Every parliamentary written question tabled by James MacCleary this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 261–280 of 455 · this parliament
Whether his Department plans to (a) scrap, (b) sell or (c) donate to Ukraine the MQ-9 Reaper when it leaves service.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 April 2025 to Question 44918. There are no plans to sell or donate any MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Air Systems to Ukraine. Disposal will be managed in accordance with our Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contractual obligations.
What steps his Department is taking to stop trespass on military training grounds.
Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate. The Department is committed to safeguarding UK military training grounds from unauthorised access through a combination of physical security measures, legal enforcement, and community engagement. To further enhance security, the Ministry of Defence ensures increased visible patrols, maintains guard readiness, regularly inspects and maintains CCTV, gates, and barriers, and promotes heightened security awareness across the Defence Estate. This Government has also delivered significant physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. As part of the Respect the Range campaign, tailored communication packages are delivered to educate the public on safety measures and the importance of adhering to guidelines near the training estate.
What steps is his Department taking to support people (a) injured or (b) bereaved by AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccinations, including those with vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis.
In the very rare event where someone may have suffered a severe adverse reaction to a vaccine, care and treatment will be best managed by local National Health Service specialist services, augmented as appropriate by national specialist advice. Individuals will be treated and managed through existing healthcare services, with treatment dependent on the individual’s clinical needs.Individuals can also apply to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) which provides a one-off, tax-free payment of £120,000 to claimants who have been found, on the balance of probabilities, to have been severely disabled as a result of vaccinations against certain diseases listed in the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979.Outside of the VDPS, other Government support remains available for those with a disability or long-term health condition, including Statutory Sick Pay, Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Attendance Allowance, and Personal Independence Payments. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/disability
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Police Pension Scheme 1987 regulations on the (a) financial security and (b) wellbeing of (i) widows and (ii) widowers of former police officers.
The government recognises the vital contribution that police officers make in keeping our communities safe. We remain committed to supporting the wellbeing of all members of the policing family, including the families of those who have served.The 1987 Police Pension Scheme provides a pension for the widow, widower or civil partner of a police officer who dies in service or after retirement. From 1 April 2015, the 1987 police pension scheme was amended to allow widows, widowers and civil partners of police officers who have died as a result of an injury on duty to receive their survivor benefits for life regardless of remarriage, civil partnership or cohabitation.The 1987 police pension scheme is now a closed scheme, superseded by the 2015 scheme, and there are no plans to make further changes to the benefits accrued under it.Through the Police Covenant, we are working to ensure that both serving and former officers, as well as their families, are treated fairly and receive the support they need. This includes recognising the lasting impact that service can have on wellbeing, particularly for those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure an adequate number of working guide dogs.
The UK government recognises the invaluable role guide dogs play in enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with visual and hearing loss.Assistance dogs are not funded or provided by the government. Direct provision of guide dogs is primarily handled by charitable organisations. Organisations like Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), an umbrella coalition for well established dog training organisations, offer information and advice on how to apply for an assistance dog.We are aware of issues around shortages of assistance dogs since the pandemic and there has been dialogue with assistance dogs' charities. Guide Dogs UK have assured us that they are on course to return to pre-pandemic supply levels soon and are working hard to reduce waiting times.
What steps his Department is taking to help reduce waiting times for people waiting to be matched with a guide dog.
The UK government recognises the invaluable role guide dogs play in enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with visual and hearing loss.Assistance dogs are not funded or provided by the government. Direct provision of guide dogs is primarily handled by charitable organisations. Organisations like Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), an umbrella coalition for well established dog training organisations, offer information and advice on how to apply for an assistance dog.We are aware of issues around shortages of assistance dogs since the pandemic and there has been dialogue with assistance dogs' charities. Guide Dogs UK have assured us that they are on course to return to pre-pandemic supply levels soon and are working hard to reduce waiting times.
How many break-ins were detected at Royal Navy bases in the UK in each year since 2022.
The number of break-ins detected at Royal Navy bases in the UK in each year since 2022 is as follows:20222023202420250100 The data provided is where the incident has been recorded as a trespass or an intruder on the site with some evidence of unauthorised forced entry. The safety and security of the Defence estate continues to be a priority key for Defence and we are taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. The Department is using in-year funding to deliver physical security enhancements, focussing on high priority sites across the defence estate. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. The Strategic Defence Review recognised that we are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK Defence. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to safeguard our national defence capabilities.
How many break-ins were detected at Royal Air Force bases in the UK in each year since 2022.
The number of break-ins detected at Royal Air Forces bases in the UK in each year since 2022 is as follows: 20222023202420253568 The data provided is where the incident has been recorded as a trespass or an intruder on the site with some evidence of unauthorised forced entry. The safety and security of the Defence estate continues to be a key priority for Defence and we are taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. The Department is using in-year funding to deliver physical security enhancements, focussing on high priority sites across the defence estate. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. The Strategic Defence Review recognised that we are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK Defence. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to safeguard our national defence capabilities.
How many break-ins were detected at British Army bases in the UK in each year since 2022.
The number of break-ins detected at British Army bases in the UK in each year since 2022 is as follows: 20222023202420255503 The data provided is where the incident has been recorded as a trespass or an intruder on the site with some evidence of unauthorised entry. The safety and security of the Defence estate continues to be a key priority for Defence and we are taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. The Department is using in-year funding to deliver physical security enhancements, focussing on high priority sites across the defence estate. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. The Strategic Defence Review recognised that we are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK Defence. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to safeguard our national defence capabilities.
Whether he has had discussions with the Casey Commission on the potential duplication of (a)regulatory and (b) inspection activity in adult social care.
There is no direct duplication between how the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assesses individual registered providers and how local authorities oversee providers within their areas. Both bodies are involved in evaluating quality and safety, but they do so under different legislative frameworks and for distinct purposes.The CQC’s remit is to assess registered providers against the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. The CQC monitors, inspects, and regulates services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring registered adult social care providers deliver care that meets people’s needs and the duties as set out in the Care Act 2014. Their oversight thus tends to focus on quality, safeguarding, and contract compliance. The CQC works with local authorities to share information and intelligence and are working on ways to strengthen these links.Similarly, there is no direct duplication between how the CQC assesses individual registered providers and how the CQC assesses local authorities. CQC provider regulation assesses against the Health and Social Care Act 2008, whereas local authority assessments assess against the Care Act 2014. Both pieces of legislation require different methodology, however they can be used to inform each other.The commission into adult social care is independent of the Government, and Baroness Casey has the autonomy to define her own engagement plans, including with ministers, based on what she believes is most appropriate for the commission’s work.
Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential duplication of (a) regulatory and (b) inspection activity in adult social care between the (i) Care Quality Commission and (ii) local authority adult social care services.
There is no direct duplication between how the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assesses individual registered providers and how local authorities oversee providers within their areas. Both bodies are involved in evaluating quality and safety, but they do so under different legislative frameworks and for distinct purposes.The CQC’s remit is to assess registered providers against the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. The CQC monitors, inspects, and regulates services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring registered adult social care providers deliver care that meets people’s needs and the duties as set out in the Care Act 2014. Their oversight thus tends to focus on quality, safeguarding, and contract compliance. The CQC works with local authorities to share information and intelligence and are working on ways to strengthen these links.Similarly, there is no direct duplication between how the CQC assesses individual registered providers and how the CQC assesses local authorities. CQC provider regulation assesses against the Health and Social Care Act 2008, whereas local authority assessments assess against the Care Act 2014. Both pieces of legislation require different methodology, however they can be used to inform each other.The commission into adult social care is independent of the Government, and Baroness Casey has the autonomy to define her own engagement plans, including with ministers, based on what she believes is most appropriate for the commission’s work.
Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure full mobile phone signal in (a) Upper Dicker and (b) other rural areas in Lewes constituency.
In Ofcom’s Connected Nations Spring Update, published on 8 May 2025, it is reported that 4G is available across 93% of rural areas in the Lewes constituency from all four mobile network operators (MNOs), while 5G is available outside 74% of rural premises in the constituency from at least one operator.Our ambition is for all populated areas, including rural areas, to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. Government continues to work closely with the MNOs, ensuring that we have the right policy and regulatory framework in place to support investment into mobile networks and competition in the market. This includes removing barriers to deployment where they exist.
What steps his Department plans to take to help (a) increase capacity and (b) tackle inequalities in accessing a respiratory diagnosis.
The Government is committed to increasing the capacity of respiratory services and is improving access to these services through new community diagnostic centres (CDCs).All standard and large CDCs are required to offer diagnostic respiratory tests such as spirometry and full lung function tests as part of their core testing offer.The 2025/26 capital guidance confirmed that £1.65 billion of capital funding is being allocated to support National Health Service performance across secondary and emergency care across 2025/26 more broadly. This includes funding to enable the completion of 2024/25 CDC schemes, as well as to expand existing and build new CDCs.
What criteria his Department uses to determine which conditions should receive a modern service framework; and whether respiratory health meets these criteria.
Everyone in the National Health Service is responsible for delivering high-quality care. As announced in the 10-Year Health Plan, as well as an overall quality strategy, the National Quality Board will oversee the development of a new series of service frameworks to accelerate progress in conditions where there is potential for rapid and significant improvements in the quality of care and productivity.Early priorities will include cardiovascular disease, severe mental illness, and the first ever service framework for frailty and dementia. The Government will consider other long-term conditions with significant health and economic impacts for future waves of modern service frameworks.
What steps his Department plans to take to help reduce the impact of chronic respiratory conditions on the NHS in winter 2025-26.
NHS England, working with the Department, the UK Health Security Agency, and other partners, is taking action to reduce the impact of respiratory conditions on the National Health Service this winter. This includes robust, consistent infection prevention and control measures, and a campaign to encourage eligible people to get their winter vaccinations. Further information on the actions being taken to reduce the demand on acute services during winter is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/urgent-and-emergency-care-plan-2025-26/
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to support (a) Shadi Khoury and (b) other Palestinian (i) children and (ii) young people.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 13 October to Question 76963.
Whether her Department has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of data collected on road safety.
The Department’s road casualty statistics are based on data reported to the Department by police forces via the STATS19 system. Information on the strengths and weaknesses of this data are available in the background quality information which accompanies the published statistics on the gov.uk website. While STATS19 is considered to be a valuable dataset in developing and monitoring road safety, with a wide range of users and uses, the Department is exploring a range of additional datasets to address some of its known limitations. A summary of recent and planned development work, published on 25 September 2025, is also available on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/road-accident-and-safety-statistics-guidance#planned-developments.
Whether her Department has assessed the potential merits of replacing the High Income Child Benefit Charge with a child benefit system based on total household income.
The Government understands the concerns that have been raised about basing the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) on individual rather than household incomes. However, basing the charge on household rather than individual incomes would come at a significant fiscal cost if we were to ensure that no families lose out. By withdrawing Child Benefit from high-income parents where the higher earner earns £60,000 or more, the HICBC helps to ensure the sustainability of the public finances and protect our vital public services.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of food labelling on citrus fruits.
Requirements for quality and labelling of fresh fruit and vegetables are set out in statutory Fruit and Vegetable Marketing Standards. These include a Specific Marketing Standard for Citrus Fruit. More information is available at the link below.Fresh fruit and vegetable marketing standards - GOV.UK Additionally, all food, including that which is imported, must comply with food labelling rules. The fundamental principle of these rules is that information provided to the consumer must not mislead, must enable the safe use of food, and provide consumers with all the information they need to make informed choices about the food that they consume.
What steps his Department is taking to prevent parental alienation.
The Government does not recognise the concept of “parental alienation” syndrome and does not think it is capable of diagnosis.When proceedings involve allegations of this nature, the family court has processes to follow. Case law is clear that the court’s focus should be on identifying particular behaviour that is found to have taken place and the impact that behaviour may have had on the relationship with the child, rather than seeking to apply the label of “parental alienation”.In December 2024 the Family Justice Council published guidance on “responding to a child’s unexplained reluctance, resistance or refusal to spend time with a parent and allegations of alienating behaviour”. The guidance is clear that where domestic abuse is found the victim cannot be found to have “alienated” the child. It provides a comprehensive overview of the reasons a child may reject a parent, including harmful parenting, and provides a clear framework for assessing whether alienating behaviours are present. Where alienating behaviours are found the guidance provides clear next steps.