Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle illegal private hire taxi drivers.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Enforcement of the taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing regime is a matter for licensing authorities and the police.

Best Practice Guidance issued by the Department for Transport to licensing authorities in England highlights some of the actions licensing authorities should take to reduce the use of those unlicensed, uninsured and unvetted who are seeking to illegally carry passengers. These include assisting the public to recognise the difference between taxis and PHVs; taxis should be required to display a roof sign and, these should be prohibited for PHVs. Taxi marshal schemes provide an opportunity to prevent the use of unlicensed vehicle that might be plying for hire. The important role ‘test purchasing’ can play in identifying and evidencing illegal drivers that should be prosecuted is highlighted.

Licensing authorities should also recognise that unnecessary barriers to obtaining a licence can potentially restrict the availability of the licensed trade to such an extent that the public resort to the use of unlicensed drivers and vehicles.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has met the Commonwealth Secretary General since her appointment in March 2025.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary met with Shirley Botchwey in her capacity as Secretary-General elect during January and at Commonwealth Day in March. The Minister for Africa has met with the Commonwealth Secretary-General twice since she took office on 1 April 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions his Department has had with his (a) US counterpart and (b) counterparts in the Caribbean Community on countering Chinese strategic influence in the region.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

This Government will take a consistent, long term and strategic approach to managing the UK’s relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. We will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must.

The UK recognises that deepening our cooperation with partners is needed to strengthen collective security and push back against behaviour that undermines international law or seeks to coerce or create dependencies. The Ministry of Defence has had a number of productive conversations with the US and partners in the Caribbean Community.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of (a) piracy, (b) terrorism, (c) proxy activity by state adversaries and (d) other security threats in the Indian Ocean; and what steps he is taking to ensure UK forces on Diego Garcia are prepared to help tackle those threats.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The UK actively contributes to initiatives that counter security threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This is achieved bilaterally through Maritime Domain Awareness programmes and counter terrorism activities, and multilaterally through organisations such as the Combined Maritime Force, which actively support Maritime Security operations, including counter-piracy and counter-terrorism. Although dislocated geographically from the main threat areas, the base on Diego Garcia could be used as a logistics hub or staging area to support such activities.

Under the agreement with Mauritius we will retain full control over Diego Garcia with robust provisions to keep adversaries out. These include unrestricted access to and use of the base for the UK and US; a buffer zone around Diego Garcia; a comprehensive mechanism to ensure no activity in the other islands threatens base operations; and a ban on the presence of any foreign security forces. This will ensure the long term secure and effective operation of the base well into the next century.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the UK has been invited to participate in the Regional Security System in the Caribbean; and whether his Department plans to support its operations.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The UK has not been invited to participate in the Regional Security System. The Ministry of Defence works closely with our partners and allies in the Caribbean, including directly with the Regional Security System. This has included the provision of capacity building and key leader engagement with Caribbean Chiefs of Defence and the Regional Security System Executive Director.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has received representations from his US counterpart on the proposed transfer of sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Secretary of State for Defence speaks regularly with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on a wide range of security issues, including the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia. We welcome US support of the UK proceeding with the proposed treaty with Mauritius, as well as the President's recognition of the strength of the deal.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to increase the recruitment and retention of trading standards officers within local councils.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Local authorities are independent employers responsible for the recruitment and retention of their own workforces.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of UK trade policy on (a) levels of UK-Caribbean economic engagement and (b) Chinese influence in that region.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The UK’s Economic Partnership Agreement with CARIFORUM, which is the most comprehensive trade agreement that the UK has signed with developing countries, supports growth across the region and in the UK. Between 2023 and 2024, UK-CARIFORUM bilateral trade in goods and services increased by 20.5% in current prices. The UK and CARIFORUM regularly discuss how to strengthen bilateral trade further through the structures outlined in our agreement.

The UK will continue to position itself as the trading partner of choice in the Caribbean, building on our historic, economic and cultural ties.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will require campaign organisations that provide teaching materials to disclose data on (a) reach, (b) school uptake and (c) expenditure on education initiatives.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of material produced by PETA on the school curriculum.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department monitors the (a) distribution and (b) use of educational materials from (a) PETA and (b) other organisations in English schools.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that materials used in schools do not contain scientifically inaccurate or misleading claims.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of emotionally distressing (a) imagery and (b) language used in classroom materials provided by animal rights campaigners on children.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether (a) his Department and (b) its agencies have (i) met and (ii) corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals on animal welfare policy in the last five years.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has provided funding to support the educational activities of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in schools.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that educational materials used in primary schools are (a) age-appropriate and (b) free from (i) extremist and (ii) emotionally manipulative content.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to take steps to prohibit the use of educational materials produced by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in schools in England.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance her Department issues to schools on the use of educational materials produced by (a) PETA and (b) other political and campaign organisations.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support civil society organisations working on (a) human rights and (b) democratic freedoms in Venezuela.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK firmly supports the right of civil society to operate freely in all countries, including Venezuela. We remain deeply concerned by restrictive legislation brought into law last year and publicly raised our concerns about the bill. We actively engage with civil society and human rights defenders in Venezuela, and run local projects to deliver UK objectives. We repeatedly call for human rights to be protected and for the cooperation of the Venezuelan authorities in bringing about a democratic transition, most recently at the Human Rights Council on 18 March 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on the role of Venezuela as a transit hub for cocaine shipments to Europe; and whether his Department is taking steps to help tackle such shipments.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

There are credible reports that local conditions have allowed criminal enterprises to substantially increase illicit activities in Venezuela, which has likely resulted in increases in cocaine trafficked through the country. The UK collaborates with regional partners to fight such organised crime, including drug trafficking.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the impact of drug trafficking networks operating in and through Venezuela on the UK and its overseas territories.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Home Office)

Drug misuse can have a devastating impact on the safety, productivity, and health and wellbeing of our communities.

The UK takes a global approach to continuously assess the impact of global drug trafficking, working with international partners to try and reduce the flow of drugs to the UK and to ensure we stay flexible and coordinated in our response.

Tackling the supply of drugs and drug trafficking remains a priority for this Government and will play a critical role in making our streets safer. We are taking an end-to-end approach, including working with law enforcement partners upstream and at the UK border to tackle the gangs responsible for drug trafficking.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has met the High Commissioner of Pakistan since taking office.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary met the High Commissioner during a meeting with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on 4 September 2024. I have met the High Commissioner on multiple occasions, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and the former Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds have also met with the High Commissioner.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Syrian counterpart on the establishment of de-radicalisation programmes in that country.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to combatting all forms of terrorism emanating from Syria, including from Daesh. Alongside our international partners, we are pressing the Government of Syria to demonstrate their commitment to combat terrorism and extremism in all forms. I raised the security situation with Foreign Minister al-Shaibani in March. The UK National Security Advisor also discussed countering Daesh when he spoke to Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa on 10 April.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Syrian government in tackling jihadi terror threats.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to combatting all forms of terrorism emanating from Syria, including from Daesh. Alongside our international partners, we are pressing the Government of Syria to demonstrate their commitment to combat terrorism and extremism in all forms. I raised the security situation with Foreign Minister al-Shaibani in March. The UK National Security Advisor also discussed countering Daesh when he spoke to Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa on 10 April.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of recent fighting between Druze minorities and Sunni militias in Damascus.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Recent violence against the Druze community in Syria was appalling. In our statement on 3 May, we publicly urged the Syrian government to take steps to shield civilians from violence and hold those responsible to account. The protection of all civilians and their full inclusion in the transition process is vital for peace in Syria. This will continue to be a priority in our engagement with the Syrian government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Syrian counterpart on protecting the Druze minority.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Recent violence against the Druze community in Syria was appalling. In our statement on 3 May, we publicly urged the Syrian government to take steps to shield civilians from violence and hold those responsible to account. The protection of all civilians and their full inclusion in the transition process is vital for peace in Syria. This will continue to be a priority in our engagement with the Syrian government.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to support the (a) development and (b) deployment of artificial intelligence to reduce the use of animals in scientific (i) research and (ii) testing.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Labour Manifesto commits to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”. While it is not yet possible to replace all animal use, we support the development and application of approaches that replace, reduce and refine animal use in research (the 3Rs), including via artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan in January which outlined 50 actions needed to drive up the development and deployment of AI.

The Government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how the Governor of Saint Helena’s special responsibility for finance differs from the role of the Finance Minister.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Each Overseas Territory has a unique constitution. St Helena introduced a ministerial form of government in 2021 and the updated constitution provides that St Helena ministers have responsibility departments and shall exercise general direction and policy control of that department. The St Helena Treasury was one of the departments transferred to a minister. Part 8 of the Constitution, together with the Public Finance Ordinance 2010, sets out roles and responsibilities in how public finances are managed. Under Section 44(1)(f) of the constitution, the Governor has a special responsibility for finance. In practice, day to day responsibility is exercised through Executive Council and as prescribed by subordinate ordinance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has provided guidance to the Inter-American Development Bank on the financing of infrastructure in Caribbean nations as an alternative to Chinese state-backed loans.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK recognises the benefit of cooperating with a range of partners to support the interests of individual countries in the Caribbean. We encourage partners in the Caribbean to weigh up the risks and opportunities that investment opportunities might present, including from China.

The UK itself is a shareholder of and supports the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the World Bank in their work in the Latin America and Caribbean regions, providing financial support for sustainable development and growth.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of China’s Belt and Road initiative investments in Caribbean states on the UK's strategic interests in the region.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK recognises the benefit of cooperating with a range of partners to support the interests of individual countries in the Caribbean. We encourage partners in the Caribbean to weigh up the risks and opportunities that investment opportunities might present, including from China.

The UK itself is a shareholder of and supports the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the World Bank in their work in the Latin America and Caribbean regions, providing financial support for sustainable development and growth.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed Chinese military infrastructure developments in the Caribbean on risks to national security.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK recognises the benefit of cooperating with a range of partners to support the interests of individual countries in the Caribbean. We encourage partners in the Caribbean to weigh up the risks and opportunities that investment opportunities might present, including from China.

The UK itself is a shareholder of and supports the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the World Bank in their work in the Latin America and Caribbean regions, providing financial support for sustainable development and growth.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the process was for deciding the allocation of seating in the VIP box for the VE concert at Horse Guards Parade on 8 May 2025.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) managed the allocation of seating for the VE Day 80 concert on Horse Guards Parade.

For the VIP area, DCMS prioritised representatives from key stakeholder organisations, including veterans' groups, the Armed Forces, Parliament, and partners involved in the VE Day 80 commemorations. Consideration was also given to accessibility and operational requirements, protocol, ensuring appropriate and inclusive representation from across the UK and Commonwealth.

Allocations in the Royal Box followed established protocol and precedence and included members of the Royal Household, veterans and their companions, senior Cabinet Ministers, Service Chiefs and other senior delivery partners.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether a government representative will visit Scotland for St. Andrew’s Day on 30 November 2025.

Answered by Ian Murray - Secretary of State for Scotland

There are 37 Government MPs representing Scottish Constituencies. On Sunday 30 November, many will be in their homes and constituencies in Scotland engaged in a variety of activities to mark the day.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much Network Rail spends on renting commercial space outside London; and how much Network Rail commercial space is empty.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Network Rail does not hold the information centrally regarding it’s spend on renting commercial space outside of London.

Across the 20 stations managed by Network Rail, the commercial vacancy rate is 3.2%.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which open access rail applications are awaiting a decision by the Office of Rail and Road.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) have confirmed to the Department that there are currently 12 open access applications that are awaiting decisions by the ORR.

Details of live applications can be found via the ORR’s website: https://www.orr.gov.uk/rail-guidance-compliance/network-access/regulated-networks/network-rail/current-applications

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much renewable energy generation is delivered from the Network Rail land estate; and which individual facilities generate the largest supplies of electricity.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Network Rail does not currently hold data on the total amount of renewable energy generation delivered from its land estate as solar installations have been delivered at a regional and route level to date. Network Rail is working to gather this data. The individual facility on Network Rail’s land estate that generates the largest supply of electricity is Blackfriars Bridge, the world’s largest solar bridge, which generates at 850kWp (around 900,000kWh per year) and covers 6,000m².

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she expects Train Operating Company retail websites will cease to operate; and what transitional process her Department plans alongside a new Great British Railways online rail ticket retailer.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department is working on plans for Great British Railways’ (GBR) future retail capability and assessing its impact. It will go live once GBR is established. We will provide further details in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed Great British Railways online rail ticket retailer on rail’s passenger revenue.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department is working on plans for Great British Railways’ (GBR) future retail capability and assessing its impact. It will go live once GBR is established. We will provide further details in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she plans to issue a tender procurement notice to deliver a new Great British Railways online rail ticket retailer.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department is working on plans for Great British Railways’ (GBR) future retail capability and assessing its impact. It will go live once GBR is established. We will provide further details in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the cost to the public purse of the subsidy required to support the railways was in (a) 2018-9, (b) 2020-1 and (c) 2023-4.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government’s net support to the rail industry in Great Britain totalled £7.1 billion in 2018-19, £16.9 billion in 2020-21 and £22.3 billion in 2023-24. This support includes funding for both the operational railway and for enhancement projects such as HS2.

These values as well as further information can be found on the Office for Rail and Road portal: https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/finance/rail-industry-finance/.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when Network Rail last carried out (a) a survey and (b) audit of its land estate which could be suitable for renewable energy generation; and what assessment was made of its megawatt generation potential.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The most recent survey and analysis of the potential for renewable energy generation across Network Rail’s land estate was carried out in May 2020, with the potential capacity found to be 188 MWp across 34 sites. Network Rail is continuing the roll out of new renewable energy generation assets across its estate.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she has made an assessment of the potential impact of public library closures on the (a) educational and (b) social opportunities for local residents.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

All local authorities have a statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. Public libraries are funded by local authorities and each local authority is responsible for determining how best to meet the needs of its communities and deliver its statutory duty within available resources.

Where local authorities are proposing changes to its statutory library service provision, including closures, DCMS expects the local authority to be able to demonstrate that proposals are supported by an assessment of local needs, together with a rigorous analysis and assessment of the potential impact of their proposals and a demonstration of the steps to be taken to mitigate the impact.

The Secretary of State has a statutory power to intervene by way of local inquiry if she considers that a local authority is not providing a comprehensive and efficient library service. She takes this role very seriously and should a complaint be received, Ministers will challenge the local council and carefully consider evidence before deciding if a local inquiry is needed.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she has taken to work with relevant authorities to reduce instances of car theft in (a) England and (b) Romford.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Home Office)

This Government is determined to drive down vehicle crime and we are working with the automotive industry and police, including working closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on the issue, to ensure the strongest response possible to this damaging crime.

Through the Crime and Policing Bill, we have introduced measures to ban electronic devices used to steal vehicles, empowering the police and courts to target the criminals using, manufacturing and supplying them. This will support the changes manufacturers continue to make to prevent thefts.

We also provided £250,000 funding in the last financial year to help support work at the ports to prevent stolen vehicles and vehicle parts being shipped abroad.

Via the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership and the police-led National Vehicle Crime Working Group, we are focusing on prevention and deterrence of theft of and from vehicles. This includes training police officers on the methods used to steal vehicles, encouraging vehicle owners to secure their vehicles, and working with industry to address vulnerabilities in vehicles.

In recent weeks, the Security Minister and I have each met vehicle manufacturers to discuss these issues. Officials also regularly engage and work with industry to discuss workable solutions to help prevent vehicle theft.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support the tourism sector.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The British tourism industry is worth £58 billion to the economy and employs millions of people around the country. The Government is implementing a range of measures to support the sector and maximise its benefits for local economies, including working with VisitBritain to champion visits to Britain to a worldwide audience through its ‘Starring Great Britain’ campaign.

Since 2022, DCMS has delivered significant reform of destination management devolving accountability to a regional and local level to promote regional growth. We now have a network of 41 Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) across England and two Regional Destination pilots in the North East and West Midlands. In March, we announced a £1.35 million funding boost to help the Destination pilots attract even more tourists and investment to the UK over the next year.

The newly established Visitor Economy Advisory Council brings together industry leaders, regional voices and expert advisers to do far more that will attract overseas and overseas visitors and unlock growth. The Council will co-design and deliver a new growth strategy that will meet my ambition to welcome 50 million inbound visitors a year by 2030, as part of this Government’s Plan for Change.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many meetings she has had with representatives from Christian denominations since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Details of Ministers' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many meetings she has had with representatives of Muslim communities since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Details of Ministers' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many meetings she has had with representatives of Jewish communities since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Details of Ministers' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has a strategy for the development of the public library sector.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Minister for Gambling and Heritage is meeting with library sector organisations and leaders to discuss the challenges faced by public libraries and their thoughts on what government support would be helpful. Following this, the Minister will consider her priority policy areas in this remit.

Officials also meet regularly with a variety of organisations in the public and private sectors to support the sector strategically. This includes working with Arts Council England, the development agency for libraries in England, on such issues as the collection of national data and other programmes to support the sector so that it is better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them. On 20th February, the Secretary of State also announced a further £5.5 million of the Libraries Improvement Fund for 2025/26. DCMS has also invested in research to investigate the main reasons why people do not use or engage with libraries and understand potential effective policy interventions that could be deployed by local or national government to promote library usage.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many meetings she has had with representatives from the library sector since the start of this Parliament.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Ministers and officials have had a number of meetings with library sector representatives. Details of ministerial meetings are published on a quarterly basis.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many professional libraries have moved out of local authority control since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Department does not currently hold this data. The Arts Council England Libraries Location Dataset 2024 which will contain information on static library closures and changes to the model of delivery of static libraries as of 31 December 2024 is due to be published shortly.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many public libraries have permanently closed since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Department does not currently hold this data. The Arts Council England Libraries Location Dataset 2024 which will contain information on static library closures and changes to the model of delivery of static libraries as of 31 December 2024 is due to be published shortly.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many public libraries she has visited since the start of this Parliament.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Secretary of State's support of the public library sector was demonstrated in February 2025 when she announced a fourth round of the Libraries Improvement Fund worth £5.5 million to enable public library services across England to upgrade their physical and digital infrastructure to adapt to changing user needs.

The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Sir Chris Bryant MP, was the Minister with responsibility for libraries from 26 July 2024 to 31 March 2025. He contributed to the 25th anniversary of the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge, as well as The British Library’s National StartUp Day.

After a change in the ministerial portfolios within DCMS, from 1 April 2025, Baroness Twycross has now taken up the role as Minister with responsibilities for libraries and she recently visited Harlesden and Willesden Green libraries.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of imposing a levy on tourists visiting the UK.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Tourism is a significant economic, cultural and social asset to the UK. The sector is a powerful engine for economic growth and job creation across all regions. Tourism contributes not only economically, but also in creating pride in local communities and contributing to the UK's soft power.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether a government representative will visit Northern Ireland for the Orange Order parades on 12 July 2025.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

For security reasons we do not share details of Northern Ireland Office Ministers’ itineraries in advance.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance her Department has issued on the use of bilingual street signs in England.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport has not issued guidance on the use of bilingual traffic signs as these are not permitted on roads in England.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she has taken to work with relevant authorities to reduce instances of sexual offences on public transport in (a) England and (b) Romford.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department is committed to ensuring everyone, including women and girls, is safe on the transport network. The Department is working across government and with partners, including the British Transport Police (BTP), the transport industry and local authorities to ensure that everyone feels and is safe when travelling.

As part of the Government’s aims to reduce Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) by half over the next decade, the Department has an ambitious, evidence-based programme of work to help tackle VAWG on transport. This includes proposals in the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill such as training on how to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour.

The Department supports BTP’s zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and sexual offences. This includes using a range of policing techniques to pursue offenders on the rail network to ensure it remains a safe environment and encourage reporting of incidents via BTP’s 61016 text number or 999 in an emergency. Romford is currently part of Operation Cerium which sees proactive patrols from BTP officers across the underground and rail network in London to reduce the number of sexual offences and identify offenders swiftly.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to (a) promote and (b) support co-operation between the state and private education systems in England.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Around 70% of private schools affiliated with the Independent Schools Council hold charitable status. As charities, they are required to demonstrate public benefit and one way in which they do that is through partnerships with state schools. This activity should continue.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to increase the number of grammar school places in (a) England and (b) Romford constituency.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

There are no grammar schools in the Parliamentary constituency of Romford and the law prohibits new ones from opening. The department no plans to change this.

The national funding formula, and wider education policies, support all state-funded schools equally, including grammar schools.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken to support grammar schools in (a) England and (b) Romford constituency.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

There are no grammar schools in the Parliamentary constituency of Romford and the law prohibits new ones from opening. The department no plans to change this.

The national funding formula, and wider education policies, support all state-funded schools equally, including grammar schools.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she has taken to work with relevant authorities to reduce instances of arson in (a) England and (b) Romford.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Home Office)

We are committed to ensuring fire services have the resources they need to do their vital work and to keep the public safe from fires, including those caused by arson. However, decisions on how resources are best deployed to meet their core functions are a matter for each fire and rescue authority.

As part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s strategic role across fire and rescue services (FRSs), it supports partnership working to promote the consistent recording and investigation of deliberate fires by the Police and FRSs.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many building control applications were rejected by the Building Safety Regulator in each month between October 2023 and April 2025 under regulation 15 of the Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department and the Building Safety Regulator recognise the value to the sector in providing performance data. From this quarter, BSR will be publishing quarterly data demonstrating the volumes of applications received, recorded outcomes and decision times for determination.

The table below shows:

• Number of building control approval applications rejected by the Building Safety Regulator between October 2023 and April 2025
• Number of building control approval applications received by the Building Safety Regulator between October 2023 and April 2025
• Number of building control approval applications withdrawn at the applicants request between October 2024 and April 2025

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many applications were rejected by the Building Safety Regulator in each month between October 2023 and April 2025 under regulation 44 of the Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department and the Building Safety Regulator recognise the value to the sector in providing performance data. From this quarter, BSR will be publishing quarterly data demonstrating the volumes of applications received, recorded outcomes and decision times for determination.

The table below shows:

• Number of building control approval applications rejected by the Building Safety Regulator between October 2023 and April 2025
• Number of building control approval applications received by the Building Safety Regulator between October 2023 and April 2025
• Number of building control approval applications withdrawn at the applicants request between October 2024 and April 2025

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many building control applications received by the Building Safety Regulator were withdrawn at the applicant’s request in each month between October 2023 and April 2025.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department and the Building Safety Regulator recognise the value to the sector in providing performance data. From this quarter, BSR will be publishing quarterly data demonstrating the volumes of applications received, recorded outcomes and decision times for determination.

The table below shows:

• Number of building control approval applications rejected by the Building Safety Regulator between October 2023 and April 2025
• Number of building control approval applications received by the Building Safety Regulator between October 2023 and April 2025
• Number of building control approval applications withdrawn at the applicants request between October 2024 and April 2025

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many building control applications were rejected by the Building Safety Regulator in each month between October 2023 and April 2025.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department and the Building Safety Regulator recognise the value to the sector in providing performance data. From this quarter, BSR will be publishing quarterly data demonstrating the volumes of applications received, recorded outcomes and decision times for determination.

The table below shows:

• Number of building control approval applications rejected by the Building Safety Regulator between October 2023 and April 2025
• Number of building control approval applications received by the Building Safety Regulator between October 2023 and April 2025
• Number of building control approval applications withdrawn at the applicants request between October 2024 and April 2025

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many building control applications were received by the Building Safety Regulator in each month between October 2023 and April 2025.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department and the Building Safety Regulator recognise the value to the sector in providing performance data. From this quarter, BSR will be publishing quarterly data demonstrating the volumes of applications received, recorded outcomes and decision times for determination.

The table below shows:

• Number of building control approval applications rejected by the Building Safety Regulator between October 2023 and April 2025
• Number of building control approval applications received by the Building Safety Regulator between October 2023 and April 2025
• Number of building control approval applications withdrawn at the applicants request between October 2024 and April 2025

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to protect private landlords from repeat non-paying tenants.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Renters’ Rights Bill will introduce new protections for tenants and landlords when rent is not paid. When tenants temporarily fall into rent arrears, we will support both parties by preventing tenancies which are otherwise viable from ending. We will increase the notice period for an arrears eviction to four weeks and increase the threshold for mandatory eviction to three months’ rent arrears.

Landlords will still have access to robust grounds for possession for rent arrears, including the mandatory ground for three months arrears, and discretionary grounds which could be used for cases involving repeat non or late payment of rent that does not meet the mandatory threshold.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2025 to Question 22583 on Government Departments: Procurement, what further discussions he has had with the Institution of Civil Engineers on releasing a new edition of the Construction Playbook.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Cabinet Office officials regularly engage with the ICE and other industry leading organisations, many of which are signatories to our ‘Compact with Industry’. The Construction Playbook is regularly refreshed in collaboration with industry and the public sector, ensuring it remains relevant and effective. The Government remains committed to publishing an update to the Construction Playbook. The revised version of the Construction Playbook is expected to be published in Q2 2025.

Christian persecution in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Non-stun slaughter ban

World Cider Day 2025

Prayer for Pentecost

Interception of small boats by France

Mauritius Treaty

Direct flights to North Cyprus

National Fish and Chip Day 2025

Imprisonment of Lucy Connolly

UK-EU Summit (No. 2)

Dementia Action Week 2025

Service with the British Commanders’-In-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany, 1946-1990

25th anniversary of Ballynahinch Protestant Boys Flute Band

80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Deaf Awareness Week 2025

World Asthma Day 2025

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Found: _NC3 Sir Edward Leigh Andrew Rosindell .

Found: _NC3 Sir Edward Leigh Andrew Rosindell .

Found: _NC3 Sir Edward Leigh Andrew Rosindell .

Found: _NC3 Sir Edward Leigh Andrew Rosindell .

Found: Bhatti Melanie Ward Anna Dixon Kate Osamor Laurence Turner Tom Tugendhat Sojan Joseph Andrew Rosindell