Written Statements

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Written Statements

Tuesday 14 April 2026

Groceries Code Adjudicator: Statutory Review

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)]

In line with the Government’s regulatory action plan, which seeks to ensure the UK’s regulatory system is targeted, proportionate and supports growth, I am today publishing and laying before Parliament the report on the fourth statutory review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator.

The GCA was established by the Groceries Code Adjudicator Act 2013. Its role is to monitor and enforce the groceries supply code of practice, which the UK’s designated large grocery retailers must comply with when dealing with their direct suppliers.

The Government must review the performance of the GCA every three years, and this is the fourth statutory review since the GCA was established. The statutory review is not a review of the code or the remit of the GCA. The code is a competition measure owned by the Competition and Markets Authority as the UK’s independent competition authority. It was put in place to ensure that large supermarkets do not impose unfair risks on their suppliers which would adversely affect competition and, ultimately, consumers.

The fourth review considered the effectiveness of the GCA in enforcing the code over the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025. A public consultation was held from 13 May to 5 August 2025 to meet the requirements of the Act for the Secretary of State to consult those with an interest in the code. Responses to the consultation, evidence from the GCA annual supplier survey and annual reports and other publicly available evidence enabled the Secretary of State to make an assessment of the performance of the GCA against the measures set out in the Act. These measures were explained in the terms of reference which are included in the report on the review, and in the consultation document, which was placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament on 13 May 2025.

The review has found the GCA to be a broadly effective regulator that made good use of its powers, adopting a proportionate and collaborative approach which usually resolved issues before the need for an arbitration or investigation. However, some respondents called for greater transparency around enforcement and more frequent use of investigatory powers. Despite high awareness of the GCA’s confidentiality obligations, concerns about reprisals persist, especially among smaller or harder-to-reach suppliers, leaving some still reluctant to report issues.

The Government conclude that the GCA has exercised its powers appropriately and continues to provide an important and effective regulatory function that continues to support competition and consumers, but may wish to consider the following:

Stakeholder confidence in the GCA’s collaborative approach: consider the concerns expressed from some stakeholders about the GCA’s limited use of its investigatory powers; and take any necessary action to ensure the basis and effectiveness of the GCA’s regulatory approach in enforcing the code is well understood.

Fear of reprisals deterring suppliers from reporting matters to the GCA: continue considering the concerns of some suppliers about the consequences of raising issues for their businesses; and take any necessary action to ensure suppliers’ concerns are not preventing the GCA receiving sufficient information to effectively enforce the code, with particular attention paid to harder-to-reach suppliers.

Transparency of GCA activity in practice: consider the concerns of stakeholders requesting practical examples; and ensure that suitable information is available to support the GCA’s purpose of enforcing and encouraging compliance with the code. The review also found no evidence to support the need to change the permitted maximum financial penalty the adjudicator can impose following an investigation into non-compliance. It also concluded that the information which the GCA may consider when deciding whether to launch a formal investigation into non-compliance should not be restricted.

The review also examined wider developments in the food supply chain, including the establishment of the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator and the sector-by-sector roll-out of fair dealings regulations. While the GCA model remains effective and its independence is valued, respondents raised concerns about confusion between the GCA and ASCA’s remits, and the need for improved co-ordination, as well as emerging supply chain practices not covered by either regime.

The Government have therefore decided that sponsorship responsibility for the Groceries Code Adjudicator will move from the Department for Business and Trade to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This will streamline oversight, strengthen coherence between the two adjudicators, and support clearer communication with stakeholders.

The report on the fourth statutory review of the GCA has today been placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.

[HCWS1504]

Infected Blood Compensation Scheme

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Written Statements

[The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Nick Thomas-Symonds)]

Today, I have laid the Government response to the public consultation on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme. I have also published the accompanying report by the technical expert group.

We consulted on seven specific areas of the compensation scheme and gave respondents an opportunity to tell us what else they thought should be changed. I am pleased that we are now making substantial changes in all seven areas, and making an additional change based on feedback we heard. These changes will increase the levels of compensation available for infected and affected people.

I am grateful to the infected blood inquiry, and would like to pay tribute to Sir Brian Langstaff and his team for the sensitivity and care with which they carried out their work. The Government have now fully responded to all of the inquiry’s additional report recommendations on the design of the compensation scheme.

[HCWS1510]

Proposed Sale of The Telegraph: Axel Springer

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)]

On Friday 6 March 2026, I was informed by representatives of RB Investco Ltd that RB Investco Ltd intends to sell its call option to purchase the Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd, owner of The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, to the German media company Axel Springer SE. They have asked for my written consent to allow RB Investco Ltd to derogate from the Public Interest Merger Reference (Telegraph Media Group Limited) (Preemptive Action) Order 2024 (the “2024 order”) to sell its option.

Today, I gave my written consent under the 2024 order to RB Investco Ltd to sell its call option to purchase the Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd to Axel Springer.

In my quasi-judicial role I have also assessed the proposed merger between Axel Springer and the Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd under the public interest media mergers regime and the foreign state influence regime as set out in the Enterprise Act 2002. I am currently not minded to intervene in this merger under either regime on the basis of the evidence available to me at this time. This is without prejudice to my ability to intervene in this merger within the applicable statutory time limits, if new or additional information comes to my attention.

I am pleased to be able to take these positive steps, which give greater certainty to The Telegraph and its staff.

[HCWS1508]

Technical Excellence Colleges

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)]

Further education colleges are the bedrock of technical education and training in England. They are critical to delivering growth across the industrial strategy sectors and can transform lives by offering young people and career-changers routes into fulfilling careers. This is why we are transforming further education colleges that demonstrate specialist excellence into technical excellence colleges. Building on the appointment of 10 construction technical excellence colleges in August of last year, today we are announcing 19 new technical excellence colleges in England. These TECs are specialists in the advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, and digital and technologies sectors. TECs will work with employers to ensure that the education and training on offer addresses skills gaps in key growth-driving sectors. They will also work with other skills providers aligned with their specialism to improve the quality of the provision on offer across England, ensuring that more learners are able to benefit from technical excellence at their local college.

Backed by £175 million of investment, TECs will help support the Prime Minister’s ambition of delivering two-thirds of young people engaged in higher-level learning by age 25 and access to well-paid jobs for British workers and support delivery of our ambitions for the skills system as set out in the “Post-16 Education and Skills” White Paper. Around 65,000 learners will benefit from studying at a TEC over the next four years, as TECs increase the volume and quality of specialist education and training and boost skills provision that meets local and national needs, supporting specialisms in priority city regions and clusters as set out in the industrial strategy. They will also break down barriers to opportunity, by supporting people to enter key growth-driving sectors whether at the start of their careers as apprentices, or as established workers getting new skills for better paid jobs.

TEC appointments

Today we are announcing the following TECs:

Advanced manufacturing

City of Wolverhampton College

New College Durham

Newcastle and Stafford College Group

Weston College of Further and Higher Education

Clean energy

Colchester Institute

South Bank Colleges

The City of Liverpool College

The Education Training Collective

University Centre Somerset College Group

Defence

Blackpool and the Fylde College

City College Plymouth

Lincoln College

RNN Group

Yeovil College

Digital and technologies

Birmingham Metropolitan College

Capital City College Group

Gloucestershire College

LTE Group

Milton Keynes College

[HCWS1505]

Independent Reviewer for National Security Arrangements: Report 2025

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)]

The role of the independent reviewer of national security arrangements in Northern Ireland is to monitor compliance with annex E of the St Andrews Agreement 2006, reviewing the relationship between MI5 and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in handling national security matters.

Dr Jonny Byrne, the independent reviewer of national security arrangements in Northern Ireland, has sent me his report for 2025. Due to the classification of the report, I am unable to lay a copy in the Libraries of both Houses, but I am able to provide the House with a summary of its content. What follows is a summary of the main findings of the report covering the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. I am very grateful to Dr Byrne for his report.

Dr Byrne states:

“My role is to monitor compliance with Annex E of the St Andrews Agreement (2007) reviewing the relationship between MI5 and the PSNI in handling national security matters. The role seeks to provide assurance that MI5 and PSNI operate together within the letter and the spirit of the St Andrews agreement.

In order to meet the terms of reference I have reviewed documents, and had a series of meetings with senior members of the PSNI and MI5 along with political and policy-maker stakeholders.

There were no national security attacks in Northern Ireland in 2025. This is compared to none in 2024, and one in both 2023 and 2022. There were none in 2021 and 2020, five in 2019, one in 2018 and five in 2017. Although it is important to recognise that armed groups retain the intent and capability to conduct national security attacks.

Throughout 2025 there were no security related deaths, compared to one in 2024. There were 12 bombing incidents and nine shooting incidents in 2025, compared with six bombing and 17 shooting incidents in 2024. There were 21 casualties of paramilitary style assaults, compared with 23 in 2024. There were three casualties of paramilitary shootings, compared to five in 2024. There were 21 security related arrests under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, with eight persons subsequently charged. This is compared to 67 arrested with nine charged in 2024.

On 6 March 2024 the Northern Ireland-related Terrorism (NIRT) threat level in Northern Ireland was lowered from SEVERE—an attack is highly likely—to SUBSTANTIAL—an attack is likely. Prior to this the threat level was SEVERE from September 2010 to March 2022, lowered to SUBSTANTIAL between March 2022 and March 2023, and then rose to SEVERE until March 2024.

Through my discussions and review of documents I would like to make the following observations.

For the reporting period I requested PSNI data relating to the use of schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000, specifically relating to its use by PSNI Ports Examining Officers. The power allows an examining officer to stop, question, search and detain a person at a port or the border area in Northern Ireland for the purpose of determining whether the person appears to be someone who is, or has been, involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. It also allows for the examination of goods for the purpose of determining whether they have been used in the commission, preparation or instigation of the acts of terrorism. The data revealed that there had been 40 examinations and 51 detentions over the reporting period. These 91 examinations and detentions related variously to domestic extremism, NIRT, International Counter Terrorism, Crime and other (no clear ideology attributed to the usage of the schedule).

The data suggests that the PSNI are dealing with, and responding to, a range of threats, with only 34% of the power being used on those specific to Northern Ireland. However, I believe there remains a public view that National Security and terrorism more generally is a localised and narrow issue, similar to what people experienced throughout the Troubles.

Alongside this, on 16 October 2025 the Director General of MI5, Ken McCallum, in his annual threat update noted the following: ‘Finally on terrorism, Northern Ireland. Communities there are now living through the longest period without a national security attack since the start of the Troubles. We will continue, with the police, to bear down on residual threats and degrade terrorist capabilities.’

Furthermore, in December 2025, the PSNI in their written evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, policing and Security Inquiry noted the following: ‘Any reduction in the threat is wholeheartedly welcomed by the PSNI but in practical terms, there is no difference in the operational policing response during periods of SEVERE or SUBSTANTIAL threat. It will take years of continued progress in driving down the threat and degrading terrorist capabilities before the threat reduces to an extent where the Police Service is able to make significant changes to how it operates to keep people in Northern Ireland safe’.

In May 2025, Deputy Chief Constable Singleton stated that ‘Northern Ireland is one of the safest places to live, work and raise a family’.

Why is all this relevant? There is a mixed, often contradictory narrative around Northern Ireland’s security status. There are two points worth making. Firstly, there is a lack of public debate or focus on what ‘normalisation’ is or how it should be measured. There is some optimism that the Northern Ireland threat level may be reduced to MODERATE at some point in the future. Inevitably, once sustained, this must have implications in terms of how the public view security alongside a reassessment of financial costs incurred to keep the public safe. However, there has been a distinct lack of debate and focus around what normal means in a society approaching the 30 year anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement (1998).

Secondly, the topic of national security is rarely discussed at a Northern Ireland political level and institutions such as the Northern Ireland Policing Board rarely (if at all) engage constructively with the subject. Overall, this is concerning. Threats and risks are constantly evolving and given Northern Ireland’s unique status in terms of borders there should be a more mature and transparent discussion around managing, preventing and addressing current and future national security issues.

Platforms for this conversation could involve the Northern Ireland Policing Board along with the Northern Ireland Justice Committee.

Annex E sets out five key principles identified as crucial to the effective operation of national security arrangements between PSNI and MI5. My conclusions in relation to these are as follows:

a. All Security Service intelligence relating to terrorism in Northern Ireland will be visible to the PSNI.

It is evident that the PSNI have sight and access to all Security Service intelligence relating to terrorism in Northern Ireland. It is clear that PSNI and MI5 value the relationship and recognise the importance of working collectively to achieve the same goals. There is compliance.

b. PSNI will be informed of all Security Service counter terrorist investigations and operations relating to Northern Ireland.

It was evident from the discussions that both operational and strategic approaches to security were underpinned by the need for joint-working arrangements and co-ordinated processes. There were no independent terrorism investigations taking place in Northern Ireland. There is compliance.

c. Security Service intelligence will be disseminated within PSNI according to the current PSNI dissemination policy, and using police procedures.

All Security Service intelligence is disseminated within PSNI according to the current PSNI dissemination policy, and using current police procedures. All of the material passes through the intelligence branch hub using PSNI grading and intelligence briefing documents. There is compliance.

d. The great majority of national security CHISs in Northern Ireland will continue to be run by PSNI officers under existing police handling protocols.

According to both PSNI and MI5 the majority of ‘national security Covert Human Intelligence Sources’ (CHISs) in Northern Ireland continue to be managed by PSNI under existing handling protocols. The PSNI is regularly audited by the Investigative Powers Commissioner’s Office around HUMINT compliance. There is compliance.

e. There will be no diminution of the PSNI's ability to comply with the HRA or the Policing Board’s ability to monitor said compliance.

There has been no diminution of the PSNI’s responsibility to comply with the Human Rights Act or the Policing Board’s ability to monitor said compliance throughout 2025. The PSNI ACC for Crime Operations meets regularly with the board and members have the opportunity (with support from the Board’s Human Rights Advisor) to probe, ask questions or seek clarification on police approaches, tactics, processes and operations relating to national security. There is compliance.



I wish to note the full co-operation extended to me by both MI5 and the PSNI and the support of the NIO in compiling this report.

It is my conclusion that there is full compliance with Annex E of the St Andrews Agreement between MI5 and PSNI.”

[HCWS1507]

Machinery of Government

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Written Statements

[The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)]

I am making this statement to bring to the House’s attention the following machinery of Government changes.

First, the management of the Integrated Security Fund, and associated funding, has permanently moved from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to the Cabinet Office. The Integrated Security Fund is the UK’s cross-Government national security fund, which works to address major threats to the UK and its interests. This change consolidates the management of the fund within the Cabinet Office, simplifying the fund’s leadership and delivery structures. By centralising these functions, the Government will improve its ability to respond to an evolving domestic and international threat landscape.

This change took effect from 1 April 2026.

Second, responsibility for the Groceries Code Adjudicator will move from the Department for Business and Trade to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This will enable greater alignment across the policy framework for fair treatment of businesses in the agricultural and groceries supply chain, while maintaining the Groceries Code Adjudicator’s statutory purpose and independence. The groceries supply code of practice will continue to be owned by the Competition and Markets Authority.

This change will take effect from 1 July 2026.

[HCWS1506]

East West Rail: Consultation

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)]

East West Rail is central to the Government’s economic growth mission and plans to unlock the potential of the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor. By delivering new east to west connectivity, EWR can support up to 100,000 new homes, connecting new and established communities with improved access to employment, training, and education. By 2050, EWR is expected to boost the regional economy by £6.7 billion every year.

Strong alignment across Government to positively plan for development will help to capitalise on the transformational growth opportunity presented by EWR. Where development is near to existing or proposed EWR stations, the Government expect local and strategic authorities and developers to maximise housing densities to unlock economic growth. This should be in a way that promotes sustainable transport modes and improves connectivity to jobs and services, consistent with “Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport”.

The first phase of EWR is nearly ready for opening to regular services. Contracting with the train operator, Chiltern Railways, was delayed by the general election in July 2024, and since its appointment in March 2025, it has been pursuing rolling stock modifications, the completion of the intermediate station, and staffing and training for service introduction. Freight and charter trains are already making use of the connectivity that this new route provides to the wider rail network.

On 14 April, East West Rail Company will launch a route-wide public consultation on future stages of the project as part of preparations for its application for a development consent order in 2027. This follows its “You Said, We Did” report from November 2025 and is expected to be EWR Co’s final public consultation ahead of submitting its DCO application, which will give it the authority to build the railway.

The updated proposals in the consultation reflect ongoing engagement with local communities and recent developments in the corridor such as the new Universal theme park at Stewartby. They include:

new station locations along the route, including at Tempsford, Cambourne, Cambridge East and on the Marston Vale Line, supporting opportunities for local growth;

a new approach to sequencing the project to bring forward transport and economic benefits at the earliest opportunity;

plans for more frequent services along the whole route, with up to five trains per hour in each direction and the potential for services to destinations further afield;

electrification of the railway between Oxford Parkway-Bicester Village and Bletchley-

Tempsford to support faster and greener services on EWR using hybrid battery-electric trains;

enhancements to existing stations on the route to improve facilities and access for local communities;

a road underpass to replace the level crossing at London Road in Bicester, subject to securing third party funding;

detailed changes to infrastructure design across the route responding to local feedback and updated proposals on maintenance depots to support future operations.

These proposals underline the benefits EWR will bring to communities along the route. The launch of this consultation reinforces the Government’s commitment to their growth mission, realising the full potential of the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor by supporting jobs, housing and economic activity.

[HCWS1502]

Better Connected: Integrated Transport Strategy

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)]

On 2 April the Government published “Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport” to deliver simpler, more reliable and better joined-up journeys for people across England.

For too long, the transport system has been fragmented, inefficient and difficult to navigate. Better Connected is a call to action for everyone who works in transport across England to work together to deliver a system that works for people, no matter their need, and one that supports our ambitions for economic growth and access to opportunity. Drawn from extensive research and engagement with the general public, transport workers, councils, businesses and transport organisations, Better Connected establishes a shared vision for transport, for it to work well for people, for it to be safe, reliable, affordable and accessible so they can get on in life and make the journeys they need to easily.

The vision is supported by three guiding principles that will underpin how transport is designed, built and operated. We will ensure that people are at the heart of everything we do, so the transport system serves them no matter their need or background. We will use transport to create better connected places across the country to ensure that communities can thrive. We will work in partnership across Government, with local leaders and the transport sector so that decision making is effective, collaborative and delivers the right outcomes for people and places.

Based on what people told us matters most to them, the strategy sets out our eight priorities for improving the transport system. These are simplifying payments and information, providing safer and more dependable journeys, making travel more accessible and affordable, creating healthier communities, aligning transport and development, championing data and technology, empowering local leaders and optimising decision making and appraisal. By delivering on these priorities with our trusted partners across the country, we want to create a transport network that works for people and places.

To support progress towards Better Connected’s vision, the strategy includes 40 new, fully funded commitments supported by the £30 billion settlement secured in the 2025 spending review. These actions will help modernise ticketing in more places, provide local leaders with the tools to deliver better transport for their areas, improve the quality of travel information and support smoother journeys for drivers. Delivery of these commitments and progress towards the vision and priorities will be monitored and evaluated with a progress update published during this parliament.

Better Connected builds on the major action already being taken to modernise transport and make it work better for people, including the creation of Great British Railways, investment in local roads and rolling out more electric vehicle charge points. As a step towards the strategy’s vision, we have already published updated local transport plan guidance aligned with the principles of Better Connected to help local leaders deliver the transport that is right for their communities. Together, working through a people-focused lens, the transport sector will give people across England a transport network that is reliable, accessible and fit for the future.

[HCWS1503]

EHRC Code of Practice: Services, Public Functions and Associations

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)]

This Government have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex. The Supreme Court’s ruling last year brought clarity for women and service providers such as hospitals and refuges, and made it clear that protections for trans people remain in the Equality Act.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the independent equality regulator and ensures compliance with the Equality Act 2010. Their code of practice on services, public functions and associations covers all nine protected characteristics and the steps service providers should take to comply with the law. We share the EHRC’s commitment to ensuring duty bearers have accurate and up-to-date guidance on the Equality Act 2010 including in the light of the recent Court rulings.

We are grateful to the EHRC for their work on the updated draft code following engagement and further legal analysis. The EHRC is rightly focused on ensuring the updated code is robust, accessible and ensures duty bearers can be confident that it is a clear and accurate explanation of the law.

The Government received the updated draft on 13 April. The code will apply across Great Britain and as we are currently in the pre-election period for the devolved Administrations, we are unable to make further announcements on this matter at this time. However, we are taking urgent action to meet our intention of laying the code in May and as soon as practicable after the election period, for parliamentary scrutiny.

We are getting it right, showing leadership by implementing the clarity the Supreme Court ruling delivers.

[HCWS1509]