Alex Sobel
Labour (Co-op) - Leeds Central and Headingley
8,422 (26.7%) majority - 2024 General ElectionFirst elected: 8th June 2017
6 APPG Officer Positions (as of 12 Jan 2026)
Fair Elections, Global Deforestation, Music, Students, Ukraine, West Papua29 APPG Memberships
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Tennis, Italy, Greece, Autism, Aviation, British Jews, Carers, City Regions Transport, Climate Change, Environment, Financial Technology, Fusion Energy, Gaps in Covid-19 Financial Support, Grid Networks, Gypsies, Travellers and Roma, Internet, Communications and Technology, Investment Fraud and Fairer Financial Services, Modern Conflict, Modernising Employment, Mutuals, Net Zero, Race and Community, Social, Cooperative, and Community Economy, Long Covid, Armenia, International Conservation, Aid Match86 Former APPG Officer Positions
22q11 Syndrome, Aid Match, Albania, American Football, Antisemitism, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Baseball, Baseball and Softball, Baseballand Softball, Basketball, British Jews, Cayman Islands, Channel 4, Clean Quarrying, Climate and Security, Climate Change, Conservation, Places and People, Côte d’Ivoire, Critical Minerals, Drones, Drones and Modern Conflict, East Coast Main Line, Electoral Reform, Electric Aviation, Electric Vehicles, Esports, Estonia, Events, Fair Business Banking, Food Waste, Fusion Energy, Future of UK-Australia Trade, Greenland, Gypsies, Travellers and Roma, Heritage and Regeneration, Holocaust Memorial, Hospitality and Tourism, Human-Relevant Science, Hydrogen, International Conservation, Internet, Communications and Technology, Investment Fraud, Investment Fraud and Fairer Financial Services, Kosovo, Kurdistan in Turkey and Syria, Lithuania, Loan Charge and Taxpayer Fairness, Local Resilience and Civil Contingencies, Modern Conflict, Montenegro, Mutuals, Net Zero, North Macedonia, Northern Culture, Pacific Islands, Park Homes, Parkrun, Plastic Waste, Polo, Race and Community, Rare, Genetic and Undiagnosed Conditions, Religion in the Media, Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Renters and Rental Reform, Running, Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse, Slovakia, Slovenia, Small Island Developing States, Social Enterprise, Space, Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Resource, Sweden, Tajikistan, Technology Addiction, Ticket Abuse, United Nations, Uzbekistan, Vegetarianism and Veganism, Video Games, Video Games and Esports, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Western Sahara, Yoga in Society, Zoos and AquariumsDivision Voting information
Alex Sobel voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 47 Labour Aye votes vs 331 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 149 Noes - 334
Alex Sobel voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 35 Labour Aye votes vs 333 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 130 Noes - 443
Debates during the 2024 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Sparring Partners
(12 debate interactions)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(10 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(39 debate contributions)
(23 debate contributions)
(12 debate contributions)
(12 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(1,077 words contributed)
(1,041 words contributed)
(816 words contributed)
(550 words contributed)
Leeds Central and Headingley Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
of 232,906 signatures (0.27%)
of 108,514 signatures (0.19%)
of 114,338 signatures (0.15%)
of 194,748 signatures (0.12%)
of 123,102 signatures (0.12%)
of 232,906 signatures (0.27%)
of 685,512 signatures (0.06%)
of 194,748 signatures (0.12%)
of 108,514 signatures (0.19%)
of 183,625 signatures (0.10%)
Petition Closed
Urgently fulfil humanitarian obligations to Gaza
Gov Responded - 8 Aug 2025 Debated on - 24 Nov 2025 View Alex Sobel's petition debate contributionsclosed 6 months ago
Act to ensure deliverer of fuel, food, aid, life saving services etc. We think this shouldn't be dependant/on condition of Israeli facilitation as the Knesset voted against UNWRA access to Gaza. We think if military delivery of aid, airdrops, peacekeepers etc, are needed, then all be considered.
Petition Closed
Prohibit publishers irrevocably disabling video games they have already sold
Gov Responded - 3 Feb 2025 Debated on - 4 Nov 2025 View Alex Sobel's petition debate contributionsclosed 6 months, 2 weeks ago
The government should update consumer law to prohibit publishers from disabling video games (and related game assets / features) they have already sold without recourse for customers to retain or repair them. We seek this as a statutory consumer right.
Petition Closed
Stop financial and other support for asylum seekers
Gov Responded - 23 Jun 2025 Debated on - 20 Oct 2025 View Alex Sobel's petition debate contributionsclosed 6 months, 1 week ago
This petition is to advocate a cessation of financial and other support provided to asylum seekers by the Government. This support currently includes shelter, food, medical care (including optical and dental), and cash support.
Petition Closed
Shut the migrant hotels down now and deport illegal migrants housed there
Gov Responded - 23 Apr 2025 Debated on - 20 Oct 2025 View Alex Sobel's petition debate contributionsclosed 3 months, 4 weeks ago
The Labour Party pledged to end asylum hotels if it won power. Labour is now in power.
Petition Closed
Keep 5-year ILR terms to Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visas
Gov Responded - 11 Jul 2025 Debated on - 8 Sep 2025 View Alex Sobel's petition debate contributionsclosed 1 month ago
We urge the Government to exempt BN(O) visa for Hongkongers from the proposed immigration reforms. We think the current ILR terms must remain unchanged:
1. Five years of UK residency
2. B1 level English proficiency
3. Passing the Life in the UK Test
Petition Closed
Keep the 5-Year ILR pathway for existing Skilled Worker visa holders
Gov Responded - 17 Jun 2025 Debated on - 8 Sep 2025 View Alex Sobel's petition debate contributionsclosed 2 months ago
Do not apply the proposed 10-year ILR rule to existing Skilled Worker visa holders. Keep the 5-year ILR route for those already in the UK on this visa. Apply any changes only to new applicants from the date of implementation.
Petition Closed
Allow transgender people to self-identify their legal gender.
Gov Responded - 19 Mar 2025 Debated on - 19 May 2025 View Alex Sobel's petition debate contributionsclosed 7 months, 2 weeks ago
We believe the government should change legislation to make it easier for trans people of all ages to change their legal gender without an official diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Petition Closed
Tighten the rules on political donations
Gov Responded - 26 Feb 2025 Debated on - 31 Mar 2025 View Alex Sobel's petition debate contributionsclosed 6 months, 1 week ago
We want the government to:
Remove loopholes that allow wealthy foreign individuals to make donations into UK political parties (e.g. by funnelling through UK registered companies).
Cap all donations to a reasonable amount.
Review limits on the fines that can be levied for breaking the rules
Latest EDMs signed by Alex Sobel
Commemoration of Terry Yorath
Tabled by: Carolyn Harris (Labour - Neath and Swansea East)That this House commemorates the life and achievements of former Wales midfielder, captain and manager Terry Yorath; acknowledges his accomplishments at club level for Leeds United, Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur; recognises his 59 international appearances for Wales, 42 of them as Captain; remembers his commitment to the sport and …
(Most recent: 27 Jan 2026)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 12
Plaid Cymru: 4
Liberal Democrat: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Conservative: 1
National Coal Mining Museum strike
Tabled by: Jon Trickett (Labour - Normanton and Hemsworth)That this House expresses its solidarity with the staff of the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield who are in a dispute over pay; applauds the workforce for insisting on a settlement which secures gender equality; acknowledges the important role the museum plays in honouring the memory and legacy of …
(Most recent: 12 Jan 2026)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 15
Independent: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Alex Sobel, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
1 Urgent Question tabled by Alex Sobel
Alex Sobel has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
1 Bill introduced by Alex Sobel
A Bill to require the United Kingdom to achieve climate and nature targets; to give the Secretary of State a duty to implement a strategy to achieve those targets; to establish a Climate and Nature Assembly to advise the Secretary of State in creating that strategy; to give duties to the Committee on Climate Change and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee regarding the strategy and targets; and for connected purposes.
Thursday 21st March 2024
25 Bills co-sponsored by Alex Sobel
Public Body Ethnicity Data (Inclusion of Jewish and Sikh Categories) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Preet Kaur Gill (LAB)
Fireworks (Noise Control etc) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Yasmin Qureshi (Lab)
Powers of Attorney Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Fabian Hamilton (Lab)
Co-operative Housing Tenure Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Andrew Pakes (LAB)
Assets of Community Value (Sports Facilities) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Emma Foody (LAB)
Poly and Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (Guidance) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Munira Wilson (LD)
Illegal and Unsustainable Fishing (Due Diligence) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Lord Grayling (Con)
Co-operatives (Permanent Shares) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Gareth Thomas (LAB)
Firearms and Hate Crime Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Luke Pollard (LAB)
Wellbeing of Future Generations (No. 2) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Caroline Lucas (Green)
Fur Trade (Prohibition) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Taiwo Owatemi (Lab)
Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies (Environmentally Sustainable Investment) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Anna McMorrin (Lab)
Planning (Affordable Housing and Land Compensation) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Helen Hayes (Lab)
Dockless Bicycles (Regulation) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Daniel Zeichner (Lab)
Plastic Pollution (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)
Plastic Pollution Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)
Packaging (Extended Producer Responsibility) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Anna McMorrin (Lab)
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Consent) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Fabian Hamilton (Lab)
Energy Consumption (Innovative Technologies) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Rebecca Pow (Con)
Banking (Cash Machine Charges and Financial Inclusion) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Ged Killen (LAB)
Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
Sponsor - Karen Buck (Lab)
Local Electricity Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Jeremy Lefroy (Con)
Youth (Services and Provisions) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Lloyd Russell-Moyle (LAB)
Assaults on Retail Workers (Offences) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alex Norris (LAB)
DiGeorge Syndrome (Review and National Health Service Duty) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - David Duguid (Con)
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.
A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 26th June is attached.
Minister of State (Education)
The Procurement Act 2023 (the Act), which received Royal Assent in October 2023, creates a new debarment regime, including a public debarment list.
As of the 24th February 2025 the Act comes into force, at which point debarment investigations can be started and the debarment list can be created.
Minister of State (Education)
This Government will continue to speak up on human rights in China, including the repression of people in Xinjiang, and will continue to hold China to account.
The new Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure the supply of critical minerals vital for the UK’s economic growth and clean energy transition. The strategy will promote responsible and transparent supply chains, including through greater adoption of responsible business practices to protect local communities and the environment.
We will continue to assess and monitor the effectiveness of the UK’s existing measures, alongside the impacts of new policy tools to tackle forced labour in supply chains, and take action where appropriate.
Secretary of State for Scotland
The Department provides a range of services and advice to assist companies doing business in Hong Kong, through our extensive network, both in the UK and at our Consulate. Additionally, the Overseas Business Risk (OBR) service provides information on the political, economic and security risks to support and guide businesses when trading overseas.
FCDO Travel Advice provides information to help British nationals make informed decisions about foreign travel. Travel Advice for Hong Kong remains under regular review to ensure it reflects the latest assessment of risks to British nationals.
Secretary of State for Scotland
The new Low Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference (CfD) with Drax includes powers for the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) to terminate the contract as the ultimate sanction for serious breaches of generating requirements or sustainability criteria.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Over 90% of smart meters are sending automatic readings to energy suppliers. To drive this percentage up further we are working at pace alongside industry partners to share best practice and improve smart meter connectivity across Great Britain.
Ofgem is currently conducting compliance engagement into six energy suppliers in relation to their obligations to keep smart meters operating in smart mode. Ofgem is also currently consulting on new Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSOPs) that will further strengthen consumer protections in cases where a smart meter is not sending automatic readings.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The Government is working closely with the Low Carbon Contracts Company and Ofgem to finalise the remit for the independent advisor on biomass sustainability and will set out a timescale for the appointment in due course.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government only supports sustainable biomass and generators only receive subsidies for biomass that complies with our criteria.
The results of Ofgem’s investigation into Drax’s compliance with biomass sustainability criteria was published in August 2024 and can be found here, https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/ofgem-decision-investigation-drax-power-limited) . Ofgem found that whilst Drax complied with sustainability standards, it had failed to report data accurately. Drax’s misreporting is a serious matter and Government expects full compliance with all regulatory obligations. Drax’s £25 million redress payment underscores the robustness of the regulatory system. No decision has been taken as to whether transitional support arrangements will be introduced for relevant biomass generators when their current subsidies end.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Low carbon hydrogen is a leading option to decarbonise industrial processes that are harder or more expensive to electrify.
Hydrogen could therefore be important for processes that require high temperatures or direct firing such as in the glass or ceramics industry.
Government has an ambitious range of policies in place to incentivise and support industry to invest in innovative, clean technologies, including low carbon hydrogen.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The energy price cap is set by Ofgem and not the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. More information on how Ofgem calculate the price cap can be found on its website - https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-price-cap.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The 2023 Biomass Strategy contained a commitment to consult on developing and implementing a cross-sector sustainability framework to enable greater consistency across sectors. Next steps on this will be announced in due course.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Government provides support for biomass, for the purpose of heat and power generation, through active and legacy policy schemes, such as the Renewables Obligation (RO) and the Contracts for Difference (CfD). The annual cost of support is dependent on variables, such as the volume of electricity generation in a given year and the wholesale cost of electricity. The Department does not hold a combined estimate of the projected cost of these schemes for “biomass” in the years listed.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The department does not produce specific emissions estimates for the plastic production industry, however our greenhouse gas (GHG) territorial (i.e. occurring within the UK’s borders) emissions statistics by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) includes a category for plastics products. The latest year for which data is available is 2022, when GHG emissions from manufacture of plastic products was 2,266 kilotonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (kt CO2e).
The department publishes Energy & Emissions Projections however these do not include an emissions split for plastic products.
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/energy-and-emissions-projections
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Artificial intelligence is the defining opportunity of our generation, and the Government is taking action to harness its economic benefits for UK citizens. As set out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, we believe most AI systems should be regulated at the point of use, with our expert regulators best placed to do so. Departments are working proactively with regulators to provide clear strategic direction and support them on their AI capability needs. Through well-designed and implemented regulation, we can fuel fast, wide and safe development and adoption of AI.
The Government is committed to ensuring the UK remains one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the world for all visitors, including for LGBTQIA+ tourists. Inclusivity is a key part of what we offer tourists and contributes to our global appeal.
The Department has not conducted a specific assessment of the potential impact of the draft code on tourism. However, DCMS, through VisitBritain and VisitEngland, continues to support tourism businesses in this area. A new e-learning course to help the industry welcome LGBTQIA+ customers was recently launched and is being promoted through Local Visitor Economy Partnerships to their networks.
To provide clarity for the sector, interim EHRC guidance relating to the recent Supreme Court ruling has also been added to the ‘Pink Book’, VisitEngland’s guide to accommodation and attraction legislation. Furthermore, VisitEngland will review its Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Toolkit for businesses and LGBTQIA+ course once the EHRC’s updated guidance is finalised.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Fundraising platforms are commercial organisations that provide an important service to charities and donors. Most platforms are registered with the Fundraising Regulator, which is the independent, non-statutory regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. DCMS meets with the Fundraising Regulator regularly to discuss a range of issues, including fundraising platforms.
The Fundraising Regulator’s new Code of Fundraising Practice, which will come into force on 1 November 2025, includes requirements for fundraising platforms to include information for donors about how fees, including any voluntary tips, are calculated. The information must be easy to find, and include details on how voluntary tips can be amended or removed altogether in a straightforward way. The Fundraising Regulator will engage with fundraising platforms to ensure they are clear on the new transparency requirements for fees and tipping sliders before the new Code comes into effect.
The government has no current plans to bring forward legislation on fundraising platforms. DCMS will continue working with the Fundraising Regulator, charities, and online giving platforms to support best practice across all forms of charitable fundraising.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Fundraising platforms are commercial organisations that provide an important service to charities and donors. Most platforms are registered with the Fundraising Regulator, which is the independent, non-statutory regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. DCMS meets with the Fundraising Regulator regularly to discuss a range of issues, including fundraising platforms.
The Fundraising Regulator’s new Code of Fundraising Practice, which will come into force on 1 November 2025, includes requirements for fundraising platforms to include information for donors about how fees, including any voluntary tips, are calculated. The information must be easy to find, and include details on how voluntary tips can be amended or removed altogether in a straightforward way. The Fundraising Regulator will engage with fundraising platforms to ensure they are clear on the new transparency requirements for fees and tipping sliders before the new Code comes into effect.
The government has no current plans to bring forward legislation on fundraising platforms. DCMS will continue working with the Fundraising Regulator, charities, and online giving platforms to support best practice across all forms of charitable fundraising.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Fundraising platforms are commercial organisations that provide an important service to charities and donors. Most platforms are registered with the Fundraising Regulator, which is the independent, non-statutory regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. DCMS meets with the Fundraising Regulator regularly to discuss a range of issues, including fundraising platforms.
The Fundraising Regulator’s new Code of Fundraising Practice, which will come into force on 1 November 2025, includes requirements for fundraising platforms to include information for donors about how fees, including any voluntary tips, are calculated. The information must be easy to find, and include details on how voluntary tips can be amended or removed altogether in a straightforward way. The Fundraising Regulator will engage with fundraising platforms to ensure they are clear on the new transparency requirements for fees and tipping sliders before the new Code comes into effect.
The government has no current plans to bring forward legislation on fundraising platforms. DCMS will continue working with the Fundraising Regulator, charities, and online giving platforms to support best practice across all forms of charitable fundraising.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Department is still considering the findings of the independent research, which looked at the size and nature of the prize draw market, as well as possible gambling harm associated with these products. This research is informing our policy considerations, as whilst not regulated as a gambling product under the Gambling Act, we want people who participate in large scale commercial prize draws to be confident that proportionate protections are in place. We will update Parliament further in due course.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Large scale commercial prize draws are a significant and growing market. Whilst not regulated as a gambling product under the Gambling Act, we want people who participate in large scale commercial prize draws to be confident that proportionate protections are in place. Independent research was commissioned in 2023, looking at possible gambling harm and assessing the impact of potential regulation, and will inform our policy considerations. The department is grateful for the voluntary action taken so far by the sector to act transparently and apply player protection measures. We want to ensure high standards in this area and the Minister for Gambling will be meeting the sector to discuss this work.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Large scale commercial prize draws are a significant and growing market. Whilst not regulated as a gambling product under the Gambling Act, we want people who participate in large scale commercial prize draws to be confident that proportionate protections are in place. Independent research was commissioned in 2023, looking at possible gambling harm and assessing the impact of potential regulation, and will inform our policy considerations. The department is grateful for the voluntary action taken so far by the sector to act transparently and apply player protection measures. We want to ensure high standards in this area and the Minister for Gambling will be meeting the sector to discuss this work.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
We have had no such recent meetings, but there are already several routes that provide opportunities for artists and creatives to come to the UK. The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers, artists, and their technical staff, from non-visa national countries (such as EU/EEA nationals) to perform in the UK for up to 6 months without requiring a visa, as long as they are not receiving payment from a UK source other than prize money or expenses. Musicians, entertainers and artists from visa-national countries are likewise able to perform in the UK via the Standard Visitor route, and/or if performing at a festival detailed on the Permit Free Festivals list.
Additionally, the Creative Worker visa allows a professional artist, model, entertainer or musician (applicable to all nationalities) to carry out activity directly relating to their profession, if they have a Sponsor who is licensed by the Home Office and has assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship to the
individual.
We are committed to continuing to work closely with stakeholders to better understand their needs and challenges within the immigration system. This includes exploring ways to better streamline the processes within existing frameworks, to ensure the UK remains an attractive destination for global creative talent.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
All society lotteries, including the Health Lottery, are required to publish information on their websites about the proportion of revenue they return to good causes. This data is available on the Health Lottery’s website. The Department does not hold data on individual society lottery operators.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The oversight of both operating and personal management licences for society lotteries, including assessing an applicant’s suitability to hold a licence, is a matter for the Gambling Commission.
More information about the Gambling Commission’s principles for licensing and regulation and licensing, compliance and enforcement under the Gambling Act 2005 can be found on the Commission’s website here and here.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The oversight of both operating and personal management licences for society lotteries, including assessing an applicant’s suitability to hold a licence, is a matter for the Gambling Commission.
More information about the Gambling Commission’s principles for licensing and regulation and licensing, compliance and enforcement under the Gambling Act 2005 can be found on the Commission’s website here and here.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
From 2011 onwards, the Gambling Commission has provided advice and worked with the Health Lottery to ensure it remains compliant with its statutory responsibilities. The ongoing assessment of the Health Lottery has been in line with the Commission’s usual approach.
More information about licensing, compliance and enforcement under the Gambling Act 2005 can be found on the Gambling Commission’s website here. Where the Commission takes regulatory action against an operator, it publishes the details on its website.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The oversight of operating licences for large scale lotteries such as the Health Lottery, including compliance with social responsibility duties, is a matter for the Gambling Commission. Where the Commission takes regulatory action against an operator, it publishes the details on its website.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
This government is committed to supporting the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements and wants to attend higher education. We are future proofing our maintenance loan offer by increasing maintenance loans in line with forecast inflation every academic year from 2026/27 onwards, and making all care leavers automatically eligible for the maximum maintenance loan regardless of their income from 2026/27.
We are also introducing new targeted maintenance grants from the 2028/29 academic year, which will provide disadvantaged students with up to £1,000 extra per year, on top of existing maintenance loans, increasing cash in student’s pockets, without increasing their debt.
We need to ensure that student funding system is financially sustainable. Around £20.7 billion of student loans administered by the Student Loans Company were issued in the 2024/25 financial year, of which £9.1 billion of maintenance loans were issued to undergraduate students.
The current system targets the highest levels of support at students with household incomes of £25,000 or less, who need it most.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
I refer my hon. Friend, the Member for Leeds and Central Headingley to the answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 30133.
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The period products scheme is confirmed for the 2024/25 academic year. The department will make further announcements on the scheme soon.
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The department will shortly be finalising business planning decisions on how we will allocate the department’s budget for the next financial year. All decisions regarding the adoption and special guardianship support fund are being made as part of these discussions. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.
All future funding decisions will be considered as part of the next spending review.
This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department is committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.
All teachers are teachers of SEND, and high quality teaching is central to ensuring that pupils with SEND are given the best possible opportunity to achieve at school. Consideration of SEND underpins the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Core Content Framework (CCF) and Early Career Framework (ECF). These frameworks were produced with the support of sector experts and have been designed to support all pupils to succeed, including those identified within the four areas of need set out in the SEND Code of Practice.
All mainstream schools must have a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) who must be a qualified teacher, or the headteacher, working at the school. On 1 September 2024, the government introduced a new mandatory leadership level National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs. The NPQ will play a key role in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND by ensuring SENCOs consistently receive high quality, evidence-based training. This is crucial given the central role SENCOs play in supporting pupils with SEND.
Universal SEND Services brings together SEND-specific continuing professional development and support for the school and further education workforce. The programme aims to improve outcomes for children and young people, including those with autism. The contract offers autism awareness training and resources. Over 200,000 professionals have received autism training from an Autism Education Trust training partner since the programme launched in May 2022.
The department wants all children and young people to be able to receive the right support to succeed in their education and we recognise that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) often require access to additional support. All teachers are teachers of SEND, including those with pathological demand avoidance, and they should support children and young people through a needs-led approach.
The SEND code of practice is clear that education settings should put in support to meet the needs of the child or young person when they are identified. A diagnosis is not required for an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment or to issue an EHC plan. Where assessment of needs indicates that support from specialist services is required, it is important that children and young people receive it as quickly as possible. Agencies across EHC should work together to support children and young people.
The department also holds and funds the Universal SEND Services contract, which brings together SEND-specific continuous professional development and support for the school and further education workforce. The programme aims to improve outcomes for children and young people, including those with autism. As part of the contract, the Autism Education Trust (AET) provide a range of training and support for staff on autism. Since the contract began in May 2022, over 200,000 professionals have received training from AET training partners.
The department has two contracts which allows us to talk directly to both parents and carers of children with SEND and the specialist charities who support them in order to get their input. Within these contracts, we fund a charity called Contact who are a specialist organisation that specifically supports parents, carers and the families of children with SEND. Additionally, we also fund the National Network of Parent Carer Forums who support parent and cares within their local areas.
The recent pay award for the 2024/25 financial year was for school teachers only. The government does not set or recommend pay in further education (FE).
This government recognises the vital role that FE teachers and providers play in equipping learners with the opportunities and skills that they need to succeed in their education and will consider workforce sufficiency and what this might mean for FE funding in future years.
The Autumn Budget 2024 set out the government’s commitment to skills, by providing an additional £300 million revenue funding for FE to ensure young people are developing the skills this country needs. The department will set out in due course how this funding will be distributed.
As part of this government’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders, my Ministerial colleagues and departmental officials meet regularly with representatives of all the education unions, including the National Education Union, to discuss a range of issues.
Further education (FE) providers are responsible for setting the pay of their teachers and government plays no role in this process.
The Autumn Budget 2024 set out the government’s commitment to skills by providing an additional £300 million revenue funding for FE to ensure young people are developing the skills this country needs. The department will set out in due course how this funding will be distributed.
Student finance is awarded on an academic year basis, not a financial year basis, so the average amounts are provided by academic year. The mean average maintenance loan amounts presented below are for England-domiciled full-time undergraduate borrowers:
a) Studying away from home in London
Academic Year | Average Maintenance Award (£) |
2021/22 | 10,746 |
2022/23 | 11,072 |
2023/24 | 11,593 |
b) Living at home and studying in London
Academic Year | Average Maintenance Award (£) |
2021/22 | 5,760 |
2022/23 | 5,793 |
2023/24 | 5,917 |
c) Studying in London in total
Academic Year | Average Maintenance Award (£) |
2021/22 | 9,148 |
2022/23 | 9,442 |
2023/24 | 9,863 |
To note:
- The location of the student (Parental Home or Elsewhere in London) in the autumn term is assumed to be their location throughout the year.
- Long Course Loans are excluded from these figures.
The department is working closely with Leeds City Council, Luminate Education Group and other providers in Leeds to ensure all 16-19 learners can access places, both in 2024 and in 2025.
10 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Questions
(View all Alex Sobel's Defra questions)Veterinary medicine is a private service, including the prescription and supply of veterinary medicines. The Government does not regulate the cost of medicines and pricing structures are not subject to legislative controls. The costs of veterinary medicines are controlled by market forces.
The Government is not informed of the prices of individual products and has not estimated the comparative costs of veterinary medicines and human medicines.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have been conducting a full market investigation into the supply of veterinary services for household pets in the UK since 23 May 2024. On 15 October 2025, the CMA released its Provisional Decision Report (PDR). The remedies raised in this report are subject to the CMAs final report which is due to be release in the Spring. One of the remedies being considered is a cap on the price of written veterinary prescriptions.
Defra welcomes the CMA’s market investigation into the veterinary sector and looks forward to continuing to engage with the CMA throughout this process. Defra will consider any remedies from the CMAs final report.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra will set out its timeline for publishing the Cross Government Nature Strategy (GCNS) in due course.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra is making progress on creating a natural asset register presented within an accessible geospatial mapping format and developing a cross-Government nature strategy.
A geospatial natural capital register of the Defra group estate has now been developed. Defra is leading on expanding the geospatial natural capital register for the government estate. Defra is considering the publication of the geospatial natural asset register on the Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website. No date for publication has been set.
Defra is leading the development of a cross-Government nature strategy. The strategy will apply the principles of the land use framework.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 April 2025 to PQ 45716.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
On the 24 September in New York, the Foreign Secretary announced the UK had endorsed the Bridge to Busan declaration to support greater ambition on addressing unsustainable levels of primary plastic production in the negotiations for a new treaty to end plastic pollution. Further information, including the full list of signatories to the Bridge to Busan declaration can be found at the following address: https://www.bridgetobusan.com.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The host country and Secretariat for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution have confirmed there will not be a dedicated Ministerial segment at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. As with previous negotiating committee sessions, the UK plans to have a strong negotiating presence to pursue our aims of an ambitious Treaty covering the full plastics life cycle.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The host country and Secretariat for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution have confirmed there will not be a dedicated Ministerial segment at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. As with previous negotiating committee sessions, the UK plans to have a strong negotiating presence to pursue our aims of an ambitious Treaty covering the full plastics life cycle.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Yes, officials will attend the fifth session, due to be held in November in Busan, South Korea.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)