Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government how much additional funding will be allocated to the Northern Ireland Executive through Barnett consequentials following the announcement of the pubs and live music venues relief scheme on 27 January; and whether they plan to extend that relief scheme to the wider hospitality sector.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Any Barnett consequentials for the Northern Ireland Executive resulting from changes to business rates revenues in England will be confirmed when business rates forecasts change at the relevant fiscal event.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the government of China about the redevelopment of the UK embassy in Beijing; and whether they discussed the construction of a new Chinese embassy in London in those talks.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 April 2025 to Question HL6121, and to the subsequent statement made to the House by Baroness Anderson of Stoke‑on‑Trent on 26 January setting out the decision taken by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

We have been clear throughout that the planning decision was for the Secretary of State at MHCLG to make in an independent, quasi-judicial capacity.

While it has been clear for a number of years that we need to rebuild our own Embassy in Beijing, which is in a poor condition and not suitable for managing a diplomatic relationship with a country as consequential to UK and global interests as China, that cannot be, and has not been, factored into this planning decision by the Secretary of State at MHCLG.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Prime Minister will consult with the President of Taiwan before his visit to China.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The Prime Minister's travel plans and meetings are decided by the UK Government.

The UK has no diplomatic relations with Taiwan but a strong, unofficial relationship, based on deep and growing ties in a wide range of areas, and underpinned by shared democratic values.