Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they intend to take to tackle landfill tax fraud.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is committed to considering options to design out incentives to commit tax fraud, including within Landfill Tax, and will provide further updates in due course.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to (1) reopen investigations into the death of Zane Gbangbola through a public inquiry or other measures, and (2) examine the health risks presented by historic landfill sites.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The government has no current plans to reopen investigations into the tragic death of Zane Gbangbola. If there is a belief that the evidence was not considered properly during the original inquest, or that there is new evidence available then there is a legal process via the Attorney General that should be followed. Due consideration of the merits of an inquiry will be made at the appropriate time if, and when these legal processes have been exhausted.

Under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, each local authority has a duty to inspect its area to identify and require remediation of contaminated land, including historic landfills. A risk-based approach is used to define contaminated land, with regulators required to intervene in cases where land poses an unacceptable risk to human health, property or the environment.

Risks of significant harm to human health are already considered by regulators within the existing regulations. The current risk-based approach ensures the sites that do pose the greatest risk to people and the environment are prioritised and appropriately managed.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what are their priorities in the negotiations on a UN plastics treaty due to conclude in December; and whether they plan to support a legally binding limit on the volume of plastics production.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government’s priority is to reach an agreement on an ambitious legally binding treaty covering the full life cycle of plastics by the end of 2024.

As a member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution we support binding provisions to restrain and reduce the production and consumption of primary plastic polymers to sustainable levels.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to help consumers to identify ultra-processed food, to encourage the consumption of healthy food, and to reduce the percentage of ultra-processed food in the national diet.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

As set out in the King's Speech, the Government will bring forward the necessary secondary legislation to ban junk food advertising to children, and will stop the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under 16-year-olds. We face an obesity crisis, and we will take action to tackle it head on, easing the strain on the National Health Service and creating the healthiest generation of children ever.

There is no universally agreed definition of ultra-processed foods (UPF), although NOVA is the most widely used classification system. NOVA categorises foods by how processed they are, rather than their nutritional composition.

Published evidence has estimated that UPF intake varies by age group, ranging from 51% in adults aged over 19 years old, to 68% in adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old, based on National Diet and Nutrition Survey data.

In July 2023 the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) published a position statement on processed foods and health, and concluded that observed associations between UPFs and health are concerning, but it is unclear whether these foods are inherently unhealthy due to processing or due to their nutritional content. Given the SACN’s concerns, they added the topic of processed foods and health to their watching brief and will consider it at their next horizon scan meeting in October 2024.

Government dietary advice, based on recommendations from the SACN and as depicted within The Eatwell Guide, already shows that many foods that would be classified as ultra-processed are not part of a healthy, balanced diet, as they are high in calories, saturated fat, salt, or sugar. Government advice on healthy eating, including The Eatwell Guide principles, is communicated through the NHS.UK website and the Government’s social marketing campaigns such as Better Health, Healthier Families, and Start for Life.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of (1) the number of GPs seeking employment, and (2) the average length of time taken by a GP to find employment, in England; and what steps they are taking to ensure sufficient provision of GPs in England.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England does not collect systematic data on the future intentions of any groups of doctors once they have completed specialty training. While many newly qualified general practitioners (GPs) will subsequently take roles in GPs, others will contribute to the National Health Service in different ways, or may choose to work elsewhere.

NHS England publishes analysis on the number of doctors who can be tracked from the GP training dataset to the data provided by GPs on their substantive workforce, and how long this takes. Further information, and the most recent data, is available on the NHS Digital website, in an online only format. Under the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, the number of GPs appointed to Specialty Training will rise to 6,000 per annum by 2031/2032.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the pledge made at Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2022 to establish a new multilateral mechanism, including a global fund, to share benefits derived from the use of genetic resources; and what plans they have to contribute to its development.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The fifteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15) established a new multilateral benefit sharing mechanism, including a global fund, to share benefits derived from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources. The details of the mechanism are to be finalised at COP16.

The mechanism presents opportunities for science and business, as well as for the conservation of biodiversity.

The UK is taking a leading role in the negotiations, both as a co-chair of the international process, and as a negotiating Party. We are working closely with the private sector to ensure their views are represented and have commissioned independent research on the impacts of different approaches. We are working closely across the multiple international forums where DSI is being addressed.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce a bottle deposit return scheme in England; and if so whether glass bottles will be included, whether it will include provision for reuse of bottles, and when it would be implemented.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This government will create a circular economy that: uses our resources as efficiently and productively as possible, minimises environmental impacts, accelerates Net Zero, supports economic growth, and delivers green jobs.

We are reviewing the suite of packaging reforms – including the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers – working with the devolved governments and industry to determine the next steps for the Deposit Return Scheme. I will be happy to update the House in due course.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take to ensure that, in any year with 53 Mondays, the housing element of Universal Credit accounts for all rent which is payable by those who pay rent on a weekly basis.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Weekly rental liabilities do not map directly onto the monthly assessment cycle of Universal Credit. This creates budgeting complexities for customers as they will be required to make only four payments of rent in some months but five payments in others. This problem exists in all years, not just those with 53 Mondays. The Government will consider this issue as part of its wider work on Universal Credit.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government what records they keep on the number of (1) suicides, and (2) attempted suicides, in prisons in England and Wales; whether, and if so where, those records are published; and how they utilise those records to track health and well-being outcomes in each prison where such records are kept.

Answered by Lord Timpson - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The data on self-inflicted deaths and self-harm across the prison estates is recorded in our published Safety in Custody Statistics. The number and rates of deaths and self-harm across the estate is published quarterly in the Safety in Custody Summary Tables, the latest version of which can be found at: Safety-in-custody-summary-q1-2024_final_table.xlsx (live.com).

HMPPS does not produce official statistics on suicides or attempted suicides, because it is not always known whether a person engaging in self-harming behaviour intends or intended to die by suicide. We therefore collect data on self-inflicted deaths (a term that we use to refer to any death of a person who has apparently taken his or her own life irrespective of intent) and on incidents of self-harm.

This national data informs the development of the prison safety programme, and governors use local data to understand their populations and their safety risks and to inform their safety strategies. Each prison holds a regular safety meeting that includes discussion of the local self-harm data and learning from any self-inflicted deaths that have occurred there.

Individuals assessed as at risk of suicide and self-harm are given individualised support through our case management process. This approach places a strong emphasis on having effective care plans in place to record, address and mitigate risks.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to Lithuania regarding that country’s proposed withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and what steps they will take to promote and secure the future of the Convention.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK regrets Lithuania's decision to withdraw from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). As a committed State Party to the CCM, the UK has frequently raised concerns with Lithuania regarding withdrawal, including with Lithuanian ministers and alongside NATO Allies. Lithuania's decision is another reminder of the damaging effects of Russia's aggression, and its impact on its neighbours. The UK strongly supports the progress made since the CCM entered into force and its role in protecting civilians from harm. We continue to encourage countries to join the CCM and discourage states not party to the Convention from using cluster munitions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to continue support for a moratorium on commercial deep sea mining, and their opposition to the issuance of any exploration licences; and, if so, what steps they plan to take to support these goals.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The UK recognises the impacts of deep sea mining are not fully understood and will continue to support a moratorium on the granting of mining licences by the ISA until sufficient scientific evidence is available to assess the potential impact of deep-sea mining activities on marine ecosystems, and strong, enforceable environmental regulations, standards and guidelines are adopted by the ISA. The UK does not oppose the granting of exploration licences by the ISA and the UK government is the sponsor of two existing licences for exploration in the Eastern Pacific.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to bring copper within the remit of the UK Critical Minerals Strategy; and what steps they intend to take to secure the supply of copper in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Minerals are classed as ‘critical’ if they are both vitally important to the economy and experiencing major risks to their security of supply. We recognise the importance of copper in the energy transition and continue to assess the UK’s needs for the evolving electrical grid and associated technologies.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to continue funding (1) physician associates, and (2) physician associate apprenticeships, through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme; and what plans, if any, they have to fund additional GPs through that scheme.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) provides funding for a number of additional roles, including Physician Associates, to help create bespoke, multi-disciplinary teams. The government currently intends to continue funding physician associate and physician associate apprenticeships through the scheme.

The government recently announced changes to the ARRS which allows primary care networks to recruit general practitioners (GP) through the scheme for 2024/25. This is an emergency measure for 2024/25 whilst the government works with the profession to identify a longer term solution.

The ARRS is subject to annual review as part of the consultation on the GP contract with professional and patient representatives. NHS England works closely with the Department to implement any changes identified as part of this process.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they will respond to the UN Committee for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights "List of issues in relation to the seventh periodic report of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"; and what other related actions are planned.

Answered by Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government is currently preparing its response to the United Nations Committee for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights’ List of Issues Report, in relation to the Seventh Periodic Report of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and will provide it to the UN shortly. We have had regular contact with the secretariat to the Committee on the timetable for our response.

The Government will then prepare for the interactive dialogue with the Committee which is expected to take place in 2025.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to impose restrictions on the sale of herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, fungicides or other pesticides to domestic users.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is currently reviewing its pesticide policies.

A pesticide may only be placed on the market in GB if the product has been authorised by our expert regulator, the Health and Safety Executive, following a thorough scientific risk assessment that concludes all safety standards are met. Pesticides that pose unacceptable risks are not authorised.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to introduce a legal definition of (1) sourdough bread and (2) other sourdough products.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government has no current plans to introduce a legal definition to specifically cover the use of the term ‘sourdough’. The UK maintains high food standards including on requirements relating to food labelling and information. Existing legislation ensures the labelling and marketing of food, including sourdough products, does not intentionally mislead consumers.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reduction in the number of university places for humanities subjects, and what steps they will take to halt this decline.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Education)

The government recognises the value that the humanities play both economically and culturally. However, universities are autonomous institutions and are therefore responsible for deciding which courses to offer.

There has been a slight decrease (1,170 or -0.3%) in the number of students studying arts and humanities courses between 2019/20 and 2021/22. For the 2024/25 financial year, the Office for Students (OfS) has maintained funding for world-leading small and specialist providers at £58 million. This funding was increased by £5 million in the 2022/23 financial year, and earlier, by £10 million in the 2021/22 financial year. Details of providers’ allocations for the 2024/25 academic year will be announced by the OfS in the summer.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the decline in insect populations in England in the past decade; what assessment they have made of the impact of this decline on predator populations; what causes for this decline they have identified; and how they plan to arrest and reverse this decline.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We publish several indicators of invertebrate abundance every year. Generally, the population trends of our native insect species show a mixed picture which varies between species and habitats. For example, the indicator for the overall abundance of butterflies in England has shown little or no change between 1976 and 2022 and while the index for farmland species has remained stable the abundance of woodland butterflies has declined steeply since 1990.

Insect decline is driven by various factors including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, introduction of new species and diseases, light pollution, pesticides and other aspects of agricultural intensification. It is difficult to attribute specific drivers to individual declines in insect species. However, land use change and habitat loss are likely to be the main contributors to insect decline within the UK.

Insects underpin food webs in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems so, alongside other factors such as habitat loss, changes in insect populations are likely to be contributing to declines in insectivorous species including bats, birds and amphibians.

This Government has set out its intention to deliver for nature, taking action to meet our Environment Act targets, and working in partnership with civil society, communities and business to restore and protect our natural world. For example, the Government will change existing policies to prevent the use of deadly neonicotinoid pesticides that threaten bees.

To inform delivery of the targets, Natural England’s ‘Threatened Species Recovery Actions’ project has already identified the targeted actions needed to for the conservation and recovery of 240 insect species. Assessment of a further 300 insect species is underway. Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme is key to delivering many of these recovery actions. Example projects include creating flight corridors and increasing food plants for the pearl bordered fritillary butterfly, woodland enhancement for the grizzled skipper butterfly and the reintroduction of one of our rarest grasshoppers, the large marsh grasshopper.

Additionally, we will change existing policies to prevent the use of those neonicotinoid pesticides that threaten our vital pollinators.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to support the spread of beaver populations in England.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government supports species reintroductions where there are clear benefits for nature, people and the environment. All reintroductions in England are expected to follow the Code for Reintroductions and other Conservation Translocations. We will continue to work with Natural England to develop our approach to beaver reintroductions in England.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the increase in the risk of wildfires as a result of climate change, what plans they have to ensure the safety of firefighters and communities in light of this increased risk, and whether they plan to introduce a national wildfire plan.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

Preparing for the future not only means tackling the climate emergencies, but also adapting to the changes they will bring to our environment.

The Home Office works closely with other departments including the Met Office, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and stakeholders including National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the England and Wales Wildfire Forum (EWWF) to understand and mitigate the risk of wildfire as set out in the Wildfire Framework for England. The framework can be found at Wildfire Framework for England | Fire England.

In 24/25, the Home Office is funding a new National Resilience Wildfire Advisor to assess what additional wildfire national capabilities might be needed to increase resilience to the wildfire risk and to ensure coordination of approaches across the sector.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a strategy for (1) the edible, and (2) the environmental, horticultural sectors in England.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Farming and food production are at the heart of the Government’s agenda and an important part of our mission-driven government approach.

In partnership with the sector, we are considering a number of ways to achieve our ambitious, measurable and long-term goals for the sector. This includes building on our long-standing R&D investment in crop breeding. In July 2024, Defra awarded a further £15 million over the next five years to fund five crop Genetic Improvement Networks. This includes £9 million for horticulture (soft fruit; vegetables; and pulse crops).

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to protect workers from silicosis, in particular the risk posed by the installation of engineered stone countertops.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues to inspect industries associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and to respond to concerns about risk management reported to HSE.

Adequate control measures for protecting workers from the risks of exposure to RCS are legally required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), including water suppression, equipment enclosure, extraction and personal protective equipment, such as respirator masks. COSHH also requires workers to be trained to effectively implement such controls.

HSE works proactively with key stakeholders, trade associations and other industry bodies to raise awareness of the risks of exposure to RCS and to provide information and guidance on adequate control measures. This includes developing targeted communications to ensure that those at risk of exposure to silica dust from working with stone (including engineered stone) understand and are using the controls which can prevent exposure.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the relative number of children being taken into care from families from different minoritised communities; and what plans they have to provide support to families and social services to enable children to remain with their families, particularly among communities where levels are high.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Education)

The department’s intention is to deliver better life chances for all, including by improving services for the most vulnerable children and families. The 2023 data on children looked after showed that children from black and mixed ethnic groups are more likely to become looked after compared to the general 0-17 population (making up 7% and 10% of the looked after population respectively, compared to 6% and 7% of the general child population).

The department knows that there is a strong evidence base for early intervention to support families before they reach crisis point. The department is currently testing the impact of multi-disciplinary targeted support provided at the earliest opportunity to help families overcome challenges sooner, so that they can stay together and thrive.

The department is also committed to supporting more children from all backgrounds to remain with family through kinship care and are considering how best to support both kinship carers and the children in their care.

The Family Network Pilot is currently testing the impact of providing flexible funding for extended family networks through Family Network Support Packages (FNSP). The pilot will look at how FNSPs can unlock barriers and enable family networks to play a more active role in providing loving, stable homes for children through financial and other practical means. The pilot aims to help keep families together and children out of care, where this is in the best interests of the child. The pilot launched in four local authority areas, Brighton and Hove, Gateshead, Sunderland and Telford and Wrekin, and recently launched in a further three areas, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hartlepool and Staffordshire. The pilot will end in March 2025.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on non-target species of the use of difenacoum, bromadioline, brodifacoum, flocoumafen and difethialone as rodenticides.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The active substances difenacoum, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, flocoumafen and difethialone, collectively referred to as Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs), are approved under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR) (assimilated Regulation (EU) No 528/2012) for use in pest control products against rodents.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the body responsible for the regulation of biocidal products, such as rodenticides, and undertakes rigorous scientific evaluation of biocidal products and active substances before allowing them to be placed on the market.

Risk assessments carried out by regulators, including HSE, have shown that SGARs present a higher risk to non-target species than would normally be acceptable. However, it is recognised that alternative methods of rodent control may have limitations or may not always be suitable to tackle rodent infestations. Under GB BPR products with unacceptable levels of risk may still be authorised if it can be shown that the negative impact on society of not allowing their use would outweigh the risks of using them, as is the case with SGARs.

An industry led stewardship scheme is in place in the UK for professional use of SGARs, with the key aim being to reduce the exposure of non-target wildlife to SGARs. Stewardship is overseen by a Government Oversight Group (GOG) led by HSE with representatives of other government stakeholders. The GOG receives annual reports on the residues of SGARs that are detected in barn owls (the sentinel species for rodenticide stewardship). The GOG keeps the rodenticide stewardship scheme under review, and one of the areas under consideration is extending the monitoring of SGAR residues to other species.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the human, animal welfare, and environmental impacts of the use of aluminium phosphide in pest control, and whether they plan to further restrict its use.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the body responsible for the regulation of biocidal products, such as aluminium phosphide. Aluminium phosphide is approved under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation (assimilated Regulation (EU) No 528/2012) for use in pest control products against rodents and other vertebrates.

These products are restricted to professional users holding specific accredited qualifications in the use of such products. These products are permitted only for a very limited number of uses and with strict control measures in place.

Approval was granted following a detailed scientific assessment of the potential risks from the use of this chemical, which showed that there are no unacceptable risks to people, animals or the wider environment when products are used correctly in accordance with the restrictions and control measures placed on the products.

Biocides are subject to periodic reviews to ensure risk assessments remain up to date. Aluminium phosphide is currently undergoing this process, and if the review identifies that any changes are required, suitable regulatory action will be taken by HSE to implement these.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assist women in Afghanistan who are at risk because of their activities promoting or supporting women's rights, democracy or human rights to come to the UK as refugees.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) currently provide routes for eligible people in Afghanistan to come to the United Kingdom.

The ACRS was designed to support those who have assisted UK efforts in Afghanistan and stood up for UK values, as well as vulnerable people. We have welcomed individuals under all three referral pathways on the ACRS, providing a route for resettlement to the UK for at-risk women and girls in Afghanistan and the region.

Flights are continuing to bring those eligible to the UK at pace.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the impact of the badger cull on the long-term viability and health of badger populations, and (2) the findings of Rogerson et al, in Absence of effects of widespread badger culling on tuberculosis in cattle, published in Scientific Reports on 15 July; and whether it plans to stop this cull.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is currently studying the existing information surrounding the long-term viability and health of badger populations and considering commissioning research to fill any information gaps. It is important to this Government that any policy is informed by adequate scientific research and information.

We are currently considering the findings of the published Torgerson et al paper, which is a reanalysis of the Randomised Badger Culling Trial carried out in the 2000s.

The Government included a commitment in their election manifesto to work with farmers and scientists towards a package that can create bovine TB free status, including rolling out vaccinations, herd management and biosecurity to protect farmers' livelihoods. This Government will end badger culling.

More details of the Government’s approach to tackle bovine TB and to end badger culling will be set out in due course.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have for a public consultation on the need to introduce legislation to prevent corporate human rights and environmental harms and to ensure proper remedy for those affected by such harms.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government is clear on the need to prevent environmental harms and human and labour rights abuses in both private and public sector supply chains and will take an evidence-based approach as we assess the best ways to achieve this. The Department for Business and Trade regularly engages with stakeholders in business and civil society on these issues, as do other Government departments. We will consult with stakeholders as we consider any further action.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to convene a cross-department unit on business and human rights.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government does not currently have plans to convene a cross-departmental unit on business and human rights. The Department for Business and Trade works closely with teams in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Home Office and other departments to prevent and address corporate human rights abuses, including through the Modern Slavery Act, supporting the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises, and through operating the UK National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the EU’s Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence, and whether they plan to introduce a comparable law in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government has noted the EU’s adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and has been in regular contact with the European Commission on this issue through the Trade Specialised Committee on Level Playing Field. The Directive will apply to UK companies with a turnover generated in the EU of more than €450 million.

The Government will assess the best ways to prevent environmental harms, modern slavery and human and labour rights abuses in both private and public sector supply chains including effective due diligence rules.