Lord Oates

All suppliers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that customers’ direct debit payments are based on the best available information. Energy suppliers typically review their customers’ direct debit arrangements twice a year based on an actual meter reading to ensure payments are set at a level to avoid large credit or debit balances. A supplier should explain the reasons for changes made to a customer’s direct debit arrangement with 10 days advance notice before the next payment is taken. The customer may challenge a proposed increase and renegotiate the direct debit payment level.

Consumers in vulnerable situations due to health issues are protected by the energy price cap if they are on a supplier’s default or standard variable tariff. They will also receive £200 discount on their electricity bill this autumn, as part of the Government’s package worth £9.1 billion to help domestic households with rising energy bills.

The Government will continue to support eligible vulnerable and low-income households through the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments. From April, local authorities will receive another £500 million for the Household Support Fund to provide help to the most in need.

The Government anticipates that heat pumps will be the principal means of decarbonising heat in buildings through electrification over the next decade and beyond. Evidence to date suggests that there may be a role for alternative electric heating technologies, such as infrared heating, but this should be limited to specific use cases, such as small flats with low heat demand.

BEIS is gathering evidence on the performance of infrared heating to account for recent developments in infrared heating technology, data management and intelligent control systems. The report published by the Environmental Technologies & Resource Efficiency Support Service (EnTRESS) will be considered as part of this evaluation.

In October 2021, the Government laid regulations to require climate-related financial disclosures from certain UK-registered companies. The regulations do not duplicate pre-existing greenhouse gas emission disclosure requirements under Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), which require large or quoted UK companies and large Limited Liability Partnerships to make disclosures on energy use and emissions in their Annual Reports. Scope 3 emissions reporting is not currently required by either set of regulations.

The discussion around better alignment between SECR and the TCFD recommendations, and the potential to require Scope 3 disclosures formed a part of our UK Government consultation on mandatory climate-related financial disclosures, which concluded in May 2021. Any changes to the SECR regime to require scope 3 disclosures will require a separate consultation process, and would need to take into account the costs and benefits to business of mandatory scope 3 reporting. Any changes would also need to take account of the introduction of the proposed UK Sustainability Disclosures Requirements (SDR) Regime, as set out in Greening Finance: A Roadmap to Sustainable Investment published on 18th October 2021; and the requirements introduced in the June 2021 Procurement Policy Note that require mandatory disclosures of scope 1, scope 2 and a subset of Scope 3 emissions in carbon reduction plans when bidding for major government contracts.

Following COP26, our main ask of business is to join the UN’s Race to Zero. Companies with this kitemark commit to cutting emissions across all three scopes in line with a 1.5C pathway, with clear reporting and transparency mechanisms.

We do not hold information on which tariff these customers were on with their previous supplier.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy met with the Norwegian Energy Minister in Oslo to discuss ways to build back better from the Coronavirus pandemic and tackle climate change. They signed a Joint Statement reaffirming the importance of the bilateral energy relationship between the countries.

The Joint Statement marks a new phase of cross-border energy cooperation between the UK and Norway. The statement celebrated the completion last month of the construction of the North Sea link interconnector and announced that the UK and Norway are close to concluding a historic bilateral treaty on electricity interconnection. It also signalled both countries’ commitment to work together on future opportunities to support our economies’ transition to clean, green energy.

Both Norway and Equinor already play a valuable role in the UK’s energy supply. Equinor has major existing investments in wind and hydrocarbon projects on the UK Continental Shelf.

Equinor announced their latest plans for potential investment in low-carbon hydrogen production separately, following the Joint Statement. Equinor are one of several companies looking to invest in low carbon hydrogen projects in the UK.

The Government has laid legislation for the UK’s sixth carbon budget and this marks a decisive step towards net zero by 2050. It builds on the series of ambitious plans we have announced since committing to net zero emissions in law, including through my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and our new UN climate target to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels – the highest reduction target made by a major economy to date. We have committed to include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget and will bring forward legislative proposals in due course.

The Government has laid legislation for the UK’s sixth carbon budget and this marks a decisive step towards net zero by 2050. It builds on the series of ambitious plans we have announced since committing to net zero emissions in law, including through my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and our new UN climate target to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels – the highest reduction target made by a major economy to date. We have committed to include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget and will bring forward legislative proposals in due course.

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) currently captures CO₂ emissions on domestic UK flights, flights from the UK to the EEA and flights between the UK and Gibraltar. We recognise that there is a case for expanding carbon pricing, especially given that the UK ETS will be the world’s first Net Zero carbon cap and trade market, a crucial step towards achieving the UK’s target for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The Government continues to support work on aviation’s non-CO₂ emissions, and possible mitigation measures, taking into account their trade-offs with CO₂ and the importance of ensuring that the sector’s total climate impact would be reduced. The Government keeps non-CO₂ emissions under review and reassesses the UK’s policy position as more evidence becomes available.

The FlyZero project will investigate the commercial and technical feasibility for a zero-carbon emitting aircraft. A much wider sustainability agenda is at the core of the planned aircraft studies. Beyond tail-pipe carbon emissions, FlyZero will consider full lifecycle sustainability, including other sources of environmental impact, such as non-CO₂ effects.

The FlyZero team have considered the work of Prof. Lee et al, in addition to many other publications and work, such as modelling and data, from UK and international experts on the topic of non-CO₂ impacts. This includes the European Commission report: “Updated analysis of the non-CO₂ climate impacts of aviation and potential policy measures pursuant to EU Emissions Trading System Directive Article 30(4)” released in December 2020.

The Government’s Code of Practice for automated vehicle trialling allows trials with a safety driver to take place anywhere in the UK if carried out in line with UK law. The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles works closely with local authorities and regional transport authorities across the UK that are looking to safely trial automated vehicle technologies.

The Government is monitoring industry work in this area. In 2019, the Department for Transport published the Future of Mobility: Urban Strategy, which established principles for facilitating innovation in urban mobility for freight, passengers and services. The Strategy ?sets out the Government’s support for innovation that encourages more efficient movement of goods, reducing congestion and improving environmental outcomes.

The Government recognises the potential benefits of automation for the movement of people and goods. Since 2015, the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles has enabled joint government and industry investment of £440m into UK connected and automated mobility technology.

The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles has engaged with the connected and automated mobility, logistics and manufacturing sectors to understand potential use cases of automation in delivery systems.

We are committed to developing hydrogen as a strategic decarbonised energy carrier for the UK. We have committed to publish a UK hydrogen strategy in early 2021. Development is well underway, including consideration of the important role that targets, alongside long-term policy frameworks, have often played in the development of low carbon technology in the UK, and how this might apply to hydrogen.

We are closely monitoring international hydrogen developments and participate in a range of international fora, including the International Partnership for Hydrogen for Fuel Cells in the Economy, Mission Innovation and Clean Energy Ministerial. These offer opportunity to discuss other countries’ domestic hydrogen strategies in detail.

Countries have many different drivers for their interest in hydrogen, and the scale and application of hydrogen in national energy systems is likely to differ across the globe based on national circumstances

Officials from BEIS have engaged directly with counterparts in relevant Japanese and Australian ministries to understand their hydrogen ambitions, including hydrogen production pathways; and to share the UK approach.

As an open economy, we welcome foreign trade and investment where it supports UK growth and jobs. All investment must meet stringent legal and regulatory requirements to protect the UK’s national interest and security.

The UK has an outstanding innovation base with a number of world leading companies developing the next generation of hydrogen related technologies. As we develop the UK’s low carbon hydrogen economy to help meet our legally binding net zero commitments, we will seek to build on existing expertise to develop a prominent position in a growing global hydrogen market.

The Government is committed to the development of hydrogen as a strategic decarbonised energy carrier for the UK. We plan to publish a Hydrogen Strategy in early 2021. The Strategy will include discussion around the costs associated with expansion of the UK hydrogen economy, and how these might be met.

We are closely monitoring international strategies, including strategic drivers for interest in hydrogen, levels of ambition, detail of policy support and the level and type of funding committed. This informs our own approach to developing hydrogen in the UK context. We plan to publish a UK Hydrogen Strategy in early 2021. The Strategy will include discussion around the costs associated with expansion of the UK hydrogen economy, and how these might be met.

The inaugural meeting of the Hydrogen Advisory Council (HAC) was on 20th July 2020. It is expected to meet quarterly for the next two years. We will schedule future meetings in due course.

The Government is committed to exploring the option of hydrogen as a strategic decarbonised energy carrier. This includes business models to support the deployment of, and investment in, low carbon hydrogen production and a £100m Low Carbon Hydrogen Production Fund, announced in August 2019 to stimulate capital investment. In parallel we are currently investing up to £121 million, between 2015 and 2021, in hydrogen innovation, supporting a range of projects exploring the potential of low carbon hydrogen across the value chain. This includes investment in green hydrogen both through innovation funding and other grants. An example is our support for the industrialisation of production processes at the new ITM Power Gigafactory being built in Sheffield which when complete will be the largest electrolyser manufacturing facility in the world.

The Treasury has recently announced the Comprehensive Spending Review 2020, that will allow the government to consider its priorities across all spending over multiple years. Support to develop technologies that will support the government’s ambition to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a priority.

We recognise that the scale up and demonstration of hydrogen’s potential in meeting Paris commitments is a global challenge. We are an active member of Mission Innovation and the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy. Since the UK has left the European Union, we are seeking to engage and cooperate with the EU on hydrogen through normal diplomatic channels. Therefore, the UK will not attend EU meetings or working groups on this topic other than in exceptional circumstances. Whilst the UK is leaving the EU single market, it remains an important part of the gas supply system for North West Europe. The UK, including industry, can expect to work cooperatively with its neighbours to sustain this mutually beneficial relationship into the future as the methane gas market is decarbonised, potentially leading to a European hydrogen market.

The BEIS Energy Innovation Programme funded four feasibility studies into various innovative ways to produce hydrogen by electrolysis. The reports from these studies are available on the government website. Two projects went on to receive £10.6m in further funding.

ITM Power, a Sheffield based electrolyser manufacturer, received £7.5m to further develop their technology; to trial semi-automation in their production process; and work with Orsted and Phillips 66, to design a system to supply Phillips 66’s Humber oil refinery with green hydrogen.

Environmental Resources Management, a global sustainability consultancy, received £3.1m to carry out a detailed engineering design on a concept that combined floating offshore wind with electrolysis to produce green hydrogen.

In addition, several relevant initiatives are funded through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). These include “Green Hydrogen for Humberside” funded from the £170m Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy Challenge Fund, and several smart local energy system project which incorporate hydrogen electrolysis funded from the £102.5m Prospering from the Energy Revolution Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. Innovate UK is supporting electrolysis projects such as the £226k Centurion Power-to-Gas feasibility study, and several electrolysis research projects are supported through UKRI’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell research hub (H2FC SUPERGEN).

Decarbonising transport will require us to embrace new technology and innovation, and multiple solutions will have essential parts to play. Innovate UK is currently part-funding a UK based project to identify the standards and procedures required to design, build, operate and qualify an Underground Freight Transportation system using linear motors, which will report in 2021.

Testing new technology and business models at scale is essential and that is why we have already invested £92 million in four Future Transport Zones (FTZs). These will support local leaders and industry to trial new approaches and we have committed £20m towards mass scale demonstration of zero emission freight in the next year. Our further plans for the decarbonisation of freight will form part of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan which is due to be published by Spring 2021.

Decarbonising transport will require us to embrace new technology and innovation, and multiple solutions will have essential parts to play. Innovate UK is currently part-funding a UK based project to identify the standards and procedures required to design, build, operate and qualify an Underground Freight Transportation system using linear motors, which will report in 2021.

Testing new technology and business models at scale is essential and that is why we have already invested £92 million in four Future Transport Zones (FTZs). These will support local leaders and industry to trial new approaches and we have committed £20m towards mass scale demonstration of zero emission freight in the next year. Our further plans for the decarbonisation of freight will form part of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan which is due to be published by Spring 2021.

Decarbonising transport will require us to embrace new technology and innovation, and multiple solutions will have essential parts to play. Innovate UK is currently part-funding a UK based project to identify the standards and procedures required to design, build, operate and qualify an Underground Freight Transportation system using linear motors, which will report in 2021.

Testing new technology and business models at scale is essential and that is why we have already invested £92 million in four Future Transport Zones (FTZs). These will support local leaders and industry to trial new approaches and we have committed £20m towards mass scale demonstration of zero emission freight in the next year. Our further plans for the decarbonisation of freight will form part of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan which is due to be published by Spring 2021.

The recent publication “The Contribution of global aviation to anthropogenic climate forcing for 2000 to 2018” by Lee et al., 2020 presents the most up to date scientific analysis of aviation’s climate impacts, including contrails. The publication shows that contrail cirrus formation accounts for a large proportion of aviation's climate impact, however large uncertainties remain in determining the climate effects of contrail formation.

As stated in the 2018 Aviation 2050 consultation, the Government will continue to keep non-CO₂ emissions from aviation under review and adjust its policy as more evidence becomes available.

I will place a copy of “The Contribution of global aviation to anthropogenic climate forcing for 2000 to 2018” by Lee et al., 2020 in the libraries of both Houses.

The Government remains committed to leading ambitious and concerted international action to combat the contribution of aviation to climate change.

At the end of the Transition Period, EU airspace regulations covering requirements on flight efficiency will be retained as UK law.

The UK will also establish a UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) that supports our world leading climate ambition. The UK ETS will include aviation and impose surrendering obligations on the following routes from day one: UK domestic flights, flights departing the UK to aerodromes in the European Economic Area (EEA), and flights between the UK and Gibraltar.

As a contracting state of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) the UK will participate in the globally agreed Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) from January 2021. Under the scheme, aeroplane operators on routes between participating states will be required to offset the CO₂ emissions above 2019 levels by purchasing and cancelling approved offset credits.

Currently, CORSIA only applies to CO₂ emissions. Due to the uncertainties surrounding aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts, ICAO does not include these in its climate policies.

The UK played an instrumental role in agreeing CORSIA through ICAO and continues to negotiate for greater environmental integrity within the scheme.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recently produced a report titled “Updated analysis of the non-CO₂ climate impacts of aviation and potential policy measures pursuant to EU Emissions Trading System Directive Article 30(4)” for the European Commission, which identified three policies that could be implemented to prevent the formation of aircraft contrails: a reduction in aromatics in jet fuel; mandatory use of sustainable fuel; and avoidance of ice-supersaturated airspace.

The UK is pushing internationally for investigation of how to reduce aromatics in jet fuel and plans to consult domestically on a sustainable aviation fuel mandate. However, significant uncertainties remain meaning that policies which risk increasing aviation CO₂ emissions, such as rerouting aircraft, cannot be taken forward with confidence that aviation's total climate impact would be reduced.

The Government will continue to keep this issue under review and adjust its policy where necessary.

I will place a copy of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency report in the libraries of both Houses.

The Government does not have targets for the number of operational hydrogen filling stations and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles owned and in operation in the UK by 2025. We are confident that the UK is well placed to be a leader in hydrogen fuel cell powered transportation and we are supporting hydrogen where the market favours its use. The UK already has one of the largest hydrogen refuelling station networks in Europe, and our £23m Hydrogen for Transport Programme is delivering new refuelling stations, upgrading some existing stations as well as deploying hundreds of new hydrogen vehicles.

The Government does not have targets for the number of operational hydrogen filling stations and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles owned and in operation in the UK by 2025. We are confident that the UK is well placed to be a leader in hydrogen fuel cell powered transportation and we are supporting hydrogen where the market favours its use. The UK already has one of the largest hydrogen refuelling station networks in Europe, and our £23m Hydrogen for Transport Programme is delivering new refuelling stations, upgrading some existing stations as well as deploying hundreds of new hydrogen vehicles.

In 2018, the Department for Transport published the outputs of the Transport Energy Model. The model provides a clear assessment of the relative environmental impacts of a range of fuel and powertrain options for cars, vans, buses and heavy goods vehicles over the period to 2050, including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The Government’s view is that the market is often better placed to identify the right locations for chargepoints and we encourage the private sector to invest in and operate a self-sustaining public network supported by the right policy framework. On 1 April 2020, there were 17,947 public electric vehicle charging devices available in the UK, 3,107 of which were rapid devices. In the first three months of 2020, 1,436 more devices were available in total, an increase of 9%. Rapid devices also increased by 283, up 10% on the previous quarter.

The Automated and Electric Vehicles Act (AEVA) provides the Government with a range of powers to improve the charging experience for current and future users, including compelling fuel retailers to install chargepoints. The Government has had a number of discussions with representatives of fuel retailers about the provision of electric vehicle chargepoints at service stations and petrol forecourts, and we shall continue to explore options with them.

In May, the Government published an ambitious vision for rapid charging infrastructure along strategic roads in England over the next decade, setting out the number of rapid chargepoints that will be located across motorways and major A roads to meet the future demand for electric vehicle charging. Currently, a driver is never more than 25 miles away from a rapid (50 kilowatt) chargepoint anywhere along England’s motorways and major A roads, with a total of 809 open-access rapid chargepoints, as of 1 January 2020. This includes an average of 2 rapid chargepoints at motorway service areas with more being rolled out over the next year.

The UK is well placed to be a leader in hydrogen fuel cell powered transportation and we are supporting hydrogen where the market favours its use. The UK has one of the largest hydrogen refuelling station networks in Europe. The Government’s £23m Hydrogen for Transport Programme is increasing the uptake of fuel cell electric vehicles and delivering new refuelling stations and upgrading some existing stations, as well as deploying hundreds of new hydrogen vehicles.

Under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) certificate trading scheme, renewable hydrogen supplied in the UK for use in road vehicles and certain non-road mobile machinery is eligible for support. It is categorised as a development fuel, which potentially benefits from a higher tradeable certificate value.

This information is not collected centrally.

This information is not collected centrally.

The United Kingdom has large-scale sequencing capacity and extensive specialist expertise and is uniquely positioned to help address global sequencing capability gaps. Through the New Variant Assessment Platform (NVAP) programme, Public Health England (PHE) will work to support global partners to strengthen their genomic sequencing capability, either by building on existing infrastructure or by conducting sequencing and analysis of samples in the UK if there is no in-country capability.

The NVAP will also enable the biological assessment of emerging variants, strengthening horizon scanning and public health decision-making, both in this country and abroad. This includes a risk assessment from the point when a mutation is first identified, to ongoing assessment as more information becomes available. The platform will also agree pathways for biological analysis, diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics as appropriate. PHE is working with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to deploy a Technical Advisor for regional level support.

The B.1.351 COVID-19 variant was categorised as a variant of concern (VOC) on 23 December 2020 by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group. The decision to raise this lineage to a VOC was taken on the basis of reports indicating that the strain had replaced pre-existing strains in parts of South Africa and that there were two cases of B.1.351 identified in the United Kingdom with links to travel from South Africa. The genetic variations identified in the spike protein of B.1.351 were also cause for concern.

The three substitutions in the receptor binding domain, and in particular the E484K substitution, were thought to result in weaker neutralisation by some monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal neutralising sera. Although at the time there was no formal modelling from South Africa, the rapid spread of the variant could be consistent with increased transmissibility, which was also biologically plausible. More recent data has shown that B.1.351 has greater transmissibility than the original Wuhan strains of the virus. Evaluation was at an early stage when the recommendation to escalate this lineage was taken. A copy of PHE Risk assessment for SARS-CoV-2 variant: VOC-202012/02 (origin: South Africa) of 23 December is attached.

Public Health England (PHE) is researching the effectiveness of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines against the B1.351 variant. PHE will publish advice in the weekly COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report once sufficient data is available.

The 'people tested' measure for United Kingdom statistics was initially used to avoid counting one person tested several times in a short space of time. Many people are now retested multiple times for valid reasons, such as regular testing of health and care workers over several months. This means that the 'tests processed figure', which we have published from 4 July, is a better headline to measure the scale of the testing service.

Our priority is to make sure that we are sharing data in the most clear and transparent way. We are working closely with the country’s statisticians including the UK Statistics Authority and the Office of National Statistics to make sure that we provide the most relevant data that helps the public understand how the service is operating.

For the purposes of diagnosing COVID-19, we are using Polymerase Chain Reaction tests that involve a nasopharyngeal swab sample taken from the back of the nose and throat, searching for virus DNA in the sample.

Tests that do not reach far enough back or swab just the nose or throat alone are likely to be less effective as there is a lower likelihood of collecting the virus in the sample material. For this reason, we recommend both clinician-administered and self-administered tests available for home testing swab both the nose and throat. This will count as a single test.

We are aware of an Al Jazeera documentary investigating cases of alleged smuggling and fraud involving Uebert Angel, a dual British-Zimbabwean national and Presidential Envoy and Ambassador At Large for the country of Zimbabwe to Europe and the Americas. Whilst Mr Angel holds a diplomatic passport he is not diplomatically accredited to the UK - countries are free to determine for themselves who they grant these passports to, but the passport itself does not confer any diplomatic status on the holder. We cannot comment further on specific cases at this stage. The UK sees corruption as an important barrier to economic reform and inclusive growth in Zimbabwe. We engage with the Government of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, civil society and other actors in the fight against corruption in Zimbabwe.

The UK is monitoring the ongoing detention of opposition Members of Parliament Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole in Zimbabwe. The former Minister for Africa met with the Foreign Minister of Zimbabwe on 30 June and reiterated the importance of all political parties respecting the rule of law, refraining from violence and respecting the right of others to campaign freely ahead of upcoming elections in 2023.

The UK is monitoring the ongoing detention of opposition Members of Parliament Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole in Zimbabwe. The former Minister for Africa met with the Foreign Minister of Zimbabwe on 30 June and reiterated the importance of all political parties respecting the rule of law, refraining from violence and respecting the right of others' to campaign freely ahead of upcoming elections in 2023.

The UK has supported and will continue to support essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health and nutrition services in Zimbabwe. Alongside international partners, our 'Supporting a Resilient Health System' programme (£130 million, 2017-22) has benefitted 5.4 million women and children in Zimbabwe through delivering essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health and nutrition services.

The conflict in northern Ethiopia has contributed to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, leaving 13 million people in Tigray, Amhara and Afar requiring humanitarian assistance. The UK has provided more than £80 million to respond to the humanitarian crises Ethiopia since November 2020. Our support has reached civilians across the country including in conflict areas, drought affected areas, and to refugees. UK support has gone towards water and sanitation, health and nutrition, child protection and gender-based violence prevention and response, livelihoods, logistics, communications, and technical expertise seconded to the UN.

The return to conflict, including the seizure of fuel by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) from the World Food Programme, makes the work of humanitarian agencies more difficult. The UK, working closely with international partners and the UN, is urging all parties to the conflict to guarantee unfettered humanitarian access by immediately ceasing hostilities and allowing aid in.

The breakdown of the truce and return to conflict between the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the Ethiopian Government is catastrophic for the people of Ethiopia. It risks tens of thousands of deaths, both directly through fighting and indirectly through a further deepening of the already dire humanitarian situation. 22 months since fighting began, it is clear that there is no military solution to the conflict.

The UK is heavily involved in international efforts to de-escalate conflict, stressing the need for a political solution, humanitarian access and accountability for atrocities. We support the African Union's mediation efforts to this end, and encourage a redoubling of these efforts to avert further escalation. The UK urges Tigrayan troops to leave Amhara and Eritrean troops to leave Tigray. We urge the Ethiopian Government to restore services to Tigray and both parties to begin direct talks without preconditions. Our Embassy in Addis Ababa is engaging with all parties to the conflict to deliver these messages.

The breakdown of the truce and return to conflict between the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the Ethiopian Government is catastrophic for the people of Ethiopia. It risks tens of thousands of deaths, both directly through fighting and indirectly through a further deepening of the already dire humanitarian situation. 22 months since fighting began, it is clear that there is no military solution to the conflict.

The UK is heavily involved in international efforts to de-escalate conflict, stressing the need for a political solution, humanitarian access and accountability for atrocities. We support the African Union's mediation efforts to this end, and encourage a redoubling of these efforts to avert further escalation. The UK urges Tigrayan troops to leave Amhara and Eritrean troops to leave Tigray. We urge the Ethiopian Government to restore services to Tigray and both parties to begin direct talks without preconditions. Our Embassy in Addis Ababa is engaging with all parties to the conflict to deliver these messages.

The Minister for Africa and I [Lord Goldsmith] were appalled to hear of the murder of Moreblessing Ali. The British Ambassador in Zimbabwe publicly expressed her sadness at this tragic news and passed on our condolences to Moreblessing's family and friends. It is important that the Zimbabwe police continue to investigate her murder to establish the facts, and those behind this terrible crime are brought to justice. The Minister for Africa recently wrote to Foreign Minister Shava to reiterate the importance of demonstrable progress on the human rights and political reforms that the President of Zimbabwe committed to in his inauguration speech in November 2017.

The humanitarian situation across the Horn and East of Africa is extremely concerning. Conflict and drought are the main causes of humanitarian need. The region is experiencing one of its most severe droughts in history with more than 15 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia assessed to be acutely food insecure, according to the UN. Nearly 500,000 people in Ethiopia and Somalia are experiencing famine-like conditions.

The UK is a major humanitarian donor to the region. In 2022 the UK has provided £72 million to support more than one million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan affected by conflict, drought and flooding. Across the region UK funded humanitarian activities are making a difference and saving lives. In Kenya the UK is providing 26,000 children with life-saving nutritional support. In Ethiopia a further 200,000 children and pregnant and lactating women in southern and eastern regions will receive similar aid. The UK also played a critical role in convening the recent UN Horn of Africa Drought Roundtable which took place in late April in Geneva. This included working with states in the region and the UN to ensure appropriate levels of participation. It helped to bring much needed focus on the drought and it mobilised roughly US$400 million in new funding.

Our response to the drought builds on long-established resilience building programmes in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. In Kenya this includes support to the Hunger Safety Programme, which has provided 600,000 people in drought prone areas with regular financial assistance. In Ethiopia, the UK funded Productive Safety Net Programme has benefitted some 8 million people via financial welfare provision and community public works projects. In Somalia the UK has been supporting over 220 rural communities in three large urban cities with durable solutions initiatives for internally displaced persons. These programmes, coupled with additional investments, have enabled the UK to reach nearly 8 million individuals as a part of our emergency humanitarian response.

The UK is a major humanitarian donor to the East Africa region. In 2022 the UK has provided £72 million to support more than one million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan affected by conflict, drought and flooding. Across the region UK-funded humanitarian activities are making a difference and saving lives. In Kenya the UK is providing 26,000 children with life-saving nutritional support. In Ethiopia a further 200,000 children and pregnant and lactating women in southern and eastern regions will receive similar aid. The UK also played a critical role in convening the recent UN Horn of Africa Drought Roundtable which took place in late April in Geneva. This included working with states in the region and the UN to ensure appropriate levels of participation. It helped to bring much needed focus on the drought and it mobilised roughly US$400 million in new funding.

Our response to the drought builds on long-established resilience building programmes in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. In Kenya this includes support to the Hunger Safety Programme, which has provided 600,000 people in drought prone areas with regular financial assistance. In Ethiopia, the UK funded Productive Safety Net Programme has benefitted some 8 million people via financial welfare provision and community public works projects. In Somalia the UK has been supporting over 220 rural communities in three large urban cities with durable solutions initiatives for internally displaced persons. These programmes, coupled with additional investments, have enabled the UK to reach nearly 8 million individuals as a part of our emergency humanitarian response.

We regularly engage with the Government of Zimbabwe on a breadth of health care issues. Our Embassy officials met with the Permanent Secretary for Health and Child Care at the beginning of March. The UK is one of the largest donors to Zimbabwean health care. Between 2017 and 2022, the UK will have provided £130 million of support through the pooled Health Development Fund (HDF). The HDF focuses on delivering sexual, reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health and nutrition services including support to health workers in primary health care facilities. The UK also provides critical support to Zimbabwe's health sector via global health initiatives like the Global Fund, GAVI and the Global Finance Facility.

The UK supports the freedom of movement of skilled workers and follows the guidelines as set out in the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguard Green List. We will continue to engage the World Health Organisation to ensure a strategic approach to health worker recruitment, retention and migration.

The World Health Organisation have confirmed that they will be preparing a 2022 update of their Health Workforce Support and Safeguard list for publication in early 2023, alongside their regular reporting on their Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel. The UK will participate in their first Member State consultation on this update later this month.

There has been no ministerial contact with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) partners specifically on Zimbabwe's March 26 by-elections. However, through our Embassies and High Commissions, the UK regularly discusses the political, economic, and human rights situation in Zimbabwe with its international partners. The UK is committed to working in partnership with the SADC and the African Union as well as other international organisations. The Minister for Africa met with President Mnangagwa on 1 November 2021 and raised our concerns regarding human rights, the shrinking of democratic space and the importance of Zimbabwe demonstrating a positive trajectory ahead of the 2023 elections. The UK continues to urge the Zimbabwean Government to fulfil their own constitution and their commitments to reform electoral laws.

Through our bilateral programmes, and the UK's important role working through the International Financial Institutions, we are helping governments and businesses in both South Africa and across the continent to access affordable financing and advice; and establish safety nets to support the most vulnerable. In April 2021, the UK, with other G20 countries, extended its suspension of debt service repayments for the poorest countries to the end of 2021. The travel red list was a short term measure in direct response to the latest scientific and medical data showing an increased risk to UK public health. The measures ended at 4am on Wednesday 15th December.

The travel red list was a short term measure which ended at 4am on Wednesday 15th December. Through our bilateral programmes, and the UK's important role working through the International Financial Institutions, we are helping governments and businesses in southern Africa access affordable financing and advice; and establish safety nets to support the most vulnerable.

The UK remains concerned about the political situation in Zimbabwe, particularly the lack of accountability for human rights violations and restrictions to freedom of assembly. The recent attacks on opposition leader Nelson Chamisa were concerning. In response, on 22 October, the UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe called for all citizens' freedoms to be guaranteed as set out in Zimbabwe's constitution, all incidents to be investigated, and for all violence and threats to be unequivocally condemned. The former Minister for Africa raised the human rights situation in Zimbabwe with Foreign Minister Shava on 9 June.

The UK regularly discusses the political situation in Zimbabwe with its international partners, including South Africa and the African Union, and we remain committed to working in partnership to identify solutions. We continue to monitor developments closely, regularly encouraging the Government of Zimbabwe to live up to their own constitution and ensure the opposition, civil society and journalists are allowed to operate without harassment.

The UK remains concerned about the political situation in Zimbabwe, particularly the lack of accountability for human rights violations and restrictions to freedom of assembly. The recent attacks on opposition leader Nelson Chamisa were concerning. In response, on 22 October, the UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe called for all citizens' freedoms to be guaranteed as set out in Zimbabwe's constitution, all incidents to be investigated, and for all violence and threats to be unequivocally condemned. The former Minister for Africa raised the human rights situation in Zimbabwe with Foreign Minister Shava on 9 June.

The UK regularly discusses the political situation in Zimbabwe with its international partners, including South Africa and the African Union, and we remain committed to working in partnership to identify solutions. We continue to monitor developments closely, regularly encouraging the Government of Zimbabwe to live up to their own constitution and ensure the opposition, civil society and journalists are allowed to operate without harassment.

The UK remains concerned about the political situation in Zimbabwe, particularly the lack of accountability for human rights violations and restrictions to freedom of assembly. The recent attacks on opposition leader Nelson Chamisa were concerning. In response, on 22 October, the UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe called for all citizens' freedoms to be guaranteed as set out in Zimbabwe's constitution, all incidents to be investigated, and for all violence and threats to be unequivocally condemned. The former Minister for Africa raised the human rights situation in Zimbabwe with Foreign Minister Shava on 9 June.

The UK regularly discusses the political situation in Zimbabwe with its international partners, including South Africa and the African Union, and we remain committed to working in partnership to identify solutions. We continue to monitor developments closely, regularly encouraging the Government of Zimbabwe to live up to their own constitution and ensure the opposition, civil society and journalists are allowed to operate without harassment.

We are aware of the report by the Sentry Shadows and Shell Games, published on 1 July, about the offshore business empire and corruption dealings of Kudakwashe Tagwirei. The UK is deeply worried about the state of the Zimbabwean economy, which continues to face unprecedented challenges largely due to corruption, poor fiscal policies and economic mismanagement by the Government. The UK remains committed to reducing poverty and helping the people of Zimbabwe secure their constitutional freedoms.

We continue to look at how all the tools available to the UK, including the full range of sanctions regimes, can be used to encourage accountability and reform in Zimbabwe. It is longstanding practice not to speculate on future sanctions designations.

We are aware of the report by the Sentry Shadows and Shell Games, published on 1 July, about the offshore business empire and corruption dealings of Kudakwashe Tagwirei. The UK is deeply worried about the state of the Zimbabwean economy, which continues to face unprecedented challenges largely due to corruption, poor fiscal policies and economic mismanagement by the Government. The UK remains committed to reducing poverty and helping the people of Zimbabwe secure their constitutional freedoms.

We continue to look at how all the tools available to the UK, including the full range of sanctions regimes, can be used to encourage accountability and reform in Zimbabwe. It is longstanding practice not to speculate on future sanctions designations.

The current traffic light system categorises countries based on risk to protect public health and the vaccine rollout from variants of COVID-19.

South Africa is an important partner for the UK, including in the tourism industry, which pre-pandemic saw approximately 400,000 British Nationals travel to South Africa annually. While we hope that travel for tourism purposes will resume soon between the UK and South Africa, public health remains our number one priority.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a significant impact on South Africa's economy, with real GDP growth at -7 per cent in 2020. The situation remains challenging for 2021, although GDP forecasts are more positive. Many sectors of South Africa's economy have been affected, including the tourism industry, with South Africa receiving 72.6 per cent fewer tourists from countries worldwide in 2020.

There is no direct link between UK travel restrictions and funding for conservation work, the UK remains committed to working with South Africa on environmental and conservation issues.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. The Minister will write directly to the Member with a response shortly.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. The Minister will write directly to the Member with a response shortly.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. The Minister will write directly to the Member with a response shortly.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. The Minister will write directly to the Member with a response shortly.

The UK does not financially support the Palestinian Central Elections Commission. However, UK officials at the British Consulate General in Jerusalem will continue to work closely with the parties involved, including the Central Elections Commission and the UN.

We continue to encourage all parties to respect and facilitate the democratic process fully, including during the campaigning period.

Minister James Cleverly spoke to the Israeli Ambassador to the UK on 19 April to reiterate the importance of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem being permitted to vote in Palestinian Legislative Council elections. The UK continues to work closely with the Palestinian Authority and international partners to support Palestinian elections.

We have welcomed President Abbas' announcement of legislative and Presidential elections in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the first time since 2006. We encourage the Palestinian leadership to work toward strong, inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights. Free and fair elections are an important and necessary step to this.

We are aware of the Save the Children statement on 3 February. Our Ambassador in Tel Aviv has raised the issue of ongoing demolitions with the Israeli Authorities, most recently in a meeting alongside like-minded partners on 25 February. The Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa called on Israel to stop demolitions on 5 February 2021 and raised his concerns about demolitions of Palestinian homes and structures with the Israeli Ambassador on 29 October 2020. UK officials from the British Consulate in Jerusalem have made regular visits to areas at risk of demolition and eviction to reiterate UK support for those communities. The UK is clear that in all but the most exceptional of circumstances, demolitions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The practice causes unnecessary suffering to Palestinians, including Palestinian children, and is harmful to efforts to promote peace.

The Foreign Secretary spoke to Prime Minister Abiy on 10 November to relay the UK's concerns over the conflict in the Tigray region and the risk it poses to civilians. He stressed the urgent need for political dialogue and a peaceful solution to the conflict, as well as the need to prioritise the protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access. On 18 November, Minister Duddridge reinforced this message with the Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK.

The UK welcomes the statement by African Union (AU) Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, of 9 November about the conflict in Ethiopia in which he appealed for the immediate cessation of hostilities, called on all parties to respect human rights and ensure the protection of civilians, and urged dialogue between the parties. Through our Embassy in Addis Ababa, officials continue to engage with senior counterparts in the AU Commission to discuss the situation in Tigray and its impact on neighbouring countries.

The UK is deeply concerned by the continued prosecution of Hopewell Chin'ono. Media freedom is an essential quality of any open society. People must be allowed to discuss and debate issues freely, to challenge their governments, and to make decisions informed by a strong and robust media. Zimbabwe is one of the UK's Media Freedom Focus Countries: we have called on the Government of Zimbabwe to end the harassment of journalists, improve legislation and work with the international community to protect media freedom.

Our Embassy in Harare are closely following developments on Mr Chin'ono's case, including through attendance at court. They continue to raise our concerns directly with the Government of Zimbabwe. Most recently, the Minister for Africa tweeted on 13 November and 23 July to express his concern; reiterating that the UK is committed to defending media freedom and human rights in Zimbabwe. When the Minister for Africa spoke to Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Moyo on 8 June, he urged the Government of Zimbabwe to make concrete progress on human rights and respect the rule of law. The British Ambassador to Harare also met with the Zimbabwean Foreign Minister on 14 August and raised our concerns.

We are aware of reports that a car hired from Impala Car Hire was used in the abduction of Tawanda Muchehiwa, and that the matter is subject to a high court order. HMG has been clear, including in an international statement on 28 August, that the Government of Zimbabwe has a responsibility to investigate and prosecute those responsible for violating human rights. The Minister for Africa regularly engages with the Government of Zimbabwe to raise serious concerns about the political, economic and human rights situation in Zimbabwe and reinforce the need for accountability. He clearly conveyed our views when he spoke to Foreign Minister Moyo on 8 June, and in a letter to the Foreign Minister on 12 August.

HMG is a leader on aid and development in southern Africa. We will continue to work in close partnership with African countries and international partners - including the African Union, UN, EU and US - on delivering aid across the region. Our Missions in the Region are engaged in extensive work to promote democracy, human rights and prosperity, working closely with other countries.

The Minister for Africa regularly engages with the Government of Zimbabwe to raise serious concerns about the political, economic and human rights situation in Zimbabwe. We have been clear that the Government of Zimbabwe must meet its international and domestic obligations by respecting the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, and committing to genuine political and economic reform for the benefit of all Zimbabweans. This is a prerequisite for further international support. The Minister for Africa delivered these messages when he last spoke to Foreign Minister Moyo on 8 June, and in a letter he wrote to the Foreign Minister on 12 August. Our Ambassador in Harare reinforced these messages when she met in person with Foreign Minister Moyo on 14 August and also raised concerns on the chronic economic situation Zimbabwe is experiencing with Zimbabwean Finance Minister Mthuli on 28 September. We will continue to call out the Government of Zimbabwe where we believe abuses of human rights have taken place including monitoring enforcement of the lockdown regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK regularly discusses the political, economic, and human rights situation in Zimbabwe with its international partners, including South Africa. On 16 July the Minister for Africa spoke to the Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa about the situation in Zimbabwe. The UK is committed to working in partnership with South Africa, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the African Union as well as other international organisations. The UK will continue to work alongside the international community to support good governance, respect for human rights, and genuine political and economic reform in Zimbabwe, to help secure a better future for all Zimbabweans.

Our policy remains to support the people of Zimbabwe in moving towards a more democratic, stable and prosperous Zimbabwe. We meet regularly with the full range of stakeholders, from across the political spectrum including members of the ruling and opposition parties, judiciary and civil society, to ensure we understand how best to do that. Further engagement and support for Zimbabwe is contingent on genuine political and economic reforms but the onus must be on the Government of Zimbabwe to deliver this change. So far they have been unable to.

The Minister for Africa engages regularly on Zimbabwe. He spoke with Foreign Minister Moyo on 8 June, where he made it clear that the Government of Zimbabwe must make concrete progress on economic and political reform, including human rights. Progress has so far been poor and in some cases has gone backwards.

The UK is deeply concerned by the arrest of Joana Mamombe. Following her return to prison on 24 September on the grounds of requiring a medical examination, she was released on 7 October following an order by the High Court. Our Ambassador in Harare publicly welcomed her release but reiterated her concern at the need for her detention on 8 October. When the Minister for Africa wrote to Foreign Minister Moyo on 12 August, following a telephone call with him on 8 June, he raised specific human rights violations, including the treatment of Ms Mamombe, Ms Chimbiri, and Ms Marowa. He made it clear that whilst the UK will support genuine reform in Zimbabwe we are yet to see the necessary meaningful progress, including on human rights. Our Ambassador in Harare reinforced these messages when she met Foreign Minister Moyo in Harare on 14 August.

Our Embassy in Harare will continue to monitor developments on the case of Ms Mamombe, Ms Chimbiri, and Ms Marowa closely. We will continue to call on the Government to uphold the rule of law. This includes respecting the Zimbabwean Constitution which clearly prohibits enforced disappearances, cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment.

The UK is deeply worried by the arrest of Hopewell Chin'ono on 20 July, and by his continued detention. The Minister for Africa tweeted on 23 July to express his concern at the treatment of Mr Chin'ono and to urge the Zimbabwean authorities to uphold the right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Zimbabwe's constitution. The British Ambassador to Harare has sought a meeting with the Zimbabwean Foreign Minister, Sibusiso Moyo, to discuss our concerns, and officials at the British Embassy in Harare are closely following developments on his case. When the Minister for Africa spoke to the Zimbabwean Foreign Minister on 8 June, he urged him to ensure the Government of Zimbabwe makes concrete progress on human rights and respects the rule of law.

The UK is committed to the promotion of media freedom and the protection of journalists. Media freedom is an essential quality of any open society. People must be allowed to discuss and debate issues freely, to challenge their governments, and to make decisions informed by a strong and robust media. Zimbabwe is one of the UK's Media Freedom Focus Countries: we have called on the Government of Zimbabwe to commit to the Global Pledge on Media Freedom and to end the harassment of journalists, improve legislation and work with the international community to protect media freedom.

The UK is seriously concerned about the challenging human rights situation in Zimbabwe. It remains one of the UK's 30 Human Rights Priority Countries globally. The Minister for Africa spoke to the Zimbabwean Foreign Minister on 8 June and expressed his deep concern regarding recent reports of the abduction and torture of three female opposition activists, including a Member of Parliament - Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova. He urged the Foreign Minister to ensure the Government of Zimbabwe makes concrete progress on human rights, including investigations into violations. The UK will continue to monitor developments closely and urge the Government of Zimbabwe to uphold the rule of law and respect human rights.

Currently, the EU has an arms embargo against Zimbabwe and active targeted measures against the company Zimbabwe Defence Industries. There are also suspended targeted measures in place against three current and former security sector chiefs. The UK remains aligned to the EU's restrictive measures on Zimbabwe during the Transition Period. The UK will continue to assess the appropriateness of these measures in light of recent developments on the basis of human rights and progress towards genuine political reforms.

We have not discussed the situation in Zimbabwe with South Africa at a Ministerial level since recent reports emerged regarding the abduction and torture of three female opposition activists in Zimbabwe. However, the UK regularly discusses the economic situation in Zimbabwe with its international partners, including the Republic of South Africa. The UK is committed to working in partnership with South Africa, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the African Union as well as other international organisations.

The UK is seriously concerned about the challenging human rights situation in Zimbabwe and these recent reports regarding the treatment of three opposition activists. The Minister for Africa spoke to the Zimbabwean Foreign Minister on 8 June and expressed his deep concern. He urged the Foreign Minister to ensure the Government of Zimbabwe makes concrete progress on human rights, including investigations into violations.

It is vital that the Zimbabwean authorities adhere to their international human rights obligations and respect their Constitution, which prohibits enforced disappearances and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The UK will continue to monitor developments in Zimbabwe closely and call for the Government of Zimbabwe to uphold the rule of law and respect human rights.

The Government has not had specific discussions with the Bank of England or Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on this issue. The UK does not have any foreign currency controls in place.

Separately, under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), regulated entities are required to conduct enhanced due diligence if a transaction or a business relationship involves a ‘politically exposed person’ such as a Minister from another country. The MLRs also require that regulated entities conduct enhanced due diligence on transactions and businesses relationships involving individuals established in a high risk country. The UK’s High Risk Countries list is specified under the MLRs and aligns with assessments made by the Financial Action Taskforce, the global anti-money laundering standard setter.

Where financial institutions are in scope of the MLRs, they are supervised by the FCA. Where high value dealers are in scope of the MLRs, they are supervised by HMRC.

The Government has not had specific discussions with the Bank of England or Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on this issue. The UK does not have any foreign currency controls in place.

Separately, under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), regulated entities are required to conduct enhanced due diligence if a transaction or a business relationship involves a ‘politically exposed person’ such as a Minister from another country. The MLRs also require that regulated entities conduct enhanced due diligence on transactions and businesses relationships involving individuals established in a high risk country. The UK’s High Risk Countries list is specified under the MLRs and aligns with assessments made by the Financial Action Taskforce, the global anti-money laundering standard setter.

Where financial institutions are in scope of the MLRs, they are supervised by the FCA. Where high value dealers are in scope of the MLRs, they are supervised by HMRC.

HMRC publish information on average speed to answer monthly and quarterly. Breakdowns for individual helplines including self assessment are contained in the quarterly reports. Times for the Self Assessment helpline are provided below:

The Home Office publishes statistics on the number of returns from the UK in the ‘Immigration Statistics Quarterly Release’ on gov.uk. The latest data on returns from the UK by return destination country are published published in table Ret_D02 of the 'Returns Detailed Tables' on gov.uk which can be broken down by return type group. The latest data go up to the end of March 2022.

The data are for all returns from the UK. We do not publish information on method of entry for the returnee i.e. if they are migrants who crossed the channel.

UKVI does not publish average processing times by location, however, the average visa decision waiting times by category, which is regularly updated, can be found on the GOV.uk webpage: Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Home Office recognises there are ongoing delays to visa processing times, largely impacted by requirement to prioritise applications submitted for the Ukraine Schemes, and is working hard to reduce these as quickly as possible.

The GOV.UK webpage is updated regularly with details of average visa decision waiting times

• Out of country Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• In country Visa decision waiting times: applications inside the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Many business activities can be undertaken under our generous visitor route provisions, meaning non-visa nationals can undertake them without applying for entry clearance beforehand.

The Home Office is pursuing a programme of transformation and business improvement initiatives which will speed up decision making, reduce the time people spend in the system and reduce the numbers who are awaiting an interview or decision.

UKVI has recently reintroduced Priority Visa services for Visitor visa applications in the majority of overseas locations.

UKVI continues to prioritise urgent and compassionate cases where notified.

Published guidance in relation to implementing allowed appeals can be found here - Implementing allowed appeals (publishing.service.gov.uk).

The requested information cannot be accurately extracted from our internal systems. To provide this information would require a manual trawl of successful appeals and to do so would incur disproportionate cost.

Where an appeal has been allowed in favour of the appellant, and is not subject to onward appeal, we take all reasonable steps to implement the allowed appeal in a timely manner.

We do not comment on individual cases, but I can confirm that we only ever return those who the Home Office and, where applicable, the courts are satisfied do not need our protection and who have no legal basis to remain in the UK. By definition, they do not need protection and not at risk on return.

Individuals being returned have had the opportunity to raise claims, including protection and modern slavery claims prior to their deportation or administrative removal. All claims raised will be fully considered and decided – we would not remove someone where there were outstanding claims or concerns. Each case is considered sensitively, appropriately and on its individual merits. All available evidence is carefully and sensitively considered against a background of relevant case law and in light of published country information, which covers country specific issues. Our country policy and information notes are published on the gov.uk website. They are kept under constant review and updated periodically.

Since January 2019 we have returned 10,017 foreign national offenders (FNOs) and since April 2020, we have utilised over 110 charter flights to deport FNOs and other immigration offenders to countries across Europe and around the rest of the world.

The Home Office publishes data on the number of returns from the UK, by nationality, including Zimbabwe, in the Immigration statistics quarterly release which can also be found on gov.uk.

We do not comment on individual cases, but I can confirm that we only ever return those who the Home Office and, where applicable, the courts are satisfied do not need our protection and who have no legal basis to remain in the UK. By definition, they do not need protection and not at risk on return.

Individuals being returned have had the opportunity to raise claims, including protection and modern slavery claims prior to their deportation or administrative removal. All claims raised will be fully considered and decided – we would not remove someone where there were outstanding claims or concerns. Each case is considered sensitively, appropriately and on its individual merits. All available evidence is carefully and sensitively considered against a background of relevant case law and in light of published country information, which covers country specific issues. Our country policy and information notes are published on the gov.uk website. They are kept under constant review and updated periodically.

Since January 2019 we have returned 10,017 foreign national offenders (FNOs) and since April 2020, we have utilised over 110 charter flights to deport FNOs and other immigration offenders to countries across Europe and around the rest of the world.

The Home Office publishes data on the number of returns from the UK, by nationality, including Zimbabwe, in the Immigration statistics quarterly release which can also be found on gov.uk.

We do not comment on individual cases, but I can confirm that we only ever return those who the Home Office and, where applicable, the courts are satisfied do not need our protection and who have no legal basis to remain in the UK. By definition, they do not need protection and not at risk on return.

Individuals being returned have had the opportunity to raise claims, including protection and modern slavery claims prior to their deportation or administrative removal. All claims raised will be fully considered and decided – we would not remove someone where there were outstanding claims or concerns. Each case is considered sensitively, appropriately and on its individual merits. All available evidence is carefully and sensitively considered against a background of relevant case law and in light of published country information, which covers country specific issues. Our country policy and information notes are published on the gov.uk website. They are kept under constant review and updated periodically.

Since January 2019 we have returned 10,017 foreign national offenders (FNOs) and since April 2020, we have utilised over 110 charter flights to deport FNOs and other immigration offenders to countries across Europe and around the rest of the world.

The Home Office publishes data on the number of returns from the UK, by nationality, including Zimbabwe, in the Immigration statistics quarterly release which can also be found on gov.uk.

The UKFIU does not hold figures for the proportion of Suspicious Activity Reports resulting in action by (1) police, or (2) other relevant authorities. The UKFIU received over 700,000 SARs in 2020/21 and made these reports available for police and other authorities to access, including in some instances allocating particular high-risk reports to specific partners. The cost of establishing actions resulting from each SAR would be disproportionate, noting that:

• a SAR is a report of suspicion as assessed the reporter and is not evidence of criminal conduct.

• a single SAR may be used several times by several different agencies for different purposes e.g. the information within the same SAR may inform a) HMRC about taxation b) local police about fraud or theft and c) a government department about a regulatory issue or a weakness in a financial product.

• some SARs provide new and immediate opportunities to stop crime and arrest offenders, others support existing investigations or help uncover potential criminality that could be investigated, while others provide intelligence useful at a point in the future.

• some SARs are disseminated to foreign jurisdictions.

• even if no criminal investigation is conducted, a SAR may contain information that contributes to understanding current threat trends or patterns. This helps reporters and law enforcement to plan and prevent against new crime trends.

Further information can be found in the Suspicious Activity Reports Annual Report 2020, including that last year almost £172m of assets were denied to suspected criminals as a result of SARs reporting.

The Home Office has worked closely with the NPCC throughout the pandemic to monitor the impact of covid on police forces and to ensure they have the tools and capacity to continue to respond and keep the public safe. However, the Home Office does not centrally hold the specific data requested. The Metropolitan Police Service may hold this data.

The Home Office continues to plan to respond to the report and will do so before the conclusion of the current parliamentary session.

Information on the amount of compensation paid and the number of people compensated under the Windrush Compensation Scheme is available to view on GOV.UK at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/windrush-compensation-scheme-data-august-2020.

Information relating to estimated costs and allocations, including compensation payments, is contained in the Home Office’s Impact Assessment IA No: HO 0329 dated 29/1/20. The Home Office has secured funding from HM Treasury for the scheme, and there is no cap on the amount of compensation an individual can receive.

tab WCS-01 (see other tabs WCS-02, WCS-03, WCS-04, WCS-05, WCS-06 and WCS-07 for further information.

The Windrush Compensation Scheme awards compensation to individuals according to both actual losses that an individual may have suffered, and tariff-based awards. Where compensation is awarded for actual losses it is right that we seek to obtain an appropriate level of assurance that these losses were incurred, in order to fulfil our duty to properly manage taxpayers’ money.

We do not expect those seeking compensation to meet the criminal standard of proof. The Windrush Compensation Scheme rules and caseworker guidance, which set out the criteria by which claims under the scheme are considered, are currently being revised to confirm this. The revised rules and guidance will be published on gov.uk later this month.

The current compensation scheme rules are available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/windrush-compensation-scheme-full-rules

and the current caseworker guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/windrush-compensation-scheme-casework-guidance

All asylum and human rights claims are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations. Each individual assessment is made against the background of the latest available country of origin information and any relevant caselaw.

The Home Office only seeks to return those whose claims have been unsuccessful and who, by definition, do not need our protection and are not at risk on return. We work closely with other countries to ensure people are returned safely and with dignity.