Every parliamentary written question tabled by Manuela Perteghella this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 201–220 of 441 · this parliament
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with international partners on the implementation of the International Court of Justice ruling of January 2024 on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 2 June 2025 to Question 52416.
Whether his Department has made an estimate of the proportion of UK pension scheme assets invested in (a) thermal coal-fired and (b) other fossil fuel-fired power generation capacity.
The Department has not produced specific estimates on the proportion of UK pension scheme assets invested in fossil fuel-related activities, such as coal-fired power generation or fossil fuel production. As part of the 2024 Mansion House reform package, the Government consulted on UK Sustainability Reporting Standards aligned with international sustainability standards, and our manifesto commitment to mandate climate transition plans. The Government are now analysing stakeholder feedback. Together, these initiatives will support the UK’s net-zero goals and broader green agenda and are expected to influence the investment landscape in which pension schemes operate.
What estimate his Department has made of the contribution of UK pension funds to fossil fuel expansion in (a) the UK, (b) Europe and (c) other international markets.
The Department has not produced specific estimates on the proportion of UK pension scheme assets invested in fossil fuel-related activities, such as coal-fired power generation or fossil fuel production. As part of the 2024 Mansion House reform package, the Government consulted on UK Sustainability Reporting Standards aligned with international sustainability standards, and our manifesto commitment to mandate climate transition plans. The Government are now analysing stakeholder feedback. Together, these initiatives will support the UK’s net-zero goals and broader green agenda and are expected to influence the investment landscape in which pension schemes operate.
Whether his Department has made an estimate of the proportion of UK pension scheme assets invested in (a) thermal coal and (b) other fossil fuel production.
The Department has not produced specific estimates on the proportion of UK pension scheme assets invested in fossil fuel-related activities, such as coal-fired power generation or fossil fuel production. As part of the 2024 Mansion House reform package, the Government consulted on UK Sustainability Reporting Standards aligned with international sustainability standards, and our manifesto commitment to mandate climate transition plans. The Government are now analysing stakeholder feedback. Together, these initiatives will support the UK’s net-zero goals and broader green agenda and are expected to influence the investment landscape in which pension schemes operate.
What estimate his Department has made of the value of UK pension fund assets invested in fossil fuels that are at risk of becoming stranded.
The Department has not produced specific estimates on the proportion of UK pension scheme assets invested in fossil fuel-related activities, such as coal-fired power generation or fossil fuel production. As part of the 2024 Mansion House reform package, the Government consulted on UK Sustainability Reporting Standards aligned with international sustainability standards, and our manifesto commitment to mandate climate transition plans. The Government are now analysing stakeholder feedback. Together, these initiatives will support the UK’s net-zero goals and broader green agenda and are expected to influence the investment landscape in which pension schemes operate.
What discussions he has had with NHS England on ensuring adequate numbers of NHS employees are available to administer Tofersen.
I have had no such discussions. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has selected tofersen for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by SOD1 gene mutations as a topic for guidance development through its Highly Specialised Technology (HST) programme. The HST programme appraises medicines for the treatment of very rare, and often very severe diseases, and evaluates whether they can be considered a clinically and cost-effective use of National Health Service resources. If a positive recommendation is made, then NHS commissioners will be under a legal duty to fund the treatment for all eligible patients in England.
Whether NHS England plans to introduce a mental health assessment to the annual care check for people with type 1 diabetes.
The National Health Service does not currently have any plans to introduce a mental health assessment to the annual care check for people with type 1 diabetes or to embed mental health support into all diabetes clinics to provide emotional wellbeing for people with type 1 diabetes.NHS England is currently funding five Type 1 Disordered Eating (T1DE) pilots, with the aim of increasing understanding of the characteristics and care needs of people with T1DE, assessing the feasibility of the service delivery model and build the evidence base for an integrated diabetes and mental health pathway.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is responsible for producing clinical guidelines and quality standards for diabetes care.The current NICE guideline for type 1 diabetes diagnosis and management states that members of diabetes professional teams should be alert to the symptoms of depression and anxiety, have the appropriate skills to provide basic management and arrange prompt referral to specialists where an individual’s mental health interferes significantly with their wellbeing or self-management. The guideline is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng17/resources/type-1-diabetes-in-adults-diagnosis-and-management-pdf-1837276469701
What steps his Department is taking to (a) scope and (b) support the development of (i) moderated online, (ii) in-person and (iii) other models of peer support networks for people with Type 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders (T1DE).
NHS England works in close partnership with national charities and organisations that support people living with type 1 diabetes, including by facilitating and supporting peer support opportunities.For example, NHS England has collaborated with Diabetes UK, Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes and people with lived experience, to produce The Six Principles of Good Peer Support for People Living with Type 1 Diabetes statement which aims to promote the standards required for peer support to both clinicians and those who are looking to access peer support opportunities. These are available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/the-six-principles-of-good-peer-support-for-people-living-with-type-1-diabetes/Diabetes UK also runs the Together Type 1 Programme which aims to create a supportive environment where young people can connect with others who understand the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes UK also has a network of regional teams that facilitate local peer support groups and activities. More information on the programme is available at the following link:https://www.diabetes.org.uk/support-for-you/community-support-and-forums/type-1-youth-programme
If his Department will take steps with (a) diabetes and (b) eating disorder charities to support national campaigns tackling (i) stigma and (ii) media representation of Type 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders.
The national diabetes programme works closely with charity partners including Diabetes UK who take a multi-pronged approach to reducing stigma experienced by those with all types of diabetes. This includes raising awareness of the complex and serious nature of type 1 diabetes, including type 1 disordered eating (T1DE), providing support to those that experience stigma, and supporting research into stigma and how it can be reduced or prevented. NHS England is partnering with the National Institute for Health and Care Research to deliver a qualitative evaluation of the five current T1DE pilot sites. A core element of this approach has been engagement with service users to understand their experiences of having the condition, both before and during their involvement with the T1DE service. The National Diabetes Experience Survey led by NHS England is a further mechanism for understanding the experiences of those living with type 1 diabetes, including T1DE, to inform national and local approaches to improvement. In response to feedback on the experiences of people of all ages who live with diabetes, NHS England published the guide, Language Matters: language and diabetes, for health care professionals which sets out the good practice principles for interactions with people living with diabetes including around reducing stigma. The guide is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/language-matters-language-and-diabetes/
What plans NHS England has to embed mental health support into all diabetes clinics to provide emotional wellbeing for people with type 1 diabetes.
The National Health Service does not currently have any plans to introduce a mental health assessment to the annual care check for people with type 1 diabetes or to embed mental health support into all diabetes clinics to provide emotional wellbeing for people with type 1 diabetes.NHS England is currently funding five Type 1 Disordered Eating (T1DE) pilots, with the aim of increasing understanding of the characteristics and care needs of people with T1DE, assessing the feasibility of the service delivery model and build the evidence base for an integrated diabetes and mental health pathway.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is responsible for producing clinical guidelines and quality standards for diabetes care.The current NICE guideline for type 1 diabetes diagnosis and management states that members of diabetes professional teams should be alert to the symptoms of depression and anxiety, have the appropriate skills to provide basic management and arrange prompt referral to specialists where an individual’s mental health interferes significantly with their wellbeing or self-management. The guideline is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng17/resources/type-1-diabetes-in-adults-diagnosis-and-management-pdf-1837276469701
Whether Integrated Care Boards will be required to provide sustainable funding for successful pilot projects on Type 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders so that they can become regional centres of excellence.
NHS England has provided up to £1.5 million a year for the five current Type 1 Disordered Eating pilots for three years. This funding is transferred to integrated care boards on an annual basis and in 2025/26 has been ringfenced.Decisions on funding for future years have yet to be taken.
Whether the NHS Workforce Plan will include measures to (a) recruit, (b) train, and (c) retain mental health professionals with specialism in Type 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders (T1DE).
The 10 Year Workforce Plan will ensure the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it. To support this, the Department and NHS England will be engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that the needs of different patient groups and relevant health professionals are reflected in this work.
What steps his Department is taking to raise awareness of Type 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders among healthcare professionals in diabetes and eating disorder services.
NHS England is currently funding five Type 1 Disordered Eating (T1DE) pilots, with the aim of increasing understanding of the characteristics and care needs of people with T1DE, assessing the feasibility of the service delivery model and build the evidence base for an integrated diabetes and mental health pathway.Pilot sites are delivering a national high level service specification alongside testing local novel approaches to improving care including to awareness raising of the condition amongst both diabetes and eating disorder health care professionals. A national evaluation is currently underway to assess the impact of the five current pilot services. NHS England will review the evaluation findings to understand further opportunities to promote awareness of T1DE amongst healthcare professionals beyond the five pilot areas.NHS England works alongside its partners to support the delivery of key messages around diabetes education and awareness. This includes through a digital diabetes platform which is developing educational resources for T1DE.
What steps his Department is taking to improve training for (a) GPs and (b) other healthcare practitioners to (i) recognise and (ii) manage Type 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders (T1DE).
The standard of training for healthcare professionals is the responsibility of the independent professional regulators, who set the outcome standards expected at undergraduate level and approve courses and universities to write and teach the curricula content that enables their students to meet the outcome standards. Post-graduate training curricula is set by the relevant Royal College. Whilst not all curricula may necessarily highlight a specific condition, they all emphasise the skills and approaches a healthcare practitioner must develop to ensure accurate and timely diagnoses and treatment plans for their patients, including for type 1 diabetes with disordered eating.Employers in the health system are responsible for ensuring that their staff are trained to the required standards to deliver appropriate treatment for patients.
If he will make it his policy for NHS England to create a dedicated registry for people with (a) type 1 diabetes and (b) Type 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders (T1DE) to improve (i) prevalence data and (ii) patient support.
The National Diabetes Audit is the primary mechanism for collecting data in England on the care and outcomes of people living with diabetes, helping to inform healthcare practice and policy. The National Diabetes Audit could serve as a registry for type 1 disordered eating (T1DE) in the future. An agreed definition of T1DE supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will be important to enable diagnosis, data recording and establishing data collection processes. NHS England works closely with NICE to understand emerging areas for consideration in national guidance and has committed to share the current pilot site evaluation outcomes, when available, with NICE to ensure findings are considered in the development of future guidance.
What discussions he has had with social media companies on moderating (a) pro–eating disorder material and (b) misinformation relating to (i) diabetes and (ii) body image.
No discussions have been held with social media companies by the Department.Under the Government’s Online Safety Act, all in-scope services are now required to protect their users from illegal content, and platforms likely to be accessed by children need to prevent their users from accessing eating disorder content.We are working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Ofcom and others as the Online Safety Act takes effect. This includes exploring further opportunities to address harmful pro-eating disorder material and misinformation shared on social media and websites.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of creating a national framework that includes risk screening tools for use in clinical practice to help prevent Type 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders (T1DE).
NHS England is currently funding five Type 1 Disordered Eating (T1DE) pilots, with the aim of increasing understanding of the characteristics and care needs of people with T1DE, assessing the feasibility of the service delivery model and build the evidence base for an integrated diabetes and mental health pathway.Pilot sites are delivering a national high level service specification alongside testing local novel approaches to improving care including to awareness raising of the condition amongst both diabetes and eating disorder health care professionals.A national evaluation is currently underway to assess the impact of the five current pilot services. NHS England will review the evaluation findings to understand further opportunities to promote awareness of T1DE amongst healthcare professionals.NHS England works alongside its partners to support the delivery of key messages around diabetes education and awareness. This includes through a digital diabetes platform which is developing educational resources for T1DE.No assessment has been made of the merits of creating a national framework.
If she will take steps to help deliver (a) reliable and (b) timetabled bus services for (i) school and (ii) college students in (A) Stratford-on-Avon constituency and (B) Warwickshire.
The Government knows how important reliable and affordable bus services are in enabling people to access education, and is committed to delivering better buses throughout the country, including for school and college students. The Government introduced the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill on 17 December as part of our ambitious plan for bus reform. The Bill will put passenger needs, reliable services and local accountability at the heart of the industry by putting the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England. As part of the Autumn 2024 Budget, the Government allocated £955 million to support and improve bus services in 2025/26. This includes £712 million for local authorities, this can be used to expand services and improve reliability, which are currently massive obstacles for too many people. Warwickshire County Council was allocated £8.7 million. Funding allocated to local authorities to deliver better bus services can be used in whichever way they wish to improve services for passengers.
Whether her Department is considering the potential merits of extending concessionary bus fare schemes to people aged 19 to 25 in (a) encouraging public transport use and (b) establishing long-term sustainable travel habits.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as expanding the eligibility criteria to people aged 19-25, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.The government is committed to delivering better bus services and growing patronage, and as part of the Autumn 2024 Budget, allocated £955 million to support and improve bus services in 25/26. This includes £712 million for local authorities, this can be used to expand services and improve reliability, which are currently massive obstacles for too many people. Warwickshire County Council has been allocated £8.7 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to deliver better bus services can be used in whichever way they wish to improve services for passengers, which could include introducing new fares initiatives to reduce the cost of bus travel for 19-25 years olds.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the planned termination of the Minor Eye Conditions Service in Coventry and Warwickshire from 1 November 2025 on (a) GP workloads, (b) A&E workloads, (c) patient outcomes and (d) meeting the objectives of the NHS Long Term Plan to (i) expand community-based care and (ii) reduce unnecessary hospital attendances.
The responsibility for the delivery, implementation and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate National Health Service commissioner. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients.