24 Mar 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 38925 on Chelsea Football Club: Sales, whether he has a timetable for when the proceeds from the sale will reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine.
ReplyThe UK is working with international partners, has engaged with Abramovich's team, and is exploring all options to ensure the proceeds reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine. While it would not be appropriate to provide a running commentary on discussions, we are doing everything we can to make progress on this matter as quickly as possible.
24 Mar 2025·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2025 to Question 39293, when he plans to publish guidance relating to communities and onshore wind; when Solar Energy UK plans to publish its guidance; and whether the guidance will be binding.
ReplyWe will publish updated community benefits guidance for onshore wind in England in spring 2025, to clearly set out our expectations on what effective community benefits for communities that host new onshore wind projects should look like. Solar Energy UK plans to publish its community benefits guidance for solar PV later this year. It will apply on a voluntary basis and provide a benchmark for the solar energy sector.
24 Mar 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 38925 on Chelsea Football Club: Sales, what steps his Department has taken to secure access to the proceeds.
ReplyThe UK is working with international partners, has engaged with Abramovich's team, and is exploring all options to ensure the proceeds reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine. While it would not be appropriate to provide a running commentary on discussions, we are doing everything we can to make progress on this matter as quickly as possible.
20 Mar 2025·Home Office·Answered
AskedIf she will publish a timetable for the piloting of domestic violence specialists in every 999 control room; and when she plans to roll this out to (a) Thames Valley and (b) other constabularies not included in the pilot.
ReplyIn February we launched Raneem's Law, and embedded external domestic abuse specialists in the first five 999 control rooms. Learnings from the first five forces will inform plans for further national rollout. Exact timings will be announced in due course.This Government is committed to rolling this out across all 43 forces in England and Wales as soon as possible. This is the first time the Government is delivering a national, coordinated approach to embedding specialism into 999 control rooms and this must be delivered to the highest standards.
20 Mar 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has held discussions with the EU Commission on the potential establishment of a new forum to enable joint UK-EU decision making on the development of (a) a pan-European rearmament bank and (b) similar institution aimed at enabling financing for (i) the ReArm Europe programme and (ii) other defence programmes.
ReplyWe need to work together to bolster the European defence industrial base, making sure that it can compete globally and deliver for our security and defence needs as well as contribute to growth and jobs. Officials and Ministers will continue to engage EU counterparts as we reset relations and explore opportunities for UK-EU defence and security cooperation.
20 Mar 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the EU Commission on the potential role of the UK in supporting the development of a (a) pan-European rearmament bank and (b) similar institution aimed at enabling financing for (i) the ReArm Europe programme and (ii) other defence programmes.
ReplyWe need to work together to bolster the European defence industrial base, making sure that it can compete globally and deliver for our security and defence needs as well as contribute to growth and jobs. Officials and Ministers will continue to engage EU counterparts as we reset relations and explore opportunities for UK-EU defence and security cooperation.
20 Mar 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Oral Statement of 17 March 2025 on G7, Official Report, column 41 and 46, what steps he is taking to ensure that the UK is fulfilling its obligations under international humanitarian law.
ReplyAs soon as the Foreign Secretary took office, he ordered a review into Israel's compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which concluded that there was a clear risk that UK export items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations IHL. I also receive legal advice as appropriate on the UK's obligations. The IHL assessments continue and we are closely monitoring developments in Gaza and will keep this position under review. The UK has raised compliance with IHL with Israel at the most senior levels and has discussed it with G7 partners.We have suspended relevant export licences to Israel for use in military operations in the Gaza conflict. We have continued to review export licences for items to Israel and assess that there are no extant licences for items that might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of IHL. This is subject to the specific measures set out before Parliament excluding exports to the global F-35 programme from the scope of the suspension.Our longstanding position is that it is for the courts to determine whether or not a crime has been committed.
20 Mar 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department held discussions with the EU Commission on the development of the ReArm Europe plan; and whether his Department is taking steps with the EU Commission to establish a means through which the UK can (a) contribute to and (b) be supported through this plan.
ReplyWe strongly welcome the ambitions of the ReArm programme and believe it is in the interest of European defence to create a structure that allows member states to partner with the UK. Officials and Ministers frequently engage EU counterparts, including High Representative Kaja Kallas, who met with the Defence and Foreign Secretaries in London last month, the first visit by an EU High Representative since the UK left the EU. During which they discussed the need for EU defence financing and wider defence industrial initiatives to be inclusive of third countries like the UK and we will continue to do so.
19 Mar 2025·Department for Education·Answered
AskedWhen she plans to answer Questions (a) 36322, (b) 36323 and (c) 36324, tabled by the hon. Member for Bicester and Woodstock on 6 March 2025.
ReplyThe answers to Written Parliamentary Questions 36322, 36323 and 36324 were published on 20 March 2025.
18 Mar 2025·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
AskedIf she will make an assessment of the cost to the public purse for PIP payments for people with mental health conditions.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 34908 on 10th March 2025.
18 Mar 2025·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWith reference to the press release entitled Households near new pylons to save hundreds on energy bills, published on 10 March 2025, if he will take steps to provide similar funding to communities affected by renewables schemes.
ReplyWe have announced bill discounts for new transmission infrastructure projects because many communities will live close to this infrastructure without enjoying the direct, tangible benefits coming from other technologies, such as local jobs and investment. However, in the Clean Power Action Plan, we made clear that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, we will ensure they benefit from it. There are many options in this area including community funds and shared ownership, which we are exploring. In the interim, we intend to publish guidance for onshore wind in England and Solar Energy UK has also committed to publishing guidance.
18 Mar 2025·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
AskedWhat assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed welfare reforms on poverty levels among (a) disabled people and (b) their families.
ReplyAs the Secretary of State announced on Tuesday 18th March 2025, the equality and poverty impact analysis will be published alongside the spring statement.
18 Mar 2025·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
AskedWhat assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of her proposed welfare reforms on demand for social care services from people who may lose benefit eligibility.
ReplyThe Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will support the Casey Commission into adult social care – and work closely with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) – as we take forward the proposals in the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper. In the short term, up to £3.7 billion of additional funding will be made available for social care authorities in 2025/2026, including an £880 million increase in the Social Care Grant. For those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, we are consulting on how best to support this group, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met.
18 Mar 2025·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
AskedWith reference to her oral statement on Welfare Reform on 18 March 2025, what proportion of the potential savings to the public purse identified by her Department is related to young people in receipt of Personal Independence Payment.
ReplyThe information is intended for publication at a future date.
17 Mar 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, which Minister has responsibility for ensuring that the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club are spent in support of humanitarian causes in Ukraine.
ReplyThis issue primarily involves responsibilities of Ministers in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, HM Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC are frozen in a UK bank account. We are determined to see the proceeds reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as soon as possible. It is a complex issue with Ministers receiving advice from a range of officials and lawyers. The UK is working with international partners, has engaged with Abramovich's team, and is exploring all options to ensure the proceeds reach vulnerable people in Ukraine who are most in need.
17 Mar 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has had legal advice on its powers to enforce the agreement with Roman Abramovich on the sale of Chelsea Football Club on the spending of proceeds in support of the victims of the war in Ukraine.
ReplyThis issue primarily involves responsibilities of Ministers in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, HM Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC are frozen in a UK bank account. We are determined to see the proceeds reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as soon as possible. It is a complex issue with Ministers receiving advice from a range of officials and lawyers. The UK is working with international partners, has engaged with Abramovich's team, and is exploring all options to ensure the proceeds reach vulnerable people in Ukraine who are most in need.
17 Mar 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club remain in the UK.
ReplyThis issue primarily involves responsibilities of Ministers in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, HM Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC are frozen in a UK bank account. We are determined to see the proceeds reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as soon as possible. It is a complex issue with Ministers receiving advice from a range of officials and lawyers. The UK is working with international partners, has engaged with Abramovich's team, and is exploring all options to ensure the proceeds reach vulnerable people in Ukraine who are most in need.
17 Mar 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of when the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club will be disbursed to support victims of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
ReplyThis issue primarily involves responsibilities of Ministers in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, HM Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC are frozen in a UK bank account. We are determined to see the proceeds reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as soon as possible. It is a complex issue with Ministers receiving advice from a range of officials and lawyers. The UK is working with international partners, has engaged with Abramovich's team, and is exploring all options to ensure the proceeds reach vulnerable people in Ukraine who are most in need.
7 Mar 2025·Treasury·Answered
AskedWith reference to her speech entitled Chancellor vows to go further and faster to kickstart economic growth on 29 January 2025, which Minister is responsible for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.
ReplyThe Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced Lord Patrick Vallance as a Ministerial champion for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. Lord Vallance brings extensive experience across life sciences, business, academia and government. Whilst responsibility for specific levers will remain within respective departments, Lord Vallance will work closely with local experts and across government to unblock and identify growth-focused interventions across the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, so world-class talent can live and work in a local area that is closely connected to world-class companies delivering innovative growth.
7 Mar 2025·Treasury·Answered
AskedWhat assessment she has made of the level of (a) physical and (b) social infrastructure needed for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor to achieve its aims.
ReplyThe Oxford-Cambridge region is home to world leading universities and globally renowned science and technology firms. But the region's true potential is being held back by constraints, including unaffordable housing and transport constraints. The Government is taking action to drive sustainable growth across this key region which, according to experts, could boost the UK economy by £78 billion by 2035. The Government believes additional action can maximise the economic performance of the wider Oxford-Cambridge region. This is why Lord Vallance has been appointed as Oxford-Cambridge Growth Champion, to identify, coordinate and promote further interventions linked to the EWR route and drive growth across the region. The Government is already investing in East West Rail (EWR), which will deliver much needed transport connections between Oxford and Cambridge, and other communities along the route. In the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor also committed £10m of funding to enable the Cambridge Growth Company to develop an ambitious plan for the housing, transport, water, and wider infrastructure Cambridge needs to realise its full potential. In her speech of 29 January, the Chancellor confirmed that a new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital is being prioritised for investment as part of wave 1 of the New Hospital Programme. In the wider corridor, we will target investment in R&D clusters, including the AI Growth Zone in Culham. The Government will deliver Phase 2 of the Spending Review and the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy later this year, to support delivery of the Government’s plans for a decade of national renewal. Any further Government support for infrastructure in the region will be assessed and agreed through the formal Spending Review process.