Alex Sobel Portrait

Alex Sobel

Labour (Co-op) - Leeds Central and Headingley

8,422 (26.7%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 8th June 2017


5 APPG memberships (as of 20 Nov 2024)
Fair Elections, Music, Net Zero, Ukraine, West Papua
87 Former APPG memberships
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, Global Deforestation, 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, 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, Students, 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 Aquariums
Highgate Cemetery Bill Committee
21st Jun 2021 - 30th May 2024
Culture, Media and Sport Committee
15th Jan 2024 - 30th May 2024
Culture, Media and Sport Sub-committee on Online Harms and Disinformation
15th Jan 2024 - 30th May 2024
Shadow Minister (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Dec 2021 - 5th Sep 2023
Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform Bill)
2nd Nov 2022 - 29th Nov 2022
Shark Fins Bill
9th Nov 2022 - 16th Nov 2022
Shadow Minister (Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
10th Apr 2020 - 4th Dec 2021
Highgate Cemetery Bill Committee
16th Jun 2021 - 16th Jun 2021
Environmental Audit Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 22nd Feb 2021
Monken Hadley Common Bill Unopposed Bill Committee
16th Jun 2021 - 17th Nov 2020
Backbench Business Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Environmental Audit Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Alex Sobel has voted in 50 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Alex Sobel Division Votes

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
Bernard Jenkin (Conservative)
(4 debate interactions)
David Lammy (Labour)
Foreign Secretary
(4 debate interactions)
Catherine West (Labour)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(3 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Cabinet Office
(8 debate contributions)
Ministry of Defence
(2 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Alex Sobel's debates

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).

Petitions with highest Leeds Central and Headingley signature proportion
Open
156
of 40,274 signatures (0.39%)
Open
1,897
of 2,997,916 signatures (0.06%)
Petitions with most Leeds Central and Headingley signatures
Alex Sobel has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Alex Sobel

16th December 2024
Alex Sobel signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 16th December 2024

St Albans Interfaith League and support for inter-faith initiatives

Tabled by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
That this House recognises that events abroad can and do have an impact on community tensions and cohesion in the UK; condemns rising levels of antisemitism and Islamophobia; regrets that a number of inter-faith networks and initiatives have broken down in recent months; praises the leadership shown by faith and …
10 signatures
(Most recent: 17 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 8
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
6th December 2024
Alex Sobel signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Thursday 5th December 2024

75th anniversary of National Parks

Tabled by: Alex Sobel (Labour (Co-op) - Leeds Central and Headingley)
That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the creation of National Parks in England and Wales, established following the passage of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, a landmark achievement of the post-war Labour government led by Clement Attlee; acknowledges the pioneering vision of Labour …
22 signatures
(Most recent: 18 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 13
Liberal Democrat: 3
Independent: 3
Green Party: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
View All Alex Sobel's signed Early Day Motions

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.


Alex Sobel has not been granted any Urgent Questions

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.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Thursday 21st March 2024

22 Bills co-sponsored by Alex Sobel

Public Body Ethnicity Data (Inclusion of Jewish and Sikh Categories) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Preet Kaur Gill (LAB)

Powers of Attorney Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Fabian Hamilton (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)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
24th Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when his Department plans to publish the debarment list.

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.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
9th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, If he will delay announcing subsidy decisions on Drax until after he has received Ofgem’s report on the compliance of Drax with sustainability rules during the last financial year.

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.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of using hydrogen to power glass factories.

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.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to introduce social energy tariffs.

The Government has no plans to introduce an energy social tariff this winter. However, we are committed to ensuring vulnerable households are supported with their energy bills and we are looking at all options on how to support these households.

The Government is continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills to over 3 million eligible low-income households. We are also working with energy suppliers to ensure they are providing additional support to vulnerable customers.

The Government has also extended the Household Support Fund for an additional 6 months until 31 March 2025 with an extra £500 million in funding, and I encourage any individual who is struggling to pay their bills contacts their local authority to see if they are eligible for this support.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reducing the energy price cap for winter 2024-25.

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.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the cost per household of government support for biomass in (a) 2024, (b) 2025 and (c) 2026.

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.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the contribution of the plastic production industry to the level of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the UK in (a) 2024 and (b) in the next ten years.

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).

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/final-uk-greenhouse-gas-emissions-national-statistics-1990-to-2022

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

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to publish the research that her Department has commissioned London Economics to undertake on the online prize draws and competitions market.

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.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
6th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to bring forward secondary legislation to regulate large-scale commercial prize draws.

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.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
6th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department's policy paper entitled High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age, published on 27 April 2023, when she plans to introduce consumer protections for players of large-scale commercial prize draws.

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.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
6th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to limit the value of prizes offered by large-scale commercial Prize Draws.

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.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on non-UK (a) artists, (b) sponsors and (c) creatives and the UK border.

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.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of whether the current Health Lottery licence holder meets the fit and proper person test.

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.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of reviewing the Health Lottery’s licence to operate.

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.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps the Gambling Commission took in 2011 in response to the announcement of an inquiry into the Health Lottery.

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.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will request that the Gambling Commission provide an overview of where (a) the Health Lottery and (b) other large scale lotteries have not fulfilled their social responsibility duties; and if she will take steps as a result of this overview.

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.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
2nd Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of supporting schools to train staff to support (a) autistic students and (b) students with pathological demand avoidance.

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.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
29th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on how many (a) students studying at UK universities hold British National (Overseas) visas and (b) such students are from Hong Kong.

The department does not hold data on the number of students studying at UK universities who hold British National (Overseas) (BNO) visas, including those from Hong Kong.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) is responsible for collecting and publishing data on the UK higher education (HE) sector. This data is shared with the department and includes a wide range of information on students coming from overseas to study in UK HE providers. However, information on students’ visa status is not collected and those that are studying in the UK and holding a BNO visa cannot be identified by the department.

Data from HESA shows that there were 17,905 students from Hong Kong studying at UK HE providers for the 2022/23 academic year.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department has taken to support (a) people diagnosed with pathological demand avoidance and (b) their carers.

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.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
15th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Sixth Form Pay Award settlement to Non-Academized Sixth Form Colleges in addition to Academized Sixth Form Colleges.

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.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will meet with representatives from the National Education Union to discuss the 2024-2025 further education pay award for teachers.

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.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
18th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an estimate of the number 16-18 year-olds who will not be able to secure a place in (a) further education and (b) training because not enough suitable places are available in Leeds in September (i) 2024 and (ii) 2025.

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.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
29th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether a Minister from his Department will attend the fifth round of negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty in Busan, Korea.

The fifth round of negotiations on the global plastic pollution treaty (INC-5), beginning on 25 November 2024 does not include a formal Ministerial segment. The UK will continue to be appropriately represented, and we will keep the need for Defra ministerial attendance at INC-5 under review

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2024 to Question 3775 on Plastics: Treaties, whether he plans to personally attend the fifth intergovernmental negotiation meeting for the Global Plastics Treaty in November 2024.

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.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2024 to Question 3775 on Plastics: Treaties, which Ministers from his Department will attend the fifth intergovernmental negotiation meeting for the Global Plastics Treaty in November 2024.

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.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2024 to Question 3774 on Plastics: EU Law, whether he plans to sign the Bridge to Busan declaration.

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.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to send a representative from his Department to the fourth intergovernmental negotiation meeting for the Global Plastics Treaty in November 2024.

Yes, officials will attend the fifth session, due to be held in November in Busan, South Korea.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
17th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of off-road vehicles imported from the USA on pedestrian safety.

Any imported car or light goods vehicle up to 10 years old will require approval before it can be registered for use on the roads of Great Britian to ensure it meets prescribed environmental and safety requirements. There are several different approval schemes available, and the process will vary depending on the specific scheme and type of vehicle, but each contains provisions to minimise, as far as practicable, tailpipe emissions and risk to pedestrians. Imported vehicles over 10 years old are required to pass an annual roadworthiness test to assess their tailpipe emissions and ensure that they are safe.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential environmental impact of off-road vehicles imported from the USA.

Any imported car or light goods vehicle up to 10 years old will require approval before it can be registered for use on the roads of Great Britian to ensure it meets prescribed environmental and safety requirements. There are several different approval schemes available, and the process will vary depending on the specific scheme and type of vehicle, but each contains provisions to minimise, as far as practicable, tailpipe emissions and risk to pedestrians. Imported vehicles over 10 years old are required to pass an annual roadworthiness test to assess their tailpipe emissions and ensure that they are safe.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to introduce air quality targets within train stations.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the railway maintains the highest air quality standards to safeguard the health and well-being of passengers and rail staff. The Department for Transport already requires Network Rail and train operators to develop air quality improvement plans to address issues in stations. The Department is also working with the Rail Safety and Standards Board to explore the option of specific air quality targets for the rail network, including within stations, to ensure rail remains one of the cleanest forms of mass public transport. The Department will confirm its position in due course.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many decision makers in her Department are working on cases of benefits fraud.

As of the 31st October 2024, Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt (CFCD) Directorate has the following Full Time Equivalent (FTE) assigned to decision making:

CFCD Internal Decision Makers

Administrative Officer

Executive Officer

Total

181.2

148.6

329.8

*This covers both Administrative Officer (AO) and Executive Officer (EO) grades who conduct this work as part of CFCD’s Enhanced Review Team (ERT), Interventions, Investigations, Economic and Serious Organised Crime, and Compliance functions.

In addition, CFCD also refers some of the cases it reviews to decision makers within Universal Credit (UC). As of the 28th October 2024, this function has the following FTE assigned to decision making for CFCD cases:

UC Decision Makers Assigned to CFCD Cases

Total

110.03

Andrew Western
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
2nd Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what training her Department requires call handlers to complete.

All directorates within DWP receive Telephony learning. This begins with new joiners receiving induction and mandatory learning which covers topics such as communicating effectively, delivering excellent customer service, keeping safe, and how to support those with additional or complex needs.

On completion of the induction learning delegates will complete their technical learning covering the skills and knowledge required for their specific role.

Andrew Western
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
2nd Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a service standard timeframe for criminal investigations by her Department into fraud.

There is no Service Level Agreement for criminal fraud investigations. Each case presents unique complexities, depending on the offence type and individual circumstances. Cases are often operationally challenging due to the complexity of the work required, involving information gathering from external organisations to obtain supporting evidence. Timelines are also affected by the frequent need to capture witness statements and the reliance on customer participation.

Andrew Western
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) simplifying and (b) automating the process to apply for Pension Credit.

The Department continues to assess the Pension Credit service. This led to the introduction of the online claim process, providing customers with a convenient alternative claim route, alongside the existing telephony and paper application methods. As the Department continues to modernise the Pension Credit service, we continue to review the user experience, balancing simplification of application with capturing the right information to ensure accuracy of award.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of dietetic apprenticeships.

We will refresh the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan next summer, to ensure the National Health Service has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need, when they need it. This will include how we ensure that we train, through all training routes, and provide the staff the NHS needs, including allied health professionals such as dieticians, to care for patients across our communities.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
2nd Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what training the NHS offers on pathological demand avoidance.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is most often understood as a characteristic experienced by or observed, or both, in some autistic people, but professional consensus on its status is still required. PDA is not a recognised and stand-alone diagnosis within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the International Classification of Disease.

There is a variety of training available for staff providing care to autistic people, although not specifically for PDA. The Health and Care Act 2022 requires that, from 1 July 2022, Care Quality Commission registered providers must ensure staff receive specific training on learning disability and autism, appropriate to their role. Individual employers are responsible for ensuring their staff are trained and competent to carry out their role.

The standard of training for health care professionals is the responsibility of the respective independent statutory regulatory bodies, who set the outcome standards expected at undergraduate level and approve courses. It is the responsibility of higher education institutions to write and teach the curricula content that enables their students to meet the regulators’ outcome standards.

Whilst not all curricula may necessarily highlight a specific condition, they all emphasise the skills and approaches a healthcare practitioner must develop in order to ensure accurate and timely diagnoses and treatment plans for their patients.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to support (a) people diagnosed with pathological demand avoidance and (b) their carers.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is most often understood as a characteristic experienced by or observed, or both, in some autistic people, but professional consensus on its status is still required. PDA is not a recognised and stand-alone diagnosis within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the International Classification of Disease.

It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including support for autistic people, in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

The NICE guideline, Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis, recommends that as part of autism assessments, healthcare workers should consider PDA and carry out appropriate referrals.

In respect of carers, the Care Act 2014 requires local authorities to deliver a wide range of sustainable, high-quality care and support services, including support for carers. Local authorities are required to undertake Carer’s Assessments to support people caring for their family and friends who appear to have a need for support, and to meet their eligible needs on request from them.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
28th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of a permanent national menopause network supported by specialist nurses to (a) support and (b) offer advice on (i) diet, (ii) exercise, (iii) the workplace and (iv) other issues to people going through the menopause.

No specific assessment has been made. The Government sympathises with the difficulties women experiencing menopausal symptoms face, and we are committed to prioritising women’s health as we reform the National Health Service.

The NHS website provides information and advice for women on menopause symptoms, healthcare support, including treatment options, and advice on lifestyles changes, including diet and exercise. NHS England has also developed a self-care fact sheet. This fact sheet is available at the following link:

https://www.selfcareforum.org/menopause/

Women should not have to suffer in silence and anyone needing advice on managing symptoms should seek advice from their general practitioner or other healthcare professional. In addition, the Department has invested £25 million over 2023/24 and 2024/25 to support the establishment of at least one pilot women’s health hub in every integrated care system. Menopause care is a core service for the pilot women’s health hubs.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing mandatory menopause training for GPs.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has a holistic curriculum of training that all GPs must cover before they are able to pass the examination to become a member of the RCGP and work independently as a GP. There is a specific section on women’s health, including the menopause. As a result, the menopause is already a core competency of all qualified GPs.

To support practicing GPs, the RCGP has developed a Women’s Health Library drawing together educational resources and guidelines on women’s health so primary healthcare professionals have the most up-to-date information. This includes a specific section on menopause, and more information on the Library is available at the following link:

https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/index.php?categoryid=57

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
18th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department (a) is taking and (b) plans to take steps to support increased capacity for adult ADHD assessments in (i) Leeds and (ii) England.

The Department is currently considering next steps to improve access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) services. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including ADHD care pathways, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

We are supporting a taskforce that NHS England is establishing to look at ADHD service provision and its impact on patient experience. The taskforce will bring together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the National Health Service, education, and justice, to better understand the challenges affecting people with ADHD and help provide a joined-up approach in response to concerns around rising demand.

The West Yorkshire ICB advises that the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is taking steps to assess and respond to the impact of the suspension of non-urgent referrals. This includes working to redesign the adult ADHD pathway in Leeds and setting up a new care navigator service for people on the waiting list who would like to discuss what support they need and their options under the NHS Choice Framework.

The ICB will be working with the ADHD patient support groups for Leeds and West Yorkshire on what they can do collectively to support patients during the pause to referrals, as well as involving them in the redesign of the local service.

A quality impact assessment and an equality impact assessment have been completed by the LYPFT, which will continue to be updated as the local NHS learns more about the impact of the suspension.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
18th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department (a) is taking steps and (b) plans to take steps to support the adult ADHD service in Leeds to reopen their referrals.

The Department is currently considering next steps to improve access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) services. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including ADHD care pathways, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

We are supporting a taskforce that NHS England is establishing to look at ADHD service provision and its impact on patient experience. The taskforce will bring together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the National Health Service, education, and justice, to better understand the challenges affecting people with ADHD and help provide a joined-up approach in response to concerns around rising demand.

The West Yorkshire ICB advises that the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is taking steps to assess and respond to the impact of the suspension of non-urgent referrals. This includes working to redesign the adult ADHD pathway in Leeds and setting up a new care navigator service for people on the waiting list who would like to discuss what support they need and their options under the NHS Choice Framework.

The ICB will be working with the ADHD patient support groups for Leeds and West Yorkshire on what they can do collectively to support patients during the pause to referrals, as well as involving them in the redesign of the local service.

A quality impact assessment and an equality impact assessment have been completed by the LYPFT, which will continue to be updated as the local NHS learns more about the impact of the suspension.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
18th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of the temporary suspension of non-urgent adult referrals by the adult ADHD service in Leeds on people with ADHD in that area.

The Department is currently considering next steps to improve access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) services. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including ADHD care pathways, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

We are supporting a taskforce that NHS England is establishing to look at ADHD service provision and its impact on patient experience. The taskforce will bring together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the National Health Service, education, and justice, to better understand the challenges affecting people with ADHD and help provide a joined-up approach in response to concerns around rising demand.

The West Yorkshire ICB advises that the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is taking steps to assess and respond to the impact of the suspension of non-urgent referrals. This includes working to redesign the adult ADHD pathway in Leeds and setting up a new care navigator service for people on the waiting list who would like to discuss what support they need and their options under the NHS Choice Framework.

The ICB will be working with the ADHD patient support groups for Leeds and West Yorkshire on what they can do collectively to support patients during the pause to referrals, as well as involving them in the redesign of the local service.

A quality impact assessment and an equality impact assessment have been completed by the LYPFT, which will continue to be updated as the local NHS learns more about the impact of the suspension.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the (a) business case status and (b) Royal Institute of British Architects' stage is for Leeds General Infirmary scheme.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the Programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.

Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £32.8 million.

The breakdown of how much the Trust received for its new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual Trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023

The Trust is currently developing its Outline Business Case for the new Leeds General Infirmary scheme and is at Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage 2.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding had been allocated by the Treasury for the (a) Leeds Infirmary scheme and (b) New Hospital Programme up to 2 July 2024.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the Programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.

Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £32.8 million.

The breakdown of how much the Trust received for its new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual Trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023

The Trust is currently developing its Outline Business Case for the new Leeds General Infirmary scheme and is at Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage 2.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his Department's latest estimate is of the total cost of the rebuild of Leeds General Infirmary.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the Programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.

Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £32.8 million.

The breakdown of how much the Trust received for its new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual Trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023

The Trust is currently developing its Outline Business Case for the new Leeds General Infirmary scheme and is at Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage 2.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)