Every parliamentary written question tabled by Andrew Rosindell this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1,141–1,160 of 1,864 · this parliament
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reintroducing physical exit checks at borders.
The Home Office keeps all aspects of the immigration system under regular review, in consultation with a wide range of experts and stakeholders.
Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the hospitality sector on the potential impact of double counting and duplication of packaging waste fees under the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme.
Since Autumn 2024, the Government has been working with stakeholders, including representatives of the hospitality sector, to consider potential amendments to the definition of household packaging. Despite considering multiple approaches, a consensus on a single approach that works for all sectors and within the bounds of legal and regulatory requirements, was not reached. We are continuing to engage with sectors on a way forward and on assessing the tonnages of packaging any amendment might affect in the hospitality sector and in other sectors. We are planning next steps as a priority and will share more information soon.
Food and Rural Affairs, what comparative assessment he has made of the potential impact of Extended Producer Responsibility on breweries and pubs in (a) the UK, (b) Europe and (c) internationally.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 4th April 2025, UIN 42346.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department issues import permits for hunting trophies of cheetahs.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), an executive agency of Defra, is responsible for issuing import permits for hunting trophies. APHA only issue import permits when the strict criteria set out in the UK Wildlife Trade Regulations are satisfied, including that the import does not have a detrimental impact on the conservation status of a species. Data on permits issued for hunting trophies is publicly available on the CITES trade database - https://trade.cites.org/
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to prevent the double counting of packaging waste in pubs under the extended producer responsibility scheme.
Since Autumn 2024, the Government has been working with stakeholders, including representatives of the hospitality sector, to consider potential amendments to the definition of household packaging. Despite considering multiple approaches, a consensus on a single approach that works for all sectors and within the bounds of legal and regulatory requirements, was not reached. We are continuing to engage with sectors on a way forward and on assessing the tonnages of packaging any amendment might affect in the hospitality sector and in other sectors. We are planning next steps as a priority.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing local councils to facilitate glass recycling for hospitality businesses if they choose to cancel their commercial waste contracts.
Local authorities have a duty to arrange the collection of commercial waste when requested to by an occupier of a premise in its area. This may mean providing a service or entering into a contract with a private waste collector. There is no requirement for waste collection authorities to begin offering collection services to premises where they do not already have a service in place, unless a request is made by any such premises. All services arranged by the local authority to collect commercial waste must be compliant with Simpler Recycling from 31 March 2025, unless the micro-firm exemption applies (which allows workplaces with less than 10 full-time equivalent employees an additional 2 years to comply, until 31 March 2027). Simpler Recycling requires collection of glass, either as part of a dry mixed recycling service, or through a dedicated glass collection (depending on the preference of the local authority). It also requires the collection of the other core materials: plastic, metal, paper and card, and food waste.
What steps he has taken to with relevant authorities to support Northern Ireland’s tourism industry.
Northern Ireland remains a highly popular destination for both UK and international visitors. In 2023, the tourism sector contributed approximately £1.2 billion to Northern Ireland’s economy, with 5.4 million visitors. In March, I met with representatives of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance to discuss the opportunities and challenges that its members are facing. The Northern Ireland Executive is ultimately responsible for tourism in Northern Ireland. I welcome the Department for the Economy’s efforts to boost the impact of tourism across Northern Ireland through its 10-year Tourism Vision and Action Plan.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made a comparative assessment of the (a) cost and (b) complexity of the implementation of extended producer responsibility regulations in (i) the UK and (ii) other G7 economies.
There has been no formal assessment, but these matters were all considered in depth during the policy development and consultation process under the previous government.Illustrative base fee estimates for the UK are in the same order of magnitude of other countries’ fees. However, comparisons are not straightforward because of differences in waste infrastructure and waste management approaches.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with relevant authorities to protect the ecosystems of mountain ranges.
Mountain ranges, and specifically the montane habitats they contain, can support a unique flora and fauna. They receive the same statutory protection as other nationally important sites in England. The Cumbria High Fells for example has 110 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that cover about 18 per cent or 35,852 hectares (ha) of the area. The majority of this SSSI area (31,286 ha) is also designated under the Habitats Regulations as ‘Special Areas of Conservation’ (SAC).
Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with local authorities on access to affordable glass recycling services by pubs.
Local authorities have a duty to arrange the collection of commercial waste when requested to by an occupier of a premise in its area. This may mean providing a service or entering into a contract with a private waste collector. There is no requirement for waste collection authorities to begin offering collection services to premises where they do not already have a service in place, unless a request is made by any such premises. All services arranged by the local authority to collect commercial waste must be compliant with Simpler Recycling from 31 March 2025, unless the micro-firm exemption applies (which allows workplaces with less than 10 full-time equivalent employees an additional 2 years to comply, until 31 March 2027). Simpler Recycling requires collection of glass, either as part of a dry mixed recycling service, or through a dedicated glass collection (depending on the preference of the local authority). It also requires the collection of the other core materials: plastic, metal, paper and card, and food waste.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will review the current Extended Producer Responsibility framework.
The previous Government consulted on the principles, objectives, and proposals for extended producer responsibility in 2019 and 2021, and these received high levels of support. We continue to work closely with the devolved governments, environmental regulators, and industry to review the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging with a view to introducing amendments to the scheme.
Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with industry stakeholders on the exemption of on-trade packaging from Extended Producer Responsibility fees.
Since Autumn 2024, the Government has been working with stakeholders, including representatives of the hospitality sector, to consider potential amendments to the definition of household packaging.Despite considering multiple approaches, a consensus on a single approach that works for all sectors and within the bounds of legal and regulatory requirements, was not reached. We are continuing to engage with sectors on a way forward and on assessing the tonnages of packaging any amendment might affect in the hospitality sector and in other sectors. We are planning next steps as a priority.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Extended Producer Responsibility fees on (a) local authority recycling rates and (b) hospitality waste streams.
In October 2024 the Government published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the pEPR scheme on packaging recycling rates. This impact assessment did not split recycling rates on a local authority basis. The impact assessment also did not look at the specific impacts of the pEPR scheme on individual sectors, such as hospitality.
What steps he is taking to ensure that the UK’s financial contributions to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission are sufficient to maintain the graves of UK military personnel.
The annual funding for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC’s) is split between the six member countries, in proportion to the number of war dead from each nation. The United Kingdom is by far the largest contributor at 78.4%. Defence officials work very closely with the CWGC each year to set the annual budget, and therefore funding, for the following year. This work takes account of any specific requirements or projects that may be forecast, whilst also ensuring that the Commission works effectively and efficiently. On that basis, the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide adequate funding going forwards.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to publish best practice guidance for local authorities on enforcing the requirement for all cats and dogs to be microchipped.
Under the Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023, both cats and dogs are required to be microchipped. There are no current plans to publish best practice guidance on enforcing the requirement for all cats and dogs to be microchipped and we will continue to keep this under review. Local authorities and police have powers to enforce breaches of the Regulation. It will be for each local authority to determine on a case-by-case basis whether enforcement action is proportionate.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to grant local authorities the power to issue conditional fixed penalty notices for non-compliance with microchipping regulations for dogs and cats.
We will keep under review whether to grant local authorities the power to issue conditional fixed penalty notices for non-compliance with microchipping regulations for dogs and cats.
Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will (a) provide local authorities with sufficient resources and (b) create a legal duty for local authorities to enforce requirements for all cats and dogs to be microchipped.
Under the Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023, both cats and dogs are required to be microchipped. There are no current plans to publish best practice guidance on enforcing the requirement for all cats and dogs to be microchipped and we will continue to keep this under review. Local authorities and police have powers to enforce breaches of the Regulation. It will be for each local authority to determine on a case-by-case basis whether enforcement action is proportionate.
What recent steps he has taken to support the aerospace industry.
The strategic aim of this Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy is to make sure the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy are aligned. This Government is committed to supporting UK defence manufacturing, including in the aerospace industry, ensuring a robust industrial base and creating skilled job opportunities, particularly through projects which uphold our sovereign capability in producing defence equipment. This Government recognises the vital contribution of the aerospace industry. There are already over 3,500 roles supporting the Global Combat Air Programme in the UK alone, compared to 1,800 in 2021. All Ministry of Defence procurement decisions are carefully considered, taking into account not only the capabilities of the equipment but also the wider economic impact and the need to maintain operational sovereignty.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help improve the provision of renewable energy on St Helena.
The St Helena Government is responsible for energy generation and has set out the ambition for generating 80 per cent of its local energy production from renewable energy sources by 2027/2028. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, through its £30 million Economic Development and Investment Programme, is supporting the St Helena Government to progress capital investment in a range of renewable sources.
What steps he has taken to increase defence co-operation between the United Kingdom and Italy.
Italy remains one of the UK's most critical partners for European defence and security. The UK has a valuable and longstanding partnership with Italy built on deep tri-service links and historic cooperation in the combat air and weapons sectors. Through annual 2+2 meetings between our Foreign and Defence Secretaries, our bilateral High-Level Military Dialogue, and regular interaction through other groupings such as NATO and E5 Defence Ministers Group, we continuously explore how our nations can better work together to address issues of shared strategic interest. The closeness of our relationship is exemplified by our commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Alongside Italy and Japan, we have made great progress delivering GCAP, achieving Treaty Ratification between all partner nations in December 2024 and establishing the GCAP Headquarters, based in Reading. This programme will not only deliver a cutting-edge combat aircraft but will foster closer defence cooperation between the three nations while also strengthening each country's defence industry, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. Outside of GCAP, the bi-annual Senior Armaments Export Group meeting brings together government and industry to understand how we can best work together to pursue opportunities for deeper collaboration on defence programmes and exports. In February 2025, British and Italian capability directors signed a Statement of Intent focusing on complex weapons cooperation, adding more structure to this relationship.Operationally our relationship is strong. We continue to deepen interoperability between our Carrier Strike Groups. As the only other European nation with carrier-capable F-35B aircraft, the Italian Armed Forces are providing a crucial contribution to the UK's 2025 Carrier Strike Group deployment, Op HIGHMAST.