theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-12 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-12 conversation_21

Lord Wigley:To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of the three-paper series concerning the health dangers associated with ultra-processed food, published in <em>The Lancet</em> on 18 November, what plans they have to review the safety standards for such foods. \p Baroness Merron: The Department acknowledges the three-paper series on ultra-processed food published in The Lancet on 18 November. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) considered the evidence on the impact of processing on health, including mental health, in 2023 and 2025.

The SACN concluded that the observed associations between higher consumption of processed and ultra processed foods and adverse health outcomes are concerning. The SACN recommends that on balance, most people are likely to benefit from reducing their consumption of processed foods high in energy, saturated fat, salt, and free sugars, and which are low in fibre. The SACN’s recommendations align with existing policies for supporting healthier diets and our advice to consumers.

The SACN has made a number of research recommendations to help understand whether processing is a risk factor, over and above the nutrients and energy intake. The SACN will keep the topic of processed foods under annual review and will consider it again in 2026.

All food additives used in the United Kingdom are subject to rigorous safety assessments before they are approved for use. These assessments consider how the additive will be used, the types of foods it can be added to, and the maximum permitted levels to ensure consumer safety. Current evidence indicates that these limits are set at levels designed to protect people’s health.

The concerns regarding the packaging of ultra-processed foods containing chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenols, and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) are indeed legitimate. These compounds have been linked to potential health risks, including endocrine disruption and reduced fertility. All materials and articles intended for contact with food must adhere to a comprehensive legal framework. This framework includes specific regulations for different material types, which are enforced under the Materials and Articles in Contact with Food Regulations.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-12 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-12 conversation_22

Lord Booth:To ask His Majesty's Government what resources they are providing towards finding&nbsp;a cure for HIV, and which international groups and drug companies they are working with to find a cure. \p Baroness Merron: On 1 December 2025, the Department published the new HIV Action Plan to support the Government’s ambition to end new HIV transmissions by 2030. The new HIV Action Plan encourages research and development with an action for the Medical Research Council to support high quality proposals in HIV vaccine and therapeutic development research. The Department funds research on health and social care through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care including HIV research.

These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made based on the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality. Welcoming applications on HIV to all NIHR programmes enables maximum flexibility both in terms of amount of research funding a particular area can be awarded, and the type of research which can be funded.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_1

Baroness Neville-Rolfe:To ask His Majesty's Government what has been the total cost of the Department for Work and Pensions' pension credit advertising campaigns since 5 July. \p Baroness Sherlock: Paid marketing activity to promote Pension Credit across Great Britain began on 16 September and has included TV and video on demand; radio; national and regional press; paid social media and website adverts; GP and Post Office screens; train panels; digital street displays; podcasts; and a partnership with ITV regional weather. The most recent phase of the activity is aimed at friends and family who can encourage and support older relatives and friends to apply.

Since 5 July, the total spent on the Pension Credit campaign is £3.3m.

This activity is alongside our continuing work with key stakeholders such as voluntary organisations, energy companies, pension providers, the Money and Pensions Service, other UK Government departments, the Devolved Governments, local councils, housing associations, community groups, local libraries, and influencers.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_2

Lord Dodds of Duncairn:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria, including the actions of Fulani militant groups; and what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the government of Nigeria's efforts to protect religious minorities from persecution. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa have sought to undermine the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) by attacking those who do not subscribe to their extremist views, including both Christians and Muslims. These incidents are distinct from the ongoing intercommunal violence across Nigeria. The root causes of this intercommunal violence are complex, and whilst religious identity can play a role, so can loss of economic opportunity, competition over land and natural resources. The UK is providing £38 million in programming to Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria supporting locally led solutions in Northern Nigeria to tackle the root causes of this violence.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

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Baroness Helic:To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of the £113 million aid package for Sudan announced in November will be committed to addressing conflict-related sexual violence. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is widespread and underreported in Sudan. Cases have increased significantly since the start of the conflict, particularly in Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan. As part of the recent £113 million uplift, we will continue to support the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF) which provides flexible, multi-sector support to NGOs, including the Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs). We have pivoted our existing programmes to focus more on prevention, protection and care for rape survivors, including the provision of clinical treatment, dignity kits and psycho-social services. While there is no plan to deploy members from the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict team of experts at this time, we continually keep all available levers to prevent and respond to SGBV in Sudan under review.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

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Baroness Helic:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission's report Findings of the investigations conducted by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan into violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and related crimes, committed in the Sudan in the context of the conflict that erupted in mid-April 2023, published on 23 October, documenting the  sexual violence committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces during the Sudanese civil war. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: In October 2023, the UK led efforts at the UN Human Rights Council to establish the independent Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) to gather and preserve evidence of credible human rights violations and abuses in Sudan. We further lobbied for the FFM's renewal in October 2024. The UK uses its position as penholder at the UN Security Council and as leader of the Sudan Core Group at the Human Rights Council to highlight human rights abuses and to call on both warring parties to adhere to their commitments in the Jeddah Declaration to adhere to international law as well as to their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration to protect civilians. During a UN Security Council meeting on 19 December, we condemned RSF attacks in North Darfur and called on both warring parties to adhere to international humanitarian law. The UK also supports the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and wider UN agencies and efforts to investigate and restrain Conflict-related Sexual Violence (CRSV) cases. We will continue to use findings from the FFM to raise awareness of human rights violations in Sudan.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_5

Baroness Helic:To ask His Majesty's Government what support they are providing to the government of Sudan to prevent atrocities in that country; and whether they plan to deploy any members of the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict team of experts to Sudan or neighbouring countries. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is widespread and underreported in Sudan. Cases have increased significantly since the start of the conflict. As part of the UK's Official Development Assistance to Sudan and neighbouring countries, which now stands at £226.5 million, we provide support to survivors of SGBV through the Sudan Humanitarian Fund. On 26 September, the UK convened an event at the UN General Assembly with Dutch and Swiss partners to address SGBV in Sudan, drawing international attention to the plight of women and girls. We have also pivoted our existing programmes to focus more on prevention, protection and care for rape survivors, including the provision of clinical treatment, dignity kits and psycho-social services. While there is no plan to deploy members from the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict team of experts at this time, we continually keep all available levers to prevent and respond to SGBV in Sudan under review.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_6

Baroness Helic:To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made regarding the implementation of the recommendations from the 2021 Ethiopia scoping mission by the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK is committed to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). We worked with partners on the recommendations of the 2021 PSVI Team of Experts (ToE) scoping mission to Ethiopia. We enhanced domestic capacity to monitor and document CRSV cases, facilitated a PSVI ToE-led workshop for civil society, commissioned research into the dynamics of CRSV, collaborated with external partners to increase CRSV data analysis and coordination, and embedded longer-term gender expertise. We also provide financial support for gender-based violence services in Ethiopia, including psychosocial support to survivors and enhancing protection work.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_7

The Lord Bishop of Winchester:To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to provide aid to Christian communities in Nigeria facing persecution and violence. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: The UK is committed to supporting Nigeria to address ongoing security challenges, including intercommunal violence and violent extremism. It is important to remember that the perpetrators of this violence do not come from any one ethnic or religious group, and the devastating effects are felt by communities of different faiths and ethnicities. The UK is providing £38 million in programming to Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria supporting locally led solutions in Northern Nigeria to tackle the root causes of intercommunal violence.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_8

Lord Rogan:To ask His Majesty's Government whether it is their policy to reinitiate talks between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to reunite the island; and, if so, how the Prime Minister’s decision to meet the President of the Republic of Cyprus but reportedly not the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus during his visit to the region on 9–10 December supports this objective. \p Baroness Chapman of Darlington: The UK, as a Guarantor Power and a friend to all parties, will continue to support UN efforts to create an enduring settlement on the Cyprus issue. The Prime Minister met President Christodoulides to discuss a wide range of issues across our bilateral relationship. During the Prime Minister's visit, senior officials met Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot negotiators to encourage both sides to engage constructively with the UN-led process on Settlement. We do not recognise the so-called "TRNC" but will continue to work with all Cypriots including Turkish Cypriots and their representatives as part of the UN process.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

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Lord Mott:To ask His Majesty's Government how they plan to ensure that deep seabed mining activities and their long-term effects are transparent. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The UK Government is committed to transparency in all aspects of its deep sea mining policy and strongly advocate for it as a core aspect of the UK's negotiating position at the International Seabed Authority.

The UK commissions independent reviews, sponsors academic research, and funds projects like the Seabed Mining and Resilience to Experimental Impact project. These initiatives aim to understand and publicly share the long-term environmental impacts, supporting informed decision-making and responsible policy development.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

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Lord Mott:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of deep-sea mining. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: The UK recognises the potential impacts of deep sea mining are not fully understood and supports a moratorium on the granting of mining licences by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) until sufficient scientific evidence is available to assess the impact on marine ecosystems, and strong, enforceable environmental regulations, standards and guidelines are adopted by the ISA.

Through the UK's sponsorship of academic research and existing exploration licences, over 70 peer-reviewed publications supporting a greater understanding of environmental issues associated with deep sea mining have already been produced, with more to come.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_11

Lord Mott:To ask His Majesty's Government what research they are undertaking on the long-term effects of deep-sea mining. \p Baroness Jones of Whitchurch: In 2022 the UK government commissioned an independent deep sea mining evidence review conducted by the British Geological Survey, National Oceanography Centre and Heriot Watt University and it was published in October 2022.

The government, through UK Research and Innovation and National Environment Research Council, (UKRI-NERC) is also funding the 5-year SMARTEX (Seabed Mining and Resilience to Experimental Impact) project which aims to build a better understanding of the ecosystem in the Pacific abyss and add to the scientific evidence base for informed decision-making by understanding the long-term environmental impacts of mining and whether this will have serious consequences for the ecosystem.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_12

Lord Mott:To ask His Majesty's Government when they will publish the Artificial Intelligence Opportunities Action Plan. \p Lord Vallance of Balham: The AI Opportunities Action Plan will set out recommended actions for Government to grow the UK’s domestic AI sector and drive adoption of AI across the economy to boost growth and improve products and services. The action plan will be published soon.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_13

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how increasing funding to the Civil Service could (1) support innovation in technology and processes, and (2) improve productivity. \p Baroness Twycross: The Government is committed to a strategic plan for the Civil Service which supports improved productivity and drives innovation.

In a speech on 9 December, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster set out the Government’s plans for public sector reform. Phase 2 of the Spending Review will also include a focus on how departments can support innovation and boost productivity in the Civil Service.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_14

Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to assist in the introduction of a renewable energy support scheme in Northern Ireland. \p Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: Energy policy is devolved to Northern Ireland. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is engaging closely with the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy (DfE) in the development of a renewable electricity support scheme. Officials and I engage regularly with ministerial counterparts from the DfE. The DfE published information last year on the scheme’s high-level design considerations[1] .

[1] https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/design-considerations-renewable-electricity-support-scheme-northern-ireland-response

Equality screening - response to design considerat (pdf, 260.1KB)

Aurora report - Accelerating renewables in NI: hig (pdf, 2211.9KB)

Design considerations for a renewable electricity  (pdf, 834.1KB)
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_15

Lord Jackson of Peterborough:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the human rights implications of their proposed Conversion Practices Bill. \p Lord Collins of Highbury: Officials have a good understanding of legislation on conversion practices across a number of overseas nations and territories, including in the Australian state of Victoria. A jurisdiction’s decision on whether and how to legislate in this area will depend on their specific legal framework and context. This Government has been clear that the draft Bill we publish will respect the important role that religious leaders have in supporting those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Government has and will continue to meet with numerous stakeholders representing a wide range of views as we develop this work. This includes an array of organisations both in favour of, or concerned by, the prospect of this legislation.

The research undertaken by Coventry University was commissioned by a previous administration and published in October 2021. This Government’s work to develop draft legislation is informed by the available evidence base on conversion practices, which includes but is not limited to the Coventry University study.

Finally, I can also confirm that the Government is considering all possible impacts and relevant rights in relation to this work, in line with the requirement to consider the compatibility of legislation with Convention rights as an integral part of the policy-making process.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_16

Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard:To ask His Majesty's Government how many migrants in 2024 were (1) returned from the Republic of Ireland to the UK, and (2) returned from the UK to the Republic of Ireland. \p Lord Hanson of Flint: The Home Office does not hold data on returns to the UK.

Data on returns from the UK are published in the 'Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release'. Data on returns to the Republic of Ireland are published in table Ret_D02 of the Returns detailed datasets accompanying the release. Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. The latest data relates to the end of September 2024. Data up to the end of December 2024 will be released in February 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-01-02 conversation_17

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to introducing a deposit return scheme on plastic bottles and cans in England. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: On 19 November 2024, the Government published a policy update reaffirming its commitment to deliver a Deposit Return Scheme in October 2027. The materials included in the scheme are single use (PET) plastic, steel, and aluminium drink containers. UK Government will work closely with the Scottish Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland to launch the scheme across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We laid the regulations for England and Northern Ireland before Parliament on 25th November 2024. This is a significant milestone. We plan for the regulations to come into force in late January (assuming parliamentary time allows). The application process for the deposit management organisation (DMO) for the deposit return scheme is now live and appointment of the DMO(s) for England, Northern Ireland and

Scotland is planned for April 2025.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_1

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of international evidence on the use of alcohol interlocks within offender rehabilitation programmes. \p Lord Timpson: In 2021, the Government commissioned PACTS (Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety) to publish a report on alcohol interlocks: https://www.pacts.org.uk/locking-out-the-drink-driver-using-alcohol-interlocks-to-reduce-drink-driving-in-the-uk/.

We, in the Ministry of Justice, believe that courts should have the flexibility they need to sentence offenders appropriately and, as part of a community or suspended sentence the courts have a range of robust powers to punish and rehabilitate offenders and protect the public. This includes the option for an Alcohol Abstinence and Monitoring Requirement which imposes an alcohol ban for up to 120 days, with compliance electronically monitored using an alcohol tag.

Published statistics show a compliance rate with the ban of 97.2% for days monitored, since introduction, Electronic Monitoring Statistics Publication, June 2023 - GOV.UK. The courts also have powers to include treatment requirements as part of a sentence served in the community, with the aim of addressing the root causes of offending.

The Government keeps motoring offences under review, including those for drink driving. The Ministry of Justice is committed to continuous improvement and innovation, and we will continue to assess the capabilities and reliability of technology.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_2

Lord Weir of Ballyholme:To ask His Majesty's Government how many prisoners recorded as transgender women who either still retain genitalia or have a history of sexual or violent offences have been granted an exemption by a Minister to serve their sentence in a male prison. \p Lord Timpson: The latest available figures for transgender prisoners are set out in the table below:

31 March 2025

All reported transgender prisoners with a GRC

9

(no further breakdowns provided)

All reported transgender prisoners without a GRC

339

(further breakdowns provided below)

Biological sex

Biological sex female

63

Biological sex male

276

Self-identified gender identity

Female

247

Male

64

Non-binary

18

Other (one of identifying in a different way, not recorded/not stated)

10

Women's establishments

Number of transgender prisoners in women's estates

64

Transgender women (biological sex male, self-identifies as female)

~

Transgender men (biological sex female, self-identifies as male)

61

Other (one of non-binary, identifying in a different way, or not stated/not known)

~

Men's establishments

Number of transgender prisoners in men's estates

275

Transgender women (biological sex male, self-identifies as female)

245

Transgender men (biological sex female, self-identifies as male)

~

Other (one of non-binary, identifying in a different way, or not stated/not known)

~

The Ministerial exemption process only applies to the placement of transgender women (defined in HMPPS as biological males who identify as females) in women's prisons. Transgender women with birth genitalia and/or any history of violent or sexual offending can only be placed in the general women's estate in exceptional circumstances and where an exemption has been granted by Ministers. No transgender women have received such an exemption under this Government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_3

Lord Alton of Liverpool:To ask His Majesty's Government what are the anticipated commencement dates for each of the provisions in the Public Office (Accountability) Bill. \p Baroness Levitt: The Government will not delay bringing the measures in the Public Office (Accountability) Bill into force.

We are urgently looking at what is required effectively to implement each of the measures.

We will update the House in due course on the planned timeline for implementation and commencement.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the Sentencing Code in England and Wales. \p Lord Timpson: The Sentencing Code came into force in December 2020 and was the product of a Law Commission project that involved extensive public consultation. Prior to its creation sentencing procedural law was significantly convoluted, spanning across multiple different pieces of legislation. The Code consolidated the law in this area, helping make it more accessible.

More broadly, the Government keeps the sentencing framework under regular review. In October 2024, we commissioned the Independent Sentencing Review, led by former Lord Chancellor Rt. Hon. David Gauke. The Sentencing Bill, currently being considered before Parliament, implements many of the Review’s recommendations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

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Lord Cromwell:To ask His Majesty's Government whether section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires local authorities and other relevant bodies to keep only land under their control, such as highways, clean of litter and refuse; whether the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse specifies the distance from the highway for which it is the responsibility of the local authority to clear fly-tipping and other waste; and whether local authorities and other bodies are required to assist landowners with clearing their land beyond the edge of the highway of waste placed illegally by third parties, including toxic waste and fly-tipping. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 imposes duties on local authorities to ensure that certain land is, so far as is practicable, kept clear of litter and refuse. The Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (see attached) provides guidance on discharging these duties. It does not specify the distance from the highway for which it is the responsibility of the local authority to clear fly-tipping.

Local authorities are responsible for most trunk roads and other, more minor roads. National Highways is responsible for motorways and certain trunk roads. Landowners are responsible for the land that they own. We encourage local authorities to investigate all incidents of fly-tipping, including those on private land. The Environment Agency may investigate waste that has the potential to damage the environment, such as hazardous waste.

We recently published a Pride in Place Strategy in which we committed to bringing forward statutory enforcement guidance on littering and modernising the code of practice on Litter and Refuse that outlines the cleaning standards expected of local authorities.

Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (pdf, 772.5KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

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Lord Fuller:To ask His Majesty's Government what is their most recent estimate of the total cost per dwelling for the purchase by developers&nbsp;of nutrient neutrality credits for phosphate and nitrogen respectively, including cost variations by catchment and region. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: There is broad variation in the cost of nutrient credits across nutrient neutrality areas, dependent on a range of factors such as the type of nutrient, the value of land and the nature of the intervention.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

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Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government what data are being gathered to create greater transparency in supply chains under Part 3 of Schedule 6 to the Agriculture Act 2020, for what purposes, and whether they are being published. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Part 3 of Schedule 6 to the Agriculture Act 2020 provides powers for Government to collect and share supply chain data where this would improve transparency and support the functioning of agricultural markets. These powers have not been exercised to date.

These powers were taken largely to replace equivalent EU data-collection powers to ensure that Government retained the ability to collect information should market conditions require it.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to undertake public consultation on the next England Trees Action Plan; and when will the new England Trees Action Plan be published. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Environmental Improvement Plan 2025 sets out that the government will publish a new Trees Action Plan in 2026. The Trees Action Plan will set out how the government will invest over £1 billion this parliament into tree planting and the forestry sector to achieve our new 2030 interim tree canopy and woodland cover target, improve the resilience and condition of our trees and woodlands, and deliver multiple benefits for nature, climate, people and the economy.

We are working closely with industry, researchers and other stakeholders to shape the vision, priorities and content of the plan. We will continue to actively engage and collaborate with these and other stakeholders.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

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Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government what&nbsp;specific measures funded by the nature restoration levy will be mandatory for farms. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The conservation measures funded through the Nature Restoration Fund will depend on the specific Environmental Delivery Plan and the nature of the impact which the Environmental Delivery Plan seeks to address.

Natural England will look to collaborate with farmers as conservation measure providers, making use of their knowledge and experience to deliver for nature. It will be for farmers to decide whether to provide conservation measures on their land. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill does not provide Natural England with powers to mandate particular management approaches on farms.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

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Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which measures funded by the nature restoration levy would take agricultural land out of food production. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: The Government recognises that food security is national security and is committed to safeguarding the most productive agricultural land to maintain long-term food production. Farms also play a leading role in protecting nature and delivering environmental benefits, with nature markets an increasingly important source of income for farmers and land managers.

The impact of the Nature Restoration Fund on agricultural land will depend on the individual Environmental Delivery Plan and the conservation measures identified to address the impact of development. Natural England already considers the impact of its activities on agriculture. For example, when designing mitigation measures, the existing Nutrient Mitigation Scheme seeks to avoid the best and most versatile agricultural land. We expect Natural England to apply this approach to Environmental Delivery Plans.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_11

Baroness Redfern:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the accessibility of funding from the nature restoration levy to (1) environmental and conservation groups and (2) individual farms. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: We expect Natural England to deliver conservation measures funded by the Nature Restoration Fund, either directly or indirectly, through a range of organisations including environmental and conservation groups and farmers. At Committee Stage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in the House of Lords, the government committed to publish guidance to Natural England, part of which will focus on the role of the private and third sectors in Environmental Delivery Plan development and delivery. This guidance will follow Royal Assent of the Bill and the passage of related regulations in 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_12

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle:To ask His Majesty's Government what protocols are in place to monitor the environmental and public health impacts of plastic biomedia or bio-beads in wastewater treatment plants. \p Baroness Hayman of Ullock: Bio-beads must comply with all material content regulations and standards when supplied.

The Environment Agency (EA) is working alongside the water sector on an ongoing research project, led by UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR), looking at the complex issue of the impact of microplastics generated by wastewater treatment works.

In the event of any escape of bio media from wastewater treatment works above permitted controls or that may cause significant pollution, Water Companies must immediately report this as a pollution incident to the EA, which will investigate and take necessary enforcement action. The Secretary of State for Defra has written to Water Companies to reiterate how unacceptable the pollution incident at Camber Sands is, and to stress the positive action Water Companies must take to ensure their infrastructure is functioning correctly.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_13

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a modern service framework for respiratory care on tackling health inequalities. \p Baroness Merron: The Department is aware of the Taskforce for Lung Health’s report calling for a modern service framework for respiratory health, including the impact of respiratory conditions on mortality rates, emergency admissions, inequalities, and productivity.

Modern service frameworks will define an aspirational, long-term outcome goal for a major condition and will then identify the best evidenced interventions and the support for delivery. Early priorities will include cardiovascular disease, severe mental illness, and the first ever service framework for frailty and dementia.

The Government will consider other long-term conditions for future waves of modern service frameworks, including respiratory conditions. The criteria for determining other conditions for future modern service frameworks will be based on where there is potential for rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_14

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of expanding community-based diagnostic and treatment services to reduce pressure on hospital capacity. \p Baroness Merron: The 10-Year Health Plan sets out a transformed vision for elective care by 2035, where the majority of interactions no longer take place in a hospital building, instead happening virtually or via neighbourhood services. Planned care will be more efficient, timely, and effective, and will put control in the hands of patients.

The Elective Reform Plan sets out the productivity and modernisation efforts needed to reach the 92% standard by March 2029. This includes expanding existing community diagnostic centres (CDCs), and building up to five new ones in 2025/26, as well as extending opening hours to 12 hours per day, seven days a week. We will also expand the number of hubs over the next three years. Further details and allocations will be set out in due course.

CDCs are key to delivering on the Government’s ambition to move more planned care from hospitals to the community, reducing pressure on hospitals and delivering more convenient care close to home. Under the Government, CDCs have delivered over 9.4 million tests and scans since July 2024, supporting patients to access vital tests, scans, and checks around their busy working lives.

Dedicated and protected surgical hubs transform the way the National Health Service provides elective care by focusing on providing high volume low complexity surgery, as recommended by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. By separating elective services from urgent and emergency care, hubs improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital pressures. There are currently 123 operational hubs across England, 22 of which have opened since the Government took office.

The 2025 Spending Review confirmed over £6 billion of additional capital investment over five years across new diagnostic, elective, and urgent care capacity. Further details and allocations will be set out in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_15

Lord Booth:To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to conduct a public consultation as part of the development of the Modern Service Framework for Cardiovascular Disease. \p Baroness Merron: The Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework (CVD MSF) will help accelerate progress towards the Government’s ambition to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by 25% within a decade.

The Department has no plans to conduct a formal public consultation as part of the development of the CVD MSF. However, the Department and NHS England are engaging widely with stakeholders to co-produce the CVD MSF, ensuring that experts, people, and communities are at the heart of its development.
lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_16

Baroness Monckton of Dallington Forest:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of closures of intentional communities on people with severe learning disabilities. \p Baroness Merron: No formal national assessment has been undertaken, and the Government does not monitor the operation or closure of intentional communities.

We want to ensure that people with a learning disability and autistic people get the support they need in the community and are given a choice about where and with whom they live, including small-scale supported living, and settled accommodation.

Local authorities are best placed to understand and plan for the care needs of their populations, and to develop and build local market capacity. That is why under the Care Act 2014, local authorities are required to shape their local markets, and ensure that people have a range of high-quality, sustainable, and person-centred care and support options available to them, and that they can access the services that best meet their needs.

Any health and social care provider that carries out a regulated activity must register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England. The CQC can take action, in line with their Enforcement Policy, if the quality or safety of a service has fallen to unacceptable levels. The CQC is not closing down existing services that provide good care, including services developed as village communities. The CQC does not direct commissioning decisions, which remain the responsibility of local authorities. The CQC’s Enforcement Policy is available on the CQC website, in an online only format.

As a response to the independent review into the CQC’s regulation of Whorlton Hall, the CQC has strengthened its regulatory approach for services for autistic people and people with a learning disability. This included updating the statutory guidance, titled Right support, right care, right culture, which sets out regulatory expectations for any service that currently provides or intends to provide regulated care to autistic people and people with a learning disability.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_17

Lord Scriven:To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of patients on the Quality and Outcomes Framework learning disabilities register received an annual health check in general practice in England in each of the past three calendar years. \p Baroness Merron: The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) indicator relating to the learning disability register was retired for the 2025/26 contract year. Only people aged 14 years old and over on a general practice (GP) learning disability register are eligible for a learning disability annual health check.

The following table shows the most recent data for those on a learning disability register who have received an annual health check in England for the last three calendar years, up until March 2025, as well as the percentage of patients on a learning disability register who are eligible for an annual health check:

Period

Learning disability annual health checks completed

Percentage of eligible people, aged 14 years old and over, on a GP learning disability register

April 2022 to March 2023

242,641

78.13%

April 2023 to March 2024

255,145

77.6%

April 2024 to March 2025

267,666

79.9%

The annual statistics publication of Health and Care of People with Learning Disabilities sets out the key differences in healthcare between people with a learning disability and those without. This includes data on key health issues for people who are recorded on their GP learning disability register, such as uptake of annual health checks. The 2024 to 2025 statistics is scheduled for publication on 4 December 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_18

Lord Taylor of Warwick:To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have had discussions with commercial users about pricing arrangements for access to datasets through the Health Data Research Service. \p Baroness Merron: To ensure an appropriate commercial model is developed for the Health Data Research Service (HDRS), discovery work has been undertaken to gain insight into existing commercial models that might be applicable for the HDRS. This discovery work included engagement with 19 commercial organisations representing users of health data, allowing the development of a robust, up to date, and United Kingdom-wide evidence base. Decisions regarding what commercial model and pricing arrangement is used will be within the remit of the incoming HDRS senior leadership team.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-04)

UK Parliament Hansard data: lordswrans/lordswrans2025-12-04 conversation_19

Lord Patten:To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the case for creating a statutory requirement that all patients who consider assisted dying have timely access to palliative and hospice care through the NHS. \p Baroness Merron: The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is, first and foremost, a matter for Parliament. This is a Private Member’s Bill, and we cannot pre‑suppose the outcome of the legislative process.

Irrespective of whether the law changes on assisted dying, we must continue to work towards creating a society where every person who needs it receives high-quality, compassionate palliative care and end of life care.

The Government is developing a Palliative Care and End of Life Care Modern Service Framework for England. I refer the noble Lord to the Written Ministerial Statement HLWS1086, which I gave to the House on 24 November 2025.