Sammy Wilson Portrait

Sammy Wilson

Democratic Unionist Party - East Antrim

1,306 (3.3%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 5th May 2005


Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Work and Pensions)
8th May 2015 - 30th May 2024
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Treasury)
8th May 2015 - 30th May 2024
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Brexit)
1st Jul 2017 - 30th May 2024
European Scrutiny Committee
23rd Apr 2024 - 30th May 2024
Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill
1st May 2024 - 8th May 2024
Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill
18th Jan 2023 - 25th Jan 2023
Cultural Objects (Protection From Seizure) Bill
9th Nov 2021 - 17th Nov 2021
Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Committee on Exiting the European Union
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Education)
8th May 2015 - 8th Jun 2017
Committee on Exiting the European Union
31st Oct 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
31st Oct 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Treasury)
12th May 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow Spokesperson (Education)
12th May 2010 - 30th Mar 2012
Shadow Spokesperson (Education)
1st Jun 2007 - 1st Jun 2010
Shadow Spokesperson (Treasury)
1st Jun 2009 - 6th May 2010
Transport Committee
10th Nov 2008 - 9th Nov 2009
Shadow Spokesperson (Communities and Local Government)
1st Jun 2007 - 1st Jun 2009
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
12th Jul 2005 - 10th Nov 2008
Shadow Spokesperson (Innovation, Universities and Skills)
1st Jun 2007 - 1st Jun 2008
Shadow Spokesperson (Education)
1st Jun 2003 - 1st Jun 2007
Shadow Spokesperson (Communities and Local Government)
1st Jun 2005 - 1st Jun 2007


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Sammy Wilson has voted in 146 divisions, and 2 times against the majority of their Party.

14 Jan 2025 - Renters’ Rights Bill - View Vote Context
Sammy Wilson voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 372 Noes - 114
10 Jun 2025 - Planning and Infrastructure Bill - View Vote Context
Sammy Wilson voted No - against a party majority - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 4 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 73 Noes - 312
View All Sammy Wilson Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

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

Sparring Partners
Hilary Benn (Labour)
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
(23 debate interactions)
Michael Shanks (Labour)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
(14 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Northern Ireland Office
(32 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(25 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Sammy Wilson's debates

East Antrim Petitions

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

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

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

Sammy Wilson has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Sammy Wilson

2nd July 2025
Sammy Wilson signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 9th July 2025

Loan Charge and settlement terms offered to large companies and individuals

Tabled by: Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party - East Londonderry)
In the penultimate clause, leave out "no suicides" and insert "a very significant reduction in the number of suicides".
3 signatures
(Most recent: 9 Jul 2025)
Signatures by party:
Democratic Unionist Party: 3
1st July 2025
Sammy Wilson signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 9th July 2025

Anniversary of the July 2024 protests in Bangladesh

Tabled by: Apsana Begum (Independent - Poplar and Limehouse)
That this House marks a year since the July protests and mass uprising in Bangladesh which led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime; condemns the repression of students, workers, and activists that resulted in 1,400 people killed and thousands injured in just 46 days; notes that according to the …
6 signatures
(Most recent: 9 Jul 2025)
Signatures by party:
Independent: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Labour: 1
View All Sammy Wilson's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

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

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



Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
21st May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will consult stakeholders on the potential impact of the removal of anti-dumping and countervailing measures on non-folding e-bikes imported from China on UK cycle manufacturers.

I refer the Rt. hon. Member to the answer I gave on 7th May to question UIN 48699 (Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament).

The Trade Remedies Authority is responsible for assessing the evidence presented to them by UK industry and other stakeholders in an investigation prior to submitting a recommendation to the Secretary of State. If industry is concerned about the impact of unfair foreign trade practices, they should directly engage the Trade Remedies Authority.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
20th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support cycle manufacturers.

UK bicycle manufacturers stand to benefit from the Secretary of State’s pro-business agenda, as outlined in the Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper. The strategy targets key growth levers, boosting scale-ups, growing the co-operative economy, revitalising high streets, improving access to finance, unlocking new markets, and strengthening business capabilities, creating a more competitive and resilient business environment. Recently, the Business Secretary announced a new Business Growth Service (BGS) to streamline the process for businesses across the UK to access the support they need to grow. The Department will continue to engage with the industry on key issues moving forward.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) revoking anti-dumping and (b) countervailing measures on non-folding e-bikes imported from China on UK cycle manufacturing.

I refer the Rt. hon. Member to the answer I gave on 7th May to question UIN 48699 (Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament).

The Trade Remedies Authority is responsible for assessing the evidence presented to them by UK industry and other stakeholders in an investigation prior to submitting a recommendation to the Secretary of State. If industry is concerned about the impact of unfair foreign trade practices, they should directly engage the Trade Remedies Authority.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the EU General Product Safety Regulations on the ability of GB firms to trade with customers in the EU.

The updated GPSR largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating and the measures are therefore likely to have limited impact in practice. However, where businesses do require some support, we are exploring ways in which the Government can help. We are providing more guidance in this area, will keep this under review and continue to engage businesses directly to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely with the EU.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
24th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what proportion of resolutions to gambling-related disputes via Alternative Dispute Resolution providers result in the complainant receiving a settlement for the full amount lost.

The Gambling Commission must approve all Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) providers and has set specific additional standards for ADR in its standards and guidance. The Commission expects ADR providers to submit quarterly activity returns to the Gambling Commission, which contain the number of domestic disputes received, and the number and percentage of disputes upheld in favour of the gambling business and the number and percentage of disputes settled by the gambling business without an outcome being imposed. However, the Gambling Commission does not hold data on settlement amounts.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
24th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether the outcomes of disputes resolved via Alternative Dispute Resolution bodies in relation to gambling operators are reported to the Gambling Commission.

The Gambling Commission must approve all Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) providers and has set specific additional standards for ADR in its standards and guidance. The Commission expects ADR providers to submit quarterly activity returns to the Gambling Commission, which contain the number of domestic disputes received, and the number and percentage of disputes upheld in favour of the gambling business and the number and percentage of disputes settled by the gambling business without an outcome being imposed. However, the Gambling Commission does not hold data on settlement amounts.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
2nd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure mobile gaming operators disclose the (a) presence of loot boxes and (b) probabilities of obtaining rewards.

We are committed to ensuring all video games are enjoyed safely and responsibly by everyone and that, where they contain loot boxes, appropriate protections are in place for players of all ages, including children. In 2020, the previous Government ran a call for evidence on loot boxes which found an association between purchasing loot boxes and problem gambling behaviours, although research has not established whether a causal link exists.

In response, DCMS convened a Technical Working Group of video game representatives which developed new industry-led guidance, published in July 2023, to improve player protections. Measures include disclosing the presence of loot boxes prior to purchase, and giving clear probability disclosures so players can easily access clear and simple information to inform their decision to purchase.

The Government has urged all video games companies to adopt the guidance in full and we have commissioned independent academic research to assess its effectiveness.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
30th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the regulation of gambling advertising considers the potential impact on public health.

Gambling operators providing services to customers in Great Britain must be licensed by the Gambling Commission and comply with the conditions of their operating licences. The Commission expects operators to obey the laws of all other jurisdictions in which they operate, and requires them to report any regulatory investigation or finding into their activities in any other jurisdiction.

Operators must inform the Commission if they have a substantial customer base outside of Britain and state why they consider themselves legally able to offer facilities to those customers. It is for authorities in other jurisdictions to investigate whether operators are complying with their gambling laws, but where a licensee is found to be operating illegally overseas, the Commission may consider their suitability to hold a licence in Britain.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is responsible for regulating advertising in the UK, and operates independently of the Government. There are a range of robust rules in place through the Advertising Codes enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to ensure that gambling advertising and marketing is socially responsible and does not exacerbate harm.

Compliance with the Codes is required as part of Gambling Commission licence conditions. The ASA continually reviews the best available evidence to ensure rules are effective and updates protections as required.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
30th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Gambling Commission requires gambling operators to disclose information on their overseas operations in order to gain a UK license.

Gambling operators providing services to customers in Great Britain must be licensed by the Gambling Commission and comply with the conditions of their operating licences. The Commission expects operators to obey the laws of all other jurisdictions in which they operate, and requires them to report any regulatory investigation or finding into their activities in any other jurisdiction.

Operators must inform the Commission if they have a substantial customer base outside of Britain and state why they consider themselves legally able to offer facilities to those customers. It is for authorities in other jurisdictions to investigate whether operators are complying with their gambling laws, but where a licensee is found to be operating illegally overseas, the Commission may consider their suitability to hold a licence in Britain.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is responsible for regulating advertising in the UK, and operates independently of the Government. There are a range of robust rules in place through the Advertising Codes enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to ensure that gambling advertising and marketing is socially responsible and does not exacerbate harm.

Compliance with the Codes is required as part of Gambling Commission licence conditions. The ASA continually reviews the best available evidence to ensure rules are effective and updates protections as required.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
19th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the findings of the Northern Ireland Executive Department for Communities' Prevalence of gambling in Northern Ireland 2024 survey, published on 30 April 2025, on (a) attitudes to and (b) frequency of gambling.

We are committed to reviewing the best available evidence from a wide range of sources and working with all stakeholders in order to ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk of gambling related harm, particularly children and young people. While gambling is a devolved matter for Northern Ireland and regulation is thus a consideration for the Northern Ireland Executive, the department has noted the findings on prevalence and consequences of gambling from the Department for Communities' 2024 Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of retaining the hybrid model of television distribution.

The Government’s project on the future of TV distribution is seeking to understand how people receive their television now and in the next decade. This will include assessing the advantages of hybrid television distribution models, as well as other options such as IPTV transition. As part of this process, a wide range of views are being sought on all of the options.

Before any decision is made in relation to the availability of services beyond 2034, close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences, and especially those who rely on digital terrestrial television as their primary means of watching television. DCMS recently commissioned research to understand the barriers preventing DTT only users from adopting IPTV, the motivations and enablers that led others to make the switch, and how these factors vary across demographic groups. This will help the Department assess any potential impacts and support that may be needed, should there be a future transition to IPTV.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an estimate of the financial support required for people to continue watching television when terrestrial television licenses expire in 2034.

The Government’s project on the future of TV distribution is seeking to understand how people receive their television now and in the next decade. This will include assessing the advantages of hybrid television distribution models, as well as other options such as IPTV transition. As part of this process, a wide range of views are being sought on all of the options.

Before any decision is made in relation to the availability of services beyond 2034, close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences, and especially those who rely on digital terrestrial television as their primary means of watching television. DCMS recently commissioned research to understand the barriers preventing DTT only users from adopting IPTV, the motivations and enablers that led others to make the switch, and how these factors vary across demographic groups. This will help the Department assess any potential impacts and support that may be needed, should there be a future transition to IPTV.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the future of terrestrial TV distribution in Northern Ireland.

The Government’s project on the future of TV distribution is seeking to understand how people receive their television now and in the next decade. As part of this process, a wide range of views are being sought. Membership of the Stakeholder Forum includes a range of broadcasters active in Northern Ireland, including the BBC (who operate BBC Northern Ireland) and ITV (who operate UTV). The forum also benefits from the perspectives of a number of groups representing the interests of Northern Irish and UK-wide audiences, such as Voice of the Listener and Viewer, Digital Poverty Alliance and Silver Voices.

The Government will engage with the devolved governments to understand the unique characteristics of broadcasting in each nation well in advance of any decision being taken.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure that Northern Ireland is represented in her Department's Future of TV Distribution Stakeholder Forum.

The Government’s project on the future of TV distribution is seeking to understand how people receive their television now and in the next decade. As part of this process, a wide range of views are being sought. Membership of the Stakeholder Forum includes a range of broadcasters active in Northern Ireland, including the BBC (who operate BBC Northern Ireland) and ITV (who operate UTV). The forum also benefits from the perspectives of a number of groups representing the interests of Northern Irish and UK-wide audiences, such as Voice of the Listener and Viewer, Digital Poverty Alliance and Silver Voices.

The Government will engage with the devolved governments to understand the unique characteristics of broadcasting in each nation well in advance of any decision being taken.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the future of terrestrial TV distribution in Northern Ireland.

The Government’s project on the future of TV distribution is seeking to understand how people receive their television now and in the next decade. As part of this process, a wide range of views are being sought. Membership of the Stakeholder Forum includes a range of broadcasters active in Northern Ireland, including the BBC (who operate BBC Northern Ireland) and ITV (who operate UTV). The forum also benefits from the perspectives of a number of groups representing the interests of Northern Irish and UK-wide audiences, such as Voice of the Listener and Viewer, Digital Poverty Alliance and Silver Voices.

The Government will engage with the devolved governments to understand the unique characteristics of broadcasting in each nation well in advance of any decision being taken.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she is considering the future of terrestrial TV distribution in the BBC Charter review.

As the media landscape undergoes the next generational shift, the BBC too must adapt and be supported to do so.

The forthcoming Charter Review is a key opportunity to set the BBC up for success long into the future. It will look at a range of issues to make sure the BBC truly represents and delivers for every person in this country, including the BBC’s services and their distribution.

The BBC also sits on the Future of TV Distribution Stakeholder Forum, which brings together Government, Ofcom and stakeholders, representing both audiences and industry, to consider issues related to distribution.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the need for longitudinal research into the impact of online gambling on children and young people.

The government would welcome new longitudinal research on this topic to further build our evidence base to inform our understanding of children and young people’s gambling behaviour and harm in Great Britain.

The statutory levy on licensed gambling operators came into force on 6 April and will raise around £100 million each year. We have committed up to £20m of levy funding for quality, independent research overseen by UK Research and Innovation. This could include further work on longitudinal studies.

We continue to monitor the best available evidence to assess the impact of online gambling on children and young people.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made representations to the International Olympic Committee on the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

I have made no representations to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

The British Olympic Association, as the National Organising Committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is the domestic representative to the IOC and does so operating independently of Government.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
2nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Child Poverty Taskforce on family hubs, in the context of the development of the Child Poverty Strategy.

I refer the hon. member for East Antrim to the answer of 3 July 2025 to Question 63139. The information given in the linked response relates to England only.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
2nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding has been allocated to family hubs for each year of the Spending Review 2025.

On 11 June 2025, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, set out plans for spending and public sector reforms through the Spending Review 2025. This announcement confirmed departmental budgets for 2026/27 onwards and committed that the government will continue to invest in and expand the Family Hubs programme, working with parents to help give children the best start in life.

On 7 July 2025, the government published the policy paper ‘Giving every child the best start in life’, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/giving-every-child-the-best-start-in-life.

This outlines the government’s commitment to delivering a new Best Start Family Service to bring together parenting, healthcare and education support services, as well as creating and funding Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority to give children the best start in life by strengthening and joining up family services.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
2nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to oblige local authorities to provide family hubs.

On 11 June 2025, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, set out plans for spending and public sector reforms through the Spending Review 2025. This announcement confirmed departmental budgets for 2026/27 onwards and committed that the government will continue to invest in and expand the Family Hubs programme, working with parents to help give children the best start in life.

On 7 July 2025, the government published the policy paper ‘Giving every child the best start in life’, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/giving-every-child-the-best-start-in-life.

This outlines the government’s commitment to delivering a new Best Start Family Service to bring together parenting, healthcare and education support services, as well as creating and funding Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority to give children the best start in life by strengthening and joining up family services.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
2nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of publishing a national outcomes framework for family hubs.

On 11 June 2025, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, set out plans for spending and public sector reforms through the Spending Review 2025. This announcement confirmed departmental budgets for 2026/27 onwards and committed that the government will continue to invest in and expand the Family Hubs programme, working with parents to help give children the best start in life.

On 7 July 2025, the government published the policy paper ‘Giving every child the best start in life’, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/giving-every-child-the-best-start-in-life.

This outlines the government’s commitment to delivering a new Best Start Family Service to bring together parenting, healthcare and education support services, as well as creating and funding Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority to give children the best start in life by strengthening and joining up family services.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
2nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that the Family Hubs programme is available across England.

On 11 June 2025, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, set out plans for spending and public sector reforms through the Spending Review 2025. This announcement confirmed departmental budgets for 2026/27 onwards and committed that the government will continue to invest in and expand the Family Hubs programme, working with parents to help give children the best start in life.

On 7 July 2025, the government published the policy paper ‘Giving every child the best start in life’, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/giving-every-child-the-best-start-in-life.

This outlines the government’s commitment to delivering a new Best Start Family Service to bring together parenting, healthcare and education support services, as well as creating and funding Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority to give children the best start in life by strengthening and joining up family services.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
17th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on the number of allergic reactions in schools in England in each year since 2016.

The department does not hold this data.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
28th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a STEM teachers continuing professional development fund with industry.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The department has a range of programmes to support continuing professional development for teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), for 2025/26 these include:

  • The subject knowledge for physics teaching programme, which supports non-specialist teachers of physics in teaching the requirements of the key stage 3 and key stage 4 physics curriculum.
  • The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, mathematics hubs and the advanced mathematics support programme, which provide professional development to teachers of mathematics from reception to key stage 5.
  • The National Centre for Computing Education, to support the teaching of computing and increase participation in computer science qualifications.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, has not had any discussions with teaching groups on the potential merits of establishing a continuing professional development fund with industry, but funding to support STEM education beyond the 2025/26 financial year will be considered as part of the forthcoming spending review.

.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
28th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has had discussions with teaching groups on the potential merits of establishing a STEM teachers continuing professional development fund with industry.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The department has a range of programmes to support continuing professional development for teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), for 2025/26 these include:

  • The subject knowledge for physics teaching programme, which supports non-specialist teachers of physics in teaching the requirements of the key stage 3 and key stage 4 physics curriculum.
  • The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, mathematics hubs and the advanced mathematics support programme, which provide professional development to teachers of mathematics from reception to key stage 5.
  • The National Centre for Computing Education, to support the teaching of computing and increase participation in computer science qualifications.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, has not had any discussions with teaching groups on the potential merits of establishing a continuing professional development fund with industry, but funding to support STEM education beyond the 2025/26 financial year will be considered as part of the forthcoming spending review.

.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to promote STEM courses across the education system.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

High and rising school standards are at the heart of the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start in life.

The government is committed to ensuring that anyone, can pursue an education and career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

An important focus is on primary mathematics where the government has a commitment to improve the quality of mathematics teaching across nurseries and primary schools, learning from the success of phonics. The government continues to support continuing professional development for mathematics teachers in schools and post-16 institutions. Mathematics is the most popular A level.

To support the teaching of computing and increase participation in computer science qualifications, the government funds the National Centre for Computing Education. This support includes programmes designed to encourage greater participation from girls and industry-led events that raise pupils’ awareness of careers in computing.

In science, to ensure that every pupil has access to high-quality teaching, the department funds the ‘Subject Knowledge for Physics Teachers’ programme. This intensive retraining programme comprises six modules to upskill non-specialist teachers of physics and enhance their subject knowledge, confidence and pedagogical knowledge.

Oak National Academy also offers free, optional and adaptable materials for use at key stages 1 to 4 in mathematics, computing and all three sciences.

The department also funds the STEM Ambassadors programme, a nationwide network of over 30,000 registered volunteers representing thousands of employers, who engage with young people to increase their interest in STEM subjects and to raise awareness of the range of careers that STEM qualifications offer.

The government will continue to support learners who wish to have a career in STEM through its technical education offer, with a range of high-quality qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities at all levels. Examples of this include:

  • 12 T Levels in STEM subjects, including engineering, science, digital and media. T Levels are promoted to young people via the Skills for Life national communications campaign.
  • Over 370 employer-designed apprenticeship standards in STEM. Apprenticeships are a great way for anyone, regardless of their background, to receive high-quality training and skills to begin, or progress in, a successful career in STEM.

We have also established a comprehensive network of 21 Institutes of Technology across England to significantly increase the number of learners with higher technical skills in key STEM sectors, such as manufacturing and engineering, construction and digital.

The department has announced an Initial Teacher Training financial incentives package for the 2025/26 academic year recruitment cycle worth £233 million, which is a £37 million increase on the last cycle. This includes a range of measures, including bursaries worth £29,000 tax-free and scholarships worth £31,000 tax-free, to encourage talented trainees to key subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing. For the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years, the government is offering a targeted retention incentive worth up to £6,000 after tax for mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing teachers in the first five years of their careers who choose to work in disadvantaged schools. This will support recruitment and retention of specialist teachers in these subjects and in the schools and areas that need them most.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
14th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of introducing a ban on male chick culling on the egg producing industry.

We are firmly committed to maintaining and improving animal welfare and want to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards.

In its 2024 ‘Opinion on alternatives to culling newly hatched chicks in the egg and poultry industries’, the Animal Welfare Committee considered a range of technologies that could help end the routine culling of male chicks by identifying or determining the sex of chick embryos before hatching. In recent years there has been rapid global progress in the development of these technologies, and we welcome the UK egg industry’s interest in the development of day zero sexing technology.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
14th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to introduce a ban on male chick culling.

The legislation sets out strict requirements to protect the welfare of animals at the time of killing, including male chicks from the egg production sector.

Permitted killing methods for chicks, such as gas stunning and maceration, are based on scientific research and assessment to ensure birds are spared any avoidable pain, distress, or suffering. All laying hen hatcheries in the UK use argon gas mixtures as their stunning method.

We are firmly committed to maintaining and improving animal welfare and want to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards. In recent years there has been rapid global progress in the development of technologies that allow chicks to be sexed in-ovo (within the egg). We welcome the UK egg industry’s interest in the development of day zero sexing technology.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
20th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking with the maritime sector to support the scale-up of green (a) fuels, (b) vessels and (c) shore power.

In March 2025, we published the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy (MDS), which sets out our pathway to net zero emissions in domestic maritime by 2050. This strategy includes key policies designed to encourage the uptake of green fuels, vessels, and shore power, directly supporting the UK's ambitious climate goals.

The MDS outlines five core policies: implementing fuel regulations internationally and domestically, introducing domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) pricing through the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, taking action on emissions at berth, reducing emissions from smaller vessels, and improving energy efficiency. Alongside the MDS, we also launched two vital calls for evidence to inform policy development: one focusing on small vessels and another on net zero ports.

My department is also driving research and development of the fuels and technologies necessary to decarbonise the sector through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE). To date, UK SHORE has allocated over £200m of funding to over 150 projects, leveraging over £100 million in private investment. This benefits all 12 UK regions, supporting over 350 organisations, including more than 200 SMEs. A further £30m was allocated to the sixth round of Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition announced in January for FY 24/25. The winners of the competition will be announced soon.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
20th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve skills in the maritime sector.

The Department remains committed to supporting the development of the UK’s future maritime workforce. Maritime training transforms opportunities, contributing to UK economic growth, boosting individual earnings, employment prospects, and social mobility.

Seafarer training is being future-proofed through the DfT and MCA managed Cadet Training and Modernisation programme and Ratings Review. The Department’s £18m Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) fund supports 50% of the cost of cadet training and a range of apprenticeships are available for ratings and wider maritime roles at sea and ashore.

The Maritime Skills Commission, which reports to the Department and Maritime UK, assesses the current and future skills needs of the sector and is currently focusing on areas such as skills for emerging technologies.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
20th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps she has taken to improve maritime safety standards.

We are constantly striving to improve maritime safety whether this is through the UK’s leadership in international fora, such as the International Maritime Organization, or domestically. With some of the busiest waters in the world, and enhanced by the tireless work of its family organisations, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and our General Lighthouse Authorities, the UK continues to deliver world-class maritime safety.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
20th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to modernise port infrastructure.

The UK’s ports sector is largely privately owned and operated, with the government’s role primarily to ensure that the policy and regulatory environment supports efficient operation and investment, and to provide targeted support for connectivity and decarbonisation where there are clear public benefits. My Department is working at pace to update and streamline planning and regulatory processes for ports, including by updating the National Policy Statement for Ports. In addition, the Government is working with the National Wealth Fund, which has committed at least £5.8 billion of its capital to five sectors, including ports.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
21st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress she has made on developing a port strategy.

The Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy sets out Government’s plans for decarbonising the domestic maritime sector, including goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and policies to support this. The Maritime Strategy will be published later this year. It will focus on our four priorities of people, growth, environment and safety. Ports have a crucial role to play across all of these.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
21st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of seafarers' welfare, in the context of roster patterns.

The Government is committed to strengthening workers’ rights at sea, which is why as part of the Employment Rights Bill we are introducing powers for Ministers to create a legally-binding Seafarers’ Charter. This will protect and improve seafarer working conditions, including by addressing seafarer fatigue.

We will continue to work with like-minded states and through international forums to raise international standards for seafarer welfare.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
21st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Motor Insurance Taskforce (a) last met and (b) is next scheduled to meet.

The cross-Government Motor Insurance Taskforce met for the first time on 16 October 2024 and the Secretary of State is keen to reconvene again soon. We will provide updates on the Taskforce in due course.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2024 to Question 4347 on Motorcycles: Driving Licences, when the Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group is next scheduled to meet; and whether that meeting will discuss user licensing reform.

The planned meeting of The Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group for autumn 2024 has now been rescheduled for 20 January 2025. The Government is considering plans to review existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing and licensing, taking account of long-standing Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency plans and recent sector proposals.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2024 to Question 4347 on Motorcycles: Driving Licences, whether the Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group met in autumn 2024.

The planned meeting of The Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group for autumn 2024 has now been rescheduled for 20 January 2025. The Government is considering plans to review existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing and licensing, taking account of long-standing Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency plans and recent sector proposals.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with her (a) European and (b) international counterparts on end of sales dates for new non zero emission powered light vehicles.

The Secretary of State has not yet had any discussions with international counterparts on end of sales dates for new non-zero emission powered light vehicles. We remain committed to decarbonising transport, including powered light vehicles, as we shift to zero emission mobility.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of simplifying the licensing process for (a) mopeds, (b) motorcycles and (c) other powered light vehicles.

The Department for Transport has received additional evidence from the Motorcycle Industry Association on the road safety considerations for the proposals set out in their report ‘A Licence to Net Zero’, which proposed changes to the existing licensing regime for mopeds, motorcycles and light powered vehicles. Officials are currently analysing this.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of the licensing regime proposed in the report entitled A licence to net zero, published by the Motorcycle Industry Association in October 2023.

The Department for Transport has received additional evidence from the Motorcycle Industry Association on the road safety considerations for the proposals set out in their report ‘A Licence to Net Zero’, which proposed changes to the existing licensing regime for mopeds, motorcycles and light powered vehicles. Officials are currently analysing this.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what meetings (a) she and (b) Ministers in her Department have had with motorcycle manufacturers.

Ministers have not met with motorcycle manufacturers. Officials continue to meet with the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), which represents and oversees the interests of motorcycle, moped, scooter and Powered Light Vehicle (PLV) industry.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve the uptake of (a) mopeds, (b) motorcycles and (c) other powered light vehicles.

At present, the Government has no policy to encourage greater use of motorcycles, mopeds or other powered light vehicles.

The Government supports the purchase of zero emission motorcycles with the plug-in motorcycle grant for those who want to switch to an electric motorcycle. This is available until at least March 2025 and since 2016 has supported the purchase of over 12,000 mopeds and motorcycles.

Resolving the longstanding problems and missed opportunities of micromobility, including e-scooters, is a priority for the Department for Transport and we will work with colleagues across Government to tackle this as soon as possible.

In November, the Government launched its plan to develop an Integrated National Transport Strategy, which will set out how all modes of transport should be designed, built and operated to better serve all the people who use it, and enable them to live fulfilling lives.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the report by the Motorcycle Industry Association entitled A Licence to Net Zero: Unleashing Our Potential, License Reform Essential: L-Category Licensing Reform Proposals, published on 16 October 2023, if she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of the proposals in that report on the licensing regime for (a) mopeds, (b) motorcycles and (c) other powered light vehicles; and if she will hold discussions with relevant stakeholders on that matter.

The Department for Transport continues to meet with representatives from the motorcycling industry to discuss proposals on Category L licensing reform. We are awaiting evidence from the Motorcycle Industry Association on their proposals.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Motorcycle Strategy Focus Group is next scheduled to meet; and whether the agenda will include a review of (a) moped and (b) motorcycle licensing requirements.

The Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group plan to meet in autumn 2024. The date and agenda for the meeting have yet to be decided.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the evidential basis is for (a) licensing requirements and (b) age restrictions for (i) mopeds, (ii) motorcycles and (iii) other powered light vehicles.

The current licensing requirements and age restrictions for moped, motorcycles were implemented in 2012 when the UK transposed the requirements of the European Union’s Third Driving Licence Directive. These regulations were drafted after extensive public consultation, impact assessments and Parliamentary scrutiny via the European Scrutiny Committee. Furthermore, these regulations were subject to a Post Implementation Review in 2017, published on the legislation.uk website.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to make changes to the Work Capability Assessment.

The Work Capability Assessment is not working and needs to be reformed or replaced. This needs to come alongside a proper plan to support disabled people to work, which will, in turn, bring down the benefits bill.

We are taking the time to review this in the round before setting out next steps on our approach in the coming months.

Stephen Timms
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)