Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 8 October 2018 to Question 176667 on Uganda: Military Aid, what military support the UK provided to Uganda between 2020 and 2024.

Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The UK provides military support to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to help build its capabilities to contribute to regional security. From 2020 to 2024 we have supported Uganda’s deployment to the Africa Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and its successor mission the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). This assistance includes pre-deployment training and capacity-building that covers engineering, stabilisation operations, intelligence and operational planning courses. In addition, the UK trains UPDF Marines and contingents of the Uganda Police Force deploying to ATMIS. We have also supported anti-poaching by training Ugandan wildlife rangers. All UK support is delivered through a combination of UK military training teams, professional military education courses delivered in the UK and overseas, and through the British Peace Support Team (Africa). All our training assistance includes International Humanitarian Law, Law of Armed Conflict, and Women, Peace and Security.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department have taken to reduce the time taken from initial presentation of symptoms to diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Answered by Maria Caulfield - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)

We’re set to reach nearly £1 billion of additional funding invested by 2023/24, compared to 2018/19, to transform community mental health services. In 2022/23, 288,000 people with severe mental illness, including bipolar disorder, accessed support through new integrated models of community care.

The funding aims to increase access to high quality care and transform care pathways for people with severe mental illness, including bipolar disorder, through: greater integration of primary and community services, to provide care in the community driven by the needs of individuals, rather than based solely on diagnoses; physical health checks; and Individual Placement and Support schemes, as well as Early Intervention in Psychosis services.

NHS England is also working on implementing new access and waiting time standards for mental health services, including one for adults with bi-polar disorder or similar, to start to receive community-based mental health care within four weeks of referral.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of amending the trial trenching requirements for ground-mounted solar projects (a) to delay trial trenching until after consent has been granted and (b) in other ways.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Planning guidance on assessing potential impacts of large-scale solar projects on the historic environment is set out in the recently published Energy National Policy Statements. In most cases, applicants are required to seek expert assessment. Where assessments include investigative work, such as trial trenching, this should be proportionate.

Conducting this work during the pre-application planning phase enables developers to take into account findings and, if necessary, mitigate impacts by adapting project design at an early stage. It provides a robust evidence base to support decision making, helping to avoid delays after applications have been submitted or post consent.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to ensure trial trenching requirements for ground-mounted solar farms are proportionate to the amount of land disturbed through their construction and operation.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As set out in the updated Energy National Policy Statements, the extent of investigative work to assess potential impacts of ground mount solar projects on the historic environment, including trial trenching, should be proportionate to the sensitivity of, and extent of, proposed ground disturbance in the associated study area.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of trial trenching requirements on (a) costs for solar project developers and (b) investment in ground-mounted solar projects.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Planning consents will set requirements for pre-construction archaeological surveys where appropriate, and techniques used may include trial trenching. The most appropriate technique is likely to depend on the specific circumstances in each case.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average processing time was for probate applications in the past 12 months.

Answered by Mike Freer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

HMCTS is focused on increasing outputs to reduce overall timeliness and the outstanding caseload on all types of applications. HMCTS has increased staffing levels, streamlined internal processes and continued to invest in further improving the digital service.

More recent Management Information published by HMCTS shows the average mean length of time taken for a grant of probate (following receipt of the documents required) reduced by 3 weeks in March 2024 compared to February 2024. The average timeliness for cases completing in March was 9 weeks.

Official statistics show that the average time (median) from application submission to grant issue for all grant types was 11.0 weeks in 2023 (mean average time was 13.9 weeks). From the document receipt to grant issue the median average time was 8.7 weeks (mean average time 12.0).

Despite the probate service receiving record levels of applications during 2023 the open workable caseload (cases not waiting for more information from the applicant) has reduced by 30,500 cases since August 2023 and currently stands at 37, 406 in March 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to reduce the backlog in processing probate applications.

Answered by Mike Freer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

HMCTS is focused on increasing outputs to reduce overall timeliness and the outstanding caseload on all types of applications. HMCTS has increased staffing levels, streamlined internal processes and continued to invest in further improving the digital service.

More recent Management Information published by HMCTS shows the average mean length of time taken for a grant of probate (following receipt of the documents required) reduced by 3 weeks in March 2024 compared to February 2024. The average timeliness for cases completing in March was 9 weeks.

Official statistics show that the average time (median) from application submission to grant issue for all grant types was 11.0 weeks in 2023 (mean average time was 13.9 weeks). From the document receipt to grant issue the median average time was 8.7 weeks (mean average time 12.0).

Despite the probate service receiving record levels of applications during 2023 the open workable caseload (cases not waiting for more information from the applicant) has reduced by 30,500 cases since August 2023 and currently stands at 37, 406 in March 2024.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with the British High Commission in Kampala on the Ugandan elections in 2026.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

The Electoral Commission of Uganda issued its strategic plan in October 2022 and outlined a roadmap for the 2026 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The UK has not taken any decision on election observation. The UK provides financial support to the African Union via the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa and to the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with the British High Commission in Kampala on democratic reform in Uganda.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

The UK will continue to support inclusive democratic processes in Uganda that deliver for future generations. This can only be achieved through an open civic space and credible and inclusive elections. Ministers are in regular contact on these issues with relevant officials in Uganda and the UK.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Uganda.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

The UK works with the Government of Uganda on a range of shared interests including trade, development and regional security. Our approach is to support Uganda to become more democratic and prosperous, and to continue to play a positive regional role. We engage as a critical friend, and regularly raise concerns about governance and human rights issues, including LGBT+ rights, with the Ugandan Government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he plans to send an election observer mission to Uganda for the 2026 elections.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

The Electoral Commission of Uganda issued its strategic plan in October 2022 and outlined a roadmap for the 2026 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The UK has not taken any decision on election observation. The UK provides financial support to the African Union via the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa and to the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the appointment of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba as head of the Ugandan military.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba was appointed as Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces in March 2024. Uganda plays an important role in regional security, including as the largest Troop Contributing Country to the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The UK will continue to work with the Ugandan authorities to advance our objectives.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of (a) including additional reconciliation windows until 2027 and (b) other alternative proposals to the proposed Energy Bill Relief Scheme final reconciliation date of May 2024.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department understands the concerns raised by both industry trade bodies and individual energy suppliers, on the potential impact of the proposed reconciliation date for the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. To that end, the Department has been working closely with the concerned parties to develop a reconciliation proposal for the £7.5 billion scheme, that strikes the right balance of addressing suppliers concerns and protecting public funds, including potentially adding additional reconciliation windows.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make an assessment of the potential (a) merits of introducing a standing charge relief for electric vehicle charge point operators and (b) impact of such a relief on the deployment of electric vehicle charge points in rural areas.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The setting of standing charges associated with tariffs is a commercial matter for suppliers, and suppliers have the flexibility in how they structure their tariffs. Ofgem regulates standing charges, as they do with other elements of billing.

The Government is pleased that Ofgem is considering the issue of standing charges through their recent Call for Input and looks forward to hearing its findings and future proposals. The Government expects bills to be fair and affordable for all consumers (including for electric vehicle charging), that standing charges are kept as low as possible, and that the right costs are recovered.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the deployment of electric vehicle charge points in rural areas.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government wants people across the country to have the opportunity to make the move to electric vehicles wherever they live and work.

Our £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund aims to address regional charging inequality and transform the availability of EV charging for drivers. The data-led allocation model to award funding considers the level of rurality with local authorities in rural areas allocated additional funding compared to urban ones.

In addition, the Workplace Charging Scheme supports businesses including charities, small accommodation businesses, public sector organisations, and state-funded education institutions with grants for chargepoints.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Ofgem Targeted Charging Review on the rollout of electric vehicle charge points.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Targeted Charging Review is a matter for Ofgem. The 2019 Targeted Charging Review reviewed network charging arrangements, including the allocation of standing charges.

Ofgem is considering the issue of standing charges through their recent Call for Input and we look forward to hearing its findings and future proposals. We expect bills to be fair and affordable for all consumers (including for electric vehicle charging), that standing charges are kept as low as possible, and that the right costs are recovered.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed Energy Bill Relief Scheme final reconciliation date of May 2024 on the non-domestic energy sector in the (a) medium- and (b) long-term.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department has met with energy suppliers and their trade bodies to develop the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) reconciliation arrangements. To that end, the Department has been working closely with suppliers to develop an evidence base, needed to enact any effective change to the policy that met the concerns of industry whilst also ensuring the return of any public money owed.

Notably, the Department issued a Request for Information (RFI), in March, in order to gather the necessary evidence and data that would inform any effective policy change. Whilst the returns were not as detailed as expected, this did allow the Department to develop an amended approach that struck a balance between industry concerns and the need to return taxpayer funds if owed.

Details of the proposed amended approach have been shared with both industry bodies, the I&C Shippers and Suppliers (ICoSS) and Energy UK, in early May. This was presented to all suppliers and trade bodies at a roundtable chaired by the Department on 22 May.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions her Department has had with industry stakeholders on the proposed Energy Bill Relief Scheme final reconciliation date in May 2024.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department values strong working relationships with both industry trade bodies, and the individual energy suppliers that they represent. The Department hosted a roundtable on 6 March 2024 with energy suppliers and industry bodies to discuss the final reconciliation arrangements of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS).

Since then, taking on board feedback received from suppliers and trade bodies, the Department has shared further details on a proposed revised reconciliation approach with energy suppliers, and in early May officials met with the I&C Shippers and Suppliers (ICoSS) and Energy UK (gas and electricity industry trade bodies) to also share the proposed approach.

A further roundtable with all suppliers and trade bodies was held on 22 May, where officials shared current thinking on the EBRS reconciliation and offboarding approach.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will take steps to ensure that lactation consultants are widely available on the NHS.

Answered by Andrea Leadsom - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government’s vision, as set out in The Best Start for Life: A Vision for the 1,001 Critical Days, is that every parent and carer has access to high quality infant feeding services. Through the Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme, we are investing £50 million to enable 75 participating local authorities to design and deliver a blended offer of infant feeding support. The investment is being used to increase the range of advice and support available, including recruiting and training staff to improve workforce capacity and capability.

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan sets out the steps the National Health Service and its partners need to take to deliver an NHS workforce that meets the changing needs of the population over the next 15 years. The Government is backing the plan with over £2.4 billion over the next five years to fund additional education and training places.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with his Peruvian counterpart on the protection of indigenous leaders in that country.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I [Minister Rutley] visited Peru in October 2023 and held discussions with senior representatives of the Peruvian Government including my former counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Higueras Hare on issues including the importance of protecting human rights of minority and indigenous groups. The British Embassy in Lima monitors the threats that indigenous people, their leaders and supporters face from groups linked to serious and organised crime, as well as the actions of the Peruvian Government to protect these communities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has made an assessment of the safety of indigenous leaders in Peru.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government is aware of the challenges faced by indigenous people and their supporters in Peru. We monitor the threats that they face from groups linked to serious and organised crime, as well as the actions of the Peruvian Government to protect these communities. I [Minister Rutley] visited Peru in October 2023 and met with a group of indigenous peoples' leaders and representatives to hear firsthand about the main threats, challenges and opportunities experienced by these communities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with his Peruvian counterpart on (a) the expansion of oil palm plantations and (b) narcotics production.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I [Minister Rutley] visited Peru in October 2023 and held discussions with senior representatives of the Peruvian Government, including my former counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Higueras Hare and separately the former Minister for the Environment, Albina Ruiz. We discussed a range of issues including the protection of Peru's environment and the threats posed by serious organised crime, including illegal narcotics production.

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