Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will meet the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme to discuss support for the ceramics industry in relation to rises in energy costs.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government believes that our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 is the best way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers permanently.

The creation of Great British Energy will help us to harness clean energy with less reliance on volatile international energy markets and help in our commitment to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030.

Companies in the ceramics sector are eligible to apply to the British Industry Supercharger scheme, which has provided energy bill support to hundreds of firms in energy intensive sectors. Financial relief to support energy intensive industries with electricity costs is worth £470 million per year through a mixture of spending and bill discounts.

I meet frequently with representatives of the ceramics sector to discuss challenges faced by manufacturers, including high energy costs. Government is committed to continuing to listen and engage with the sector.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on business confidence in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Gareth Thomas - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade continues to have regular discussions with all Cabinet colleagues, including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, on the best ways to deliver economic growth that raises living standards and puts money in people’s pockets.

This Government is driving long-term, inclusive growth through our Industrial Strategy, Trade Strategy, Small Business Strategy and Plan to Make Work Pay.

Our recent landmark economic deal with the United States and Free Trade Agreement with India will improve access to important markets for Northern Ireland businesses.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery on delivering truth and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

A growing number of families are taking cases to ICRIR, and the Government has confidence in its ability to start delivering investigations, accountability, and information for them.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal recognised ICRIR’s powers to access information and its independence from government. However, the confidence of families in its work is paramount.

That is why the Government has already begun the process of repealing and replacing the previous Government's Legacy Act and is committed to fundamentally reforming the ICRIR to further strengthen its powers and independence.

The Government will continue to work with all parties in a spirit of openness as we seek a resolution to legacy that can see us move forward together.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many of the 18 parliamentary constituencies in Northern Ireland has he visited since his appointment.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

I have visited 16 parliamentary constituencies across Northern Ireland since my appointment.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of public support for the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

There are encouraging signs of increasing engagement with ICRIR. By the end of March 2025, 154 individuals have come forward with 50 live investigations currently underway. The Government has confidence in its ability to deliver investigations, accountability, and information for families. These figures illustrate a growing willingness to engage with ICRIR, but it is clear that confidence in ICRIR will be determined by the outcomes provided for victims and survivors.

However, as part of its commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Government has committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to fundamentally reform and strengthen the independent Commission to ensure it is fully human rights compliant and can command public confidence.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on the appointment of a Victims Commissioner in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

The appointment of a Commissioner for Victims and Survivors is a devolved matter for Ministers in the Executive Office and is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Office has been kept aware of progress in this matter by the Commission for Victims and Survivors as part of ongoing engagement on legacy related matters.

I hope the process of appointing a new Commissioner will conclude soon, allowing the successful candidate to take up this important role representing victims and survivors.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he expects a Victims Commissioner to be appointed in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

The role of Victims Commissioner is a public appointment made by Ministers in the Executive Office under the guidance of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland. I understand that the First Minister and deputy First Minister have met candidates deemed suitable for appointment by the independent selection panel. I hope the process of appointing a new Commissioner will conclude soon, allowing the successful candidate to take up this important role representing victims and survivors.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

A growing number of families are taking cases to ICRIR, and the Government has confidence in its ability to start delivering investigations, accountability, and information for them.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal recognised ICRIR’s powers to access information and its independence from government. However, the confidence of families in its work is paramount.

That is why the Government has already begun the process of repealing and replacing the previous Government's Legacy Act and is committed to fundamentally reforming the ICRIR to further strengthen its powers and independence.

The Government will continue to work with all parties in a spirit of openness as we seek a resolution to legacy that can see us move forward together.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support the ceramics industry in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire through his Department's trade strategy.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

I have been working closely with Ceramics UK and local MPs on the challenges facing the sector. My department will continue to consider all possible options where support may be given.

The Trade Strategy will set out the Government’s approach to maximising trade opportunities in support of the UK’s growth mission, for all sectors and regions. The United Kingdom currently has anti-dumping measures in place on ceramic tiles and ceramic tableware & kitchenware originating from China. The UK ceramics industry may apply for an investigation from the Trade Remedies Authority if it is being injured by unfair trading practices.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her priorities are for the Education World Forum.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education was pleased to host the Education World Forum in London from 18 to 21 May, with over 140 education and skills Ministers from around the world joining. The forum supports the government’s priorities and our Growth and Opportunity Missions through engaging with international Ministers and showcasing our international education strengths and offer. It is a key opportunity to demonstrate UK government leadership in this area and a valuable soft power event.

The theme of this year’s event, ‘From stability to growth: Building stronger, bolder better education together’, allowed us to discuss and learn from each other across multiple priority areas in education such as artificial intelligence and technology in education, skills for the future, early years, and special educational needs and disabilities, among many others.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent steps the Church of England has taken to fill vacancies left by members of the clergy at parish churches in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The National Church Institutions are supporting the dioceses of the Church of England with a variety of initiatives to assess vocations and recommend people for training. More information about this work can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/diocesan-resources/ministry-development/vocations

The Diocese of Lichfield has received £5,980,655 funding between 2022-2025 from the National Church Institutions via its Lowest Income Communities Fund, to support ministry in parishes which would otherwise not be able to maintain it. This is further to the Diocese of Lichfield being awarded £6,230,837 during 2020-2023, and £6,590,111 during 2017-2019

The Diocese recognises that, along with many dioceses across the Church of England, it is facing challenges recruiting clergy to vacant parishes. This has been exacerbated by a recent spike in retirements occurring at the same time as a reduction in the number of new ordinations.

The Diocese is taking action to address this by proactively taking steps to increase the number of those coming forward for licensed ministries, both lay and ordained. They are working hard with individual parishes through the recruitment process to help them assess vocations and attract the right candidates. For some parishes, finance is an issue. Where this is the case, the Diocese works with them to find the best way forward for both missional and financial sustainability. More details about the strategy of the Diocese of Lichfield are available here: https://www.lichfield.anglican.org/shaping-for-mission/#:~:text=From%202024%20to%202030%2C%20Lichfield%20diocese%20will%20be,overwhelmingly%20at%20the%20Diocesan%20Synod%20of%20March%202024

For further information do please contact the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, or the Archdeacon of Stoke, the Venerable Megan Smith. Contact details are available on the Diocese of Lichfield website.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church has taken to encourage more people under 40 to attend Sunday services in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

Nationally, the Church of England has committed to three priorities: to develop and grow more disciples, to develop a mixed ecology of churches and to grow a younger and more diverse congregation. More information about the national work is available here: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/vision-and-strategy

A key priority for the Diocese of Lichfield in its Diocesan Strategic Framework is to reduce the age profile of congregation members. Various work strands are being developed to achieve this, including building on already strong relationships between churches and schools. Across some parishes good work is taking place ecumenically on initiatives that support younger people in their explorations of faith and build their confidence within the church.

In 2024, the Diocese of Lichfield was awarded £837,608 grant funding from the National Church Institutions Strategic Mission and Ministry Board (SMMIB). The Diocese has recently been awarded further SMMIB funding for new work beyond 2025, specifically operating in Stoke to establish new worshipping communities focused on those aged under 40

For further information do please contact the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, or the Archdeacon of Stoke, the Venerable Megan Smith. Contact details are available on the Diocese of Lichfield website.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what the age profile is of members of the clergy in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Diocese of Lichfield has licensed clergy ranging in age from 32 to 72 years. The most recent Ministry Statistics held by the National Church Institutions were published in 2024 and cover the years 2022-23. See: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/data-services/resources-publications-and-data#na The information can be found on sheet M in columns BA and BB of the 2022 data.

This data indicates that the Diocese of Lichfield has a total of 244 clergy in active ministry, including bishops, clergy, curates and non-parochial clergy. 17% of stipendiary clergy are under 40, with 50% being 40-59 and 33% being aged 60+. This is roughly comparable to the national landscape where 16% of stipendiary clergy are under 40, 55% are between 40-55 years old and 29% are aged 60+. It is not possible to say what age bracket the self-supporting clergy are, as this information is not held centrally.

For further information do please contact the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, or the Archdeacon of Stoke, the Venerable Megan Smith. Contact details are available on the Diocese of Lichfield website.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent progress the Church of England has made on the appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

Following an extensive public consultation, which gathered input from over 11,000 individuals, the Church of England has made significant progress in the process of appointing the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

The full membership of the Crown Nomination Commission (CNC), including the local and global representatives, has now been published here: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/governance/archbishops/canterbury-crown-nominations-commission/members-canterbury-crown-nominations-commission and will soon hold its first meeting, with further meetings in July and September 2025.

The CNC members will first establish a ‘Role Profile’ and ‘Person Specification’ for the next Archbishop of Canterbury. They will also review a longlist of candidates, determine a shortlist and conduct interviews, before voting to submit a name to the Prime Minister and the Crown in the usual manner. The committee is expected to be in a position to make this recommendation to the Prime Minister in the autumn of this year.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church of England has had with the leaders of other faith groups on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church of England General Synod voted on this issue in 2012 and 2022 and on both occasions there was near-unanimous opposition to a change in the law. The position of the Church has always been grounded in a concern for the welfare of the most vulnerable and the theological principles set out in scripture to care for those in need, the widow, orphan and stranger. The precarious funding of palliative and end of life care means not everyone has full and equal access to the care that they need, which is one of the reasons why it is wrong to legislate for assisted suicide. Most recently, the Rt Revd Lord Bishop of London gave written evidence to the Bill Committee on behalf of the Church of England. This evidence can be found here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cmpublic/TerminallyIllAdults/memo/TIAB28.htm

The House of Bishops and National Church Institutions are in regular dialogue with other churches and faiths in the UK. Leaders from a variety of faith traditions, including the Church of England, issued a joint statement in November 2024 against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and expressed their shared concerns with the legislation. You can read their letter here: https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/faith-leaders-join-oppose-bill-legalise-assisted-suicide

In April 2025 the Bishops of London, Gloucester, Bristol, Dover, Stepney, Croydon and Aston issued a joint letter with 105 other senior women of faith to highlight the impact of the Terminally Ill Adults Bill on vulnerable women

https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/in-the-news/2025/04/04/open-letter-from-women-of-faith-on-assisted-dying

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to help tackle poverty in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

Many churches across the Diocese of Lichfield are involved in initiatives to help those in poverty, including offering Warm Welcome Spaces, foodbanks, and school uniform banks. Such initiatives are developed according to locally identified needs and available resources in parishes.

St Thomas’ Church in Kidsgrove, St Luke’s Church in Clayton, and All Saints Church in Madeley are three of the six local distribution points for the Newcastle-Staffs Foodbank. These churches work with other denominations in Chesterton, Silverdale and Newcastle town centre to provide this service to the local community in Newcastle under Lyme. On the 22nd May, the Foodbank published data to show that in one year, it had provided 8,720 emergency food parcels to people in need. 3,018 of these parcels went to children across Newcastle under Lyme. More information is available here: https://newcastlestaffs.foodbank.org.uk/2025/05/22/end-of-year-stats-2/

The Diocese of Lichfield Strengthening Communities team works with communities and individuals, churches and other faiths across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, the Black Country and north Shropshire, to support community building and improve lives. More information about the work of the diocese can be found here: https://www.lichfield.anglican.org/about-us/strengthening-communities/ For further information do please contact the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, or the Archdeacon of Stoke, the Venerable Megan Smith. Contact details are available on the Diocese of Lichfield website.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she expects the Child Poverty Strategy to be published.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Child Poverty Taskforce is developing an ambitious cross-government strategy focused on long-term change and improving children’s life chances. The Strategy will look at levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience, and better local support especially in the early years.

We will bring forward the Child Poverty Strategy as soon as we are able.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will meet with the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme to discuss the merits of ensuring the skills required for the ceramics industry are met through (a) the national curriculum and (b) her plan for apprenticeships.

Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, covering ages 5 to 18. The Review is looking at all subjects and wants to ensure a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work. The Review’s final report and recommendations will be published in the autumn, at which point the government will respond.

The department will continue to support learners who wish to have a career in the ceramic industry through its technical education offer, with a range of qualifications available including T Levels, where there is an option to specialise in ceramic making, and apprenticeships.

Employers have developed the level 3 craft technician apprenticeship standard, which includes a ceramicist option. The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) is working to agree an end-point assessment organisation to enable starts onto this standard. IfATE’s functions will shortly transfer to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education to be implemented in future by Skills England.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church of England has made of the potential impact of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Church-owned hospices.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

Thanks to the pioneering work of Dame Cicely Saunders, many modern hospices started off as church-affiliated institutions. The majority of these organisations and charities have now become affiliated to Hospice UK, which supports over 200 hospices across the UK. Adult hospices in the UK receive on average only a third of their funding from the state, and for the rest, many rely on charitable support.

Professional bodies in the hospice sector have given written and oral evidence to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Committee to highlight their concerns about the legislation.

The precarious funding of palliative and end of life care means not everyone has full and equal access to the care that they need, which is one of the reasons why it is wrong to legislate for assisted suicide. It is crucial that the public funding that hospices currently receive does not come into question in relation to the provision of assisted suicide, should the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill pass.

Most recently, the Rt Revd Lord Bishop of London gave written evidence to the Bill Committee on behalf of the Church of England. The evidence can be found here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cmpublic/TerminallyIllAdults/memo/TIAB28.htm

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she plans to take to ensure that the amount of funding available for technical education is aligned with the skills requirements for key industries.

Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Over £7.5 billion of funding for the 16 to 19 programme is being invested during the 2024/25 academic year, with funding available via the High Value Courses Premium to encourage and support the delivery of level 3 study programmes and T Levels in priority subject areas.

Programme cost weightings support the delivery of higher cost vocational subject areas, which are often also areas of high value to the economy.

Additionally, the department will provide approximately £1.4 billion in funding for the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) in the 2025/26 academic year and will have devolved 68% of the ASF to mayoral strategic authorities. These authorities have autonomy in deciding how to use their funding to make decisions that are best for their areas. In non-devolved areas, the department uses five funding bands that reflect, amongst other considerations, the cost of the provision involved and skills needs.

My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, also committed over £600 million over the Parliament to deliver up to 60,000 skilled construction workers, supporting the government’s infrastructure and housebuilding priorities. This includes additional funding to deliver more construction courses, skills bootcamps, foundation apprenticeships, industry placements and the establishment of ten new Technical Excellence Colleges.

Scottish Rugby and the British and Irish Lions

National Carers Week 2025 and the Women in the North report

50 years of Stepps Community Fire Station

75th anniversary of Comber Rec FC

National Fish and Chip Day 2025

25th anniversary of Sermon Audio

Found: New Amendments: 25 to 33 and NC14 to NC17 _NC1 Gareth Snell Leigh Ingham Adam Jogee Jacob Collier

Found: Lorraine Beavers Helen Hayes Dr Danny Chambers Graeme Downie Andy Slaughter Manuela Perteghella Adam Jogee

Found: New Amendments: 8 to 18, 21 to 24 and NC13 _NC1 Gareth Snell Leigh Ingham Adam Jogee Jacob Collier

Found: Lorraine Beavers Helen Hayes Dr Danny Chambers Graeme Downie Andy Slaughter Manuela Perteghella Adam Jogee

Found: Rosie Duffield Lillian Jones Ian Byrne Graeme Downie Andy Slaughter Manuela Perteghella Adam Jogee