Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the conclusive findings were of the Government-funded psilocybin trial that concluded in February 2024.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinician Scientist Fellowship titled ‘A Feasibility RCT of Single-Dose Psilocybin in Unipolar Depressive Disorder Resistant to Standard Treatments’ is shown on the NIHR Funding and Awards website as concluding in February 2024. The progress of this award was significantly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results are therefore not yet available and are due to be released in 2026.

The main aim of this award is to investigate the feasibility of conducting a trial in this patient group and to contribute towards the design of a more definitive study. The award has resulted in the creation of the Psychoactive Trials Group at King’s College London, which is one of the world’s most experienced clinical research teams in this emerging area of treatment.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to raise concerns with the Indian authorities about the increasing use of controversial anti-apostasy laws to target (a) Christian and (b) Muslim minority communities across the country.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief globally, including in India. We are aware of concerns regarding the use of anti-conversion laws in India and their impact on religious minorities, particularly Christian and Muslim communities. Dialogue concerning this is an important aspect of the UK-India relationship. Our diplomatic network across India monitors developments closely and regularly meets with religious representatives from different faith communities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) the Energy Profits Levy and (b) other carbon-related taxes in preventing climate related damage.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Energy Profits Levy (EPL) was introduced as a temporary additional surcharge on profits generated from oil and gas exploration and production activities in the UK, in response to extraordinary global circumstances. The EPL has already raised over £11bn since its introduction to date. From 1 November 2024 the government introduced changes to the EPL, including increasing the rate by 3 percentage points to 38% and extending it to 31 March 2030. We also removed the EPL’s core investment allowance, which was unique to oil and gas and not available to any other sector, and retained the decarbonisation allowance in the EPL regime to support the sector to decarbonise.

The Government sees the tax system as one important lever to further environmental and climate objectives by encouraging behaviour change and supporting greater investment in cleaner technologies. The government ensures the tax system supports climate goals through measures such as the Carbon Price Support and Climate Change Levy.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to her Nepalese counterpart on support for (a) democracy and (b) free speech in that country.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office expressed the UK Government's continued support for democracy and fundamental freedoms in Nepal in response to recent incidents of violence and restrictions on peaceful protest in Nepal. Our Ambassador in Kathmandu also reiterated the UK's commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the protection of free speech and peaceful assembly. The UK continues to encourage all parties in Nepal to uphold these values and to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve tensions peacefully. Our Strengthening Foundations of Federalism in Nepal programme (2019-2025) promotes inclusive decision-making processes and capacity of local governments and state-citizen engagement. We remain committed to working with Nepal to promote democratic governance, uphold civil liberties, and support inclusive development.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with UK-based Nepali community leaders on recent violence in that country.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office expressed the UK Government's continued support for democracy and fundamental freedoms in Nepal in response to recent incidents of violence and restrictions on peaceful protest in Nepal. Our Ambassador in Kathmandu also reiterated the UK's commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the protection of free speech and peaceful assembly. The UK continues to encourage all parties in Nepal to uphold these values and to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve tensions peacefully. Our Strengthening Foundations of Federalism in Nepal programme (2019-2025) promotes inclusive decision-making processes and capacity of local governments and state-citizen engagement. We remain committed to working with Nepal to promote democratic governance, uphold civil liberties, and support inclusive development.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department supports democracy in Nepal.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office expressed the UK Government's continued support for democracy and fundamental freedoms in Nepal in response to recent incidents of violence and restrictions on peaceful protest in Nepal. Our Ambassador in Kathmandu also reiterated the UK's commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the protection of free speech and peaceful assembly. The UK continues to encourage all parties in Nepal to uphold these values and to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve tensions peacefully. Our Strengthening Foundations of Federalism in Nepal programme (2019-2025) promotes inclusive decision-making processes and capacity of local governments and state-citizen engagement. We remain committed to working with Nepal to promote democratic governance, uphold civil liberties, and support inclusive development.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if her Department will take steps to review its guidance for (a) local authorities and (b) telecommunication operators entitled Code of Practice for Wireless Network Development in England, published in March 2022.

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

The department published the Code of Practice for Wireless Network Development in England to provide guidance to local authorities and network operators on siting, design and community engagement for wireless infrastructure installations.

The department regularly engages with local authorities and network operators in relation to telecommunications infrastructure deployments and encourages operators to follow the Code of Practice for Wireless Network Development.

This autumn we will publish a call for evidence to assess the merits of planning reform for the telecoms sector.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 2023 changes to VAT on gym memberships on independent gyms.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

In 2023, the courts decided that sports and leisure services supplied by local authorities are non-business activities and are not subject to VAT.

There was no change in the VAT treatment of gym membership. However, before the change was implemented for local authority services, HMRC analysed in detail the relevant economic circumstances of the sports and leisure sector, and the conclusion was that removing the requirement to charge VAT on local authority sports and leisure activities would not significantly distort competition in the sector, partly because the sector was already subject to significant structural variations for reasons not confined to tax or VAT.

Following the 2023 change, HMRC held a series of positive meetings with stakeholders from the sector to address any concerns or questions that they had about the change.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of mobile banking services in towns where there is no permanent banking hub.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. However, the Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets and is committed to championing sufficient access for all.

That is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament with more than 240 hubs announced so far, and more than 180 already open.

Decisions on the location of banking hubs are made independently by LINK, the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network, through an access to cash assessment. LINK assesses a community's access to cash needs when a cash service, such as a bank branch closes, or if LINK receives a request from a community. This assessment may lead to a recommendation for the establishment of a banking hub in that community. Any member of the public can submit a community request for an access to cash review in their area via LINK's website.

Some banks choose to provide further points of access to banking in a way they think is best for their customers, such as through community banking services via pop-ups in community centres and libraries, or operate mobile banking vans to serve more remote areas. The Post Office Banking Framework also allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Customers can therefore access everyday banking services in a variety of ways, including telephone banking, digital channels such as mobile or online banking and in person via bank branches, banking hubs and the Post Office.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Bank of England’s proposed retail holding caps on stablecoins on (a) consumer financial freedoms, (b) the competitiveness of UK fintech and (c) the risk of driving digital asset innovation offshore.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that facilitating stablecoin innovation is important for UK competitiveness, and continues to engage with the regulators, including the Bank of England, to ensure a coherent regulatory framework that works for businesses and consumers.

The Government will bring forward legislation later this year to create a financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets in the UK, including stablecoins.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the higher business rates multiplier for larger premises on (a) the prices of essential goods, (b) shop closures, (c) regional employment levels and (d) footfall in town centres.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so the Government will introduce a higher rate on the most valuable properties in 2026/27 - those with RVs of £500,000 and above. These represent less than one per cent of all properties, but cover the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by online giants.

The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes and broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that high-emission industries contribute fairly to funding climate recovery and adaptation.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme ensures that high-emitting sectors like power pay a fair price for the emissions they produce. ETS participants must buy allowances to cover their emissions, with revenues supporting government priorities including climate change mitigation and adaptation. The carbon price faced by businesses covered also drives them to invest in decarbonising their operations – over half say it has prompted them to invest in decarbonisation. We are expanding the scheme to the energy from waste and maritime sectors.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the extent to which oil and gas companies operating in the UK contribute to the costs of climate-related damage.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The North Sea Transition Authority enforces compliance with the North Sea Transition Deal to ensure the oil and gas sector halves its emissions by 2030 and achieves net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the UK’s carbon budget. The targets will be achieved through initiatives including the industry’s Methane Action Plan which includes a 50% methane reduction target by 2030.

The Government also published in June supplementary environmental impact assessment guidance. The guidance marks a step forward in ensuring the full environmental impact of oil and gas extraction - including end use emissions - is considered for offshore projects.