Anna Gelderd Portrait

Anna Gelderd

Labour - South East Cornwall

1,911 (3.9%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024


Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [HL]
5th Mar 2025 - 20th Mar 2025


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Anna Gelderd has voted in 142 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
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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
Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op))
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(8 debate interactions)
Matthew Pennycook (Labour)
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
(2 debate interactions)
Greg Smith (Conservative)
Opposition Whip (Commons)
(2 debate interactions)
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Department Debates
Leader of the House
(4 debate contributions)
Ministry of Defence
(3 debate contributions)
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View all Anna Gelderd's debates

South East Cornwall 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).

Anna Gelderd has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Anna Gelderd

17th July 2024
Anna Gelderd signed this EDM on Thursday 25th July 2024

200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Tabled by: Helena Dollimore (Labour (Co-op) - Hastings and Rye)
That this House congratulates the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) on its 200th anniversary of saving lives at sea; thanks all crew members who have risked their lives to save over 140,000 lives at sea; and pays tribute to all volunteers past and present who support this vital work.
54 signatures
(Most recent: 30 Oct 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 39
Liberal Democrat: 6
Plaid Cymru: 4
Conservative: 2
Independent: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
View All Anna Gelderd's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Anna Gelderd, 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.


Anna Gelderd has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Anna Gelderd has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

1 Bill introduced by Anna Gelderd


A Bill to make provision about the teaching and promotion of the Cornish language in educational institutions; to make provision about the recognition of the Cornish language and Cornish heritage; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - None
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 20th June 2025

Latest 47 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
15th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support (a) Liskeard and (b) other rural communities to maintain access to (i) banking and (ii) other essential services after the closure of local post offices.

The Government provides an annual £50m Network Subsidy funding to support the delivery of a minimum number of branches, including Liskeard and other rural & urban communities and to provide a geographical spread of branches in line with published access criteria. The access criteria ensure that however the network changes, Post Office delivers essential services, including banking and cash services, across the UK via its network of 11,500 branches.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all. We have committed to work closely with banks to roll out at least 350 banking hubs, which will provide individuals and businesses up and down the country with critical cash and banking services.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
4th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with his Chinese counterparts on UK-China efforts to halt global deforestation.

The UK and China have agreed to hold a UK-China Climate Dialogue and a UK-China Environment Dialogue later this year to accelerate action to tackle the global climate and biodiversity crises. The details of the Dialogues will be confirmed in due course. The UK remains committed to working with all international partners to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation.

Kerry McCarthy
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue will include joint work on global deforestation.

The UK and China have agreed to hold a UK-China Climate Dialogue and a UK-China Environment Dialogue later this year to accelerate action to tackle the global climate and biodiversity crises. The details of the Dialogues will be confirmed in due course. The UK remains committed to working with all international partners to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation.

Kerry McCarthy
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he plans to take to upgrade grid capacity and infrastructure in South East Cornwall to support the integration of renewable energy projects.

The Government’s Clean Energy Superpower and Growth missions will be enabled by a significant reinforcement of our electricity network, at all levels across the high voltage transmission and lower-voltage distribution networks. The network companies are responsible for owning and operating the grid, and Government is working with them, Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator to accelerate the delivery of network infrastructure and enable the connection of new renewable generation.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to (a) incentivise and (b) support households to adopt clean energy solutions in South East Cornwall constituency.

For homes, we have kickstarted delivery of the Government’s ambitious Warm Homes Plan, which will transform homes across the country, including those in South East Cornwall, by making them cleaner and cheaper to run. This includes grant support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), and targeted support for low income and fuel poor households, namely GBIS, ECO. The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, and Warm Homes: Local Grant will also begin delivery this year.

The Government is also committed to making electric vehicle charging infrastructure more affordable and accessible, particularly for those without off-street parking, and is offering grants to support the installation of private chargepoints in residential and commercial properties.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to mitigate the loss of cavity nesting bird habitats via the Great British Insulation Scheme.

All Government energy efficiency schemes, including the Great British Insulation Scheme, must comply with construction standards as set out by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the provision available for young people with SEND who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) (a) in Cornwall and (b) nationally; and what steps she is taking to ensure they receive support to enter education, employment, or training.

All education and training providers, as with other related service providers, have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities, so they are not disadvantaged compared to non-disabled students. This includes people with a learning difficulty. This duty is set out under section 20 of the Equality Act 2010, which is available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/20.

Local authorities are also responsible for commissioning education for young people who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan and have high needs. Cornwall Council’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) offer is developed in partnership with parents, carers and stakeholders, which includes the two colleges in Cornwall. The Together for Family’s SEND strategy sets out Cornwall Council’s considerations for post-16 young people. Schools and colleges in Cornwall help young people prepare for adulthood and there are specific programmes of education to support young people in moving on to further education, independent living, training and/or employment.

The council provides further support for young people at risk of becoming not in employment, education or training (NEET) through the Cornwall Opportunities Initiative and the Youth Engagement Project for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, aimed at disadvantaged young people, which has received £2 million from the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund. The latter programme works with young people aged 16 to 24, with a specific focus on 16 to 18 year-olds who are NEET or are at risk of NEET, have special educational needs, or are in other vulnerable groupings.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help improve (a) education and (b) training for sustainable jobs in the renewable sector in South East Cornwall constituency.

Areas right across the UK are benefitting from the transition to low carbon energy. The government’s investments in the skills system are promoting education and training that creates meaningful opportunities for all, including in areas such as renewable energy for South East Cornwall.

The department funds a range of programmes that develop green skills, including:

  • T Levels in construction, engineering and land management, which can lead to careers as a civil engineering technician or countryside officer, for example.
  • Over 200 occupational standards that include green skills, such as civil engineer, low carbon heating technician and professional forester.

Moreover, green energy will be eligible for the first round of shortened apprenticeships that we recently announced as part of our skills reforms.

The recently created Skills England is working with partners to map out and address skills needs linked to clean energy.

Addressing local renewable energy and green skills needs are a priority set out in Local Skills Improvement Plans, including the plan covering South East Cornwall. With support from the department, local colleges are actively addressing green skills needs through various initiatives and programmes in key areas such as green construction, heat pump technologies and electric vehicles.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
6th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress her Department has made on implementing the National Kinship Care Strategy.

The government recognises the vital role that kinship carers play in caring for some of the most vulnerable children. The government’s manifesto committed to working with local government to support children in care, including through kinship arrangements. The department is considering how to most effectively transform the children’s social care system to deliver better outcomes for children and families, including how best to support kinship children and families.

This government is extending the delivery of over 140 peer support groups across England, which are available for all kinship carers to access, where they can come together to share stories, exchange advice and support each other. The department is also delivering a package of training and support that all kinship carers across England can access.

The government recognises the challenge that many kinship carers face in continuing to work, alongside the pressures of taking in and raising a child. We are also prioritising implementing kinship leave within the department in the next financial year, subject to pay negotiations.

From September 2024, the role of virtual school heads has been expanded to include championing the education, attendance and attainment of children in kinship care, ensuring that more children in kinship care receive the help they need to thrive at school.

The £45 million Families First for Children pathfinder and Family Network Pilot aim to make greater use of family networks by involving them in decision-making at an earlier stage and providing practical and financial support via family network support packages to help keep children safe at home.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
31st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to help tackle the impact of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances in the marine environment.

The UK Government is working closely with domestic regulators and key stakeholders to improve wider understanding and approach to managing the risks from PFAS. This includes working with the Environment Agency (EA) to assess levels of PFAS occurring in the environment, their sources, and potential risks to inform future policy and regulatory approaches. My department has asked the Health and Safety Executive to consider a UK REACH Restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams, and a proposal is due to be published soon. Internationally, PFAS were added to the OSPAR List of Chemicals for Priority Action in 2023. This list identifies substances considered to be a threat to the marine environment and the actions that OSPAR Contracting Parties (including the UK) should take to minimise those threats.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
31st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to further restrict the use of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances where there are clear alternatives.

Following the publication of a Regulatory Management Options Analysis (RMOA) on PFAS in April 2023, my department asked the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to investigate whether to restrict PFAS in firefighting foams under the UK REACH (Restriction, Evaluation, Authorisation & Restriction of Chemicals) regime. HSE’s restriction dossier is due to be published for consultation in Spring 2025. Alongside this, my department is also considering further measures on PFAS.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
31st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2024 to Question 3449 on Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances, when he plans to set out his plans for addressing Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances; and whether he plans to consider this as part of the review of the Environmental Improvement Plan.

The revised Environmental Improvement Plan, which will be introduced in 2025, will set out the Government’s approach to managing PFAS.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of beaver reintroductions on flood resilience in areas where they have been trialled.

This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only. Yes, the Government has assessed the impact of reintroducing beavers on flood resilience. This includes an evidence review of the impacts of beavers on the natural and human environment in England, which shows beavers can reduce the risk of flooding.

Beavers can bring a range of benefits including contributing to flood risk mitigation, by using their dams and creating complex wetland habitats to slow the flow of water and to store water (a form of natural flood management). Appropriately managing the reintroduction of beavers in England helps to mitigate the impact they can have.

Building on the approach that we have already developed for wild release and management; we will collaboratively develop a management plan for the long-term reintroduction and recovery of beaver populations in England.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has set a timeline for the approval of wild release licences for beavers in England.

This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

On 28 February 2025, Defra announced its new approach to beavers, including opening a licensing scheme for beaver wild release.

Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest, which will be assessed by Natural England (NE). Projects likely to meet the licensing criteria will be invited to make a full application.

NE aim to assess Expressions of Interest within 45 working days. Full application assessments are likely to take a minimum of four months. All applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and assessment may take longer for complex projects or if there is high demand.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of wild beaver releases on the (a) economy and (b) environment.

This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

Yes, Natural England have conducted assessments on the impact of beavers on the environment. This has primarily been done through the River Otter Beaver Trial and an evidence review of the interactions between beavers and the natural and human environments, published in 2021. The government recognises that beavers can bring many benefits for the environment, including boosting biodiversity, creating and restoring wetland habitats, and reducing downstream flooding.

The Government has not directly assessed the impact of beaver wild release on the economy. However, applications for beaver wild release licences must consider the socio-economic effect of their project, including conducting a risk assessment. Licences will only be granted for projects which are economically feasible and there are clear benefits for nature, people and the environment.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
26th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the timeline for implementing marine net gain.

Defra is assessing the role that marine net gain may play in nature recovery including consideration of timescales for operation of the policy.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
26th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure food and allergy labelling laws are updated to provide clearer and accurate information for consumers.

Consumers receiving accurate information about the food they eat is of upmost importance, however any new legislation needs to be carefully considered, taking into account the views of all stakeholders and the balance of costs and benefits, which will take some time


The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has policy responsibility for food safety, including food allergen labelling, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are working to improve the availability and accuracy of allergen information for non-prepacked foods, which includes foods made to order in restaurants


In December 2023, the FSA Board agreed that businesses selling non-prepacked foods, such as cafes and restaurants, should provide allergen information to consumers in writing and this should be supported by a conversation. Following the Board’s decision, FSA officials are working to assess the impact of different legislative options for improving the provision of allergen information for non-prepacked foods. Defra officials are being kept closely informed on the progress of this work.

In parallel, taking the steer from the Board, the FSA has created best practice guidance for businesses to provide written information and support this with a conversation, which has just been through a public consultation. This guidance along with tools to assist businesses in following it will be published in the next few days.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential merits of mandating swift bricks in new property developments.

Natural England has identified that the lack of nest sites is one of the pressures on species including the swift. Therefore, provision of swift bricks may aid recovery alongside other actions, such as to increase food resources. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published a revised National Planning Policy Framework in December. This expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support species like swifts, such as swift bricks.

Defra policy officials are continuing to work with MHCLG colleagues to consider what action may be appropriate to drive up rates of swift brick installation in new build properties.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of toll charges at the Tamar crossings on the (a) profitability and )b) sustainability of local businesses in South East Cornwall constituency.

The Transport Charges &c. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1954 sets out that when considering applications for changes to tolls, the Minister must “have regard to the financial position and future prospects of the undertaking and shall not make any revision of charges which in his opinion would be likely to result in the undertaking receiving an annual revenue either substantially less or substantially more than adequate to meet such expenditure on the working, management and maintenance of the undertaking and such other costs, charges and expenses of the undertaking as are properly chargeable to revenue, including reasonable contributions to any reserve, contingency or other fund.”

In respect of the current application for changes to the tolls at the Tamar crossings, local businesses will have been able to make their views known during the consultation process and during the public inquiry.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help tackle delays caused by (a) tolls and (b) traffic to emergency service vehicles on the Tamar (i) bridge and (ii) ferries.

This Government acknowledges that the Tamar Crossings are an important local issue. Toll management is a matter for local determination through the Tamar Joint Committee and we recognise the benefits of the recently formed Tamar 2050 Programme Stakeholder Panel which will help oversee key decisions.

It is, of course, essential that emergency vehicles are able to travel swiftly to deal with urgent incidents. The Joint Committee maintains a very close working relationship with the emergency services. Although it is not possible to offer a dedicated emergency route on the bridge, this close level of engagement helps to ensure that emergency vehicles can cross as quickly as possible.

Ferry crews are given clear guidance when managing access for emergency vehicles and their subsequent departure.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she plans to take to improve the (a) infrastructure for and (b) accessibility of electric vehicle for users in South East Cornwall.

The Government is committed to accelerating the roll-out of affordable and accessible charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to an electric vehicle. As of March 2025, the Government and industry have supported the installation of 75,305 publicly available charging devices, up 32% on this time last year.

Cornwall Council have been allocated over £6m capital and resource funding through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVI) Fund to increase local public chargepoints across the area. The LEVI Fund will support the installation of at least 100,000 local chargepoints across England.

We are aware that disabled EV drivers face specific barriers when using public chargepoints. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles co-sponsored the accessability standard, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) 1899, along with national disability charity Motability. The Government has been actively encouraging relevant parties to adopt its specifications, building on improvements already being made in the sector. The Government is supporting the 24-month review of the PAS, which is being led by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and concludes early in 2025.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
31st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will publish the budget for (a) UK REACH and (b) GB CLP for 2025-26; and identify (i) income from fees, charges and other sources and (ii) expenditure including staff costs in the (A) Health and Safety Executive, (B) Environment Agency, (C) Office for Product Safety and Standards and (D) UK Health Security Agency.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not publish separate budgets for the UK REACH and GB CLP regulatory regimes. For the financial year 2025-26, the full cost of the planned activity is around (a) £6.1m on UK REACH, of which approximately £2.5m are staff costs and (b) £1m on GB CLP, of which approximately £0.44m are staff costs.

These costs will be met by income from several sources, including fees and charges paid by industry and allocations from government which vary each year depending on the activity being carried out. For UK REACH, fees from industry for 2025-26 are forecast to be £1.53m.

The information requested on budgets and expenditures in relation to different agencies are not held by this department. You may wish to contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for the Environment Agency, the Department for Business and Trade for Office for Product Safety and Standards, and the Department of Health and Social Care for UK Health Security Agency.

Stephen Timms
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to hold a public consultation ahead of the reapproval process for glyphosate in December 2025.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acts as competent authority for pesticides under delegated powers from Defra and Devolved Governments. As part of the process for all pesticide active substances being considered for renewal in Great Britain (GB), HSE will hold a public consultation ahead of any renewal decision being made. This is a statutory requirement in GB pesticide legislation.

Stephen Timms
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with representatives of the WASPI campaign on support available for women affected by state pension age changes.

My predecessor met with representatives from WASPI Ltd in September 2024, the first Minister to do so for 8 years.

Torsten Bell
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that lessons are learned from the handling of state pension age changes to prevent similar issues in future decisions.

As set out to Parliament by the Secretary of State in December we are developing an Action Plan, with input from the Ombudsman, so that lessons are learnt. We will publish the Action Plan in due course.

We are committed to providing clear and sufficient notice of any changes in the State Pension age, so people have the notice they need to plan for their retirement.

The Secretary of State has also tasked officials with developing a strategy for effective, timely and modern communication on the State Pension that uses the most up to date methods. This will build on changes that have already been made, for example the launch of the online ‘Check Your State Pension’ service, which gives a personal forecast of your State Pension including when you can claim it, and how much you can get.

Torsten Bell
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help people in South East Cornwall constituency to access healthcare services in Devon using the Tamar Crossings.

The Government acknowledges that the Tamar Crossings are an important local issue. We are determined to work with the National Health Service to ensure that everyone can access a general practice and other healthcare services, and we will move towards a Neighbourhood Health Service, with more care delivered in local communities.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to allocate funding for community-based programmes for gambling harm (a) prevention and (b) early intervention in (i) rural, (ii) hard-to-reach and (iii) other areas.

On 12 February 2025, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) was appointed as the lead commissioning body for the prevention of gambling-related harms in England, alongside the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales.

OHID is progressing work on the design of the new commissioning programme, working closely with NHS England as a future treatment commissioner, and with the responsible bodies in Scotland and Wales, to ensure alignment across prevention, early intervention, and treatment, so that those in need can access the right help at the right time. Decisions on how the levy funding will be allocated will be confirmed at the earliest opportunity.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that gambling harm (a) prevention and (b) early intervention services will receive support following the transition of gambling harm treatment commissioning to the NHS (i) in isolated communities and (ii) for vulnerable and higher-risk groups in Cornwall.

On 12 February 2025, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) was appointed as the lead commissioning body for the prevention of gambling-related harms in England, alongside the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales.

OHID is progressing work on the design of the new commissioning programme, working closely with NHS England as a future treatment commissioner, and with the responsible bodies in Scotland and Wales, to ensure alignment across prevention, early intervention, and treatment, so that those in need can access the right help at the right time. Decisions on how the levy funding will be allocated will be confirmed at the earliest opportunity.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress his Department has made in determining which body will be responsible for (a) commissioning and (b) providing strategic direction for (i) community engagement, (ii) prevention and (iii) early intervention for gambling harms.

On 12 February 2025, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) was appointed as the lead commissioning body for the prevention of gambling-related harms in England, alongside the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales.

OHID is progressing work on the design of the new commissioning programme, working closely with NHS England as a future treatment commissioner, and with the responsible bodies in Scotland and Wales, to ensure alignment across prevention, early intervention, and treatment, so that those in need can access the right help at the right time. Decisions on how the levy funding will be allocated will be confirmed at the earliest opportunity.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
26th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help improve health outcomes for patients with rare diseases, in the context of the recent announcement by NHS Specialised Commissioning on (a) dabrafenib and (b) trametinib.

In January 2021, the Government published the UK Rare Diseases Framework providing a national vision for how to improve the lives of those living with rare diseases. The 2025 England Rare Diseases Action Plan was published on 28 February 2025.

Dabrafenib and trametinib are medicines mostly used for children with cancer. We are committed to getting the National Health Service diagnosing cancer earlier and treating it faster so that more children and young people survive, and we will improve young cancer patients’ experience across the system.

That is why on 4 February 2025 we relaunched the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce to identify tangible ways to improve outcomes and experience for children and young people with cancer. The taskforce will explore opportunities for improvement across detection and diagnosis, genomic testing and treatment, research and innovation, and patient experience.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
26th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to increase access to targeted treatments for patients with rare cancers, such as Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Erdheim Chester Disease.

The Department is committed to working with the pharmaceutical industry to develop a more efficient, more competitive, and more accessible clinical research system in the United Kingdom, ensuring that all patients, including those with rarer cancers like Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Erdheim Chester disease, have access to cutting-edge clinical research and innovative, lifesaving treatments.

We are also committed to improving waiting times for cancer treatment, so that people with cancer, including rarer cancers, can get access to the care they need more quickly. We will start by delivering an extra 40,000 operations, scans, and appointments each week, as the first step to ensuring early diagnosis and faster treatment.

Finally, the National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology. The plan will seek to improve every aspect of cancer care, to improve the experience and outcomes for people with cancer, including rare and less common cancers.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
31st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to support the creation of an additional protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime to help tackle wildlife trafficking.

The UK remains committed to tackling the illegal wildlife trade and supporting efforts to strengthen legal frameworks, including through the United Nations. The Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime met in Vienna from 14-18 October 2024. The UK played an active role in the Conference, which agreed to convene an expert group on environmental crimes that will identify any gaps in the international legal framework and consider how these can be addressed.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of NEET rates on (a) household poverty, (b) tax revenue, (c) benefit expenditure, (d) mental health and (e) productivity.

The government is committed to supporting young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), as set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper, published on 26 November 2024. That is why it has announced a Youth Guarantee, so that every young person aged 18-21 in England has access to further learning, help to get a job or an apprenticeship.

In addition to this, the government is taking steps to transform the Apprenticeship Levy into a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy by investing £40 million which will help to deliver new foundation and shorter apprenticeships in key sectors, giving young people a route to careers in critical sectors. The Autumn Budget also provided an additional £300 million for further education to ensure young people are developing the skills this country needs.

To support young people with poor mental health who may be at risk of becoming NEET, the government will provide access to a specialist mental health professional in every school in England.

Darren Jones
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking with the Financial Conduct Authority to (a) investigate and (b) address (i) fraudulent activity linked to Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes and (ii) the financial impact on UK citizens.

A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is the name for any pension scheme located outside the UK which meets the criteria to receive transfers of UK tax relieved pension savings. Where the overseas pension scheme has broadly similar tax characteristics to a UK registered pension scheme. QROPS are pension schemes, not products.

Although QROPS can receive UK tax relieved pension savings, this does not mean that the UK has a right to regulate pension schemes in other countries. However, those overseas schemes are required to be regulated by a pensions regulator in the overseas country where they are established in order for them to receive UK tax relieved pensions. HMRC does not impose restrictions on assets a QROPS can invest in that is for the overseas regulator.

There are no plans to make HMRC, or the Pensions Regulator (TPR), or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate QROPS. That would not be appropriate because the UK does not have jurisdiction over overseas pension schemes. HMRC’s primary role is to protect UK tax relief that have been given. HMRC can remove the QROPS status from pension schemes when it is not appropriate for the scheme to continue to be able to receive UK tax relieved pension savings. There are also no plans to introduce an investigation unit into QROPS or review the regulatory framework.

In the UK individuals are free to transfer their pension savings but must get financial advice for larger amounts. The QROPS rules allow individuals to move abroad to live or work to take their pension savings with them. HMRC makes clear that individuals should seek suitable professional advice, including from a regulated financial adviser, when transferring pension savings to a QROPS. A transfer to a QROPS is covered by the requirement to take regulated financial advice if transferring more than £30,000 from a Defined Benefit scheme.

Additionally, pension scheme administrators are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pension schemes. They are also responsible for complying with the requirements of TPR and the FCA.

HMRC, TPR and the FCA are part of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) - a multi-agency taskforce of law enforcement, Government and industry working together to tackle pension fraud.

Emma Reynolds
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will establish a QROPS investigation unit to examine cases of pension fraud and regulatory failings.

A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is the name for any pension scheme located outside the UK which meets the criteria to receive transfers of UK tax relieved pension savings. Where the overseas pension scheme has broadly similar tax characteristics to a UK registered pension scheme. QROPS are pension schemes, not products.

Although QROPS can receive UK tax relieved pension savings, this does not mean that the UK has a right to regulate pension schemes in other countries. However, those overseas schemes are required to be regulated by a pensions regulator in the overseas country where they are established in order for them to receive UK tax relieved pensions. HMRC does not impose restrictions on assets a QROPS can invest in that is for the overseas regulator.

There are no plans to make HMRC, or the Pensions Regulator (TPR), or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate QROPS. That would not be appropriate because the UK does not have jurisdiction over overseas pension schemes. HMRC’s primary role is to protect UK tax relief that have been given. HMRC can remove the QROPS status from pension schemes when it is not appropriate for the scheme to continue to be able to receive UK tax relieved pension savings. There are also no plans to introduce an investigation unit into QROPS or review the regulatory framework.

In the UK individuals are free to transfer their pension savings but must get financial advice for larger amounts. The QROPS rules allow individuals to move abroad to live or work to take their pension savings with them. HMRC makes clear that individuals should seek suitable professional advice, including from a regulated financial adviser, when transferring pension savings to a QROPS. A transfer to a QROPS is covered by the requirement to take regulated financial advice if transferring more than £30,000 from a Defined Benefit scheme.

Additionally, pension scheme administrators are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pension schemes. They are also responsible for complying with the requirements of TPR and the FCA.

HMRC, TPR and the FCA are part of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) - a multi-agency taskforce of law enforcement, Government and industry working together to tackle pension fraud.

Emma Reynolds
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the tax gap associated with pension fraud linked to QROPS; and what steps she has taken to prevent further losses.

A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is the name for any pension scheme located outside the UK which meets the criteria to receive transfers of UK tax relieved pension savings. Where the overseas pension scheme has broadly similar tax characteristics to a UK registered pension scheme. QROPS are pension schemes, not products.

Although QROPS can receive UK tax relieved pension savings, this does not mean that the UK has a right to regulate pension schemes in other countries. However, those overseas schemes are required to be regulated by a pensions regulator in the overseas country where they are established in order for them to receive UK tax relieved pensions. HMRC does not impose restrictions on assets a QROPS can invest in that is for the overseas regulator.

There are no plans to make HMRC, or the Pensions Regulator (TPR), or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate QROPS. That would not be appropriate because the UK does not have jurisdiction over overseas pension schemes. HMRC’s primary role is to protect UK tax relief that have been given. HMRC can remove the QROPS status from pension schemes when it is not appropriate for the scheme to continue to be able to receive UK tax relieved pension savings. There are also no plans to introduce an investigation unit into QROPS or review the regulatory framework.

In the UK individuals are free to transfer their pension savings but must get financial advice for larger amounts. The QROPS rules allow individuals to move abroad to live or work to take their pension savings with them. HMRC makes clear that individuals should seek suitable professional advice, including from a regulated financial adviser, when transferring pension savings to a QROPS. A transfer to a QROPS is covered by the requirement to take regulated financial advice if transferring more than £30,000 from a Defined Benefit scheme.

Additionally, pension scheme administrators are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pension schemes. They are also responsible for complying with the requirements of TPR and the FCA.

HMRC, TPR and the FCA are part of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) - a multi-agency taskforce of law enforcement, Government and industry working together to tackle pension fraud.

Emma Reynolds
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions her Department has had with HMRC on the regulation and oversight of QROPS to ensure consumer protection.

A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is the name for any pension scheme located outside the UK which meets the criteria to receive transfers of UK tax relieved pension savings. Where the overseas pension scheme has broadly similar tax characteristics to a UK registered pension scheme. QROPS are pension schemes, not products.

Although QROPS can receive UK tax relieved pension savings, this does not mean that the UK has a right to regulate pension schemes in other countries. However, those overseas schemes are required to be regulated by a pensions regulator in the overseas country where they are established in order for them to receive UK tax relieved pensions. HMRC does not impose restrictions on assets a QROPS can invest in that is for the overseas regulator.

There are no plans to make HMRC, or the Pensions Regulator (TPR), or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate QROPS. That would not be appropriate because the UK does not have jurisdiction over overseas pension schemes. HMRC’s primary role is to protect UK tax relief that have been given. HMRC can remove the QROPS status from pension schemes when it is not appropriate for the scheme to continue to be able to receive UK tax relieved pension savings. There are also no plans to introduce an investigation unit into QROPS or review the regulatory framework.

In the UK individuals are free to transfer their pension savings but must get financial advice for larger amounts. The QROPS rules allow individuals to move abroad to live or work to take their pension savings with them. HMRC makes clear that individuals should seek suitable professional advice, including from a regulated financial adviser, when transferring pension savings to a QROPS. A transfer to a QROPS is covered by the requirement to take regulated financial advice if transferring more than £30,000 from a Defined Benefit scheme.

Additionally, pension scheme administrators are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pension schemes. They are also responsible for complying with the requirements of TPR and the FCA.

HMRC, TPR and the FCA are part of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) - a multi-agency taskforce of law enforcement, Government and industry working together to tackle pension fraud.

Emma Reynolds
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has plans to review the regulatory framework for the qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme including the role of the Financial Conduct Authority.

A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is the name for any pension scheme located outside the UK which meets the criteria to receive transfers of UK tax relieved pension savings. Where the overseas pension scheme has broadly similar tax characteristics to a UK registered pension scheme. QROPS are pension schemes, not products.

Although QROPS can receive UK tax relieved pension savings, this does not mean that the UK has a right to regulate pension schemes in other countries. However, those overseas schemes are required to be regulated by a pensions regulator in the overseas country where they are established in order for them to receive UK tax relieved pensions. HMRC does not impose restrictions on assets a QROPS can invest in that is for the overseas regulator.

There are no plans to make HMRC, or the Pensions Regulator (TPR), or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate QROPS. That would not be appropriate because the UK does not have jurisdiction over overseas pension schemes. HMRC’s primary role is to protect UK tax relief that have been given. HMRC can remove the QROPS status from pension schemes when it is not appropriate for the scheme to continue to be able to receive UK tax relieved pension savings. There are also no plans to introduce an investigation unit into QROPS or review the regulatory framework.

In the UK individuals are free to transfer their pension savings but must get financial advice for larger amounts. The QROPS rules allow individuals to move abroad to live or work to take their pension savings with them. HMRC makes clear that individuals should seek suitable professional advice, including from a regulated financial adviser, when transferring pension savings to a QROPS. A transfer to a QROPS is covered by the requirement to take regulated financial advice if transferring more than £30,000 from a Defined Benefit scheme.

Additionally, pension scheme administrators are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pension schemes. They are also responsible for complying with the requirements of TPR and the FCA.

HMRC, TPR and the FCA are part of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) - a multi-agency taskforce of law enforcement, Government and industry working together to tackle pension fraud.

Emma Reynolds
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
15th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to tackle the (a) supply and (b) use of sodium nitrite.

Certain chemicals can be used in the illicit manufacture of explosives or to cause harm. These are called explosives precursors and poisons.

The Poisons Act 1972 sets out the legal obligations in relation to the sale, purchase, and use of these chemicals for suppliers, professional users, and members of the public.

Sodium nitrite is a reportable poison listed in Part 4 of Schedule 1A of the Poisons Act 1972; this means it is lawful to sell this substance in Great Britain without further controls, however suppliers have a legal obligation to report any suspicious transactions.

The Home Office work with retailers to raise awareness and emphasise their legal obligation to report suspicious activity for regulated and reportable substances.

Diana Johnson
Minister of State (Home Office)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Tamar Crossing tolls on economic growth in (a) South East Cornwall constituency and (b) Plymouth.

The government recognises the importance of the Tamar crossings to South East Cornwall, Plymouth and also to the wider area, providing a vital link between Cornwall and Devon for local residents and businesses.

The tolls for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry are set locally by the Tamar Joint Committee, a local government committee made up of elected representatives from Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council. It is for this local committee to determine the right level of toll to meet the day-to-day running costs and ongoing maintenance of the Torpoint Ferry and Tamar Bridge.

The government has not carried out an assessment of the potential impact of the Tamar crossing tolls on economic growth but does recognise the importance of the crossings and that is why the Cornwall Level 2 devolution deal, that this government committed to progressing in September 2024, committed to work together with Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council to consider options for future legislation to enable a more efficient toll revision process.

Looking ahead, the government recommends local authorities from both sides of the Tamar consider the opportunities that devolution would bring for increased transport powers and supporting local growth.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of mandating the use of swift bricks in national development management policies.

The focus of building regulations is health, safety and wellbeing. In general, where wildlife is referenced in building regulations, it is because there is a direct relevance to ensuring structural integrity.

Expanding the scope of building regulations would place an additional burden on the people and processes of a regulatory regime which is already dealing with the increased demands of the Building Safety Act whilst supporting a housebuilding target of 1.5 million homes. We therefore consider that measures for nature conservation are better promoted and encouraged, rather than mandated through building regulations.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to introduce a statutory requirement for swift bricks in future building regulations.

The focus of building regulations is health, safety and wellbeing. In general, where wildlife is referenced in building regulations, it is because there is a direct relevance to ensuring structural integrity.

Expanding the scope of building regulations would place an additional burden on the people and processes of a regulatory regime which is already dealing with the increased demands of the Building Safety Act whilst supporting a housebuilding target of 1.5 million homes. We therefore consider that measures for nature conservation are better promoted and encouraged, rather than mandated through building regulations.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to ensure that the concerns of pension fraud victims are being handled correctly by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The legal profession in England and Wales operates independently of government, with regulation overseen by the Legal Services Board (LSB). The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is responsible for regulating the professional conduct of solicitors and law firms. As part of its role, the SRA investigates consumers’ complaints when allegations of solicitor misconduct are made. It has a number of disciplinary powers, including the power to issue fines and refer an individual to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which can suspend or strike a solicitor off the roll. If someone wishes to complain about the conduct of a solicitor to the SRA, they can do so via the following link: https://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/problems/report-solicitor/. The effectiveness of the SRA’s actions in this sphere is overseen by the LSB.

The Government also has a key role to play in combatting pension fraud. In particular, the Government supports the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG), a multi-agency taskforce which includes the Department for Work and Pensions, His Majesty’s Treasury, the Financial Conduct Authority and The Pensions Regulator amongst other members. The PSAG works to improve public awareness of pension scams and share intelligence leading to enforcement and disruption activity.

Sarah Sackman
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment her Department has made of the role of (a) Solicitors Regulation Authority-regulated lawyers and (b) Financial Conduct Authority-regulated financial advisers in facilitating qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes.

The legal profession in England and Wales operates independently of government. The responsibility for regulating the sector sits with the approved regulators, overseen by the Legal Services Board (LSB). The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is responsible for regulating the professional conduct of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales. As part of its role, the SRA investigates consumers’ complaints when allegations of solicitor misconduct are made and has a number of disciplinary powers, including the power to issue fines and refer an individual to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which can suspend or strike a solicitor off the roll. Given the sector’s independence, it would not be appropriate for the Ministry of Justice to interfere with the legal activities of regulated professionals. Complaints about a solicitor’s conduct can be made directly to the SRA, via the following link: https://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/problems/report-solicitor/.

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) are designed to offer individuals the flexibility to transfer their UK pension savings to an overseas pension scheme, for example if relocating abroad. Queries regarding these pension schemes are best directed to the Department for Work and Pensions.

HM Treasury is responsible for financial services policy and matters relating to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Sarah Sackman
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)