Edward Morello

The delivery of compensation is a matter for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA). As of 7 October, IBCA has contacted 3,614 people to start their compensation claim, and 3,350 have started the claim process. 2,204 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £1.6 billion, and so far 1,761 people have accepted their offers with more than £1 billion paid in compensation.

The IBCA Framework Document, published in March, sets out the timelines agreed between IBCA and Cabinet Office; namely for the bulk of infected people to be paid no later than the end of 2027 and the bulk of affected people to be paid no later than the end of 2029.

These timescales have been agreed with IBCA, to ensure that the door is kept open for those who have not yet identified themselves as being infected or affected. In my oral statement to the House on 21 July, I set out that these dates are not targets for delivery, but ‘backstops’.

The delivery of compensation is a matter for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA). As of 7 October, IBCA has contacted 3,614 people to start their compensation claim, and 3,350 have started the claim process. 2,204 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £1.6 billion, and so far 1,761 people have accepted their offers with more than £1 billion paid in compensation.

The IBCA Framework Document, published in March, sets out the timelines agreed between IBCA and Cabinet Office; namely for the bulk of infected people to be paid no later than the end of 2027 and the bulk of affected people to be paid no later than the end of 2029.

These timescales have been agreed with IBCA, to ensure that the door is kept open for those who have not yet identified themselves as being infected or affected. In my oral statement to the House on 21 July, I set out that these dates are not targets for delivery, but ‘backstops’.

The delivery of compensation is a matter for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA). As of 7 October, IBCA has contacted 3,614 people to start their compensation claim, and 3,350 have started the claim process. 2,204 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £1.6 billion, and so far 1,761 people have accepted their offers with more than £1 billion paid in compensation.

The IBCA Framework Document, published in March, sets out the timelines agreed between IBCA and Cabinet Office; namely for the bulk of infected people to be paid no later than the end of 2027 and the bulk of affected people to be paid no later than the end of 2029.

These timescales have been agreed with IBCA, to ensure that the door is kept open for those who have not yet identified themselves as being infected or affected. In my oral statement to the House on 21 July, I set out that these dates are not targets for delivery, but ‘backstops’.

The delivery of compensation is a matter for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA). As of 7 October, IBCA has contacted 3,614 people to start their compensation claim, and 3,350 have started the claim process. 2,204 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £1.6 billion, and so far 1,761 people have accepted their offers with more than £1 billion paid in compensation.

The IBCA Framework Document, published in March, sets out the timelines agreed between IBCA and Cabinet Office; namely for the bulk of infected people to be paid no later than the end of 2027 and the bulk of affected people to be paid no later than the end of 2029.

These timescales have been agreed with IBCA, to ensure that the door is kept open for those who have not yet identified themselves as being infected or affected. In my oral statement to the House on 21 July, I set out that these dates are not targets for delivery, but ‘backstops’.

The delivery of compensation is a matter for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA). As of 7 October, IBCA has contacted 3,614 people to start their compensation claim, and 3,350 have started the claim process. 2,204 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £1.6 billion, and so far 1,761 people have accepted their offers with more than £1 billion paid in compensation.

The IBCA Framework Document, published in March, sets out the timelines agreed between IBCA and Cabinet Office; namely for the bulk of infected people to be paid no later than the end of 2027 and the bulk of affected people to be paid no later than the end of 2029.

These timescales have been agreed with IBCA, to ensure that the door is kept open for those who have not yet identified themselves as being infected or affected. In my oral statement to the House on 21 July, I set out that these dates are not targets for delivery, but ‘backstops’.

Following the publication of the Inquiry’s Additional Report, the UK Government has announced further interim payments of £210,000 for eligible estates of someone registered with an IBSS or predecessor scheme (on or before 17 April 2024) who sadly passed away.

This is in addition to the £100,000 interim payments to the estates of deceased infected beneficiaries which opened in October 2024. Since then, 600 interim payments of £100,000 have already been paid to estates.

On 26 September, the Government announced that applications for these interim payments will open on 23 October.

These payments will be made by the administrators of the existing Infected Blood Support Schemes, on behalf of the UK Government. The UK Government is working closely with the devolved administrations and the Infected Blood Support Schemes to make the necessary arrangements to make these payments as swiftly as possible.

There are no reported delays of pension processing caused by the ongoing industrial action in MyCSP.

There are no plans to introduce compensation for members and there are no reported delays of pensions being processed caused by the ongoing industrial action in MyCSP.

As MyCSP is a private company, the Cabinet Office cannot be directly involved in tackling any delays in the processing of pensions caused by industrial action.

However, we are encouraging both MyCSP and the PCS Trade Union to engage in dialogue to resolve this dispute as soon as possible. We continue to monitor the situation closely. There have been no reports of pension delays arising from the ongoing industrial action in MyCSP

There have been no reports of pension delays arising from the ongoing industrial action in MyCSP

HMG officials and Ministers regularly engage the EU and EU Member State counterparts on a range of issues affecting UK nationals. The UK and the EU allow for visa-free, short-term travel in line with their respective arrangements for third country nationals. The UK allows EU citizens visa-free travel for up to six months; the EU allows for visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period; this is standard for third country nationals travelling visa-free. UK nationals planning to stay longer will need permission from the relevant Member State. The UK Government will continue to listen to and advocate for UK nationals.

The Humanitarian Medal was introduced in July 2023 to recognise those in public service and members of organisations that contribute on behalf of HM Government, which respond in support of human welfare during or in the aftermath of a crisis.

The Medal is not retrospective, and only incidents that occur from July 2023 are eligible as this is the date that His Majesty signed the Royal Warrant and the medal came into being under the previous government. However, operations which were live at that time but which commenced before the introduction of the Humanitarian Medal, may be eligible for the Humanitarian Medal with the clasp for that operation.

There are no plans to review the criteria to allow for retrospection.

The Humanitarian Medal was introduced in July 2023 to recognise those in public service and members of organisations that contribute on behalf of HM Government, which respond in support of human welfare during or in the aftermath of a crisis.

The Medal is not retrospective, and only incidents that occur from July 2023 are eligible as this is the date that His Majesty signed the Royal Warrant and the medal came into being under the previous government. However, operations which were live at that time but which commenced before the introduction of the Humanitarian Medal, may be eligible for the Humanitarian Medal with the clasp for that operation.

There are no plans to review the criteria to allow for retrospection.

We are delivering permanently lower business rates multipliers for over 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties, backed by a £4.3 billion support package over three years, including transitional relief to protect businesses from large bill increases following revaluation. Later this year we will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy, to help reinvigorate our communities.

To support employment costs, we have more than doubled the Employment Allowance to £10,500 and maintained NICs reliefs for younger workers and apprentices. We have increased and extended the Hospitality Support Fund to £10 million over the next three years so we can continue to help more pubs, help more people into work and find more innovate ways to improve business productivity and sustainability. The temporary Great British Summer Savings scheme reduces VAT from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on selected hospitality, leisure and visitor economy activities between 25 June and 1 September.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the financial sustainability of pubs in West Dorset. However, the Government recognises the pressures facing pubs and the wider hospitality sector and continues to engage closely with industry representatives, including through the Hospitality Sector Council.

Since April 2026, every pub has benefited from a 15% cut to their business rates bills, followed by a two year real terms freeze. Around three‑quarters of pubs will see their bills stay the same or fall, saving the average pub around £1,650 this year. A review will be launched into how pubs are valued for business rates, working with industry and valuation experts ahead of the 2029 revaluation. We have increased and extended the Hospitality Support Fund to £10 million over the next three years so we can continue to help more pubs, help more people into work and find more innovate ways to improve business productivity and sustainability. Later this year we will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy, to help reinvigorate our communities.

DBT works closely with other Government Departments and local partner organisations, including Local Authorities, to collect intelligence and data, identify issues, and support the development and delivery of initiatives to open up opportunities for economic growth, including employment and industrial land.

Whilst West Dorset faces structural challenges including high public sector employment dependency, below-average productivity, skills shortages, and rural connectivity constraints, opportunities have been identified in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, agritech, marine/maritime, tourism, and defence — with the Dorset Innovation Park at Winfrith representing the most significant near-term employment land development opportunity in the West Dorset area.

This government recognises that micro and small businesses are the backbone of our economy in West Dorset and across the UK. Our Small Business Plan sets out over 200 targeted actions to support businesses to start and grow.

We recognise the challenges facing rural firms, including financing their expansion plans. Through the British Business Bank and its programmes, we are helping smaller businesses to access finance, invest and grow.

Micro businesses can access support through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk and local Growth Hubs like Business Growth Dorset, which provide tailored advice, training and signposting.

This government recognises that micro and small businesses are the backbone of our economy in West Dorset and across the UK. Our Small Business Plan sets out over 200 targeted actions to support businesses to start and grow.

We recognise the challenges facing rural firms, including financing their expansion plans. Through the British Business Bank and its programmes, we are helping smaller businesses to access finance, invest and grow.

Micro businesses can access support through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk and local Growth Hubs like Business Growth Dorset, which provide tailored advice, training and signposting.

This government recognises that micro and small businesses are the backbone of our economy in West Dorset and across the UK. Our Small Business Plan sets out over 200 targeted actions to support businesses to start and grow.

We recognise the challenges facing rural firms, including financing their expansion plans. Through the British Business Bank and its programmes, we are helping smaller businesses to access finance, invest and grow.

Micro businesses can access support through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk and local Growth Hubs like Business Growth Dorset, which provide tailored advice, training and signposting.

The Department has regular dialogue with the Pubs Code Adjudicator regarding any recurring themes in the operation of their duty. This includes questions arising from the third statutory review of the Pubs Code and Pubs Code Adjudicator covering the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025.

The Pubs Code only applies to pub companies with over 500 tied tenants. The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) is responsible for regulating those covered by the Code and can provide support to tenants on any Code related issues.

Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 can provide commercial tenants with a statutory right to security of tenure in the correct circumstances. A tenant may also have a statutory right to claim cash compensation for improvements under Part I of the Act. The government does not hold data on the number of Section 25 notices issued.

The Pubs Code only applies to pub companies with over 500 tied tenants. The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) is responsible for regulating those covered by the Code and can provide support to tenants on any Code related issues.

Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 can provide commercial tenants with a statutory right to security of tenure in the correct circumstances. A tenant may also have a statutory right to claim cash compensation for improvements under Part I of the Act. The government does not hold data on the number of Section 25 notices issued.

The Pubs Code only applies to pub companies with over 500 tied tenants. The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) is responsible for regulating those covered by the Code and can provide support to tenants on any Code related issues.

Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 can provide commercial tenants with a statutory right to security of tenure in the correct circumstances. A tenant may also have a statutory right to claim cash compensation for improvements under Part I of the Act. The government does not hold data on the number of Section 25 notices issued.

The Pubs Code only applies to pub companies with over 500 tied tenants. The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) is responsible for regulating those covered by the Code and can provide support to tenants on any Code related issues.

Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 can provide commercial tenants with a statutory right to security of tenure in the correct circumstances. A tenant may also have a statutory right to claim cash compensation for improvements under Part I of the Act. The government does not hold data on the number of Section 25 notices issued.

Trade Envoys are political appointees. The Department for Business and Trade conducts scrutiny and due diligence as part of the process for appointing Trade Envoys.

There are currently no plans for the Foreign Affairs Committee to undertake any pre-appointment checks for Trade Envoys.

Manufacturers are not required to provide warranties on their products. Whether they choose to do so and under what terms is a commercial decision for them.  Where warranties are given, they are benefits in addition to consumers’ rights against the trader under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which requires that products are fit for purpose, as described and of satisfactory quality.

Terms of warranties must be clearly communicated to consumers. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 prohibits unfair commercial practices, including misleading actions that are likely to impact the average consumer’s transactional decision.

Manufacturers are not required to provide warranties on their products. Whether they choose to do so and under what terms is a commercial decision for them.  Where warranties are given, they are benefits in addition to consumers’ rights against the trader under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which requires that products are fit for purpose, as described and of satisfactory quality.

Terms of warranties must be clearly communicated to consumers. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 prohibits unfair commercial practices, including misleading actions that are likely to impact the average consumer’s transactional decision.

The Government sets the overall access criteria for the Post Office network, but day‑to‑day operational matters – including the deployment and management of mobile post office services – are the responsibility of the Post Office. Where mobile units are temporarily unavailable due to repair or maintenance, the Post Office works to restore services as quickly as possible and to minimise disruption for the communities affected.

The Government sets the overall access criteria for the Post Office network, but day‑to‑day operational matters – including the deployment and management of mobile post office services – are the responsibility of the Post Office. Where mobile units are temporarily unavailable due to repair or maintenance, the Post Office works to restore services as quickly as possible and to minimise disruption for the communities affected.

There are no plans for any such assessment.

Companies are separate legal entities from their directors; those directors only become liable for company debts in limited circumstances. This protection encourages entrepreneurship and is central to the health of the UK economy.

Most companies become insolvent for genuine reasons, however insolvency office-holders have wide powers to recover funds from directors who have not acted in the company’s best interests. The Insolvency Service may also take disqualification action against reckless or dishonest directors and can apply for a compensation order against them, as well as prosecute breaches of company and insolvency legislation.

Companies are separate legal entities and directors only become liable for company debts under limited circumstances. This protection encourages entrepreneurship and is central to the health of the UK economy.

Most companies do not become insolvent due to any wrongdoing by the company directors. However, when there is evidence of misconduct, the Insolvency Service may take action to disqualify a director, and where the disqualified director’s conduct has caused a quantifiable loss, can apply to the court for a compensation order to recover personal assets for the benefit of creditors.

There are no plans to review this legislation.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of unregulated fireworks use on animal welfare, or merits of restricting sales of high-noise fireworks. Building on the work of my predecessor, I will continue to engage with stakeholders, including veterinary organisations, to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks to inform any future action.

The Government launched a public campaign on fireworks safety for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign includes guidance for those running community events, which encourages the use of low-noise fireworks and social media posts that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of unregulated fireworks use on animal welfare, or merits of restricting sales of high-noise fireworks. Building on the work of my predecessor, I will continue to engage with stakeholders, including veterinary organisations, to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks to inform any future action.

The Government launched a public campaign on fireworks safety for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign includes guidance for those running community events, which encourages the use of low-noise fireworks and social media posts that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of unregulated fireworks use on animal welfare, or merits of restricting sales of high-noise fireworks. Building on the work of my predecessor, I will continue to engage with stakeholders, including veterinary organisations, to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks to inform any future action.

The Government launched a public campaign on fireworks safety for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign includes guidance for those running community events, which encourages the use of low-noise fireworks and social media posts that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of unregulated fireworks use on animal welfare, or merits of restricting sales of high-noise fireworks. Building on the work of my predecessor, I will continue to engage with stakeholders, including veterinary organisations, to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks to inform any future action.

The Government launched a public campaign on fireworks safety for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign includes guidance for those running community events, which encourages the use of low-noise fireworks and social media posts that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of unregulated fireworks use on animal welfare, or merits of restricting sales of high-noise fireworks. Building on the work of my predecessor, I will continue to engage with stakeholders, including veterinary organisations, to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks to inform any future action.

The Government launched a public campaign on fireworks safety for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign includes guidance for those running community events, which encourages the use of low-noise fireworks and social media posts that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks.