Every parliamentary written question tabled by Alex Sobel this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 261–267 of 267 · this parliament
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the Bridge to Busan declaration.
The Bridge to Busan is a political declaration to raise ambition on addressing primary plastic polymers. It aims to achieve the goal of ending plastic pollution in the context of the plastic pollution treaty, currently being negotiated by the Intergovernm...
If he will make an assessment of the contribution of the plastic production industry to the level of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the UK in (a) 2024 and (b) in the next ten years.
The department does not produce specific emissions estimates for the plastic production industry, however our greenhouse gas (GHG) territorial (i.e. occurring within the UK’s borders) emissions statistics by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) includ...
Whether her Department plans to introduce air quality targets within train stations.
The Government is committed to ensuring that the railway maintains the highest air quality standards to safeguard the health and well-being of passengers and rail staff. The Department for Transport already requires Network Rail and train operators to develop air quality improvement plans to address issues in stations. The Department is also working with the Rail Safety and Standards Board to explore the option of specific air quality targets for the rail network, including within stations, to ensure rail remains one of the cleanest forms of mass public transport. The Department will confirm its position in due course.
What steps his Department is taking to help GP surgeries (a) improve energy efficiency and (b) reduce their carbon footprint.
Primary care will play an important role in helping the National Health Service achieve the net zero targets outlined in the report, Delivering a Net Zero NHS, published in July 2022, by decarbonising its estate, travel, and supply chain. Targeted efforts are needed to reduce emissions from medicines, which make up nearly two-thirds of primary care’s carbon footprint. There is range of support available to general practice (GP) surgeries to achieve this transition. Supported by NHS England, the Royal College of General Practitioners is actively working to reduce the carbon footprint of GP surgeries through several initiatives like the Net Zero Hub, which provides guidance, eLearning, and tools for sustainability, and the Green Impact for Health Toolkit, which offers practical advice and awards for sustainable practices, among others. GP surgeries are also encouraged to use grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, for low-carbon heating solutions. On efficiency and heat, all new buildings and major refurbishment projects, including primary care upgrades, will need to comply with NHS England’s Net Zero Building Standard, published in 2023.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Indonesian counterpart on the human rights situation in West Papua.
The Foreign Secretary and have raised concerns publicly about reports of human rights abuses during the protests in Bangladesh. We have urged an end to the violence and stressed the need for the right to assemble peacefully and express different political views to be protected.We continue to engage with the Bangladesh government including the Foreign Secretary on the importance of respect for human rights.
If she will make an estimate of the number 16-18 year-olds who will not be able to secure a place in (a) further education and (b) training because not enough suitable places are available in Leeds in September (i) 2024 and (ii) 2025.
The department is working closely with Leeds City Council, Luminate Education Group and other providers in Leeds to ensure all 16-19 learners can access places, both in 2024 and in 2025.
What information his Department holds on the extent to which medical equipment that was used at Headley Court Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre has been repurposed since that centre's closure.
The table below provides a breakdown of the medical equipment from Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Headley Court that was either transferred to another Defence location, or relocated to DMRC Stanford Hall, as it was still serviceable. Equipment transferred from DMRC Headley Court NumberIce machine1Wet bulb globe test (WGBT)3Continuous passive motion system1Sling suspension1Standing frame2Neuro stimulator1Doppler2Dynamic compression system1Functional electrical stimulation device (FES)11FES bike1Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)4Handheld NMES11Infusion pump2Pressure testing system1Socket tester1Soft tissue mobiliser1Tilt table1Water bath2Parallel bars5Sitting scales1Targeted negative pressure device1Image intensifier1