Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb

Recent papers on the collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) provide a range of views on the likelihood, extent and timing of potential changes in AMOC. They provide useful evidence on this rapidly evolving area of science; they do not represent a significant update to the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report is the most comprehensive assessment of climate science to date and determined that there is a high likelihood of the AMOC weakening in the 21st century, but an abrupt collapse is unlikely (although not impossible) in this timeframe.

The Government has not assessed the effect of any slowing or collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) on economic planning. The Sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has determined that there is a high likelihood of the AMOC weakening in the 21st century, but an abrupt collapse is unlikely in this timeframe. The Government is monitoring ongoing research into how AMOC might change in the future and what impacts that would have.

No, there is no precondition to compensate shareholders in the case of transferring of company to new owner after a Special Administration Regime (SAR). The Procedure for a transfer scheme in a SAR is set out in Schedule 2 to the Water Industry Act 1991.

An annual assessment of declarations of interest takes place across the Environment Agency (EA). The EA has a Code of Conduct that applies equally to all employees including Area Directors and Directors of Operations (Regional Directors). All employees are required to make an annual declaration of interest even if it's to confirm that there are no interests to declare, as well as at any time, should a potential conflict arise. They must make a declaration when an actual or potential conflict arises, including the existence of any private interest which might influence or be reasonably thought by others to influence their impartiality or the performance of their duties under the contract of employment. In these situations, the EA assess the declaration and take steps to mitigate or avoid the risk of conflict. A serious failure to declare an interest could lead to disciplinary action resulting in dismissal on the grounds of gross misconduct.

The question of publication of Area and Regional Directors’ financial declarations has recently been the subject of a ruling from the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) which examined the balance of data protection and the public interest, given the current focus on water industry regulation. The ICO found that the Agency should publish relevant financial disclosures for those at Director level, and not for those at the Deputy Director grade, which includes Area Directors. The Agency intends to comply with this ruling.

If the whole water industry was nationalised, share- and debt-holders would need to be compensated, which could cost over an estimated £90 billion. This is based on Ofwat’s Regulatory Capital Value 2024 figures for companies in England and Wales.

The Government has no intention to nationalise water companies. In addition to the significant costs attached, it would take years to unpick the current ownership model, during which time the sector's issues would only get worse. The Government instead wants to tackle the situation as quickly as possible by improving the privatised regulated model.

That is why, alongside providing the regulators new powers to take tougher and faster action through the Water (Special Measures) Bill, the Government has also announced a full review of the water system. This will shape further legislation that will fundamentally transform how the current system works and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

Following receipt of the Health and Safety Executive’s final opinions, the final decision for any restriction will be made by the Secretary of State, with the consent of the Scottish and Welsh Ministers, and published on GOV.UK.

We are working closely with local planning authorities, who are responsible for monitoring and addressing incidents of non-compliance with biodiversity net gain regulations.

Failure to deliver, or attempt to deliver, biodiversity net gain outcomes which are secured with conditions or limitations (subject to which planning permission is granted) can result in enforcement action by the planning authority. Planning authorities have a range of existing planning enforcement tools at their disposal.

Defra has funded the Planning Advisory Service to deliver training and guidance on biodiversity net gain to local planning authorities, ensuring they can competently enforce regulations.

As biodiversity net gain delivery develops, Defra will continue to review the role of guidance in supporting when enforcement action can be taken. Defra will also continue to work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on any future measures that could support enforcement of BNG and develop the essential housing and infrastructure Britain needs, while safeguarding the environment.

All manufacturers must demonstrate that their vehicles satisfy a range of regulated technical requirements before placing their products onto the market in Great Britain. There are several different approval schemes available, and the process will vary depending on the specific scheme and type of vehicle, but each contains provisions to ensure that any potential risk to people is minimised as far as practicable.

Separate legislation sets maximum vehicle weights and axle loads, and these limits minimise the risk of damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Data on road injury collisions are reported by police using the STATS19 system. The number of casualties involved in collisions where the driver failed to stop at the scene in each year since 2017 are shown in the table below broken down by severity of injury and by whether the vehicle which failed to stop was hit.

STATS19 does not record details of subsequent prosecutions, so it is not possible to say what proportion of these collisions resulted in prosecution.

Data on motoring offences does not fall under the policy remit of the Department for Transport and is published separately by the Ministry of Justice.

As a statutory consultee, Active Travel England makes recommendations for the provision of cycle parking in line with the standards set out in Local Transport Note 1/20 in developments it is consulted on. In particular, Table 11-1 establishes minimum quantum standards based on different land uses, while chapter 11 in its entirety sets out good design principles to ensure that new cycle parking is secure and convenient.

It is for local authorities to decide on appropriate cycle parking provision that would best serve the needs of their local communities.

The Government agrees that everyone who wishes to cycle should be able to afford to do so. The Government is aware that people on low incomes are currently unable to access the Cycle to Work scheme, and will consider other options for making cycling more affordable as it develops its future plans for active travel.

Comprehensive monitoring, in compliance with Environment Agency and water company standards and practices, is undertaken by HS2 Ltd’s supply chain in the vicinity of all HS2 construction activities. All of the monitoring data is subsequently shared and reviewed regularly with the Environment Agency, and for the Colne Valley area, with Affinity Water.

No adverse effects on groundwater or surface water ecosystems have been detected to date during construction of the Colne Valley Viaduct or Chilterns Tunnels, or from other construction activities across the wider Chalk aquifer through which HS2 passes. Monitoring will continue into the post-construction phase to confirm that there are no residual or developing water related issues.

The UK REACH restriction process relating to lead in ammunition was initiated in 2021 by the then Defra Secretary of State, with the agreement of the Scottish and Welsh Governments. This triggered a process under the UK REACH regulations, with the dossier preparation and opinion process led by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The two consultations which form part of this process both garnered large numbers of responses (2859 and 8159) necessitating extensions to the legislative deadlines in order to take account of the information submitted.

We expect to receive HSE's final restriction opinion on the risks of using lead in ammunition to human health and the environment in autumn 2024. The decision to apply any restrictions, or not to do so, will subsequently be made by the Defra Secretary of State, with the consent of the Scottish and Welsh Ministers.

The Home Office do not keep a central record of discussions with local police forces about contractual arrangements with technology firms.

While the Government is unable to comment on individual cases or ongoing legal proceedings, it is currently considering responses to a public consultation on a recommendation by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse that the limitation period should be removed for civil claims brought by victims and survivors of child sexual abuse; and that the burden of proof should be reversed in child sexual abuse civil cases so that an action can proceed unless the defendant can satisfy the court that it is not possible for a fair hearing to take place. A Government response will be issued in due course.

The Home Office does not hold information centrally on the number of attempted or actual protests, or resulting arrests, that have taken place outside the Drax power station. Information of this nature is held by the relevant police force and is not collected by the Home Office.

This Government has set out our ambition to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, using every tool available to target perpetrators and address the root causes of violence.

Prevention and education are fundamental to our approach, and we will tackle the root causes of these crimes, including supporting our education system to teach children about respectful and healthy relationships and consent.

This Government has set out our ambition to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, using every tool available to target perpetrators and address the root causes of violence.

Prevention and education are fundamental to our approach, and we will tackle the root causes of these crimes, including supporting our education system to teach children about respectful and healthy relationships and consent.

As part of the ongoing government consultation ‘Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system’ which was launched on Tuesday 30 July, we are seeking views on proposed changes to the NPPF intended to support the provision of public infrastructure and to create sustainable, healthy communities.

Contributions from developers play an important role in delivering the infrastructure that local communities expect to see alongside new development. The Government will focus on improving the system of developer contributions.

The NPPF makes clear that plans should set out the contributions expected from development. This should include setting out the levels and types of affordable housing provision required, along with other infrastructure (such as that needed for health, open space, and transport). Plan-makers should work in collaboration with the local community, developers, and other stakeholders to create realistic, deliverable policies.

It is important that local planning authorities prepare, and keep up to date, a local plan as the primary basis for identifying what development is needed in an area. This helps ensure that local strategies to improve health and wellbeing and the provision of the required health infrastructure are supported and considered in plans (including in the preparation of strategic policies for community facilities) and in planning decisions.

Working with the advice and support of the Director of Public Health, plan-makers may also need to involve key groups in the local health and wellbeing system, including Health and Wellbeing Boards.

The Government is committed to promoting active travel and ensuring that routes identified in Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) are considered in planning decisions. Active Travel England (ATE), established as an executive agency within the Department for Transport, acts as a statutory consultee in the planning system, reviewing active travel provisions in major planning applications to ensure they align with the standards and principles set out in national design standards. This ensures that new developments support and enhance active travel routes identified in LCWIPs.

As part of the ongoing government consultation ‘Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system’ which was launched on Tuesday 30 July, we are seeking views on proposed changes to the NPPF intended to support the provision of public infrastructure and to create sustainable, healthy communities.

Contributions from developers play an important role in delivering the infrastructure that local communities expect to see alongside new development. The Government will focus on improving the system of developer contributions.

The NPPF makes clear that plans should set out the contributions expected from development. This should include setting out the levels and types of affordable housing provision required, along with other infrastructure (such as that needed for health, open space, and transport). Plan-makers should work in collaboration with the local community, developers, and other stakeholders to create realistic, deliverable policies.

It is important that local planning authorities prepare, and keep up to date, a local plan as the primary basis for identifying what development is needed in an area. This helps ensure that local strategies to improve health and wellbeing and the provision of the required health infrastructure are supported and considered in plans (including in the preparation of strategic policies for community facilities) and in planning decisions.

Working with the advice and support of the Director of Public Health, plan-makers may also need to involve key groups in the local health and wellbeing system, including Health and Wellbeing Boards.

The Government is committed to promoting active travel and ensuring that routes identified in Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) are considered in planning decisions. Active Travel England (ATE), established as an executive agency within the Department for Transport, acts as a statutory consultee in the planning system, reviewing active travel provisions in major planning applications to ensure they align with the standards and principles set out in national design standards. This ensures that new developments support and enhance active travel routes identified in LCWIPs.

In our consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, we have set out that land released in the Green Belt should deliver clear benefits for nature and public access to green space where Green Belt release occurs. Q36 seeks views on our proposed approach. We will confirm our approach in our formal response to the consultation.