Andrew Rosindell

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 15th January is attached.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 4 December is attached.

The Government has no plans to amend the House of Lords Reform Act 1999.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 22 November is attached.

As is usual practice, an Official Portrait has been taken of His Majesty The King to mark the start of the new Reign, for use in public buildings and for other official purposes. The portrait has been commissioned by the Royal Household and will be published by them in due course. His Majesty’s Government will provide this portrait for the Official Portrait Scheme, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister in April this year. The scheme opened earlier this month and enables certain Public Authorities across the UK to obtain a free, framed official portrait of His Majesty The King for display in their buildings.

The Government and Royal Household announced on 3 September the creation of The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee and appointed its Chair, Lord Janvrin. The Committee will develop proposals for both a permanent memorial, and a national legacy programme that will allow everyone in the UK to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s life of service.

The Government and Royal Household are still actively considering the most appropriate way to commemorate Prince Philip, the Late Duke of Edinburgh, as part of this process.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regularly meets groups representing all communities in Northern Ireland. In July this year he attended the County Armagh Twelfth Demonstration in Lurgan in recognition that parading is an important part of Northern Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. This Government has always stressed the importance of Northern Ireland’s place within the Union. We share cultural, social and economic ties that make us more prosperous and secure.

Details of my future official visits will be announced in the usual way.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 19th September is attached.

It is right that as a country we honour Her Late Majesty’s legacy. For more than 70 years, she was our greatest public servant, an anchor of stability in an ever-changing and often uncertain world. The Government welcomes the work of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee and will consider funding options as proposals develop.

It is not customary for the Cabinet Office to make plans to celebrate the 75th birthday of a Monarch, as seen with the late HM Queen Elizabeth II’s 75th birthday celebrations.

However, the Sovereign's birthday was officially celebrated by the ceremony of Trooping the Colour (King's Birthday Parade) on Saturday 17th June 2023.

The Ministry of Defence also fires gun salutes every year for The King's birthday on 14th November.

Equally, I am sure that, like me, he welcomed the wonderful weekend of celebrations for His Majesty the King’s Coronation last month, which were a triumph of pomp, pageantry and pride in Britain.

The Government is working with the Royal Household on the approach to commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s life and legacy, which will include any planning and development of a permanent memorial. Further information and a public announcement will be made in due course.

I am happy to confirm to my Hon. Friend that the Middlesex Flag flew from 10 Downing Street on 16 May. This reflects the fact Downing Street is within the county of Middlesex, and Middlesex is its ‘local’ flag.

The Government is continuing to support the flying of all county flags within Westminster on the annual county flag week in Parliament Square.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentlemen Parliamentary Question of 29.03 is attached.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question of 27 February is attached.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. gentlemen’s Parliamentary Question of 9 January is attached.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. gentlemen’s Parliamentary Question of 9 January is attached.

The Government is working with the Royal Household on the approach to commemorating Her Late Majesty. Further information will be shared in due course.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question of 2 November is attached.

The Procurement Bill, currently being considered in the House of Lords, aims to make it simpler, quicker and cheaper for suppliers, including SMEs and social enterprises, to bid for public sector contracts.

The new rules focus more on delivering outcomes and will provide clearer rules overall and more flexibility for officials to use their commercial skills to achieve the desired outcomes.

In addition, the Commercial Playbooks include key policy reforms which help government and industry work better together to deliver quality public services and value for money.

The creation of new cities, and the publication of the updated list of cities on 29 August, celebrates the rich and diverse communities which make up not only the United Kingdom, but also the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories.

Local communities have often taken the initiative to celebrate their city status, and periodically Ministers and Members of the Royal Family have also visited.

The Government is totally committed to championing our veterans, and ensuring they have the support they need to thrive in civilian life. We recently launched a new Veterans' Strategy Action Plan, which sets out our commitments to the veteran community.

To mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s accession, a commemorative medal, the Platinum Jubilee Medal, will be awarded to those serving in the Armed Forces and certain other public services on 6th February 2022, and who have completed the required five years’ service. This approach is consistent with that taken for the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

We have successfully piloted the Great Place to Work scheme across six government Departments and have commenced the roll out of this initiative across Departments for all Civil Service roles, including Senior Civil Servant positions by the end of March 2022. During the pilot phase, the scheme received 3,000 applications, made 155 appointments to roles and saw 180 successful applicants placed on a reserve list.

The new Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan outlines over 60 commitments funded by over £70 million from departments across Government, including initiatives to make sure veterans are able to find quality employment after leaving service.

These commitments build on recent progress and support to encourage employers to recruit veterans, such as the National Insurance contribution holiday for employers of Service leavers and the Defence Employer Recognition scheme. We have committed to promoting pathways into careers in public service for veterans, such as teaching and in the uniformed and health services and introduced a fast-track recruitment scheme for veterans wishing to become prison officers.

The Cabinet Office no longer holds files on this subject. Records from this period transferred to The National Archives (TNA) are listed on its online catalogue. Any closures or retentions can be requested via the FOI process and quoting the file reference on TNA's catalogue.

Government records from this period will have been transferred (subject to any legal exemptions) to The National Archives under the Public Records Act and will be listed on their catalogue which is available online.

From 21 June, there is no longer a maximum number of attendees at weddings set out in law. Instead, the number of attendees at weddings, civil partnerships and receptions will be determined by how many people the venue or space can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place.

The Government committed to explore whether and how COVID-status certification might be used to reopen our economy, reduce restrictions on social contact and improve safety. As set out in the ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021,’ the Government will set out its conclusions on the COVID-status Certification Review in advance of Step 4 of the Roadmap, in order to inform the safe reopening of society and the economy.

An update on the Roadmap Reviews was published on 5 April and can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021-reviews-terms-of-reference/roadmap-reviews-update.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster further updated via a Written Ministerial Statement on 29 April 2021, which can be found below: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2021-04-29/hcws947

The Government announced a four-week pause at Step 3 of the roadmap following an assessment of the data against the four tests.

After carefully considering the potential impacts, on 14 June the Government announced that there will no longer be a maximum number cap for attendees at wedding and civil partnerships, and receptions set out in law. From 21 June, the number of attendees at weddings, civil partnerships and receptions will be determined by how many people the venue or space can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place.

The changes allow people to celebrate their union with their families and loved ones, and aligns the wedding sector with the way most other COVID Secure venues operate - such as restaurants and pubs - where social distancing determines a venue’s capacity. Additionally, changes also bring commemorative events, such as wakes, in line with existing rules on funerals so people can say goodbye to those they have lost.

This change does not enable a wedding of any size to take place. To manage the risks around the virus the exact number of attendees will be based on the COVID-19 risk assessment of each venue or outdoor space, and measures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

At Step 3, social distancing and COVID-secure rules apply to all businesses, venues and workplaces. While we feel it is safe to make some easements, we have not made the decision to move to Step 4. We will only lift remaining restrictions on weddings, civil partnerships and commemorative events when the decision is taken to move to the next stage of the roadmap. We know this pause will be disappointing to many people, including those planning weddings and other events, but we hope that these cautious changes will enable some more people to attend these special events.

We have published extensive guidance on wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations on GOV.UK, which can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-wedding-and-civil-partnership-ceremonies-receptions-and-celebrations

The Events Research Programme aims to examine the risk of transmission of Covid-19 from attendance at events and explore ways to enable people to attend a range of events safely. To achieve this, the programme will explore how a combination of testing and non-pharmaceutical interventions (actions that people can take to mitigate the spread of coronavirus) can inform decisions on safely lifting restrictions at events from Step 4. The initial research pilots have already started and are taking place throughout May.

At Step 4, which will be no earlier than 21 June, the Government aims to remove all limits on weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and receptions, subject to the outcome of the Events Research Programme and the Social Distancing Review. Further guidance will be issued ahead of Step 4.

My engagements are still to be finalised, and will be announced in due course. I can inform my hon. Friend that the Cross of St George will be proudly flying alongside the Union Flag in Downing Street.

We understand that losing a loved one is always a very difficult time. Throughout the pandemic, restrictions on funerals have sought to balance the needs of the bereaved with the need to minimise the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, the government has had to take the difficult decision to put measures in place to ensure funerals can continue whilst reducing risk, particularly if vulnerable people wish to attend.

The Government is taking a gradual and cautious approach to removing restrictions on end of life gatherings, guided by science and the data. Further information can be found in the guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

Primary legislation states that the elections will go ahead in May 2021.

We continue to work closely with the electoral community and public health bodies to resolve challenges and ensure everyone will be able to cast their vote safely and securely - and in a way of their choosing.

The Government is also bringing forward additional measures to extend the ability to appoint a proxy, so that those that are affected by Covid-19 in the days before the poll are still able to make their voice heard.

Guidance will be published in good time ahead of the polls and this matter will be kept under review.

The government welcomes open and transparent engagement in the UK. Depending on what the established organisation seeks to do, there are different applicable regulations regarding the activities that such an organisation could undertake.

If the organisation is political in nature then a variety of legislation could apply. If it seeks to make political donations then it would need to be compliant with the rules set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (PPERA) 2000 and the Representation of the People Act 1983. Only those with a genuine interest in UK electoral events can donate to candidates, campaigners and political parties.

If the organisation seeks to act as a third-party campaigner at UK elections then it would need to comply with the rules on third-party campaigning set out in the PPERA.

If the organisation engages with financial activities then it would need to comply with the UK financial regulatory framework.

From a security perspective, there are rules around the type of activity that groups set up in the UK may undertake. Organisations set up to conduct illegal activities, for example offences related to spying, sabotage and related crimes, would be subject to a range of enforcement legislation such as the Official Secrets Acts. There are also rules around proscribed terrorist organisations.

The Intelligence and Security Agencies produce and contribute to regular assessments of the threat posed by Hostile State Activity, including around potential interference in UK democratic processes. We keep such assessments under review and, where necessary, update them in response to new intelligence.

It is and always will be a priority for this Government to secure the UK’s democracy against all forms of interference, whilst welcoming transparent political participation and debate. The Defending Democracy programme brings together government, civil society and private sector organisations. As announced in the Queen’s Speech, we will bring forward new legislation to provide the security services and law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to disrupt hostile state activity.

An appointment will be announced in due course.

The government recognises how difficult it has been for people to be cut off from their family and friends in recent months. This has been necessary to help us all control the virus and save lives. We have published detailed guidance on gov.uk which explains how you can now see people you do not live with, while protecting yourself and others from coronavirus.

We developed a national cross-government campaign to increase awareness of all coronavirus-related guidance and provide information and reassurance to the public. The campaign uses national advertising including TV, social media, radio, poster and signage advertising as well as other media channels in all four nations of the UK.

We have also partnered with over 600 national, regional and local newspaper titles to help amplify public information on critical coronavirus messaging and ensure it reaches all communities.