Adam Dance Alert Sample


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Information between 20th May 2026 - 30th May 2026

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Speeches
Adam Dance speeches from: Oral Answers to Questions
Adam Dance contributed 1 speech (54 words)
Tuesday 19th May 2026 - Commons Chamber
Ministry of Justice


Written Answers
Civil Servants: Workplace Pensions
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 21st May 2026

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the need to take further action following Capita's confirmation of a data breach on the Civil Service Pension Scheme portal in April 2026.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme is the responsibility of the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government.

The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already been applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

The Cabinet Office has addressed the data breach of 30 March 2026, where a technical failure during a surge of 60,000 access requests allowed 138 members to view others' benefit statements. Investigations confirmed this was a session management malfunction and not a cyber-attack.

Following the Cabinet Office’s notification to the Information Commissioner’s Office, Capita performed a root cause analysis and strengthened system controls to prevent a recurrence. The Cabinet Office has further mandated that Capita provide formal accounts to the Public Accounts Committee and the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee to ensure the provider remains fully accountable for the security of member information.

Children: Neurodiversity
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Wednesday 20th May 2026

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether guidance on universal screening for neurodivergence will be included in the proposed National Inclusion Standards.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The department will appoint an independent panel of experts, selected for their skills, knowledge, and professional standing, and led by health and education co-chairs, to design the National Inclusion Standards and Specialist Provision Packages.

The National Inclusion Standards will set out what ordinarily available provision should be in every setting across the 0 to 25 system, as well as the evidence-based tools, strategies and approaches for educators to draw on to identify and support children and young people with additional needs, including for those who are neurodivergent.

New government-backed research led by UK Research and Innovation will develop and test approaches to early identification, including screening tools, that can be embedded in education settings nationwide. Together, these measures are intended to ensure that every child receives the right support at the right time, helping them to thrive both in education and beyond.

Investment: Internet
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 21st May 2026

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking with the Financial Conduct Authority to regulate the online (a) wealth creation and (b) property investment industries.

Answered by Rachel Blake - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The UK’s financial promotions regime is designed to ensure that consumers are provided with clear and accurate information that enables them to make appropriate decisions for their individual circumstances. As a technology-neutral framework, the regime holds financial promotions shared online to the same standards as those shared offline. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is responsible for enforcing the regime and can take action against any financial promotions that are illegal or which do not comply with its rules. This includes the promotion of wealth creation services or products shared online by unauthorised financial influencers.

The FCA has taken action to address influencers sharing unlawful financial promotions. Last month, the FCA led a week of action against illegal financial influencers, which resulted in one guilty plea, 4 targeted warning letters, 34 warning alerts, and 120 takedown requests to social media platforms. This follows a previous international week of action in June 2025.

The sale and promotion of physical property is not generally in scope of financial services regulation, as the provision of physical property is not a financial service. However, the financial promotions regime does apply where investment in property is offered by way of a financial services product. The FCA has issued a warning to consumers about the risks of investing in unlisted loan notes to finance property development.

The Government and Parliament are responsible for establishing the regulatory framework for financial services and the Government engages regularly with the FCA on issues relating to its regulatory perimeter and remit.

Temporary Accommodation: Rural Areas
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 21st May 2026

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure temporary accommodation in rural areas is (a) safe and (b) accessible for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The statutory homelessness code of guidance sets out that temporary accommodation placements must be suitable to the needs of a household, including the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The code of guidance sets out that authorities should ensure that all accommodation is free of health and safety hazards at the most dangerous ‘category 1’ level, assessed using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. You can access Chapter 17 of the code of guidance through gov.uk here.

The government is helping councils invest in good-quality temporary accommodation through delivery of the £950 million fourth round of the Local Authority Housing Fund. To increase the support available to children placed in temporary accommodation, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act will introduce a new duty on local housing authorities to notify health and education bodies when a child is placed in temporary accommodation. This will improve partnership working and unlock appropriate support.

Devolution: South West
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Wednesday 27th May 2026

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what his current timeline is for furthering devolution for the Wessex area.

Answered by Nesil Caliskan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Following the call for expression of interest for Foundational Strategic Authority on 12 February 2026, the Government is considering the proposal for the Wessex area. Subject to further meaningful engagement with local leaders, the Government will set out next steps for devolution and our ambitions for Foundation Strategic Authorities soon.

Rivers: Pollution
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Wednesday 27th May 2026

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of pollution in the rivers (a) Yeo and (b) Parrett.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

In the Parrett catchment over 80% of the rivers and streams are classified as Moderate Ecological Status. The River Yeo shows a clear improvement, with overall classifications improving from Poor (2009–2010) to Moderate from 2011 onwards. Similarly, the main River Parrett improved from Poor or Bad status in the early 2010s to predominantly Moderate by the mid‑2010s. A comparable pattern is seen for phosphate, which improved from Poor to mainly Moderate but has since plateaued, indicating ongoing nutrient enrichment.

Crohn's Disease
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Wednesday 27th May 2026

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve public awareness of the symptoms of Crohn’s and Colitis in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) England.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

To support awareness of inflammatory bowel disease among the public, the National Health Service website provides comprehensive, accessible information on Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, helping to raise public awareness and understanding of these conditions, including in the Yeovil constituency.

The site explains what Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are, outlines common symptoms, and gives clear guidance on when to seek medical advice. It also details how these conditions are diagnosed and managed, including available treatments and support services. More information about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is available at the following two links respectively:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/

Family Courts: Autism
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Wednesday 27th May 2026

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the (a) understanding of and (b) consideration given to autism in the family court system.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Department has not undertaken a formal assessment of the overall adequacy of understanding or consideration given to autism in the Family Court system. A range of measures, however, are in place to support neurodivergent children and families and promote fair treatment throughout proceedings.

All HMCTS staff are required to undertake mandatory workplace adjustments training, which includes neurodiversity including autism spectrum conditions.

The judiciary is supported by the Equal Treatment Bench Book, which provides detailed guidance on neurodivergence, including autism. This helps to ensure fair and appropriate treatment, improve communication and support effective participation in proceedings.

The Family Justice Council has published guidance on neurodiversity in the family justice system, which supports practitioners to identify potential barriers to participation, understand access to justice issues and adopt best practice in recognising and accommodating neurodivergence. This guidance is available at: https://www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/family-justice-council-guidance-on-neurodiversity-in-the-family-justice-system-for-practitioners-2/.

Education: Hearing Impairment
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Wednesday 27th May 2026

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to fund services for deaf learners in (a) Yeovil constituency (b) Somerset and (c) England.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The department wants every child to have the best start in life, with support available earlier and closer to home when families need it. We will ensure children receive the right support in their early years setting, school or college, supported by investment in training for staff and access to expert professional advice such as specialist teachers and speech and language therapists.

We are investing around £1.8 billion over the next three years for local area partnerships, including local authorities and integrated care boards, to deliver a new Experts at Hand offer. This includes a provisional allocation of £3.6 million in the 2026/27 financial year for Somerset local authority This will strengthen mainstream settings by providing access to health and specialist education expertise.

Experts at Hand is additional to existing statutory provision and does not replace established school-led approaches or specialist services. Deaf children and young people will continue to receive specialist support, alongside benefiting from earlier advice, training and targeted support.

Shoplifting
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 21st May 2026

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will provide a timeline for the bringing into force of section 47 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Through our Crime and Policing Act, which recently received Royal Assent, we are removing the legislation which makes shop theft of and below £200 a summary-only offence, sending a clear message that any level of shop theft is illegal and will be taken seriously.

Commencement of individual provisions, including section 47, will be brought forward through regulations at the appropriate time, and the Government will set out further details in due course.

We are working also in close partnership with the police and retail sector to mobilise the actions that will make the most difference through our Retail Crime Forum, chaired by the Minister for Crime and Policing.

This includes tackling the most prolific retail offenders where a few individuals can drive a large proportion of the local crime problem. We are testing better approaches to identify and target these individuals.

Driving Instruction
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 21st May 2026

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure the process of learning to drive places increased emphasis on (a) coaching, (b) independent decision-making, (c) hazard awareness and (c) real-world risk management in England.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) already provides a nationally recognised framework for learning to drive through its National Standards and the learning to drive syllabus. These set out the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for safe and responsible driving. The Department has recently consulted on further measures to strengthen the learning process, including an updated and mandated syllabus, a minimum learning period and supervised practice requirements.

The current National Standards and syllabus place strong emphasis on coaching, independent decision-making, hazard awareness and real‑world risk management. These skills are embedded throughout the National Standards and associated learning materials and are assessed through the practical driving test. This approach supports the development of safe, responsible drivers.

There is no requirement for learners to learn to drive with an approved driving instructor.

Romanian Language: Education
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 21st May 2026

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of supporting educational settings in Yeovil constituency with the delivery of Romanian language.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

Decisions about which languages are taught in schools are made locally. Individual schools are free to decide which languages to offer as part of their curriculum and the government does not prescribe which languages should be taught or how they should be delivered. ​ In making these decisions, schools should consider the needs and interests of the communities they serve.

Commercial and free resources are available to help schools who may wish to teach Romanian.

Driving Instruction
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 21st May 2026

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of assigning a named approved driving instructor to monitor the progress of learner drivers on the level of safety of learner drivers.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) already provides a nationally recognised framework for learning to drive through its National Standards and the learning to drive syllabus. These set out the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for safe and responsible driving. The Department has recently consulted on further measures to strengthen the learning process, including an updated and mandated syllabus, a minimum learning period and supervised practice requirements.

The current National Standards and syllabus place strong emphasis on coaching, independent decision-making, hazard awareness and real‑world risk management. These skills are embedded throughout the National Standards and associated learning materials and are assessed through the practical driving test. This approach supports the development of safe, responsible drivers.

There is no requirement for learners to learn to drive with an approved driving instructor.

Driving Instruction
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 21st May 2026

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the need for a nationally recognised learning syllabus for learner drivers.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) already provides a nationally recognised framework for learning to drive through its National Standards and the learning to drive syllabus. These set out the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for safe and responsible driving. The Department has recently consulted on further measures to strengthen the learning process, including an updated and mandated syllabus, a minimum learning period and supervised practice requirements.

The current National Standards and syllabus place strong emphasis on coaching, independent decision-making, hazard awareness and real‑world risk management. These skills are embedded throughout the National Standards and associated learning materials and are assessed through the practical driving test. This approach supports the development of safe, responsible drivers.

There is no requirement for learners to learn to drive with an approved driving instructor.

Driving Instruction: Rural Areas
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 21st May 2026

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact a minimum learning period for driving could have on (a) cost and (b) the access to (i) employment and (ii) education of young people in rural areas.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

A public consultation on introducing a Minimum Learning Period for learner drivers in England, Scotland and Wales was launched on 7 January and closed on 11 May. We are analysing the responses received.

A Minimum Learning Period would allow learners more time to gain essential experience, for example in different weather conditions, before driving independently and reduce the risk to themselves and other drivers.

We believe this strikes an appropriate balance between addressing specific risks pertaining to younger drivers, whilst allowing them to exercise new freedoms that passing your driving test can bring.

As stated in the consultation document, we recognise that having a driving licence enables people to access employment, education and leisure.

The logistical arrangements for introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers formed part of the consultation. No decisions will be made until the responses to the consultation have been carefully considered.

Pupil Premium
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Friday 22nd May 2026

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending Pupil Premium funding to support 16-19-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) England.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The 16 to 19 funding formula includes extra funding for disadvantaged students across England including Yeovil constituency and Somerset. This is made up of two blocks:

  • Disadvantage Block 1 funding recognises that there are additional costs incurred in engaging, recruiting, and retaining young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Disadvantage Block 2 funding accounts for the additional costs incurred for helping students who have low prior attainment to achieve their learning goals. Low prior attainment is defined as not achieving English and/or maths GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 by the end of year 11 (typically age 16).

Institutions are free to choose the best ways to use this additional funding to attract, retain and support disadvantaged students and those with learning difficulties and disabilities.

English and maths funding is also available to help institutions support students who have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above in English and/or maths to continue to study those subjects.

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Special Educational Needs: Training
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Friday 22nd May 2026

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that service children with SEND are included in (a) initial teacher training, (b) continuing professional development, (c) SEND practitioner training and (d) school leadership training.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper set out proposals for a package of professional development on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), backed by over £200 million of funding.

This includes a new requirement in the SEND Code of Practice that will ensure all mainstream staff receive high‑quality SEND and inclusion training.

The department recently reformed the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework to include more content on adaptive teaching and, from 2027, all teaching staff can sign up to new courses that enhance their knowledge of adaptive teaching styles to meet a wide range of needs in the classroom.

For teachers who lead or aspire to lead SEND provision in a year group, phase or whole school, particularly those holding the statutory special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) role, we have developed the national professional qualification (NPQs) for SENCOs. We are also reviewing the wider suite of NPQs, with a focus on including best practice for teaching pupils with SEND.

The department is investing around £1.8 billion over the next three years for local area partnerships, including local authorities and integrated care boards, to develop a new ‘Experts at Hand’ offer, strengthening mainstream education through access to health and specialist education support.

Leasehold: Reform
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Tuesday 26th May 2026

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to bring forward secondary legislation to implement changes to marriage value under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Members to the answer given to Question UIN 103549 on 14 January 2026 and the King's Speech 2026 background briefing notes which can be found on gov.uk here.

Aphasia: Diagnosis
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Wednesday 27th May 2026

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with NHS England on improving diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

As part of the merging of the Department and NHS England, colleagues from both organisations have established a joint team to develop the Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia. The framework will seek to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia, including those living with primary progressive aphasia. It will set national standards for dementia care and redirect National Health Service priorities to provide the best possible care and support.

The Frailty & Dementia Modern Service Framework Task and Finish Group is an advisory body to offer insight and guidance. The first meeting took place on 25 March 2026 and these meetings occur monthly. The group is co-chaired by:

  • Dr Jeremy Isaacs, Consultant Neurologist at St George’s and Kingston Hospitals and National Clinical Director for Dementia and Older People’s Mental Health at NHS England;
  • Sarah McClinton, Chief Social Worker for Adults and Mental Health Social Work lead in the Department; and
  • Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, Consultant Geriatrician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Professor of Geriatric Medicine at Kings College London and President of the British Geriatrics Society.
GP Surgeries: Yeovil
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Wednesday 27th May 2026

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to support GP surgeries in Yeovil constituency to process appointment requests.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Practices are supported to increase capacity through Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) reimbursement funding for primary care networks’ staff costs. As of April 2026, this can be claimed for any general practice (GP) doctor as well as for expanding multi-disciplinary teams, for example, pharmacists, paramedics, and care coordinators. In addition, implementation of the new practice-level GP reimbursement scheme supports practices to increase same-day access, including enabling the employment of additional GPs or extra sessional time. This supports patients being seen by the most appropriate clinician, improving flow and reducing pressure on GP appointments.

NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board is working with the General Practice Support Unit to deliver practice-level support across all practices, including, but not limited to, Yeovil. This includes Supportive Learning Framework conversations, organisational development and general resilience support. The programme supports implementation of the new GP contract and the transition to modern general practice models, including total triage.

NHS England has published resources on modern general practice and best practice for processing appointment requests, which are available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/national-general-practice-improvement-programme/resources/

Sexual Offences: Victims
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Tuesday 26th May 2026

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to strengthen protections for victims of sexual abuse from (a) harassment and (b) threatening or coercive communication online.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Secretary of State and I have acted to prevent platforms hosting child sexual abuse material and material that contributes to violence against women and girls by banning AI nudification apps and requiring platforms to take down non-consensual intimate images 48 hours after they are reported. We have always been clear that there is still more to do.

Under the Online Safety Act, services must have proportionate systems and processes in place to prevent users from encountering illegal content including online harassment and threatening or coercive communications. These duties are enforced by Ofcom, which can hold companies to account where they fail to protect users.

The Act also strengthened the criminal law, including new offences for threatening and false communications , enabling law enforcement to take action against online abusers.

Family Proceedings: Legal Aid Scheme
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 28th May 2026

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the Bar Council's recommendation to increase legal aid funding in family law.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

This Government recognises the vital role that legal aid plays in supporting individuals in family proceedings to have access to publicly funded legal assistance to uphold their legal rights.

We know that the civil and family legal aid market faces challenges which we are taking action to address. We recently made changes to legislation to ensure that legal aid continues to be available for domestic abuse victims. This includes ensuring legal aid is available for all victims of domestic abuse who can apply for leave to enter or remain in the UK, and to provide comprehensive availability of legal aid in respect to Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders.

We are also conducting a review of the domestic abuse evidence requirements which need to be satisfied in order to access legal aid for private family matters. This is to ensure that they are not a barrier to victims accessing legal aid.

We are also undertaking a programme to transform the delivery of legal aid and the Legal Aid Agency’s systems over this parliament. The Government’s vision is an accessible and trusted legal aid system that works for those who need it, and the providers who deliver it. We are redesigning end-to-end journeys, simplifying processes and replacing legacy technology with modern, flexible solutions.

Last year, the Government spent £854 million on family legal aid, compared to £652 million in 2014/15. We continue to keep family legal aid policy under review.

This Government is also delivering wider improvements to the family justice system. We have committed to rolling out Child Focused Courts nationally in the next three years and are investing £17 million this year to fund the next expansion.

Poultry: Ukraine
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Thursday 28th May 2026

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of Ukraine's implementation of improvements to animal welfare standards for livestock, including a ban on battery cages.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Under the Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine, tariffs on all goods are temporarily removed until March 2029, except for poultry and eggs, where the liberalisation is due to end on 31 March 2028.

The Government has consistently raised the importance of animal welfare standards with the Ukrainian Government, which has assured that all Ukrainian companies currently exporting animal products to the UK fully comply with existing EU animal welfare requirements, including the ban on battery cages for laying hens as set out in Directive 1999/74/EC.

Ukraine is making steps to improve its animal welfare standards. As of 1 January 2026, new welfare standards for livestock were introduced in Ukraine, including on the implementation of a ban on battery cages, and improving housing and treatment for livestock.

The UK will continue to engage with Ukraine on the implementation of improvements to production standards.

Adult Education: Finance
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Wednesday 27th May 2026

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the (a) adequacy and (b) sustainability of funding for specialist adult education services supporting deaf learners.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Adult Skills Fund (ASF) fully funds or co-funds education and skills training for eligible adults aged 19 and above from pre-entry to level 3, to help them gain the skills they need for work, an apprenticeship or further learning.

The ASF also funds learning providers to help adult learners to overcome barriers which prevent them from taking part in learning. This includes Learner Support to support learners with a specific financial hardship, and Learning Support to meet the additional needs of disabled learners and/or learners with learning difficulties.

Learning Support funding enables providers to support learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities by helping providers meet the costs of implementing reasonable adjustments as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Support can cover a range of needs including funding to pay for specialist equipment or helpers and arranging signers or note takers. There is no cap on the funding that a provider can spend to meet the individual needs of the adult learner, meaning the individual can be supported throughout their learning.

Currently, the government has devolved approximately 68% of the ASF to 12 Strategic Authorities and the Greater London Authority. These authorities are responsible for the provision of the ASF to their residents and allocation of the ASF to their learning providers. Although Strategic Authorities have flexibility in how they use their ASF funds, they are still required to provide equal treatment and access to provision for adult skills funded learners under the Equality Act 2010 by providing any required relevant adjustments.

The overall ASF budget, which includes learning support, is kept under regular review through normal Spending Review cycles, alongside wider priorities.



Early Day Motions Signed
Monday 1st June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

A&E corridor care

24 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
That this House condemns the normalisation of corridor care in NHS hospitals; expresses alarm at recent reports of patients receiving end of life care in corridors; believes patients deserve better and should expect to receive care in privacy and with dignity; regrets that 2025 saw the worst level of 12 …
Tuesday 2nd June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Improvements to and funding for Hertfordshire’s SEND service

11 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
That this House congratulates the Liberal Democrat administration at Hertfordshire County Council and the Central East Integrated Care Board on their work to reform the local Special Education Needs and Disabilities service for the county; welcomes the lifting of the Improvement Notice on 15 April 2026, which was issued to …
Tuesday 2nd June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Government response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report on communication of changes to women’s state pension age

58 signatures (Most recent: 12 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)
That this House condemns the Government’s continued refusal to provide any compensation to women affected by changes to the state pension age, turning its back on millions of pension-age women who were harmed through no fault of their own; regrets Ministers’ decisions to effectively ignore the recommendations of the independent …
Tuesday 2nd June
Adam Dance signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Scotland Loves Local Week 2026

10 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
That this House recognises the importance of Scotland Loves Local Week 2026, which takes place from 15 to 20 June, in celebrating and supporting the businesses, organisations and local services that form the backbone of communities across Scotland; commends the work of Scotland's Towns Partnership and its partners in promoting …
Tuesday 2nd June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

36 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Danny Chambers (Liberal Democrat - Winchester)
That this House notes with grave concern the recent declaration of a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the Democratic Republic of Congo following 904 suspected cases and 119 suspected deaths from Ebola for which there is currently no vaccine or effective treatment; …
Monday 1st June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

AI content labelling

29 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted)
That this House notes that, according to a study by KPMG, 72% of the UK public are now unsure whether online content can be trusted due to the proliferation of AI-generated material; further notes that AI-generated content is fuelling misinformation and eroding public trust; also notes that mandatory AI content …
Monday 1st June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Emergency Medicine Day 2026

37 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath)
That this House recognises the vital contribution of emergency medicine professionals, up and down the country, who deliver urgent and life-saving care and pays tribute to them for their dedicated service in our A&E Departments as we celebrate Emergency Medicine Day 2026; notes with concern the increasing levels of violence, …
Monday 1st June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Chelsea flower show

11 signatures (Most recent: 4 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath)
That this House congratulates the businesses behind the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, from landscapers to garden designers, growers to manufacturers; recognises that Environmental Horticulture contributes £38 billion to UK GDP every year and supports more than 722,000 good green jobs; notes that green infrastructure, our gardens, parks, green spaces, and …
Monday 1st June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Official Development Assistance

26 signatures (Most recent: 12 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Monica Harding (Liberal Democrat - Esher and Walton)
That this House expresses concern over the Government’s decision to reduce the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI; agrees on the importance of strengthening the UK’s national security and defence commitments in light of increasing global security challenges, but rejects funding this through cuts to …
Monday 1st June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Towards a ceasefire and political resolution in Sudan

29 signatures (Most recent: 12 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Monica Harding (Liberal Democrat - Esher and Walton)
That this House notes with alarm that after three years of conflict, over 33 million people, including 17.3 million children, are in need of humanitarian assistance in Sudan, that famine has been confirmed in Al Fasher and Kadugli, with 20 additional areas at risk, and that over 14 million people …
Monday 1st June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Civil Service pensions

39 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame)
That this House notes severe delays and administrative failures in the Civil Service Pensions Scheme following the implementation of the McCloud remedy; recognises that rectifying the unlawful age discrimination in the 2015 reforms has created significant complexity but that this does not excuse the prolonged backlogs, poor communication, and missed …
Monday 1st June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Support for the Red Arrows

24 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Joshua Reynolds (Liberal Democrat - Maidenhead)
That this House recognises the longstanding contribution of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, to the promotion of the United Kingdom overseas through public displays, diplomatic engagement and support for defence outreach; notes concerns regarding the planned retirement of traditional display numbering arrangements and the potential effect …
Monday 1st June
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Palantir and the NHS

33 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
That this House condemns the Department for Health and Social Care over the lack of transparency and public scrutiny around the decision to grant Palantir the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) contract; highlights reports around Lord Mandelson's role in helping Palantir secure Government contracts; expresses regret at the impact this …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026

Scott Hastings

29 signatures (Most recent: 1 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Rachel Gilmour (Liberal Democrat - Tiverton and Minehead)
That this House honours the life of the late, great Scott Hastings; celebrates his distinguished contribution to rugby, including a legacy of 65 caps for his native Scotland and two British and Irish Lions tours; recognises that watching the Hastings brothers represent their country together was a rare and memorable …
Thursday 21st May
Adam Dance signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 1st June 2026

Arthritis Awareness Month 2026

23 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
That this House celebrates May as Arthritis Awareness Month; acknowledges the significant impact that arthritis has on over 10 million people across the UK, including more than 10,000 children and young people; recognises that arthritis causes pain, fatigue, disability, mental and financial strain and can affect people of any age, …
Thursday 21st May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026

Carers Week 2026

44 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Alison Bennett (Liberal Democrat - Mid Sussex)
That this House supports Carers Week 2026, taking place from 8 to 14 June 2026; recognises that this year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, highlights the importance of creating supportive environments for unpaid carers; notes that millions of unpaid carers looking after family members and friends often face significant challenges …
Thursday 21st May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Monday 1st June 2026

UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme

37 signatures (Most recent: 12 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
That this House notes with concern the slow progress in advancing negotiations with the European Union on youth mobility, educational exchange and wider people-to-people cooperation following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union; recognises the cultural, educational and economic benefits that reciprocal youth mobility arrangements provide to young people, …
Wednesday 20th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Thursday 21st May 2026

Free-to-air coverage of European finals

29 signatures (Most recent: 2 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Lee Dillon (Liberal Democrat - Newbury)
That this House notes with concern that supporters of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace may be required to purchase a subscription to watch their teams compete in European finals this season; further notes that this is the first time since the creation of the Champions League in 1992 that …
Wednesday 20th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM as a sponsor on Thursday 21st May 2026

Shoemakers Museum shortlisted for Permanent Exhibitor of the Year at the 2026 Museum and Heritage Awards

6 signatures (Most recent: 2 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat - Glastonbury and Somerton)
That this House congratulates the Shoemakers Museum in Street on being shortlisted for Permanent Exhibition of the Year at the 2026 Museum and Heritage Awards for its Place, People and Purpose exhibition; recognises the importance of the Shoemakers Museum in preserving and celebrating the rich history of shoemaking in the …
Wednesday 20th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Thursday 21st May 2026

UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures agreement

30 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
That this House welcomes the Government’s commitment to negotiate a new UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement as part of efforts to improve relations with the European Union; notes with concern, however, that negotiations have so far lacked the urgency and ambition needed to deliver meaningful economic benefits for British …
Wednesday 20th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Thursday 21st May 2026

Fundraising by Albie Lavallee for the National Autistic Society

17 signatures (Most recent: 2 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Max Wilkinson (Liberal Democrat - Cheltenham)
That this House celebrates five-year-old Albert ‘Albie’ Lavallee who climbed the equivalent height of The Shard to raise awareness and funds for autism; commends his courage and determination; notes that he raised £1500 in support of the National Autistic Society; and acknowledges that more must be done to support awareness, …
Tuesday 19th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Local government and social care

31 signatures (Most recent: 12 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrat - Guildford)
That this House recognises that adult social care is the largest area of council spending after SEND provision; notes that in 2024-25 the gross current expenditure for local authorities in England on adult social care totalled £29.4 billion which was a 9% increase on the previous year in cash terms; …
Tuesday 19th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Nature Friendly Farming Week

31 signatures (Most recent: 8 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat - Glastonbury and Somerton)
That this House celebrates Nature Friendly Farming Week, taking place from Monday 18 until Sunday 24 May; notes that this week is the Nature Friendly Farming Network’s annual celebration to recognising the invaluable efforts of farmers who work in harmony with nature; recognises this year’s theme, solutions for climate and …
Tuesday 19th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Rough sleeping, homelessness prevention and long-term housing support

29 signatures (Most recent: 9 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrat - Guildford)
That this House recognises there is a rough sleeping emergency; highlights with concern the findings of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee's rough sleeping inquiry, published on 14 February 2025, of gaps between public institutions and housing support which put vulnerable people at greater risk of rough sleeping following …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Warm Homes Plan

29 signatures (Most recent: 10 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire)
That this House believes the publication of the Warm Homes Plan in January 2026 was a welcome step after long delays from the Government; condemns that delays meant vulnerable households were left without the anticipated support to upgrade homes and cut energy bills in winter 2024-25, and again for winter …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Wellington Town Crier

5 signatures (Most recent: 21 May 2026)
Tabled by: Gideon Amos (Liberal Democrat - Taunton and Wellington)
That this House congratulates Wellington’s Town Crier Andrew Norris for his triumph in winning the recently held annual Town Crier competition; and thanks Wellington Town Council, its councillors and staff for maintaining the office of Town Crier and continuing the Cry that There are thirty-nine Wellingtons on our globe but …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Mobile connectivity in rural areas

22 signatures (Most recent: 1 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
That this House recognises that reliable mobile connectivity is essential infrastructure, yet rural areas such as West Dorset continue to experience persistent signal not-spots, including in Stoke Abbott, with serious human, economic and safety consequences; notes that in such communities residents have no mobile signal and are deeply concerned about …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Centenary of Thrive

6 signatures (Most recent: 21 May 2026)
Tabled by: Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat - Glastonbury and Somerton)
That this House celebrates the centenary of Thrive, originally founded in 1926 as The Community Council in Somerset; recognises the organisation's 100 years of dedicated service supporting individuals, families and local communities across the county through changing social and economic circumstances; commends Thrive's enduring role in promoting resilience, inclusion and …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Retirement leasehold service charges and exit fees

21 signatures (Most recent: 3 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
That this House expresses concern at rising and unpredictable service charges in retirement leasehold properties, which disproportionately affect older people, people on lower incomes and those on fixed incomes; notes concerns that many buyers are not provided with clear or realistic information about long-term service charge liabilities before signing leases, …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Access to banking services

28 signatures (Most recent: 1 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
That this House welcomes the announcement that the Government will reassess the provision of in-person banking services in their Access to Banking Services Review; notes that the current cash access assessment criteria fail to take account of people's banking needs, particularly for residents of rural market towns such as Wem …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Online abuse and exploitation of Ukrainian refugees

30 signatures (Most recent: 8 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire)
That this House expresses grave concern at evidence of widespread abuse, racism, scamming and sexual exploitation targeting Ukrainian refugees within online groups established to facilitate sponsorship under the Homes for Ukraine scheme; notes reports of malicious or inactive administrators allowing such groups to become hostile environments for vulnerable people fleeing …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Visas and access to education for Ukrainian refugee children

25 signatures (Most recent: 1 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire)
That this House expresses serious concern about the detrimental impact of short-term visas granted under the Ukraine Sponsorship and Ukraine Family Schemes on the education and wellbeing of Ukrainian refugee children in the UK; notes the case of a Year 9 student living in south Cambridgeshire, whose limited 18-month visa …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

Stability for Ukrainian refugees in the UK

22 signatures (Most recent: 1 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire)
That this House believes that Ukrainian refugees fleeing war must be treated with compassion in the UK; recognises that the war in Ukraine still wages on, more than three years after Putin first invaded; notes with concern recent reports that some Ukrainian refugees have faced losing their homes and jobs …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

UNESCO World Heritage status for chalk streams in England

32 signatures (Most recent: 5 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire)
That this House recognises that chalk streams are among the rarest freshwater habitats on Earth, with around 200 known globally and approximately 85% found in England; notes that these unique rivers support exceptional biodiversity, including Atlantic salmon, water vole, brown trout, southern damselfly and white-clawed crayfish; further notes the internationally …
Monday 18th May
Adam Dance signed this EDM on Wednesday 20th May 2026

UK-US Trade Deal and animal welfare and farming

29 signatures (Most recent: 5 Jun 2026)
Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire)
That this House notes with concern the announcement on 8 May 2025 of the UK-US Trade Deal which significantly expands tariff-free access for US beef exports from 1,000 to 13,000 tonnes annually; further notes that while the Government has stated that sanitary and phytosanitary standards must be maintained, the deal …



Adam Dance mentioned

Parliamentary Debates
Defence Readiness
209 speeches (50,921 words)
Wednesday 20th May 2026 - Commons Chamber
Ministry of Defence
Mentions:
1: Sarah Dyke (LD - Glastonbury and Somerton) Friend the Member for Yeovil (Adam Dance), Leonardo helicopters employs around 3,300 people, many of - Link to Speech



Select Committee Documents
Wednesday 20th May 2026
Formal Minutes - Formal Minutes 2024-26

Backbench Business Committee

Found: Sarah Edwards and John Cooper: Regulatory powers over billing of energy supply to businesses Adam Dance