Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization for the United Nations joint report Hunger Hotspots: FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity, published on 5 June, what assessment they have made of the project in that report that the La Niña weather phenomenon is expected to exacerbate acute hunger in many regions; and what assistance they are providing to the countries and territories which are most impacted.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The UK is closely monitoring the potential development of La Niña conditions and in particular the risk of food security impacts in the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa.

The UK is a committed humanitarian donor, channelling over £277 million in Humanitarian Aid to the Africa region in 2023 and is already operating humanitarian programmes in those countries of concern highlighted in the Hunger Hotspots report. Those programmes are standing-by to adapt as required. On 22 August, Minister Dodds, Minister for Development, announced an additional £15 million of vital assistance to Sudan, South Sudan and Chad.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the conclusions of Duke of Edinburgh Award's Impact Report 2024, published in December, with regard to the impact of participating in the Award on young people's social and emotional development, and well-being.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government welcomes the Duke of Edinburgh Award’s 2024 Impact Report, which demonstrates the effective use of data to measure the outcomes for young people participating in youth programmes.

On 12th November, the Secretary of State announced a new National Youth Strategy, which will be developed together with young people and the youth sector.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of 'Guiding principles for youth-led social action' published by Youth Access; and whether they plan to support and build on existing early support hubs through the Young Futures programme.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Education)

The new Young Futures Hubs will support the delivery of the government’s safer streets, health and opportunity missions by bringing together support services for children and young people. In doing so, the hubs will promote children and young people’s development, improve their mental health and wellbeing, and prevent them from being drawn into crime. They will be staffed by professionals including youth workers, mental health support workers and career advisors.

The department will engage with national and local partners, local communities, and children and young people to work together on design and delivery, including considering relevant reports.

Found: 10 December 2024 4.35 pm Watch the meeting Members present: Lord Ricketts (The Chair); Baroness Anelay of St Johns

Found: 10 December 2024 4.35 pm Watch the meeting Members present: Lord Ricketts (The Chair); Baroness Anelay of St Johns

Submit Evidence (by 7 Mar 2025)

The European Affairs Committee is holding an inquiry into the ‘reset’ of UK-EU relations that the Government is pursuing. The inquiry has two main themes: the substance of the reset, involving questions about what the reset is or should be; and the reset process, involving questions about how the Government pursues it with the EU and the role of interested parties in the UK. The inquiry is expected to consider topics including the Government’s overall approach and negotiating priorities, the relationship between the reset and the forthcoming review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and the relationship between the reset and UK relationships beyond the EU.