Asked by: Lord Jamieson (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they deem (1) England, (2) Scotland, (3) Wales, and (4) Northern Ireland to be (a) countries, (b) nations, or (c) regions.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The United Kingdom comprises four nations. Each of these has their own distinct identities, which are valued as part of our collective and diverse cultural landscape.
The Government is committed to delivering for people across the UK and is working with all levels of government to do so. That is why the Prime Minister established the Council of the Nations and Regions, which will be meeting again imminently.
Asked by: Lord Jamieson (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 20 March (HL5602), what representations the government of China or its representatives have made to the Cabinet Office relating to the latest planning application for the Chinese Embassy, prior to and after the Secretary of State's call-in decision, and on what dates.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and she will make this decision independent from the rest of Government corresponding to her quasi-judicial role.
Cabinet Office officials speak regularly with the Chinese Government about a range of issues.