Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Livermore on 11 November, why is HS2 defined as an England and Wales project attracting no Barnett consequential.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Heavy rail infrastructure is not devolved in Wales, hence the UK Government is responsible for spending on heavy rail infrastructure across England and Wales. The Government is committed to rail schemes in Wales, by providing funding for operations, maintenance and infrastructure, and enhancement schemes such as modernising Cardiff Central Station.

The approach to heavy rail infrastructure is consistent with the funding arrangements for other policy areas, such as the construction of prisons, where the UK Government is responsible for spending in Wales, as Justice is Reserved.

The Welsh Government is receiving at least 20% more funding per person than equivalent UK Government spending in England. That translates into over £4 billion more in 2025-26.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that large amounts of sanctioned Russian liquefied natural gas reach European markets through Zeebrugge.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK has taken extensive action to limit energy revenues that are funding Russia's war. The UK prohibited the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in January 2023 and banned the export of energy related goods. In September 2024 we used new powers to sanction carriers transporting Russian LNG, followed by a second set of vessels in October. These carriers were shipping LNG from Russia's flagship Arctic LNG 2 project which has ceased production as a result of UK and partner sanctions. We are committed to working with partners, including the EU, to take further steps to constrain Russian revenue.

Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker whether a decision on the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster is still expected to be taken in 2025.

Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble

The R&R Client Board published the strategic case for the R&R Programme in March 2024. This set out that three options for how to deliver the R&R works to the Palace (including full decant, continued presence and enhanced maintenance and improvement) will be developed in detail. This detailed work, which will include estimated costs and timescales as well as risks and mitigations for all three options, is expected to be presented to the Houses by the end of 2025 to enable an evidence-based decision on how best to restore the Palace.

Found: The Chair noted the correspondence received fr om Lord Hain, Lord Lexden, Lord Dodds, Lord Empey and

Found: It was tabled by Lord Hain (Labour) and sponsored by Lord Livermore for the government, Baroness Smith

Found: It was tabled by Lord Hain (Labour) and sponsored by Lord Livermore for the government, Baroness Smith