Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 38013, what Quality Assurance she has that the removal of litter and detritus is done within the timeframes set out in the Environmental Protection Act 1990; and whether it is done to standards deemed appropriate within the Act.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

National Highways’ Performance Specification includes a Performance Indicator for litter. This metric monitors the cleanliness of the Strategic Road Network and is the percentage of the Strategic Road Network where litter is graded at A or B as defined in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Code of practice on Litter and Refuse. National Highways performance indicator score for 2023-24 is 59.2% of the Network is graded at A or B.

National Highways is monitored against its Performance Specification by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The ORR report annually to Parliament and the public on National Highways’ performance, including litter. If the ORR deem that National Highways is not complying with its statutory directions or complying with the requirements of the Road Investment Strategy, they may determine enforcement action to be appropriate.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to Answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 38013, what the last date of monitoring litter on the M67 and M60 in Denton was; and what grades each section were marked.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

National Highways undertakes weekly safety inspections on the M60 and M67. Although litter is not the primary purpose, it is taken into consideration as part of these inspections, and any concerns are recorded.

National Highways’ most recent inspection of the M67 and M60 in Denton took place on 20 March 2025.

The inspection identified the condition of the litter at various locations along these routes as Grade C, as defined in the Defra Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (Code of practice on litter and refuse). National Highways is currently making arrangements for this litter to be removed.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to Answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 38013, what Quality Assurance she has that the monitoring undertaken is to the correct standard.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

National Highways undertakes inspections of the Strategic Road Network in line with the DMRB GS801 Asset Delivery Asset Inspections Requirements standard and the inspectors survey and grade the Strategic Road Network in accordance with The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Code of Practice for Litter and Refuse.

The Office for Road and Rail (ORR), as Highways Monitor, also plays an important role in monitoring National Highways’ litter clearance on behalf of the Secretary of State and holding National Highways to account for its licence commitments. The ORR report annually to Parliament and the public on National Highways’ performance, including litter. If the ORR deem that National Highways is not complying with its statutory directions or complying with the requirements of the Road Investment Strategy, they may determine enforcement action to be appropriate.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her planned timetable is for the rebuilding of Russell Scott Primary School in Denton.

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

The project is in the procurement stage and a contractor is expected to be appointed later this year.

The department currently anticipates that the new school will be ready from September 2027.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will share the latest project schedule for the rebuilding of Russell Scott Primary School in Denton with the hon. Member for Gorton and Denton.

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

The project is in the procurement stage and a contractor is expected to be appointed later this year.

The department currently anticipates that the new school will be ready from September 2027.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his international counterparts on the accessibility of Gaza for the distribution of humanitarian aid.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

On 21 March, the Foreign Secretary issued a joint statement with the Foreign Ministers of France and Germany, making clear that Israel should fully respect international law and allow the flow of aid immediately. He called on Israel to restore humanitarian access, including water and electricity, and ensure access to medical care and temporary medical evacuations in accordance with international humanitarian law. The Foreign Secretary called Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar and Minister for Strategic Affairs Dermer on 20 and 21 March to press Israel to restore humanitarian access, raise serious concerns about civilian deaths and the safety of the hostages, and the importance of restoring a ceasefire and negotiated path forward. He also spoke to the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, about the humanitarian situation in Gaza on 14 March.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with his international counterparts to help implement the recent United Nations resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I recognise there are human rights issues in both India Administered Kashmir and Pakistan Administered Kashmir. We raise issues, where we have them, directly with the governments of India and Pakistan. India and Pakistan are important friends of the UK, and we have strong and deep bilateral relationships with both. It is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution on Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his (a) Indian and (b) Pakistani counterpart on reported human rights abuses in Kashmir.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I recognise there are human rights issues in both India Administered Kashmir and Pakistan Administered Kashmir. We raise issues, where we have them, directly with the governments of India and Pakistan. India and Pakistan are important friends of the UK, and we have strong and deep bilateral relationships with both. It is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution on Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I recognise there are human rights issues in both India Administered Kashmir and Pakistan Administered Kashmir. We raise issues, where we have them, directly with the governments of India and Pakistan. India and Pakistan are important friends of the UK, and we have strong and deep bilateral relationships with both. It is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution on Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with representatives from (a) the UN, (b) India, (c) Pakistan and (d) the Kashmiri people on the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I recognise there are human rights issues in both India Administered Kashmir and Pakistan Administered Kashmir. We raise issues, where we have them, directly with the governments of India and Pakistan. India and Pakistan are important friends of the UK, and we have strong and deep bilateral relationships with both. It is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution on Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 38013, what steps she plans to take ensure Highways England and its contractors meet the legal requirements in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for the removal of litter, debris and detritus from the highway, reservations, slip roads, embankments and verges (a) nationwide and (b) on the M60 and M67 in Gorton and Denton constituency.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Environment Protection Act 1990 governs the responsibility for clearing highway litter and sweeping carriageways. National Highways is responsible for litter collection on motorways and some ‘A’ roads while the relevant Local Authority manages litter collection on the rest of the roads in England.

National Highways undertakes weekly safety inspections on the M60 and M67. National Highways’ most recent inspection of the M67 and M60 in Denton took place on 20 March 2025. The performance of contractors and their completion of maintenance activities are reviewed and monitored monthly by National Highways.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterpart on restoring the ceasefire conditions between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

As the Foreign Secretary said to the House on 20 March, we strongly oppose Israel's resumption of hostilities. We urgently want to see a return to a ceasefire. More bloodshed is in no-one's interest. Hamas must release all the hostages and negotiations must resume. We want Israel and Hamas to re-engage with negotiations, we continue to condemn Hamas, of course, for their actions on 7 October 2023, their refusal to release the hostages, and their ongoing threat to Israel, but we are also resolute in calling on Israel to abide by international law and to lift the unacceptable restrictions on aid and demand the protection of civilians. Since the renewed outbreak of hostilities, the Foreign Secretary has spoken to Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer on 20 March and to his Israeli counterpart Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 21 March.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the recent Israeli air strikes on Gaza.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

As the Foreign Secretary said to the House on 20 March, we strongly oppose Israel's resumption of hostilities. We urgently want to see a return to a ceasefire. More bloodshed is in no-one's interest. Hamas must release all the hostages and negotiations must resume. We want Israel and Hamas to re-engage with negotiations, we continue to condemn Hamas, of course, for their actions on 7 October 2023, their refusal to release the hostages, and their ongoing threat to Israel, but we are also resolute in calling on Israel to abide by international law and to lift the unacceptable restrictions on aid and demand the protection of civilians. Since the renewed outbreak of hostilities, the Foreign Secretary has spoken to Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer on 20 March and to his Israeli counterpart Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 21 March.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) Hezbollah’s presence and (b) Israeli military action on the (i) civilian and (ii) refugee populations of southern Lebanon.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

A political solution consistent with resolution 1701 is the only way to ensure lasting security and stability for the people living on either side of the Israel-Lebanon border. The devastation from this conflict and the human suffering must be addressed. The UK has played a leading role in addressing the humanitarian situation in Lebanon. In total, UK government has announced £41 million of support for Financial Year 24/25 so far, this includes £25 million to respond to the widespread lack of shelter, reduced access to clean water, hygiene and healthcare, and to address basic needs. The UK will continue to play its part to support those in need.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with (a) officials and (b) Ministerial counterparts in (i) Israel and (ii) Lebanon about the situation in southern Lebanon.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK has raised the ceasefire and other related issues with Israeli and Lebanese counterparts and will continue to do so. The Foreign Secretary has discussed ceasefire implementation with President Aoun. Most recently, the Foreign Secretary discussed a range of issues with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. I have also discussed the ongoing situation with Lebanese Prime Minister Salam and recently spoke with the Lebanese Foreign Minister. Officials maintain regular contact with their Israeli and Lebanese counterparts.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the (a) presence and (b) military capacity of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK expects Lebanese Hizballah to abide fully by the terms of the ceasefire agreement. This means withdrawing from areas of southern Lebanon and to enable an enhanced Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) deployment into these areas as stipulated under the terms of the ceasefire agreement and support implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The LAF are essential to the future security and stability of Lebanon and the UK stands ready to support their deployment to southern Lebanon.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help prevent the deterioration of the situation in southern Lebanon.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK has made clear that all sides must maintain a cessation of hostilities and work towards securing a lasting peace.  That is the only way to ensure security and stability for the people living on either side of the border. The UK continues to engage Israel and Lebanon to urge them to build on the progress made and implement fully the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his international counterparts on re-establishing the processes for the remaining hostages held by the Hamas regime to be released.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We thank Qatar, Egypt, and the US for their support in bringing these individuals' and their families' horrific ordeal to an end. Our thoughts are also with those still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones, including the family of UK linked hostages hostage's. Since the renewed outbreak of hostilities, the Foreign Secretary has spoken to Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer on 20 March and to his Israeli counterpart Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 21 March during which he urged that Israel to do all it can to return to a ceasefire in Gaza. The Foreign Secretary also remains in regular contact with US Secretary of State Rubio.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the number of civilian casualties resulting from Israeli air strikes on Gaza on 18 March 2025.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

At least 400 people were killed by Israeli air strikes on Gaza overnight on 18 March according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the biggest wave of strikes since the January ceasefire was announced. We have made clear that the UK strongly opposes Israel's resumption of hostilities in Gaza. Our priority is urging all parties to return urgently to dialogue and to ensuring the ceasefire agreement is implemented in full - most notably hostage releases and humanitarian scale-up - and becomes permanent.

Death of Pope Francis

Ban trophy hunting imports

Found: Hansard, 24 November 2024, col 724. 23 at the Department of Health and Social Care Andrew Gwynne

Found: Hansard, 24 November 2024, col 724. 23 at the Department of Health and Social Care Andrew Gwynne