Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if her Department will take steps to ensure that banks enable prospective customers to open bank accounts using (a) Digital ID and (b) eVisas.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Ensuring all individuals have access to the appropriate financial services and products they need is a key priority for Government. Financial institutions are required to ask for proof of identity for new customers when they first open an account as laid out in the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (the Regulations). The Regulations do not stipulate how a firm should verify their customers’ identities. Firms are instead required to apply a risk-based approach to how they comply with the customer due diligence requirements in the Regulations.

The Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG) guidance makes it clear that firms can use electronic sources to verify a customer’s identity, provided that they have both (i) verified that the customer (and where appropriate, beneficial owner) exists and (ii) satisfied themselves that the applicant seeking the business relationship is, in fact, that customer (or beneficial owner).

In September, the government set out plans for a new government-backed Digital ID scheme. This Digital ID will make it easier for people across the UK to use vital government services, but will also streamline verification processes across private sectors too, such as when opening a new bank account. The government will be launching a public consultation later this year to engage industry on the proposals.

An eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply. The Home Office published guidance on the use of eVisas for identity checks, or know your customer (KYC) checks aimed at banks and other financial institutions. Individuals with an eVisa can evidence their identity and immigration status by using the online ‘view and prove your immigration status’ service to provide a time-limited code (‘share code’) to third parties such as landlords, employers and banks.

The Home Office has also implemented a comprehensive engagement strategy to smooth the transition to eVisas and to maximise awareness raising across various sectors. This includes collaboration with key stakeholders including migrant organisations and financial services providers.

Each firm will have their own policies on identification, and on the circumstances in which other checks should be undertaken. Government does not prescribe those detailed policies but expects them to be proportionate and supports firms’ efforts to be flexible and inclusive when considering relevant documentation.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help increase access to pubs for guest beers from independent breweries within the (a) review of market access for small breweries and (b) statutory review of the Pubs Code.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government recognises that independent breweries are essential to the diversity and character of our pubs. We're currently assessing the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small brewers from accessing pubs.

This review specifically references market access for small brewers, and will cover all subcategories of the pub sector, including leased and tenanted pubs. It will not, however, consider the merits of different pub models.  We’re considering the review’s findings and will announce in due course any measures that may need to be taken.

The Pubs Code (the Code) applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covering around 8,000 pubs. Separate to the beer market review, the Government is currently conducting a statutory review into the operation of the Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Alongside this statutory review, the Government is also conducting a Post Implementation Review (PIR) which will consider the Pub Code’s impact since it was introduced in 2016.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department plans to respond to the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee 2025 report; and if he will meet representatives of regional Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees following that response.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As the new Minister for Veterans and People, I am currently reviewing and understanding my portfolio, which includes the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees. This includes reviewing previous advice also provided to my predecessor. This forms part of a much wider and far-reaching review to streamline and improve the offer to our people, which remains ongoing. A response will be issued in due course.

Found: Current membership Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour; Slough) (Chair) Mr Calvin Bailey (Labour; Leyton

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Chair); Mr Calvin Bailey; Alex Baker;