Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether measures to enable homes and smaller businesses to buy electricity directly from local community-run energy enterprises will be in the forthcoming Energy Independence Bill.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The scope and content of the Energy Independence Bill will be set out in due course when it is introduced to Parliament.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure that the Port of London Authority takes account of the historical significance of nationally important vessels when making decisions affecting their future.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department has not discussed HMS President with the Port of London Authority. In general, the department does not discuss heritage matters with the PLA, unless there is a need from the PLA for the department to act on its behalf. The PLA is a trust port and as such does not consult the department on its day-to-day operational decisions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to encourage the Port of London Authority to engage with the custodians of HMS President and relevant heritage organisations regarding the vessel's future.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department has not discussed HMS President with the Port of London Authority. In general, the department does not discuss heritage matters with the PLA, unless there is a need from the PLA for the department to act on its behalf. The PLA is a trust port and as such does not consult the department on its day-to-day operational decisions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the Port of London Authority on the possibility of identifying an alternative long-term berth for HMS President.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department has not discussed HMS President with the Port of London Authority. In general, the department does not discuss heritage matters with the PLA, unless there is a need from the PLA for the department to act on its behalf. The PLA is a trust port and as such does not consult the department on its day-to-day operational decisions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the loss of HMS President on London's maritime heritage.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department has not discussed HMS President with the Port of London Authority. In general, the department does not discuss heritage matters with the PLA, unless there is a need from the PLA for the department to act on its behalf. The PLA is a trust port and as such does not consult the department on its day-to-day operational decisions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations she has received regarding the proposed breaking up of HMS President at Erith.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department has not discussed HMS President with the Port of London Authority. In general, the department does not discuss heritage matters with the PLA, unless there is a need from the PLA for the department to act on its behalf. The PLA is a trust port and as such does not consult the department on its day-to-day operational decisions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the Port of London Authority's response to the future of HMS President.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department has not discussed HMS President with the Port of London Authority. In general, the department does not discuss heritage matters with the PLA, unless there is a need from the PLA for the department to act on its behalf. The PLA is a trust port and as such does not consult the department on its day-to-day operational decisions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Port of London Authority regarding the future of HMS President.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department has not discussed HMS President with the Port of London Authority. In general, the department does not discuss heritage matters with the PLA, unless there is a need from the PLA for the department to act on its behalf. The PLA is a trust port and as such does not consult the department on its day-to-day operational decisions.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he has taken to support the Crown Prosecution Service in pursuing motor vehicle theft cases.

Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Government has demonstrated its commitment to tackling retail crime and vehicle theft through the Crime and Policing Act 2026. Once commenced, the Act removes the £200 low-value threshold for shoplifting, meaning the maximum sentence for shop theft is seven years, regardless of the value of the stolen items. It also introduces two new offences covering the possession, importation, making, adapting, or supply of electronic devices, such as signal jammers, for use in vehicle theft or theft from a vehicle. The maximum penalty is five years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.

The Crown Prosecution Service continues to work closely with policing partners and the Home Office to support the effective prosecution of retail crime and the management of prolific offenders. This includes joint work to improve the use and effectiveness of Criminal Behaviour Orders to tackle serious and persistent anti-social behaviour.

The Crown Prosecution Service makes prosecution decisions independently, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the facts of each case.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he has taken to support the Crown Prosecution Service in pursuing shop-lifting cases.

Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Government has demonstrated its commitment to tackling retail crime and vehicle theft through the Crime and Policing Act 2026. Once commenced, the Act removes the £200 low-value threshold for shoplifting, meaning the maximum sentence for shop theft is seven years, regardless of the value of the stolen items. It also introduces two new offences covering the possession, importation, making, adapting, or supply of electronic devices, such as signal jammers, for use in vehicle theft or theft from a vehicle. The maximum penalty is five years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.

The Crown Prosecution Service continues to work closely with policing partners and the Home Office to support the effective prosecution of retail crime and the management of prolific offenders. This includes joint work to improve the use and effectiveness of Criminal Behaviour Orders to tackle serious and persistent anti-social behaviour.

The Crown Prosecution Service makes prosecution decisions independently, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the facts of each case.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, What steps she has taken to support hospices in a) England and b) the parliamentary constituency of Romford.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 13 July in response to Question 16185, which sets out the Government's support for hospices throughout England, including Romford.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to support residential training colleges.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, What steps the Church of England is taking to increase the number of ordinands.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, how many residential training colleges have closed since 2000.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church of England has made of the effectiveness of the Save the Parish led Consultation at St George’s House entitled ‘Parish Ministry: Addressing the Crisis in Stipendiary Clergy Numbers in the Church of England’.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, What assessment the Church of England has made of the potential impact of assisted dying legalisation on clergy’s cure of souls.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to increase the number of full-time stipendiary priests.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what percentage of parishes formed part of a multi-parish benefice in every year since 2000.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to accelerate upgrades to the Devonport nuclear submarine dock.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Obese-Jecty) to question 19170 on the 2 September 2026.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-07-15/19170

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what protections are available for nationally significant historic vessels at immediate risk of destruction.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

HMS President's historical significance is reflected in its inclusion on the Register of Historic Vessels and the National Historic Fleet, and the Government recognises the important contribution that historic vessels make to the nation's maritime heritage.

In 2023, in advance of the ship being moved to the breaker’s yard in Erith, National Historic Ships UK and Royal Navy Museums undertook extensive digital recording of the vessel, including laser scanning and photographic documentation, and arrangements have been made to preserve representative elements of its fabric for future research and interpretation. This work demonstrates the important role played by organisations across the maritime heritage sector in identifying, documenting and conserving nationally significant vessels, ensuring that their historical value is preserved for future generations. The Department has not undertaken a formal assessment of the entire vessel's eligibility for specific heritage protections or emergency funding, nor have ministers held discussions on HMS President with National Historic Ships UK or other heritage organisations.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s (NLHF) new 2026-2029 delivery plan published in September includes a brand new strategic priority to strengthen the resilience of the historic vessel sector. NLHF is also helping fund the Leading Lights programme at National Historic Ships UK which aims to strengthen the resilience, skills and sustainability of the UK's historic vessel sector. The project is intended to support vessels on the National Register of Historic Vessels and the specialist infrastructure needed to conserve them. More broadly, the Government keeps the effectiveness of the heritage protection system under review and continues to engage with the heritage sector on matters affecting the historic environment, including maritime heritage.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of HMS President's eligibility for any existing heritage protection or emergency funding.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

HMS President's historical significance is reflected in its inclusion on the Register of Historic Vessels and the National Historic Fleet, and the Government recognises the important contribution that historic vessels make to the nation's maritime heritage.

In 2023, in advance of the ship being moved to the breaker’s yard in Erith, National Historic Ships UK and Royal Navy Museums undertook extensive digital recording of the vessel, including laser scanning and photographic documentation, and arrangements have been made to preserve representative elements of its fabric for future research and interpretation. This work demonstrates the important role played by organisations across the maritime heritage sector in identifying, documenting and conserving nationally significant vessels, ensuring that their historical value is preserved for future generations. The Department has not undertaken a formal assessment of the entire vessel's eligibility for specific heritage protections or emergency funding, nor have ministers held discussions on HMS President with National Historic Ships UK or other heritage organisations.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s (NLHF) new 2026-2029 delivery plan published in September includes a brand new strategic priority to strengthen the resilience of the historic vessel sector. NLHF is also helping fund the Leading Lights programme at National Historic Ships UK which aims to strengthen the resilience, skills and sustainability of the UK's historic vessel sector. The project is intended to support vessels on the National Register of Historic Vessels and the specialist infrastructure needed to conserve them. More broadly, the Government keeps the effectiveness of the heritage protection system under review and continues to engage with the heritage sector on matters affecting the historic environment, including maritime heritage.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether she will review the existing statutory and non-statutory protections for historic vessels.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

HMS President's historical significance is reflected in its inclusion on the Register of Historic Vessels and the National Historic Fleet, and the Government recognises the important contribution that historic vessels make to the nation's maritime heritage.

In 2023, in advance of the ship being moved to the breaker’s yard in Erith, National Historic Ships UK and Royal Navy Museums undertook extensive digital recording of the vessel, including laser scanning and photographic documentation, and arrangements have been made to preserve representative elements of its fabric for future research and interpretation. This work demonstrates the important role played by organisations across the maritime heritage sector in identifying, documenting and conserving nationally significant vessels, ensuring that their historical value is preserved for future generations. The Department has not undertaken a formal assessment of the entire vessel's eligibility for specific heritage protections or emergency funding, nor have ministers held discussions on HMS President with National Historic Ships UK or other heritage organisations.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s (NLHF) new 2026-2029 delivery plan published in September includes a brand new strategic priority to strengthen the resilience of the historic vessel sector. NLHF is also helping fund the Leading Lights programme at National Historic Ships UK which aims to strengthen the resilience, skills and sustainability of the UK's historic vessel sector. The project is intended to support vessels on the National Register of Historic Vessels and the specialist infrastructure needed to conserve them. More broadly, the Government keeps the effectiveness of the heritage protection system under review and continues to engage with the heritage sector on matters affecting the historic environment, including maritime heritage.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the historical significance of HMS President.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

HMS President's historical significance is reflected in its inclusion on the Register of Historic Vessels and the National Historic Fleet, and the Government recognises the important contribution that historic vessels make to the nation's maritime heritage.

In 2023, in advance of the ship being moved to the breaker’s yard in Erith, National Historic Ships UK and Royal Navy Museums undertook extensive digital recording of the vessel, including laser scanning and photographic documentation, and arrangements have been made to preserve representative elements of its fabric for future research and interpretation. This work demonstrates the important role played by organisations across the maritime heritage sector in identifying, documenting and conserving nationally significant vessels, ensuring that their historical value is preserved for future generations. The Department has not undertaken a formal assessment of the entire vessel's eligibility for specific heritage protections or emergency funding, nor have ministers held discussions on HMS President with National Historic Ships UK or other heritage organisations.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s (NLHF) new 2026-2029 delivery plan published in September includes a brand new strategic priority to strengthen the resilience of the historic vessel sector. NLHF is also helping fund the Leading Lights programme at National Historic Ships UK which aims to strengthen the resilience, skills and sustainability of the UK's historic vessel sector. The project is intended to support vessels on the National Register of Historic Vessels and the specialist infrastructure needed to conserve them. More broadly, the Government keeps the effectiveness of the heritage protection system under review and continues to engage with the heritage sector on matters affecting the historic environment, including maritime heritage.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with heritage organisations regarding the proposed breaking up of HMS President.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

HMS President's historical significance is reflected in its inclusion on the Register of Historic Vessels and the National Historic Fleet, and the Government recognises the important contribution that historic vessels make to the nation's maritime heritage.

In 2023, in advance of the ship being moved to the breaker’s yard in Erith, National Historic Ships UK and Royal Navy Museums undertook extensive digital recording of the vessel, including laser scanning and photographic documentation, and arrangements have been made to preserve representative elements of its fabric for future research and interpretation. This work demonstrates the important role played by organisations across the maritime heritage sector in identifying, documenting and conserving nationally significant vessels, ensuring that their historical value is preserved for future generations. The Department has not undertaken a formal assessment of the entire vessel's eligibility for specific heritage protections or emergency funding, nor have ministers held discussions on HMS President with National Historic Ships UK or other heritage organisations.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s (NLHF) new 2026-2029 delivery plan published in September includes a brand new strategic priority to strengthen the resilience of the historic vessel sector. NLHF is also helping fund the Leading Lights programme at National Historic Ships UK which aims to strengthen the resilience, skills and sustainability of the UK's historic vessel sector. The project is intended to support vessels on the National Register of Historic Vessels and the specialist infrastructure needed to conserve them. More broadly, the Government keeps the effectiveness of the heritage protection system under review and continues to engage with the heritage sector on matters affecting the historic environment, including maritime heritage.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with National Historic Ships UK regarding the future of HMS President.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

HMS President's historical significance is reflected in its inclusion on the Register of Historic Vessels and the National Historic Fleet, and the Government recognises the important contribution that historic vessels make to the nation's maritime heritage.

In 2023, in advance of the ship being moved to the breaker’s yard in Erith, National Historic Ships UK and Royal Navy Museums undertook extensive digital recording of the vessel, including laser scanning and photographic documentation, and arrangements have been made to preserve representative elements of its fabric for future research and interpretation. This work demonstrates the important role played by organisations across the maritime heritage sector in identifying, documenting and conserving nationally significant vessels, ensuring that their historical value is preserved for future generations. The Department has not undertaken a formal assessment of the entire vessel's eligibility for specific heritage protections or emergency funding, nor have ministers held discussions on HMS President with National Historic Ships UK or other heritage organisations.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s (NLHF) new 2026-2029 delivery plan published in September includes a brand new strategic priority to strengthen the resilience of the historic vessel sector. NLHF is also helping fund the Leading Lights programme at National Historic Ships UK which aims to strengthen the resilience, skills and sustainability of the UK's historic vessel sector. The project is intended to support vessels on the National Register of Historic Vessels and the specialist infrastructure needed to conserve them. More broadly, the Government keeps the effectiveness of the heritage protection system under review and continues to engage with the heritage sector on matters affecting the historic environment, including maritime heritage.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will publish a breakdown of how much was spent by the London and North Eastern Railway on hospitality and supporting sporting events in 2019-20, 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The amount spent by London North Eastern Railway is commercially sensitive given competition on the route. As public bodies, all DfT Operator train companies must follow the Managing Public Money guidelines to ensure investment made represents value for money for the taxpayer.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to improve a) research into and b) treatment of hearing loss conditions.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 March to Question 116808.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he has taken to support the motor vehicle industry.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

This Government has taken significant steps to support the Automotive Sector. Through DRIVE35, we are investing up to £4bn to support the transformation of the sector to zero emission vehicle manufacturing. We are also improving the sector’s competitiveness through lower energy costs under the forthcoming British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. In addition, we have provided up to £2bn through the Electric Car Grant to reduce the upfront costs of buying electric vehicles, which has already helped over 160,000 consumers.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to assist local authorities in providing temporary accommodation.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The National Plan to End Homelessness sets out action to tackle the worst forms of temporary accommodation and supporting councils to develop better alternatives. These actions include increasing the supply of good quality, affordable temporary accommodation by delivering up to 5,000 homes by 2030 through the fourth round of the Local Authority Housing Fund 2026-2030; a national target to end the unlawful use of B&B accommodation for families; and continuing to work with local authorities with the highest use of B&B accommodation over the next three years, through an expanded Emergency Accommodation Reduction Programme backed by £30 million funding.

This government is investing more than £4 billion in homelessness and rough sleeping services, alongside the wider resources made available through the Local Government Finance Settlement. This includes £969 million over three years which has been rolled into the core Revenue Support Grant for temporary accommodation (previously part of the Homelessness Prevention Grant). Further information can be found here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the local government funding formula for the London Borough of Havering.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

For the London Borough of Havering, the multi-year Settlement makes available up to £329.7 million in Core Spending Power by 2028-29, an above average increase of 33.5% compared to 2024-25, equivalent to £82.8 million.

The government is making good on long overdue promises to fundamentally update the way we fund local authorities. We are delivering fairer funding, targeting money where it is needed most through the first multi-year Settlement in a decade.

As a result of the fair funding review reforms, nine in ten councils will receive funding that broadly matches their assessed relative need by the end of the multi-year Settlement, up from around a third before our reforms.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to speed up the a) development and b) deployment of new mine hunting capabilities for the Royal Navy.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 March 2026 to Question 120373 to the hon. Member for Slough (Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi):

The Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme continues to deliver an advanced suite of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) and SWEEP (the first Sovereign minesweeping capability since 2006) into service within the Royal Navy, enabling frontline mine warfare specialists to enhance operational effectiveness. These cutting-edge autonomous mine-hunting systems are deployed by the Mine and Threat Exploitation Group for evaluation, training, and operational deployment.

The comprehensive scope of the MHC programme encompasses multiple USVs, UUVs, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for identification and neutralisation, and a state-of-the-art, sovereign mine-sweeping capability. Additionally, the programme has delivered HMS STIRLING CASTLE, a dedicated support vessel designed to enhance the deployment and sustainment of autonomous systems.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he has taken to work with local authorities to support the nightlife sector.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government recognises the important contribution that pubs and the wider night-time economy make to local economies, high streets and communities. The Government has recently worked with businesses, local authorities, the police and representative bodies on a programme of licensing reform, including the introduction of the first National Licensing Policy Framework, which encourages licensing authorities to better support growth when making licensing decisions.

The Government continues to engage with businesses, representative bodies and local authorities to support thriving high streets and communities, including through the development of the forthcoming High Streets Strategy. This sits alongside the Pride in Place programme, which is helping communities protect and strengthen valued local assets such as pubs.

The Government has also launched a £10 million Hospitality Grant Scheme to support projects that strengthen local economies, support high streets and help revive the evening and night-time economy, with more than £3 million awarded to Pub is The Hub to help rural pubs diversify and continue serving as important community assets.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he has taken to work with local authorities to support pubs.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government recognises the important contribution that pubs and the wider night-time economy make to local economies, high streets and communities. The Government has recently worked with businesses, local authorities, the police and representative bodies on a programme of licensing reform, including the introduction of the first National Licensing Policy Framework, which encourages licensing authorities to better support growth when making licensing decisions.

The Government continues to engage with businesses, representative bodies and local authorities to support thriving high streets and communities, including through the development of the forthcoming High Streets Strategy. This sits alongside the Pride in Place programme, which is helping communities protect and strengthen valued local assets such as pubs.

The Government has also launched a £10 million Hospitality Grant Scheme to support projects that strengthen local economies, support high streets and help revive the evening and night-time economy, with more than £3 million awarded to Pub is The Hub to help rural pubs diversify and continue serving as important community assets.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, If she will take steps to reduce the delivery times of transport infrastructure projects.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Yes. Within the Department for Transport, we have a well-established programme that is applying lessons from recent reviews, including the James Stewart Review, Lovegrove, and Competitions and Market Authority, to strengthen sponsorship, governance, capability, cost control, and early planning across major transport projects. The evidence is clear that projects are delivered faster and with greater confidence when they are set up properly at the start: clear scope, realistic cost and schedule estimates, effective commercial strategies and accountable decision-making are critical to avoiding delay later in delivery.

More broadly, the Government is taking steps to reduce the time it takes to deliver transport infrastructure projects, while maintaining proper scrutiny, value for money and safety. The 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy sets out a more stable, long-term approach to infrastructure planning and delivery, giving public bodies, investors, and supply chains greater certainty about the pipeline of work ahead.

The Department for Transport is supporting the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority to bring together infrastructure strategy, assurance, and delivery expertise at the centre of government. This will support departments to unblock barriers, strengthen project set-up and improve the way major projects are planned, governed, and delivered.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what financial arrangements and contractual agreements exist with the owners of Lydden Hill Race Circuit and the former Folkestone Racecourse concerning the management of possible traffic congestion in Kent resulting from the EU Entry Exit System.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As part of preparations to mitigate the risk of potential disruption during Summer 2026, the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) identified the need to have contingency sites available to provide welfare facilities to passenger vehicles in the case of severe disruption. These sites support the Forum's wider traffic management plans to maintain traffic flow and minimise disruption on Kent's road network. The sites used were at Lydden Hill Race Circuit and Folkstone Racecourse.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has worked closely with the KMRF to support their preparations, although the use and deployment of these sites by KMRF is operationally independent from the Department. DfT has put in place agreements with the owners of Lydden Hill and Folkstone Racecourse to enable these sites to be used as contingency sites over the summer period.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what was the cost of the temporary acquisition of both Lydden Hill Race Circuit and the former Folkestone Racecourse in anticipation of EU Entry Exit System traffic congestion in Kent during summer 2026.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As part of preparations to mitigate the risk of potential disruption during Summer 2026, the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) identified the need to have contingency sites available to provide welfare facilities to passenger vehicles in the case of severe disruption. These sites support the Forum's wider traffic management plans to maintain traffic flow and minimise disruption on Kent's road network. The sites used were at Lydden Hill Race Circuit and Folkstone Racecourse.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has worked closely with the KMRF to support their preparations, although the use and deployment of these sites by KMRF is operationally independent from the Department. DfT has put in place agreements with the owners of Lydden Hill and Folkstone Racecourse to enable these sites to be used as contingency sites over the summer period.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to adapt laser directed-energy weapons for use on autonomous vehicles.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Recent conflicts in the Middle East have highlighted the growing threat posed by low-cost, massed drone attacks. Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) have the potential to provide a highly effective and cost-effective response to these threats, which is why the Ministry of Defence is investing £490 million over the next four years to bring these capabilities into service. DEW technologies have the potential to operate across a range of operational environments and roles. The Department continues to assess the most effective ways to deploy and integrate directed energy weapons across different environments and platforms to address threats and meet evolving military requirements.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he has taken to work with Transport for London to improve the timeliness of public transport provision.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department works regularly with Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London on transport issues affecting the capital. The Government recently agreed a multi-year capital funding settlement of almost £2.2 billion for TfL to support investment in London's transport network. Responsibility for the operation and performance of London's transport services is devolved to the Mayor and TfL.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, If he will take steps to increase the speed of upgrades to the Devonport nuclear submarine dock.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Obese-Jecty) to question 19170 (questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-07-15/19170)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to increase the speed of the a) development and b) deployment of new autonomous vessels for the Royal Navy.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Yes, we are already doing work on the Type 91-94 and Common Combat Vessel. Further detail will be released as appropriate as these programmes develop.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether a non-animal method that is scientifically satisfactory for a particular purpose but has not undergone formal (a) validation and (b) qualification must be used in place of a regulated procedure under section 2A(2)(a) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Under section 2A of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (“ASPA”), a regulated procedure must not be used where a scientifically satisfactory alternative method or testing strategy that does not entail the use of a protected animal is available for the intended purpose. Formal validation or qualification are not specified in section 2A as separate legal preconditions or thresholds.

Whether a method is scientifically satisfactory and applicable in the particular circumstances is assessed on the available scientific evidence. Validation or qualification may provide relevant evidence in making that assessment, including where results must meet wider regulatory requirements, but the absence of either does not, by itself, permit animal use where the non-animal method is otherwise scientifically satisfactory for the intended purpose.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he has taken to work with Transport for London to reduce casualties at (a) underground and (b) overground train stations in Greater London.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Ministers and officials have regular conversations with Transport for London on a variety of issues. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London, and Transport for London is responsible for the safe operation of London Underground and London Overground stations.

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