Every parliamentary written question tabled by Jim Shannon this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1,521–1,540 of 2,211 · this parliament
What information her Department holds on the number of people charged with drug trafficking in the last 12 months.
The Home Office collects and publishes official statistics on the number of charge or court summons recorded by the police in England and Wales on a quarterly basis, which can be accessed here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-recorded-crime-open-data-tablesThis includes drug trafficking offences.
What steps she is taking to encourage the use of electric vehicles in public transport.
The Department is working with our rail industry stakeholders to develop credible long-term plans for further decarbonisation, bearing in mind the railway is already such a carbon efficient mode of transport. We expect electrification to play an important role in our programme to achieve our Net Zero 2050 target, tackle air pollution, and improve the passenger experience. Which rail lines will be electrified will broadly depend on the most suitable technological choice and value for money. All investment decisions require proper funding and are subject to current and future spending reviews and will be integrated with rolling stock decisions. Expanding the rollout of zero emission buses (ZEBs) is central to our efforts to decarbonise the bus fleet and improve air quality. The Bus Services Bill, currently going through Parliament, places a requirement on bus operators not to use new diesel buses on local bus routes in England. This will not take effect prior to 2030, giving time to the sector to plan a smooth transition. The UK continues to make positive advancements in the deployment of ZEBs year-on-year. More than 50% of new buses registered in 2024 were zero-emission: a record 1,600, up 33% on the previous year’s record of 1,200.
How many prosecutions has there been for illegal drug possession in the last 12 months.
The Ministry of Justice publishes information on the number of prosecutions for illegal drug possession, latest data is available to June 2024 in the Outcomes by Offence data tool: June 2024.
Whether (a) glaucoma and (b) irreversible blindness will be incorporated in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.
As part of the work to develop a 10-Year Health Plan, we have launched a significant public engagement process and we would encourage all those with an interest in eye care services to take part in that process, so that we can fully understand what is not working as well as it should, and what the potential solutions are. Further information is available at the following link:https://change.nhs.uk/en-GB/Alongside the development of the 10 year plan, NHS England has been testing how integrating primary and secondary eye care services, through IT connectivity and the development of a single point of access, could improve the referral, triage, and management of patients with eye care needs, including those with suspected or diagnosed glaucoma. This approach aims to increase hospital eye service capacity and reduce avoidable blindness.
Whether his Department's system strategy unit has plans to focus on (a) glaucoma and (b) irreversible blindness.
As part of the work to develop a 10-Year Health Plan, we have launched a significant public engagement process and we would encourage all those with an interest in eye care services to take part in that process, so that we can fully understand what is not working as well as it should, and what the potential solutions are. Further information is available at the following link:https://change.nhs.uk/en-GB/Alongside the development of the 10 year plan, NHS England has been testing how integrating primary and secondary eye care services, through IT connectivity and the development of a single point of access, could improve the referral, triage, and management of patients with eye care needs, including those with suspected or diagnosed glaucoma. This approach aims to increase hospital eye service capacity and reduce avoidable blindness.
Whether glaucoma will be recognised in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.
As part of the work to develop a 10-Year Health Plan, we have launched a significant public engagement process and we would encourage all those with an interest in eye care services to take part in that process, so that we can fully understand what is not working as well as it should, and what the potential solutions are. Further information is available at the following link:https://change.nhs.uk/en-GB/Alongside the development of the 10 year plan, NHS England has been testing how integrating primary and secondary eye care services, through IT connectivity and the development of a single point of access, could improve the referral, triage, and management of patients with eye care needs, including those with suspected or diagnosed glaucoma. This approach aims to increase hospital eye service capacity and reduce avoidable blindness.
What progress his Department has made on routinely publishing the genomic testing turnaround times, in the context of the targets set out in the National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway.
NHS England has specified turnaround times for genomic tests, with times varying based on the type of test and referral, ranging from a few days for urgent tests, a few weeks for single gene tests, to several months for complex tests. Genomic testing is delivered by a network of seven NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs). Each GLH publishes their own turnaround time activity for genomics testing.The National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway sets out the target to meet the Faster Diagnosis Standard of a maximum 28 days from referral to the communication of a cancer diagnosis, or to rule out cancer. The Department is supporting NHS England to meet this target by investing in increasing diagnostic capacity, with the capacity prioritised for cancer activity.
What information his Department holds on the number of people who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the last 12 months.
The most recently published data on diagnoses of pancreatic cancer in England is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/data/data-sets/rcrdBetween November 2023 and October 2024, the most recent period available, a total of 9,396 people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Bangladeshi counterpart on the destruction of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
The UK Government supports the Interim Government's agenda to restore law and order, ensure accountability and promote national reconciliation. While we have not had discussions with the Interim Government of Bangladesh regarding the destruction of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum specifically, we have encouraged all sides to work together to end the cycle of retributive violence. In February, UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, visited Bangladesh. She discussed a wide range of human rights concerns with the Interim Government. We continue to work with the Interim Government as it charts a peaceful transition to an inclusive and democratic future.
Whether he has had discussions with the National Institute for Health and Social Care on the accessibility of new medicines to treat cystic fibrosis.
The Department has regular discussions with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) about access to various new medicines.The NICE develops its recommendations for the National Health Service in England based on the clinical and cost effectiveness of medicines independently, based on a thorough assessment of the available evidence and in line with its published methods and processes.In July 2024, the NICE approved three disease modifying treatments, orkambi, symkevi, and kaftrio, as treatment options for eligible NHS patients with cystic fibrosis, under the terms of a commercial agreement reached between NHS England and the manufacturer, Vertex. These treatments are now routinely funded by the NHS in England for eligible patients.The NICE is also currently developing guidance for the NHS on whether vanzacaftor-tezacaftor-deutivacaftor can be recommended for routine funding for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. The NICE is expecting to publish final guidance in August 2025.
What steps her Department is taking to encourage those eligible to apply for Universal Credit.
The Department provides extensive information including on Universal Credit on Gov.uk that supports claimants identify what support may be available. Additionally, we signpost potential customers to external benefit calculators where they can identify what they are likely to be eligible for. We also work closely with Citizens Advice who provide Help to Claim support for claimants in GB to make a claim to Universal Credit. This includes marketing and publicising Help to Claim support.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage recycling at beaches.
The Government has introduced Simpler Recycling, which from 31 March 2025 will require small, medium and large workplaces in England to recycle the core waste streams (plastic, metal, glass, paper and card) and food waste. This will include cafés, shops, and other establishments that are located across England’s seafronts and beaches. We have been proud to support and endorse national clean-up initiatives such as the Great British Spring Clean, and the Great British Beach Clean, and we will continue to use our influence to encourage as many people and businesses as possible to participate in these types of events.
What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the NHS's genomic testing capacity for patients diagnosed with cancer.
Genomic testing in the National Health Service in England is provided through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and delivered by a national genomic testing network of seven NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs). The NHS GLHs deliver testing as directed by the National Genomic Test Directory, which includes tests for over 200 cancer clinical indications, and which sets out the eligibility criteria for patients to access testing.In the 2019 NHS Long Term Plan, NHS England set the commitment to offer whole genome sequencing as part of routine care, including for children with cancer and for adults suffering from specific cancers. The latest data, from April 2024 to December 2024, showed cancer genomic testing activity of 129,610, which was half of all types of genomic testing in the same period.To support more extensive cancer genomic testing, NHS England is working to ensure collaboration between pathology and genomics networks to address issues, including capacity, networking, and optimisation of cancer tissue pathways.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to his Iranian counterparts on the findings of the UN Special Rapporteur’s report A/HRC/58/49 on the obstruction of Baha’i burials in Iran; and whether he plans to call for international action to help tackle the desecration of Baha’i cemeteries and wider religious persecution in Iran.
We are aware of the United Nations Special Rapporteur's report which details the severe repression Baha'is face in Iran. We continue to make representations to Iran in multilateral fora regarding our opposition to its treatment of Baha'is, including at the Human Rights Council on 18 March 2025. We were integral to the delivery of the Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the United Nations Third Committee in November 2024, which spotlighted Iran's restrictions against Freedom of Religion or Belief, particularly the undue restrictions on burials carried out under religious tenets, and called on Iran to cease the desecration of cemeteries. The UK raised the ongoing repression of Baha'is at Iran's Universal Period Review on 24 January. We continue to raise human rights directly with the Iranian government, including through our Ambassador in Tehran.
How many Pension Credit applications her Department has received in the last 12 months.
On 27 February 2025 we published Pension Credit applications and award statistics. This publication provides application volumes up to 23 February 2025. Pension Credit Applications and Awards - February 2025.Please note, the figures presented are from DWP’s Pension Credit system which has previously been collected for internal departmental operations use only and has not been quality assured to Official Statistics publication standards.
How many new Personal Independence Payment claims her Department has received in the last 12 months.
Between February 2024 and January 2025, there were a total of 979,100 New Personal Independence Payment claims registered. Of these, 889,300 were New Claims and 89,800 were reassessments from Disability Living Allowance. This information can be found on Stat-Xplore in the ‘PIP Registrations’ dataset.
What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on financial support for disabled people.
I regularly engage with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and other Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues, including support for disabled people. The Secretary of State recently launched the Pathways to Work Green Paper which set out government plans to support disabled people into work through a significant investment in employment support, and reform the health and disability benefits to make the system more pro work.
Whether she has had recent discussions with Boeing on the potential impact of technological advances in airplane manufacturing on travel times between London and the US.
The Secretary of State for Transport has not met individually with Boeing since taking up the post. A representative of Boeing joined the Secretary of State and other Ministers at a meeting of the Jet Zero Taskforce in December 2024.
What steps she is taking to promote healthy eating in schools.
I refer the hon. Member for Strangford to the answer of 12 February 2025 to Question 28851.Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.
What steps he is taking to help tackle severe malnutrition in people under the age of 18.
Malnutrition is a clinical condition affecting all ages across the community, and in all health and care settings. Severe malnutrition is most likely to be secondary to another physical or mental health condition which may impact on nutritional needs or a person’s ability to eat and drink.The diagnosis and detection of malnutrition are key, and health staff are trained to spot the early warning signs so effective individual treatment can be put in place. Tools and guidance are available through a range of organisations for health and social care professionals to identify and treat malnutrition and access appropriate training.The Healthy Child Programme in England is a universal programme for children aged zero to 19 years old. When there is a concern raised about a child’s growth, either a health visitor or school nurse will monitor this and assess for signs of under or overweight, including as a possible sign of neglect and faltering growth, and will work with families to support them in addressing the family and child’s needs. Further information on the Healthy Child Programme is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/healthy-child-programmeThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guideline Faltering growth: recognition and management of faltering growth in children, for healthcare professionals, providers of children's services, commissioners of children's services, and parents and carers of children with faltering growth, covers the recognition, assessment, and monitoring of faltering growth in infants and children. Further information on the guideline is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng75/chapter/Recommendations#faltering-growth-after-the-early-days-of-lifeAnyone who is identified as being malnourished or at risk of malnutrition should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional, such as a dietitian, and should receive an individualised care plan in line with their individual circumstances, dietary preferences, and medical needs.