13 Nov 2024·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat steps he his taking to use (a) data and (b) AI to improve NHS efficiency.
ReplyData and technology is a key enabling workstream in our 10-Year Health Plan. The NHS is already using and promoting several national tools and datasets to help systems and providers identify and implement efficiency opportunities. The NHS Spend Comparison...
13 Nov 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhether stockpiles of NLAW armoury are being replenished.
ReplyYes. In December 2022, a contract was signed for several thousand Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon (NLAW) systems to be delivered to the UK Armed Forces, and deliveries have commenced.
13 Nov 2024·Home Office·Answered
AskedWhat recent assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the Prevent programme.
ReplyThe Independent Review of Prevent, published on 8 February 2023, was conducted by Sir William Shawcross. 33 of the 34 recommendations have now been implemented. This has included strengthening guidance and training, regionalising Prevent delivery, and imp...
13 Nov 2024·Home Office·Answered
AskedHow many and what proportion of people referred to the Prevent programme went on to commit acts of (a) terrorism and (b) violent crime in each of the last five years for which data is available.
ReplyThe first priority of Government is to keep its citizens safe. Prevent is a vital part of that. We must try and divert people away from radicalisation and violent ideologies.Between 2019 and 2024, there have sadly, been 4 instances where somebody who had ...
13 Nov 2024·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWhat progress he has made on (a) a free trade agreement and (b) reducing trade tariffs applicable to Scottish whiskey with India.
ReplyAt the G20 on 18 November, the Prime Minister met Prime Minister Modi to announce that the UK will relaunch trade talks in the new year with India – one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Work is underway across government to prepare for negot...
13 Nov 2024·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWhat steps he is taking to keep the UK as a competitive place to invest in AI start-ups.
ReplyThe UK has a competitive advantage in AI, with some of the world’s most innovative AI companies based here.The government commissioned an Action Plan in July, led by Matt Clifford to identify how AI can drive economic growth and explore untapped AI opport...
13 Nov 2024·Department for Culture, Media and Sport·Answered
AskedMedia and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of pursuing machine ratio reforms to the land-based gambling industry.
ReplyWe are considering the best available evidence in respect of machine ratio reforms, and the Minister for Gambling has met with a wide range of stakeholders including industry trade bodies. We will provide further updates to the House soon.
12 Nov 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on whether the position of Honorary Consul of Kiribati is planned to be filled in the next 12 months.
ReplyThere are no plans to appoint an Honorary Consul in Kiribati. The British High Commissioner for Fiji is the accredited non-resident High Commissioner for Kiribati.
12 Nov 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, how many UK nationals have requested consular assistance in Somaliland in each of the last five years.
ReplyThere is very limited in-person consular support available in Somaliland. Consular assistance is overseen remotely from the British Embassy in Ethiopia. As such, our case management system does not enable us to isolate all consular assistance cases from w...
12 Nov 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedIf he will take steps to streamline the recruitment for military personnel.
ReplyThe new Government is focused upon improving Armed Forces recruitment, modernising and refining our policies and processes to attract the best possible talent. Recent policies have included a 35% pay increase for new recruits; one of the largest pay incre...
12 Nov 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow many military personnel have (a) been recruited into the Armed Forces and (b) not passed basic training in each of the last 10 years.
ReplyThe new Government inherited a very challenging recruitment and retention position for all Services, and has made improving recruitment and readiness of our Armed Forces an early priority. The Defence Secretary has already made announcements to improve re...
12 Nov 2024·Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government·Answered
AskedCommunities and Local Government, what steps she has taken with local authorities to help prevent (a) mould-related illnesses and (b) rodent infestations in housing provided by local authorities.
ReplyI refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave to Question UIN 11562 on 6 November 2024.
12 Nov 2024·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedWhat steps she is taking to help prevent suicide on railway infrastructure.
ReplyThe Department is committed to working with the rail industry to reduce the number of deaths by suicide. Each rail operator is responsible for delivering a suicide prevention plan and maintaining accreditation to the independently assessed Safeguarding on...
12 Nov 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat steps he is taking to increase recruitment and retention in the Ministry of Defence Police.
ReplyOfficer recruitment is dependent on a number of factors including operational need and changes in Defence priorities. As a result, our recruitment targets fluctuate throughout the year. Recruitment is kept under constant review and is driven by Defence re...
12 Nov 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow much his Department spent on external recruitment consultants in each of the last 5 years.
ReplySince entering Government, we have taken immediate action to stop all non-essential Ministry of Defence consultancy spending. The information requested specifically on external recruitment consultants is not held centrally.
12 Nov 2024·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedWhat steps she is taking to help prevent (a) violent crime and (b) theft of personal property on railway infrastructure.
ReplyTackling violent crime is a priority for the British Transport Police (BTP) and they are committed to taking action to prevent the theft of personal property. BTP works closely with rail industry partners to ensure that passengers and rail staff feel safe...
12 Nov 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to meet with the Chief Executive of Hong Kong in the next 12 months.
ReplyThe Foreign Secretary will engage with authorities in Hong Kong where there are clear UK interests, including on international stability, climate, health and bolstering our trade relationship. There are no current plans for the Foreign Secretary to visit ...
12 Nov 2024·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedWhat steps she is taking to help improve (a) recruitment and (b) retention in the British Transport Police.
ReplyThe British Transport Police (BTP) are dedicated to building a modern, inclusive, and resilient force that reflects the communities it serves. Their latest headcount figures show the Force is successful at maintaining staff and officer numbers at a consis...
12 Nov 2024·Department for Education·Answered
AskedWhat assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) primary and (b) secondary school provision in Romford constituency.
ReplyPrimary and secondary pupil numbers are forecast to rise from 2025/26. The department will work with local authorities and trusts to manage future demand.The department has previously approved two primary free school projects to serve planned housing deve...
11 Nov 2024·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
AskedHow many applications her Department received from pensioners living in countries where the UK State Pension is not uprating yearly requesting that their pension be temporarily uprated because they are
ReplyThe information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.