Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer Portrait

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

Liberal Democrat - Life peer

Became Member: 28th July 1998


Draft Marine Bill (Joint Committee)
13th May 2008 - 22nd Jul 2008
Draft Climate Change Bill (Joint Committee)
23rd Apr 2007 - 3rd Aug 2007


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer has voted in 252 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
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Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Baroness Goldie (Conservative)
(4 debate interactions)
Lord McNicol of West Kilbride (Labour)
Shadow Spokesperson (Business and Trade)
(2 debate interactions)
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View all Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer's debates

Lords initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.


Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
8th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many requests for assistance have been received by (1) the Department of Work and Pensions, (2) HM Revenue and Customs, and (3) other Government departments, from British citizens who are resident overseas in each of the past five years.

This information is not held centrally.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
8th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether British citizens who are resident overseas and registered to vote with the local authority in which they last lived in the UK are included on the Electoral Register; and if not, whether there is an alternative national register of such citizens.

British citizens resident overseas who are registered to vote in UK Parliamentary elections as overseas electors are listed under ‘other electors’ at the end of the electoral register for each area/constituency.

The Government does not hold statistics on the number of British citizens living abroad who have been previously registered to vote in the UK.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
8th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of British citizens who are resident overseas and who can no longer vote in general elections due to the 15 year rule, since 2010.

British citizens resident overseas who are registered to vote in UK Parliamentary elections as overseas electors are listed under ‘other electors’ at the end of the electoral register for each area/constituency.

The Government does not hold statistics on the number of British citizens living abroad who have been previously registered to vote in the UK.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
7th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government which departments hold information on British citizens who are resident overseas; and what categories of  information each of those departments hold.

This information is not held centrally.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
7th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangement each department has for dealing with inquiries from British citizens who are resident overseas; and whether all departments (1) have a dedicated phone line for, and (2) provide training to staff about how to deal with, such inquiries.

This information is not held centrally.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
23rd Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what the Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education curriculums include on breastfeeding.

?From September, we are making the subjects of relationships education compulsory in all primary schools, relationships and sex education (RSE) compulsory in all secondary schools and health education compulsory in all state-funded schools.

The statutory guidance sets out that as part of RSE, pupils should be taught about sexual and reproductive health, including pregnancy and the role and responsibilities of parents with respect to raising of children. Schools are free to adapt their content to meet the needs of their pupils and may want to cover breastfeeding when teaching about parenting or pregnancy. The statutory guidance can be accessed via the following link, which is also attached: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/805781/Relationships_Education__Relationships_and_Sex_Education__RSE__and_Health_Education.pdf.

23rd Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Child Development GCSE covers the feeding of newborn babies; and if so, how it is taught.

?There is no Child Development GCSE available in England. Education is a devolved matter, and questions on GCSEs available in Wales and Northern Ireland should be directed to the appropriate devolved administrations.

7th Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Statement of reasons for the decision on the application for emergency authorisation for the use of Cruiser SB on sugar beet crops in 2024, updated on 18 January, what steps they are taking to ensure that sugar beet growers are able to comply with the conditions of emergency use, in particular that (1) "Only a specific list of crops, none of which flower before harvest, are permitted to be planted in the same field as treated sugar beet within 32 months", and (2) "no further use of thiamethoxam seed treatments on the same field within 46 months"; and what assessment they have made of likely compliance from sugar beet growers given restrictions on land supply and restrictions on reuse of a field for sugar beet cultivation that may take place before 46 months has passed since the last same usage.

All pesticide use in the UK is regulated through HSE’s overarching programme of enforcement and compliance. This includes extensive monitoring and intelligence-led enforcement activities to ensure that the supply and use of pesticides complies with legal requirements.

All UK sugar beet is grown under commercial contracting arrangements. Growers are used to meeting a range of requirements and are supported throughout the season by weekly monitoring and advice provided by the British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO). This provides a robust control mechanism for stewardship.

As part of the stewardship programme, all growers are fully advised of the requirements for use of seeds treated with Cruiser SB. The restrictions on the planting of succeeding crops are designed to limit levels of neonicotinoids in the environment and to be capable of incorporation into typical arable crop rotation patterns.

Farmers can decide whether or not they wish to grow sugar beet in a given year and, if so, whether they wish to use Cruiser SB. The restrictions on succeeding crops will be a factor in that decision; those farmers that opt to grow sugar beet with Cruiser SB will have considered how to accommodate the restrictions within their crop rotation plans.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
7th Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government with regard to the ban on the use of neonicotinoids, what is their rationale for allowing a derogation in 2024 year for sugar beet growers; and for how many years an emergency authorisation can be in place.

A statement of reasons for the emergency authorisation of Cruiser SB in 2024 can be found attached to this answer.

An emergency authorisation cannot run from year to year. This authorisation is for the 2024 sugar beet crop only and is valid for 120 days. Use of Cruiser SB or a similar product in any subsequent years would require the submission of a further application. Any future applications would be carefully assessed against the regulatory framework for emergency authorisations.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
1st Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to revoke the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989 that regulate sewage sludge and bring sewage sludge regulation within the Environmental Permitting Regime; and if so, when.

The Government is working with the Environment Agency to assess the regulatory framework for sludge. We recognise the importance of improving the regulatory framework, however, further work is required before any proposal for change may be progressed.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
20th Nov 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to their policy paper Plan for Water, updated on 4 April, what plans they have to set a timetable for the enforcement of a mandate for microfibre filters on new washing machines.

The Government has already taken significant steps to tackle plastic pollution (e.g. microplastics), including restricting the supply of several single-use plastics through introducing a plastic packaging tax from April 2022; restricting the supply of plastic straws, plastic drink stirrers, and plastic-stemmed cotton buds; and preventing billions of plastic microbeads from entering the ocean each year by introducing a ban on microbeads in rinse off personal care products.

The majority of microfibres are removed through water treatment and analysis of the evidence available to date does not show that there is a sufficient benefit to the environment that can justify legislation to mandate the microfibre filters in new washing machines with prices ranging from £30 to £122 per machine, dependent on manufacturer and whether the filters are disposable or reusable. Defra’s Plan for Water therefore includes a commitment for industry to develop low cost, effective microfibre filters on washing machines and encourage their effective use. We have met industry colleagues and posed this challenge and we look forward to any proposals they are able to share when they are able to do so.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to their policy paper Plan for Water, updated on 4 April, what funding they intend to provide to develop microfibre filters on new washing machines.

The Government has already taken significant steps to tackle plastic pollution (e.g. microplastics), including restricting the supply of several single-use plastics through introducing a plastic packaging tax from April 2022; restricting the supply of plastic straws, plastic drink stirrers, and plastic-stemmed cotton buds; and preventing billions of plastic microbeads from entering the ocean each year by introducing a ban on microbeads in rinse off personal care products.

The majority of microfibres are removed through water treatment and analysis of the evidence available to date does not show that there is a sufficient benefit to the environment that can justify legislation to mandate the microfibre filters in new washing machines with prices ranging from £30 to £122 per machine, dependent on manufacturer and whether the filters are disposable or reusable. Defra’s Plan for Water therefore includes a commitment for industry to develop low cost, effective microfibre filters on washing machines and encourage their effective use. We have met industry colleagues and posed this challenge and we look forward to any proposals they are able to share when they are able to do so.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to tackle microplastic pollution entering waterways from washing machines.

The Government has already taken significant steps to tackle plastic pollution (e.g. microplastics), including restricting the supply of several single-use plastics through introducing a plastic packaging tax from April 2022; restricting the supply of plastic straws, plastic drink stirrers, and plastic-stemmed cotton buds; and preventing billions of plastic microbeads from entering the ocean each year by introducing a ban on microbeads in rinse off personal care products.

The majority of microfibres are removed through water treatment and analysis of the evidence available to date does not show that there is a sufficient benefit to the environment that can justify legislation to mandate the microfibre filters in new washing machines with prices ranging from £30 to £122 per machine, dependent on manufacturer and whether the filters are disposable or reusable. Defra’s Plan for Water therefore includes a commitment for industry to develop low cost, effective microfibre filters on washing machines and encourage their effective use. We have met industry colleagues and posed this challenge and we look forward to any proposals they are able to share when they are able to do so.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Sep 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect on the volume of food donated to food banks arising from "Natasha’s Law" regarding food labelling, which requires allergen labelling on pre-packaged direct sale food.

The UK maintains high standards on the information that is provided on food labels so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy.

This was strengthened, for food that is sold prepacked for direct sale, with the introduction of Natasha’s Law in 2021.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recently conducted an evaluation of the impact of the law. During the evaluation, the FSA spoke to stakeholders including food businesses.

While the evaluation did not focus specifically on food redistribution, it did offer stakeholders the opportunity to discuss their experiences implementing the new law broadly. There was no significant evidence provided in respect of impact on food donations. However, we are clear that, irrespective of how food is distributed, whether for sale or provided free, consumer safety must remain the priority.

Defra and the FSA have worked with WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) to produce comprehensive guidance on surplus food redistribution to help businesses and charities safely and efficiently redistribute surplus and prevent good food going to waste.

The FSA continues to engage with stakeholders regarding the impact of Natasha's Law, to ensure any issues are identified and resolved.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Sep 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act 1996 in the United States; what plans they have, if any, to introduce similar legislation to reduce food waste and allow for “apparently wholesome food” to be donated to charities; and whether they have received any representations from charities about the case for such legislation.

There are no plans to introduce legislation in this area. The absence of such legislation has not been seen as a key barrier to redistributors when it comes to increasing the availability of surplus food. Legal protection for suppliers of food, including the charities and organisations distributing surplus food, already exists in the form of the Food Safety Act 1990’s ‘due diligence’ provision. This is designed to balance the protection of the consumer from defective food with the right of suppliers of food not to be convicted of an offence they have taken all reasonable care to avoid committing.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
22nd Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to prevent harm to birds and other wildlife from drones.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits the intentional or reckless disturbance of any wild bird included in Schedule 1 while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or the dependent young of such a bird. The Act also prohibits the intentional or reckless disturbance of any animal included on Schedule 5 while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection. In both instances this would include disturbance by drones.

20th Jul 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they made an assessment of the effects on the travel industry of their decision to require British citizens to quarantine when returning to the UK from France; and if so, what were the conclusions of that assessment.

The Government has always been clear that we will not hesitate to act immediately should the data show that countries risk ratings have changed. The decision on France was taken following the persistent presence of cases in France of the Beta variant, which was first identified in South Africa.

The Government recognises the challenging circumstances businesses in the travel industry face as a result of Covid-19, which is why we have provided an unprecedented package of support to protect jobs and businesses totalling over £350 billion. This includes support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, support for businesses through grants and loans, business rates and VAT relief. We continue to take a flexible approach and keep all impacts and policies under review.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
13th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government why a reciprocal agreement on driving licences between the UK and France has not yet been signed.

The Department for Transport has successfully agreed arrangements with France for the mutual recognition of photocard licences. As such, visitors with UK photocard licences will not need to carry an additional International Driving Permit when driving in France. We have also secured interim arrangements with the French authorities which will allow UK licence holders resident in France, to continue to use their valid UK licence until 1 January 2022. We are working with the French Government to finalise a permanent licence exchange agreement as soon as possible.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
13th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government when UK citizens in EU Member States with whom reciprocal arrangements on driving licences have not been signed will lose their right to drive in those countries.

The UK has secured either permanent or interim arrangements with all EU Member States so that valid UK licence holders resident in the EU can continue to drive. The vast majority of the interim arrangements do not have an expiry date, pending finalisation of a permanent agreement. In EU Member States where there is an expiry date to the interim arrangements, the Department for Transport and our diplomatic Posts are working hard to reach a swift agreement.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
13th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether a UK citizen who is resident in France can nominate an individual in the UK to buy an International Driving Permit on their behalf.

A person must be resident in the UK and have a full UK driving licence to be able to obtain an International Driving Permit in the UK. An individual who is not resident in the UK is unable to nominate someone to buy one on their behalf.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
13th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government with which EU Member States they have (1) reached, and (2) signed, reciprocal agreements on driving licences.

The Department for Transport has successfully agreed arrangements with all EU/EEA Member States for the mutual recognition of photocard licences. As such, visitors with UK photocard licences will not need to carry an additional International Driving Permit (IDP) when driving in any EU/EEA Member State.

The UK has secured permanent or long-term reciprocal arrangements for the exchange of licences with: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia Switzerland, Bulgaria, Iceland, Lithuania, Hungary, Netherlands, Sweden, Latvia and Belgium. The UK is working to conclude the formal agreements where required.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 2 March (HL13474), whether they (1) know, or (2) have estimated the number of UK nationals living in France who have been left without a valid driving licence since the end of the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU; and what assessment they have made of the reasons for such licences no longer being valid.

An estimate of the number of UK nationals in France without a valid licence since 1 January 2021 has not yet been obtained. UK nationals who became resident in France before 1 January 2021 can continue to use their valid UK licences until 31 December 2021. The French authorities have confirmed that a valid UK licence will continue to be exchanged in this period, until a reciprocal agreement is reached between the United Kingdom and France.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have for th DVLA to be able to grant an extension to UK drivers' licences that are due to expire, where there are no reciprocal arrangements regarding driving licences with EU member states.

UK legislation does not permit the DVLA to extend a UK national’s driving licence, if they are not a UK resident. There are no plans to amend the regulations. All EU/EEA Member States, except for Italy, have confirmed reciprocal arrangements for exchanging licences. Most of our agreements are permanent arrangements and a small number require formal agreements which will be concluded before the end of this year. Where these agreements are needed, the UK has secured interim arrangements with the relevant Member States.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what reciprocal arrangements are in place between the UK and each EU member state with regard to driving licences.

All EU/EEA Member States, except for Italy, have confirmed reciprocal arrangements for exchanging licences, confirming that a retest will not be required for resident UK nationals. Most of our agreements are permanent arrangements and a small number require formal agreements which will be concluded before the end of this year. Where these agreements are needed, the UK has secured interim arrangements with the relevant Member States. All EU/EEA countries have confirmed that International Driving Permits will not be required by UK visitors.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Feb 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they provide to British nationals living in France whose UK driving licence has just expired, or is about to expire.

The Living in France guidance published on gov.uk was updated at the end of 2020 with information for UK nationals living in France who hold UK driving licences. The rules for exchanging UK licences have not yet been confirmed by the French authorities but are the subject of discussions between the UK and French Governments. We will update this page when more information is available. UK nationals are also directed to consult the guidance published by France.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Feb 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many certificates of entitlement (D737) have been issued since the end of the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU.

During January 2021, 1,368 certificates of entitlement (D737) were issued. Information is not yet available for February 2021.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Feb 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of British nationals living in France who have been left without a valid driving licence since the end of the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU; and what assessment they have made of the reasons for such licences no longer being valid.

UK nationals who became resident in France before 1 January 2021 can continue to use their valid UK licences for a one-year period until 31 December 2021. There is no requirement imposed by France for these valid UK licences to be exchanged in this period until a reciprocal agreement is reached between the United Kingdom and France.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Feb 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made on their negotiations with the government of France on driving licences; and whether negotiations will conclude next month.

The Government is making every effort to reach an understanding with France regarding long-term licence exchange arrangements for UK nationals resident in France, and vice-versa. While those discussions are ongoing, the French Government has also confirmed that UK licence holders resident in France can continue to use their UK licence until 31 December 2021, provided that it remains valid in the UK. It is not possible at this time to say when negotiations will conclude.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
7th Feb 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 4 February (HL705), whether the Civil Aviation Authority’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code includes rules regarding the disturbance of wildlife; and if not, why not.

The Civil Aviation Authority’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code provides important guidance on how to fly responsibly and within the law. Point 7 of the Drone and Model Aircraft Code has a section reminding users not to fly where animals would be disturbed. Some local authorities also have Byelaws which restrict flight in places such as forests and parks to ensure that wildlife is protected.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
7th Feb 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a requirement that drones display a licence number on the side of the drone, clear enough to be identified through binoculars, that could be reported to the Civil Aviation Authority if users do not comply with the Drone and Model Aircraft Code.

Since the end of November 2019, operators of SUA from 250g up to 20kg need to register with the CAA and their ID number needs to be displayed on the aircraft. In most cases this will be clearly visible on the outside of the aircraft. However, it is important to be proportionate, therefore in some cases the number may be contained within a compartment that can be easily accessed without using a tool.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce a requirement for those purchasing drones to be informed of the risk drones pose to nesting birds and their feeding grounds.

While there are no current plans to require those purchasing drones to be informed specifically of the risk drones pose to nesting birds and their feeding grounds, the Government has been working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other agencies to encourage the responsible use of drones. For example, the CAA launched a website, www.dronesafe.co.uk, which serves to raise awareness of the current rules of the air and the “drone and model aircraft code” sets these out in a clear and simple way.

The CAA has also developed a competency test, which is compulsory for remote pilots flying unmanned aircraft, including drones, from 250g up to 20kg. It covers subjects such as flight restriction zones, height restrictions, registration and how close to people and buildings a drone can legally fly, as well as reminding those flying drones to be aware and considerate of their surroundings wherever they are being flown.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
16th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Supreme Court judgment [2018] UKSC 48, what assessment have they made of the impact on family finances of not providing retrospective Bereavement Support Payment to families where the date of death of a family member was prior to 30 August 2018.

The Supreme Court and the High Court have declared the legislation governing Widowed Parent’s Allowance (WPA) and Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) respectively to be incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in that surviving cohabitees with children cannot access these benefits.

The draft proposal for a Bereavement Benefits (2021) Remedial Order was laid before Parliament on 15th July 2021 and proposes to extend eligibility for Widowed Parent’s Allowance (WPA) and Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) to surviving cohabitees with dependent children.

The changes proposed by the draft Order have effect from 30th August 2018, as this was the date of the Supreme Court judgment in the McLaughlin case. Where a death occurred before 30th August 2018, there can be eligibility for both WPA and BSP, but awards can only be made in respect of entitlement arising from that date.

The proposals in the draft Order are subject to a 60-day laying period during which comments are invited from parliamentarians and stakeholders about the proposals. These comments will then be reviewed and next steps considered.

An assessment of the impact on family finances of not providing BSP to families where the death of a family member occurred prior to 30th August 2018 has not been made.

16th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the total number of children who experienced the death of a parent between 9 April 2001 and 30 August 2018 whose family unit (1) was not eligible for Widowed Parents Allowance or Bereavement Support Payment, and (2) will remain ineligible for support under the Draft Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2021.

No assessment has been made of the total number of children who experience the death of a parent between 9th April 2001 and 30th August 2018 whose family unit (1) was not eligible for Widowed Parents Allowance or Bereavement Support Payment, and (2) will remain ineligible for support under the Draft Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2021.

As part of the BSP claimant process, the number of dependent children are not captured, and therefore we do not hold the data required.

16th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the total number of children who experienced the death of a parent between 9 February 2016 and 30 August 2018 whose family unit (1) was not eligible for Widowed Parents Allowance or Bereavement Support Payment, and (2) will remain ineligible for support under the Draft Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2021.

No assessment has been made of the total number of children who experience the death of a parent between 9th February 2016 and 30th August 2018 whose family unit (1) was not eligible for Widowed Parents Allowance or Bereavement Support Payment, and (2) will remain ineligible for support under the Draft Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2021.

As part of the BSP claimant process, the number of dependent children are not captured, and therefore we do not hold the data required.

16th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the total number of children who, between 6 April 2017 and 30 August 2018, experienced the death of a parent but whose family unit (1) was not eligible for Bereavement Support Payment, and (2) remains ineligible for support under the Draft Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2021.

No assessment has been made of the total number of children who experience the death of a parent between 6th April 2017 and 30th August 2018 whose family unit (1) was not eligible for Widowed Parents Allowance or Bereavement Support Payment, and (2) will remain ineligible for support under the Draft Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2021.

As part of the BSP claimant process, the number of dependent children are not captured, and therefore we do not hold the data required.

16th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Supreme Court judgment [2018] UKSC 48, what consideration they have given to providing retrospective Bereavement Support Payment to families where the date of death of a family member was prior to 30 August 2018.

The draft Bereavement Benefits (Remedial Order) 2021 was laid before Parliament on 15 July 2021 and proposes to extend eligibility to Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) and Widowed Parent’s Allowance (WPA) to cohabitees with dependent children.

The changes proposed by the draft Order have effect from 30 August 2018, as this was the date of the Supreme Court judgment in the McLaughlin case and from when we became aware of an incompatibility. Where a death occurred before 30 August 2018, there can be eligibility for either WPA or BSP, but awards can only be made in respect of entitlement arising from that date.

The proposals in the draft Order are subject to a 60-day laying period during which comments are invited from parliamentarians and stakeholders about the proposals. These comments will then be reviewed and next steps considered.

20th Jul 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they made of the prevalence of the Beta variant of COVID-19 in (1) mainland France, and (2) French overseas territories, when deciding to require British citizens to quarantine when returning to the UK from France.

The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) produces risk assessments of countries and territories. This risk is based on factors such as the level of community transmission of variants of concern or variant under investigation, levels of testing, genomic sequencing and reporting. The JBC assessed that France is a high-risk COVID-19 destination due to the circulation of variants of concern, most notably the beta variant, which is the variant that presents the greatest risk for vaccine escape. As of 19 July, GISAID data shows there have been to date 2,959 cases of beta in France (5.2% of all cases uploaded) compared to 1,052 cases of beta in the United Kingdom (0.2% of all cases uploaded), 44 cases in Greece (0.5% of all cases uploaded) and 621 cases in Spain (1.4% of all cases uploaded), from the start of the pandemic. GISAID is a live repository and the number of sequences attributed to a specific lineage, country or region may be revised upwards or downwards as new lineages are identified and countries update and amend their data. The quarantine rules and testing for travellers into the United Kingdom from France will significantly decrease the risk of importing beta cases, which could then grow rapidly into community clusters or outbreaks.

23rd Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of World Health Organisation guidance that breastfeeding a baby for two years has health benefits that last into adulthood.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is reviewing the scientific basis of current recommendations for feeding young children aged 12 to 60 months. Where evidence is available, this will cover the impact of continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond as recommended by the World Health Organization on short and long-term health outcomes into adulthood.

In July 2018, the SACN published its report on Feeding in the First Year of Life, providing updated recommendations on infant feeding up to 12 months of age in the United Kingdom. Based on SACN’s advice, the UK Government recommends that women exclusively breastfeed for around the first six months of life and continue breastfeeding for at least the first year of life once solid foods have been introduced. A copy of Feeding in the First Year of Life is attached.

23rd Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what comparison they have made of the percentage of women breastfeeding their babies at six months (1) currently, (2) 10 years ago, and (3) 20 years ago.

Breastfeeding at six months has been measured through the Infant Feeding Survey United Kingdom, which last ran in 2010. The results were published in 2012 and reported the breastfeeding prevalence for the UK outlined in the following table.

Breastfeeding prevalence for babies aged six months in 2000, 2005 and 2010 in the UK:

2000

2005

2010

Exclusively breastfed

Less than 1%

Less than 1%

1%

At all breastfed

21%

25%

34%

Notes:

  1. Source: Infant Feeding Survey - UK, 2010. NHS Digital.
  2. Prevalence of breastfeeding is based on all mothers who completed Stage 3 of the survey.

The UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. Data published in the Lancet shows that 0.5% of babies in the UK are being breastfed up to one year compared with 23% in Germany, 56% in Brazil and 99% in Senegal. A copy of the Lancet article, Breastfeeding in the 21st Century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect, is attached.

23rd Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what comparison they have made of the difference in breastfeeding rates between the UK and other countries.

Breastfeeding at six months has been measured through the Infant Feeding Survey United Kingdom, which last ran in 2010. The results were published in 2012 and reported the breastfeeding prevalence for the UK outlined in the following table.

Breastfeeding prevalence for babies aged six months in 2000, 2005 and 2010 in the UK:

2000

2005

2010

Exclusively breastfed

Less than 1%

Less than 1%

1%

At all breastfed

21%

25%

34%

Notes:

  1. Source: Infant Feeding Survey - UK, 2010. NHS Digital.
  2. Prevalence of breastfeeding is based on all mothers who completed Stage 3 of the survey.

The UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. Data published in the Lancet shows that 0.5% of babies in the UK are being breastfed up to one year compared with 23% in Germany, 56% in Brazil and 99% in Senegal. A copy of the Lancet article, Breastfeeding in the 21st Century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect, is attached.

12th Jul 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have completed preparations for the Review Conference on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons that will take place in August this year; and who will represent the UK at that conference.

The UK looks forward to working with all states to strengthen the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) at the Tenth Review Conference in August. The FCDO is still finalising Ministerial attendance. The senior official who will represent the UK at the conference will be the UK's Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jul 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, as outlined in the National Report ahead of the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, they will hold regular engagement with Parliamentarians to increase understanding and awareness of the UK’s nuclear deterrence and disarmament policy, and provide opportunity for dialogue.

We value our engagement with UK Parliamentarians on the UK's nuclear deterrence and disarmament policy, and will continue to offer briefings, including with relevant Parliamentary Committees. The Government provides annual updates to Parliament on the progress of the Dreadnought Class submarine programme and other related Defence Nuclear Enterprise programmes. The most recent report was published on 16 December 2021.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jul 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in discussions at the Review Conference on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and given the international political situation, they will prioritise discussion on a moratorium for (1) intermediate-range nuclear weapons, and (2) the deployment of new short-range nuclear weapons.

Our priorities are to recognise the successes of the past 50 years and reaffirm our commitment to the NPT, finding common areas of agreement across all three pillars (disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear technology).

We will work collaboratively to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict and build mutual trust and confidence that allows further progress towards disarmament. The P5 process remains an important channel through which the Nuclear Weapon States discuss the Treaty's implementation. It is also an important risk reduction measure to build trust and confidence, especially during times of tension.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jul 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are their priorities for the Review Conference on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; and what emphasis will they put on the following elements of strategic risk reduction (1) building confidence, (2) increasing mutual understanding and comprehension about nuclear posture and capabilities amongst the P5, and (3) effective crisis management and crisis prevention tools.

The UK is committed to effective international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation and we will engage in such relevant discussions at the NPT RevCon (Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons). We want Russia to demonstrate the same commitment: it was Russia's violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty that led to that Treaty's demise. Russia's proposed moratorium would do nothing to address its existing deployments of prohibited missiles, and so would not improve the international political situation.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The UK believes that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) has been, and continues to be, a huge success. For over 50 years it has minimised the proliferation of nuclear weapons; provided the framework to enable significant levels of nuclear disarmament, and allowed States to develop secure, safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The NPT has played an unparalleled role in curtailing the nuclear arms race. Coupled with the safeguards regime operated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it has deterred all but a few states from acquiring nuclear weapons. Globally, the number of nuclear weapons has reduced by nearly three quarters since its peak in the mid-1980s. The NPT continues to be essential to the maintenance of a safe and secure world. The UK remains strongly committed to the NPT and will work towards a successful Review Conference in January 2022.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made as to whether the trilateral security pact between the UK, US and Australia, known as AUKUS, complies with (1) Article 1 of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and (2) Article 2 of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The UK is strongly committed to full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in all its aspects; there is no credible alternative route to nuclear disarmament. The activity set out in AUKUS is not prohibited by the NPT. The NPT does not prohibit the use of nuclear propulsion technology. The proposed submarines use a nuclear reactor uniquely as a power source. Australia does not - and will not - seek nuclear weapons.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)