Lord Jones of Cheltenham

The Government made a full assessment of the epidemiological and other relevant data ahead of taking the decision to move to Step 4 of the roadmap on 19 July. The Government is clear that the pandemic is not over and that the public should continue to behave cautiously.

The Government does not have plans to change the Act’s coverage as it relates to Parliamentarians. The constitutional position is affirmed by Parliament in Schedule 3 of the Act.

The conduct of Parliamentarians is a matter for each House. Codes of conduct set out the standards of behaviour expected of Members of Parliament in all aspects of their public life. Both Houses are advised by the Commissioners for Standards in each House.

Where MPs and peers recruit or employ staff, these aspects are covered by the Equality Act 2010, including the duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.

On Monday 12 July, the Prime Minister confirmed that the Government’s four tests for easing COVID-19 restrictions had been met and England proceeded to Step 4 of the roadmap on Monday 19 July. A range of data was considered, including from Public Health England, the NHS, and the ONS, as well as modelling from SAGE, to inform this decision. In June, the move to Step 4 was delayed by four weeks so more adults could be vaccinated, and more than 7 million vaccines were administered during this period.

The Government will continue to monitor the data on a regular basis to ensure there is no danger of the NHS facing unsustainable pressure. The Government will maintain contingency plans for reimposing economic and social restrictions at a local, regional or national level if evidence suggests they are necessary to suppress or manage a dangerous variant. Such measures would only be re-introduced as a last resort to prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

Ministers are personally responsible for deciding how to act and conduct themselves in the light of the Code and for justifying their actions and conduct to Parliament and the public.

The Prime Minister is the ultimate judge of the standards of behaviour expected of a Minister and the appropriate consequences of a breach of those standards.

As the Prime Minister noted in his letter to the Committee on Standards in Public Life on 28 April 2021, he agreed with the Committee's suggestion that the appropriate sanction should depend on the circumstances of the case, and that the expectation that has arisen over time - that any breach should lead automatically to resignation - is disproportionate.

I refer the Noble Lord to my answer of 29 June 2021. Any use which is made of CCTV is for the protection of the government estate and individuals working there.

Each Department is accountable for the way in which security is maintained within Departments, which includes the provision of closed circuit television cameras.

Statutorily independent Returning Officers are responsible for running Police and Crime Commissioner elections. Legislation provides for costs that are necessary for the efficient and effective running of a poll to be reimbursed to Returning Officers; the statutory mechanism is for these to be reimbursed from the Consolidated Fund on submission of a claim for such expenditure. There is no statutory mechanism for these costs to be recovered from elsewhere by the Government.

The UK has left the EU Single Market and Customs Union with a deal that means the UK can now regulate in a way that suits the UK economy and UK businesses – doing things in a more innovative and effective way, without being bound by EU rules.

The Northern Ireland Protocol protects the territorial integrity of the UK by safeguarding Northern Ireland’s place in the UK’s customs territory and internal market, ensuring unfettered access to Great Britain for Northern Ireland businesses, while also facilitating the free flow of goods between Northern Ireland and the EU.

The questions of the advantages of relationships with the EU single market and customs union have been extensively debated over the last four years. I note that the Liberal Democrats campaigned to reverse Brexit in the last General Election, but the people of the United Kingdom voted to Get Brexit Done, endorsing the Conservative commitment to leave the Single Market and Customs Union.

On 24 December 2020, the Government secured an agreement with the EU that takes back control of our laws, borders, money, and fisheries.

This is the first free trade agreement the EU has ever reached based on zero tariffs and zero quota. Businesses will be able to continue to trade on that basis, selling to their customers in the EU, and people will be able to continue to buy goods from Europe tariff-free, protecting consumer prices.

This is good news for families and businesses in every part of the UK, as it means the whole of the UK can make the most of the freedoms that have come with the end of the transition period.

In addition, the UK is now free to strike its own trade deals worldwide to the general benefit of all.

In negotiations with the EU, the Government sought a mutually beneficial agreement that would have allowed artists and musicians to continue performing across the continent without the need for work permits. The EU turned down this proposal. The draft legal text published by the EU on their website on 18 March contained proposals regarding visa-free travel. These only covered ad-hoc performances, which were non-binding, and did not address technical staff or the issue of work-permits. These proposals would not have addressed the sector's concerns.

This Government recognises the importance of the UK’s world-leading cultural and creative industries. We recently demonstrated that commitment by providing an unprecedented £1.57 billion package of support to help them through the covid-19 pandemic. During the negotiations with the EU, we pushed for ambitious arrangements allowing performers and artists to work across Europe.

The Government also recognises the importance of touring for UK musicians and other creative professionals, and has engaged extensively with the creative industries and arts sector since the announcement of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to ensure they are aware of the new requirements.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

14 January 2021

Dear Lord Jones,

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking why analysis of the number of (1) school workers, and (2) other key workers who had COVID-19, has not been included in Office for National Statistics (ONS) infection surveys since 6 November 2020; and what plans there are to publish such analysis for the period since 6 November 2020 (HL11748).

The ONS is committed to providing statistics for the public good and produce analysis which covers as many of our users’ needs as possible.

Understanding occupational risk across all sectors is vitally important. As such we are conducting analysis across all occupations to gain a deeper understanding of all professions. This will include occupations within the education sector which we have previously published analysis on. We will publish this analysis in our monthly articles.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

Under the Withdrawal Agreement the European Commission can bring infringement proceedings against the UK within the transition period, where it considers that the UK has not met its obligations under the Agreement. The infringement procedure is a frequently used and common mechanism.

The Commission has sent a preliminary letter under this procedure concerning the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill. We are considering the letter.

We are committed to working through the Joint Committee process under the Agreement to find a satisfactory outcome for both sides.

Part 1 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 (CRAGA) provides the statutory basis for the Civil Service Code, and states that the Code must require civil servants to carry out their duties with impartiality. As set out in section 7(5), this requirement does not extend to Special Advisers. The Government has no plans to amend this.

Through the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage (which applies to those age 23 and above) the Government protects the lowest paid within our society. The Government sets the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates annually and has a target for the National Living Wage to reach two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, providing economic conditions allow. The Low Pay Commission, which is an independent and expert body, makes annual recommendations to the Government on the appropriate rates.

The Living Wage Foundation regularly publishes a rate called the ‘Living Wage’. This rate differs from the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates because the Low Pay Commission considers the wider impacts on businesses and the economy before making their recommendations to the Government. We commend employers who pay more when they can afford to do so. The Living Wage Foundation is clear their measure is voluntary.

The Government currently has no plans to introduce a mandated four-day working week in the UK.

The UK has one of the most flexible labour markets in Europe and this flexibility enables workers to participate in the labour market in a way that suits their circumstances. Working hours are ultimately a contractual matter to be agreed between a worker and their employer, and our existing legal framework provides a statutory right for all employees with 26 weeks’ continuous service to request flexible working, where employees can request a change to their hours, working patterns or working from home.

The Government currently has no plans to introduce a mandated four-day working week in the UK.

The UK has one of the most flexible labour markets in Europe and this flexibility enables workers to participate in the labour market in a way that suits their circumstances. Working hours are ultimately a contractual matter to be agreed between a worker and their employer, and our existing legal framework provides a statutory right for all employees with 26 weeks’ continuous service to request flexible working, where employees can request a change to their hours, working patterns or working from home.

The Government currently has no plans to introduce a mandated four-day working week in the UK.

The UK has one of the most flexible labour markets in Europe and this flexibility enables workers to participate in the labour market in a way that suits their circumstances. Working hours are ultimately a contractual matter to be agreed between a worker and their employer, and our existing legal framework provides a statutory right for all employees with 26 weeks’ continuous service to request flexible working, where employees can request a change to their hours, working patterns or working from home.

On 1 January 2021, the UK implemented a points-based immigration system that treats EU and non-EU citizens equally. The Government has introduced greater flexibility for business and migrants, while supporting the economic need of the country. A Skilled Worker visa route is open to all nationals who wish to come to the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. A range of skilled occupations in construction are included in the list of eligible occupations.

The Government is supporting the construction sector in its drive to increase investment in skills development, and to equip workers with the skills that they will need for the future. This will be achieved through a joint commitment to implement reforms to the Construction Industry Training Board to make it more strategic and industry-led, and to enable the sector to make best use of funding from the Apprenticeship Levy.

On 1 June 2020, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) published its Industry Recovery Plan. Employment and skills in the construction sector are identified as a priority, and a focus of the ‘Restart’ phase of the Plan is to maximise employment opportunities.

The Government has welcomed the Plan and is collaborating with the CLC and industry to ensure that the proposals are implemented.

On 1 January 2021, the UK implemented a points-based immigration system that treats EU and non-EU citizens equally. The Government has introduced greater flexibility for business and migrants, while supporting the economic need of the country. A Skilled Worker visa route is open to all nationals who wish to come to the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. A range of skilled occupations in construction are included in the list of eligible occupations.

The Government is supporting the construction sector in its drive to increase investment in skills development, and to equip workers with the skills that they will need for the future. This will be achieved through a joint commitment to implement reforms to the Construction Industry Training Board to make it more strategic and industry-led, and to enable the sector to make best use of funding from the Apprenticeship Levy.

On 1 June 2020, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) published its Industry Recovery Plan. Employment and skills in the construction sector are identified as a priority, and a focus of the ‘Restart’ phase of the Plan is to maximise employment opportunities.

The Government has welcomed the Plan and is collaborating with the CLC and industry to ensure that the proposals are implemented.

On 1 January 2021, the UK implemented a points-based immigration system that treats EU and non-EU citizens equally. The Government has introduced greater flexibility for business and migrants, while supporting the economic need of the country. A Skilled Worker visa route is open to all nationals who wish to come to the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. A range of skilled occupations in construction are included in the list of eligible occupations.

The Government is supporting the construction sector in its drive to increase investment in skills development, and to equip workers with the skills that they will need for the future. This will be achieved through a joint commitment to implement reforms to the Construction Industry Training Board to make it more strategic and industry-led, and to enable the sector to make best use of funding from the Apprenticeship Levy.

On 1 June 2020, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) published its Industry Recovery Plan. Employment and skills in the construction sector are identified as a priority, and a focus of the ‘Restart’ phase of the Plan is to maximise employment opportunities.

The Government has welcomed the Plan and is collaborating with the CLC and industry to ensure that the proposals are implemented.

The Government is committed to acting on climate change by reducing our emissions to net zero by 2050. As part of this we must move away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner energy sources. This is why we are one of the first countries to commit to ending unabated coal generation, which we intend to do by 2024, subject to consultation. Closing our remaining coal plants by this date would mean that in 10 years we have reduced our reliance on unabated coal generation from almost a third of our electricity supply to zero.

Our Energy White Paper, published last December set out plans for the transformation of our energy system as we move towards fully decarbonised electricity generation by 2050, including working with the oil and gas sector to transform the UK Continental Shelf to be a net zero basin by 2050. As these fossil fuels play a smaller role in our energy mix over time, the government will agree a North Sea Transition Deal to deliver new business opportunities, jobs and skills and protect the wider communities which rely on the sector. My Rt hon Friend the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan further demonstrates the government’s commitment to investing in clean technologies as we move away from fossil fuels.

Ahead of COP26, we will set out further plans for decarbonising key sectors across the economy, culminating in a Net Zero Strategy which sets out our vision for the transition to 2050.

Ceasing emissions from the use of fossil fuels would substantially reduce future warming, however continued emissions from other sectors, including agriculture, cement and waste, would still result in rising temperatures, albeit at a slower rate of warming. If we reach net zero carbon dioxide emissions across all sectors, and stabilise or reduce emissions of short lived greenhouse gases such as methane, then at that point, our best current understanding is that warming would cease.

There is a strong scientific consensus that climate change is impacting on biodiversity, including contributing to species extinction, and that tackling global warming would have significant benefits for the natural world. Those impacts are predicted to grow substantially without action to limit future warming.

The Government demonstrated its ambitions for research, committing £14.6 billion to R&D next year.  This funding will support the life sciences sector within which Medical Research Charities operate alongside other research areas including brain tumours. BEIS and DHSC regularly discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on charity-funded research with the Association of Medical Research Charities and we are continuing to engage with them.

Fixed-term employees must not be treated less favourably than a comparable permanent member of staff without an objective justification. Beyond this protection, the terms and conditions of employment, except where they are subject to statutory minimum standards such as the national minimum wage, are a contractual matter for negotiation and agreement between employers and employees (or their representatives). Provided they do not discriminate unlawfully, for example on grounds of race, sex or disability, employers are free to offer the terms and conditions of employment which best suit their business needs.

Guidance on employment law and employment tribunals is published on GOV.UK for employees and employers. GOV.UK also signposts users to Acas for more detailed guidance on employment issues, including on employment contracts and the process to resolve disputes.

Acas provide free and impartial advice to employers, employees, and their representatives on employment rights; best practice and policies; and resolving workplace conflict. Acas also publish guidance on different aspects of employment law and employment relationships, and a list of these topics can be found on the Acas site: https://www.acas.org.uk/advice.

The UK is widely acknowledged as one of the best places in the world in which to protect and enforce copyright and related rights.

Now that we have left the EU, we intend to maintain these high standards of protection, and to promote them globally, including through future trade agreements.

Our future trade agreements should achieve positive outcomes for owners and users of copyright and related rights, including effective cooperation on tackling online copyright infringement.

The Government takes the enforcement of IP rights very seriously, and is taking forward various initiatives including the development of a new enforcement strategy, continued funding for the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), strategic coordination of enforcement activity and continuing support for voluntary initiatives with intermediaries and others in the online world.

The Government is supporting the construction sector in its drive to increase investment in skills development, and to equip workers with the skills that they will need for the future. This is a cross-industry drive which includes organisations delivering training to quantity surveyors, bricklayers, plasterers, masons, and welders. This will be achieved through a joint commitment to implement reforms to the Construction Industry Training Board to make it more strategic and industry-led, and to enable the sector to make best use of funding from the Apprenticeship Levy.

On 1 June, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) published its Industry Recovery Plan. Employment and skills in the construction sector are identified as a priority, and a focus of the ‘Restart’ phase of the Plan is to maximise employment opportunities.

The Government has welcomed the Plan and is collaborating with the CLC and industry to ensure that the proposals are implemented.

Employed mothers are required to take at least two weeks Statutory Maternity Leave (or four weeks of they are a factory worker) immediately after giving birth. Generally speaking, if an employed mother wishes to return to work before the end of her Maternity Leave (which is 52 weeks), she is required to give at least 8 weeks’ notice of the date that she intends to return to work, irrespective of whether she is on paid or unpaid Maternity Leave. However, the employer can agree to the employee returning on shorter or no notice.

Employers should discuss the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme with their staff and make any changes to the employment contract in writing as part of the furlough agreement. This includes agreement to any reduction in pay.

In order to be eligible for the scheme, employers must confirm in writing to their employee that they have been furloughed. If this is done in a way that is consistent with employment law, that consent is valid for the purposes of claiming through the scheme. Collective agreement reached between an employer and a trade union is also acceptable for the purpose of such a claim. There needs to be a written record, but the employee does not have to provide a written response. A record of this communication must be kept for five years.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is designed to help employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to retain their employees and protect the UK economy. If an individual was on their former employer’s payroll as of 28 February 2020, their employer can re-employ them and put them on furlough. This applies even if an employee is not re-employed until after 19 March.

However, the scheme is not an employment right and it is up to the employer to decide who to furlough, and whether to re-employ a member of staff they have made redundant or who has resigned from their employment.

There is a package of support available for those who are not eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, including an increase in the amount of Universal Credit, three-month mortgage holidays and support for renters.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is designed to help employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to retain their employees and protect the UK economy. If an individual was on their former employer’s payroll as of 28 February 2020, their employer can re-employ them and put them on furlough. This applies even if an employee is not re-employed until after 19 March.

However, the scheme is not an employment right and it is up to the employer to decide who to furlough, and whether to re-employ a member of staff they have made redundant or who has resigned from their employment.

There is a package of support available for those who are not eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, including an increase in the amount of Universal Credit, three-month mortgage holidays and support for renters.

On 11 May the Government published its COVID-19 recovery strategy which sets out our plan for moving to the next phase of our response. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap for easing existing measures in a safe and measured way. The roadmap will be kept constantly under review, and we will continue to work hard to support business and workers as the situation evolves.

Detailed guidance has been published for various working environments to help businesses make workplaces as safe as possible. We continue to work with stakeholders on developing sensible guidance for businesses that will give UK workers the utmost confidence on their return to work and will now focus on sectors that are not currently open to help them plan for when they can open.

Employers are responsible for taking all reasonably practical steps to address health and safety risks, which would be identified by carrying out a risk assessment. Nevertheless, my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced unprecedented support for business and workers, including a Bounce Back Loans scheme.

The Government is aware that businesses are facing?many challenges during this?unprecedented?time?and?we are doing everything at our disposal to support?businesses through this crisis and beyond.

The Government has been clear that it is essential that businesses that experience increased costs and disrupted cash flow as a result of coronavirus are supported, and my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency. These measures include the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), and Bounce Back Loan Scheme, which are designed to help businesses across the UK impacted by the coronavirus crisis to access funding they need and the Self-Employed income support scheme. Guidance on all these schemes can be found on the Government website.

In addition, to help firms to continue to keep people in employment, the Government has introduced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The scheme has protected over 7 million workers and almost 1 million businesses so far through this crisis. This scheme has been extended in full until end July 2020 and after July we will introduce more flexibility to the furlough scheme so that we move out of it in a measured way that protects people’s incomes and helps support furloughed employees as they return to work. This will run for three months from August through to the end of October.

The Government recognises that some firms will be affected longer than others by Coronavirus. Through this period, the Government will continue to monitor developments in the public health and wider economic situation, and engage with affected sectors, to ensure that the support provided is right for these sectors and for the economy as a whole.

The Government regularly speaks with Airbus, as well as other aerospace companies and the Aerospace Growth Partnership, to assist the sector through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department has discussed the immediate challenges of the crisis with representatives from the sector, including how to help companies survive, and what will be needed to assist recovery in the aerospace sector after the pandemic.

Aerospace companies are also accessing the unprecedented package of support measures the Government has put in place, including loans, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.

We have noted the publication of UK Music’s ‘This Is Music’ report with interest, and the Secretary of State contributed the foreword to it. We have previously responded to a written Parliamentary Question regarding our response to the publication of this report (UIN HL3203).

The Government notes the significant challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the music sector and the impact of the reduction in revenues that the report discusses. This is why our unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund has awarded funding to more than 800 music-based organisations, totalling over £200 million, including more than £21 million alone having been awarded to music festivals and £3.36 million to grassroots music venues.

Many organisations in the music industry have also benefited from the significant cross-economy and sector-specific support the Government has made available throughout this pandemic, including the generous employment schemes, grants, loans, a reduction in VAT to 5%, and the extension of the moratorium on commercial evictions for business tenants. At the budget the Government also announced a temporary cut to business rates, up to £110,000, for a further year which can include grassroots music venues.

The Government has made significant strides in helping to provide superfast broadband to people in rural areas. 97% of the UK now has access to at least 30 Mbps download speeds and this figure continues to rise. We are now investing £5 billion through Project Gigabit at the same time as commercial rollout so that rural communities are not left behind, prioritising areas with a relatively high proportion of premises without access to superfast speeds.

In Gloucestershire, 96% of premises can access superfast broadband (> 30Mbps), compared with 89% in November 2019. Gloucestershire has also made good use of the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS), which helps communities and businesses living in rural areas not in line for commercial rollout or Government-funded projects to get more immediate help with the costs of installing gigabit. They have had 322 vouchers connected so far, with a further 190 awaiting connection with a combined total of £1.2 million.

In Oxfordshire, superfast is currently above the national average at 98%. The Better Broadband for Oxfordshire project, which ran from 2015 to 2018, helped to increase superfast coverage significantly during this period from 69% to 96%.

Superfast coverage in Berkshire is also above the national average at 98%, compared with 97% in November 2019. There are currently two live superfast contracts across Berkshire, which have so far delivered to over 36,000 premises.

In Wiltshire, 96% of premises can access superfast broadband, up from 94% in November 2019. One of two contracts delivering superfast broadband across Wiltshire has been completed, while the other has so far delivered to more than 2,000 premises. This brings the total number of premises delivered to over 77,000

A total of 594 vouchers have been provided to connect rural premises in Wiltshire as part of the GBVS, with 240 vouchers awaiting connection for a total value of £1.6 million.

We have noted the publication of UK Music’s ‘This Is Music’ report with interest, and the Secretary of State’s contribute the foreword to it. We note the significant challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the music sector and recognise that this report proposes a possible path towards recovery. DCMS works closely with UK Music and officials regularly engage with the team there across a number of areas.

Many organisations in the music industry have benefitted from the significant cross-economy and sector-specific support, the government has made available throughout this pandemic, including the generous employment schemes, grants, loans, a reduction in VAT to 5%, business rates relief, and the extension of the moratorium on commercial evictions for business tenants.

The unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, of almost £2 billion, has been the biggest arts funding package in our history. Awards have been made to over 800 music-based organisations, totalling over £200 million, including more than £21 million alone having been awarded to music festivals and £3.36 million to grassroots music venues. 52,000 full time staff and almost 100,000 freelancers were supported until the end of June 2021 as part of the second round of the Fund (as reported by applicants).

The Live Events Reinsurance Scheme was also launched on 22 September, which will continue to support live events across the country - such as music festivals, conferences and business events - which are at risk of being halted or delayed due to an inability to obtain COVID-19 cancellation insurance. The scheme will support the UK’s economic recovery from COVID-19 by giving events the confidence they need to plan for the future, whilst also ensuring that we deliver value for money for taxpayers.

The British Museum operates at arm’s length and independently of HM Government. Decisions relating to the care and management of the objects in their collections are therefore a matter for its trustees. This responsibility of the trustees is set out in the museum’s legislation, the British Museum Act 1963, which also describes the limited circumstances under which the museum may deaccession items from its collections.

HMG have worked closely with the Fundraising Regulator and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising to produce guidance to support safe and effective fundraising, in line with restrictions under each step of the COVID-19 roadmap. Current guidance is available on the Fundraising Regulator’s website.

The National Lottery Community Fund is a non-departmental public body (NDPB), which means that it operates at ‘arm’s length’ from government. As a distributor of Lottery money, rather than of government funds, it makes its individual funding decisions independently, within the framework of the policy directions set by the Secretary of State for DCMS. The government cannot, therefore, intervene in or influence the Fund’s decision-making process or support individual applications for funding.

The Government recognises the significant challenges that the pandemic has created for our creative industries and our support to the sector has been unwavering throughout.

We know the move to Step 4 will come as welcome news to our creative sectors but we also recognise that many organisations are still in need of emergency support. This is why we recently announced the final £300 million of the Government’s £2 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) in late June. In particular, portals are currently open for the Emergency Resource Support element of this round, which will provide further support for organisations in need of urgent funding as the cultural, heritage and creative sectors move towards reopening at full capacity.

This extra support is on top of the £1.2 billion that has already been awarded to over 5,000 individual organisations and sites in previous rounds of the CRF. Throughout the pandemic, we have introduced an unprecedented package of pan-economy support including generous employment schemes, grants, loans, a reduction in VAT and business rate relief, in addition to other sector specific support such as the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme. Our Plan For Jobs has also supported jobs and businesses with over £400 billion of economic support – one of the most generous and comprehensive packages in the world.

We have always acknowledged that the end of freedom of movement would have consequences for touring musicians and performers. Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in the EU, and we have spoken to every Member State.

We have established that musicians and performers do not require visas or work permits for short-term tours in at least 19 out of 27 Member States without needing visas or work permits. This includes France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and many more.

We are now working with the remaining countries to encourage them to match the UK’s generous arrangements, which allow creative professionals to tour here easily. The Government’s door also remains open if the EU is willing to revisit the proposals made during the negotiations.

Since the end of the Transition Period the UK is no longer part of Roam Like at Home so surcharge-free roaming for UK consumers in the EU is no longer guaranteed.

During negotiations for the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, the UK proposed continuation of reciprocal agreements between the UK and EU for surcharge free roaming, or a review clause to consider the need for these should roaming surcharges return for consumers. The EU did not agree to either of these proposals. Therefore, mobile operators are now able to impose a surcharge on UK consumers travelling abroad to the EU for their mobile phone usage. We advise that consumers check with their operators before travelling.

The UK’s creative industries are the finest in the world and this government is determined to support them, including young and emerging artists. UK performers and artists are of course still able to tour and perform in the EU, and vice versa. However, we understand the concerns about the new arrangements and we are working with the creative and cultural sectors to help them get to grips with the changes to systems and processes.

As the Secretary of State has said, we have moved at pace and with urgency, and have provided much greater clarity about the current position. This includes through the DCMS-led working group, whose membership includes the Featured Artists Coalition, the Music Managers Forum, LIVE, UK Music and other bodies organising the Let the Music Move Campaign. The group has discussed the issues faced by the sector, has worked to provide clarity regarding the practical steps that need to be taken by touring professionals when touring the EU, and has explored further steps as to how these sectors can be supported to work and tour in the EU with confidence.

Through bilateral engagement with EU Member States, we have established that at least 17 out of 27 Member States, including France and Germany, allow some visa and permit free touring. We are now engaging with those Member States that do not have any visa or permit free touring to encourage them to adopt a more flexible approach in line with the UK’s own rules, which allow creative professionals to tour easily here.

UK performers and artists are of course still able to tour and perform in the EU, and vice versa. However, we understand the concerns about the new arrangements and we are working with the creative and cultural sectors to help them get to grips with the changes to systems and processes.

As the Secretary of State has said, we have moved at pace and with urgency on plans to support the creative sectors to tour in Europe. We have engaged with touring creative service companies, including through the DCMS-led working group. Sector representatives on the working group are encouraged to reach out to others to ensure the working group hears and understands the views and concerns of organisations and individuals right across the cultural and creative sectors. Engagement with the sector has been extremely helpful and we are grateful for the cooperation of numerous organisations.

Through our bilateral discussions with EU Member States, we have established that in at least 17 out of 27 Member States some touring activities are possible without visas or work-permits. The UK has significantly more generous arrangements for touring professionals than many Member States, and should they be willing to change their rules to match ours we will have those discussions and encourage them to do so.

The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK performing arts sectors and the rich breadth of artistic talent across the UK.

UK performers and artists are of course still able to tour and perform in the EU, and vice versa. However, we understand the concerns about the new arrangements and we are committed to supporting the sectors as they get to grips with the changes to systems and processes.

As the Prime Minister has said, we're working flat out with the industry, including through the DCMS-led working group, on plans to support the creative sectors to tour in Europe. Through our bilateral discussions with EU Member States, we have established that in at least 17 out of 27 Member States some touring activities are possible without visas or work-permits. The UK has significantly more generous arrangements for touring professionals than many Member States, and should they be willing to change their rules to match ours we will have those discussions and encourage them to do so.

The Government recognises the importance of international touring for UK cultural and creative practitioners, and their support staff.

We know that while leaving the EU will bring changes and new processes to touring and working in the EU, it will also bring new opportunities. In all circumstances, we expect the UK’s creative output to continue to be an export that is as highly valued in the European Union as it is across the world.

Estimated costs are likely to vary depending on a number of factors that will be specific to each tour. Additional costs, for example, are likely to change depending on whether the performances are paid or unpaid; which EU Member States are visited and for how long; whether equipment is taken and the value of that equipment, as well as the mode of transportation.

Leaving the EU has always meant that there would be changes to how practitioners operate in the EU. DCMS has engaged with the sector extensively throughout negotiations and since the announcement of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to understand the diverse circumstances of companies, organisations and individual practitioners and how they may need to adapt as they plan activity across the European Union.

Going forward we will continue to work closely with the sector, including with representative organisations, to assess impact and to ensure businesses and individuals have the advice and guidance they need to meet new requirements.

Sports and physical activity, including golf and cricket, are incredibly important for our physical and mental health, and are a vital weapon against coronavirus.

On Monday 4 January the Prime Minister announced a national lockdown and instructed people to stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives. The National Restrictions are designed to get the R rate under control through limiting social contact and reducing transmissions. All decisions made by the Government relating to the pandemic and sport have been based on advice and guidance from health and scientific experts.

You can continue to exercise alone, with one other person or with your household or support bubble. This should be limited to once per day, in a public outdoor place and you should not travel outside your local area. You should maintain social distancing. Indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including golf courses and cricket pitches, must close.

We understand the importance for musicians to be able to tour and to take their equipment with them. Whilst we are unable to comment on the outcome of negotiations with the EU, we have advised businesses to prepare for a new set of requirements when temporarily moving goods between the UK and EU after the end of the Transition Period.

There are several options currently available which allow certain goods to be imported temporarily into the UK from outside the EU without payment of duties, subject to certain conditions. At the end of the Transition Period, ATA Carnets, Returned Goods Relief and Temporary Admissions will all become options for temporarily moving musical instruments and equipment between the UK and EU.

DCMS has engaged extensively with union bodies, companies, orchestras, individual musical practitioners and cultural organisations. We understand the importance of being able to tour. We recognise that this depends on musicians and crew being able to move quickly and easily between countries, taking necessary equipment with them.

Recognising the depth of the UK-EU relationship, the Government has proposed that we seek to agree reciprocal mobility arrangements with the EU. These will support businesses to provide services and to move their talented people. On temporary entry for business purposes (Mode IV), a reciprocal agreement based on best precedent will mean that UK citizens will be able to undertake some business activities in the EU without a work permit, on a short-term basis. The same would apply for EU citizens making business visits to the UK. The precise details, including range of activities, documentation needed, and the time limit, will be negotiated.

We recognise the importance of giving the sector clarity for reopening with larger audiences and we are committed to supporting the sector during this time. However we have always been clear that the activity permitted would be in line with the latest public health context.

From 2 December, in tiers 1 and 2 areas, socially distanced indoor audiences are permitted provided capacity in a venue is maintained at maximum 50% capacity or 1000 people, whichever is lower. In addition, the venue needs to follow the appropriate guidance and advice to ensure they are Covid secure.

DCMS has established a Venues Steering Group and a sector-led sub-group on Outdoor Events and Festivals looking at how music venues and festivals can reopen safely. We are committed to continue working with music venues and festivals to understand the challenges they face and to enable events to take place in line with the latest regulations and guidance.

We recognise the crucial role that highly skilled workers play in making our creative industries world-leading, and the Government is providing extensive support to workers in these sectors. The £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund provides targeted support to critical cultural, arts and heritage organisations to help them, and the skilled workers that work in them, survive and recover from the Covid pandemic. In addition Arts Council England has made £119 million available to individuals (including freelancers) and in July, the Government also announced a UK-wide £500m Restart scheme to support film and TV production companies that have been unable to film due to the lack of insurance covering Covid-related risks. As of 19 November, the scheme is supporting over 4,500 jobs.

The Government also recently announced the extension of both the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until March 31 2021. This generous support will help creative businesses across the country to protect their employees’ jobs during this difficult winter period.

Government continues to engage regularly with stakeholders such as the BFI, the Creative Industries Federation and the Creative Industries Council to ensure we understand the impact of Covid-19 on the skills and talent needed to keep the UK’s creative industries a global success.

We are aware of the concerns which have been raised about the potential challenges associated with securing insurance for live music events.

Officials have been working closely with the affected sectors to understand the challenges faced. This includes work to build an evidence base on whether there is a clear market failure that demonstrates insurance coverage is the only barrier to live music events taking place.

The Government recognises the importance and significant growth potential of the live music venue and festival sectors to the UK economy.

Before the Covid pandemic, the live music sector showed strong growth in GVA of 17% in 2019 to £1.3bn, up from £1.1bn in 2018. This growth follows an increase in GVA of 10% in 2018. Similarly, the number of full-time jobs sustained by music tourism has grown from 39,728 jobs in 2016 to 45,633 jobs in 2019. These live music sector jobs cover a broad range, from promoters and sound engineers, to security and bar staff employed at events.

Live music venues and festivals are essential to the music industry’s talent pipeline, providing a stage to showcase and export great British talent. More broadly, the sectors play a considerable role in the UK's economy by generating jobs across the country and driving music tourism. The Government is committed to continuing to work with live music venues and festivals to help them access support through these challenging times and through recovery, allowing the music sector to continue to grow in the future.

VisitBritain research shows that in 2017, over 2.6m international visitors attended a live music event while visiting the UK, representing 7% of the total visitors received.

VisitEngland’s £45m Discover England Fund has promoted innovative bookable tourism products to international audiences, including music-related itineraries in the North West. VisitBritain continues to make use of the UK’s renowned cultural assets within its global marketing material.

Music sector organisations and tourism businesses have benefited from the unprecedented pan-economic measures that Government has put in place during COVID-19, including the VAT cut for tourism and hospitality activities, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, various grant and loan schemes, as well as business rates relief for the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.

We will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders to assess how we can most effectively support all aspects of the tourism and music sectors’ recovery from COVID-19.

Football clubs are often the bedrock of our local communities and it is vital they are protected. That is why the Government has provided an unprecedented financial support package for businesses, which many football clubs have benefitted from, including the furlough scheme and business rates relief.

The government was pleased to see the welcome announcement of an agreement in principle between the Premier League and EFL for a financial support package for League One and Two clubs. It is clear the money exists within the game for it to support itself: we urge the Premier League and EFL to finalise both this deal and one that protects Championship clubs also.

We recognise that businesses and workers in the creative industries have been severely impacted by Covid-19.

The Government has not made an assessment of the number of workers who have left the music, performing arts and creative sector since March. We have worked closely with music and cultural sector representative bodies to maximise the survival of businesses and employee retention in the sector, through the extensive range of support the Government has provided to businesses and the self-employed.

We are committed to continuing to work with the music and cultural sectors to understand the difficulties they face and help them access support through these challenging times and through recovery.

The Performing Arts guidance was developed in collaboration with the live events sectors to help venues put on live events in a covid secure manner.

The Secretary of State announced an unprecedented £1.57 billion support package for the cultural sector which will benefit the music sector by providing support to venues and many other cultural organisations to stay open and continue operating. So far, over £500 million has been announced from the Culture Recovery Fund for over 2,000 cultural organisations across England, almost a fifth of which has, so far, gone to the music sector. This funding will provide targeted support to organisations including venues, festivals and theatres.

As part of this, £3.36 million was shared between 136 grassroots music venues across England which had successfully applied for emergency support in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. These emergency grants of up to £80,000 enabled venues to cover ongoing running costs incurred during closure, such as rent and utilities but also allowed them the chance to adapt to become covid secure for socially distanced live audiences when permitted.

In order to propagate best practice across the industry, the Entertainment and Events Working Group gathers key industry bodies to help produce detailed guidance and ensure that the latest updates to that guidance are shared with their sectors.

The Government fully understands the decision not to reopen stadia on October 1 is frustrating for sports fans. But in the face of rising infections and further restrictions it would not have been possible. The decision was taken on advice from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Chief Scientific Officer (CSA) and takes into account travelling to and from games held in stadia, where there may be further social interaction and the risk of virus spread. The safety and security of players and spectators remains of paramount importance.

I am grateful to those clubs who have piloted the return of spectators so far. Work continues at pace to find solutions that will allow crowds safely back into stadia as soon as possible. The Government will continue to work closely with the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) and a whole range of sports to understand the latest thinking that might allow spectators to return. This includes the creation of a new Sports Technology Innovation Working Group of sporting bodies and health experts to analyse new technologies which might support this. Spectators will return to stadia when it is safe to do so, and we will keep this under review. The decision to do so will involve a wider set of metrics than just the level of infections.

The Culture Recovery Fund is an unprecedented investment, but the scale of the crisis we are facing means that it will still not be able to support everyone.

We know that this means some organisations will be disappointed with the decision they have received, but we are confident Arts Council have scrutinised all organisations against the strict criteria set for this fund by Government. We can’t discuss specific details of why a particular organisation has or hasn’t been awarded funding.

Although we can’t comment on individual applications, there are a number of reasons why an organisation may have been unsuccessful – for example they may not have been able to show that they were at risk of no longer being financially viable this year, or they may not have sufficiently demonstrated that their work is culturally significant. As well as the funding criteria, the balance of organisations supported were considered, taking into account geographical areas, range of artform and disciplines and size and type of organisations.

For all revenue grant applications of £1m or less, DCMS asked its Arm’s Length Bodies (Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and the British Film Institute) to make decisions on whether organisations were successful. Any applicant who is concerned about the way their application was handled, or the service they received, should consult the Complaints Procedure published by the relevant body.

We will continue to do all we can to support creativity and culture in England. Unsuccessful organisations can still apply to other funding programmes, including Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants, which has a budget of £77.9million until March 2021.

The Government’s decision on the status of Huawei in the UK’s 5G network was in response to the consequences of the US sanctions against Huawei and was based on the independent, technical and evidence-based advice of the National Cyber Security Centre.

The Government has previously stated that it is our ambition that no one should need to use a high risk vendor for 5G at all. To achieve this, we have taken decisive action to commit to a timetable for the removal of Huawei 5G equipment from our 5G network by 2027.

We are committed to reopening creative businesses, including live entertainment venues, in line with the latest Government regulations and advice.

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport recently set out a five stage roadmap that the government will work through to get the performing arts and live entertainment sectors back up and running as soon as possible:

• Stage One - Rehearsal and training (no audiences)

• Stage Two - Performances for broadcast and recording purposes

• Stage Three - Performances outdoors with an audience and pilots for indoor performances with a limited socially-distanced audience

• Stage Four - Performances allowed indoors and outdoors (but with a limited socially-distanced audience indoors)

• Stage Five - Performances allowed indoors / outdoors (with a fuller audience indoors)

We moved to Stage Three on the 11th July. DCMS will work with sector representative bodies to select a number of pilots for indoor performances with a socially distanced audience, as we look to move into Stage Four.

The Government appreciates that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the live commercial music sector, which is why we announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency.

The Government’s response has been one of the most generous and comprehensive in the world, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and the Bounceback Loan Scheme and business rates reliefs. The Government has adapted the welfare system so that the self-employed can access Universal Credit in full, to help people get quicker and more generous support when they need it most.

In addition, on Sunday 5 July 2020, the Secretary of State announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of cultural and creative sectors, including the live music sector. We will publish detailed guidance on eligibility as soon as possible in July.

The Government has not made such an assessment. However, the Government appreciates that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to the live commercial music sector, which is why we announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency.

In addition, on Sunday 5 July 2020, the Secretary of State announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of cultural and creative sectors, including the live commercial music sector.

To ensure we are assisting the live commercial music sector as effectively as possible, regular ministerially-chaired roundtables are held with business representative organisations as well as trade associations from across the sector.

We appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge for live music venues. We are committed to reopening creative businesses, including live music venues, as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport recently set out a five stage roadmap that the government will work through to get the live entertainment and outdoor events sectors back up and running as soon as possible. The ministerially-chaired Events and Entertainment Working Group was established to support the Secretary of State’s Cultural Renewal Taskforce, and it focuses on developing Covid-19 secure guidance to enable the safe reopening of the live entertainment and outdoor events sectors.

However, the Government recognises some live music venues will have difficulty operating financially under social distancing guidelines. On Sunday 5 July 2020, the Secretary of State announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of cultural and creative sectors, including live music venues.

While we are aware of examples of sector-specific support made available in other countries, the Government’s response has been one of the most generous and comprehensive in the world.

On Sunday 5 July 2020, the Secretary of State announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of cultural and creative sectors, including the live music sector.

No such assessment has been made. However, we appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the music and entertainment sectors, which is why the Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency.

DCMS is engaging with a range of departments to support the economic response, and ensuring that the needs of its sectors, and those who work in them, are fully understood. DCMS will continue to work with these valuable sectors to understand the difficulties they face and help them access support through these challenging times and through recovery.

To ensure we are assisting all our sectors as effectively as possible, regular ministerially-chaired roundtables are held with business representative organisations as well as trade associations from across music and entertainment. In addition, officials are in regular contact with stakeholders from these sectors, and we continue to speak with HM Treasury colleagues to ensure that the full spectrum of government support reaches the UK's world-leading music and entertainment.

Whilst we have not completed a specific survey for the music sector, we have analysed the wider Creative Industries sector through the DCMS Coronavirus Impact Business Survey, which provides information on the effects of the pandemic on DCMS’ sectors. Results for DCMS sectors as a whole are published on gov.uk and further analysis of the responses will be available in the coming weeks. As the music industry is a vital part of the UK’s creative economy, the Government has put in place an unprecedented support package for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including:

• The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

• The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme

• The Bounceback Loan Scheme

• Expanding eligibility for the business rates reliefs

We continue to speak with HM Treasury colleagues to ensure that the full spectrum of government support reaches the UK's world-leading music industry. To support the safe re-opening of cultural and creative sectors, DCMS has launched the Cultural Renewal taskforce. This includes several working groups to develop practical guidance on how the music production and performance sectors can operate safely with social distancing measures in place. As well as establishing these working groups, we will continue to work with the music industry to understand the difficulties they face and help them access support through these challenging times and through recovery.

The £160 million Arts Council England funding was allocated across three programmes as follows:

• £20 million available for individual practitioners, including £4 million distributed by seven benevolent funds supporting individuals working in arts and culture

• £50 million made available for organisations outside the Arts Council’s National Portfolio

• £90 million made available for the Arts Council’s National Portfolio Organisations and Creative People and Places organisations.

Individuals and organisations outside the Arts Council’s National Portfolio, including those from the commercial music sector were eligible to apply for the first two programmes. Applicants were required to have a track record of working in the publicly-funded culture sector within the last three years, but were still eligible even if they did not have prior direct contact with Arts Council England.

While we have not completed a specific survey for the music sector, we have analysed the wider Creative Industries sector through the DCMS Coronavirus Impact Business Survey, which provides information on the effects of the pandemic on DCMS’ sectors. Results are published on gov.uk and further analysis of the responses will be available in the coming weeks.

We appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to the music industry and we know that freelancers and individual artists are facing enormous difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak. The Government’s response has been one of the most generous and comprehensive in the world, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and the Bounceback Loan Scheme business rates reliefs. In addition, the Government has adapted the welfare system so that the self-employed can access Universal Credit in full, to help people get quicker and more generous support when they need it most.

We continue to speak with HM Treasury colleagues to ensure that the full spectrum of government support reaches the UK's world-leading music industry.

The Secretary of State has recently received the open letter signed by numerous artists and performers, in support of the “#Let the Music Play” campaign. We are committed to continuing to work with the music industry to understand the difficulties they face and help them access support through these challenging times and through recovery.

We are aware of, and monitor, examples of support for the music industry in other countries. The UK Government has put in place an unprecedented support package for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including:

• The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

• The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme

• The Bounceback Loan Scheme

• Expanding eligibility for the business rates reliefs

As well as this, to support the safe re-opening of cultural and creative sectors, DCMS has launched the Cultural Renewal Taskforce. This includes several working groups to develop practical guidance on how the music production and performance sectors can operate safely with social distancing measures in place. As well as establishing these working groups, we will continue to work with the music industry to understand the difficulties they face and help them access support through these challenging times and recovery.

We continue to work closely with the live music sector to understand the impact of Covid-19 on their activities and provide the necessary support.

We have announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency. Support packages have been improved upon and further have been introduced as a result of continued sector engagement with Government, including: the introduction of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, which has benefited businesses unable to access CBILS; the removal of a rateable value link for business rates relief for all eligible properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector; and the extension of the CBILS so that all viable small businesses affected by COVID-19, and not just those unable to secure regular commercial financing, will now be eligible should they need finance to keep operating during this difficult time.

The Chancellor has been clear on strengthening the safety-net for the self-employed and has announced a range of measures from which they will benefit. The next Income Tax Self-Assessment payments, due in July, will be deferred for that month. Self-employed individuals in temporary financial distress as a result of Covid-19 and who are unable to pay their tax on time or have existing liabilities are also eligible for Time to Pay. HMRC have set up a dedicated helpline to enable those eligible to get practical help and advice which can be reached by calling 0800 0159 559.

Freelancers and the self-employed may also benefit through the welfare system, including the £1,000 per annum increase in the Universal Credit standard allowance, the equivalent increase in the basic rate of Working Tax Credit and the uprating of Local Housing Allowance.

We are also temporarily relaxing the Minimum Income Floor for all self-employed Universal Credit claimants for the duration of the outbreak. This means a drop in earnings due to sickness or self-isolation or as a result of the economic impact of the outbreak will be reflected in claimants’ awards. Universal Credit can be claimed online or via phone, meaning self-employed claimants will not be required to attend the jobcentre for this.

Additionally, self-employed people unable to work because they are directly affected by Covid-19 or self-isolating will also be eligible for Contributory Employment and Support Allowance. As announced at Budget, this is now payable from the first day of sickness, rather than the eighth.

Last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced additional measures to support businesses and organisations that have been impacted by the pandemic.

This includes the Government stepping in to help pay people’s wages – a scheme which is one of the most generous of any in the world – paying grants to support as many jobs as necessary. Any employer in the country who promises to retain their staff, can apply for a grant to cover most of the cost of paying people’s wages. Government grants will cover 80 per cent of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month, with this limit set well above the median income. The cost of wages will be backdated to 1st March and will be open for at least three months. The Government will consider extending the scheme for longer if necessary.

We are also deferring the next three months of VAT, a direct injection of £33 billion of cash to employers which means no business will pay any VAT in March, April or May; and they will have until the end of the financial year to repay those bills.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will now be interest free for twelve months, an extension from the initial announcement of six months. We have already introduced and announced an extension to the Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which is for small and medium-sized businesses. On Tuesday, the Chancellor expanded the amount that can be borrowed from £1.2 million to £5 million.

Last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced additional measures to support businesses and organisations that have been impacted by the pandemic.

This includes the Government stepping in to help pay people’s wages – a scheme which is one of the most generous of any in the world – paying grants to support as many jobs as necessary. Any employer in the country who promises to retain their staff, can apply for a grant to cover most of the cost of paying people’s wages. Government grants will cover 80 per cent of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month, with this limit set well above the median income. The cost of wages will be backdated to 1st March and will be open for at least three months. The Government will consider extending the scheme for longer if necessary.

We are also deferring the next three months of VAT, a direct injection of £33 billion of cash to employers which means no business will pay any VAT in March, April or May; and they will have until the end of the financial year to repay those bills.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will now be interest free for twelve months, an extension from the initial announcement of six months. We have already introduced and announced an extension to the Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which is for small and medium-sized businesses. On Tuesday, the Chancellor expanded the amount that can be borrowed from £1.2 million to £5 million.

As the economy recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is more important than ever that businesses in the construction sector are equipped and empowered to recruit the right people and develop the skills that they need to build the right things better, greener, and faster than before.

To support new apprenticeship starts, employers in all sectors are now able to claim £2,000 for every new apprentice they hire under the age of 25 before 31 March 2021, in recognition of the particular impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on the employment prospects of this group, and £1,500 for new apprentices aged 25 and over.

There are currently 105 high-quality apprenticeship standards in construction available for employers to use. We are working closely with the construction sector to make sure that businesses can take advantage of the benefits of apprenticeships. We are working with the Department for Work and Pensions to enable young people to progress from Kickstart onto an apprenticeship and create another entry route into the construction sector.

As part of our commitment to expand apprenticeship opportunities, we have set out plans to improve the transfers system so that unspent levy funds can better support apprenticeships in small and medium sized enterprises. We are working with the construction sector so that apprenticeships can better recognise prior learning and experience and enable certain construction apprentices to complete their apprenticeship more quickly. From April 2021 employers in construction will be able to front-load training for certain apprenticeship standards. In addition, we are working with employers to develop a bespoke construction traineeship, to further support young people entering the construction industry.

Through the Construction Skills Delivery Group, we are collaborating with industry leaders to develop and deliver these policies. This work contributes to ‘Project-Speed’ – a cross-Whitehall Taskforce, led by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which will accelerate, improve and reduce the costs of developing, designing and delivering vital economic and social infrastructure projects.

As of November 2019, there were over 117,000 full time equivalent male teachers in the state funded sector.

One of our top priorities is to ensure that we continue to attract the high-quality teachers we need, regardless of their gender. We have announced plans for salaries for new teachers to rise to £30,000 by academic year 2022/23. This will make starting salaries significantly more competitive in the graduate labour market.

In addition, we are continuing to offer bursaries, worth up to £24,000, to encourage graduates to train to teach high priority subjects, such as chemistry, computing, mathematics and physics. Candidates with (or expecting) a 2:2 or above, in all subjects, can also access free one-to-one support throughout their journey into teaching from our Teacher Training Advisers.

Our ‘Teaching – Every Lesson Shapes A Life’ recruitment campaign is targeted at audiences of students, recent graduates and potential career changers inclusive of all genders, and the department takes every effort to ensure that our advertising is fully reflective of this across the full range of marketing materials we use.

We are also working to increase the diversity of the existing teaching workforce. That is why, in October 2018, we published our Statement of Intent, setting out our commitment to increasing the diversity of the teaching workforce alongside ten key sector co-signatories who also pledged supporting activity.

Many further education providers are already open for 16 to 19 learners on the first year of a two-year study programme and all learners under 19 years old can be offered a face-to-face meeting before the end of the summer term - subject to the required safety measures being met. Our guidance on how to phase the return of learners in further education is underpinned by our latest understanding of COVID-19 and we will continue to be led by the scientific evidence.

From Autumn 2020, all learners, including those who are 16 to 19 and adults will return to a full high-quality education programme delivered by their college or post 16 learning provider. This is as well as continuing to re-introduce face to-face support for 16 to 19 learners who are:

• in their first year of a study programme
• taking their exams next year

Colleges should plan on the basis that, from September 2020, all learners will return to a full high-quality education programme.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) will continue to pay grant funded providers their scheduled monthly profiled payments for the remainder of the 2019/20 funding year and for 2020/21 which should give colleges the security of their agreed funding allocations. For colleges that are experiencing significant financial difficulties, the existing support arrangements remain in place, including short-term emergency funding. The further education commissioner and his highly experienced team are able to talk through plans, concerns and issues as are local ESFA teams.

My right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister announced a £1 billion support package for schools to help pupils catch up on lost teaching time. It is our ambition that all students have the chance to make up for lost education and where breaks in learning have been required, we want to ensure learners can resume their ‘classroom’ learning and continue to a successful completion. We will continue to work with the sector to establish the best way to support students to make up for the disruption due to COVID-19.

Many further education providers are already open for 16 to 19 learners on the first year of a two-year study programme and all learners under 19 years old can be offered a face-to-face meeting before the end of the summer term - subject to the required safety measures being met. Our guidance on how to phase the return of learners in further education is underpinned by our latest understanding of COVID-19 and we will continue to be led by the scientific evidence.

From Autumn 2020, all learners, including those who are 16 to 19 and adults will return to a full high-quality education programme delivered by their college or post 16 learning provider. This is as well as continuing to re-introduce face to-face support for 16 to 19 learners who are:

• in their first year of a study programme
• taking their exams next year

Colleges should plan on the basis that, from September 2020, all learners will return to a full high-quality education programme.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) will continue to pay grant funded providers their scheduled monthly profiled payments for the remainder of the 2019/20 funding year and for 2020/21 which should give colleges the security of their agreed funding allocations. For colleges that are experiencing significant financial difficulties, the existing support arrangements remain in place, including short-term emergency funding. The further education commissioner and his highly experienced team are able to talk through plans, concerns and issues as are local ESFA teams.

My right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister announced a £1 billion support package for schools to help pupils catch up on lost teaching time. It is our ambition that all students have the chance to make up for lost education and where breaks in learning have been required, we want to ensure learners can resume their ‘classroom’ learning and continue to a successful completion. We will continue to work with the sector to establish the best way to support students to make up for the disruption due to COVID-19.

As both my right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer, have made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19.

During this period, we are asking schools to support children who are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals at home, by providing meals or food parcels through their existing food providers wherever possible. We know that many schools are successfully delivering food parcels or arranging food collections for eligible children, and we encourage this approach where it is possible. Where this is not possible, we have introduced a national voucher scheme to provide headteachers with additional flexibility to decide what is best for families at their schools. Edenred has reported that over £183 million worth of voucher codes has been redeemed into supermarket eGift cards by schools and families through the scheme as of Wednesday 24 June.

More information about the national voucher scheme is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools.

Provision for free school meals is ordinarily term time only. However, owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, the government understands that children and parents face an entirely unprecedented situation over the summer. To reflect this, we will be providing additional funding for a COVID Summer Food Fund which will enable families with children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals to receive food vouchers covering the 6-week holiday period.

Our guidance on the COVID Summer Food Fund is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-summer-food-fund.

Through the COVID Summer Food Fund, schools can support eligible pupils with a £90 voucher to cover the 6-week holiday period. Schools must order the vouchers at least one week before their school term ends. If a school receives a claim for an eligible child during the final week before the school’s summer holidays, it will be possible for the school to place an exceptional order for that child via our supplier Edenred.

We are working to ensure all children can return in September, allowing them to have their free school meal at school. The department will be setting out more detail on plans for September in due course.

The history curriculum gives teachers and schools the freedom and flexibility to use specific examples from history to teach pupils about the history of Britain and the wider world. Schools and teachers can determine which examples, topics and resources to use to stimulate and challenge pupils and reflect key points in history.

There are opportunities within the themes and eras of the history curriculum for teachers and schools to teach the history of the slave trade at key stages 1 to 3. Schools can teach it at key stage 1, when teaching about events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally or the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements; at key stage 2, when teaching about the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain, or a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066 ; and at key stage 3, where within the theme “ideas, political power, industry and empire: Britain, 1745-1901” a specific example is given of “Britain’s transatlantic slave trade: its effects and its eventual abolition”. The local history study element within each key stage offers opportunities to teach about the slave trade in relation to Britain. The slave trade also falls within the scope of the subject content set out for GCSE History.

It is an important principle that consultations take account of the groups being consulted and are conducted in a way that enables interested parties to express their view. We were concerned that completing the consultation while many stakeholders had their operation disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak may not fairly provide all stakeholders with an opportunity to respond as they would like, undermining the value of the consultation. The department therefore suspended the consultation before it was due to end. The department intends to reopen the consultation when stakeholders are less likely to be significantly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Responses received to date will be combined with responses received after the consultation reopens and fully reviewed after the consultation finally closes.

It is not yet appropriate to set a date for reopening the consultation as the situation in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to change. Similarly, the consultation was not extended because it was not clear what date would be reasonable to conclude the consultation at this stage.

Ofsted continues to investigate potential illegal schools including consideration of new intelligence. Where appropriate, Ofsted have liaised with local authorities and other statutory bodies to consider whether there is appropriate action that should be taken, for example, to close settings where people are gathering illegally during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The department’s guidance on implementing protective measures explains who should and should not attend nurseries and schools, and sets out the measures that should be followed for staff that are either clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable, or who live with someone in either of these groups. This guidance can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings.

Whilst other staff should be able to come into school, it is natural that some staff will be worried about doing so even if the risks for them are very low. In agreeing the best approach for their schools, headteachers and school leaders should work closely with employees and unions, where appropriate. School leaders will be in the best position, knowing their staff and school circumstances, to decide how to proceed in individual cases.

There are no plans to open schools during the summer holidays.

The department understands that the COVID-19 outbreak has caused disruption to young people’s education as teachers and parents have had to adapt to remote education. We are doing everything possible to make sure every child, whatever their background, has the support they need to deal with the impact of coronavirus on their education and wellbeing and are working with partners to consider the best ways to deliver this ongoing support.

Children, young people and teachers’ safety is our top priority. This is why we are taking a phased approach to opening for more children, to limit the risk of increasing the rate of transmission. We have issued guidance to childcare settings, schools and colleges on the protective measures they should put in place to reduce risk further.

This guidance includes advice to reduce the risk of transmission to and between teachers and other staff, for example, by keeping the same staff and teachers with the same class or groups, where possible, and staggering the use of staff rooms and offices to limit occupancy. Schools should talk to staff about plans for wider opening, including discussing whether training to implement protective measures would be helpful.

School teachers and staff are already eligible for testing, and all staff and students who are attending an education or childcare setting will have access to a test if they display symptoms of coronavirus. Where a child, young person or staff member tests positive, the rest of their class or group within their setting should be sent home and told to self-isolate for 14 days.

We want to get children and young people back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows because it is the best place for them to be educated and learn. We will only do this provided that the five key tests set by Government justify the changes at the time.

Children, young people and teachers’ safety is our top priority. This is why we are taking a phased approach to opening for more children, to limit the risk of increasing the rate of transmission. We have also issued guidance to childcare settings, schools and colleges on the protective measures they should put in place to reduce risk further. These include children and young people staying within their new, smaller, classes wherever possible and limiting contact between different groups. We have also set out a range of additional protective measures including frequent cleaning, encouraging good hand and respiratory hygiene, reducing ‘pinch points’ (such as parents dropping children off at the start and end of day), and using outdoor space.

Staff and pupils in all settings will be eligible for testing if they become ill with coronavirus symptoms, as will members of their households. A negative test will enable children and young people to get back to childcare or education, and their parents to get back to work. A positive test will ensure rapid action to protect their classmates and staff in their setting.

With regard to financial support, schools will continue to receive their core funding allocations – as determined by the local authority for maintained schools and through the general annual grant for academies. In addition, we have announced a fund for schools to cover specific additional costs as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak; this remains open and should be used by schools as appropriate.

Cauliflower is an important field vegetable for the UK, worth £57m at farmgate in 2019[1]. Defra is taking a number of steps to ensure our delicious home-grown cauliflowers are supplied to shops in both the short- and longer-term.

On 22 December 2020, the Government extended the Seasonal Workers Pilot into 2021, with up to 30,000 visas available, granted for workers to come to the UK, from EU or non-EU countries, for a period of up to six months to pick and package fruit and vegetables on our farms.

In 2021 and beyond, agricultural and food businesses will continue to be able to rely on EU nationals living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status. Over 5.1 million EU citizens and their families have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

Defra is working with industry and the Department for Work and Pensions to raise awareness of career opportunities within the food and farming sectors among UK workers.

We will also explore the potential for automation to meet future labour demands of the sector. Defra is leading on a review of automation in horticulture, which will cover both the edible and ornamental sectors in England. The review will support the overall aim of reducing the sector’s dependency on seasonal migrant labour.

Defra is aware of the impact haulier shortages could have on the supply chains, including for horticulture products like cauliflower. We are working closely with the sector to understand these impacts. Overall, the UK’s food supply is highly resilient. The food industry is well versed in dealing with scenarios that can impact food supply.

[1] Provisional statistic Latest horticulture statistics - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Defra is working closely with industry to help our world-leading farmers and food businesses access the labour they need, and to ensure that our sectors are appropriately supported both this year and in the future.

On 22 December 2020, the Government extended the Seasonal Workers Pilot into 2021, with up to 30,000 visas available, granted for workers to come to the UK, from EU or non-EU countries, for a period of up to 6 months to pick and package fruit and vegetables on our farms.

In 2021 and beyond, agricultural and food businesses will continue to be able to rely on EU nationals living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status. Over 5.1 million EU citizens and their families have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). The application deadline was 30 June 2021 and where a person eligible under the EU Settlement Scheme has reasonable grounds for missing the deadline, they will be given a further opportunity to apply.

Defra is working with industry and the Department for Work and Pensions to raise awareness of career opportunities within the food and farming sectors among UK workers. We will also explore the potential for automation to meet future labour demands of the sector.

Defra is leading on a review of automation in horticulture, which will cover both the edible and ornamental sectors in England. The review will work alongside the newly extended and expanded Seasonal Workers Pilot - and Defra’s efforts to attract more UK residents into agricultural work – to support the overall aim of reducing the sector’s dependency on seasonal migrant labour.

Defra's reach and engagement with the agri-food sector is extensive and well-established. This includes regular contact with producers and processors in the UK sugar industry, including British Sugar.

Through the UK Agricultural Market Monitoring Group, we monitor UK agricultural markets, including for sugar beet, looking at price, supply, and trade. This provides forewarning of any atypical market movements or shocks.

The NFU is recognised by Defra to represent all sugar beet growers in the UK due to the nature of the UK Market with British Sugar the sole processor and buyer of Sugar beet. NFU Sugar negotiates on UK Sugar beet growers’ collective behalf to ensure fair contract terms and prices.

Current issues for sugar beet growers include the control of pests (aphids) and yellow virus, along with weather related problems - such as dry springs affecting crop establishment and wet conditions during the campaign harvests. We welcomed British Sugar's work with Rothamsted to predict levels of yellow virus early in the growing season. This meant that emergency use of neonicotinoid seed treatment was not needed in 2021.

The latest published data from HM Revenue & Customs shows that exports of food, feed and drink to the EU totalled £2.1 billion in the first three months of 2021. This is 33% lower than the same period in 2020. There are many factors that cause fluctuations in export volumes and values, with the impacts of COVID-19 and businesses adapting to EU import requirements contributing over the last year.

We recognise that for some of our sectors EU import requirements are challenging and the Government is committed to supporting businesses in understanding and complying with the new processes that apply. We are also supporting businesses to capitalise on export opportunities across the world created through Free Trade Agreements. The Department for International Trade’s ‘open doors’ campaign provides exporters with market intelligence and a range of tools and resources to boost export capability.

We have produced guidance and supporting resources such as webinars to help businesses understand the new rules. These set out import requirements and the steps businesses need to take to comply with them. This includes a particular focus on tailored support for SMEs. We recognise that a key issue is a lack of consistency of how EU requirements are being applied at different border posts. Defra officials hold regular technical meetings with their counterparts in EU Member States to address this and ensure the process is as smooth and consistent as possible for exporters and importers.

Defra does not hold data on the UK’s rat population. However, in 2018 Natural England published A Review of the Population and Conservation Status of British Mammals. This provides an estimate of the British population of brown rats to be around seven million. While this suggests a potential 7% increase since 1995, owing to the lack of data on the size or density of brown rat populations, it should not be used to confirm any view on recent changes in the population.

Under The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, local authorities have a duty to deal with infestations of rats and mice. Local authorities have the flexibility to allocate resources to address local priorities, based on an assessment of risk. The Government is supporting regulatory services teams, which includes environmental health teams, through the Regulatory Services Task and Finish Group, which was established to help coordinate central government’s expectation of regulatory services teams in local government and to propose short and long-term options to support these essential services.

The UK Government is committed to leading efforts to protect the marine environment from all human-induced stressors. Marine litter is one of the greatest environmental challenges we face with 80% of marine plastic litter originating from land-based sources, and predictions of a threefold increase in the amount of plastics in the ocean between 2015 and 2025.

Domestically, assessments in the UK Marine Strategy Part One (published in October 2019) show that Good Environmental Status for contaminants in UK waters has largely been achieved, though not yet for marine litter. The UK Marine Strategy Part Three (published in December 2015) sets out the comprehensive list of actions that the UK Government is taking to reduce contaminant concentrations in the marine environment to acceptable levels. Existing measures include various pollution reduction requirements for emissions and discharges from industry, and measures for coastal waters that are set out in the River Basin Management Plans. We intend to publish an update to Part Three this year, outlining the programme of measures that will continue to move us towards Good Environmental Status in our seas.

Our 25 Year Environment Plan also establishes our target of reducing all forms of marine plastic pollution where possible, with our Resources and Waste Strategy setting out how we will achieve this. The Strategy includes a commitment to review and consult on measures such as Extended Producer Responsibility for fishing gear by 2022.

Given the trans-boundary nature of the marine environment, we work closely with other countries to tackle pollution, for example through the OSPAR Convention. The UK also contributes to and implements the obligations of several global initiatives, including the London Protocol and the London Convention, to protect the marine environment from mercury, persistent organic pollutants, hazardous wastes, hazardous chemicals, pesticides and marine litter.

In 2018, the UK and Vanuatu launched the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, a Blue Charter Action Group, now comprising 34 countries, each pledging action on plastic pollution. To support this work, the UK has committed up to £70 million to tackle plastics pollution entering our ocean. This includes boosting global research, supporting developing countries to address ambitions under the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, as well as testing and finding alternative ways in which plastics can be reduced, reused or recycled and making efforts to transition to more sustainable forms of manufacturing.

The UK has also launched a £500 million Blue Planet Fund, financed from Official Development Assistance, to help eligible countries protect their marine resources from key human-generated threats including climate change, marine pollution such as marine litter, overfishing and biodiversity loss.

Due to the scale of the marine litter challenge, the UK believes it is also time to start negotiations on a new global agreement on marine litter and microplastics at the United Nations Environment Assembly. This would build on the important work we are doing to tackle marine litter both domestically and internationally and support our commitments to eliminate plastic entering the ocean.

Pesticides can only be used if they are authorised and this process addresses the issues identified in these studies. Authorisation of each pesticide product depends on the outcome of a detailed risk assessment which includes impacts on people, animals and the environment. If there are found to be unacceptable risks to, for example, pollinators and aquatic invertebrates, the product is not authorised. A specific pesticide which posed unacceptable risks to non-target organisms would not be authorised. This process considers effects on local populations of insects and so limits the risks to other animals such as birds that feed on them.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) lies at the heart of our approach to maximise the use of non-chemical control techniques and minimise the use of chemical pesticides. IPM means that pesticide users can reduce the associated risks (including indirect effects), combat pest resistance, and support agricultural productivity. This includes increasing the use of nature-based, low toxicity solutions and precision technologies, with potential to enhance biodiversity, including to benefit pollinators.

Our approach is detailed in the draft revised ‘National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides’ (NAP), which sets out the ambition to improve indicators of pesticide usage, risk and impacts. This was the subject of a recent public consultation, with over 1500 responses now being analysed. The summary of responses will be published by the end of summer 2021 and the revised NAP later this year.

Furthermore, our new schemes that reward the delivery of environmental benefits ‘The Sustainable Farming Incentive’, the ‘Local Nature Recovery scheme’ and the ‘Landscape Recovery scheme’ will encourage actions that support IPM and biodiversity, including conserving and enhancing habitats for bees and other pollinators.

The Government is developing a Pesticide Load Indicator which takes account of both the chemical properties of pesticides used and the weight applied. Additionally, further research is being conducted to improve the long-term monitoring of the environmental effects of pesticides, including work on honey and soil monitoring. Much of this research will be published later this year.

We are also working with the Health and Safety Executive to make improvements to the availability of data from the Pesticide Usage Survey.

The Government is developing a Pesticide Load Indicator which takes account of both the chemical properties of pesticides used and the weight applied. Additionally, further research is being conducted to improve the long-term monitoring of the environmental effects of pesticides, including work on honey and soil monitoring. Much of this research will be published later this year.

We are also working with the Health and Safety Executive to make improvements to the availability of data from the Pesticide Usage Survey.

Pesticides can only be used if they are authorised and this process addresses the issues identified in these studies. Authorisation of each pesticide product depends on the outcome of a detailed risk assessment which includes impacts on people, animals and the environment. If there are found to be unacceptable risks to, for example, pollinators and aquatic invertebrates, the product is not authorised. A specific pesticide which posed unacceptable risks to non-target organisms would not be authorised. This process considers effects on local populations of insects and so limits the risks to other animals such as birds that feed on them.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) lies at the heart of our approach to maximise the use of non-chemical control techniques and minimise the use of chemical pesticides. IPM means that pesticide users can reduce the associated risks (including indirect effects), combat pest resistance, and support agricultural productivity. This includes increasing the use of nature-based, low toxicity solutions and precision technologies, with potential to enhance biodiversity, including to benefit pollinators.

Our approach is detailed in the draft revised ‘National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides’ (NAP), which sets out the ambition to improve indicators of pesticide usage, risk and impacts. This was the subject of a recent public consultation, with over 1500 responses now being analysed. The summary of responses will be published by the end of summer 2021 and the revised NAP later this year.

Furthermore, our new schemes that reward the delivery of environmental benefits ‘The Sustainable Farming Incentive’, the ‘Local Nature Recovery scheme’ and the ‘Landscape Recovery scheme’ will encourage actions that support IPM and biodiversity, including conserving and enhancing habitats for bees and other pollinators.

Pesticides can only be used if they are authorised and this process addresses the issues identified in these studies. Authorisation of each pesticide product depends on the outcome of a detailed risk assessment which includes impacts on people, animals and the environment. If there are found to be unacceptable risks to, for example, pollinators and aquatic invertebrates, the product is not authorised. A specific pesticide which posed unacceptable risks to non-target organisms would not be authorised. This process considers effects on local populations of insects and so limits the risks to other animals such as birds that feed on them.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) lies at the heart of our approach to maximise the use of non-chemical control techniques and minimise the use of chemical pesticides. IPM means that pesticide users can reduce the associated risks (including indirect effects), combat pest resistance, and support agricultural productivity. This includes increasing the use of nature-based, low toxicity solutions and precision technologies, with potential to enhance biodiversity, including to benefit pollinators.

Our approach is detailed in the draft revised ‘National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides’ (NAP), which sets out the ambition to improve indicators of pesticide usage, risk and impacts. This was the subject of a recent public consultation, with over 1500 responses now being analysed. The summary of responses will be published by the end of summer 2021 and the revised NAP later this year.

Furthermore, our new schemes that reward the delivery of environmental benefits ‘The Sustainable Farming Incentive’, the ‘Local Nature Recovery scheme’ and the ‘Landscape Recovery scheme’ will encourage actions that support IPM and biodiversity, including conserving and enhancing habitats for bees and other pollinators.

We now have full responsibility for regulation of pesticides, alongside the Devolved Administrations in Great Britain. EU pesticides legislation continues to apply in Northern Ireland, under the terms of the NI Protocol.

We believe it is essential that the use of actives that are known to be hazardous to human health or the environment should be subject to scientific risk assessment, mitigation and regulatory protections. This is why we support the listing of paraquat under the Rotterdam convention. We also believe in evidence based international policy making, through the use of scientific committees, such as the Chemical Review Committee, and support the strengthening of the international science:policy interface for chemicals and pesticides to support global decision making.

Furthermore, as part of the UK ambition to be a global leader to protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystems, we continue to work through UN multilateral environmental agreements and frameworks, the wider Defra group and other agencies, to actively promote the widespread use of Integrated Pest Management to minimise the risks and impacts posed by pesticide use.

As we committed to in our manifesto, in all of our trade negotiations, we will not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards. Our trade agreements will respect the regulatory autonomy of both the UK and our trading partners, and decisions on standards will remain a matter for the UK Government and Devolved Administrations, including on pesticides.

We will ensure decisions on the use of pesticides are based on careful scientific assessment and will not authorise pesticides that may carry unacceptable risks to people or the environment. All agri-food products imported into the UK under existing or future free trade agreements will, as now, comply with our import requirements.

Pollinators are a priority for this Government. The National Pollinator Strategy sets out actions we are taking, with our many partners, to improve the status of bees and other pollinators in England on farmland and other areas.

Our actions include restoring and creating habitat for bees and other wild and managed pollinators to thrive; acting on the pressures that impact on pollinators, including by supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM); providing advice and raising awareness across society so that they can take action themselves; and supporting new monitoring and research. The Healthy Bees Plan 2030 sets out further action to improve honeybee health, alongside beekeeping associations and other stakeholders.

In 2019 we published a synthesis of the evidence on the status of UK pollinators and pollination services. This assessment found evidence of declines or range contractions in wild bees and other insects but trends in the pollination service are less well understood. For this reason, it is also difficult to make predictions about changes in crop yield.

We do know however that insect pollination directly increases the quantity and quality of yield in many crops in the UK. We also know that impacts of sub-optimal pollination have been identified in UK fruit crops. Boosting pollinator numbers therefore increases resilience and protects against risks to yield and maintains their crucial role in wild plant pollination.

Research in this area is ongoing. For example, the publicly-funded Global Food Security programme’s ‘Resilient Pollinators’ project is looking at the implications of future land use change for the resilience of pollination services to UK agriculture.

Defra is working closely with industry and other Government departments to understand labour supply and demand, and to help our world-leading growers access the labour they need to ensure our crops are picked and not wasted.

The Seasonal Workers Pilot has been expanded for one year, with 30,000 visas granted for workers to come to the UK, from EU or non-EU countries, for a period of up to six months to pick and package fruit and vegetables on our farms.

In 2021 and beyond, food and farming businesses will continue to be able to rely on EU nationals living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status. Over 4.9 million EU citizens and their families have been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme and the application deadline is 30 June 2021. EU nationals who have settled status can continue to travel to the UK to do seasonal work in 2021.

The Government is encouraging the horticulture sector to make employment more attractive to UK domestic workers through offering training, careers options, wage increases and to invest in automation technology.

To help with these efforts, Defra will build on the success of last year’s domestic recruitment campaign, working with industry and the DWP to raise awareness of career opportunities within the horticulture sector among UK workers. We will also explore the potential for automation to meet future labour demands of the sector.

Defra is leading a Government review of automation in horticulture to understand what is required to accelerate the development and uptake of automation technologies in both the edible and ornamental sectors, in England, with the view to reducing the sector’s long-term dependency on seasonal migrant labour. The review’s final report will be published in the summer of 2021 and inform a range of policy decisions regarding automation and seasonal labour from 2022 onwards.

This Government takes the conservation of endangered species in the UK and internationally very seriously, which is why we will be banning the import of hunting trophies from endangered species. Officials have engaged with a range of stakeholders to inform our approach on this matter, including officials from the Government of South Africa. Our approach will be comprehensive, robust and effective, and we will deliver the change we promised to deliver to help protect thousands of species worldwide. We will be setting out our detailed plans soon.

The Government takes the issue of animal welfare very seriously. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 (the Act) was granted Royal Assent on the 29 April 2021. This realises the Government’s manifesto commitment to increase the sentences available to our courts for the most serious cases of animal cruelty. The Act will come into force on the 29 June 2021 increasing the maximum custodial penalty for animal cruelty offences to five years’ imprisonment, providing one of the toughest sanctions in Europe and strengthening the UK's position as a global leader on animal welfare. The strengthened penalty sends a clear message that animal cruelty is not tolerated in this country.

All relevant information relating to prosecutions for animal cruelty offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 is stored on the Police National Computer. Certain organisations have access to this information, where appropriate to fulfil their public functions. This allows this important information to be securely protected from misuse, and also for it to be available for organisations with a justified need to access this information. In light of this, there are no current plans to establish a public register of those convicted of cruelty to animals.

The Environment Agency (EA) has been reviewing the application submitted by HS2 Ltd to tunnel the Mid Chilterns aquifer (including supporting risk assessments undertaken by HS2 Ltd) on a technical basis, using information and data to form judgements. As part of this review, the EA is ensuring that HS2 Ltd have identified and assessed any potential impacts on the environment, and will be making a decision on the application before 7 May 2021. If consent is issued, then it will contain appropriate conditions to protect against any impacts identified.

The UK is committed to protecting the marine environment from all stressors and recognises the importance in involving all actors to tackle the urgent issue of plastic pollution of the ocean.

The Government has funded a package of over £100 million for research and innovation to tackle the issues that arise from plastic waste. This includes £60 million of funding through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, alongside a £150m investment from industry, towards the development of smart, sustainable plastic packaging, which will aim to make the UK a world-leader in sustainable packaging for consumer products.

In 2018, the UK launched the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance (CCOA) with its co-chair, Vanuatu, calling on Commonwealth countries to pledge action on plastic pollution. Alongside the CCOA, we have committed up to £70 million to tackle plastic pollution, which supports organisations and initiatives to tackle ocean plastic pollution globally.

Defra purchased arable land price data until 2018, sourced from the Royal Agricultural University Rural Land Market Survey, run by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Defra has also sourced RICS transaction-based data (that include a residential component) for 2019, which is the latest available data set. The data covers the UK and includes regional estimates.

Data for “prime” arable land is not available, and the data is for all classifications of arable land.

The table below shows the latest available arable land price estimates (£/hectare) for the six months to the end of 2018 for survey and the first 6 months of 2019 transaction data respectively:

Regional prices in England (2018 RICS survey estimates) range from £19,151 to £22,610 per hectare.

Currently there is no assessment on the cost per hectare of new woodland, and mature woodland as the cost of these woodlands vary significantly depending on location and quality, with many factors contributing to their value.

The general consensus is that established woodland has a typical value of around £10 - 15k per hectare with significant variation around this range depending on size of wood, species composition and volume of timber standing.

There are a number of published studies on the emergence of zoonotic diseases (such as Jones et al. (2008) Nature 451: 990-993), and Defra has contributed to the peer review of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report, an expert opinion of the role of biodiversity and pandemic emergence.

Defra works within a ‘One Health’ approach. This means working across a range of disciplines, recognising that people, animals and plants share one environment and are all interconnected.

Defra’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) routinely carries out surveillance on farms for zoonotic pathogens. It has significant surveillance programmes for tuberculosis, avian influenza, salmonella, brucellosis and anti-microbial resistance.

We respond promptly to outbreaks to minimise the impacts of zoonotic disease associated with farming and farmed products.

The Human Animal Infections & Risk Surveillance group is a cross-government technical group who analyse and assess the risks for new and emerging zoonotic diseases.

The Government’s assessment is that different types of farming systems can be managed in a professional way as long as they have good biosecurity plans and housing systems to reduce disease transmission.

The Government continues to support the existing restrictions on neonicotinoids. The Government has always been clear that it can consider applications for emergency authorisations, as defined by the legislation. An emergency authorisation will only be granted where the relevant statutory requirements are met. These are that use of the pesticide is necessary because of a danger which cannot be contained by any other reasonable means, that use is limited and controlled and that there are special circumstances. If these requirements are met, the Government considers whether the benefits of use outweigh any risks to people or to the environment.

After careful consideration of all the issues, the Government has decided to grant an application for emergency authorisation to allow use of Cruiser SB (containing the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam) for the treatment of sugar beet seed in 2021. The authorisation has been issued for the 2021 sugar beet crop only. Use of Cruiser SB or a similar product in any subsequent years would require the submission of a further application. If any further applications are made in the future, they will be fully assessed against the regulatory framework for emergency authorisations.

Sugar beet is a non-flowering crop and the risks to bees from the sugar beet crop itself were assessed to be acceptable. Risks to bees were identified arising from soil residues taken up by flowering weeds or following crops. Mitigation measures were therefore built into the requirements of the emergency authorisation. These included a reduced application rate, effective control of weeds and minimum periods set between the planting of treated sugar beet and a subsequent flowering crop. For most crops this period was set at 22 months but a longer period of 32 months was chosen for oilseed rape as it is particularly attractive to bees.

Under EU legislation Member States may grant emergency authorisations in exceptional circumstances. The UK’s approach to the use of emergency authorisations has not changed as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU. Ten EU countries including Belgium, Denmark and Spain have granted emergency authorisations for neonicotinoid seed treatments since 2018.

We are proud of our world-leading animal welfare standards, which are backed by a rigorous legislative framework. The Government takes seriously reports of animal cruelty throughout the world and the UK is at the forefront of international efforts to protect endangered animals and plants from poaching and illegal trade.

In 2018, the UK convened the largest ever global IWT conference at which 65 countries signed up to the London Declaration, committing to take urgent, coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade. The IWT Challenge Fund has committed over £26m to 85 projects around the world, including working in Indonesia to building law enforcement capacity and helping communities to protect their wildlife.

After the Transition Period, controls implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) will apply to the movement of CITES specimens between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI). This is as a result of our international obligations under CITES, and the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. If a musical instrument contains CITES-listed species (and is not exempted) then CITES documents will be required for movements from GB to NI after 31 December. ATA Carnets cannot be used as an alternative to CITES documentation.

However, after the Transition period, ATA Carnets will become an option for temporarily moving goods between GB, EU and NI. Use of an ATA Carnet is optional and is a commercial decision whether it is the most cost-effective method in each specific circumstance.

The Government takes the issue of animal welfare very seriously and supports increasing the maximum custodial penalty for animal cruelty offences from six months to five years.

The Police National Computer already records convictions for animal cruelty offences. Certain organisations have access to this information, where appropriate to fulfil their public function. This allows us to securely protect this important information from misuse, and also for it to be available for organisations with a justified need to access this information. If anyone, including animal welfare charities or pet breeders, has concerns about whether someone is keeping animals in contravention of a disqualification order they should report it to the police who can investigate.

The Government has exempted over 30 types of sport, exercise and physical activity such as football, rugby and other outdoor pursuits from the gatherings limit. Outdoor activity is safer from a transmission perspective, and it is often easier to social distance. Just as it did before the coronavirus outbreak, the government recognises it is vital that wildlife and habitats are respected and protected, and we ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between outdoor sports and conservation.

In England, the 25 Year Environment Plan (YEP) marked a step-change in ambition for wildlife and the natural environment. We are already taking action to fulfil this ambition. We have brought forward the first Environment Bill in over 20 years with ambitious measures to address the biggest environmental priorities of our age, including restoring and enhancing nature. The Bill will set the framework for at least one legally binding target for biodiversity.

Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme supports the recovery of threatened and declining species in partnership with a number of stakeholder organisations. Natural England is also working with conservation organisations on the Back from the Brink programme. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and partners, it aims to save 20 of England’s most threatened animals and plants from extinction, and benefit over 200 other species.

The UK is party to a number of international conventions and agreements aimed at protecting species and ecosystems. Under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UK is committed to playing a leading role in the development of a post-2020 global biodiversity framework containing ambitious and practical targets to protect species. The UK is leading the Global Ocean Alliance of countries in support of ambitious ocean action, in particular protecting at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030. We are also investing over £66 million between 2014 to 2024 to crack down on the illegal wildlife trade and we continue to work within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to ensure that any trade in wildlife is sustainable.

We have not carried out an assessment on the environmental impact of the disposal of single-use face masks.

Waste management, including disposal, is regulated through the environmental permitting system in England, which seeks to protect the environment and human health.

Face coverings that will be required in shops are not the same as the single-use surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of their PPE. These should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace. Instead, the latest Government advice on face coverings provides instructions on how people can make and care for reusable face coverings at home using scarves or other washable textiles, and is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering.

Reusable cloth face coverings are also available to buy from a wide range of retail outlets, including online.

The Government has published guidance on the disposal of face coverings and other PPE during the coronavirus pandemic. This is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-disposing-of-waste

We recognise that zoos and other animal welfare organisations are undertaking very valuable work at this time to ensure that the health and welfare needs of the diverse range of animals they care for are well met.

The Government has provided a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support businesses, including zoos and other animal welfare organisations, through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. They are eligible to apply for a range of support schemes including the Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral, Business Rates Relief, the Business Interruption Loan schemes, the option to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay and grant funding of up to £25,000.

In addition, specifically for zoos in severe financial distress, the Government has introduced a Zoos Support Fund for licensed zoos in England. Similar support will be provided by the Devolved Administrations. Where a zoo in England is in severe financial distress and has fully explored and exhausted all other reasonable avenues to generate income and reduce costs, then they can apply for this fund. Defra has already written to all licensed zoos in England to make them aware of the COVID-19 support schemes available as well as the new Zoo Support Fund. More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-zoos-and-aquariums

We are in discussion with the animal welfare sector about the issue of support for the organisations working with companion animals and to understand the severe impacts on the sector and their needs.

Defra officials have also been engaging with some of the largest zoos to discuss additional concerns which are arising including over a longer time frame, and active consideration of these is ongoing.

Government guidance states that individuals who are furloughed can volunteer for any organisation that is not their employer.

The Department for International Trade consistently champions the British music industry and the incredible talent which makes the sector such a great success story for the UK.

The Government has put in place unprecedented support for businesses and workers to protect them against the economic impact of COVID-19. In 2020/21, the Government is providing export support of around £1 million to UK music companies. Most of this is grant support offered to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the UK’s music sector through the International Showcase Fund and the Music Export Growth Scheme.

During the pandemic, the Government has provided support for digital events so music companies can continue to do business with international customers. The Government is working closely with the Creative Industries Trade and Investment Board, which includes music representatives, to develop a creative industries ‘Bounce Back’ strategy which will enable the UK music sector to maintain its strong international position.

The Government is committed to a transparent trade policy and will continue engaging with stakeholders, including the food and drinks industry, throughout negotiations.

Our Strategic Trade Advisory Group (STAG) and Expert Trade Advisory Groups (ETAGs), including a dedicated Agri Food ETAG set up jointly with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, regularly discuss the proposed UK-US Free Trade Agreement.

Our trade talks with the US have been based on our negotiating objectives, published on 2 March 2020. The public consultation supporting these objectives was one of the largest in UK Government’s history, receiving nearly 160,000 responses.

The Government has been very clear that any future trade deals must work for UK consumers, not compromising on our standards. The Government will continue to support healthy choices through clear labelling, while respecting our WTO obligations to ensure that technical regulations do not create unnecessary obstacles to international trade.

The UK will decide how we set and maintain our own standards and regulations and we have been clear that we will not compromise on our high environmental, food safety and animal welfare standards now that we have left the European Union.

Any future deal with the US must work for UK consumers, farmers and companies. Without exception, imports into the UK will meet our stringent food safety standards.

The UK will decide how we set and maintain our own standards and regulations and we will not compromise on our high standards of food safety and animal welfare.

The UK’s food regulators will continue to provide independent advice to ensure that all food imports into the UK comply with those high safety standards.

Any future deal with the US must work for UK consumers, farmers and companies. Without exception, imports into the UK will meet our stringent food safety standards.

The Government is committed to a transparent trade policy and will continue engaging with stakeholders, including the food and drinks industry, throughout negotiations.

Our Strategic Trade Advisory Group (STAG) and Expert Trade Advisory Groups (ETAGs), including a dedicated Agri Food ETAG set up jointly with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, regularly discuss the proposed UK-US Free Trade Agreement.

Our trade talks with the US have been based on our negotiating objectives, published on 2 March 2020. The public consultation supporting these objectives was one of the largest in UK Government’s history, receiving nearly 160,000 responses.

HM Government launched negotiations on a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom and the United States of America on 5th May 2020. We plan to launch negotiations with Japan this month and with Australia and New Zealand shortly after. We also continue to work to secure continuity agreements with all remaining countries that had a trade agreement with the EU on 31st January 2020. To date, HM Government has signed 20 agreements with 48 countries.

Agreements Signed to Date:

• Switzerland
• Liechtenstein
• Iceland, Norway
• Israel
• the Palestinian Authority
• Chile
• the Faroe Islands
• Eastern and Southern Africa states (Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zimbabwe)
• The Pacific states (Fiji and Papua New Guinea)
• A series of CARIFORUM countries?(Barbados, Belize, The Commonwealth of Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, The Republic of Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago)
• Andean countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru)
• Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama)
• South Korea
• Lebanon
• Tunisia
• SACU+M
• Georgia
• Morocco
• Jordan
• Kosovo

Agreements yet to be Signed

• Algeria
• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzigovina
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Cote d’Ivoire
• East African Community (EAC)
• Egypt
• Ghana
• Mexico
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Ukraine

To provide immediate relief to the shortage of HGV drivers, we granted a temporary and limited relaxation to the drivers’ hours rules to allow additional flexibility to operators. Any changes to weekly rest patterns that results in reduced rest periods must be compensated for in the normal way.

The temporary relaxations of rules are to be used only where necessary, and operators must notify the Department if this measure is used. Driver safety must not be compromised, and drivers should not be expected to drive whilst tired. Employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.

Major projects such as HS2, Hinkley Point C and Crossrail are vital in helping the Government meet its ambitions of driving up the number of apprentices across the construction and transport sector.

1. The HS2 programme has a commitment to creating a minimum of 2,000 apprenticeships over the lifetime of the programme. Since Royal Assent in 2017, HS2 Ltd and its supply chain has started 650 apprenticeships, of which 91 are within HS2 Ltd and 559 are within the supply chain. For the financial year 2021/22 HS2 forecast starting a further 289 apprenticeships.

2. EDF have reported that so far 756 apprentices trained on Hinkley Point C to date and are on track to meet the target of 1,000 apprenticeships during the construction phase.

3. MTR Crossrail forecast between 60-70 apprenticeships required in the next six months and between 15-20 existing employees undertaking apprenticeship training as part of the Crossrail operator concession programme. Alongside this there will also be 3 new apprentices starting at Old Oak Common in the next 6 months with Alstom as part of the Crossrail rolling stock programme.

The HS2 Community Engagement Strategy, published in 2017, explains how HS2 Ltd and its contractors will engage with communities and sets out its community commitments on public engagement. HS2 Ltd reports publicly on how well they are performing against these commitments. Five reports have been published to date and all are available on the HS2 website.

The Department for Transport regularly monitors how HS2 Ltd is performing against its community engagement commitments. In his most recent six-monthly report to Parliament on 23 March 2021, the HS2 Minister provided an account of the activities that HS2 Ltd and the Department are deploying to strengthen its community handling approach. The Department continues to review this area to ensure that HS2 Ltd delivers on its commitments and is prepared to take further action as necessary.

The Department for Transport published the Phase 1 HS2 business case in April 2020. Paragraph 2.85 and Figure 2.2 of this document set out the breakdown of the total GDP impacts (£82bn at 2015 prices) of the HS2 programme. Whilst total productivity impact has not been formally estimated, the constituent parts of the GDP benefits provide estimated impacts which are important sources of productivity gains.

The £60bn of business user benefits could be translated as direct gains from productivity improvements to business users. Similarly, the impacts from agglomeration (£14bn) due to HS2 captures the impact from improved productivity through urbanisation, and some labour supply impacts (£2bn) through positive labour market dynamics.

HS2 is expected to be transformational, and the wider impacts are likely to be much more significant than currently estimated in the business case. Some of these impacts have been explained in the Strategic Case, regarding skills and employment impacts, innovation and technological changes etc. However, the wider economic impact has not been fully quantified in the economic case.

This lack quantification of important and significant wider benefits was reflected in Conclusion 49 of the Oakervee Review. Also, given that the significance of investments entailing HS2, it will likely have macro-economic impacts on labour and other markets, that may drive up productivity gains. Combining the change to economic geography, dynamic agglomeration and improving access to higher productivity jobs, with the wider macro-economic impacts of the scheme, the productivity impact is likely to be significant.

The Department is working with its arm’s length bodies to develop the evidence on transformational impacts and will aim to incorporate some such evidence, when assured, in future business cases.

As set out in the latest 6-monthly Parliamentary report published in March 2021, the total estimated cost ranges for each Phase is as follows:

Phase One: £35bn - £45bn

Phase 2a: £5bn – £7bn

Phase 2b: £32bn – £46bn*

The numbers include contingency to accommodate unforeseeable cost pressures which may emerge during construction, as is to be expected with all major infrastructure projects.

*Validation of the Phase 2b cost range is ongoing and will be updated to support the bringing forward of separate legislation for the HS2 route into Manchester, in line with the conclusions of the Oakervee Review. The range provided excludes scope intended to be funded by other sources such as Northern Powerhouse Rail.

(1) HS2 Ltd does not specifically record or count individual trees removed or required for clearance, as recording is undertaken on an area basis (measured by hectare).

(2) As part of Phase One alone, HS2 Ltd will plant up to seven million trees and shrubs. Over 700,000 of those trees have already been planted. The area of new woodland will be well in excess of that which is lost. HS2 is creating more than 3300 hectares (33 square kilometres) of new woodland, wildlife and river habitats alongside the line from the West Midlands to London.

(3) Woodland areas to be lost as a result of HS2’s construction, and also those sites to be used for woodland creation, are described in the relevant Environmental Statement, published alongside the relevant legislation for each phase of the project.

Further updates on HS2 Ltd’s environmental performance, including with respect to the loss of ancient woodland and associated compensation response, will be published in the autumn.

The Government has no plans to charter additional aircraft for tourists wishing to visit St Helena, Ascension, the Falklands Islands or any other current 'green list' territories.

The destinations which airlines fly to is a commercial decision for the airline.

HS2 Ltd’s construction activities in the area have been the subject of comprehensive and detailed risk assessments. This reflects HS2 Ltd’s commitment to Parliament to protect the water environment. The risk assessments have been produced with oversight and advice of technical experts from the Environment Agency and Affinity Water. HS2 Ltd will not commence construction within the aquifer until the Environment Agency and Affinity Water are satisfied that required mitigation measures are in place for any identified potential risks.

The decision to place Mauritius on the red list on 9 January was in direct response to scientific and medical data, which represents an increased risk to UK public health and an increased risk of community transmission of COVID-19 variants of concern identified in other countries. These are intended to be temporary measures and the Government keeps data for countries and territories under constant review.

The Government has made it consistently clear that it will take decisive action to contain the virus, including adding further countries to the red list, or keeping countries on the red list, if the public health risk of people returning from a particular country without self-isolating becomes too high.

UK aviation has an excellent safety record and reputation and safety will continue to be a priority at the end of the transition period.

It is paramount that the safety and security of all passengers travelling in the UK and EU is not compromised under any circumstances and to make sure there is continuity and stability for passengers and industry.

The Prime Minister has been clear that our future relationship with the EU must not entail any application of EU law in the UK or CJEU jurisdiction. Continued UK participation in the EASA system would have been inconsistent with this approach.

The EU’s negotiating mandate does not allow for UK participation in EASA but does set out their ambition to agree cooperative aviation safety arrangements with the UK.

To this end, we want an aviation safety agreement with the EU that minimises regulatory burdens for the industry. Such an agreement will facilitate the recognition of aviation safety standards, maintain high safety outcomes and enable continued regulatory cooperation between the UK and EU.

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority currently oversees most aspects of civil aviation safety in the UK. After the transition period the CAA will take on some additional functions from EASA and will continue to ensure that the UK has world-leading safety standards. The Department for Transport is closely monitoring the CAA’s progress to assume its new responsibilities and receives regular updates to ensure preparations are on track.

The CAA has been preparing for the possibility of leaving the EASA system since the EU referendum in 2016, including recruiting new staff across the organisation.

Outside of the EASA system, the UK will have the autonomy to regulate in a proportionate manner that effectively meets the needs of industry.

Currently, all arrivals from the US must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.

We keep the list of Travel Corridors under regular review.

The Government recognises the challenges businesses and consumers are experiencing regarding refunds for cancelled holidays and flights. Airlines are working hard to answer the high call volumes and to process the very large number of applications for refunds.

The Government appreciates the frustration consumers may be experiencing. We have been clear with industry that when consumers are entitled to a refund and ask for one, refunds must be paid. The Department for Transport is in regular conversation with UK airlines and wider membership bodies, and is working closely with the sector, the regulator and consumer groups to help ensure airlines deliver on their commitments.

The safety and well-being of consumers is paramount. However, where a consumer had made the decision to cancel their flight, any refunds or rearrangement of travel would be a matter for the airline in question and its policy in relation to refunds and/or booking amendments. In addition, the consumer’s travel insurance or credit card provider may also be able to provide assistance in such cases. Consumers are advised to check with their travel insurance or credit card providers as they may be able to seek redress.

On Wednesday 20th May, Greek PM Mitsotakis announced that Greece envisions a two-stage relaxing of measures for travellers wishing to enter Greece. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) officials have been in regular contact with the Greek government throughout the COVID19 crisis including about future arrangements and those talks will continue.

Department for Transport officials continue to work closely with their international counterparts, and the aviation sector, as they respond to the crisis and discuss all aspects of restart and recovery.

The Government has no plans to amend the period set out in the Motor Vehicles (Tests) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020.

DfT is working closely with the transport sector and PHE to ensure that Port Health measures and health advice reflect the needs of the sector. DfT is in regular contact with Public Health England to ensure that the latest health guidance is made accessible to the transport sector.

PHE and their counterparts in the devolved administrations are responsible for determining and publishing health advice in relation to Covid-19. On 14^th February PHE published guidance for staff in the transport sector which was made available on the GOV.UK website. DfT will continue to work with PHE to ensure this remains up to date.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as the Agency for the UK Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, publishes a list of those chemicals subject to restrictions on their own, in mixtures or in articles. This list can be found on the HSE website at https://www.hse.gov.uk/reach/restrictions.htm.

Our latest estimates are that the difference between maintaining the Triple Lock in the face of the earnings spike and the double lock could be £4-5 billion. But we will not know the final numbers until later in the autumn.

Since 2010, we have increased the value of the full yearly basic State Pension by over £2,050, in cash terms. We now spend over £129 billion a year on pensioners in 2021/22.

The full rate of the basic State Pension for people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 is £137.60 per week. These individuals may also have some earnings-related additional State Pension, occupational or private pension income (enabled by the UK National Insurance system). For people reaching State Pension age from 6 April 2016 onwards, the full rate of the new State Pension is £179.60 per week: the amount an individual receives depends on their individual National Insurance record.

Meaningful comparisons between pension schemes in different countries are very difficult to make as there are many factors to take into account. This includes differences in; tax systems, healthcare systems, pension ages, cost of living, access to occupational pensions and the availability of other social security benefits, as well as the provision of services and goods free to pensioners or at concessionary rates.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) monitors a wide range of statistics and surveys on the labour market.

We want everyone to be able to find a job, progress in work and thrive in the labour market, whoever they are and wherever they live. Through Plan for Jobs, the government announced over £33 billion in measures to create, support and protect jobs, which includes £2.9 billion funding for Restart and £3 billion investment in the Kickstart programme alongside other measures focussed on boosting work search, skills and apprenticeships.

Alongside measures in Plan for Jobs, DWP is leading cross-government collaboration to identify and remove barriers to working in sectors with immediate or growing demand for jobs. We continue to work closely with these departments and sector bodies to identify and address barriers facing DWP customers and to ensure the provision is available to support individuals to access opportunities in these sectors. We work closely with a range of departments to shape skills support to enable individuals to develop the skills needed in order to move to roles in different sectors

The Government is committed to taking a proportionate approach to health and safety regulation to support economic recovery and enable innovation while maintaining levels of protection for workers.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Minister for Employment meet regularly with senior officials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to discuss current priorities, for example the new post EU Chemicals regime, the Building Safety Regulator and Covid-19 responses, and discuss potential developments and future priorities.

HSE’s Annual Business Plan 2020/21 details key priorities, taking account of the ongoing response to Covid-19 while helping to support the economy.

This Government is wholly committed to tackling child poverty. Throughout the pandemic, our priority has been to protect family incomes by spending £407 billion to protect jobs, keep businesses afloat and help families get by. Including spending an additional £7.4 billion last year to strengthen the welfare system for those most in need, taking our total expenditure on welfare support for people of working age to an estimated £112bn in 2020/21.

In December 2020 we introduced our Covid Winter Grant Scheme providing funding to Local Authorities in England to enable them to support people with food and essential utility bills during the coldest months. It will now run to the 20th June as the Covid Local Support Grant, with a total investment of £269m.

As the economy recovers, our ambition is to help parents move into and progress in work as quickly as possible based on clear evidence around the importance of parental employment, particularly where it is full-time, in substantially reducing the risks of child poverty. We are investing over £30 billion in our ambitious Plan for Jobs which is already delivering for people of all ages right across the country.

The Government has had no discussions with the Canadian Government, regarding the up-rating of the UK State Pension for recipients living in Canada, and has made no assessment of the Canadian Government’s up-rating policy.

The Government has had no discussions with the Canadian Government, regarding the up-rating of the UK State Pension for recipients living in Canada, and has made no assessment of the Canadian Government’s up-rating policy.

The policy on entering into new reciprocal social security agreements has been in place since 1996.

As indicated in my answer on 6 April 2021 (HL14579), an official request was received from the Government of Canada, to which the Government has now responded.

A request has been received from the Government of Canada and, as indicated in my previous answer on 10 March 2021, the Government intends to respond to this letter in due course.

The UK entered into a reciprocal social security agreement with Bermuda in 1969 and with Gibraltar in 1974.

The policy on up-rating UK State Pensions overseas is longstanding and has been supported by successive Governments for over 70 years. Annual index-linked increases are paid to UK State Pension recipients where there is a legal requirement to do so, for example where recipients are living in countries where there is a reciprocal agreement that provides for up-rating.

This Government continues to take the view that priority should be given to those living in Great Britain when drawing up expenditure plans for additional pensioner benefits.

The estimated annual cost of up-rating state pensions is calculated at UK level.

The department has not made an estimate.

The UK has reciprocal agreements with Bermuda and Gibraltar that cover state pensions.

Source: StatXplore, August 2020

The Government has not received any recent representations for reciprocal social security agreements from British Overseas Territories without such an agreement.

The Department for Work and Pensions plans to respond to the request from Canada in due course.

The UK has reciprocal social security agreements covering state pensions with two British Overseas Territories – Bermuda and Gibraltar.

The distribution of existing agreements with British Overseas Territories were based on a number of factors considered at the time those agreements were concluded.

The Department for Work and Pensions plans to respond shortly on this issue.

This government has a strong safety net that helps people who are facing hardship and are unable to support themselves financially and we have taken steps to strengthen that safety net as part of the government’s response to the pandemic.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) provides a minimum level of income for employees when they are sick or incapable of work. Employers are legally required to pay SSP to eligible employees who are off work sick or incapable of work, where employees meet the qualifying conditions. Some employers may also decide to pay more, and for longer, through Occupational Sick Pay.

To receive SSP employees must tell their employer that they are off sick before the deadline the employer has set (or within 7 days if they have not set one). Individuals can self-certify for the first 7 days of an absence, without the need to provide their employer with any medical evidence. Where an employee cannot work for 7 or more days’ employers can request medical evidence of their employee’s sickness.

SSP is payable for up to 28 weeks per sickness absence. Sickness absences which are less than 8 weeks apart count as the same period of sickness. In a new period of sickness, employees are eligible for 28 weeks of SSP. As such, where individuals remain sick or incapable of work as a result of coronavirus, they will be eligible for SSP, subject to the usual qualifying conditions.

For those who are sick, self-isolating or shielding due to coronavirus, SSP is now payable from the first day of work missed, rather than the fourth

SSP is just one part of our welfare safety net and our wider government offer to support people in times of need. Where an individual’s income is reduced while off work sick and they require further financial support, for example where they are not eligible for SSP, they may be able to claim Universal Credit and new style Employment and Support Allowance, depending on their personal circumstances.

The Government has not made an assessment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Frozen British Pensions 2020 inquiry or its findings. The UK State Pension is payable worldwide to those who meet the qualifying conditions. It is up-rated where there is a legal requirement to do so, for example, where recipients are living in countries where there is a reciprocal agreement that provides for up-rating. The Government has no plans to change the policy on up-rating UK State Pensions overseas; the policy is longstanding and has been supported by successive Governments for over 70 years. The Government understands that people move abroad for many reasons and that this can have an impact on their finances. However, the decision to move abroad remains a personal choice. Advice that the UK State Pension is not up-rated overseas except where there is a legal requirement has been provided to the public for many years. Information is provided in leaflets and on gov.uk.

The Government has not made an assessment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Frozen British Pensions 2020 inquiry or its findings. The UK State Pension is payable worldwide to those who meet the qualifying conditions. It is up-rated where there is a legal requirement to do so, for example, where recipients are living in countries where there is a reciprocal agreement that provides for up-rating. The Government has no plans to change the policy on up-rating UK State Pensions overseas; the policy is longstanding and has been supported by successive Governments for over 70 years. The Government understands that people move abroad for many reasons and that this can have an impact on their finances. However, the decision to move abroad remains a personal choice. Advice that the UK State Pension is not up-rated overseas except where there is a legal requirement has been provided to the public for many years. Information is provided in leaflets and on gov.uk.

The Government has not made an assessment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Frozen British Pensions 2020 inquiry or its findings. The UK State Pension is payable worldwide to those who meet the qualifying conditions. It is up-rated where there is a legal requirement to do so, for example, where recipients are living in countries where there is a reciprocal agreement that provides for up-rating. The Government has no plans to change the policy on up-rating UK State Pensions overseas; the policy is longstanding and has been supported by successive Governments for over 70 years. The Government understands that people move abroad for many reasons and that this can have an impact on their finances. However, the decision to move abroad remains a personal choice. Advice that the UK State Pension is not up-rated overseas except where there is a legal requirement has been provided to the public for many years. Information is provided in leaflets and on gov.uk.

The Government has not made an assessment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Frozen British Pensions 2020 inquiry or its findings. The UK State Pension is payable worldwide to those who meet the qualifying conditions. It is up-rated where there is a legal requirement to do so, for example, where recipients are living in countries where there is a reciprocal agreement that provides for up-rating. The Government has no plans to change the policy on up-rating UK State Pensions overseas; the policy is longstanding and has been supported by successive Governments for over 70 years. The Government understands that people move abroad for many reasons and that this can have an impact on their finances. However, the decision to move abroad remains a personal choice. Advice that the UK State Pension is not up-rated overseas except where there is a legal requirement has been provided to the public for many years. Information is provided in leaflets and on gov.uk.

Since 2013, Cheltenham General Hospital’s accident and emergency (A&E) department has been a consultant-led service from 8am to 8pm and led by specialist emergency nurse practitioners overnight. This arrangement ensured the continuation of high quality care for patients in Gloucestershire. The current model was recently confirmed as part of the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s public consultation on the reconfiguration of services.

The Department has considered the report, which reflects that National Health Service dentistry continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. NHS England and NHS Improvement have set increasing thresholds for activity in NHS contracts, supporting increases in access whilst maintaining compliance with infection prevention and control measures.

We have provided an additional £50 million for NHS dental services in 2021/22 to ensure access for more people, including children and vulnerable patients. Local commissioning teams have also been reminded of the importance of updated information on additional practice sessions for NHS 111 to direct patients as required.

Since September 2021, there are an additional 24 urgent dental care appointments each week in Gloucestershire. In the South West, NHS England are working with Bristol and Peninsula Dental schools as part of the South West Dental Reform programme to address the challenges facing NHS dentistry in the region. The programme is looking at innovative ways to attract dental staff and increase access.

In March 2020, testing capacity was limited and insufficient to deploy to all international arrivals. Doing so would have diverted testing capacity from patients in hospitals to asymptomatic arrivals, at a time when the virus was already circulating within the domestic population.

Violence and abuse against health and care staff is unacceptable. There is no data available on violence and abuse against National Health Service staff in the South West of England. Nationally, 14.5% of staff responding to the NHS staff survey in 2020 said they had experienced at least one incidence of violence in the previous 12 months.

The NHS Violence Reduction Programme aims to protect the workforce against deliberate violence and aggression and ensure offenders are punished quickly and effectively. This includes body camera trials for ambulance trusts, the introduction of Violence Prevention and Reduction Standards, improved training for staff to deal with violence and prompt mental health support for those who are the victims of violence. The Government is currently legislating to double maximum sentences for attacks on emergency workers, which includes those working in the NHS, to two years through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2021.

In the Written Answer of 15 November 2021, we incorrectly provided the 2016 assessment of the health risks associated with the use of snus. We have arranged for the record to be corrected. A copy of Scientific Review of Modified Risk Tobacco Product Application (MRTPA) Under Section 911 (d) of the FD&C Act – Technical Project Lead published in 2019 is attached.

NHS England and NHS Improvement advise that the South Western Ambulance Service (SWAS) is at its highest state of escalation primarily due to increased 999 activity, handover delays at emergency departments and the impact of COVID-19. To increase the number of ambulances and crews, SWAS is recruiting an additional 80 whole time equivalent 999 call answering staff and 50 paramedics. To reduce waiting times for ambulances arriving at hospitals, SWAS continues to work with acute hospitals and NHS England and NHS Improvement to improve patient handover times and reduce delays.

No such assessment has been made.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have led detailed operational level winter planning with providers, regions and stakeholders, with actions for systems to support improved emergency care performance and patient flow through hospital, supported by £5.4 billion of additional funding. A new Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Unit will coordinate support for the most challenged systems and £478 million has been allocated for the enhanced patient discharge programme, to increase bed capacity and reduce crowding in accident and emergency departments.

Consumption of any tobacco product is harmful and it is the Government’s policy to support people to quit all forms of tobacco use. Oral tobacco, or snus, is banned in the United Kingdom under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

There is limited data on the health risks posed to smokers who switch to snus products. Evidence submitted on snus to the United States Food and Drug Administration states that there are still health risks involved with the use of snus. Although snus products contain significantly lower levels of harmful carcinogens than other smokeless tobacco products, the products contain nitrosamines, including NNN and NNK, which have been demonstrated to cause cancer, including cancers of the mouth. A copy of this evidence, Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) ApplicationTechnical Project Lead (TPL) Review, is attached.

Health risks of Scandinavian snus consumption (English summary) from Norway shows that tobacco products such as oral tobacco contains carcinogenic substances which are associated with a number of adverse health effects. This is regardless of whether the individual is a smoker or not. A copy of this summary is attached.

Consumption of any tobacco product is harmful and it is the Government’s policy to support people to quit all forms of tobacco use. Oral tobacco, or snus, is banned in the United Kingdom under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

There is limited data on the health risks posed to smokers who switch to snus products. Evidence submitted on snus to the United States Food and Drug Administration states that there are still health risks involved with the use of snus. Although snus products contain significantly lower levels of harmful carcinogens than other smokeless tobacco products, the products contain nitrosamines, including NNN and NNK, which have been demonstrated to cause cancer, including cancers of the mouth. A copy of this evidence, Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) ApplicationTechnical Project Lead (TPL) Review, is attached.

Health risks of Scandinavian snus consumption (English summary) from Norway shows that tobacco products such as oral tobacco contains carcinogenic substances which are associated with a number of adverse health effects. This is regardless of whether the individual is a smoker or not. A copy of this summary is attached.

Due to the nature of the production of the flu vaccine, short delays in production, manufacturing and delivery are common and as a result, contingency is built into supply timetables. One manufacturer, Seqirus, reported a delay of one to two weeks as a result of logistical issues. The Department is working closely with Seqirus and other vaccine manufacturers to assess the impact of any delays on the delivery of flu vaccinations.

This data requested is not held centrally.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has been closely monitoring and assessing all reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) during the COVID-19 vaccination program. GBS has occurred very rarely in individuals following vaccination in the United Kingdom. Whilst it was not possible to establish a causal association between any of the vaccines and GBS based on the available data, there was sufficient evidence to warrant a precautionary statement about these very rare reports in the AstraZeneca vaccine Product Information (PI) in order to alert patients and healthcare professionals of the signs and symptoms so that adequate supportive care and treatment can be sought and provided. This was included in the PI for the AstraZeneca vaccine in August 2021.

There has been no assessment carried out of the impact on UK citizens who wish to travel overseas, as no new travel, entry, or quarantine limitations have been introduced as a result of the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions on 19 July.

All international arrivals who travel from or transit through a ‘red-list’ country, including South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia, in the preceding 10 days must quarantine in a managed quarantine facility, irrespective of their vaccination status.

The Government has reviewed the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies’ (SAGE) advice in relation to face coverings. This advice states that in determining what measures to retain, a choice must be made in terms of the epidemiological risks and the societal and economic impacts of measures. In April 2021, SAGE concluded that face coverings could help with decreasing the transmission risk from a potentially infectious person. However, they should be used in combination with other measures to be fully effective and mitigate risk.

Following the success of the vaccination programme, the Government has decided to move away from legal restrictions, including the requirement to wear face coverings, towards personal responsibility and informed judgement. In line with SAGE’s advice, the Government’s guidance remains that wearing a face covering can reduce the risk of transmission. We recommend that people continue to wear face coverings particularly where the risk of transmission is likely to be greater, such as indoor and crowded enclosed or poor ventilated spaces.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of increased mortality on the United Kingdom’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The Government has reviewed the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies’ (SAGE) advice in relation to face coverings. This advice states that in determining what measures to retain, a choice must be made in terms of the epidemiological risks and the societal and economic impacts of measures. In April 2021, SAGE concluded that face coverings could help with decreasing the transmission risk from a potentially infectious person. However, they should be used in combination with other measures to be fully effective and mitigate risk.

Following the success of the vaccination programme, the Government has decided to move away from legal restrictions, including the requirement to wear face coverings, towards personal responsibility and informed judgement. In line with SAGE’s advice, the Government’s guidance remains that wearing a face covering can reduce the risk of transmission. We recommend that people continue to wear face coverings particularly where the risk of transmission is likely to be greater, such as indoor and crowded enclosed or poor ventilated spaces.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of increased mortality on the United Kingdom’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Mobility reporting data has shown a large increase in visitors to Cornwall and a rise in the dominance of the more transmissible delta variant of the virus during the same time period. In particular, there has been an increase in case rates in the 15 to 24 year old age group, which is in line with national trends on higher case rates in unvaccinated age groups and age groups yet to acquire full immunity from the vaccine.

Data on the number of National Health Service patients discharged from hospitals into care homes who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 is not currently held in the format requested. Data on the number of patients discharged into hospices who subsequently tested positive is not held centrally.

Decisions to place countries on ‘red/amber/green list(s)’ are taken by Ministers informed by evidence, including the Joint Biosecurity Centre’s risk assessments alongside other wider public health factors.

A summary of the methodology used to inform these decisions is published on GOV.UK. The methodology consists of 4 parts: variant assessment; triage; risk assessment; and outcomes that inform ministerial decisions. All countries and territories that pass triage for green or red indicators undergo a more comprehensive risk assessment using additional quantitative and qualitative information (for example, from publicly available platforms such as the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data and the World Health Organization, host government websites, United Kingdom mandatory testing data and travel data), taking into account data availability, limitations and biases.

Available and relevant sources of information for each country or territory are used to provide an overall assessment on genomic surveillance capability, COVID-19 transmission risk and Variant of Concern/Variant Under Investigation transmission risk.

The Government recognises the importance of palliative and end of life care services, including hospices. The sector has played a vital role in the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is reflected by the provision of up to £280 million of additional funding from March 2020 to March 2021 to secure capacity and free up acute care as part of the National Health Service’s response. Additionally, the Government has either funded directly or committed to reimburse all known personal protective equipment requirements since the start of the pandemic until March 2022.

As independent, charitable organisations, hospices receive some statutory funding mainly from clinical commissioning groups for providing services in their local area. However, alongside NHS England and NHS Improvement, we proactively engage with the whole sector on an ongoing basis to understand the issues they face and their views of upcoming needs and challenges.

Decisions to place countries, including Mauritius, Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda on the ‘green list’ are taken by Ministers informed by evidence including the Joint Biosecurity Centre’s analysis, as well as other relevant information about the risk of the spread of variant. The advice, evidence and methodology which informs these decisions relates to on-going development of Government policy and therefore cannot be published at this time.

To ensure the dosing schedule is maintained, vaccine supplies have already been set aside to ensure that everyone who has already received their first dose will receive their second dose within 12 weeks of their first. There are currently no delays in the administration of the second dose of the vaccine.

The National Immunisation Management System (NIMS) is the centralised service for the management of both the COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccination programmes established by NHS England. If an individual is invited for a COVID-19 vaccination via a general practitioner (GP) this information is entered onto to the patients’ GP record after vaccination and on the NIMS. A second vaccination appointment can then be offered to the patient in the following 12-week period. Where a patient has been invited to book their own appointment, they will also be required to book their second appointment 11 to 12 weeks after the first.

In some exceptional circumstances, people may not receive their invitation for their second dose, for example if they had their first dose overseas or they have changed their address between doses. If a full 11 weeks has passed since the first dose and a second appointment has not been offered, they should contact the national booking system online or by calling 119.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

The Government recognises the funding challenges facing the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between March 2020 and March 2021 £280 million of additional funding has been made available to hospices to secure capacity and free up acute care as part of the National Health Service response to COVID-19. Alongside this, hospices have benefitted from the financial support offered by HM Treasury to all charities, such as paying no business rates for their shops next year and applying for a Business Interruption Loan.

No assessment has been made of the financial viability of United Kingdom hospices. Most hospices are independent, charitable organisations that receive some statutory funding, mainly from clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) for providing local services. CCGs are responsible for the planning and commissioning of high-quality services that meet the needs of their local population.

The Government recognises the funding challenges facing the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between March 2020 and March 2021 £280 million of additional funding has been made available to hospices to secure capacity and free up acute care as part of the National Health Service response to COVID-19. Alongside this, hospices have benefitted from the financial support offered by HM Treasury to all charities, such as paying no business rates for their shops next year and applying for a Business Interruption Loan.

No assessment has been made of the financial viability of United Kingdom hospices. Most hospices are independent, charitable organisations that receive some statutory funding, mainly from clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) for providing local services. CCGs are responsible for the planning and commissioning of high-quality services that meet the needs of their local population.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised that current evidence does not suggest any lack of protection against COVID-19 in people aged 65 years old or over who receive COVID-19 Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine. Their data shows that the vaccine produces a strong immune response in the over 65 year olds and that it is safe. Therefore we are confident in the decision to authorise the vaccine in this age group.

This decision is in line with that made by the European Medicines Agency, who have authorised COVID-19 Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine in people from 18 years of age, including those aged 65 years old and above. On 10 February, the World Health Organization have also stated that the benefits of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh any risks and the shot should be recommended for use, including in people aged 65 years old and over.

The Department has also been working closely with Public Health England and NHS England and NHS Improvement to provide authoritative information to the public on COVID-19 vaccination, including an information pack for healthcare professionals and the public about the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

In the past decade, approximately 75% of newly emerging infections have been of zoonotic origin. While this does not identify the exact number of novel infectious diseases in humans that have resulted from industrial animal farming practices, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Health and Safety Executive conduct routine surveillance on farms for zoonotic pathogens.

The Government has procedures in place to risk assess novel pathogens and their potential impact on human health. This is led by specialist groups, such as the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group and the Advisory Committee for Dangerous Pathogens, who produce and publish expert-authored risk assessments. These risk assessments support the United Kingdom’s response system for infectious disease outbreaks, which focuses on minimising the impact of infectious diseases, including zoonotic diseases associated with farming and farming products, on human health and consequently the risk of future human pandemics.

The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) is a national convening body of stakeholder organisations established in February 2018 to take forward Baroness Jowell’s requests to improve research and care for people with brain cancer. The Department is an active contributor, including the announcement in May 2018 of £40 million over five years for brain tumour research via the National Institute for Health Research.

TJBCM is about to launch a major initiative to designate within the National Health Service the first Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence. These will comprise a world-class network of brain tumour treatment and research centres which provide optimal care, share freely best practice standards, rapidly translate research knowledge into patient benefit, and thereby provide patients with access to the very best treatment.

The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on services will not be known for some time. Cancer services remain a priority for the National Health Service and thanks to the efforts of staff, have been maintained throughout the pandemic.

In order to ensure that cancer treatment can continue during the pandemic, the NHS has established COVID-19 secure cancer hubs, consolidating cancer surgery and centralising triage to prioritise based on clinical need, and drawing on the independent sector (IS) to increase capacity. Regions are drafting plans on how to maximise IS use over the next six weeks to cope with COVID-19 surges. Urgent cancer surgery patients are the first priority for accessing IS services. In local escalation plans, any decision to reschedule cancer treatment will be a last resort.

The United Kingdom operates a system of informed consent for vaccinations. Employers are bound by a range of legal obligations to their staff including under employment, equalities, data protection and health and safety law and they will need to ensure that any vaccination policy is consistent with those legal duties.

No specific assessment on the delivery of COVID-19 vaccine to Newbury Racecourse has been made.

Each Primary Care Network receives their own supply and work has been carried out with local clinical commissioning group colleagues to ensure that vaccine supply aligns with the number of registered patients in the priority cohort groups. NHS England and NHS Improvement are working with vaccination sites across the country to ensure that supplies are replenished as required to ensure an adequate and consistent supply of vaccine.

Hospital hubs will typically vaccinate eligible inpatients or eligible outpatients due to attend hospital where clinically appropriate.

Patients are treated in order of clinical priority. Therefore, whilst there is a need to not delay police officers in accident and emergency departments (A&E) any longer than is necessary, patients with non-urgent needs may have to wait during busy times.

The national A&E performance target is target is for 95% of patients to be admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours. Therefore, a three hour wait is within the national guidelines.

The information is not available in format requested.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust continues to manage combined pandemic and urgent care pressures. The Trust is not aware of traffic congestion causing delays in ambulance access.

The temporary closure of the accident and emergency department at Cheltenham General Hospital was agreed until 31 March 2021, when services are planned to resume.

Students can travel abroad to undertake paid or unpaid work which includes volunteering. If students do travel overseas, they should consider the restrictions on entry to the country in question, such as whether they would need to undertake a period of self-isolation in that country, and whether they would need to self-isolate when they return. Returning students travelling from countries not on the exemption list will need to self-isolate in their accommodation for 14 days.

Different rules apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Based on where a person lives, these rules must be followed.

We have provided over £150 million in additional funding to the hospice sector to date during the pandemic. Alongside this, hospices have benefited from the financial support offered by HM Treasury to all charities, such as paying no business rates for their shops next year and applying for a Business Interruption Loan. Charities, alongside other sectors, can also access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the replacement Job Support Scheme.

We continue to keep funding for hospices under review.

For this winter, recognising the exceptional challenges across health and social care and the specific challenges faced by hospices, significant additional funding is being made available. The COVID-19 Winter Plan set out additional funding of £125 million for hospices. This funding will be used to allow hospices to provide more beds for step down and community care through to March 2021.

If despite this, a hospice should become financially unviable, the relevant clinical commissioning group (CCG) would be responsible, if closure resulted, for ensuring that alternative palliative care was in place for those populations it is responsible for. Most National Health Service funded hospice care is commissioned through CCGs. They are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and allocate funding for services to meet those needs from the overall resource allocations they receive.

Hospices have been provided over £150 million in additional funding to the hospice sector to date during the pandemic.

Alongside this, hospices have benefited from the financial support offered by HM Treasury to all charities, such as paying no business rates for their shops next year and applying for a Business Interruption Loan. Charities, alongside other sectors, can also access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the replacement Job Support Scheme.

The Department regularly assesses the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on the hospice sector, and through NHS England and NHS Improvement, are in regular discussions with stakeholders in the sector about the challenges they face. We continue to keep funding for hospices under review.

No specific assessment has been made. The Department has been working with NHS England and NHS Improvement to monitor the availability and use of hospice capacity since April.

We are aware of an overall increase in demand, but it is currently too early and complex to provide detailed information on how much, if any, is currently due to delays in diagnosis.

Since April, the hospice sector has worked hard to re-design service in response to the pandemic by shutting day services that cannot run in line with COVID-19 guidance and increasing community services, enabling an overall increase in available capacity.

We regularly assess the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on the hospice sector, and through NHS England and NHS Improvement are in regular discussions with stakeholders in the sector about the challenges they face. We continue to keep the situation under review as further information becomes available.

We have provided over £150million in additional funding to the hospice sector to date during the pandemic and have made up to £200 million available to the sector for additional capacity between April and July, and we continue to work closely with hospices to support their essential work. alongside this, hospices have benefited from the financial support offered by HM Treasury to all charities, such as paying no business rates for their shops next year and applying for a Business Interruption Loan. Charities, alongside other sectors, can also access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the replacement Job Support Scheme and charity shops, which are already eligible for 80% charitable rate relief, will benefit from the new enhanced retail rate relief at 100%. We continue to keep the financial impact of COVID-19 on hospices under review.

The Department recognises that the hospice sector has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and that subsequent social distancing measures have affected some aspects of community fundraising. We regularly assess the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on the hospice sector and through NHS England and NHS Improvement are in regular discussions with stakeholders in the sector about the challenges they face. A range of steps have been taken to support hospices.

We have provided over £150 million in additional funding to the hospice sector to date during the pandemic. Alongside this, hospices have benefited from the financial support offered by Her Majesty’s Treasury to all charities, such as paying no business rates for their shops next year and applying for a Business Interruption Loan.

We continue to keep funding for hospices under review.

The Department recognises that the hospice sector has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and that subsequent social distancing measures have affected some aspects of community fundraising. We regularly assess the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on the hospice sector and through NHS England and NHS Improvement are in regular discussions with stakeholders in the sector about the challenges they face. A range of steps have been taken to support hospices.

We have provided over £150 million in additional funding to the hospice sector to date during the pandemic. Alongside this, hospices have benefited from the financial support offered by Her Majesty’s Treasury to all charities, such as paying no business rates for their shops next year and applying for a Business Interruption Loan.

We continue to keep funding for hospices under review.

The Department recognises that the hospice sector has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and that subsequent social distancing measures have affected some aspects of community fundraising. We regularly assess the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on the hospice sector and through NHS England and NHS Improvement are in regular discussions with stakeholders in the sector about the challenges they face. A range of steps have been taken to support hospices.

We have provided over £150 million in additional funding to the hospice sector to date during the pandemic. Alongside this, hospices have benefited from the financial support offered by Her Majesty’s Treasury to all charities, such as paying no business rates for their shops next year and applying for a Business Interruption Loan.

We continue to keep funding for hospices under review.

People must comply with the restrictions and guidance in place in the area that they are currently residing. Those residing in areas that are under additional restrictions above the medium level should not be travelling to other areas. Similarly, we expect that inhabitants of medium restriction areas should not travel to other areas with greater restrictions.

The National Health Service continues to provide healthcare services in all parts of the country, and there are exemptions to the rules in areas of increased restrictions that allow patients to attend medical, dental and ophthalmic appointments in other areas. There are no specific restrictions relating to travel and transport. However, people should keep their journeys to a minimum.

People must comply with the restrictions and guidance in place in the area that they are currently residing. Those residing in areas that are under additional restrictions above the medium level should not be travelling to other areas. Similarly, we expect that inhabitants of medium restriction areas should not travel to other areas with greater restrictions.

The National Health Service continues to provide healthcare services in all parts of the country, and there are exemptions to the rules in areas of increased restrictions that allow patients to attend medical, dental and ophthalmic appointments in other areas. There are no specific restrictions relating to travel and transport. However, people should keep their journeys to a minimum.

Pay in 2020/21 for Agenda for Change staff and doctors and dentists in training had already been determined due to existing multi-year deals agreed in partnership with the National Health Service trades unions.

We will to ask the independent NHS Pay Review Body for recommendations on pay for Agenda for Change staff including nurses for 2021/22, and the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration for pay recommendations for medical and dental staff not already within a multi-year deal.

As per the established process, the Government will begin the pay round with a remit letter to the Pay Review Bodies, which we expect to issue in the coming weeks. We then expect both Pay Review Bodies to report to Government in the coming spring and as ever, the Government will carefully consider the Review Bodies’ recommendations, taking into account value for the taxpayer and affordability whilst also ensuring we can recruit, retain and motivate the dedicated and compassionate staff the NHS needs.

NHS Digital publishes Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) workforce statistics, including information on staff turnover. These include staff working in hospital trusts and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), but not staff working in primary care, local authorities or other providers.

The following table shows the annual numbers and rates of leavers for doctors, including staff who left the National Health Service. Leavers data includes people leaving active service temporarily, this would include those going on maternity leave or career break.

Source: NHS Digital Workforce Statistics – Annual HCHS doctor leavers from the staff group, in NHS trusts and CCGs in England, June to June each year, 2010 to 2020, headcount and rates.

The retention rate has increased from 91.6% to 93.4% between June 2010 and June 2020.

We are nonetheless taking action to improve the experience of doctors and further increase retention. For example, the Enhancing Junior Doctors’ Working Lives programme, led by Health Education England, is delivering a range of initiatives to improve the quality of life of doctors in training.

The temporary closure of the accident and emergency (A&E) department at Cheltenham General Hospital has been agreed until 31 March 2021.

Any temporary closures that have been put in place for the pandemic are just that – temporary – and the One Gloucestershire Integrated Care System are committed to the future restoration of the A&E department in Cheltenham. Once reinstated, the service will remain consultant-led and with no change to its pre-COVID-19 opening hours.

The regulations place specific obligations on business premises to stop customers from singing on the premises in groups of more than six. Singing in general within hospitality premises is advised against in guidance due to the increased risk of transmission. This is in line with the guidance on churches.

Performance and quality assurance standards and processes are included in all Government contracts. If the company does not meet required service levels, the contracts may be terminated and only receipted goods and services will be paid for.

We are taking clear and decisive action to slow the spread of the virus and save lives. To keep the number of transmissions in the United Kingdom as low as possible, international arrivals from non-exempt countries are required to supply their contact and accommodation information, and self-isolate in their accommodation for 14 days, unless they are exempt.

Work is ongoing with clinicians, the devolved administrations, the testing and travel industries to consider if and how testing could be used in the future to reduce the self-isolation period. Any potential introduction of testing for international arrivals at airports or other ports of entry would need to be robust in order to minimise the chance that positive cases are missed.

Given the high levels of compliance we have seen to date with the self-isolation guidance, we expect that the majority of people will continue to do the right thing and abide by these measures.

However, we will take enforcement action against the minority of people who endanger the safety of others in breaching the self-isolation requirement for those arriving into England from non-exempt countries. Those who fail to comply with the mandatory conditions could face enforcement action. A breach of self-isolation would be punishable with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England or potential prosecution and unlimited fine. Self-isolation is enforced in communities by local police. Border force will undertake spot checks at the border and may refuse entry where the individual is neither a British citizen nor a non-British citizen resident in the United Kingdom and refuses to comply with these regulations. Failure to complete the contact locator form is punishable by a £100 fixed penalty notice.

International arrivals are required to supply their contact and accommodation information, and self-isolate in their accommodation for 14 days, unless they are arriving from an exempt country or covered by another exemption.

National Health Service testing capacity is currently reserved for testing symptomatic people in the United Kingdom, with any spare capacity being used to where most clinically effective.

The Government continues to consider a range of options to manage the risk of imported cases.

International arrivals to England who are required to self-isolate must travel directly from their port of entry to the location where they intend to self-isolate. Information about how passengers can travel safely is available online at GOV.UK. Passengers should only use public transport if they have no other option and must wear face coverings when travelling on public transport, unless exempt from the requirement to wear a face covering on public transport. Where a passenger is assessed as symptomatic, they will be advised not to use public transport. If necessary, transport will be arranged for them.

Over one million National Health Service staff continue to benefit from the three-year Agenda for Change pay and contract reform deal agreed in partnership with NHS trade unions and employer representatives. The reforms that were agreed were not just about headline pay but introduced changes to help improve the working lives of dedicated staff. The deal introduced policies to support staff to balance their working lives with family and personal commitments and maintain their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

This deal has delivered year on year pay increases for all Agenda for Change NHS staff and has seen the lowest starting salary in the NHS increase by over 16% and the starting salary for a newly qualified nurse increase by over 12%. The NHS reward offer also includes benefits that go well beyond those offered in other sectors, for instance, a generous holiday allowance and access to the world-class NHS Pension Scheme.

The nature of the multi-year pay deal means that pay rises have already been determined for those public sector healthcare workers employed on the Agenda for Change contract and have been implemented throughout the course of the three years of the deal. The deal has seen the pay of those below the top of their pay band increase by at least 9% and pay for most staff at the top of their pay band increase by 6.5%, resulting in pay increases above Consumer Price Index inflation over the last three years.

The established mechanism for deciding pay increases in the NHS is through the independent Pay Review Body process. The NHS Pay Review Body will make pay recommendations for Agenda for Change staff in 2021 once the current pay deal ends and the Government will carefully consider these recommendations when we receive them.

The Government implemented restrictions and behavioural advice throughout March. Self-isolation guidance was published online at GOV.UK on 12 March. The statement of 16 March, Official Report, columns 1347-1349, advised those who had symptoms and those who lived in a house with someone with symptoms, to stay at home for 14 days.

On 16 July, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care outlined that we are moving from blanket national measures, to targeted, local measures, supported by the NHS Test and Trace system. Often this will be a very small scale, such as an individual factory, but when necessary we will also act on a broader basis as we have done in Leicester. However, in the event that local response is not sufficient to contain outbreaks and prevent the virus returning to general circulation, the Government remains ready and prepared to act rapidly and implement a national lockdown if deemed necessary to protect lives and the National Health Service.

This Government has already invested the largest cash settlement in the National Health Service’s history by backing the NHS Funding Act 2020 as well as clearing billions of pounds worth of NHS debt for NHS trusts, and the Government is committed to ensuring the NHS will continue to receive whatever it needs to respond to COVID-19.

Over one million NHS staff are already benefitting from multi-year pay and contract reform deals which have seen the starting pay for a nurse rise by over 12% and the lowest paid in the NHS increase by over 16%.

On 21 July, the Government announced that it had accepted in full the recommendation of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration for a 2.8% pay rise, back dated to April 2020 for consultants, specialty doctors, salaried general practitioners and dentists.

For 2020/21 we expect to rely on the independent Pay Review Bodies. The Review Body process is the established independent mechanism for pay recommendations for public sector workforces. The NHS Pay Review Body will return to making pay recommendations for NHS staff within its remit group in 2021 and the Government will carefully consider these recommendations when we receive them.

An assessment has been made of the cost of granting free parking to the National Health Service. The assessment has been done using the most current figures available from the ERIC Estates Return Information Collection data 2018-19 with this figure being £86.2 million per annum.

No assessment has been made by the Department on the cost of providing free parking to care workers and free public transport to NHS and care workers. This does not fall under our remit.

To prepare the National Health Service for winter, the Government is providing an additional £3 billion of funding. This includes funding to allow the NHS to maintain the Nightingale surge capacity and continue to use the extra hospital capacity available within the independent sector.

Effective local management of any outbreaks is the first line of protection against a second wave that might overwhelm the NHS. To support local authorities, we made £300 million available and they already have robust plans in place to respond to outbreaks.

We have also made significant strides in our Test and Trace service. We have established one of the world’s largest testing programmes, with capacity at around 350,000 tests every day and we have already traced around 250,000 people who may have unknowingly spread the virus.

NHS winter preparations include delivering a very significantly expanded seasonal flu vaccination programme for priority groups.

Growing the psychological professions is a priority for this Government and is essential to fulfilling the vision set out in the NHS Long Term Plan for mental health services in England. Health Education England and NHS England and NHS Improvement are working with employers and professional bodies to ensure we continue to have the pipeline of staff we need to support patients and to accommodate any increase in demand.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have put in place a support package for all National Health Service staff during the COVID-19 outbreak including helplines that offer counselling and help with bereavement. It incorporates learning from past traumatic events and will help NHS staff to recover long after the COVID-19 response has subsided.

There is broad consensus that there is the potential for an increase in demand and we are working with the National Health Service, Public Health England and others to gather evidence and assess the potential longer-term mental health impacts and plan for how to support mental health and wellbeing throughout the ‘recovery’ phase.

We have released tailored online guidance to help people deal with their mental health at GOV.UK and Every Mind Matters.

NHS mental health services have remained open for business, offering support using digital, telephone and face-to-face approaches as appropriate. We have provided £5 million of additional funding for mental health charities to support adults and children and we have announced a further £4.2 million for mental health charities as part of the Government’s UK-wide £750 million package of support for the voluntary sector.

General practitioners who routinely prescribe dexamethasone for conditions other than COVID-19 should continue to do so. There is no current or anticipated strain on the supply of dexamethasone in the United Kingdom.

Based on findings from the RECOVERY trial, UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that clinicians consider dexamethasone for the management of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 who require oxygen or ventilation. The RECOVERY trial found no benefit for patients who did not require oxygen and the trial did not study patients outside the hospital setting.

The Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office are working at pace to deliver this exemption. Any National Health Service or care worker that has paid the surcharge since the Prime Minister’s announcement on 21 May will receive a refund. We will announce further details on the scope of the arrangements shortly.

The Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office are working at pace to deliver this exemption. Any National Health Service or care worker that has paid the surcharge since the Prime Minister’s announcement on 21 May will receive a refund. We will announce further details on the scope of the arrangements shortly.

On 2 June 2020 the Board of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust gave its support to temporary service changes, proposed by its clinical teams, as part of the next phase of its pandemic response. The changes separate COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 services, as much as possible, in order to minimise the risk of transmission of the virus to patients and staff. As a result, Cheltenham General Hospital’s accident and emergency department will operate as a minor injuries and illness unit, operating 8am to 8pm. The changes will be reviewed on a three-monthly basis.

No specific assessment has been made of the research by Dr Rajiv Chowdhury et al. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has reviewed and considered papers that look at the concept of, and different thresholds for, reimplementing lockdown. SAGE provides Ministers and officials with evidence-based scientific advice in emergencies based on a range of sources.

As stated in my previous answer of 3 June, we have published the statements and the accompanying evidence to demonstrate how our understanding of COVID-19 has continued to evolve as new data emerges. At all times, we have been consistently guided by scientific and medical advice.

Clinical trials are currently under way to assess whether existing medicines are safe and effective for treating COVID-19, with more than 10 drugs being tested in the United Kingdom in this way, including hydroxychloroquine. In order to support a number of those trials, there are centrally procured and managed supplies of hydroxychloroquine.

The Department is also securing additional supplies of a number of medicines as part of our COVID-19 response, which could be deployed for population use if required and considered safe and effective to do so. We continue to review supply requirements as further evidence becomes available. To date, we have placed orders for hydroxychloroquine worth around £5 million, of which medicine to the value of £1.9 million has already been delivered (exclusive of VAT).

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies provides Ministers and officials with evidence-based scientific advice in emergencies based on a range of sources.

We have published the statements and the accompanying evidence to demonstrate how our understanding of COVID-19 has continued to evolve as new data emerges. At all times, we have been consistently guided by scientific and medical advice to ensure that we do the right thing at the right time.

The work of the Joint Biosecurity Centre will support the wider Test and Trace system to identify outbreaks of COVID-19 infections and help decision makers respond rapidly to any outbreak.

NHS England and NHS Improvement are working with the provider concerned and the Department to ensure the veteran continues to receive the best possible treatment and care from the National Health Service whilst the issue of his eligibility for free NHS care is resolved.

Clinical trials are currently under way in the United Kingdom and internationally to test whether existing medicines, including hydroxychloroquine, are safe and effective for treating COVID-19. An assessment of the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine will be made following the conclusion of the trials.

There are no plans to supply hydroxychloroquine to members of the Cabinet.

Following scientific and medical advice, the list of symptoms was updated on 18 May to include loss or change to sense of smell or taste. We continue to be guided by the scientific and medical evidence.

National Health Service dentistry was reorganised in late March along with other NHS primary care services to minimise face to face care to contain the spread of COVID-19 during the peak of the pandemic. Dentists were asked to suspend all routine treatment and instead to offer urgent advice and, where required, prescriptions for antibiotics by telephone. Urgent treatment was made available through urgent dental centres (UDCs) set up in each NHS region.

As of 25 May, there are currently over 550 UDCs open. Patients are triaged into UDCs by their own dentistry or through NHS 111. The UDCs are expected to provide, where urgently needed, the full range of dental treatment normally available on the NHS.

NHS England and NHS Improvement announced on 28 May that NHS dentistry outside UDCs will begin to restart from 8 June with the aim of increasing levels of service as fast as is compatible with maximising safety.

As the Prime Minister has said, the hunt for a vaccine will be a truly global endeavour – no one country or company will be able to do this alone. The Government is closely monitoring the progress of vaccines being developed outside the United Kingdom, including at the Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute in Rome. The development of a COVID-19 vaccine is at the early stages but progressing rapidly. We will continue to support the two leading UK academic groups at present and connect key companies in the vaccines landscape. We are also working with regulators to facilitate rapid but well-supervised clinical trials in the UK, building on the UK’s world-leading expertise in this area.

The Government does not hold data on the number of patients who were discharged from hospitals to care homes in each week since 1 February and were not tested for COVID-19 before transfer. We are working closely with local authorities, the care sector and NHS England to understand the impact of COVID-19 on care homes and ensure everyone has access to the right care, in the most appropriate setting for their needs.

This is an unprecedented global pandemic and we will continue to work closely with the sector to keep our policies and data under review as the pandemic goes on.

No assessment has been made.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) is responsible for ensuring that timely and coordinated scientific advice is made available to decision-makers, to support United Kingdom cross-Government decisions. In fulfilling this role, SAGE considers a wide range scientific evidence, including from the World Health Organization. Our approach has been, and will continue to be, guided by the evidence and latest advice from medical experts.

The Government has been clear throughout the pandemic that it is vital to take the right steps at the right time. Decisions on when to adjust lockdown measures are guided by scientific advice and based on the following five tests that need to be met:

- The National Health Service is able to provide sufficient care, facilities and treatment across the United Kingdom to meet demand;

- A sustained fall in the death rate;

- The rate of infection has decreased across all settings;

- Confidence that operational challenges, such as increasing our testing capacity and having enough personal protective equipment, are in hand; and

- Confidence that any changes will not lead to a significant second peak of infections.

The Department has no plans to undertake an inquiry specifically into the numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths in Gloucestershire. No assessment has been made centrally of the impact of the Cheltenham Festival race meeting in March on numbers of deaths related to COVID-19 in Gloucestershire or the number of people who attended the race meeting who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

At all times during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government’s response has been guided by the latest scientific advice. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) provides scientific advice to support United Kingdom decision-makers during emergencies. In recognition of the importance of transparency in these unprecedented times, SAGE has been publishing the statements and the accompanying evidence it has reviewed online on GOV.UK to demonstrate how the scientific understanding of COVID-19 has continued to evolve as new data emerges, and how SAGE’s advice has quickly adapted to new findings that reflect a changing situation. It will be updated as SAGE releases papers from recent and future meetings.

The Department has no plans to undertake an inquiry specifically into the numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths in Gloucestershire. No assessment has been made centrally of the impact of the Cheltenham Festival race meeting in March on numbers of deaths related to COVID-19 in Gloucestershire or the number of people who attended the race meeting who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

At all times during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government’s response has been guided by the latest scientific advice. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) provides scientific advice to support United Kingdom decision-makers during emergencies. In recognition of the importance of transparency in these unprecedented times, SAGE has been publishing the statements and the accompanying evidence it has reviewed online on GOV.UK to demonstrate how the scientific understanding of COVID-19 has continued to evolve as new data emerges, and how SAGE’s advice has quickly adapted to new findings that reflect a changing situation. It will be updated as SAGE releases papers from recent and future meetings.

Our priority is to make sure that we carry out tests on those who need them most. Currently this is possible for COVID-19 cases in hospitals and care homes. As capacity for testing expands, we will increase the range of people who can be tested. In future key workers, such as health workers, and clinically high priority cases will be prioritised for testing.

There are no plans to close Cheltenham General Hospital’s (CGH) accident and emergency (A&E) service and NHS England and NHS Improvement are clear that any potential solution developed as part of One Gloucestershire’s Fit for the Future public engagement programme will not include any such plans.

There have been no formal proposals developed which include removing the consultant-led A&E service at Cheltenham.

Discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State and the Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Following these discussions, the Secretary of State confirmed on 23 October 2019 that no proposals to close Cheltenham A&E would be included in the forthcoming consultation.

CGH’s A&E department is consultant-led from 8am-8pm and overnight (8pm – 8am) the service is led by specialist emergency nurse practitioners. This arrangement, which has been in place since 2013, was in response to a lack of middle grade doctors and has preserved and ensured the continuation of high-quality care for patients in Gloucestershire 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We practise and prepare our response to disease outbreaks and follow tried and tested procedures, following the highest safety standards possible for the protection of National Health Service staff, patients and the public. Specific guidance on handling people with COVID-19 has been shared with NHS staff. Public Health England has also published online guidance for first responders and others who may have close contact with people with potential COVID-19.

The Government has published an Action Plan which outlines the steps the Government will take to manage COVID-19 if there turns out to be a sustained United Kingdom epidemic.

Through our continued funding of Skills for Care, the Government provides a range of resources and practical toolkits for social care providers to help them attract, train and retain staff. This includes distributing £12 million annually through the Workforce Development Fund, which employers can bid to for financial support towards the training and development of their staff. Over the past two years we have also run a national recruitment campaign, designed to reduce the turnover and vacancy rate in the sector by raising the profile of adult social care, encouraging potential applicants to apply for job vacancies, and highlighting opportunities for career development and progression.

Levels of pay for social care jobs are generally a matter for individual employers. However, local authorities, as commissioners of adult social care also have market shaping duties by virtue of the Care Act 2014. They must work with care providers to determine a fair rate of pay for fair work based on local market conditions.

There are no plans to close Cheltenham General Hospital’s (CGH) accident and emergency (A&E) and NHS England and NHS Improvement is clear that any potential solution developed as part of One Gloucestershire’s Fit for the Future public engagement programme will not include any such plans.

NHS England and NHS Improvement envisages the same workforce in the department and this includes a consultant-led service at Cheltenham’s A&E department.

Options for public consultation have not been drawn up at this stage. There are no formal proposals developed which include removing the consultant-led A&E service at Cheltenham.

Discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Following these discussions, the Secretary of State confirmed on 23 October 2019 that no proposals to close Cheltenham A&E would be included in the forthcoming consultation.

CGH’s A&E department is consultant-led from 8am-8pm and overnight (8pm – 8am) the service is led by specialist emergency nurse practitioners. This arrangement, which has been in place since 2013, was in response to a lack of middle grade doctors and has preserved and ensured the continuation of high-quality care for patients in Gloucestershire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Options for public consultation have not yet been drawn up due to the pre-consultation engagement phase, which is ongoing.

There are no plans to close Cheltenham General Hospital’s (CGH) accident and emergency (A&E) and NHS England and NHS Improvement is clear that any potential solution developed as part of One Gloucestershire’s Fit for the Future public engagement programme will not include any such plans.

NHS England and NHS Improvement envisages the same workforce in the department and this includes a consultant-led service at Cheltenham’s A&E department.

Options for public consultation have not been drawn up at this stage. There are no formal proposals developed which include removing the consultant-led A&E service at Cheltenham.

Discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Following these discussions, the Secretary of State confirmed on 23 October 2019 that no proposals to close Cheltenham A&E would be included in the forthcoming consultation.

CGH’s A&E department is consultant-led from 8am-8pm and overnight (8pm – 8am) the service is led by specialist emergency nurse practitioners. This arrangement, which has been in place since 2013, was in response to a lack of middle grade doctors and has preserved and ensured the continuation of high-quality care for patients in Gloucestershire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Options for public consultation have not yet been drawn up due to the pre-consultation engagement phase, which is ongoing.

There are no plans to close Cheltenham General Hospital’s (CGH) accident and emergency (A&E) and NHS England and NHS Improvement is clear that any potential solution developed as part of One Gloucestershire’s Fit for the Future public engagement programme will not include any such plans.

NHS England and NHS Improvement envisages the same workforce in the department and this includes a consultant-led service at Cheltenham’s A&E department.

Options for public consultation have not been drawn up at this stage. There are no formal proposals developed which include removing the consultant-led A&E service at Cheltenham.

Discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Following these discussions, the Secretary of State confirmed on 23 October 2019 that no proposals to close Cheltenham A&E would be included in the forthcoming consultation.

CGH’s A&E department is consultant-led from 8am-8pm and overnight (8pm – 8am) the service is led by specialist emergency nurse practitioners. This arrangement, which has been in place since 2013, was in response to a lack of middle grade doctors and has preserved and ensured the continuation of high-quality care for patients in Gloucestershire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Options for public consultation have not yet been drawn up due to the pre-consultation engagement phase, which is ongoing.

There are no plans to close Cheltenham General Hospital’s (CGH) accident and emergency (A&E) and NHS England and NHS Improvement is clear that any potential solution developed as part of One Gloucestershire’s Fit for the Future public engagement programme will not include any such plans.

NHS England and NHS Improvement envisages the same workforce in the department and this includes a consultant-led service at Cheltenham’s A&E department.

Options for public consultation have not been drawn up at this stage. There are no formal proposals developed which include removing the consultant-led A&E service at Cheltenham.

Discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Following these discussions, the Secretary of State confirmed on 23 October 2019 that no proposals to close Cheltenham A&E would be included in the forthcoming consultation.

CGH’s A&E department is consultant-led from 8am-8pm and overnight (8pm – 8am) the service is led by specialist emergency nurse practitioners. This arrangement, which has been in place since 2013, was in response to a lack of middle grade doctors and has preserved and ensured the continuation of high-quality care for patients in Gloucestershire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Options for public consultation have not yet been drawn up due to the pre-consultation engagement phase, which is ongoing.

There are no plans to close Cheltenham General Hospital’s (CGH) accident and emergency (A&E) and NHS England and NHS Improvement is clear that any potential solution developed as part of One Gloucestershire’s Fit for the Future public engagement programme will not include any such plans.

NHS England and NHS Improvement envisages the same workforce in the department and this includes a consultant-led service at Cheltenham’s A&E department.

Options for public consultation have not been drawn up at this stage. There are no formal proposals developed which include removing the consultant-led A&E service at Cheltenham.

Discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Following these discussions, the Secretary of State confirmed on 23 October 2019 that no proposals to close Cheltenham A&E would be included in the forthcoming consultation.

CGH’s A&E department is consultant-led from 8am-8pm and overnight (8pm – 8am) the service is led by specialist emergency nurse practitioners. This arrangement, which has been in place since 2013, was in response to a lack of middle grade doctors and has preserved and ensured the continuation of high-quality care for patients in Gloucestershire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Options for public consultation have not yet been drawn up due to the pre-consultation engagement phase, which is ongoing.

There are no plans to close Cheltenham General Hospital’s (CGH) accident and emergency (A&E) and NHS England and NHS Improvement is clear that any potential solution developed as part of One Gloucestershire’s Fit for the Future public engagement programme will not include any such plans.

NHS England and NHS Improvement envisages the same workforce in the department and this includes a consultant-led service at Cheltenham’s A&E department.

Options for public consultation have not been drawn up at this stage. There are no formal proposals developed which include removing the consultant-led A&E service at Cheltenham.

Discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Following these discussions, the Secretary of State confirmed on 23 October 2019 that no proposals to close Cheltenham A&E would be included in the forthcoming consultation.

CGH’s A&E department is consultant-led from 8am-8pm and overnight (8pm – 8am) the service is led by specialist emergency nurse practitioners. This arrangement, which has been in place since 2013, was in response to a lack of middle grade doctors and has preserved and ensured the continuation of high-quality care for patients in Gloucestershire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Options for public consultation have not yet been drawn up due to the pre-consultation engagement phase, which is ongoing.

The UK is one of the largest donors to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), that has delivered more than 57 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to 42 African AMC countries to date. In addition to the £548m donation to COVAX, the UK has donated 5,624,440 doses to countries in Africa. Of this, 5,214,400 doses were donated through COVAX and 410,040 doses through bilateral donations. All the UK donated vaccines were produced by AstraZeneca.

African countries have received 5,138,680 doses (91%) of UK donated COVID-19 vaccines while 485,760 (9%) doses are yet to be delivered. Recipient countries are: Angola (128,640), Democratic Republic of Congo (51,840), Egypt (299,680), Ethiopia (1,520,640), Ghana (249,600), Kenya (817,080), Malawi (119,040), Niger (105,600), Nigeria (1,287,680), Senegal (140,160), Uganda (299,520) and Zambia (119,200).

We welcome the decision by Sierra Leone's Parliament on 23 July to abolish the death penalty. The Foreign Secretary and Minister for Africa congratulated President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone on this important milestone and we hope President Bio will soon give Presidential assent to make the bill into law. The UK will remain a strong supporter of democracy, development, and the promotion and protection of human rights in Sierra Leone.

We have had to take difficult decisions about Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending in all countries as a result of the pandemic. The UK remains a significant global aid partner, with plans to spend more than £10 billion in ODA this financial year, and we continue to have a strong development partnership with Sierra Leone. The Minister for Africa will continue to work with the Government of Sierra Leone to advance our shared priorities.

We regularly engage with the governments of China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States of America and other partners on a wide range of issues, including Human Rights and the Death Penalty.

It is vital to learn lessons from a global health emergency, particularly one as complex and far-reaching as COVID-19, so that we can be better prepared for future pandemics. We need to take this moment to deliver concrete improvements that allow the international system to respond better in the future. The findings and bold recommendations of the Independent Panel on Pandemic Preparedness and Response, as well as the other reviews into this pandemic, will play an important role in this process. We are carefully considering these recommendations as we approach key discussions, including at the G20, the United Nations General Assembly, and the World Health Assembly Special Session later this year.

The government remains committed to the British Council. As the Integrated Review made clear, the Council is one of the vital instruments of our influence overseas. We agreed a 2021/22 Spending Review settlement totalling £189m, a 27% increase on funding for 2020/21. The Council will continue to operate in over 100 countries promoting the English language, UK arts and culture, and education. Our commitment to Global Britain is clear through our hosting of the G7 last month, and the UK continues to be a soft power superpower.