Claire Hanna Portrait

Claire Hanna

Social Democratic & Labour Party - Belfast South

First elected: 12th December 2019


1 APPG membership (as of 24 Jan 2024)
Performers' Alliance
3 Former APPG memberships
Green New Deal, HIV and AIDS, Ireland and the Irish in Britain
Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill
28th Jun 2021 - 6th Jul 2021


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Claire Hanna has voted in 586 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Claire Hanna Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Brandon Lewis (Conservative)
(19 debate interactions)
Michael Gove (Conservative)
Minister for Intergovernmental Relations
(16 debate interactions)
Jeffrey M Donaldson (Democratic Unionist Party)
DUP Chief Whip
(16 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Northern Ireland Office
(86 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(46 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(22 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Claire Hanna's debates

Belfast South Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

The HMRC mileage rate for reimbursing the use of private cars (e.g. for employees but also volunteers) has been fixed at 45p/mile (up to 10,000 miles) since 2011. The lack of any increase since then is a serious disincentive to volunteer drivers particularly as fuel has gone up again recently.

In light of the recent outbreak and lock down, those on maternity leave should be given 3 extra months paid leave, at least. This time is for bonding and social engaging with other parents and babies through baby groups which are vital for development and now everything has been cancelled.


Latest EDMs signed by Claire Hanna

22nd March 2024
Claire Hanna signed this EDM on Tuesday 26th March 2024

Four-day working week

Tabled by: John McDonnell (Labour - Hayes and Harlington)
That this House understands the importance of exploring the possibility of a shorter working week, including a four-day week, which trials have shown can benefit workers, employers, the economy, society and the environment; recognises that companies in the world's biggest four-day week trial saw healthy growth, with an average revenue …
23 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 14
Scottish National Party: 4
Plaid Cymru: 3
Independent: 1
Green Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
19th March 2024
Claire Hanna signed this EDM as a sponsor on Tuesday 19th March 2024

Government legal advice on Israeli Government actions and international law

Tabled by: Richard Burgon (Labour - Leeds East)
This House notes the remarks by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 19 March 2024 that the Israeli Government’s restrictions on humanitarian aid for Gaza may amount to the use of starvation as a method of war, which is a war crime; is alarmed at the mounting …
42 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 24
Scottish National Party: 8
Plaid Cymru: 3
Independent: 3
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Green Party: 1
Alliance: 1
Alba Party: 1
Workers Party of Britain: 1
View All Claire Hanna's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Claire Hanna, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.



Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
6 Other Department Questions
14th Apr 2023
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will hold discussions with Cabinet colleagues on funding for women's groups in Northern Ireland who are coming to the end of funding programmes.

The Government continues to hold regular meetings with the Devolved Administrations, including Northern Ireland, and offers its support to all of the constituent parts of the UK in their promotion of inclusion and belief that women should be able to thrive regardless of where they live in the UK.

Equality is a fully transferred matter in Northern Ireland and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland is currently undertaking a programme of work aimed at refreshing the policy frameworks for voluntary and community sector support. This includes agreeing with partners on the outcomes that should be prioritised in future years, together with a series of roundtables to discuss key questions of interest.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
26th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes in the cost of childcare during the cost of living crisis on (a) workforce participation rates by and (b) career progression opportunities for women.

Over the last decade we have seen strong growth in the number of women in full-time work, and we are committed to ensuring that every woman is able to reach her full potential in her working life.

In June to August 2022, 19.2% of people (1.7 million people) were economically inactive as a result of looking after family/home and of working age (16 to 64 years). This is part of a long-term declining trend since comparable data started to be collected June to August 1993 when it was 34.6% (3 million people). We continue to carefully monitor these figures.

We are also committed to improving the cost, choice, and availability of childcare. We continue to look at ways to make childcare more affordable and to encourage families to use the government-funded support they are entitled to.

In assessing the impact of its free childcare entitlements, the Department for Education regularly reviews the impact on parents from a range of different research publications. This includes the Families and the Labour Market release (from the Office for National Statistics) and the Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents.

As part of the Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents, parents are asked about the effect that 30 hours free childcare has on families, including their ability to work. Almost 2 in 5 families using the 30 hours offer said that without the entitlement they would work fewer hours.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
20th Oct 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what mechanisms her Department has put in place to enable the devolved Administrations to collaborate on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The Government Equalities Office works closely with the devolved administrations on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The devolved administrations contributed examples of the progress they had made with implementation to the eighth periodic report submitted to the CEDAW Committee, and representatives of each of the devolved administrations participated in the one day hearing in front of the CEDAW Committee in 2019.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
20th Oct 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what engagement her Department had with the (a) Northern Ireland Executive and (b) other devolved Administrations as part of the recent CEDAW interim report preparation.

All of the devolved administrations were consulted as part of the preparations for the production of the recent CEDAW interim report.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
23rd Mar 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what discussions she has had with her Cabinet colleagues on ensuring that (a) women, (b) the BAME community and (c) people with disabilities are prioritised in the implementation of the Government’s levelling up agenda.

The Equality Hub, at the heart of Government in the Cabinet Office, has a key role in driving Government priorities on equality and opportunity. The Equality Hub is leading on several cross-cutting projects, which involves working closely with other departments and Ministerial-level discussions. This includes work related to women’s economic empowerment, LGBT rights and the National Strategy for Disabled People, as well as work on the Government’s response to the final report of the independent Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. We will also use the UK’s role as President of the G7 and our independent Gender Equality Advisory Council to ramp up work on equality.

In December 2020, we announced the Equality Data Project, the Government's new approach to tackling inequality that supports our manifesto commitment to level up across the UK. This will consider issues like geography and social background, alongside other characteristics, to enable us to understand where individuals are being held back across the UK. The Equality Hub will share the evidence from this inquiry with other government departments to help inform their work.

We also announced in December that the sponsorship of, and secretariat to, the independent Social Mobility Commission would move to the Equality Hub in the Cabinet Office from 1 April 2021. This move reflects the importance of the Social Mobility Commission for our levelling up agenda and ensures that equality and fairness of all kinds are at the heart of government.

More broadly, all departments ensure that equality considerations are at the heart of their decision-making; this is key to the Government’s commitment to delivering equality of opportunity for all as well as complying with legal requirements under the public sector equality duty. Officials in the Equality Hub provide advice to departments to assist with this.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
20th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had on the appointment of a chair for the compensation arms length body for infected blood victims.

The Government will respond in full to Sir Brian’s recommendations on compensation following the publication of the Inquiry’s final report, however, we are making progress. In particular, the Government will bring forward amendments at Report Stage of the Victims and Prisoners Bill in the Other Place with the intention of speeding up the implementation of the Government’s response to the Infected Blood Inquiry.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
20th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure interim payments to infected blood bereaved families are made without delay.

In October 2022, we made interim payments of £100,000 to chronic infected beneficiaries and bereaved partners registered with existing support schemes. I recognise the importance the infected blood community places on interim payments relating to those deaths not yet recognised, and the Government is working through the technical implications of recommendation 12.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
27th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will reassess the criteria for ministerial severance payments.

The entitlement to severance payments for those who cease to hold ministerial office is set out in the Ministerial and other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991. The Government has no current plans to amend the Act.

18th Feb 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the infected blood compensation framework report by Sir Robert Francis QC by 14 March 2022 or as soon as the Government receives it, whichever is earlier.

The study will report to the Paymaster General no later than 14 March 2022. The Government will give full consideration to Sir Robert's study - which is separate from the independent public inquiry - and the Government's response and Sir Robert's study will be published.

14th Jan 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if the Government will include investigation of alleged breaches of covid-19 regulations by (a) Ministers and (b) senior civil servants in the terms of reference to the public inquiry into the Government's handling of the covid-19 outbreak due commence in spring 2022.

The Prime Minister has appointed the Rt Hon Baroness Heather Hallett DBE to chair the public inquiry into Covid-19. The inquiry will be established on a statutory basis, with formal powers, and will begin its work in spring 2022.

Draft terms of reference will be published in due course, following consultation with Baroness Hallett and ministers from the devolved administrations. As set out in the Prime Minister’s statement on 15 December, Baroness Hallett will then lead a process of public consultation, including with bereaved families and other affected groups, before the terms of reference are finalised.

23rd Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Northern Ireland on the end of the grace period for medical consumables on 30 September 2021.

Lord Frost and his team are in regular contact with Vice President Šefčovič and the Commission about the various issues for which the Northern Ireland Protocol presents difficulties, including medicines and medical consumables. The Government remains in close contact with the Northern Ireland Executive as these discussions continue.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
18th Dec 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he will publish her Department's equalities impact assessments on the effect of the UK leaving the EU on women.

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020. An equality analysis was completed for the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018, which is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/629244/European_Union__Withdrawal__Bill_equality_analysis.pdf

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
30th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress his Department has made in discussions with the EU Commission on obtaining part one listed status with respect to pet travel.

Guidance on pet travel is set out on gov.uk.

Any changes to this guideline is dependent on the category that is given to Great Britain at the end of the Transition Period, with this being conditional on the ongoing discussions being had with the EU Commission.

DEFRA has submitted an application to the European Commission to become a ‘Part I’ listed third country in relation to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets into the EU, which the Commission is considering.

Discussions with the European Commission are ongoing. Updates will be announced in the usual way.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans the Government has for processes for checking goods outside of ports in Northern Ireland after the transition period.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that Northern Ireland (a) businesses and (b) consumers do not experience (i) increased prices for and (ii) reduced choice of goods after the transition period.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he plans to take to ensure the equity of immigration and modern slavery compliance controls placed on Northern Ireland businesses and their British competitors.

The Government response to the Transparency in Supply Chains consultation, published on 22 September 2020, committed to an ambitious package of changes to the Modern Slavery Act’s transparency legislation.

Northern Ireland will engage and consult with affected Northern Irish businesses and public sector organisations on all the proposals.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment his Department has made of the extent of legal impediments to trade in the event that the UK and EU do not agree a deal on their future relationship by the end of the transition period.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government plans to take to avoid legal impediments to trade between (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Great Britain and (c) the EU in the of the UK and EU not agreeing a deal on their future relationship by the end of the transition period.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how he plans to (a) communicate and (b) implement free trade agreement arrangements to businesses in Northern Ireland after the transition period.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he has taken to ensure that the (a) reputation and (b) integrity of Northern Ireland produce is protected within legislation relating to unfettered access after the transition period.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress his Department has made on ensuring exit summary declarations for goods travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain are not needed after the transition period.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to publish full guidance to (a) business and (b) third parties on the movement of goods from Great Britain into Northern Ireland.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what (a) training and (b) financial support he plans to make available to businesses in Northern Ireland to help them prepare for arrangements after the transition period ends.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish detailed, practical guidance for Northern Ireland businesses operating in the UK VAT area but complying with EU rules.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to make provision for the (a) Common Travel Area and (b) Memorandum of Understanding signed by the British and Irish Governments in 2019.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an arrangement between the UK, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey, and Ireland. It is underpinned by domestic law in each jurisdiction.

The UK Government and Irish Government have indicated their commitment to maintaining the CTA, and to taking all necessary measures to ensure that its associated rights and privileges are protected. Both Governments confirmed that position on 8 May 2019, when they signed a Common Travel Area Memorandum of Understanding, setting out that commitment. The text is available on GOV.UK. The UK Government and Irish Government continue to work together to implement the CTA through bilateral agreements and legislation where required.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he plans to take to ensure that the imposition of new costs on Northern Ireland firms does not put them at a competitive disadvantage relative to the rest of Great Britain after 31 December 2020.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Oct 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he plans to take to ensure that Northern Ireland businesses that use the port of Dublin to access Great Britain markets are not subject to delays and customs procedures at the end of the transition period.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.

Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.

We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.

Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.

The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.

The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.

The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
6th Jul 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the draft (a) list of priority areas and (b) timetable for common frameworks his Department plans to agree with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland.

The Cabinet Office and Departments across Whitehall continue to work closely with their counterparts in the devolved administrations, including the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to ensure common approaches are implemented in a range of areas as we leave the EU. Updates on progress will be made in the usual way.

6th Jul 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans his Department has for stakeholder engagement on common frameworks

The Cabinet Office and Departments across Whitehall continue to work closely with their counterparts in the devolved administrations, including the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to ensure common approaches are implemented in a range of areas as we leave the EU. Updates on progress will be made in the usual way.

21st Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when she plans to respond to Written Question 1757 on Employment Agencies.

A response was provided on 21 November 2023.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when her Department plans to publish its response to the consultation entitled Payment handling by employment agencies in the entertainment, sport and modelling sectors.

The government is carefully considering the views and evidence submitted in response to this consultation. The government will publish its summary of responses and next steps in due course.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
18th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will take steps to suspend arms licences to Israel until a full assessment of its compliance with international human rights law can be carried out.

All applications for export licences are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
16th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the report by Pregnant Then Screwed entitled Leave in the Lurch, Paternity Leave, Gender Equality and the UK Economy, published on 15 June 2023; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the rate of Statutory Paternity Leave.

The Government has not made an assessment of this report. As set out in our Manifesto, the Government is committed to making it easier for father and partners to take Paternity Leave. In 2019, we also consulted on high-level options and principles for reforming the parental leave and pay system. We have analysed the responses to the consultation and will publish our response in due course.

The standard rate of Statutory Paternity Pay is reviewed annually. From April 2023, it increased by September's Consumer Price Index figure of 10.1 per cent to £172.48.

Kevin Hollinrake
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she plans to take steps to provide energy bill support for (a) low-income and (b) vulnerable households during winter 2023-24.

The Government recognises the challenges posed by cost-of-living pressures, including the impact of energy bills, and is already providing extensive financial support to households. This includes a package of support to assist households and individuals with rising costs of living that will total over £104 billion, or £3,700 per household on average, over 2022-2025.

Millions of vulnerable households across the UK are receiving up to £900 in further Cost of Living Payments this year.

These payments are in addition to established financial support in Great Britain, including the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment. Decisions on established financial support in Northern Ireland are devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of recent trends in the number of people experiencing energy debt; and what steps her Department is taking to provide support to help people with energy debt (a) pay off their debt and (b) with new energy bills.

Ofgem regularly publishes data on households in debt and arrears, here:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/debt-and-arrears-indicators

The Government understands the challenges that are posed by cost-of-living pressures that includes energy bills and the impact of debt. Energy prices have fallen significantly with the price cap more than halving from £4,279 in January 2023 to £1,834 since the start of October 2023.

This coincides with the £900 cost-of-living payment being provided by the Government across 2023/24, which has increased from the £650 provided the previous year. The Government continues to closely monitor energy prices and will keep support schemes under review.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of the number and proportion of households experiencing fuel poverty in Northern Ireland on 27 November 2023.

DESNZ has responsibility for the measurement of fuel poverty in England. The latest

estimates of fuel poverty in England are available

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fuel-poverty-statistics

Fuel poverty is a devolved matter and different metrics of fuel poverty are used in the Devolved Administrations. The latest fuel poverty estimates for Northern Ireland, published by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive are available here: Estimates of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland in 2020 and 2021 (nihe.gov.uk)

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
23rd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing additional financial support for energy costs to people with a terminal illness.

The Government frequently assesses the merits of energy cost support policies and the impacts various policy ideas would have on the most vulnerable households.

The Government is continuing to provide targeted support for vulnerable households as prices come down. In 2023-24 the Government is already providing additional cost of living payments of up to £900 to households on means-tested benefits, £300 to pensioner households, and £150 to those on eligible disability benefits.

This is alongside existing and ongoing energy bills support for the most vulnerable that includes the:

  • Warm Home Discount providing a £150 rebate on electricity bills for up to three million households in most need this winter;
  • Winter Fuel Payment, worth between £250 - £600;
  • Cold Weather Payment, a £25 payment for vulnerable households on qualifying benefits, is also available to help with the cost of bills when the weather is or expected to be unusually cold.
Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
14th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that light-sensitive people will continue to have access to non-LED lightbulbs following the implementation of minimum energy performance standards for lightbulbs.

The existing Ecodesign regulations which set the minimum energy performance standards for lighting products already contain an exemption which allows light-sensitive people access to non-LEDs via a medical prescription. As part of our proposals to update the minimum energy performance standards for lighting products, the Government consulted on an amendment to the exemption which would enable light-sensitive people to access non-LED lightbulbs more easily.

The Government response will be published in due course.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, by what date her Department plans to make a decision on applications for the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries discount element of the Energy Bills Discount Scheme for applications in Northern Ireland submitted prior to 16 October 2023.

All eligible businesses automatically receive the baseline support under the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) from 1 April 2023, for as long as wholesale prices continue to meet or exceed the threshold price. The process for implementing additional support for Energy and Trade Intensive Industries in Northern Ireland is underway and while the Department cannot provide a precise date, it expects the work to be concluded soon. The additional support will be backdated to 1 April 2023.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of providing an energy assistance payment to families who use lifesaving medical equipment at home.

Officials from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero are working closely with a range of stakeholders to assess options for a new approach to consumer protection from April 2024 as part of wider retail market reforms and we intend to consult on these options in Summer 2023.

As part of this work, we are working with disability organisations, considering the costs for disabled people with medical equipment and assessing the need for specific support for disabled people using medical equipment in the home.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
12th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether a person who left a property in Northern Ireland after 2nd January, and moved to a new property before 16th January can receive the single payment under the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the Alternative Fuel Payment in their new property.

The qualifying date to receive the £600 payment from the Government under the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the Alternative Fuel payment is 08:00 2 January 2023. Customers of electricity suppliers who had an account at this point will receive the payment.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, in the context of the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the Alternative Fuel Payment in Northern Ireland, if his Department will take steps to issue guidance on best practice for people who purchase electricity from a landlord.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment, which together total £600, is being paid to households with a domestic electricity meter. Payments are not made per occupant of a property. The Government has introduced regulations requiring intermediaries, including landlords, to pass through the Energy Bill Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will issue guidance on how the single payment made under the Energy Bills Support Scheme Northern Ireland and the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme to houses in multiple occupation should be distributed to the occupants of those dwellings.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment, which together total £600, is being paid to households with a domestic electricity meter. Payments are not made per occupant of a property. The Government has introduced regulations requiring intermediaries, including landlords, to pass through the Energy Bill Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether hostel occupants who pay service charges for energy are entitled to the single payment under the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme; and whether hostels will receive a single payment for each occupant.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment, which together total £600, is being paid to households with a domestic electricity meter. Payments are not made per occupant of a property. The Government has introduced regulations requiring intermediaries, including landlords, to pass through the Energy Bill Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what provisions in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 protect performers from the unauthorised reproduction of their performance using artificial intelligence systems; and whether it his Department's policy that artificial intelligence-made performance synthetisation are deemed to reproduce the recording of a performance.

Actors’ and musicians’ performances are protected under Part II of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Sections 182 and 182A of the Act give performers the right to control who is able to record and make reproductions of their performances. These provisions apply regardless of the technology used to make such reproductions, including AI technology. Whether an AI-made synthetisation has reproduced the recording of a performance will depend on the circumstances of each case.

6th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the Energy Bill Relief Scheme beyond 31 March 2023.

The HM Treasury review into the Energy Bill Relief Scheme has announced that a new energy scheme for businesses, charities, and the public sector will run from April 2023 until March 2024. The Energy Bill Discount Scheme strikes a balance between supporting businesses and limiting taxpayer’s exposure to volatile energy markets, with a cap set at £5.5 billion.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)