturned by the courts to date. The Criminal Cases Review Commission and its Scottish equivalent are actively reviewing cases which have been submitted, and the Government expects Post Office Ltd to fully engage with any ongoing or future investigations into Capture.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_18

Lord Carlile of Berriew:To ask His Majesty's Government how many collective proceedings applications were filed with the Competition Appeal Tribunal, broken down by opt-out and opt-in proceedings, in each month since July 2023. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The following numbers of collective proceedings applications, broken down by opt-in and opt-out proceedings, have been filed with the Competition Appeal Tribunal in each month since July 2023:

Month / Year

Opt-Out

Opt-In

Jul 23

4

0

Aug 23

2

0

Sep 23

1

0

Oct 23

0

0

Nov 23

4

0

Dec 23

4

0

Jan 24

0

0

Feb 24

1

0

Mar 24

1

0

Apr 24

0

0

May 24

1

0

Jun 24

4

0

Jul 24

0

0

Aug 24

1

0

Sep 24

0

0

Oct 24

0

0

Nov 24

1

0

Dec 24

2

0
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_19

Lord Booth:To ask His Majesty's Government how many outstanding claims for Pension Credit there were at the end of 2024. \p Baroness Sherlock: Outstanding Pension Credit claims totalled 92,400 at the end of week commencing 23rd December 2024. This includes 8,500 advanced claims. Advanced claims are where the application can be started up to 4 months before reaching State Pension age. We do not hold this information at regional level.

Please note, the data shown is unpublished management information, collected and intended for internal departmental use and has not been quality assured to National Statistics or Official Statistics publication standard.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_20

Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the annual cost increase arising from the greater uptake of Pension Credit since July 2024. \p Baroness Sherlock: The department estimates that the legislation to means-test Winter Fuel Payments would generate a net saving of £1.3 billion in England and Wales for 2024/25. This reflects an expected increase in Pension Credit take-up, estimated at five percentage points. This assumption reduced the overall saving by £0.3 billion in 2024-25 in England and Wales, but there is significant uncertainty around this element of the costing. For further details, please see Economic and fiscal outlook – CP 1169.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_21

Lord Booth:To ask His Majesty's Government how many pensioner households were in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment in 2024; and how this compares with the figure for 2023. \p Baroness Sherlock: For Winter 2023 to 2024, the number of households paid a Winter Fuel Payment was 8.5 million. For further details, please visit Winter Fuel Payment statistics for winter 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK.

The number of households in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 2024 to 2025 is not yet available. Official Winter Fuel Payment statistics for Winter 2024 to 2025 are expected to be released by the end of 2025.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_22

Lord Kempsell:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 12 November 2024 (HL2064), whether they intend to publish the (1) annual, and (2) total, amount of funding they have agreed to provide to Mauritius in their agreement to transfer sovereignty of British Indian Ocean Territory to that country. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: A financial element was crucial to securing the agreement between the UK and Mauritius on 3 October. It is not normal practice to release costs of overseas bases. Further details of the Treaty will be put before both Houses for scrutiny, after signature and before ratification, in the usual way.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_23

Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 6 January (HL3268), whether anyone provided external legal advice; if so, who; by what process such providers of legal advice were commissioned; and, what relevant interests, if any, they declared with regard to the Chagos Islands. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The Government has sought external legal advice at various times throughout the negotiations with Mauritius. The specific counsel instructed has depended on the nature of the legal issues involved. Counsel have a professional obligation not to accept instructions where there is a conflict of interest.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_24

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications of Hong Kong's Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer Systems) Bill, including concerns that Hong Kong businesses operating in the UK could be subject to data requests from Hong Kong authorities; and what steps they are taking to address potential risks to UK businesses and data sovereignty arising from this legislation. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The British Consulate General liaises closely with UK businesses operating in Hong Kong regarding local regulatory developments, including in relation to the Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer Systems) Bill currently before the Hong Kong Legislative Council. We will continue to monitor developments closely as this legislation is finalised and becomes operational, and any potential impact it may have on UK business.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_25

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Hong Kong following the decision of Hong Kong police to offer rewards for the arrests of pro-democracy campaigners, including British National (Overseas) passport holders resident in the UK, and the stripping of Martin Lee SC of his status as a Hong Kong Justice of the Peace. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: On Christmas Eve, the Foreign Secretary strongly condemned the Hong Kong police's targeting of individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression and called on Beijing to repeal the National Security Law, including its extraterritorial reach. Senior diplomats have raised concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, and FCDO officials have contacted the Chinese Embassy and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London.

The UK Government will not tolerate any attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas, especially in the UK.

Freedom of speech and other fundamental rights of all people in the UK are protected under domestic law, regardless of nationality. The police and security services monitor these issues very closely.

The UK will always stand up for the rights of the people of Hong Kong.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_26

Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what assistance they are giving to the new administration in Bangladesh to support reforms and build capacity in (1) their anti-corruption unit, (2) financial intelligence unit, (3) criminal investigation department, (4) national board of revenue and (5) the Attorney General of Bangladesh's Office. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK Government is supporting the Bangladesh Interim Government's work to create a pathway to an inclusive democratic future. We would not comment on any individual Asset Recovery cases, but we are supporting reform and capacity building including providing expertise to the central bank to stabilise the banking system and implement banking governance reforms. We are in discussions with the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre hosted by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and the International Centre for Asset Recovery on how to support the Interim Government of Bangladesh. The NCA visited Dhaka in October and November 2024 as part of the UK's effort to support Bangladesh in this area as well as wider engagement on law enforcement issues. The UK and international partners continue to push for progress towards accountability and justice, and due process in Bangladesh, including through an impartial and independent fact-finding mission by the United Nations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_27

Baroness Boycott:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 19 December 2024 (HL3060), what remedy the public currently has against a failure by a water company to proactively publish the operational sewage treatment and discharge datasets, the publication of which is not otherwise provided for in law. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs) require public authorities – including water companies - to disclose environmental information proactively. This includes data or summaries of data derived from the monitoring of activities affecting, or likely to affect, the environment.

The Information Commissioner, as the regulatory authority for information rights, promotes good practice by public authorities and may issue a “practice recommendation” to a public authority if it appears to him that the practice of the authority does not conform with that proposed in the Code of Practice. In July 2024, the Information Commissioner wrote to 12 water companies to remind them of their transparency obligations and followed this up in December 2024 by publishing a case study demonstrating both how challenges in publishing data can be overcome and the benefits of publishing frequently requested information.

If a member of the public seeks environmental information that a public authority has not proactively made available, they may request it, using Regulation 5 of the EIRs Where an exception does not apply to the information, the public authority must supply the information within 20 working days of receiving the request. If the requestor is dissatisfied with the way the request was handled, they may request a review from the public authority and if they continue to be dissatisfied, may request a decision from the Information Commissioner.

Alternatively, a member of the public may seek a judicial review of a public authorities’ failure to discharge its duties to disclose information proactively under the EIRs.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_28

The Lord Bishop of St Albans:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Canal &amp; River Trust Our Climate and Adaptation Report, published in December 2024; in particular, the roles that canals could play in (1) biodiversity, (2) decarbonisation, and (3) climate adaptation. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: No assessment has been made. As a charity independent of government, the Canal and River Trust is responsible for its operational matters and decisions. The government does not have a role in that, but does provide an annual grant of £52.6m towards maintaining the canal infrastructure that helps the Trust to deliver its charitable objectives in line with the Waterways Trust Settlement. The Government recognises that the Trust has an important role to play in contributing to the Environmental Improvement Plan, alongside other government priorities.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_29

Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 19 December 2024 (HL3133), how they anticipate that Northern Ireland officials in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs will determine whether a pet owner resident in Great Britain is compliant with the Northern Ireland pet travel scheme upon their arrival in Northern Ireland. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government will work closely with Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in operating the Pet Travel scheme, including on issues of compliance and ensuring that those with pet travel documents are able to move without interruption.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_30

Lord Kamall:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Ofwat and water companies about encouraging or incentivising domestic and business customers to install rainwater harvesting systems. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government recognises that rainwater harvesting and other forms of water reuse can play a key role in helping non-households and businesses meet the statutory water demand reduction target of 9% by March 2038. We are therefore supporting water companies and developers to deliver water efficiency through both rainwater harvesting and other forms of water reuse.

We supported Ofwat on their consultation to provide environmental incentives to developers which included considering where new technologies and water efficient practices could be integrated into buildings and developments. Ofwat reported that water reuse solutions are likely to be an important tool for improving water efficiency in the medium term.

We are also looking into allowing water companies to supply treated, non-potable water, including rainwater, for certain water demands such as toilet flushing.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_31

Lord De Mauley:To ask His Majesty's Government for what reason it is still legal to export glass eels to Russia despite sanctions against that country. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: As an endangered species, the international trade in European eel is regulated through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Any exports are subject to rigorous scrutiny, including through assessments of legal acquisition and non-detriment.

The UK’s approach to these exports is being reviewed by the new Government to ensure legality, sustainability, and alignment with global conservation efforts.

The export of European eel to Russia is not currently sanctioned.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_32

Lord Swire:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, if any, with the Charity Commission about Sheikh Mishary Alafasy's speaking tour. \p Baroness Twycross: Ministers and officials regularly meet with the Charity Commission. In relation to this specific case, the Charity Commission is aware of the concerns raised, but as the Charity Commission is independent from the Government in its regulatory decision making, it will be for them to assess the matter further.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_33

The Lord Bishop of St Albans:To ask His Majesty's Government how many convictions there were for those caught driving whilst under the influence of drugs in (1) 2019, (2) 2020, (3) 2021, (4) 2022, (5) 2023, and (6) 2024. \p Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede: The Ministry of Justice publishes data on convictions at criminal courts in England and Wales in the Outcomes by Offences data tool, including convictions for driving whilst under the influence of drugs. They can be downloaded from the Criminal Justice Statistics landing page here: Criminal Justice Statistics.

The below table provides the number of convictions from 2019 to 30 June 2024 (latest available data) for ‘Driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle whilst unfit through drink or drugs (impairment) - drugs (MOT)’, England and Wales. Source: Court Proceeding Database [1][2].

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Jan-Jun 2024

Convictions

443

439

552

356

345

172

[1] Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.

[2] These figures are presented on a principal offence basis - i.e. reporting information relating to the most serious offence that a defendant was dealt with for. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_34
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_34

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the number and cost of solar panels which have been purchased from China over the past ten years; how many solar panels they expect will be purchased (1) over the next ten years and (2) to meet to objectives of the Great British Energy Bill; and what is the estimated expenditure for each of these periods. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government recently set out its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which requires significant deployment of solar electricity. Developing sustainable, diverse and resilient solar supply chains, free from forced labour, is an absolute priority for this Government and the solar industry.

The Government does not hold data on the supply chains of individual businesses and therefore cannot provide details of overall expenditure or quantities of Chinese imports of solar panels. As Great British Energy will be operationally independent, it will be for the company to determine the projects and technologies it chooses to invest in, in accordance with its objectives.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_35

The Lord Bishop of Sheffield:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to alleviate fuel poverty this winter, including (1) support for local government, and (2) community-led initiatives. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: There are multiple targeted schemes in place to deliver energy efficiency measures to low income and fuel poor households. Current schemes include the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, the Home Upgrade Grant, the Energy Company Obligation and the Great British Insulation Scheme. Between them they help social housing providers, local authorities, charities, homeowners and private and social tenants with domestic energy efficiency measures.

The Warm Home Discount schemes also provide a £150 rebate off bills to eligible low-income households across Great Britain. Through Industry Initiatives suppliers can provide further assistance through third parties such as fuel poverty charities and organisations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_36

Lord Truscott:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 8 January (HL3567), whether they have any target for providing social homes over the lifetime of the current Parliament. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Government has committed to delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation. Our aspiration is to ensure that, from the first full financial year of this Parliament (2025-26) onwards, the number of Social Rent homes grows consistently. We will update Parliament on our progress.

We have therefore asked Homes England and the Greater London Authority to maximise the number of Social Rent homes in allocating the remaining funding from the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme.

My department published an update on targets in the 2021-26 Programme on 30 July 2024. We have also made a number of changes to national planning policy that are designed to support the delivery of Social Rent homes. We will bring forward details of future Government investment in social and affordable housing at the Spending Review.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_37

Lord Birt:To ask His Majesty's Government whether all the 1.5 million new homes which they target to be built by 2030 (1) will have 360 insulation, and (2) will have decarbonised heating. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Government is committed to ensuring that the 1.5 million homes we will build over the course of this parliament will be high quality, well designed and sustainable.

In 2021, the Government introduced an uplift in energy efficiency standards, which came into force in June 2022. New homes are now expected to produce significantly less CO2 emissions compared to those built to previous standards, with many homes already being built with better insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps.

Future standards, to be introduced later this year, will build on the 2021 standards and set new homes on a path that moves away from relying on volatile fossil fuels, ensuring they are fit for a net zero future. These homes will be future proofed with low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency, including high quality insulation. No further energy efficiency retrofit work will be necessary to enable these homes to become zero-carbon over time as the electricity grid continues to decarbonise.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_38

Baroness Eaton:To ask His Majesty's Government with reference to the provisional local government finance settlement 2025–26 published on 18 December 2024, whether the £515 million allocated to compensate local authorities for the increase in employer National Insurance contributions is to cover the costs for the 2025–26 financial year, and whether this funding will be renewed on an annual basis. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The government has announced an additional £515 million of support for local government, including Mayoral Combined Authorities and Fire and Rescue Authorities, specifically to manage the impact of changes to employer (National Insurance contributions) NICs announced at the Autumn Budget. Allocations to local authorities will be announced at the final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025-26. Spending decisions beyond 2025-26, including on NICs, are a matter for the upcoming Spending Review.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_39

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to prevent houses from being built on functional flood plains and, in particular, on those sites located in flood zone 3b. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The National Planning Policy Framework clearly sets out that inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk, including floodplains. The approach to planning for flood risk is already clear that new housing and most other forms of development are not appropriate in a functional floodplain (Flood Zone 3b), where water has to flow or be stored in times of flood.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_40

Lord Patten:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effects of flooding in the North West of England in December 2024 and January 2025 on new urban commercial and housing construction. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The government recognises the devastating impact that recent flooding has had on the communities affected. The existence of areas of high flood risk is something that local planning authorities should take into account when preparing their plans and assessing the suitability of different locations for development. Our national planning policy is clear that development should be directed to areas with the lowest risk of flooding. Where no alternative sites are available, permission should only be granted where it can be demonstrated that it will be safe for its lifetime taking account of the vulnerability of its users, without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and, where possible, will reduce flood risk overall.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_41

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay:To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to commence sections (1) 102, and (2) 230, of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. \p Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: The Government is reviewing heritage planning policy in the context of wider reforms to the planning system. As part of that work we will consider the outstanding measures from the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. An announcement on the way forward will be made in due course.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_42

Lord Swire:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the research note by the Policy Exchange The Muslim Council of Britain's New Leadership. \p Lord Khan of Burnley: HMG does not engage with the Muslim Council of Britain. No assessment has been made of this research note.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_43

Lord Swire:To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, if any, with the al Mustafa Welfare Trust about Sheikh Mishary Alafasy's speaking tour. \p Lord Khan of Burnley: The Government is alert to the damage to community cohesion caused by antisemitism and is absolutely committed to rooting out this abhorrent form of hatred. We understand the concerns that have been raised by some Jewish organisations in relation to Sheikh Mishary Alafasy’s speaking tour and, whilst we are not aware of a broader impact on community cohesion, we will continue to be watchful as part of our routine community tensions monitoring. The Government has not met with al Mustafa Welfare Trust about the speaking tour.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-20 conversation_44

Baroness Deech:To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Khan of Burnley on 20 December 2024 (HL3595), what is the current estimated cost of building a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens; how much private funding has been secured for the memorial; and what efficiencies of cost, if any, they are considering. \p Lord Khan of Burnley: Estimated costs and the expected charitable donations were set out in the Written statement of 28 June 2023 by Baroness Scott of Bybrook [Statement HLWS875].

Written Statement (pdf, 120.0KB)