Every parliamentary written question tabled by Bob Blackman this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 161–180 of 265 · this parliament
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Iranian counterparts concerning the recent arrest of Baha’i children’s rights activist, Afshin Heyratian; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to ensure his release.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided to question 67802 on 6 August 2025, and add that we are aware of Afshin Heyratian's case and are monitoring the situation for Baha'is more widely.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Iranian counterpart on the sentencing of Morteza Faghanpour Sassi; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure his release.
Further to the answer I gave on 29 October to Question 83265, we are concerned by Morteza Faghanpour Sassi's case and we continue to monitor the situation for Christians in Iran.
What steps he is taking to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.
I introduced the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on 14 October – a significant step in fulfilling our commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act. The Bill received its Second Reading yesterday, and I look forward to continued debate and scrutiny as it progresses through Parliament.
What steps he plans to take to help ensure that imported vaping liquids are subject to the same (a) safety and (b) nicotine-level testing as those produced by UK-regulated manufacturers.
Powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill allow us to establish a new registration scheme for tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products. Under this scheme, manufacturers of vaping liquids, as well as other products, would be required to provide information verifying the product’s safety and compliance with our product rules. Alongside this, the bill provides powers to establish a more rigorous testing regime for these products. These rules will apply to products produced in the United Kingdom and those imported for sale into the UK.There are questions on both the registration and testing of products in the recently published Call for Evidence. In this, we are seeking information on how best to implement the registration scheme, as well as elements such as testing standards. The evidence gathered will inform development of policy and a subsequent consultation. Further information on the Call for Evidence is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/tobacco-and-vapes-evidence-to-support-legislationThe future registration scheme will play an important part in enforcing our rules on product requirements. It will ensure consumer safety and improve retailer confidence in the products they are selling.
What steps he plans to take to ensure that the proposed pre-filled pod ban amendment in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill prevents the sale of non-compliant imported liquids to under-age users.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill does not include any measures which would ban pre-filled vape pods, and we have no plans to amend the Bill or bring forward secondary legislation to this effect. An amendment put forward by Earl Russell that proposes to ban pre-filled pods was debated and subsequently withdrawn during the second committee session for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the House of Lords.The Bill will enable the introduction of a new registration scheme for all tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, which will ensure that only compliant imported e-liquids are available for sale in the United Kingdom. The Bill also ensures that all vaping products, including pre-filled pods, will fall under the same age of sale of 18 years old, and new fixed penalty notices will support Trading Standards in taking swift action in relation to underage sales.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether any cross-departmental work is being undertaken to (a) assess and (b) address the environmental impact of illegally imported disposable vapes.
Single-use vapes have been banned in the UK since 1 June 2025, we are continuing to monitor the impact of the ban, including the illicit market. In March 2025, the Government announced a £10 million funding boost to trading standards to tackle illicit vapes, including those that are single-use, to ensure that the ban is successfully enforced.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Iranian counterpart on the sentencing of Morteza Faghanpour Sassi; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure his release.
Further to the answer I gave on 29 October to Question 83265, we are concerned by Morteza Faghanpour Sassi's case and we continue to monitor the situation for Christians in Iran.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the compatibility of the UK’s domestic provision of (a) a free reception year and (b) tuition-free secondary education with her Department's position on proposals at the United Nations to guarantee (i) at least one year of free pre-primary education and (ii) free secondary education in international law.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 3 November 2025 to Question 84390.
Whether he has made an estimate of the number of illegal vape imports that do not comply with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s notification and testing regime which have entered the UK market in the most recent period for which data is available.
Before a nicotine vape can be placed on the United Kingdom consumer market, producers or manufacturers must first submit a notification to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), in accordance with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. If the notification data is compliant, the notification will be published on the MHRA portal.However, under the current system, there is no requirement to check a product against its notification. There is also no current testing regime for nicotine vapes – this is done on an ad hoc basis where there is concern a product does not meet regulations. Therefore, no estimate has been made.Powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will enable us to establish a new registration scheme and more rigorous testing regime for tobacco, vaping and nicotine products.Enforcement agencies continue to take action to ensure that illegal vapes do not reach consumers. In 2024/25, over one million illicit vapes were seized inland, and over 1.2 million illicit vapes were detained at ports by Trading Standards in England.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Education and (b) other Cabinet colleagues on the UK’s position on proposals at the United Nations to negotiate an Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to strengthen the right to education.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 3 November 2025 to Question 84390.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will review the adequacy of her Department's position ahead of the next meeting at the UN on an Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to strengthen the right to education in 2026; and if she will publish the (a) criteria, (b) timeline and (c) cross-Government process for that review.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 3 November 2025 to Question 84390.
Communities and Local Government, if he will meet with the Fire Brigades Union to discuss the safety of firefighters when tackling wildfires.
The health and safety of firefighters is of the utmost importance. The government recognises the risks that firefighters face and is grateful to them for their bravery. Fire and rescue authorities, as employers, must take action to protect firefighter physical and mental health, this includes ensuring that firefighters receive the appropriate equipment and training they need. The government is proactively engaging with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) alongside other fire and rescue sector stakeholders both at Ministerial and at official level. The FBU is also a member of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Fire and Rescue Reform (MAGFRR) which has been established under this government. The MAGFRR brings together key fire and rescue sector leaders to discuss policy and key issues.
Communities and Local Government, how his Department plans to work with relevant stakeholders to resolve potential issues affecting the delivery of social housing through Section 106 on early engagement between developers and housing associations on the (a) design and (b) quality of homes in the long-term.
Section 106 agreements are, and will remain, an essential mechanism for delivering social and affordable housing. The government continues to progress work on a holistic policy package that will deal with the legacy problem of existing uncontracted S106 units and also prevent the problem recurring. We are working with stakeholders, including registered providers, local planning authorities and housebuilders, on this. In respect of early engagement specifically, my Department notes and welcomes the work of the G15 group of London's leading housing associations and others to develop collaboration principles aimed at improving how housebuilders and social landlords work together to deliver successful S106 agreements.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) fuel duty, (b) Clean Air Zone charges and (c) Direct Vision Standard requirements on London-based (a) haulage and (b) coach operators.
At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut and cancelling the planned increase in line with inflation for 2025/26. The temporary 5p cut is scheduled to expire in March 2026. The Government carefully considers the impact of fuel duty on households and businesses across the country, with decisions on rates made at fiscal events. Responsibility for policy decisions as regards Clean Air Zones (CAZs) lie with Local Authorities, who have the autonomy to decide whether to impose measures to address air quality in their local area. In London this power lies with the Mayor. This Government believes that decisions of this sort are for local authorities to make and that it is not for central government to dictate what is, or isn’t, right for their areas. Local Authorities are required by statute to promote road safety, including undertaking collision/casualty data analysis and devising programmes, training and publicity that will improve road safety. Measures such as TfL's 'Direct Vision Standards' and other local road safety programmes are a matter devolved to the Mayor of London who is responsible for the safety of London's roads.
Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of fuel duty increases on (a) the cost of living and (b) consumer prices in London.
At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut and cancelling the planned increase in line with inflation for 2025/26. The temporary 5p cut is scheduled to expire in March 2026. The Government carefully considers the impact of fuel duty on households and businesses across the country, with decisions on rates made at fiscal events. Responsibility for policy decisions as regards Clean Air Zones (CAZs) lie with Local Authorities, who have the autonomy to decide whether to impose measures to address air quality in their local area. In London this power lies with the Mayor. This Government believes that decisions of this sort are for local authorities to make and that it is not for central government to dictate what is, or isn’t, right for their areas. Local Authorities are required by statute to promote road safety, including undertaking collision/casualty data analysis and devising programmes, training and publicity that will improve road safety. Measures such as TfL's 'Direct Vision Standards' and other local road safety programmes are a matter devolved to the Mayor of London who is responsible for the safety of London's roads.
What steps is the Department taking to promote earlier detection, ensure dentists, GPs and other frontline health professionals are trained to identify early warning signs, and improve timely diagnosis and referral for treatment in relation to mouth cancer.
We know that more needs to be done to improve outcomes for patients with mouth cancer. Our forthcoming National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart and will include further details on how we will speed up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, and ultimately drive up this country’s cancer survival rates.To support earlier and faster cancer diagnosis, we are now delivering additional checks, tests, and scans at 170 community diagnostic centres.Additionally, to help increase early detection of cancer, the Government has recently launched Jess’s Rule, an initiative that asks general practitioners (GPs) to think again if, after three appointments, they have been unable to diagnose a patient, or their symptoms have escalated.We are also investing an additional £889 million in GPs, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.2 billion in 2025/26. This will help to ensure that we have a well-trained and well-equipped primary care service that can take the time to provide quality care to patients around the country.Dentists and other dental professionals, including hygienists, routinely check the soft tissues of a patient’s mouth for signs of cancer during dental visits and, as part of the check-up, will make an assessment and record an individual’s oral cancer risk. Dentists will prioritise patients at a higher risk of oral cancer for more frequent recall and review in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance.
Communities and Local Government, what alternative options for helping to deliver (a) affordable and (b) social housing in London have been considered by his Department.
When developing policy, the government considers the merits of an extensive range of potential policy solutions.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Iranian counterpart on the detention of Baha’i Shahram Fallah since August 2025; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure his release.
I refer to the Hon. Member to the answer provided to question 67802 on 6 August 2025 and add that on 23 September 2025, at the UN Human Rights Council, Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization and UN, Kumar Iyer, highlighted Iran's recent targeting and scapegoating of marginalised communities, including Baha'is.
Communities and Local Government, what steps he plans to take to (a) maintain social housing commitments in existing planning permissions in London and (b) ensure that levels of social housing are not reduced in instances where developments are already approved in London.
As part of the Government’s drive to build 1.5 million new homes in this Parliament, the Mayor of London and the government have developed a package of support for housebuilding in the capital. This package includes a new time-limited planning route designed to improve the viability of housing developments in the near term, boosting the number of new homes, including affordable homes delivered in the next few years. Details of the package, including the impacts of the programme, were set out in a policy statement published on 23 October 2025, available on gov.uk here. As set out in the policy statement, once the new time-limited planning route comes into effect applicants will be expected to seek grant where needed to maintain or increase the level of affordable housing in existing section 106 agreements. I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 79909 on 20 October 2025.
Communities and Local Government, what steps she plans to take to ensure that the 60% of affordable homes provided through the new route at social rent are not renegotiated out at a later stage in the development process.
On 23 October 2025, the Secretary of State and the Mayor of London announced a new package of support for housebuilding in London. Details can be found on gov.uk here. A consultation on these London-specific measures will be launched in November 2025. The package includes a new, time-limited planning route, which will sit alongside the Greater London Authority’s existing Fast Track and Viability Tested routes. This new route is designed to encourage schemes to come forward, and existing schemes to progress, in the near-term, in order to support a rapid recovery in housing delivery. In order to access this time-limited route, schemes will be required to provide at least 20 per cent affordable housing, with a minimum of 60 per cent social rent (and the rest intermediate tenures in line with London Plan policy). Boroughs will be expected to consider applications that meet these minimum levels. This route will be available until 31 March 2028 or the publication of the revised London Plan, whichever is earlier. All planning decisions on applications will need to have been issued by the local planning authority by the deadline. A gain-share review mechanism will be applicable where construction on the scheme has not reached a fixed milestone by the end of March 2030 – meaning that if additional returns result from improved market conditions, these benefit fairly both the developer and the community.Any proposed reductions in affordable housing will be subject to full viability assessment and will no longer be eligible for the time limited planning route. In this case a review would then apply regardless of whether the delivery milestone was met to determine whether additional affordable housing contributions can be provided if viability improves over the lifetime of the development. In respect of existing schemes, the GLA encourages partners to deliver affordable housing in excess of 20 per cent where possible, especially where planning consents are in place, and will make grant available at or above the announced benchmark grant rates for such projects where it provides value for money to do so. Projects consented at 35 per cent or more affordable housing, that are currently stalled due to viability reasons, are encouraged to assess the availability of grant where this is needed to support delivery and to increase the level of affordable housing above this. For bids providing less than 35 per cent affordable housing, where the grant requested is higher than the said benchmarks, the GLA will require Additionality Viability Assessments to be undertaken. In all cases, the GLA will undertake checks to ensure that any grant allocated is compliant with subsidy control rules