Every parliamentary written question tabled by Alex Burghart this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 461–480 of 482 · this parliament
With reference to her oral statement of 24 July 2024, Official Record, col 697, on Education and Opportunity, what plans her Department has to consult (a) external stakeholders and (b) people who have undertake
The department is committed to working to break down barriers to opportunity, harnessing talent and driving growth. In July this year, my Right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced that the department is undertaking an internal revi...
What steps she is taking to support colleges and schools to (a) adopt T-levels and (b) expand their T-levels programmes in their settings in the 2025-26 academic year.
The government is committed to supporting the continued roll-out of T Levels to ensure young people have a choice of high quality options post-16.T Level providers have access to a suite of support and resources to help them prepare for and deliver T Leve...
With reference to his oral statement of 11 September 2024 on Patrick Finucane Murder, Official Report, columns 841-3, whether he is considering other requests for public inquiries into incidents from the
The Government considers all requests for public inquiries on a case-by-case basis.As I outlined in my oral statement of 11 September 2024, there are exceptional reasons why I have decided to establish an inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane.
What recent progress the Expert Advisory Panel for Public History of British Policy During the Northern Ireland Conflict has made.
The advisory panel continues to work under the published terms of reference. I was pleased to meet with the panel on 17 September to discuss details of the project.
With reference to his speech of 7 September 2024, entitled A new chapter in the UK-Ireland relationship, when he plans to set out his plans to increase the independence of the Independent Commission on R
The High Court found the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) to be independent and capable of conducting human rights compliant investigations. The recent Court of Appeal judgment also recognised the structural indep...
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 September 2024 to Question 3050 on Poultry: Import Controls, what certification is required to evidence that products are from unvaccinated ducks.
Currently, imports of vaccinated ducks cannot be certified as the animal health requirements in the Import Health Certificates cannot be met. Standard certificates for imports of products of animal origin and live animals, available on GOV.UK, are used. T...
Pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2024 to Question 3049 on Patrick Finucane, if he will publish copies of his letters to (a) Mrs Finucane and (b) the Court of Appeal.
On Wednesday 11 September, I made an oral statement to Parliament announcing the Government’s intention to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane. I have notified the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal of this decision and Mrs G...
When he plans to appoint a new Veterans’ Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
We are committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland, including through the Veterans Welfare Service NI and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. We will set out next steps for the appointment of a new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissio...
What the (a) purpose and (b) function is of the 10 Downing Street data science team.
The purpose of 10 Downing Street Data Science Team is to ensure that the best available data and evidence is available for use in government decision making, in particular to advise the Prime Minister, other senior ministers and senior civil servants.The ...
What his planned timetable is for appointing the Head of the National Security Unit for Procurement.
The Head of the National Security Unit for Procurement has been appointed.
What the (a) headcount and (b) budget is of the 10 Downing Street data science team.
There were 21 FTE staff in post as of 31 July 2024, with a standing headcount of 25. The budget for the 2024/25 year is £2.347m. This budget covers headcount, with funding for incidental expenditures coming from a flexible central pot.
Which veterans' organisations he has met with to discuss his plans for the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.
In my written ministerial statement of 29 July 2024, I committed to undertake a period of consultation with all interested parties, including veterans organisations, to hear views regarding a practical way forward on legacy issues that complies with human...
If he will publish the letter from Sir Iain Livingstone on the discovery of new documents relevant to Operation Kenova.
The letter addressed to me from Sir Iain Livingstone regarding the discovery of new documents relevant to Operation Kenova has already been published on the Operation Kenova website.
If he will publish his request to the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland for extra time to consider the ruling in the case of Geraldine Finucane v Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
I met with Mrs Finucane on 25 July to hear firsthand her views, during which I explained that I would likely be required to seek an extension to the timetable set by the Court. I then wrote to Mrs Finucane and the Court of Appeal setting out in detail the rationale for the extension request, most notably that, in light of the recent change in government, the requirement for cross-government consultation, the need for officials across government to provide new Ministers with a full briefing on the case, and the parliamentary summer recess period during August, it would not be possible to reach a government decision on a process for investigation of the relevant aspects of Patrick Finucane’s death, that would be compliant with Article 2 of the European Court of Human Rights, within the timescale set by the Court (ie. by 22 August 2024).Mrs Finucane did not object to the Government’s request and the Court has granted the Government an extension to 27 September 2024 to respond to its judgement of 11 July 2024.I want to ensure that the Government makes a decision on this case as soon as possible and that this decision takes account of the views of Mrs Finucane.I will update the House on the Government’s position in due course.
Whether the appointment of Ian Corfield as Director of Investment was through open competition.
Ian Corfield was appointed on a short-term basis to carry out urgent work in support of the government’s International Investment Summit in October. A full recruitment process could not have been completed in the time available. He has since been appointed, unpaid, as a direct ministerial appointment.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 1 August 2024 to Question 1969 on Poultry: Import Controls, what steps British businesses wishing to import French duck meat should take to certify that it comes from unvaccinated flocks.
France cannot currently export duck meat or products to Great Britain if they come from ducks vaccinated against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Importers must ensure their suppliers can certify that the products are from unvaccinated ducks. The French competent authority has been clear in advising their industry on the rules surrounding HPAI vaccination. Close collaboration with suppliers is crucial to ensure that certificates are accurately completed according to the flock's vaccination status. This is key to meeting UK standards and avoiding incorrectly certified imports
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to review the import ban on French ducks.
It is important to protect animal health and welfare and avoid the economic impacts posed by disease incursion. Therefore, UK businesses importing duck products or meat must currently ensure they are sourced from unvaccinated animals. The Department understands the concerns of GB importers and remains in close dialogue with industry and the French authorities to seek further information relating to France’s Avian Influenza Vaccination Plan.
If he will have discussions with the Victims Payments Board in Northern Ireland on the eligibility deadline for the backdated lump sum payment of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.
In view of concerns raised by stakeholders that some potential applicants could lose out on backdated payments, I have decided to extend the date for which backdated payments can be made from the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme by two years, from 31 August 2024 to 31 August 2026.This extension will allow anyone deemed eligible in the five-year lifespan of the scheme, which makes acknowledgement payments to individuals who have been permanently injured during the Troubles, to avail of a payment backdated to 2014.This will assist both those who have suffered and are applying to the scheme, and those who are supporting applicants.
Innovation and Technology, what the (a) current and (b) planned full-time equivalent headcount of i.AI is.
As a new team i.AI is still recruiting to fill the agreed full-time headcount of 70 staff. The current equivalent headcount is 43.
Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to ensure that departments have access to high quality predictive modelling.
Predictive modelling is widely used across government departments, including DSIT, and is implemented by analysts from the various analytical professions. These professions are brought together by the ONS-based Analysis Function, which co-ordinates analytical standards, including learning and training resources, and quality assurance. The Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), which is now part of DSIT, is driving cross-government AI-adoption plans which will increase departments’ access to high quality predictive modelling. CDDO develops standards and guidance for AI adoption, including the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standards which support the National Data Strategy commitment to explore an appropriate and effective way to deliver greater transparency on algorithm-assisted decision making in the public sector.