17 Nov 2025·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWith reference to the UK Trade and Investment Factsheet published on 31 October 2025, if he will specify the importing organisation and the goods involved in the import of £36 million worth of Russian planes in 2025.
ReplyThe Government’s sanctions regime has seen UK goods imports from Russia fall by 99.6% since the illegal invasion of Ukraine. Imports of Russian aircraft are banned. The Russian imports referenced in the UK Trade and Investment Factsheet are of aircraft parts, which are not sanctioned. The sanctions regime constrains Russian war revenues, whilst protecting critical supply chains and the stability of global markets. We are investigating manufacturers’ reliance on Russian aircraft parts.The Government does not speculate on future import controls as to do so could reduce their impact. We continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures.HMG is prevented from disclosing information regarding importers under section 18 of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005.Statistics notes and sources:Goods data covers 12 months to September 2025 compared with 2021 - HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics September 2025
17 Nov 2025·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWith reference to the UK Trade and Investment Factsheet published on 31 October 2025, if his Department will seek legal advice on whether the import of £36 million worth of Russian planes in 2025 breaches the UK's sanctions regime.
ReplyThe Government’s sanctions regime has seen UK goods imports from Russia fall by 99.6% since the illegal invasion of Ukraine. Imports of Russian aircraft are banned. The Russian imports referenced in the UK Trade and Investment Factsheet are of aircraft parts, which are not sanctioned. The sanctions regime constrains Russian war revenues, whilst protecting critical supply chains and the stability of global markets. We are investigating manufacturers’ reliance on Russian aircraft parts.The Government does not speculate on future import controls as to do so could reduce their impact. We continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures.HMG is prevented from disclosing information regarding importers under section 18 of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005.Statistics notes and sources:Goods data covers 12 months to September 2025 compared with 2021 - HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics September 2025
17 Nov 2025·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWith reference to the UK Trade and Investment Factsheet published on 31 October 2025, what plans his Department has to halt the further import of Russian planes to the UK.
ReplyThe Government’s sanctions regime has seen UK goods imports from Russia fall by 99.6% since the illegal invasion of Ukraine. Imports of Russian aircraft are banned. The Russian imports referenced in the UK Trade and Investment Factsheet are of aircraft parts, which are not sanctioned. The sanctions regime constrains Russian war revenues, whilst protecting critical supply chains and the stability of global markets. We are investigating manufacturers’ reliance on Russian aircraft parts.The Government does not speculate on future import controls as to do so could reduce their impact. We continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures.HMG is prevented from disclosing information regarding importers under section 18 of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005.Statistics notes and sources:Goods data covers 12 months to September 2025 compared with 2021 - HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics September 2025
12 Nov 2025·Home Office·Answered
AskedWith reference to the proposed expansion of the Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre (Phase 2), whether a formal decision has been taken to rely on the Crown Development route under sections 293D to 293E of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
ReplyThe Home Office has taken the decision to use the Crown Development route to planning for Phase 2 of the Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre development.Crown development applications require extensive consultation of the local planning authority, and planning consent will be obtained before we proceed with phase 2 of the development.
5 Nov 2025·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWhether his Department has sought the advice of the office of the Financial Sanction Implementation on reported Russian-linked funding associated with the proposed Botley West Solar Farm.
ReplyGiven the Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial role in taking decisions on applications for development consent for energy infrastructure proposals, it would not be appropriate to comment on matters relating to specific proposals
5 Nov 2025·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Planning Inspectorate and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project processes in evaluating the financial viability of funding commitments made by developers of major energy projects.
ReplyAn applicant seeking development consent for an energy-related nationally significant infrastructure project must submit a Funding Statement as part of the application process. This is assessed by both the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State prior to a decision on whether to consent the project being made.
5 Nov 2025·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the financial viability of SolarFive Ltd and Photovolt Development Partners to undertake the development of Botley West Solar Farm.
ReplyAn applicant seeking development consent for an energy-related nationally significant infrastructure project must submit a Funding Statement as part of the application process. Given the Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial role in taking decisions on applications for development consent for energy infrastructure proposals, it would not be appropriate to comment on specific matters related to the individual projects, as this could be seen as prejudicing the decision-making process.
5 Nov 2025·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the effectiveness of (a) the Planning Inspectorate and (b) Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project processes to safeguard against national security risks from investment by (i) inappropriate or (ii) hostile overseas sources.
ReplyNational security risk assessments are matters for the Investment Security Unit within the Cabinet Office.
5 Nov 2025·Department for Culture, Media and Sport·Answered
AskedMedia and Sport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the (a) financial structure and (b) governance arrangements of (i) Blenheim Estates and (ii) the Blenheim Charitable Foundation.
ReplyI have not made an assessment of the financial structure of government arrangements of Blenheim Estates or the Blenheim Foundation. Charities are independent organisations and it is the responsibility of the trustees to make decisions in the best interests of the charity. Concerns about the governance of a charity should be raised with the charity itself, or where there are concerns about misconduct or mismanagement the Charity Commission for England and Wales as the independent regulator.
30 Oct 2025·Women and Equalities·Answered
AskedWhat plans she has to support cross-community interfaith work.
ReplyInterfaith relations are vital for strong, cohesive communities. The government is funding Inter Faith Week 2025 next week as a key moment in the national calendar for dialogue, learning, and connection between faiths and beliefs. I am sure many Hon Members will take part in events in their constituencies. Alongside this, MHCLG funds programmes including Near Neighbours and Schools Linking which promote understanding across diverse communities. The government will always champion faith and freedom or religion or belief at home and abroad.
20 Oct 2025·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhether his Department has made specific provision for UK citizens who completed their medical training outside the UK within the policy of prioritising UK Medical Graduates for (a) foundation and (b) specialist training.
ReplyAs set out in our 10-Year Health Plan published on 3 July, we will work across the Government to prioritise United Kingdom medical graduates for foundation training, and to prioritise UK medical graduates and other doctors who have worked in the National Health Service for a significant period for specialty training. We will set out further details in due course.British doctors who obtained their medical degree abroad need to meet the requirements of the General Medical Council, the independent regulator of the medical profession, to practise medicine in the UK. These doctors are then able to apply for jobs in the NHS on the same basis as UK medical graduates.
20 Oct 2025·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWhat discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the potential impacts of the US requiring duties to be collected on all imports on UK businesses.
ReplyThe department has conducted quantitative analysis and engaged directly with businesses across impacted sectors to understand the impact of the US removal of their De Minimis threshold. We have published information for UK businesses and remain in contact with our US counterparts to ensure their guidance to our exporters is as clear as possible. Royal Mail’s new service has allowed SMEs to continue trading with the US. The Secretary of State and departmental officials are in regular contact with US counterparts to discuss the impacts of tariffs on UK businesses and arrangements we can reach to alleviate them.
20 Oct 2025·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWhat assessment his Department has made of the potential impact on exporters of the United States' suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value goods.
ReplyThe department has conducted quantitative analysis and engaged directly with businesses across impacted sectors to understand the impact of the US removal of their De Minimis threshold. We have published information for UK businesses and remain in contact with our US counterparts to ensure their guidance to our exporters is as clear as possible. Royal Mail’s new service has allowed SMEs to continue trading with the US. The Secretary of State and departmental officials are in regular contact with US counterparts to discuss the impacts of tariffs on UK businesses and arrangements we can reach to alleviate them.
20 Oct 2025·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat steps his Department is taking to help promote public education on the misuse of emergency service protocols, including advice shared on social media on how to manipulate emergency triage systems.
ReplyThe National Health Service regularly shares information online through the NHS.UK website and on social media about how to access emergency services properly, including accident emergency, 999, 111, general practices (GPs), and pharmacies. The NHS also shares this information through out of home advertising via leaflets and posters in hospitals, GPs, and pharmacies.The Government is also overhauling the NHS App to make it easier than ever before for patients to take control of their personal healthcare, including the use of NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you.
10 Oct 2025·Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government·Answered
AskedCommunities and Local Government, what his timetable is for reaching a decision on the planning application made by Oxford United Football Club to build a new stadium at the Triangle, south of Kidlington.
ReplyA decision not to call in the planning application for a new Oxford United stadium was issued on 15 October. The application therefore remains with Cherwell District Council for determination.
10 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to prioritise any bilateral relationships in her first three months in office.
ReplyWe will maintain our engagement with all key allies and partners over the coming months in pursuit of our shared priorities and interests; and we will continue to ensure that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is fully geared up to support these activities.
10 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has (a) commissioned a review of and (b) made changes to the structure of her Department since taking office.
ReplyWe will maintain our engagement with all key allies and partners over the coming months in pursuit of our shared priorities and interests; and we will continue to ensure that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is fully geared up to support these activities.
10 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has set new objectives for her Department.
ReplyWe will maintain our engagement with all key allies and partners over the coming months in pursuit of our shared priorities and interests; and we will continue to ensure that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is fully geared up to support these activities.
10 Sept 2025·Home Office·Answered
AskedWhat assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the Alternative to Detention schemes piloted under the Home Office’s Community Engagement Pilot series.
ReplyFollowing analysis of the pilots’ published evaluations, the Department did not see sufficient evidence to progress these. We will keep under review the feasibility of alternatives to detention, taking account of effectiveness and cost efficiency, as part of our plans to transform the asylum and returns system.
9 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what the Government's strategic objectives are for the state visit of President Trump.
ReplyState visits are a core part of delivering the Government's Plan for Change, strengthening the UK's global partnerships and people-to-people ties. As part of the US President's State Visit, the UK and US have agreed the Tech Prosperity Deal, focused on developing the fastest growing technologies like AI, quantum and nuclear. This comes as America's top technology and AI firms commit a combined £31 billion to boost the UK's AI infrastructure and cutting-edge tech. This partnership will turbocharge the build-out of new nuclear power stations to secure jobs and growth in the UK and US, this golden age of nuclear is central to the government's mission to build more clear homegrown power to ensure energy security. As the Prime Minister has said, the Tech Prosperity Deal will "shape the futures of millions of people on both sides of the Atlantic, and delivering growth, security and opportunity up and down the country".