Every parliamentary written question tabled by Martin Wrigley this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1,381–1,400 of 1,723 · this parliament
If he will take steps to prevent oil produced in the UK arriving in Russia.
The export of oil from the UK to Russia is prohibited. Non-compliance with the UK's tough sanctions is a serious offence and punishable through large financial penalties or criminal prosecution. According to HMRC data, the UK did not export oil (HS 2709 and 2710) to Russia in 2023 or 2024.
Whether her Department made an environmental impact assessment prior to the commencement of expansion works at HMP Channings Wood; and whether baseline data on (a) air and (b) noise pollution was collected to measure the potential impact of increased traffic on local residents.
Under the previous Government, ahead of delivery at HMP Channings Wood, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening template was completed by our delivery partner (Cushman & Wakefield) and submitted to the council. Using this template and supporting technical assessments, the Local Planning Authority decided that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not required. The Local Planning Authority did not consider the expansion to have significant environmental effects and therefore would not require an EIA. An Air Quality Assessment was undertaken in support of the original planning application. The baseline assessment used published data (Teignbridge Council’s 2020 Annual Status Report (TDC 2021)) to consider the impacts of the proposed development and identify the future air quality conditions that occupants will experience. The assessment was based on measurements made during 2019 (i.e. pre-pandemic activity) to ensure worse case assessment. The future air quality conditions of the proposed development are acceptable with concentrations well below air quality objectives throughout the site. Additional traffic generated by the proposed development will be below published thresholds. Alongside this, a Baseline Assessment of Noise was carried out on 14 October 2024 (daytime) and 15 October 2024 (nighttime) to assess ambient and background noise levels in a number of locations across the prison estate nearest to sensitive noise receptors. This has given us baseline data for noise levels from the prison.
Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the transfer of intellectual property for projects for which a catapult grant has been awarded to that catapult grant on (a) small businesses, (b) start-up businesses and (c) entrepreneurs.
The intellectual property (IP) associated with any grants from Innovate UK is owned by the project participants. The sharing of IP between project participants in a collaborative R&D project is established through a collaboration agreement for that consortium. Innovate UK does not dictate the terms of those collaboration agreements. When a Catapult, which are set up as private businesses, is one of the collaborators they are subject to the same approach. Agreement would be reached across the consortium, and while a Catapult might take an IP stake it would only do so where this supported delivery of its strategic objectives to support innovation and the translation of R&D.
Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of using (a) alternatives to traditional construction methods in the construction of prisons and (b) modular and rapid deployment cells to meet long-term capacity needs; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of these proposals on the environment.
Our new prisons are being delivered through Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) which use a standardised design, allowing us to build faster and more effectively. MMC describes contemporary innovations in construction, including new technologies (such as digital tools and techniques), offsite manufacture and use of efficient processes to deliver productive, sustainable and better outcomes. Because of this, we are now delivering almost 22% faster than traditional construction methods. Additionally, these developments are required to deliver through the application of the Ministry of Justice’s sustainable construction policies, including BREEAM, which holds relevant new prison developments to the highest environmental standards. As outlined in the 10-year Prison Capacity Strategy, published in December 2024, we are using Rapid Deployment Cells (RDCs) to deliver temporary accommodation at pace, with c.770 already delivered across 14 sites. These are modular, self-contained units with a warranty of 15 years, helping to provide an innovative solution to address the need for additional capacity. Given their temporary nature, RDCs do not apply BREEAM regulations, however, we mitigate against environmental impacts where possible, including through compliance with local planning policy and nutrient neutrality requirements. Additionally, RDCs are fully electric and meet energy efficiency targets for insulation, heating systems and general energy performance.
What steps her Department is taking to increase the proportion of eligible children who claim their entitlement to a free school meal; and if she will take steps to (a) reduce the complexity of application forms, (b) provide forms in multiple languages, (c) increase awareness of the free school meal entitlement and (d) help tackle stigmas associated with claiming free school meals.
There are currently around 2.1 million pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals (FSM). The department recognises the vital role played by FSM and strongly encourages schools and local authorities to support eligible families take this entitlement up.To make claiming free meals as easy possible, we have developed a model registration form to help schools encourage parents to sign up for FSM, which is available in the department’s published guidance.The department also provides the Eligibility Checking System, which allows local authorities to quickly verify eligibility for FSM. Improvements to this system will be rolled out nationally by March 2026, to allow parents and schools to check eligibility for free meals independently from their local authorities, which has the potential to make claiming FSM easier.Further to this, the department is aware of a range of measures aimed at supporting take-up of FSM, including through approaches being trialled by local authorities. We welcome local authorities taking action to ensure government support reaches families, subject to them meeting legal requirements, including those on data protection.We continue to engage with stakeholders and other government departments to better understand potential barriers to claiming free meals, including stigma. We will consider whether further work to improve enrolment for free meals is needed through the work of the child poverty taskforce.
What information his Department holds on oil exports to Russia which are (a) processed, (b) traded, (c) refined and (d) financially insured in the UK.
The UK did not export oil (HS 2709 and 2710) to Russia in 2023 or 2024.The department does not hold specific information on financial insurance services. However, the export of - and technical assistance, financial and brokering services related to - a petroleum oil, including crude, as well as oil refining goods and technology are prohibited to Russia under UK sanctions. Failure to comply with our sanctions is a serious offence and punishable through large financial penalties or criminal prosecution.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it her policy to use frozen Russian assets to provide compensation for Ukrainian (a) war survivors and (b) victims of (i) economic crime and (ii) human rights violations.
This Government is clear that Russia must be held responsible for its illegal war. Working with allies, we remain committed to considering all lawful means by which Russia is made to pay for the damage it has caused Ukraine. Our agreement with G7 partners to provide approximately $50 billion in additional funding to Ukraine, repaid by the profits generated on sanctioned Russian sovereign assets, is an important step in this regard. The UK will make a £2.26 billion contribution, earmarked for military spending.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of creating a new forum to bring together (a) his Department, (b) the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, (c) the hon. Member for South Cotswolds, (d) campaign groups, (e) NGOs and (f) youth groups to help improve collaboration on climate and nature issues as part of the Environmental Improvement Plan review process.
The Government has already ensured a wide range of stakeholders play an integral role in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) review process, on which we will continue to build. We have, for example, established a new Cross-Sector Stakeholder Advisory Group including NGOs, which informed a rapid review of existing action and will continue to support the development of a revised EIP this year. Alongside government’s Policy Lab we are running an online ‘Collective Intelligence’ debate in March to consider the perspectives of hundreds of wider stakeholders, including youth groups. We will continue to engage across government, including with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, recognising climate and nature’s fundamental role in economic growth and to each of the missions that define this government. We also welcome the vital role that Parliamentarians play in informing and scrutinising our plans, informed by the efforts of the Zero Hour campaign, led by the hon. Member for South Cotswolds. We have agreed with the Bill’s sponsors to take forward a number of actions including making an annual climate and nature statement to parliament and the country, and greater public participation on these issues.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to end all (a) non-humanitarian aid, (b) trade, (c) financial services and (d) exports to Russia.
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK has put in place an unprecedented package of sanctions.The UK has locked most of the Russian banking sector out of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), frozen Russia's sovereign assets and adopted a wide range of trade and financial sanctions measures, covering most areas of the Russian economy with the exception of trade in humanitarian goods such as food and medicine.We will continue to bear down on Russia, ratcheting up economic pressure until it ends its brutal invasion of Ukraine.
Pursuant to the Answer of 24 February 2025 to Question 31092 on Armed Forces: Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of that proposal on service members at pension age.
This is a Government of service and I am leading work across Government and with civil society to look at the best ways to ensure all Veterans get access to the support and opportunities they need and deserve. This year, we will set out our plans for Veterans in our updated Veterans’ Strategy. This Government will always stand up for those who have served our country. That said, the rules governing Armed Forces’ pensions are designed to be fair to all military personnel and thus the awarding of periodic payments is not under consideration by this Department. The Social Security Act 1973 brought about changes by requiring all occupational pension schemes to preserve pension rights for those who left service after 6 April 1975 having completed at least five years qualifying service and having attained the age of 26. It is a fact that the legacy issues associated with the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 are replicated in other public sector schemes in existence prior to the Social Security Act 1973. Where legacy issues are common across public sector schemes, any provisions or change implemented for the Armed Forces would certainly result in pressure from others for similar treatment. To concede retrospection or make provisions for one group would place great pressure on other public service schemes and this would have huge financial implications. This would also impact any future meaningful improvements to pension schemes for current employees and make them unaffordable.
Pursuant to the Answer of 24 February 2025 to Question 31092 on Armed Forces: Pensions, if he will take steps to ensure that service members who are not eligible for pensions due to them falling under pre-1975 criteria are provided with periodical payments instead.
This is a Government of service and I am leading work across Government and with civil society to look at the best ways to ensure all Veterans get access to the support and opportunities they need and deserve. This year, we will set out our plans for Veterans in our updated Veterans’ Strategy. This Government will always stand up for those who have served our country. That said, the rules governing Armed Forces’ pensions are designed to be fair to all military personnel and thus the awarding of periodic payments is not under consideration by this Department. The Social Security Act 1973 brought about changes by requiring all occupational pension schemes to preserve pension rights for those who left service after 6 April 1975 having completed at least five years qualifying service and having attained the age of 26. It is a fact that the legacy issues associated with the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 are replicated in other public sector schemes in existence prior to the Social Security Act 1973. Where legacy issues are common across public sector schemes, any provisions or change implemented for the Armed Forces would certainly result in pressure from others for similar treatment. To concede retrospection or make provisions for one group would place great pressure on other public service schemes and this would have huge financial implications. This would also impact any future meaningful improvements to pension schemes for current employees and make them unaffordable.
Pursuant to the Answer of 8 January 2025 to Question 21470 on Hospices: Charitable Donations, what steps his Department is taking to monitor the potential impact of declining charitable income on hospice services; and if he will introduce targeted financial support for hospices.
Integrated care boards are responsible for the commissioning of palliative and end of life care services, to meet the needs of their local populations. Most hospices are charitable, independent organisations which receive some statutory funding for providing National Health Services. Charitable hospices, as autonomous organisations, provide a range of services which go beyond that which statutory services are legally required to provide. Consequently, the funding arrangements reflect this. We are pleased to confirm that the Government has released the first £25 million tranche of the £100 million of capital funding, as referenced in the answer of 8 January 2025 to Question 21470, with Hospice UK kindly allocating and distributing the money to hospices throughout England. An additional £75 million will be available from April.There are a number of hospices in South Devon, serving people in the Newton Abbot constituency and the surrounding area, which are recipients of the £100 million of capital funding. Their allocations from the first £25 million tranche of funding are as follows:- £158,301 for Rowcroft, a Torbay and South Devon hospice;- £180,911 for Hospiscare in Exeter;- £16,934 for Sidmouth Hospice in Home; and- £176,616 for St Luke's Hospice in Plymouth.In addition to this record hospice funding package, I recently met the major palliative and end of life care and hospice stakeholders, and long-term sector sustainability, within the context of our 10-Year Health Plan, was discussed at length.
Pursuant to the Answer of 8 January 2025 to Question 21470 on Hospices: Charitable Donations, what proportion of the recently announced investment for hospices has been allocated; and how much has been distributed to hospices in Newton Abbot constituency.
Integrated care boards are responsible for the commissioning of palliative and end of life care services, to meet the needs of their local populations. Most hospices are charitable, independent organisations which receive some statutory funding for providing National Health Services. Charitable hospices, as autonomous organisations, provide a range of services which go beyond that which statutory services are legally required to provide. Consequently, the funding arrangements reflect this. We are pleased to confirm that the Government has released the first £25 million tranche of the £100 million of capital funding, as referenced in the answer of 8 January 2025 to Question 21470, with Hospice UK kindly allocating and distributing the money to hospices throughout England. An additional £75 million will be available from April.There are a number of hospices in South Devon, serving people in the Newton Abbot constituency and the surrounding area, which are recipients of the £100 million of capital funding. Their allocations from the first £25 million tranche of funding are as follows:- £158,301 for Rowcroft, a Torbay and South Devon hospice;- £180,911 for Hospiscare in Exeter;- £16,934 for Sidmouth Hospice in Home; and- £176,616 for St Luke's Hospice in Plymouth.In addition to this record hospice funding package, I recently met the major palliative and end of life care and hospice stakeholders, and long-term sector sustainability, within the context of our 10-Year Health Plan, was discussed at length.
Pursuant to the Answer of 8 January 2025 to Question 21470 on Hospices: Charitable Donations, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential implications for its policies of recent reports of reduced service in hospices.
Integrated care boards are responsible for the commissioning of palliative and end of life care services, to meet the needs of their local populations. Most hospices are charitable, independent organisations which receive some statutory funding for providing National Health Services. Charitable hospices, as autonomous organisations, provide a range of services which go beyond that which statutory services are legally required to provide. Consequently, the funding arrangements reflect this. We are pleased to confirm that the Government has released the first £25 million tranche of the £100 million of capital funding, as referenced in the answer of 8 January 2025 to Question 21470, with Hospice UK kindly allocating and distributing the money to hospices throughout England. An additional £75 million will be available from April.There are a number of hospices in South Devon, serving people in the Newton Abbot constituency and the surrounding area, which are recipients of the £100 million of capital funding. Their allocations from the first £25 million tranche of funding are as follows:- £158,301 for Rowcroft, a Torbay and South Devon hospice;- £180,911 for Hospiscare in Exeter;- £16,934 for Sidmouth Hospice in Home; and- £176,616 for St Luke's Hospice in Plymouth.In addition to this record hospice funding package, I recently met the major palliative and end of life care and hospice stakeholders, and long-term sector sustainability, within the context of our 10-Year Health Plan, was discussed at length.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to strengthen the relationship between the (a) Joint Nature Conservation Committee and (b) Climate Change Committee and the UK Special Representative for Nature.
As part of the Government’s consideration of the Climate and Nature Bill, on 24 January 2025, I committed to strengthen relationships between the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and the Special representative for Nature. There is already a strong working relationship between JNCC and CCC. We intend to build on this at a more strategic level and work has commenced to integrate the Special Representative for Nature into this engagement.
If she will adjust pension calculations for police officers who completed the majority of their service under the 1987 Pension Scheme.
The main public service pension schemes – including the police pension schemes – were reformed following the recommendations of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission in 2011. This reviewed the public service pensions landscape and the potential reforms in depth.The 2015 scheme offers valuable pensions, improves affordability and sustainability, and is fairer to lower and middle earners. It is backed by the taxpayer, index-linked, and offers guaranteed benefits on retirement. Police officers, like the firefighters and the armed forces, also benefit from a normal pension age in the 2015 scheme of age 60, while other public service schemes have a normal pension age aligned to State Pension Age.The 2015 scheme introduced valuable protections for the benefits that members have accrued in their legacy schemes (including the 1987 pension scheme): protecting the point at which they can draw those legacy benefits, maintaining a link to their final salary against their pensionable service and where applicable, a link to the enhanced accrual rate.
What steps she is taking to support police officers unable to benefit from the final ten years of enhanced accrual under the 1987 Police Pension Scheme.
The main public service pension schemes – including the police pension schemes – were reformed following the recommendations of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission in 2011. This reviewed the public service pensions landscape and the potential reforms in depth.The 2015 scheme offers valuable pensions, improves affordability and sustainability, and is fairer to lower and middle earners. It is backed by the taxpayer, index-linked, and offers guaranteed benefits on retirement. Police officers, like the firefighters and the armed forces, also benefit from a normal pension age in the 2015 scheme of age 60, while other public service schemes have a normal pension age aligned to State Pension Age.The 2015 scheme introduced valuable protections for the benefits that members have accrued in their legacy schemes (including the 1987 pension scheme): protecting the point at which they can draw those legacy benefits, maintaining a link to their final salary against their pensionable service and where applicable, a link to the enhanced accrual rate.
Whether his Department plans to provide support to homes with an EPC rating of D and below in Newton Abbot constituency.
There are various schemes currently delivering home energy efficiency improvements across Great Britain, including Newton Abbot, such as the Energy Company Obligation and the Great British Insulation Scheme. Owner occupier households are eligible if they receive means tested benefits and fall within Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band D-G. The new Warm Homes: Local Grant will also support low-income homeowners living in privately owned EPC band D-G homes both on and off the gas grid in England, with delivery beginning this year. The home retrofit tool on GOV.UK, ‘Find ways to save energy in your home’ (www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency) allows users to get tailored recommendations for home improvements that could make their property cheaper to heat and keep warm.
If she will bring forward legislative proposals to allow a portion of the fines collected by (a) Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation and (b) other enforcement agencies to be directed toward reparations.
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) is responsible for issuing civil monetary penalties for breaches of financial sanctions.The money collected from monetary penalties is deposited into the Consolidated Fund, in line with the general principles applying to the treatment of fines or other penalties imposed by public bodies in central government.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to provide an annual assessment of the UK’s progress towards climate and nature targets.
This Government is absolutely committed to tackling the climate and nature crises. In January 2025 we committed to publishing an annual climate and nature statement to parliament and the country. In terms of frameworks already in place, under the Climate Change Act 2008, the Climate Change Committee provide an annual assessment on the UK government's progress towards meeting carbon budgets and a biennial assessment of progress to adapt to climate change. We are expecting the next progress reports in spring 2025 and the government will lay its responses in Parliament by 15 October 2025. In accordance with the statutory requirements for progress reports under the Environment Act 2021, the Secretary of State must prepare annual reports on the implementation of the current environmental improvement plan. The next report covering the period to March 2025 is due to be published and laid in Parliament by July 2025.