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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress has been made on the introduction of the Private Parking Code of Practice following the conclusion of the consultation.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is making an assessment of consumer protections for motorists issued with private parking charges where payment systems are unavailable or malfunctioning and will set out its position in the Private Parking Code of Practice which we intend to lay in Parliament in autumn 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of consumer protections for motorists issued with private parking charges where payment systems are unavailable or malfunctioning.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is making an assessment of consumer protections for motorists issued with private parking charges where payment systems are unavailable or malfunctioning and will set out its position in the Private Parking Code of Practice which we intend to lay in Parliament in autumn 2026.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department holds data on the maximum temperatures recorded in the animal accommodation at MBR Acres in each week of June and July 2026.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Regulator for animals in science holds some temperature monitoring data for MBR Acres for the June and July 2026 period, although this information is not collected and held on a routine basis.

Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), licensed establishments are responsible for ensuring the welfare of animals in their care at all times, including during periods of extreme temperature. All such establishments must comply with ASPA, the Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Bred, Supplied or Used for Scientific Purposes, and relevant licence conditions. This includes requirements for daily checks of animal welfare and environmental conditions, and for breaches or potential breaches of licence conditions to be reported to the Regulator.

The Regulator monitors establishments’ compliance with these standards through a risk-based programme of announced and unannounced audits, as well as well as broader compliance and enforcement activity, and engagement with establishments.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress he has made on the rollout of Rapid Deployment Cells across the prison estate.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

As set out in the December 2024 10-Year Prison Capacity Strategy, we are committed to delivering an additional 14,000 prison places and aim to do so by 2031; we have already delivered c.3,300 of these since taking office.

As of 1 September 2026, the Rapid Deployment Cells Programme has delivered c.1,000 prison places.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish a full transcript of his meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister on 23 July 2026.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

During his meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Foreign Secretary stressed the importance of long-term cooperation on global issues, including de-escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and pushing Russia to end their invasion of Ukraine. He also raised the ongoing imprisonment of Jimmy Lai - a matter of the utmost importance to the UK Government. The Government's policy towards China remains consistent and long term, we will cooperate when we can and challenge when we must.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, (i) what estimate she has made of the annual savings to the public purse resulting from the establishment of No.10 North; and (ii) if she will set out how those savings will be achieved.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the estimated annual running cost is of No.10 North; and what assessment has been made of how this compares with the cost of operating the Government solely from existing government offices in London.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil servants have (a) relocated permanently to Manchester, (b) relocated temporarily to Manchester and (c) been required to work periodically from No.10 North as a result of its establishment.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate she has made of the average cost to the public purse of holding a ministerial meeting at No.10 North, including travel, accommodation, security and other associated costs.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many ministerial meetings have been held at No.10 North since its establishment; and how many ministers have travelled from London to attend those meetings.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what measurable outcomes will be used to assess the effectiveness of No.10 North; and when she expects the Government to publish its first assessment of those outcomes.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment she has made of the potential for duplication of functions between No.10 North and existing offices and teams within Government departments.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the estimated total cost to the public purse is of No.10 North over the next five years, including capital expenditure, staffing, travel, accommodation, security and premises costs.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil servants working for No.10 North are ordinarily resident in London.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published as part of the Cabinet Office’s Organogram, available on gov.uk. The Prime Minister splits his time between Downing Street and No10 North as part of his commitment to making government work for every part of the country. Further details were made available on the Government's Machinery of Government changes, including the establishment of No10 North, in the First Secretary of State's Statement on the 02 September, Official Report, Column 173-196.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he raised the detention of British citizen Jimmy Lai with the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China on 23 July 2026.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Jimmy Lai's case continues to be a priority for this government. The Foreign Secretary discussed a range of bilateral and international issues with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 23 July, including Mr Lai's ongoing imprisonment. Direct engagement matters because it allows us to raise issues of the utmost importance to the UK and push for progress.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of the People’s Republic of China regarding the release of Jimmy Lai.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Jimmy Lai's case continues to be a priority for this government. The Foreign Secretary discussed a range of bilateral and international issues with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 23 July, including Mr Lai's ongoing imprisonment. Direct engagement matters because it allows us to raise issues of the utmost importance to the UK and push for progress.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he had with the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the case of Jimmy Lai.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Jimmy Lai's case continues to be a priority for this government. The Foreign Secretary discussed a range of bilateral and international issues with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 23 July, including Mr Lai's ongoing imprisonment. Direct engagement matters because it allows us to raise issues of the utmost importance to the UK and push for progress.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the case of Jimmy Lai.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Jimmy Lai's case continues to be a priority for this government. The Foreign Secretary discussed a range of bilateral and international issues with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 23 July, including Mr Lai's ongoing imprisonment. Direct engagement matters because it allows us to raise issues of the utmost importance to the UK and push for progress.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he had with the Chinese Foreign Minister on economic and trade issues during their meeting in July.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

On 23 July, the Foreign Secretary met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed a range of global security issues which have implications for the UK's economic prosperity, including Russia's illegal war against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. This included the need for stability in global trade routes, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of freedom of navigation without tolls or charges. We are taking a consistent, long term and strategic approach to economic relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment His Majesty’s Government has made of the findings relating to Joshua Wong in its latest Six-Monthly Report on Hong Kong.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government continues to monitor the case of Joshua Wong and report key developments in our six-monthly reports on Hong Kong. The most recent report outlined recent developments in Joshua Wong's case. Following Mr Wong's rearrest in June 2025, the then-Minister for the Indo-Pacific publicly expressed deep concerns and reiterated the UK's call for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with the UK Health Security Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate on the potential merits of for further research into inhalation and dermal exposure associated with domestic water supply arrangements.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) commissioned research in 2010 on the dermal and inhalation toxicity of regulated trihalomethanes (THM), which are byproducts of drinking water disinfection. The review found that even in "extreme exposure scenarios" it was unlikely that dermal contact or inhalation would cause adverse health effects.

Defra continues to monitor emerging scientific evidence and works with expert bodies including the UK Committee on Toxicity and the World Health Organization to ensure that drinking water standards remain protective of public health.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of additional independent research into potential inhalation and dermal exposure associated with domestic water supply arrangements.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) commissioned research in 2010 on the dermal and inhalation toxicity of regulated trihalomethanes (THM), which are byproducts of drinking water disinfection. The review found that even in "extreme exposure scenarios" it was unlikely that dermal contact or inhalation would cause adverse health effects.

Defra continues to monitor emerging scientific evidence and works with expert bodies including the UK Committee on Toxicity and the World Health Organization to ensure that drinking water standards remain protective of public health.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has commissioned an assessment by a public body of potential inhalation and dermal exposure arising from domestic water supply arrangements.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) commissioned research in 2010 on the dermal and inhalation toxicity of regulated trihalomethanes (THM), which are byproducts of drinking water disinfection. The review found that even in "extreme exposure scenarios" it was unlikely that dermal contact or inhalation would cause adverse health effects.

Defra continues to monitor emerging scientific evidence and works with expert bodies including the UK Committee on Toxicity and the World Health Organization to ensure that drinking water standards remain protective of public health.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations His Majesty’s Government has made to the Hong Kong authorities regarding the case of Joshua Wong.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government continues to monitor the case of Joshua Wong and report key developments in our six-monthly reports on Hong Kong. The most recent report outlined recent developments in Joshua Wong's case. Following Mr Wong's rearrest in June 2025, the then-Minister for the Indo-Pacific publicly expressed deep concerns and reiterated the UK's call for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment His Majesty’s Government has made of the application of the rule of law in the case of Joshua Wong.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government continues to monitor the case of Joshua Wong and report key developments in our six-monthly reports on Hong Kong. The most recent report outlined recent developments in Joshua Wong's case. Following Mr Wong's rearrest in June 2025, the then-Minister for the Indo-Pacific publicly expressed deep concerns and reiterated the UK's call for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has considered the potential merits of introducing a requirement for households undertaking significant plumbing alterations to be provided with information on potential changes to water quality and associated public health considerations.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Water Fittings Regulations protect human health by preventing fittings from being installed, connected, arranged or used in such a manner that it causes or is likely to cause contamination of drinking water supplies.  Defra would recommend that anyone making alterations to their plumbing should use a Watersafe plumber. The Watersafe website provides a free directory of competent, qualified plumbers.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of providing guidance to households on the potential impact of significant plumbing alterations on (a) water quality and (b) associated exposure pathways.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Water Fittings Regulations protect human health by preventing fittings from being installed, connected, arranged or used in such a manner that it causes or is likely to cause contamination of drinking water supplies.  Defra would recommend that anyone making alterations to their plumbing should use a Watersafe plumber. The Watersafe website provides a free directory of competent, qualified plumbers.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the application of the precautionary principle to potential public health risks arising from domestic water supply arrangements.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) commissioned research in 2010 on the dermal and inhalation toxicity of regulated trihalomethanes (THM), which are byproducts of drinking water disinfection. The review found that even in "extreme exposure scenarios" it was unlikely that dermal contact or inhalation would cause adverse health effects.

Defra continues to monitor emerging scientific evidence and works with expert bodies including the UK Committee on Toxicity and the World Health Organization to ensure that drinking water standards remain protective of public health.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reason the precautionary principle was not applied in relation to potential inhalation and dermal exposure arising from domestic water supply arrangements.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) commissioned research in 2010 on the dermal and inhalation toxicity of regulated trihalomethanes (THM), which are byproducts of drinking water disinfection. The review found that even in "extreme exposure scenarios" it was unlikely that dermal contact or inhalation would cause adverse health effects.

Defra continues to monitor emerging scientific evidence and works with expert bodies including the UK Committee on Toxicity and the World Health Organization to ensure that drinking water standards remain protective of public health.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the speech by the Chinese Foreign Minister on the 23rd July 2026.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary discussed a range of bilateral and international issues with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 23 July. The Government's policy towards China remains consistent and long term. We will cooperate when we can and challenge when we must.

China will continue to play a vital role in supporting the UK's secure growth. It is currently equivalent to our third largest trading partner in goods, after the EU and the US, and the economic relationship supports over 370,000 British jobs. We are taking a consistent, long term and strategic approach to economic relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment His Majesty’s Government has made of whether the treatment of Joshua Wong is consistent with Hong Kong’s international obligations.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government continues to monitor the case of Joshua Wong and report key developments in our six-monthly reports on Hong Kong. The most recent report outlined recent developments in Joshua Wong's case. Following Mr Wong's rearrest in June 2025, the then-Minister for the Indo-Pacific publicly expressed deep concerns and reiterated the UK's call for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations His Majesty’s Government has made to the Hong Kong authorities ahead of the forthcoming hearing of Joshua Wong.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government continues to monitor the case of Joshua Wong and report key developments in our six-monthly reports on Hong Kong. The most recent report outlined recent developments in Joshua Wong's case. Following Mr Wong's rearrest in June 2025, the then-Minister for the Indo-Pacific publicly expressed deep concerns and reiterated the UK's call for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps His Majesty’s Government is taking to monitor the case of Joshua Wong.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government continues to monitor the case of Joshua Wong and report key developments in our six-monthly reports on Hong Kong. The most recent report outlined recent developments in Joshua Wong's case. Following Mr Wong's rearrest in June 2025, the then-Minister for the Indo-Pacific publicly expressed deep concerns and reiterated the UK's call for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment the Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed Electric Vehicle Excise Duty on the resale values of older plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

As announced at Budget 2025, Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will be introduced from April 2028. Electric cars will pay 3 pence per mile and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will pay a reduced rate of 1.5 pence per mile, reflecting that PHEVs will continue to pay fuel duty on the petrol or diesel they use. eVED will ensure that electric and PHEV motorists contribute their fair share for their road usage, in a similar way to drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles who pay fuel duty.

The Government also recognises that the large majority of EVs and PHEVs have in-built connectivity and will begin developing an opt-in version of eVED that could make use of these technologies to provide a quicker, easier-to-use and more flexible system for motorists.

The Government has published information on who is likely to be affected by eVED, including expected impacts on motorists, businesses and the wider economy, as part of the published Tax Information and Impact Note. (Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) - GOV.UK).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty on the level of demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including for those motorists for whom the upfront cost of switching to an electric vehicle remains a significant barrier.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

As announced at Budget 2025, Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will be introduced from April 2028. Electric cars will pay 3 pence per mile and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will pay a reduced rate of 1.5 pence per mile, reflecting that PHEVs will continue to pay fuel duty on the petrol or diesel they use. eVED will ensure that electric and PHEV motorists contribute their fair share for their road usage, in a similar way to drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles who pay fuel duty.

The Government also recognises that the large majority of EVs and PHEVs have in-built connectivity and will begin developing an opt-in version of eVED that could make use of these technologies to provide a quicker, easier-to-use and more flexible system for motorists.

The Government has published information on who is likely to be affected by eVED, including expected impacts on motorists, businesses and the wider economy, as part of the published Tax Information and Impact Note. (Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) - GOV.UK).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HM Treasury has made an assessment of the potential merits of a voluntary telematics-based system to determine the proportion of mileage undertaken using electric power by plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for the purposes of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

As announced at Budget 2025, Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will be introduced from April 2028. Electric cars will pay 3 pence per mile and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will pay a reduced rate of 1.5 pence per mile, reflecting that PHEVs will continue to pay fuel duty on the petrol or diesel they use. eVED will ensure that electric and PHEV motorists contribute their fair share for their road usage, in a similar way to drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles who pay fuel duty.

The Government also recognises that the large majority of EVs and PHEVs have in-built connectivity and will begin developing an opt-in version of eVED that could make use of these technologies to provide a quicker, easier-to-use and more flexible system for motorists.

The Government has published information on who is likely to be affected by eVED, including expected impacts on motorists, businesses and the wider economy, as part of the published Tax Information and Impact Note. (Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) - GOV.UK).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment the Department has made of the potential impact of applying the same 1.5p-per-mile Electric Vehicle Excise Duty rate to all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on drivers of those vehicles.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

As announced at Budget 2025, Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will be introduced from April 2028. Electric cars will pay 3 pence per mile and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will pay a reduced rate of 1.5 pence per mile, reflecting that PHEVs will continue to pay fuel duty on the petrol or diesel they use. eVED will ensure that electric and PHEV motorists contribute their fair share for their road usage, in a similar way to drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles who pay fuel duty.

The Government also recognises that the large majority of EVs and PHEVs have in-built connectivity and will begin developing an opt-in version of eVED that could make use of these technologies to provide a quicker, easier-to-use and more flexible system for motorists.

The Government has published information on who is likely to be affected by eVED, including expected impacts on motorists, businesses and the wider economy, as part of the published Tax Information and Impact Note. (Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) - GOV.UK).

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the impact of the closure of regional media companies and titles on (a) local democratic accountability, (b) employment in journalism and the wider creative industries, and (c) the resilience of the UK’s media ecosystem; and what steps her Department is taking to prevent further closures.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Digitalisation has posed challenges to the financial sustainability of local media. At least 293 local newspapers have closed since 2005, equivalent to around a third of the sector. The number of journalists employed by the three largest local news publishers fell from circa 9000 to circa 3000 between 2007 to 2022. Evidence suggests that this is having repercussions for the spread of misinformation, increased community tensions, reduced civic engagement, lower economic growth, and a lack of accountability and scrutiny of local government.

In response to these challenges, the Government has launched the Local Media Action Plan, which sets out our planned approach to tackling these challenges in collaboration with industry and others. The Action Plan aims to empower communities with local journalism that reflects the issues that matter to them, helping to drive community wellbeing, cohesion, and local growth. It includes: investing up to £12m in a new Local News Fund, which will help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated; more than doubling community radio funding to £1m a year; ensuring better transparency of local decision-making by reviewing the rules on publishing statutory notices; and creating a new Regional Media Forum in the West of England, to develop a framework for best practice in scrutiny of local decision-making and public services.

In April, we launched a new journalism careers campaign in the North West, Inspiring the Future, to inspire young people to pursue careers in journalism and local media. It also seeks to build news literacy and help young people navigate the online information ecosystem. Inspiring the Future forms part of the wider DCMS-funded Discover Creative Careers programme, which will provide young people across the country with clear, coherent and inclusive pathways into the creative industries. More broadly, the Creative Industries Sector Plan sets out how we are partnering with industry to support skills development and build a resilient, skilled workforce fit for the future. We will soon publish a Jobs Plan which builds on this to outline how Government and business are working together to support the creative workforce over the next three years.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has assessed the potential impact of her Department's place-targeting approach on (a) investment in London-based media companies, (b) journalism jobs in London and (c) the UK’s wider media and creative industries.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The department has adopted a new approach to place targeting across DCMS programmes that aim to improve social and community outcomes. Evidence points clearly to economic and social outcomes being systematically worse in places where both deprivation and community need is highest; places experiencing ‘double disadvantage.’ The department has implemented a focus on targeting these ‘double disadvantage’ places – to ensure that our funding is concentrated in the communities where we can make the biggest difference. This approach does not limit investment to Northern Regions, but focuses DCMS investment designed to build community cohesion and enhance opportunity in those places that need it most, including places in the South and Midlands. This approach to place targeting will benefit the UK as a whole, generating broad based economic growth across England to create a more balanced national economy, supporting stability and growth in London and across the rest of the UK.

DCMS applies this approach to relevant programmes aimed at improving social, community and wellbeing outcomes across all of our sectors – covering arts, culture and heritage, sport, civil society and youth. This approach will not be applied to programmes aimed primarily at driving economic growth or programmes that clearly have a distinct objective.

For media and journalism, as part of the Local Media Action Plan to support local journalism across the country, the department has launched a Local News Fund, to help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated. While final decisions on awards will take into consideration diversity in award allocation, including geographical distribution, those decisions are ultimately being guided by a Steering Board of external industry experts, to ensure a degree of independence in government decisions about funding of the media.

For the creative industries, London is identified as a priority place in the Creative Industries Sector Plan. Place-based policies in the creative industries aim to address regional market failures and support our high-growth potential creative clusters.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that support from her Department for northern regions does not inadvertently disincentivise investment and employment in London.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The department has adopted a new approach to place targeting across DCMS programmes that aim to improve social and community outcomes. Evidence points clearly to economic and social outcomes being systematically worse in places where both deprivation and community need is highest; places experiencing ‘double disadvantage.’ The department has implemented a focus on targeting these ‘double disadvantage’ places – to ensure that our funding is concentrated in the communities where we can make the biggest difference. This approach does not limit investment to Northern Regions, but focuses DCMS investment designed to build community cohesion and enhance opportunity in those places that need it most, including places in the South and Midlands. This approach to place targeting will benefit the UK as a whole, generating broad based economic growth across England to create a more balanced national economy, supporting stability and growth in London and across the rest of the UK.

DCMS applies this approach to relevant programmes aimed at improving social, community and wellbeing outcomes across all of our sectors – covering arts, culture and heritage, sport, civil society and youth. This approach will not be applied to programmes aimed primarily at driving economic growth or programmes that clearly have a distinct objective.

For media and journalism, as part of the Local Media Action Plan to support local journalism across the country, the department has launched a Local News Fund, to help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated. While final decisions on awards will take into consideration diversity in award allocation, including geographical distribution, those decisions are ultimately being guided by a Steering Board of external industry experts, to ensure a degree of independence in government decisions about funding of the media.

For the creative industries, London is identified as a priority place in the Creative Industries Sector Plan. Place-based policies in the creative industries aim to address regional market failures and support our high-growth potential creative clusters.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of her Department’s place-targeting approach to investment on the media and journalism sector in London.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The department has adopted a new approach to place targeting across DCMS programmes that aim to improve social and community outcomes. Evidence points clearly to economic and social outcomes being systematically worse in places where both deprivation and community need is highest; places experiencing ‘double disadvantage.’ The department has implemented a focus on targeting these ‘double disadvantage’ places – to ensure that our funding is concentrated in the communities where we can make the biggest difference. This approach does not limit investment to Northern Regions, but focuses DCMS investment designed to build community cohesion and enhance opportunity in those places that need it most, including places in the South and Midlands. This approach to place targeting will benefit the UK as a whole, generating broad based economic growth across England to create a more balanced national economy, supporting stability and growth in London and across the rest of the UK.

DCMS applies this approach to relevant programmes aimed at improving social, community and wellbeing outcomes across all of our sectors – covering arts, culture and heritage, sport, civil society and youth. This approach will not be applied to programmes aimed primarily at driving economic growth or programmes that clearly have a distinct objective.

For media and journalism, as part of the Local Media Action Plan to support local journalism across the country, the department has launched a Local News Fund, to help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated. While final decisions on awards will take into consideration diversity in award allocation, including geographical distribution, those decisions are ultimately being guided by a Steering Board of external industry experts, to ensure a degree of independence in government decisions about funding of the media.

For the creative industries, London is identified as a priority place in the Creative Industries Sector Plan. Place-based policies in the creative industries aim to address regional market failures and support our high-growth potential creative clusters.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Review of Early Deaths of Care Leavers, published on 25 August 2026, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of enabling greater continuity of care placements for young people with assessed care needs transitioning to adulthood.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government is determined to address the national tragedy of early deaths of care experienced young people, improving support for care leavers.

The department is funding local authorities so care leavers can stay with their foster families up to age 21 through Staying Put. We are rolling out an enhanced Staying Close programme nationally by 2029, improving care leavers’ housing outcomes and supporting enduring relationships, including for those with additional needs. Local authorities must make an assessment when a young person is likely to need care and support into adulthood, drawing on a young person or carer’s aspirations and setting out support to achieve them.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has also launched a project to improve transitions into adult social care. The DHSC will deliver national best practice guidance and training, to ensure staff have the knowledge and tools they need to provide high-quality support to young people transitioning into adulthood.

The department does not hold data on the number of care leavers who had an assessed need for personal care by their 18th birthday.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate her Department has made of the number of care leavers who had an assessed need for personal care at the point of their 18th birthday in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government is determined to address the national tragedy of early deaths of care experienced young people, improving support for care leavers.

The department is funding local authorities so care leavers can stay with their foster families up to age 21 through Staying Put. We are rolling out an enhanced Staying Close programme nationally by 2029, improving care leavers’ housing outcomes and supporting enduring relationships, including for those with additional needs. Local authorities must make an assessment when a young person is likely to need care and support into adulthood, drawing on a young person or carer’s aspirations and setting out support to achieve them.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has also launched a project to improve transitions into adult social care. The DHSC will deliver national best practice guidance and training, to ensure staff have the knowledge and tools they need to provide high-quality support to young people transitioning into adulthood.

The department does not hold data on the number of care leavers who had an assessed need for personal care by their 18th birthday.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many young people have remained in a children's home beyond the age of 18 under Ofsted's special circumstances provision in each of the last five years.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The Care Standards Act 2000 sets out that children’s homes must be wholly or mainly for children. This means that most of the people who live or stay at a children’s home must be children and young adults aged 18 and above who live or stay at the home must be in the minority. This allows some flexibility for those aged 18 and above to stay in children’s homes while an appropriate adult placement is found to support effective transitions to adulthood.

Information on the number of young people who have remained in a children’s home beyond the age of 18 is not held by either the department or by Ofsted.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the Animals in Science Regulation Unit last carried out an unannounced audit or inspection at MBR Acres.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The most recent unannounced audit at MBR Acres was carried out on 25 April 2024. Since then, the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) has carried out two announced audits at the establishment, on 4 November 2025 and 10 July 2026.

ASRU determines the nature and frequency of its regulatory oversight of licensed establishments using a risk-based approach.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Department plans to schedule an unannounced audit or inspection at MBR Acres during the next period of extreme heat.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office does not comment on planned audits or inspections at individual licensed establishments, as doing so could undermine the effectiveness of regulatory oversight.

The Animals in Science Regulation Unit keeps licensed establishments, including MBR Acres, under ongoing review and uses a risk-based approach to determine the nature, timing and frequency of regulatory activity. This assessment takes account of relevant intelligence, compliance history and emerging risks to animal welfare, including those arising from extreme weather conditions.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that evidence on existing industry-led welfare standards is considered as part of her phased approach to considering policy on decapods used in scientific procedures; and whether she plans to consult (a) scientific, (b) industry (c) animal welfare representatives, and (d) other stakeholders.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government has committed to a phased, proportionate and evidence-based approach to developing welfare arrangements for decapod crustaceans used in science.

Existing industry led welfare standards and evidence of current practice will inform this work. The initial phase includes considering and supporting appropriate baseline welfare standards, alongside voluntary reporting and further work to address evidence and technical gaps. This will support welfare improvements while building the evidence needed to inform any future consideration of including decapods as protected animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

The Government will engage with scientific and industry representatives, animal welfare organisations and other relevant stakeholders as the work progresses. This engagement will help ensure that the approach reflects scientific evidence, existing good practice and the practical implications for those using decapods in research.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what consular assistance His Majesty’s Government has provided in relation to the case of Joshua Wong.

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

We do not routinely make public the specifics of individual cases for data protection reasons.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether a person aged 17 with an assessed need for personal care may be accommodated by a provider registered with the Care Quality Commission where the placing local authority agrees; and what guidance is available to local authorities and providers on that matter.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Young people aged under 18 years old may, in certain circumstances, be accommodated in services registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Whether registration with the CQC is appropriate depends on the facts of the individual case, the nature of the service being provided, and the relevant statutory and regulatory framework. Guidance is available to providers and local authorities on the respective regulatory responsibilities of Ofsted and the CQC, including the joint Ofsted and CQC guidance, Children's homes and health care: registration with Ofsted or the CQC, which sets out the circumstances in which services should be registered with Ofsted, the CQC, or both regulators.

The CQC does not have a published provision directly equivalent to Ofsted's special circumstances policy. The CQC regulates services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations, within the wider framework for adult care and support established by the Care Act 2014. Registration requirements are determined by the nature of the service and whether regulated activities are being provided.

The Department of Health and Social Care is working with the Department for Education, Ofsted, and the CQC to explore how regulation can support and improve transitions into adult services, including a project with the Social Care Institute for Excellence that will develop national best practice guidance and training.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking with the Department for Education on the regulatory arrangements for young people with assessed personal care needs who transition to adult services at the age of 18.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Young people aged under 18 years old may, in certain circumstances, be accommodated in services registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Whether registration with the CQC is appropriate depends on the facts of the individual case, the nature of the service being provided, and the relevant statutory and regulatory framework. Guidance is available to providers and local authorities on the respective regulatory responsibilities of Ofsted and the CQC, including the joint Ofsted and CQC guidance, Children's homes and health care: registration with Ofsted or the CQC, which sets out the circumstances in which services should be registered with Ofsted, the CQC, or both regulators.

The CQC does not have a published provision directly equivalent to Ofsted's special circumstances policy. The CQC regulates services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations, within the wider framework for adult care and support established by the Care Act 2014. Registration requirements are determined by the nature of the service and whether regulated activities are being provided.

The Department of Health and Social Care is working with the Department for Education, Ofsted, and the CQC to explore how regulation can support and improve transitions into adult services, including a project with the Social Care Institute for Excellence that will develop national best practice guidance and training.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Care Quality Commission has any provision equivalent to Ofsted's special circumstances provision to enable continuity of placement for a young person transitioning to adulthood.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Young people aged under 18 years old may, in certain circumstances, be accommodated in services registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Whether registration with the CQC is appropriate depends on the facts of the individual case, the nature of the service being provided, and the relevant statutory and regulatory framework. Guidance is available to providers and local authorities on the respective regulatory responsibilities of Ofsted and the CQC, including the joint Ofsted and CQC guidance, Children's homes and health care: registration with Ofsted or the CQC, which sets out the circumstances in which services should be registered with Ofsted, the CQC, or both regulators.

The CQC does not have a published provision directly equivalent to Ofsted's special circumstances policy. The CQC regulates services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations, within the wider framework for adult care and support established by the Care Act 2014. Registration requirements are determined by the nature of the service and whether regulated activities are being provided.

The Department of Health and Social Care is working with the Department for Education, Ofsted, and the CQC to explore how regulation can support and improve transitions into adult services, including a project with the Social Care Institute for Excellence that will develop national best practice guidance and training.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the whole-life environmental impact of replacing existing petrol and diesel vehicles with new zero-emission vehicles.

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

The Government has set out its intention to phase out the sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars from 2030, and to phase out the sale of all new non-zero emission cars and vans from 2035. The Government has no plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles already in use or those sold before the phase out dates.

The Government has extensively assessed the impact of transitioning to zero emission vehicles and expects current petrol and diesel vehicle owners to benefit substantially from the lower running costs of switching to an electric vehicle, reduced air pollution, and reduced noise pollution.

The Department for Transport has published analysis of the whole-life environmental impact of electric vehicles available on GOV.UK. The analysis shows that, over their lifetime, electric cars are estimated to save at least 65% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to a petrol equivalent, and that this is likely to rise as renewable energy generation increases.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the affordability of transitioning from petrol and diesel vehicles to zero-emission vehicles for households unable to afford a new electric vehicle.

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

Widening access to zero emission vehicles is a priority for the Government. Many used zero emission vehicle models are now available at similar prices to equivalent petrol and diesel vehicles. Industry data suggests that one in five used electric cars is available at under £15,000 and 43% are priced at £20,000 or less. Drivers also benefit from tax incentives until at least 2030, while Government grants support home and workplace charging.

For those able to charge at home, electric vehicles can save up to £1,400 a year in running and maintenance costs. The Government is investing £25 million in pavement channels to expand access to cheaper domestic charging and reviewing public charging costs to improve affordability.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has considered providing financial support for the purchase of second-hand low-emission and zero-emission vehicles.

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

Widening access to zero emission vehicles is a priority for the Government. Many used zero emission vehicle models are now available at similar prices to equivalent petrol and diesel vehicles. Industry data suggests that one in five used electric cars is available at under £15,000 and 43% are priced at £20,000 or less. Drivers also benefit from tax incentives until at least 2030, while Government grants support home and workplace charging.

For those able to charge at home, electric vehicles can save up to £1,400 a year in running and maintenance costs. The Government is investing £25 million in pavement channels to expand access to cheaper domestic charging and reviewing public charging costs to improve affordability.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to introduce restrictions on the use of diesel vehicles beyond existing clean air and emissions schemes.

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

The Government has set out its intention to phase out the sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars from 2030, and to phase out the sale of all new non-zero emission cars and vans from 2035. The Government has no plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles already in use or those sold before the phase out dates.

The Government has extensively assessed the impact of transitioning to zero emission vehicles and expects current petrol and diesel vehicle owners to benefit substantially from the lower running costs of switching to an electric vehicle, reduced air pollution, and reduced noise pollution.

The Department for Transport has published analysis of the whole-life environmental impact of electric vehicles available on GOV.UK. The analysis shows that, over their lifetime, electric cars are estimated to save at least 65% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to a petrol equivalent, and that this is likely to rise as renewable energy generation increases.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of policies on net zero vehicles on petrol and diesel vehicles already in use.

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

The Government has set out its intention to phase out the sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars from 2030, and to phase out the sale of all new non-zero emission cars and vans from 2035. The Government has no plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles already in use or those sold before the phase out dates.

The Government has extensively assessed the impact of transitioning to zero emission vehicles and expects current petrol and diesel vehicle owners to benefit substantially from the lower running costs of switching to an electric vehicle, reduced air pollution, and reduced noise pollution.

The Department for Transport has published analysis of the whole-life environmental impact of electric vehicles available on GOV.UK. The analysis shows that, over their lifetime, electric cars are estimated to save at least 65% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to a petrol equivalent, and that this is likely to rise as renewable energy generation increases.

Found: Erdington) Alex McIntyre (Labour; Gloucester) Joe Robertson (Conservative; Isle of Wight East) Gregory Stafford