Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
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).
Reduce University student tuition fees from £9250 to £3000
Gov Responded - 26 Jan 2021 Debated on - 25 Oct 2021 View Carol Monaghan's petition debate contributionsCall on the government to consider holding debates in Parliament between MPs and university students to raise/discuss issues that affect them. It will allow students to voice their opinions and concerns about tuition fees of £9250 a year which are too high, particularly as grants have been removed
These initiatives were driven by Carol Monaghan, 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.
Carol Monaghan has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Carol Monaghan has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
A Bill to make provision for granting permission to work to asylum seekers who have waited six months for a decision on their asylum application; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for granting permission to work to asylum seekers who have waited six months for a decision on their asylum application; and for connected purposes.
Unpaid Trial Work Periods (Prohibition) Bill 2017-19 - Private Members' Bill (Ballot Bill)
Sponsor - Stewart Malcolm McDonald (SNP)
The Government is committed to uniting and levelling up all parts of the UK which for too long have been left behind. We recognise the impact on household incomes during a time where global inflation pressures are being felt - but it is only by working together that we can deliver on supporting those most in need and ensure all parts of the UK benefit from the Governments levelling up agenda.
COP26 presents an amazing opportunity for both Glasgow and the world. Inevitably, a conference of this size brings both huge opportunities as well as some disruption to the local community hosting the event. In consultation with police and local authority partners, a decision was taken that there will be an extensive security perimeter around the event site to protect attendees. It is unavoidable that a small number of businesses will either need to close or will have disruption to staff and client access.
The COP Unit is contacting affected businesses directly and will be providing compensation. Businesses are eligible only where they are based inside the secure perimeter and will not have facilitated access for their staff and clients.
In some cases, businesses within the restricted security perimeter will be able to stay open to provide services to event staff and delegates, although not for public access. The UK Government is providing compensation to these businesses to reflect potential shortfall in revenue where this can be clearly demonstrated based on an assessment of comparable periods.
We will not be able to offer compensation to businesses outside the restricted secure perimeters or for businesses inside the secure perimeters who are able to remain open for trading.
The Clyde Maritime Trust Tall Ship Glenlee falls within the outer security perimeter.
COP26 presents an amazing opportunity for both Glasgow and the world. Inevitably, a conference of this size brings both huge opportunities as well as some disruption to the local community hosting the event. In consultation with police and local authority partners, a decision was taken that there will be an extensive security perimeter around the event site to protect attendees. It is unavoidable that a small number of businesses will either need to close or will have disruption to staff and client access.
The COP Unit is contacting affected businesses directly and will be providing compensation. Businesses are eligible only where they are based inside the secure perimeter and will not have facilitated access for their staff and clients.
In some cases, businesses within the restricted security perimeter will be able to stay open to provide services to event staff and delegates, although not for public access. The UK Government is providing compensation to these businesses to reflect potential shortfall in revenue where this can be clearly demonstrated based on an assessment of comparable periods.
We will not be able to offer compensation to businesses outside the restricted secure perimeters or for businesses inside the secure perimeters who are able to remain open for trading.
The Clyde Maritime Trust Tall Ship Glenlee falls within the outer security perimeter.
COP26 presents an amazing opportunity for both Glasgow and the world. Inevitably, a conference of this size brings both huge opportunities as well as some disruption to the local community hosting the event. In consultation with police and local authority partners, a decision was taken that there will be an extensive security perimeter around the event site to protect attendees. It is unavoidable that a small number of businesses will either need to close or will have disruption to staff and client access.
The COP Unit is contacting affected businesses directly and will be providing compensation. Businesses are eligible only where they are based inside the secure perimeter and will not have facilitated access for their staff and clients.
In some cases, businesses within the restricted security perimeter will be able to stay open to provide services to event staff and delegates, although not for public access. The UK Government is providing compensation to these businesses to reflect potential shortfall in revenue where this can be clearly demonstrated based on an assessment of comparable periods.
We will not be able to offer compensation to businesses outside the restricted secure perimeters or for businesses inside the secure perimeters who are able to remain open for trading.
The Clyde Maritime Trust Tall Ship Glenlee falls within the outer security perimeter.
Further to the answer given to PQ 25154 on 9 March 2020, campaigners can be assured their case is under review and recommendations will be made as soon as possible.
The criteria used by the Advisory Military Sub-Committee to review the case for medals can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/830839/Advisory-Military-Sub-Committee-Terms-of-Reference-2019-1-1.pdf.
The Advisory Military Sub Committee met three times in 2019, and on 4 February 2020.
Further to the answer given to PQ 25154 on 9 March 2020, campaigners can be assured their case is under review and recommendations will be made as soon as possible.
The criteria used by the Advisory Military Sub-Committee to review the case for medals can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/830839/Advisory-Military-Sub-Committee-Terms-of-Reference-2019-1-1.pdf.
The Advisory Military Sub Committee met three times in 2019, and on 4 February 2020.
Further to the answer given to PQ 25154 on 9 March 2020, campaigners can be assured their case is under review and recommendations will be made as soon as possible.
The criteria used by the Advisory Military Sub-Committee to review the case for medals can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/830839/Advisory-Military-Sub-Committee-Terms-of-Reference-2019-1-1.pdf.
The Advisory Military Sub Committee met three times in 2019, and on 4 February 2020.
I cannot comment on Cabinet discussions, or on whether or not I have given legal advice.
What I can say is that the Government remains fully committed to the principle of family reunion and supporting the most vulnerable children. Clause 37 of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill does not represent a change of government policy in that regard. It simply removes the statutory requirement to negotiate.
The Government Service Standard states that GOV.UK services must allow users to tell the Government what they think about a service, once they have used it. Services should also provide users with the opportunity to provide feedback whilst they are using the service.
GOV.UK provides a range of information and guidance to support users to contact individual government departments.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to PQ 7856 on 7 June 2021 and PQ HL14191 on 23 April 2021.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to PQ 7856 on 7 June 2021 and PQ HL14191 on 23 April 2021.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to PQ 7856 on 7 June 2021 and PQ HL14191 on 23 April 2021.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to PQs 144853 on 1 February 2021 and 161667 on 15 March 2021.
The Government is clear that targeting misinformation at any community is completely unacceptable. This is why the cross-Whitehall Counter Disinformation Unit was stood up on 5 March 2020. The Rapid Response Unit, operating from within the Cabinet Office and No10, also tackles a range of harmful narratives online - from purported ‘experts’ issuing dangerous misinformation, to criminal fraudsters running phishing scams.
We have been working with a wide range of faith groups to support vaccine confidence communication amongst different communities. Regarding African communities specifically, HMG has partnered with community news outlets including the African Voice over the course of the pandemic to address key points of concern and serve to provide reassurance within these communities.
Moreover, on 28 February, 60 black majority church leaders issued a joint statement in support of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout. The Christian leaders united to ensure the community were kept informed, and to dispel misinformation and disinformation about the vaccine in response to data that shows black people are among those most likely to be hesitant about receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.
Further to the answer given to PQ 90166 on 21 September 2020, there is an independent process for the consideration of historic medal claims through the Advisory Military Sub-Committee. Each case is carefully considered, and details of cases must remain confidential until the decision-making process is final. Campaigners can be assured their case is under review and recommendations will be made as soon as possible.
The assessment of historic medals claims is a matter for the independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee (AMSC). Campaigners can be assured their case is under review and recommendations will be made as soon as possible.
The Government is very aware of the difficulties that consumers are experiencing as a result of higher energy prices. This is why we are giving a package of support worth £9.1 billion, which will help over 28 million households.
In September 2021, my Rt. Hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the Secretary of State for Defence published the UK’s first joint civil and military National Space Strategy. A core part of that strategy is delivering the defence space portfolio, which will support our goals in space, including both protecting and defending the UK and supporting economic growth.
The Ministry of Defence is investing an extra £1.4bn in Defence space technologies over the next 10 years. This is in addition to the £5bn investment in Skynet satellite communications over a similar timeframe. This represents a significant increase in Government funding for the UK space sector and will play a part in stimulating innovation, commercialisation, and growth across the wider sector. Defence will utilise elements of the Defence Space Portfolio funding to further support Space Science & Technology (which includes Research & Development), alongside existing funding.
Ministers and officials engage regularly with the Ministry of Defence to understand the opportunities and challenges to enable the UK’s space sector to grow and flourish, and I look forward to continuing to engage in that process as we implement the National Space Strategy.
The National Space Strategy, published in September 2021, sets out the Government’s plans to build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world. Government is already pivoting to build on the success of the strategy’s publication to drive forward its delivery and prioritise commercial and investment enabling activities.
The BEIS Space Directorate is working closely with the Ministry of Defence to develop an implementation plan and we will engage with industry, academia, and the sector in due course.
BEIS jointly co-chairs the newly established National Space Board with the Ministry of Defence to oversee and drive delivery of the National Space Strategy’s ambitions and commitments across government. The strategy will be delivered jointly by several government departments and with the support of our thriving space sector: businesses, innovators, entrepreneurs, and space scientists.
Monitoring and evaluating the impact of initiatives against key success factors will be an integral part of delivering the strategy’s vision. The Government will work with the space sector on finding the right set of metrics to raise ambition, drive progress and monitor delivery.
In September 2021, my Rt. Hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the Secretary of State for Defence published the UK’s first joint civil and military National Space Strategy. A core part of that strategy is delivering the defence space portfolio, which will support our goals in space including both protecting and defending the UK and supporting economic growth.
The Ministry of Defence is investing an extra £1.4bn in Defence space technologies over the next 10 years. This is in addition to the £5bn investment in Skynet satellite communications over a similar timeframe. This represents a significant increase in Government funding for the UK space sector and will play a part in stimulating innovation, commercialisation, and growth across the wider sector. Defence will utilise elements of the Defence Space Portfolio funding to further support Space Science & Technology (which includes Research & Development), alongside existing funding.
Ministers and officials engage regularly with the Ministry of Defence to understand the opportunities and challenges to enable the UK’s space sector to grow and flourish, and I look forward to continuing to engage in that process as we implement the National Space Strategy.
The Government conducted a call for evidence in March 2018. The evidence gained through this exercise and through further independent research commissioned by the Government has led Ministers to conclude that limits of liability are justified. The Government intends to calculate launch liability limits using the Modelled Insurance Requirement (MIR) approach. This will tailor the amount of insurance required and limit of operator liability to the risk and the diverse range of UK launch activities today and anticipated in the future and reduce operator costs in general compared with a fixed limit.
The Government does not yet have the information to determine whether a maximum limit on the insurance requirement and limit of operator liability for the amount calculated under the MIR for launch is justified as licence applications have not yet been received. It is the Government’s intention to establish a committee involving industry and the spaceflight regulator to keep the regulations under review and ensure that they remain current, relevant, and effective.
For orbital operations, the limits of operator liability for licences under the Space Industry Act will mirror those for licences issued under the Outer Space Act 1986.
All operator licences issued under the Space industry Act 2018 will contain a limit of operator liability with respect to claims under section 34 and 36 of the Space Industry Act.
The Government intends to calculate launch liability limits using the Modelled Insurance Requirement (MIR) approach. This will tailor the insurance required to the risk and the diverse range of UK launch activities today and anticipated in the future and reduce operator costs in general compared with a fixed limit.
For orbital operations, the limits of operator liability for licences under the Space Industry Act will mirror those for licences issued under the Outer Space Act 1986:
Operators will therefore not be facing unlimited liability for actions carried out in compliance with the Space Industry Act 2018 and licence conditions.
The price cap is revised every 6 months so that it is consistent with the underlying costs of supplying energy to households. Determining efficient costs is inherently challenging, but this is the product of Ofgem’s wide-ranging and in-depth benchmarking exercise. The Government has complete confidence in Ofgem, as the independent regulator of the GB gas and electricity markets, to appropriately execute its expert judgement in this regard. Ofgem estimate that the average household is £75-£100 better off each year than if the price cap was not in place. Consumers on capped tariffs can save even more my shopping around for a cheaper tariff. In addition, the Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and expanded Warm Home Discount (WHD) schemes will provide at least £4.7 billion of extra support to low-income and vulnerable households between 2022 and 2026.
The Government expects all our businesses, including mobile phone suppliers and manufacturers, to behave throughout their operations and supply arrangements in environmentally responsible and ethical ways.
As incoming COP26 President, the UK is urging all Parties to come forward with more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The UK is working on the same basis and is preparing to come forward with an increased NDC well ahead of COP26.
We will publish a full government response to the Online Harms White Paper consultation later this year. This will be followed by legislation, which will be ready early next year.
As we announced on 16 October last year, we will not be commencing Part 3 of the Digital Economy Act (DEA) 2017 and its provisions on age verification for online pornography as originally intended. Instead we will repeal Part 3 of the DEA and the online harms regime will include provisions to protect children from age-inappropriate content, including online pornography. Our Online Harms proposals will go further than the DEA’s focus on online pornography on commercial adult sites and provide a higher level of protection for children.
As we announced on 16 October last year, we will not be commencing Part 3 of the Digital Economy Act (DEA) 2017 and its provisions on age verification for online pornography as originally intended. Instead we will repeal Part 3 of the DEA and the online harms regime will include provisions to protect children from age-inappropriate content, including online pornography. Our Online Harms proposals will go further than the DEA’s focus on online pornography on commercial adult sites and provide a higher level of protection for children.
We are aware that the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting businesses across many sectors and that the tourism sector has been significantly impacted.
I regularly engage with stakeholders in the tourism sector and across Government on this developing issue. My Department and VisitBritain have organised two meetings between the industry and the Deputy Chief Medical Officer and VisitBritain are organising weekly meetings with industry. I will continue to monitor its impact on the sector and would urge tourism businesses to share information with VisitBritain.
The Government announced a range of measures in the Budget to provide economic support for affected businesses, including SMEs in the tourism and hospitality sector. I also discussed this matter in detail with my counterparts from the Devolved Administrations last week.
In response to the letter dated 9 February 2022 from the hon. Member for Glasgow North West, a diary invitation has been sent.
My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, and I have regular meetings with Scottish ministers, and ministers from all the devolved administrations, about higher education issues. Meetings have included discussions on the development of student number controls policy.
Officials in the department also have regular meetings and discussions with their counterparts. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, we will continue to work closely with the devolved administrations on strengthening and stabilising the higher education system.
Student number controls for institutions in the devolved administrations only apply to the number of English-domiciled entrants who will be supported with their tuition fees through the Student Loans Company. The funding of English-domiciled students is not a devolved matter, and it is right and fair that this policy should apply consistently wherever they are studying in the UK.
In the 2018/19 academic year, tuition fees from international students at UK higher education providers accounted for around £7 billion of sector income. The government recognises that the COVID-19 outbreak will have an unparalleled impact on all elements of the global and UK economy. The higher education sector, including student recruitment, is no exception. We have been working closely with the sector to monitor the likely impacts of COVID-19 on international student numbers, including restrictions on travel. We understand that the COVID-19 outbreak and a possible reduction in the number of international students poses significant challenges and we stand ready to help the sector with various mitigations.
The government is working to ensure that existing rules and regulations, including visa regulations, are as flexible as possible for international students under these unprecedented circumstances. Higher education providers will also be flexible in accommodating applicants’ circumstances where possible, including if applicants are unable to travel to the UK in time for the start of the academic year.
On Monday 4 May, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, announced the package of measures to stabilise university admissions this autumn and ensure sustainability in higher education at a time of unprecedented uncertainty. I wrote to all hon. Members on 4 May with full details of the package, which have also been published on GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/government/news/government-support-package-for-universities-and-students.
The new graduate route, due to be launched in summer 2021, provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay and work in the UK at any skill level for 2 years. This represents a significant improvement in our offer to international students and will help to ensure that our world-leading higher education sector remains competitive internationally.
On Friday 5 June, the Department for Education announced Sir Steve Smith as the International Education Champion, a key deliverable of the 2019 International Education Strategy. Sir Steve will assist with opening up export growth opportunities for the whole UK education sector, tackling international challenges such as those posed to attracting international students and forging lasting global connections. The International Education Strategy,?published in March 2019 by the Department for Education and the Department for International Trade, set out a commitment to review progress following its publication.??The review, which we intend to publish this autumn, will?ensure that the International Education Strategy?responds to this new context and the challenges that are?posed.
The UK has a highly resilient food supply chain, as demonstrated throughout the Covid-19 response. It is well equipped to deal with situations with the potential to cause disruption. Our high degree of food security is built on supply from diverse sources; strong domestic production as well as imports through stable trade routes. We produce 60% of all the food we need, and 74% of food which we can grow or rear in the UK for all or part of the year, and these figures have changed little over the last 20 years.
UK consumers have access through international trade to food products that cannot be produced here, or at least not on a year-round basis. This supplements domestic production, and also ensures that any disruption from risks such as adverse weather or disease does not affect the UK's overall security of supply.
Recognising the importance of food security, in the Agriculture Act 2020, the Government made a commitment to produce an assessment of our food security at least once every three years. The first UK Food Security Report (UKFSR) was published in December 2021.
The UKFSR is an analysis of statistical data on food security in the UK. The report examines past, current and predicted trends relevant to food security, to present the best available and impartial analysis of food security in the UK, and to lay the groundwork for future Food Security Reports. While constructing the UKFSR, Defra consulted widely with leading food security experts in academia and engaged extensively with Government bodies and the devolved administrations. This information and the statistics used throughout the report informed its key findings.
The Government published its first ever food strategy on 13 June, outlining our plans to transform our food system to ensure it is fit for the future. Food security sits at the heart of the strategy. We want to create a sustainable food system, from farm to fork and catch to plate, seizing on the opportunities before us and ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious and healthier food.
The Government is taking a phased approach to the rollout of our inbound vaccination programme and will continue to work with international partners to expand the policy to more countries and territories where it is safe to do so. Vaccine certification between countries and territories varies considerably and the government has published minimum criteria on gov.uk that both digital and paper certificates must meet.
The Government is taking a phased approach to the rollout of our inbound vaccination programme and will continue to work with international partners to expand the policy to more countries and territories where it is safe to do so. Vaccine certification between countries and territories varies considerably and the government has published minimum criteria on gov.uk that both digital and paper certificates must meet.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) understands the effect that the pandemic has had on all those involved with driver training and testing. It is inevitable the demand for existing and new learners wanting to book theory and practical driving tests will be higher than usual.
The DVSA has put in place a number of measures to increase practical driving tests. These include offering overtime and annual leave buy back to examiners, asking all those qualified to conduct tests, but who do not do so as part of their current day job, to return to conducting tests, and conducting out of hours testing (such as on public holidays). The DVSA is also running a recruitment campaign to increase the overall number of examiners. The aim is to increase testing capacity and reduce the backlog as quickly as possible, whilst maintaining a COVID-secure service for customers and examiners.
The DVSA is aware there has been an unprecedented demand for theory tests in Scotland. The DVSA is working with its theory test provider, Pearson VUE, to explore ways in which it can increase theory test capacity in Scotland, including extending opening hours and running tests on extra days where possible.
The DVSA is continuing to work with the Scottish Government but as a result of the 2 metre physical distancing restrictions in Scotland, it is unable to increase the number of desks used to take tests.
The DVSA and its theory test contract provider, Pearson VUE, have explored the possibility of delivering the theory tests outside of existing sites, but this was found to be not suitable as it is dependent upon a physical infrastructure within the Pearson VUE network.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) understands the effect that the pandemic has had on all those involved with driver training and testing. It is inevitable the demand for existing and new learners wanting to book theory and practical driving tests will be higher than usual.
The DVSA has put in place a number of measures to increase practical driving tests. These include offering overtime and annual leave buy back to examiners, asking all those qualified to conduct tests, but who do not do so as part of their current day job, to return to conducting tests, and conducting out of hours testing (such as on public holidays). The DVSA is also running a recruitment campaign to increase the overall number of examiners. The aim is to increase testing capacity and reduce the backlog as quickly as possible, whilst maintaining a COVID-secure service for customers and examiners.
The DVSA is aware there has been an unprecedented demand for theory tests in Scotland. The DVSA is working with its theory test provider, Pearson VUE, to explore ways in which it can increase theory test capacity in Scotland, including extending opening hours and running tests on extra days where possible.
The DVSA is continuing to work with the Scottish Government but as a result of the 2 metre physical distancing restrictions in Scotland, it is unable to increase the number of desks used to take tests.
The DVSA and its theory test contract provider, Pearson VUE, have explored the possibility of delivering the theory tests outside of existing sites, but this was found to be not suitable as it is dependent upon a physical infrastructure within the Pearson VUE network.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) understands the effect that the pandemic has had on all those involved with driver training and testing. It is inevitable the demand for existing and new learners wanting to book theory and practical driving tests will be higher than usual.
The DVSA has put in place a number of measures to increase practical driving tests. These include offering overtime and annual leave buy back to examiners, asking all those qualified to conduct tests, but who do not do so as part of their current day job, to return to conducting tests, and conducting out of hours testing (such as on public holidays). The DVSA is also running a recruitment campaign to increase the overall number of examiners. The aim is to increase testing capacity and reduce the backlog as quickly as possible, whilst maintaining a COVID-secure service for customers and examiners.
The DVSA is aware there has been an unprecedented demand for theory tests in Scotland. The DVSA is working with its theory test provider, Pearson VUE, to explore ways in which it can increase theory test capacity in Scotland, including extending opening hours and running tests on extra days where possible.
The DVSA is continuing to work with the Scottish Government but as a result of the 2 metre physical distancing restrictions in Scotland, it is unable to increase the number of desks used to take tests.
The DVSA and its theory test contract provider, Pearson VUE, have explored the possibility of delivering the theory tests outside of existing sites, but this was found to be not suitable as it is dependent upon a physical infrastructure within the Pearson VUE network.
The Government has set out an unprecedented package of financial support options for the aviation industry. We expect this to be made use of before bespoke support could be considered.
I have met with NATS, and departmental officials remain in regular contact with the NATS senior management team, to understand the financial impacts on the company from the current crisis, how these impacts are being managed and the potential need for financial support. We understand the risk of short term insolvency at this point to be low and we are working with them on the longer term.
Drivers, including key workers, whose vehicles were due an MOT up to and including 29 March 2020 will need to get their vehicle tested if they need to use it.
MOT centres and garages are allowed to stay open to carry out MOTs, and retests, of vehicles that had an MOT due before 30 March 2020. Garages can also stay open to carry out essential repairs or services.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has provided advice to MOT garages on what they can do to limit the spread of the coronavirus by:
following social distancing advice and keeping at least 2 metres between customers and members of staff at all times;
reminding employees and customers to wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently than normal;
frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly;
using seat covers and new disposable gloves for every test;
avoiding handling cash and instead use mobile or contactless card payments where possible (the contactless payment limit in the UK increased from £30 to £45 on 1 April 2020); and
the MOT centre not issuing a paper copy of the MOT certificate (a copy of the certificate can be downloaded after the test).
A vehicle cannot be driven on the road if the MOT has run out. The only exceptions to this are driving to a pre-arranged MOT test, and driving to or from somewhere for repairs to be carried out.
MOT due dates for cars, motorcycles and light vans will be extended by six months if the MOT test was due on or after 30 March 2020, but it is essential that vehicles are kept in a roadworthy condition and safe to drive.
The introduction of MOT exemptions for cars, motorcycles and light vans required new legislation. It was not possible for this legislation to come into effect before 30 March, or for it to be applied retrospectively.
The Department for Transport is working with insurers and the police to make sure people are not unfairly penalised for not being able to get an MOT whilst they are unable to do so.
The Secretary of State has not had any recent discussions on this issue with the Government of Australia.
The Department for Work and Pensions plans to respond shortly on this issue.
The Department has no plans to amend the qualifying period for Support for Mortgage Interest.
Home owners struggling with mortgage repayments because of COVID-19 should contact their lender as soon as possible to discuss what support might be available.
Our priority throughout this health emergency continues to be to protect the public and staff, while ensuring people get the benefits they are entitled to quickly and safely. Reviews and reassessments remain suspended while we review what activity we can gradually start reintroducing in line with the latest public health advice. We will confirm next steps as soon as possible.
I can reassure you that IIDB is being treated with the same priority as other benefits and we are working closely with our stakeholders to restart assessments safely as soon as possible. Once face-to-face assessments are recommenced and cases progressed, awards will be backdated to the date of claim to ensure no one is underpaid. In the meantime, for claimants with the most serious or terminal conditions, claims continue to be processed and decisions made as normal. We are actively considering how to deal with those cases not currently being processed.
Reassessment case awards have been extended to ensure that payments continue unhindered on those cases. Any deteriorations in condition which would have meant an increase in award, will be backdated once face-to-face assessments recommence, to ensure that no one is underpaid.
A confidential enquiry into perinatal deaths of black/black British babies is currently being undertaken by the MBRRACE-UK Maternal, Newborn and Infant Clinical Outcome Review Programme. The Department has no current plans to concurrently establish an inquiry into the rates of stillbirth and neonatal deaths among Asian and Asian British babies.
We are working closely with the National Health Service and Public Health England to provide advice and information at every possible opportunity to encourage people to come forward for vaccination when they are eligible, and support anyone who might have questions about the vaccination process, regardless of their immigration or residency status.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government Community Champions scheme works with trusted local leaders to engage with their communities. The Government’s vaccination programme includes the use of street ambassadors to provide advice and information to local communities. The teams include ambassadors who can speak KiSwahili, Oromo, Afar, Yoruba, Akan and Somali. The programme can access additional translation support if a local need is identified.
Anyone living in the United Kingdom, including refugees and asylum seekers, can receive the vaccine free of charge in line with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) prioritisation groups. Because there is no charge for the vaccine for people living in the UK, no proof of residence or immigration status is needed. NHS Regional teams, working with various appropriate local systems will reach out to unregistered people to ensure they are offered the vaccine.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Community Champions scheme works with trusted local leaders to advise local communities about the vaccine and support local communities. The Government’s vaccination programme includes the use of street ambassadors to provide advice and information to local communities. The teams include ambassadors who can speak KiSwahili, Oromo, Afar, Yoruba, Akan and Somali.
We are working to provide all Members and external correspondents with accurate answers to their correspondence, as well as supporting the Government’s response to the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hon. Member’s letter will be answered as soon as possible.
The Government is carefully considering the recommendations of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review and will provide an update in due course.
The Government is carefully considering the recommendations of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review and will provide an update in due course.
The Government is carefully considering the recommendations of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review and will provide an update in due course.
The UK Government publishes the UK Sanctions List, which provides details of those designated under regulations made under the Sanctions Act. The list also details which sanctions measures apply to these persons and in the case of UK designations, provides a statement of reasons for the designation. HM Treasury's Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation provides a consolidated list of persons and organisations under financial sanctions, including those under the Sanctions Act and other UK legislation. Both lists include additional identifying details, where this information is available, to assist with the identification of a Designated Person. This includes date of birth, nationalities, addresses, and any name variations or aliases.
We are concerned about increased tensions in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and are monitoring the situation closely. We are committed to achieving a negotiated two-state solution, which envisions both Israel and a viable Palestinian State, living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition. We have a regular dialogue on human rights with the Government of Israel to encourage them to abide by obligations under international law and to do all it can to uphold the values of equality for all.
The UK Government funds programmes to support the needs and development priorities of the Sri Lankan people. The Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) will provide £11.3 million over the next three years to work on post-conflict peacebuilding, promoting reconciliation and inclusive democratic institutions. This will fund landmine clearance, sustainable resettlement of those displaced by the conflict, and provide support to civil society.
The UK also contributes to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) Operation in Sri Lanka. The DREF is supporting the Sri Lanka Red Cross with an allocation of approximately $700,000 USD in response to the shortages and civil unrest. The World Bank, of which the UK is a major donor, has announced over $400 million USD of assistance to provide economic and health sector support.
We welcome the start in-depth discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on reforms needed to bring the economy back to a sustainable path. We will work closely with fellow Paris Club members and multilateral organisations on solutions to Sri Lanka's debt crisis.
We are closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka particularly as it relates to food insecurity and medical shortages and will be working to support the UN and its agencies in their coordinated response. This response will be based on the UN's recent joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, launched on 9 June, that called for $47.2 million USD to provide life-saving assistance to 1.7 million people who are most at risk and need immediate support.
The UK Government recognises the difficult economic situation and welcomes the start of in-depth discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on reforms needed to bring the economy back to a sustainable path. The World Bank has announced over US$400 million in assistance to provide economic as well as health sector support, with the UK being a major donor to the UN and World Bank.
On 10 June the Prime Minister and President Biden announced the formation of a UK-US travel taskforce with the purpose of sharing expertise and providing recommendations to leaders on the return of safe and sustainable international travel. The Government is aware of the significant impact this is having on many British Nationals and are engaging extensively with the US to try and find a resolution.
The UK Government, principally through the British High Commission in Dhaka, has regularly engaged with the Government of Bangladesh authorities in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar on the need to allow humanitarian agencies unhindered access to the camps to provide protection and critical assistance, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government of Bangladesh agreed in 2020 to ensure Rohingya children had access to the Myanmar curriculum. Since then the COVID-19 crisis has forced the closure of all learning centres in the camps. Education partners have tried to ensure continuity of learning, for example by providing caregivers with learning materials. We hope learning centres will re-open soon, with measures in place to ensure the safety of pupils and teachers. This includes piloting the Myanmar curriculum. We continue to stress the importance of providing education and livelihood opportunities for the Rohingya refugees for their well-being and to prepare for their voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar when the conditions are right.
The UK Government regularly engages with the Bangladesh authorities in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar on the need to allow humanitarian agencies unhindered access to the camps to provide protection and critical assistance, including during the pandemic. I met with UNHCR last week to discuss conditions in Cox's Bazar. The UK has emphasised the importance of maintaining the civilian nature of the camp, as well as ensuring fencing does not block access in or out of the camps and to services. We have also stressed the importance of providing education and livelihood opportunities for the Rohingya refugees for their well-being and to prepare for their voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar when the conditions are right.
The UK remains a leading donor to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh. At the launch of the Joint Response Plan on 18 May, we announced £27.6 million in new funding to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh, bringing our total contribution over £320 million since the crisis started in 2017. Our financial contribution will continue to deliver lifesaving aid to both Rohingya refugees and host communities.
The UK Government regularly engages with the Bangladesh authorities in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar on the need to allow humanitarian agencies unhindered access to the camps to provide protection and critical assistance, including during the pandemic. I met with UNHCR last week to discuss conditions in Cox's Bazar. The UK has emphasised the importance of maintaining the civilian nature of the camp, as well as ensuring fencing does not block access in or out of the camps and to services. We have also stressed the importance of providing education and livelihood opportunities for the Rohingya refugees for their well-being and to prepare for their voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar when the conditions are right.
The UK remains a leading donor to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh. At the launch of the Joint Response Plan on 18 May, we announced £27.6 million in new funding to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh, bringing our total contribution over £320 million since the crisis started in 2017. Our financial contribution will continue to deliver lifesaving aid to both Rohingya refugees and host communities.
The UK Government regularly engages with the Bangladesh authorities in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar on the need to allow humanitarian agencies unhindered access to the camps to provide protection and critical assistance, including during the pandemic. I met with UNHCR last week to discuss conditions in Cox's Bazar. The UK has emphasised the importance of maintaining the civilian nature of the camp, as well as ensuring fencing does not block access in or out of the camps and to services. We have also stressed the importance of providing education and livelihood opportunities for the Rohingya refugees for their well-being and to prepare for their voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar when the conditions are right.
The UK remains a leading donor to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh. At the launch of the Joint Response Plan on 18 May, we announced £27.6 million in new funding to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh, bringing our total contribution over £320 million since the crisis started in 2017. Our financial contribution will continue to deliver lifesaving aid to both Rohingya refugees and host communities.
The UK is clear in its condemnation of the coup and the appalling violence by the military, which has left over 850 people dead. The UK is calling for a peaceful and inclusive political resolution to the crisis. Following the coup, Our Ambassador to Yangon attended an Ambassador's briefing with the military appointed officials, where he clearly set out UK demands and our opposition to the coup. We continue to call publicly for a return to democracy and the release of all those in arbitrary detention, including democratically elected politicians, journalists, civil society and foreign nationals. We are using all levers available to us to achieve this end, this includes sanctions and working to prevent the flow of arms to Myanmar.
We have also welcomed the Five Point Consensus on Myanmar reached at the ASEAN leaders' meeting in April and ASEAN's role in addressing the crisis and supported ASEAN's call for an end to violence, for restraint, and for a peaceful resolution. As was made clear in the communique after the G7 leaders, under UK leadership, made clear earlier this month the military must implement this plan without delay.
The humanitarian situation in Myanmar is extremely serious. Displacement and humanitarian needs are increasing, and the military junta is denying humanitarian and commercial food supplies to some places in the southeast and west of Myanmar. We are increasingly working through small scale local civil society organisations which are able to mobilise community support and reach places the UN and international humanitarian community cannot access. The UK has used the UN Security Council to call for humanitarian access, including the session on 18 June. G7 Foreign Ministers under UK leadership made a clear call for humanitarian access at their meeting in May. The UK supported the UN General Assembly resolution on Myanmar, adopted on 18 June, which called for humanitarian access.
Humanitarian supplies and actors are increasingly targeted. We are adapting our humanitarian programme to respond to the changing context; increasing the use of remote management to minimise movements of humanitarian staff, engaging with ethnic armed organisations on security and supporting the community as first responders where we can.
We continue to ensure that UK aid in Myanmar prioritises the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable people fleeing conflict, including mothers and children. The UK is one of the biggest humanitarian donors. Since the coup, we have provided over £5 million in new humanitarian funding for The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), UN, and local and International Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). We have also reprioritised over £2.5 million of humanitarian funding to International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) to ensure they can channel support through local partners to reach displaced families.
Outside Myanmar, the UK has been a leading donor to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh, providing over £320 million since 2017. We are also supporting refugees displaced to Thailand via The Border Consortium, with a commitment of £3.8 million to the consortium since December 2020.
Long term conflict, displacement and economic hardship are major barriers to education in Myanmar. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of most schools in March 2020, with limited home-based learning opportunities. The February 2021 military coup caused violence and poverty, and although the regime ordered schools to reopen in June 2021, across most of the country students and teachers have not returned, for fear of violence, COVID-19, or legitimating the regime. Data from 2017 suggests around 16% of girls in Myanmar are married before they are 18. This is linked to school drop-out and often means the end to a girl's formal education.
The UK remains committed to ensure disadvantaged children can still access learning. For example, through the Myanmar Education Consortium, the UK is supporting 167,000 children in ethnic basic education provider (EBEP) run school systems to overcome barriers to access and quality or to study at home. Around half of these children are girls. The UK promotes gender equality across its work in Myanmar, this includes our support to women's rights organisations who challenge norms around violence and discrimination against children and women. We are also working with international partners to ensure continuity of education across the country, as far as possible.
We are extremely concerned about the worsening situation in Myanmar, and the acute impacts on the physical and mental wellbeing of children in Myanmar. Children are being killed, wounded, detained and exposed to tear gas and stun grenades and are witnessing scenes of violence. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR's) latest figures, 200,000 have been displaced, cutting children off from essential services. Humanitarian access for providing urgent assistance to those affected by violence and conflict in Myanmar is increasingly constrained. Access to education and access to healthcare have been severely disrupted since the coup. The UK has on average provided around 14% of all humanitarian assistance through the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), placing the UK among the top three humanitarian donors in Myanmar. We are developing our response and have provided £5 million for emergency displacement and needs since the coup.
The UK is committed to children in Myanmar and to providing the services critical for children's survival and wellbeing. A large part of the humanitarian caseload are children and, through national and international organisations, civil society and the UN, we are providing assistance in health, nutrition, protection and education. The UK supports global human rights actors and monitoring mechanisms, such as the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), to monitor and collate evidence of all forms of violence and abuse in relation to the coup, including gender based violence and violence against children. I met with the IIMM on 17 June to discuss its critical role in preserving evidence, and the UK's continued support for the mechanism.
We are extremely concerned about the worsening situation in Myanmar, and the acute impacts on the physical and mental wellbeing of children in Myanmar. Children are being killed, wounded, detained and exposed to tear gas and stun grenades and are witnessing scenes of violence. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR's) latest figures, 200,000 have been displaced, cutting children off from essential services. Humanitarian access for providing urgent assistance to those affected by violence and conflict in Myanmar is increasingly constrained. Access to education and access to healthcare have been severely disrupted since the coup. The UK has on average provided around 14% of all humanitarian assistance through the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), placing the UK among the top three humanitarian donors in Myanmar. We are developing our response and have provided £5 million for emergency displacement and needs since the coup.
The UK is committed to children in Myanmar and to providing the services critical for children's survival and wellbeing. A large part of the humanitarian caseload are children and, through national and international organisations, civil society and the UN, we are providing assistance in health, nutrition, protection and education. The UK supports global human rights actors and monitoring mechanisms, such as the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), to monitor and collate evidence of all forms of violence and abuse in relation to the coup, including gender based violence and violence against children. I met with the IIMM on 17 June to discuss its critical role in preserving evidence, and the UK's continued support for the mechanism.
The UK has provided £35.5 million for the COVID response in Myanmar to date, which is being delivered via NGOs and UN organisations. We have also re-orientated our wider aid portfolio to mitigate the effects of COVID, prioritising support for health and humanitarian support. UK aid is supporting COVID prevention and providing essential access to clean water, food, sanitation and medical services. We are working with civil society organisations in conflict-affected areas not controlled by the government to improve risk communication within communities and expand testing. We are concerned about reports of rising numbers of COVID cases in Myanmar. We will continue to monitor the situation and work with our partners to respond.
The UK is very concerned by divisive, racist and nationalist propaganda perpetuated by the military regime since the coup. Our Embassy is meeting with a range of stakeholders, including Buddhist, Christian and Muslim leaders who are bravely standing up against the military junta. The UK also works with partners and other community leaders to improve religious tolerance and social cohesion through facilitating a greater understanding of religious and cultural differences, and promoting dialogue between different communities across Myanmar.
We continue to raise our concern, including at the UN Human Rights Council, at the Race and Religion Laws and the 1982 Citizenship Law which have been used to discriminate against non-Buddhists.
The UK is clear that the military must respect the results of the November 2020 general election and accept the expressed wishes of the people of Myanmar. We will continue to put pressure on them to that end. The UK is working with partners across the region and the international community who share our ambitions and aims for a democratic Myanmar.
The reports of the arbitrary detention of thousands of people, as well as credible reports of torture are deeply concerning. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners estimates that 3,000 people have been detained and over 700 killed since the start of the coup. The UK is appalled at the actions of the military in killing its own people. The killing of children, many in their own homes, is particularly abhorrent. The violent crackdown on peaceful protestors is completely unacceptable and requires a strong message from the international community. It is essential that all those arbitrarily detained, are released. We condemn the politically motivated charges against those who are protesting the coup.
The arbitrary detention of thousands of people, as well as credible reports of torture are deeply concerning. It is essential that all those arbitrarily detained, are released. We condemn the politically motivated charges against those who are protesting against the coup. The people's right to a peaceful protest should be respected. We urge the military to exercise utmost restraint and respect human rights and international law.
We continue to shine a spotlight on the actions of the military on the international stage, including through the UN Security Council and the G7. On 10 March, the UK secured a Presidential Statement at the UN Security Council condemning violence and calling on the military to respect human rights and democracy.
GROUPED WITH PQS 145811 & 145812.
I [Minister Duddridge] spoke to the Ugandan Foreign Minister, Sam Kutesa, on 26 November 2020 to express concern about the arrest of Robert Kyagulanyi and the violence that followed. I [Minister Duddridge] sought reassurances that Ugandan security forces would show restraint and raised the importance of the rights of Ugandans to freely express their views. Ahead of the elections of 14 January, I [Minister Duddridge] raised the importance of British officials observing the vote in further calls with Foreign Minister Kutesa and with the Ugandan High Commissioner. The UK deployed 51 Election Observers across 120 polling stations in Uganda on election day.
I [Minister Duddridge] also publicly expressed my disappointment about the internet shutdown on 14 January and my concerns at reduced transparency of the elections. I have since set out our concerns, in a statement of 17 January, about the overall political climate surrounding the elections and have urged the Government of Uganda to meet its international human rights commitments. I [Minister Duddridge] welcome the High Court of Uganda's decision of 25 January 2021 lifting restrictions on Robert Kyagulanyi, and that the British High Commissioner was able to meet with him on 27 January 2021. As a long-standing partner to Uganda, the UK will continue to follow post-election developments closely, and engage with the Ugandan Government and Ugandans to advocate for democracy.
GROUPED WITH PQS 145811 & 145812.
I [Minister Duddridge] spoke to the Ugandan Foreign Minister, Sam Kutesa, on 26 November 2020 to express concern about the arrest of Robert Kyagulanyi and the violence that followed. I [Minister Duddridge] sought reassurances that Ugandan security forces would show restraint and raised the importance of the rights of Ugandans to freely express their views. Ahead of the elections of 14 January, I [Minister Duddridge] raised the importance of British officials observing the vote in further calls with Foreign Minister Kutesa and with the Ugandan High Commissioner. The UK deployed 51 Election Observers across 120 polling stations in Uganda on election day.
I [Minister Duddridge] also publicly expressed my disappointment about the internet shutdown on 14 January and my concerns at reduced transparency of the elections. I have since set out our concerns, in a statement of 17 January, about the overall political climate surrounding the elections and have urged the Government of Uganda to meet its international human rights commitments. I [Minister Duddridge] welcome the High Court of Uganda's decision of 25 January 2021 lifting restrictions on Robert Kyagulanyi, and that the British High Commissioner was able to meet with him on 27 January 2021. As a long-standing partner to Uganda, the UK will continue to follow post-election developments closely, and engage with the Ugandan Government and Ugandans to advocate for democracy.
GROUPED WITH PQS 145811 & 145812.
I [Minister Duddridge] spoke to the Ugandan Foreign Minister, Sam Kutesa, on 26 November 2020 to express concern about the arrest of Robert Kyagulanyi and the violence that followed. I [Minister Duddridge] sought reassurances that Ugandan security forces would show restraint and raised the importance of the rights of Ugandans to freely express their views. Ahead of the elections of 14 January, I [Minister Duddridge] raised the importance of British officials observing the vote in further calls with Foreign Minister Kutesa and with the Ugandan High Commissioner. The UK deployed 51 Election Observers across 120 polling stations in Uganda on election day.
I [Minister Duddridge] also publicly expressed my disappointment about the internet shutdown on 14 January and my concerns at reduced transparency of the elections. I have since set out our concerns, in a statement of 17 January, about the overall political climate surrounding the elections and have urged the Government of Uganda to meet its international human rights commitments. I [Minister Duddridge] welcome the High Court of Uganda's decision of 25 January 2021 lifting restrictions on Robert Kyagulanyi, and that the British High Commissioner was able to meet with him on 27 January 2021. As a long-standing partner to Uganda, the UK will continue to follow post-election developments closely, and engage with the Ugandan Government and Ugandans to advocate for democracy.
The UK Government is deeply concerned by continued reports of children working in the artisanal mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The UK is fully committed to seeing an end to such practices by 2030 as laid out in the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development.
UK officials monitor trends in child labour in mining in DRC, including by working closely with partners such as the UN Joint Human Rights Organisation who report human rights abuses in DRC and raise concerns regularly with the DRC Government. As an active member of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Initiative, which promotes responsible practice, the UK has met the DRC Government and local actors in the mining sector to press for adherence to the Voluntary Principles, with a view to eventual membership of DRC.
The vast majority of employment status decisions, including decisions on the off-payroll working rules (commonly known as IR35), are straightforward and settled without the need to go to tribunal. However, a number are more finely balanced, generally because of their complexity or because there are unusual circumstances and it is not possible to reach agreement. It is right for HMRC to litigate these cases.
HMRC’s responsibilities are to secure the best practicable return for the Exchequer. Entering into, taking forward and resolving disputes contribute to meeting that objective. This requires consideration not only of the tax at stake in cases (i.e. a straightforward costs analysis) but also wider impacts, including potential tax liabilities of other taxpayers.
Since 2001, HMRC has taken 40 cases regarding the off-payroll working rules to the Tax Tribunal.
Work on off-payroll working rules cases is carried out by a number of HMRC teams. These teams are also involved in other cases and other litigation and as a result, HMRC do not hold specific information relating to the overall cost of pursuing cases (which is mitigated to some extent by HMRC’s recovery of costs in litigation which it wins).
HMRC’s approach to litigation generally is set out in their published Litigation and Settlement Strategy. Disputes are costly for both HMRC and individual taxpayers and HMRC are committed to supporting taxpayers to get their tax right without the need for a dispute.
The vast majority of employment status decisions, including decisions on the off-payroll working rules (commonly known as IR35), are straightforward and settled without the need to go to tribunal. However, a number are more finely balanced, generally because of their complexity or because there are unusual circumstances and it is not possible to reach agreement. It is right for HMRC to litigate these cases.
HMRC’s responsibilities are to secure the best practicable return for the Exchequer. Entering into, taking forward and resolving disputes contribute to meeting that objective. This requires consideration not only of the tax at stake in cases (i.e. a straightforward costs analysis) but also wider impacts, including potential tax liabilities of other taxpayers.
Since 2001, HMRC has taken 40 cases regarding the off-payroll working rules to the Tax Tribunal.
Work on off-payroll working rules cases is carried out by a number of HMRC teams. These teams are also involved in other cases and other litigation and as a result, HMRC do not hold specific information relating to the overall cost of pursuing cases (which is mitigated to some extent by HMRC’s recovery of costs in litigation which it wins).
HMRC’s approach to litigation generally is set out in their published Litigation and Settlement Strategy. Disputes are costly for both HMRC and individual taxpayers and HMRC are committed to supporting taxpayers to get their tax right without the need for a dispute.
The vast majority of employment status decisions, including decisions on the off-payroll working rules (commonly known as IR35), are straightforward and settled without the need to go to tribunal. However, a number are more finely balanced, generally because of their complexity or because there are unusual circumstances and it is not possible to reach agreement. It is right for HMRC to litigate these cases.
HMRC’s responsibilities are to secure the best practicable return for the Exchequer. Entering into, taking forward and resolving disputes contribute to meeting that objective. This requires consideration not only of the tax at stake in cases (i.e. a straightforward costs analysis) but also wider impacts, including potential tax liabilities of other taxpayers.
Since 2001, HMRC has taken 40 cases regarding the off-payroll working rules to the Tax Tribunal.
Work on off-payroll working rules cases is carried out by a number of HMRC teams. These teams are also involved in other cases and other litigation and as a result, HMRC do not hold specific information relating to the overall cost of pursuing cases (which is mitigated to some extent by HMRC’s recovery of costs in litigation which it wins).
HMRC’s approach to litigation generally is set out in their published Litigation and Settlement Strategy. Disputes are costly for both HMRC and individual taxpayers and HMRC are committed to supporting taxpayers to get their tax right without the need for a dispute.
The vast majority of employment status decisions, including decisions on the off-payroll working rules (commonly known as IR35), are straightforward and settled without the need to go to tribunal. However, a number are more finely balanced, generally because of their complexity or because there are unusual circumstances and it is not possible to reach agreement. It is right for HMRC to litigate these cases.
HMRC’s responsibilities are to secure the best practicable return for the Exchequer. Entering into, taking forward and resolving disputes contribute to meeting that objective. This requires consideration not only of the tax at stake in cases (i.e. a straightforward costs analysis) but also wider impacts, including potential tax liabilities of other taxpayers.
Since 2001, HMRC has taken 40 cases regarding the off-payroll working rules to the Tax Tribunal.
Work on off-payroll working rules cases is carried out by a number of HMRC teams. These teams are also involved in other cases and other litigation and as a result, HMRC do not hold specific information relating to the overall cost of pursuing cases (which is mitigated to some extent by HMRC’s recovery of costs in litigation which it wins).
HMRC’s approach to litigation generally is set out in their published Litigation and Settlement Strategy. Disputes are costly for both HMRC and individual taxpayers and HMRC are committed to supporting taxpayers to get their tax right without the need for a dispute.
There was previously a zero rate of VAT on restorative work to listed and historic buildings. However, the relief was mainly being used to carry out extension work, which was contrary to the intent of the legislation to preserve heritage, and was removed following consultation in 2012.
The Government has no current plans to change the VAT treatment of restorative construction work on listed and historic buildings.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) enforces rules on unfair contract terms. On 30th April the CMA published a statement on its views on consumer protection law including in relation to COVID-19. People and businesses who have seen or experienced businesses behaving unfairly during the coronavirus outbreak can report it to the CMA by using their dedicated webpage: https://www.coronavirus-business-complaint.service.gov.uk/.
The Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including almost £300 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15% of UK GDP. The Business Support website provides further information about how businesses can access the support that has been made available, who is eligible and how to apply - https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder.
It has not been possible to include those who began trading after the 2018-19 tax year in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. This was a very difficult decision and it was taken for practical reasons. It is correct that individuals can now submit Income Tax Self Assessment returns for 2019-20, but there would be significant risks for the public purse if the Government relied on these returns for the scheme. HMRC would not be able to distinguish genuine self-employed individuals who started trading in 2019-20 from fake applications by fraudulent operators and organised criminal gangs seeking to exploit the SEISS. The Government cannot expose the tax system to these risks.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has said there will be no further extension or changes to the SEISS. However, the newly self-employed may still be eligible for other financial support provided by the Government. The SEISS is one element of a comprehensive package of support for individuals and businesses, including the newly self-employed. This package includes Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support,?increased levels of Universal Credit, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced an extension to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme on 29 May.
Eligible individuals whose business is adversely affected by COVID-19 will be able to claim a second and final grant when the scheme reopens for further applications in August. Individuals will be able to claim a taxable grant worth 70 per cent of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits and capped at £6,570 in total.
There will be no further changes and no further extensions to the scheme, which continues to be one of the most generous in the world.
HMRC currently have no plans to ask the Post Office to provide document verification services.
The government responded to the report on 5th February 2020 and the Committee will publish our response in the usual way in due course.
In March 2018, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) established a steering group of financial institutions and consumer representatives to develop a voluntary code of good practice to help protect consumers against authorized push payment (APP) scams.
At the end of February 2019, the steering group published the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code for Authorised Push Payments (the Code), which sets out the agreed principles for greater protection of consumers and the circumstances in which they will be reimbursed, making a significant step in delivering improved protections for consumers. The Code became effective on 28 May 2019 and customers of those payment service providers that are signatories (which includes all of the 6 largest banks and building societies) are protected under the Code from this date.
The Code is still in its infancy and the Government believes it should be given time to embed and take full effect before its effectiveness can properly be assessed. The Lending Standards Board (LSB), which is responsible for the Code, has committed to a first annual review of its operation in Summer 2020 and will shortly publish more information about its planned approach, including its intention to consult widely with consumer representatives and the industry. The Government looks forward to reviewing these findings when they become available.
The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) established a non-governmental steering group of financial institutions and consumer representatives in March 2018 to develop a voluntary code of good practice to help protect consumers against Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams. At the end of February 2019, the steering group published the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code for Authorised Push Payments (the Code). The Code became effective on 28 May 2019 and customers of those payment service providers that are signatories are protected under the Code from this date. The Government recognises this may be disappointing for victims of APP scams that occurred before this date.
If a victim of an APP scam is not satisfied with how their payment service provider has handled their specific case, they may wish to contact the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS was established by Government to provide a proportionate, prompt and informal resolution of disputes between a consumer and financial service firm.
The Ukraine Family Scheme was set up to ensure family members were able to reunite with family fleeing Ukraine Ahead of the development of the Homes for Ukraine scheme It is based on family visa routes which existed before the Ukraine conflict, where public services are funded out of council budgets and the same principle is applied here. The UK-based family member is expected to provide support and accommodation for those coming to join them, who in turn benefit from the wider integration advantages in joining an existing family network.
Ukrainian nationals coming to the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme are given access to work, benefits and public services as laid down in Appendix Ukraine to the Immigration Rules, details of which can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-ukraine-scheme
Homes for Ukraine on the other hand is a unique scheme which has been set up specifically to support those escaping the conflict in Ukraine who are not able to rely on UK based family support. The Government is providing additional funding to local authorities which includes resource to enable them to carry out sponsorship-specific functions such as safeguarding checks and property checks, administering payments, as well as providing support such as English language training to help their integration into communities.
We continue to keep the UK Government’s support under review and will adapt and develop the visa routes in place to ensure they keep pace with the situation in Ukraine.
Chevening Scholars should continue to liaise with their Chevening contact who can provide more detailed advice. In addition, they can contact the Home Office at Public.Enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk
We have contacted all of those from the 2021/22 cohort who came to the UK as part of Op Pitting, and registered their applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) onto HO systems.
This means that they have continuing permission to be in the UK, and their ILR applications will be processed by April 2022. Any 2021/22 Chevening Scholars who were already in the UK have ongoing permission to be here.
The Home Office’s Policy Statement (updated 13.9.21) explained that we had introduced a concessionary approach which applied to any Afghan national who had permission under work or study routes to be in the UK before 1 September 2021. This means that Chevening scholars already in the UK may be eligible to apply to either the Graduate or the Skilled Worker route.
The Graduate route allows individuals to spend 2-3 years in the UK looking for and undertaking work at any skill level, before switching into another economic route (including the Skilled Worker route). The Skilled Worker route provides a pathway to settlement.
My Officials and I work closely with colleagues across Government to coordinate the Government’s response to labour market issues, including potential skills and labour shortages.
The UK Government’s focus is on ensuring immigration policies are considered alongside and as part of our strategy for the UK Labour market, not as an alternative to investing in training for our domestic workforce or to offering our key workers the rewarding packages they deserve.
There is no target timeframe in which to make conclusive grounds decisions in the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). A decision can only be made fairly and reasonably once sufficient information has been made available to the competent authority for it to complete the decision.
When the competent authority has received sufficient information for it to complete a decision it should seek to do so. This is done as soon as possible once a potential victim has been provided with a minimum of 45 calendar days of the recovery period they are eligible for, during which they may access the support and protections of the NRM. Timescales on individual decisions can vary according to the relative complexity of each case and on sufficient information being made available to the competent authority by the parties involved.
The Home Office is mindful of the substantial increase in referrals into the National Referral Mechanism in recent years, with 10,613 referrals made in 2020. To address the time taken to make decisions in the NRM, we have already introduced a digital referral and casework system to increase the efficiency of decision making in the system. We are also undertaking work to better ensure that first responders are providing quality information that can better enable prompt decisions from the Home Office. As part of wider work to identify sustainable models for the NRM, in June 2021 we launched a series of pilots across the United Kingdom, including in Glasgow City Centre, to test devolving the responsibility to make NRM decisions for child victims of modern slavery from the Home Office to local authorities for 12 months.
Further, in the course of the last year the Home Office has been recruiting a significant number of new decision makers across the UK to increase capacity for NRM decision-making and bring down decision making timescales.
The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual statistics regarding the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). These include how many Potential Victim of Trafficking cases have been received each year. The latest published NRM statistics can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-referral-mechanism-statistics.
Statistics prior to Q2 2019 were produced by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and can be found here: Publications - National Crime Agency
There is no target timeframe in which to make conclusive grounds decisions in the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). A decision can only be made fairly and reasonably once sufficient information has been made available to the competent authority for it to complete the decision. When the competent authority has received sufficient information for it to complete a decision it should seek to do so.
This is done as soon as possible once a potential victim has been provided with a minimum of 45 calendar days of the recovery period they are eligible for, during which they may access the support and protections of the NRM. Timescales on individual decisions can vary according to the relative complexity of each case and on sufficient information being made available to the competent authority by the parties involved.
In the course of the last year the Single Competent Authority has been recruiting a significant number of new decision makers across the UK to increase capacity for NRM decision-making and bring down decision making timescales.
The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual statistics regarding the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). These include how many Potential Victim of Trafficking cases have been received each year. The latest published NRM statistics can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-referral-mechanism-statistics.
Statistics prior to Q2 2019 were produced by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and can be found here: Publications - National Crime Agency
There is no target timeframe in which to make conclusive grounds decisions in the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). A decision can only be made fairly and reasonably once sufficient information has been made available to the competent authority for it to complete the decision. When the competent authority has received sufficient information for it to complete a decision it should seek to do so.
This is done as soon as possible once a potential victim has been provided with a minimum of 45 calendar days of the recovery period they are eligible for, during which they may access the support and protections of the NRM. Timescales on individual decisions can vary according to the relative complexity of each case and on sufficient information being made available to the competent authority by the parties involved.
In the course of the last year the Single Competent Authority has been recruiting a significant number of new decision makers across the UK to increase capacity for NRM decision-making and bring down decision making timescales.
The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual statistics regarding the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). These include how many Potential Victim of Trafficking cases have been received each year. The latest published NRM statistics can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-referral-mechanism-statistics.
Statistics prior to Q2 2019 were produced by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and can be found here: Publications - National Crime Agency
There is no target timeframe in which to make conclusive grounds decisions in the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). A decision can only be made fairly and reasonably once sufficient information has been made available to the competent authority for it to complete the decision. When the competent authority has received sufficient information for it to complete a decision it should seek to do so.
This is done as soon as possible once a potential victim has been provided with a minimum of 45 calendar days of the recovery period they are eligible for, during which they may access the support and protections of the NRM. Timescales on individual decisions can vary according to the relative complexity of each case and on sufficient information being made available to the competent authority by the parties involved.
In the course of the last year the Single Competent Authority has been recruiting a significant number of new decision makers across the UK to increase capacity for NRM decision-making and bring down decision making timescales.
The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual statistics regarding the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). These include how many Potential Victim of Trafficking cases have been received each year. The latest published NRM statistics can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-referral-mechanism-statistics.
Statistics prior to Q2 2019 were produced by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and can be found here: Publications - National Crime Agency
There is no target timeframe in which to make conclusive grounds decisions in the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). A decision can only be made fairly and reasonably once sufficient information has been made available to the competent authority for it to complete the decision. When the competent authority has received sufficient information for it to complete a decision it should seek to do so.
This is done as soon as possible once a potential victim has been provided with a minimum of 45 calendar days of the recovery period they are eligible for, during which they may access the support and protections of the NRM. Timescales on individual decisions can vary according to the relative complexity of each case and on sufficient information being made available to the competent authority by the parties involved.
In the course of the last year the Single Competent Authority has been recruiting a significant number of new decision makers across the UK to increase capacity for NRM decision-making and bring down decision making timescales.
The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual statistics regarding the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). These include how many Potential Victim of Trafficking cases have been received each year. The latest published NRM statistics can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-referral-mechanism-statistics.
Statistics prior to Q2 2019 were produced by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and can be found here: Publications - National Crime Agency
There is no target timeframe in which to make conclusive grounds decisions in the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). A decision can only be made fairly and reasonably once sufficient information has been made available to the competent authority for it to complete the decision. When the competent authority has received sufficient information for it to complete a decision it should seek to do so.
This is done as soon as possible once a potential victim has been provided with a minimum of 45 calendar days of the recovery period they are eligible for, during which they may access the support and protections of the NRM. Timescales on individual decisions can vary according to the relative complexity of each case and on sufficient information being made available to the competent authority by the parties involved.
In the course of the last year the Single Competent Authority has been recruiting a significant number of new decision makers across the UK to increase capacity for NRM decision-making and bring down decision making timescales.
Family members of British citizens and settled persons, including those with humanitarian protection in the UK, who were not called forward for evacuation as part of Op PITTING, will need to apply to come to the UK under the existing economic or family migration and reunion rules. They will be expected to meet the eligibility requirements of their chosen route, which may include paying relevant fees and charges, and providing their biometrics.
The British Embassy in Kabul has currently suspended in country operations and all UK diplomatic and consular staff have been temporarily withdrawn.
The UK is working with international partners to secure safe routes out of Afghanistan as soon as they become available, but while the security situation remains extremely volatile, we recommend people in Afghanistan do not make applications and pay application fees at this time as they will not be considered until biometrics are provided. Those Afghans who are outside of Afghanistan and able to get to a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometrics can make an application in the usual way.
A full policy statement on this matter published on 13 September 2021 can be found here:
The UK has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it, in accordance with our international obligations under the Refugee Convention and European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
However, we have been clear that people should claim asylum in the first safe country that they reach and should not seek to enter the UK illegally. They should not put their lives at risk by leaving those safe countries and making unnecessary and dangerous onward journeys to the UK.
Inadmissibility is a longstanding process designed to prevent secondary movements across Europe. If an individual has a connection to or has passed through a safe country before arriving in the UK, we can declare their claim as inadmissible to our asylum process, and we will seek to return them to a safe country. If we cannot return an inadmissible claimant to a safe county within a reasonable period of time, we will consider their claim in the UK.
For claims admitted for consideration under the UK asylum process, decision makers carefully consider the claimant’s protection needs by assessing all the evidence provided by them in light of published country information guidance. Decision makers receive extensive training on considering asylum claims and must follow published Home Office policy guidance.
Each case that is admitted to our asylum process, irrespective of how the individual arrived in the UK, is carefully considered on its own merits. Protection is normally granted where a claimant has a well-founded fear of persecution under the Refugee Convention or their circumstances engage our obligations under Article 3 (ECHR). Those who qualify are granted five years’ limited leave and have access to the labour market and welfare support.
Those found not to need protection are refused, and the decision can be subject to legal challenge where appropriate either via appeal to the independent court or through a judicial review, depending on the decision in question. Once their appeals rights are exhausted, they are required to leave the UK.
The current global pandemic along with high intake presented us with significant challenges when it comes to the provision of asylum accommodation, including sourcing sufficient suitable accommodation to meet demand. The use of hotels and wider government facilities is a short-term measure and we are working with our accommodation providers to move people to longer-term dispersal accommodation as soon as it becomes available.
The Home Office is working closely with asylum accommodation providers, Local Authorities and Strategic Migration Partnerships to increase the amount of accommodation available for asylum seekers so we can eliminate the need for the use of contingency accommodation.
We are grateful to those local authorities who participate in the dispersal scheme and will continue to work in partnership with them to procure suitable accommodation. Sadly, many local authorities do not currently participate in the dispersal scheme, making it harder to procure sufficient dispersal accommodation. I would encourage them to step up and play their part in the UK-wide effort to provide accommodation to those seeking asylum who would otherwise be destitute.
We have established the Local Government Chief Executive Group (HOLGCEX) group to bring together senior representatives from Home Office, Local Government Association and local authorities with the aim of working in partnership to improve the asylum dispersal process for the people who use this service and the communities in which they reside.
Asylum seeker right to work is a complex issue. A review of the policy is ongoing, and we are considering the evidence put forward on the issue. The findings of the review will be announced once the work has been completed.
The global UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) launched following the completion of the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme. Through UKRS we are committed to welcoming refugees through resettlement in the months and years to come. This commitment, alongside a fair and firm asylum system, will see us continue to offer safe and legal routes to the UK for vulnerable refugees in need of protection.
We expect the highest standards from our providers, who are expected to conduct regular checks across the accommodation estate. The Home Office has access to providers’ systems to monitor compliance.
The Asylum Accommodation and Support Services contracts (AASC) have a robust performance management system, against which providers are expected to deliver. Where performance falls short of the required standard, failures are recorded and can result in the award of points and, ultimately, service credits being applied. Providers’ performance is monitored closely by dedicated staff in each contract area, who are in daily contact with them.
This is supplemented by a formal governance process which includes quarterly Strategic Review Management Boards and monthly Contract Management Groups. Service credits and subsequent improvement plans are discussed and monitored as part of this process.
Contract management is operated in line with Covid-19 guidance. Service Delivery Managers speak daily with providers about service delivery and performance. In response to the global pandemic, officials also have formal meetings on a weekly basis to ensure individuals are housed safely, services are delivered in line with their contractual obligations and adherence to guidance from Public Health England (PHE) is followed.
Asylum seekers can also raise specific issues or concerns about their accommodation through the 24/7 Advice, Issue Reporting and Eligibility (AIRE) service operated by Migrant Help. The Home Office and our providers receive feedback on complaints raised through our regular dialogue with Migrant Help, which enables attention to be focussed on particular areas of concern.
The UK will continue to welcome refugees through resettlement following the completion of the VPRS. This commitment, alongside a future firm and fair asylum system, will ensure we continue to offer safe and legal routes to the UK for vulnerable refugees in need of protection. Our focus will remain on helping people directly from regions of conflict and instability.
The UK Government hugely values every member of our outstanding Armed Forces and we are humbled when non-UK nationals choose to serve our country. It is for these reasons we explicitly provide for non-UK veterans discharged from HM Forces to obtain settlement in the UK via the online form SET(AF):
The Home Office is engaging with MPs, campaigners and members of the public to assess whether those who have served in the Armed Forces should continue to pay settlement fees.
The Home Secretary recently met the Defence Secretary to consider how we can offer greater flexibility and support for such people, and their families, in future. Subject to collective agreement, the Ministry of Defence will be launching a public consultation on this issue in due course.
Qualifying dependant family members are able to apply to join Afghan interpreters relocated the UK under the Ex-Gratia Scheme.
The process of identifying family members suitable for relocation is a complicated one which requires employing departments to identify family members in addition to the verification of documents under challenging circumstances in Afghanistan.
The process of relocation has inevitably been impacted by COVID-19, those who have been approved for relocation will be brought to the UK once suitable accommodation has been sourced and support arrangements for arrival are in place.
The Home Office does not publish data on the volume of applications it receives - and approves - under the scheme.
Qualifying dependant family members are able to apply to join Afghan interpreters relocated the UK under the Ex-Gratia Scheme.
The process of identifying family members suitable for relocation is a complicated one which requires employing departments to identify family members in addition to the verification of documents under challenging circumstances in Afghanistan.
The process of relocation has inevitably been impacted by COVID-19, those who have been approved for relocation will be brought to the UK once suitable accommodation has been sourced and support arrangements for arrival are in place.
The Home Office does not publish data on the volume of applications it receives - and approves - under the scheme.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for determining eligibility for benefits, including decisions on whether to reinstate benefits or recompense for lost benefits. The Windrush Compensation Scheme will not make any payment in relation to DWP administered benefits but will work with DWP in order to facilitate the processing of claims in accordance with their usual rules. To the end of March, the Vulnerable Persons Team have made 364 referrals to DWP in relation to fresh claims and reinstatement of benefits.
The Windrush Compensation Scheme (WCS) compensates individuals for fees associated with immigration applications that would have confirmed the lawful status they held at the time (British Citizenship, Right of Abode, Indefinite Leave to Remain/Enter), but were unsuccessful because they were unable to provide sufficient evidence of that lawful status. Fees for immigration applications that were successful will not be awarded under the scheme because they gave individuals documentary evidence of their status.
The WCS will further compensate individuals if, following these unsuccessful immigration applications, in a reasonable attempt to resolve their immigration status they made additional, different, immigration applications (e.g. limited leave to remain) that also did not resolve their lawful status. Where it is decided to make a payment for these immigration application fees, any associated health charge paid under section 38 of the Immigration Act 2014 will also be made.
The WCS will not made any awards for fees associated with unsuccessful passport applications. This is in line with the scope of the Commonwealth Citizens Taskforce, because all individuals are required to pay for passport applications.
The Windrush Compensation Scheme (WCS) compensates individuals for fees associated with immigration applications that would have confirmed the lawful status they held at the time (British Citizenship, Right of Abode, Indefinite Leave to Remain/Enter), but were unsuccessful because they were unable to provide sufficient evidence of that lawful status. Fees for immigration applications that were successful will not be awarded under the scheme because they gave individuals documentary evidence of their status.
The WCS will further compensate individuals if, following these unsuccessful immigration applications, in a reasonable attempt to resolve their immigration status they made additional, different, immigration applications (e.g. limited leave to remain) that also did not resolve their lawful status. Where it is decided to make a payment for these immigration application fees, any associated health charge paid under section 38 of the Immigration Act 2014 will also be made.
The WCS will not made any awards for fees associated with unsuccessful passport applications. This is in line with the scope of the Commonwealth Citizens Taskforce, because all individuals are required to pay for passport applications.
The Windrush Compensation Scheme (WCS) compensates individuals for fees associated with immigration applications that would have confirmed the lawful status they held at the time (British Citizenship, Right of Abode, Indefinite Leave to Remain/Enter), but were unsuccessful because they were unable to provide sufficient evidence of that lawful status. Fees for immigration applications that were successful will not be awarded under the scheme because they gave individuals documentary evidence of their status.
The WCS will further compensate individuals if, following these unsuccessful immigration applications, in a reasonable attempt to resolve their immigration status they made additional, different, immigration applications (e.g. limited leave to remain) that also did not resolve their lawful status. Where it is decided to make a payment for these immigration application fees, any associated health charge paid under section 38 of the Immigration Act 2014 will also be made.
The WCS will not made any awards for fees associated with unsuccessful passport applications. This is in line with the scope of the Commonwealth Citizens Taskforce, because all individuals are required to pay for passport applications.
The Windrush Compensation Scheme (WCS) compensates individuals for fees associated with immigration applications that would have confirmed the lawful status they held at the time (British Citizenship, Right of Abode, Indefinite Leave to Remain/Enter), but were unsuccessful because they were unable to provide sufficient evidence of that lawful status. Fees for immigration applications that were successful will not be awarded under the scheme because they gave individuals documentary evidence of their status.
The WCS will further compensate individuals if, following these unsuccessful immigration applications, in a reasonable attempt to resolve their immigration status they made additional, different, immigration applications (e.g. limited leave to remain) that also did not resolve their lawful status. Where it is decided to make a payment for these immigration application fees, any associated health charge paid under section 38 of the Immigration Act 2014 will also be made.
The WCS will not made any awards for fees associated with unsuccessful passport applications. This is in line with the scope of the Commonwealth Citizens Taskforce, because all individuals are required to pay for passport applications.
The latest information in respect of advice for visa holders can be found on GOV.UK at: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents. This is kept under review.
The Home Office has put in place a range of measures to support those affected by the covid-19 outbreak. We recognise that further adjustments are likely to be required to cater for all scenarios, and we are working through these, to ensure people are not unduly affected by circumstances beyond their control.
The latest information in respect of advice for visa holders can be found on GOV.UK at: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents. This is kept under review.
The Home Office has put in place a range of measures to support those affected by the covid-19 outbreak. We recognise that further adjustments are likely to be required to cater for all scenarios, and we are working through these, to ensure people are not unduly affected by circumstances beyond their control.
Following initial closures as a result of global Covid-19 restrictions, Visa Application Centres (VACs) overseas and UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) centres in the UK have started reopening in a phased way, with social distancing and other public health measures in place which has resulted in reduced appointment capacity.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is continuing to work with our commercial partners to ensure there is sufficient appointment availability so customers waiting for an appointment are able to enrol their biometrics and submit supporting documents safely and quickly.
Customers who have applied since services were suspended are being contacted and offered appointments in a phased way. For customers in the UK, in order to increase capacity and reduce customer contact UKVI will be reusing fingerprint biometrics for some customers who have supplied their fingerprints since July 2015. These customers do not need to attend a UKVCAS or an SSC service point appointment to provide biometric information.
The Graduate route will be launched in the Summer of 2021.
To be eligible for the route, students must successfully complete a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance and hold valid leave as a student when the route is introduced. Students who complete their courses prior to the introduction of the route will not be eligible.
Current Tier 4 students can benefit from the route, if their leave expires after the route is introduced, regardless of when their courses commenced.
The Ministry of Defence takes the duty of care for all our personnel, and in particular those aged under 18, extremely seriously and recognises that those aged under 18 should be treated with special consideration. All recruits enlisting into the Regular Army for the first time have the right to claim their termination according to the terms of their engagement, known as Discharge as of Right (DAOR).
Recruits aged under 18 can choose to leave the Army up until their 18th birthday by giving 14 days written notice to their Commanding Officer (CO).
If aged under 18 years at attestation, following completion of 28 days service soldiers can DAOR at any time within 6 months from the date of attestation. 14 days written notice must be given to the CO.
The Enduring Capability requirement consists of two elements: the satellites and the ground-based infrastructure. Both are important investments within the Defence Space Strategy, giving opportunity to lever the best of UK space research and development. This will deliver long term innovative solutions for the which can overcome the increasingly hostile threats that we face in space.
We continue to refine the Enduring Capability satellite requirement and procurement approach. As part of this refinement, we will be undertaking further industry engagement which will inform the satellite programme timeline.
The exact timings for the ground-based elements are dependent on the final agreements reached on the preceding programme of ground and flight control provision (the Service Delivery Wrap, which is currently being competed).
We are planning for the publication of the Defence Space Strategy to happen soon.
My predecessor as Minister for Defence People and Veterans publicly apologised for the historic treatment of the LGBT veteran community and I reiterate that this treatment was entirely unacceptable. LGBT personnel have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to the Armed Forces.
I am proud of this Government’s record on improving equality. We made it possible for men with eligible historical convictions for decriminalised behaviours to apply to have their convictions disregarded and we are in the process of exploring how further Service Offences can be brought within the scope of the scheme to enable more veterans to benefit from it.
We have stated that we will go beyond existing actions in righting historic wrongs to the LGBT veteran community and I remain committed to doing so. Work is underway which will seek not only to understand and acknowledge the impacts of pre-millennium practices in the Armed Forces relating to gender identity and sexual orientation, but also where appropriate to address these impacts. We do not currently have plans to identify individuals.
My predecessor as Minister for Defence People and Veterans publicly apologised for the historic treatment of the LGBT veteran community and I reiterate that this treatment was entirely unacceptable. LGBT personnel have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to the Armed Forces.
I am proud of this Government’s record on improving equality. We made it possible for men with eligible historical convictions for decriminalised behaviours to apply to have their convictions disregarded and we are in the process of exploring how further Service Offences can be brought within the scope of the scheme to enable more veterans to benefit from it.
We have stated that we will go beyond existing actions in righting historic wrongs to the LGBT veteran community and I remain committed to doing so. Work is underway which will seek not only to understand and acknowledge the impacts of pre-millennium practices in the Armed Forces relating to gender identity and sexual orientation, but also where appropriate to address these impacts. We do not currently have plans to identify individuals.
My predecessor as Minister for Defence People and Veterans publicly apologised for the historic treatment of the LGBT veteran community and I reiterate that this treatment was entirely unacceptable. LGBT personnel have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to the Armed Forces.
I am proud of this Government’s record on improving equality. We made it possible for men with eligible historical convictions for decriminalised behaviours to apply to have their convictions disregarded and we are in the process of exploring how further Service Offences can be brought within the scope of the scheme to enable more veterans to benefit from it.
We have stated that we will go beyond existing actions in righting historic wrongs to the LGBT veteran community and I remain committed to doing so. Work is underway which will seek not only to understand and acknowledge the impacts of pre-millennium practices in the Armed Forces relating to gender identity and sexual orientation, but also where appropriate to address these impacts. We do not currently have plans to identify individuals.
We do not comment on the operational status of Royal Navy (RN) ships. The RN has continued to meet all operational tasking throughout the pandemic.
The recent studies conducted by the King's Centre for Military Health Research and the University of Glasgow on the health outcomes of junior entrants to the UK Armed Forces have found there is little evidence that early recruitment is associated with an adverse impact on long-term mental health. Findings from these studies indicate that those who enter service as junior entrants have a lower risk of long-term mental health disorder than those recruited at older ages.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to maintaining the mental health and wellbeing of all our Armed Forces personnel, regardless of age, and recognises that Service life can cause stress. All Armed Forces personnel are supported by dedicated and comprehensive medical services including mental health support. MOD is working with the single Services, Defence Medical Services, and other stakeholders to promote mental fitness and reduce associated stigma.
The MOD is clear that the duty of care of all our recruits, and in particular those aged under 18, is of the utmost importance and that those aged under 18 should be treated with special consideration. All Phase 1 and Phase 2 training organisations are subject to Ofsted inspection on a routine basis. Ofsted's last inspection of the Army Foundation College Harrogate in May 2018 awarded 'Outstanding' in all three assessment categories (outcomes for recruits and trainees; quality of welfare and duty of care; effectiveness of leadership and management).
The recent studies conducted by the King's Centre for Military Health Research and the University of Glasgow on the health outcomes of junior entrants to the UK Armed Forces have found there is little evidence that early recruitment is associated with an adverse impact on long-term mental health. Findings from these studies indicate that those who enter service as junior entrants have a lower risk of long-term mental health disorder than those recruited at older ages.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to maintaining the mental health and wellbeing of all our Armed Forces personnel, regardless of age, and recognises that Service life can cause stress. All Armed Forces personnel are supported by dedicated and comprehensive medical services including mental health support. MOD is working with the single Services, Defence Medical Services, and other stakeholders to promote mental fitness and reduce associated stigma.
The MOD is clear that the duty of care of all our recruits, and in particular those aged under 18, is of the utmost importance and that those aged under 18 should be treated with special consideration. All Phase 1 and Phase 2 training organisations are subject to Ofsted inspection on a routine basis. Ofsted's last inspection of the Army Foundation College Harrogate in May 2018 awarded 'Outstanding' in all three assessment categories (outcomes for recruits and trainees; quality of welfare and duty of care; effectiveness of leadership and management).
All veterans have access to a range of support from Veterans UK, the NHS, and the charity sector. We acknowledge the importance of this support, recognising the needs of every individual and diversity within the veteran community. This is why we are providing funding and working with the charity sector to build the capacity of veterans' services to support LGBT veterans as well as other groups, such as female veterans.
There are no circumstances in which payment of an Armed Forces Pension to an entitled individual would be withheld due to that pension scheme member residing outside the UK.
If a member chooses to reside outside the UK, where possible, the paymaster will make arrangements for pensions to be paid directly into an overseas bank account. However, the member is liable for all bank charges and potential adverse currency conversion rates.
Where the paymaster does not have arrangements in place with banks in a particular country, the member is paid by pound sterling cheque and must make their own arrangements to deposit the funds.
The Army takes the safeguarding of its people extremely seriously and recognises the need to treat under 18s appropriately. The Army Foundation College (Harrogate) was assessed as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted during the last inspection in October 2017 in all three categories (Outcomes for recruits and trainees, Quality of Welfare & Duty of Care, and the Effectiveness of Leadership & Management).
The Army also elects to impose a higher level of employment checks on the instructors of all Basic Training establishments, to provide additional safeguarding measures.
The Army constantly seeks to improve training and awareness so that all Service personnel know how to report concerns and access support if needed.
Throughout their careers, Service personnel receive a range of training specifically about the subject of consent; underpinned by the fact that they remain subject to civilian laws on sexually inappropriate imagery, language and contact, as protected by the Equality Act 2010.
The Ministry of Defence has made it absolutely clear there is no place for unacceptable behaviour in the Armed Forces. We recognise the great courage it takes to come forward and report a sexual offence and Commanding Officers must always refer any allegation of rape and sexual assault, or any other offence which may have a sexual element, to the Service Police. All allegations are thoroughly investigated, and support provided to victims. Anyone found to fall short of the Services' high standards or to have committed an offence is dealt with appropriately, which may include imprisonment and dismissal from service.
Individual complaints about 'sexually inappropriate behaviour' would mostly commonly be recorded as sexual harassment on the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system. I can confirm that in the period since 1 January 2015, a search of information held on JPA shows that there have been no informal or formal Service Complaints alleging harassment, including sexual harassment, from female Service personnel aged under 18.
Information relating to the criminal offence of sexual assault is held on the Service Police's REDCAPS database rather than JPA. However, it will take time to conduct a manual search of the records held on REDCAPS to positively confirm the number of allegations made by female personnel aged under 18. I will write with that information in due course.
It is not possible to answer the hon. Member's question without incuring disproportionate costs. Whilst some information is held relating to the question posed, that information is not sufficient to provide a full response to this question as the Department does not hold this information centrally. However, the hon. Member may find it helpful to know that the cost of a day's surveillance ranges between £1,500 to £1,750
The hired private investigators observe the claimant in a variety of scenarios to establish whether the claimant is able to undertake activities that he or she has alleged they are unable to carry out, such as working, driving or walking for lengthy periods. A report containing the findings is then submitted to the claims handler or solicitor acting for the Ministry of Defence.
The MOD has effectively used surveillance undertaken by private investigators as evidence for a defence of dishonesty/fraud. I can confirm that the outcome of surveillance has also led to the MOD defending or repudiating a number of high value cases on the grounds of fundamental dishonesty or significantly reducing the amount awarded in damages as appropriate. There is no difference in the way that surveillance is used on serving or former personnel.
The number of current or former Service personnel that have been accused of making false injury claims against the MOD for injuries sustained during service is not held centrally as records are held internally or by our legal services providers. Therefore, it is not possible to answer the question without exceeding the disproportionate cost limit.
Surveillance is not undertaken in regard to Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, which is a no-fault scheme which provides compensation for injury or death caused by service on or after 6 April 2005, the same applies to the War Pension Scheme which covers injury and death caused by service prior to that date. However, in the case of civil injury claims, since 2003 surveillance has been undertaken on claims brought by military and civilian personnel on 386 occasions.
The Impact Statement for the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill was published on 17 September.
It is not possible to estimate how many potential future prosecutions will not proceed as a result of the statutory presumption against prosecution measure as there is limited available data. In addition, it would not be appropriate for the Government to "play prosecutor" and try to assess what decision a prosecutor might have made in an historical case if the presumption measure had been in place at the time.
As this data is not held centrally it is taking some time to compile, and I will write to the hon. Member shortly.
As this data is not held centrally it is taking some time to compile, and I will write to the hon. Member shortly.
As this data is not held centrally it is taking some time to compile, and I will write to the hon. Member shortly.
As this data is not held centrally it is taking some time to compile, and I will write to the hon. Member shortly.
The correspondence from the hon. Member was received by the Ministry of Defence on the 28 May 2020. The Home Office accepted transfer of this case on 1 June 2020 and will reply shortly.
In 2019 the number of Army recruits with reading ages between five and eleven were as follows:
Reading age | Number of recruits |
Five – seven | 20 |
Seven - nine | 220 |
Nine – eleven | 760 |
Notes:
In 2019 the Royal Air Force had no recruits join with a reading age below 11.
The Royal Navy does not assess recruits’ reading ages.
All numbers are rounded to the nearest 10.
Candidates have been permitted to join the Army with a reading age of five to seven on the understanding that they attend organised training at a local college to bring them up to the required minimum standard (Entry Level 2) before they commence Basic Training.
No recruits have joined the Armed Forces to date in 2020 with a reading age of five to seven years.
The UK Armed Forces use standard academic qualifications as entry criteria where relevant, and requirements vary depending on trade group. Entry is not determined by reading levels.
Over 94% of non-commissioned recruits, no matter their age, will enrol in an Apprenticeship Programme each year.
In line with Government Apprenticeship policy, all Service personnel undertaking an apprenticeship are required to attempt to gain a Functional Skills (FS) Level 2 award in literacy and numeracy - equivalent to at least a Grade 4 at GCSE level.
Since September 2012, Defence has adopted FS qualifications (English) and (Mathematics) as the accredited measures of literacy and numeracy skills for all Service personnel accessing in-Service literacy and numeracy provision.
In 2019 the number of Army recruits with reading ages between five and eleven were as follows:
Reading age | Number of recruits |
Five – seven | 20 |
Seven - nine | 220 |
Nine – eleven | 760 |
Notes:
In 2019 the Royal Air Force had no recruits join with a reading age below 11.
The Royal Navy does not assess recruits’ reading ages.
All numbers are rounded to the nearest 10.
Candidates have been permitted to join the Army with a reading age of five to seven on the understanding that they attend organised training at a local college to bring them up to the required minimum standard (Entry Level 2) before they commence Basic Training.
No recruits have joined the Armed Forces to date in 2020 with a reading age of five to seven years.
The UK Armed Forces use standard academic qualifications as entry criteria where relevant, and requirements vary depending on trade group. Entry is not determined by reading levels.
Over 94% of non-commissioned recruits, no matter their age, will enrol in an Apprenticeship Programme each year.
In line with Government Apprenticeship policy, all Service personnel undertaking an apprenticeship are required to attempt to gain a Functional Skills (FS) Level 2 award in literacy and numeracy - equivalent to at least a Grade 4 at GCSE level.
Since September 2012, Defence has adopted FS qualifications (English) and (Mathematics) as the accredited measures of literacy and numeracy skills for all Service personnel accessing in-Service literacy and numeracy provision.
In 2019 the number of Army recruits with reading ages between five and eleven were as follows:
Reading age | Number of recruits |
Five – seven | 20 |
Seven - nine | 220 |
Nine – eleven | 760 |
Notes:
In 2019 the Royal Air Force had no recruits join with a reading age below 11.
The Royal Navy does not assess recruits’ reading ages.
All numbers are rounded to the nearest 10.
Candidates have been permitted to join the Army with a reading age of five to seven on the understanding that they attend organised training at a local college to bring them up to the required minimum standard (Entry Level 2) before they commence Basic Training.
No recruits have joined the Armed Forces to date in 2020 with a reading age of five to seven years.
The UK Armed Forces use standard academic qualifications as entry criteria where relevant, and requirements vary depending on trade group. Entry is not determined by reading levels.
Over 94% of non-commissioned recruits, no matter their age, will enrol in an Apprenticeship Programme each year.
In line with Government Apprenticeship policy, all Service personnel undertaking an apprenticeship are required to attempt to gain a Functional Skills (FS) Level 2 award in literacy and numeracy - equivalent to at least a Grade 4 at GCSE level.
Since September 2012, Defence has adopted FS qualifications (English) and (Mathematics) as the accredited measures of literacy and numeracy skills for all Service personnel accessing in-Service literacy and numeracy provision.
In 2019 the number of Army recruits with reading ages between five and eleven were as follows:
Reading age | Number of recruits |
Five – seven | 20 |
Seven - nine | 220 |
Nine – eleven | 760 |
Notes:
In 2019 the Royal Air Force had no recruits join with a reading age below 11.
The Royal Navy does not assess recruits’ reading ages.
All numbers are rounded to the nearest 10.
Candidates have been permitted to join the Army with a reading age of five to seven on the understanding that they attend organised training at a local college to bring them up to the required minimum standard (Entry Level 2) before they commence Basic Training.
No recruits have joined the Armed Forces to date in 2020 with a reading age of five to seven years.
The UK Armed Forces use standard academic qualifications as entry criteria where relevant, and requirements vary depending on trade group. Entry is not determined by reading levels.
Over 94% of non-commissioned recruits, no matter their age, will enrol in an Apprenticeship Programme each year.
In line with Government Apprenticeship policy, all Service personnel undertaking an apprenticeship are required to attempt to gain a Functional Skills (FS) Level 2 award in literacy and numeracy - equivalent to at least a Grade 4 at GCSE level.
Since September 2012, Defence has adopted FS qualifications (English) and (Mathematics) as the accredited measures of literacy and numeracy skills for all Service personnel accessing in-Service literacy and numeracy provision.
Where retired Armed Forces personnel are members of the ex-Regular Reserve, they have a legal liability for service if so required. Whilst the option to call on them for support exists and may be used to support the UK Government's response to the outbreak, there are currently no plans for any large-scale deployments of ex-Regular Reservists.
Where retired Armed Forces personnel are members of the ex-Regular Reserve, they have a legal liability for service if so required. Such personnel may volunteer to assist with the response to the outbreak, in the same way that they may volunteer to assist with any other military activity; however, there are currently no plans for any large-scale deployments of ex-Regular Reservists.
Decisions on war pension claims are evidence based. In line with all claims made under the War Pension Scheme, claims relating to service during British nuclear testing are considered on their individual merits and specific facts. Decisions are made in accordance with legislation, namely the Naval, Military and Air Forces etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order, revised April 2006 and are made based on the medical and service evidence available at the time, for this reason the length of time taken to consider individual claims may vary.
As of the end of February 2020, the Department's rolling 12 month Average Clearance time for War Pension Scheme claims was at a figure of 137.60 working days.
To identify any such reasons would necessitate a review of individual veterans' Service medical records. This could only be achieved at disproportionate cost.
There is no published peer-reviewed evidence of excess illness or mortality among nuclear test veterans as a group that could be linked to their participation in the tests or to exposure to radiation because of that participation. The Ministry of Defence has also seen no evidence of excessive ill-health or mortality among the descendants of nuclear test veterans.
Nuclear test veterans who believe they have suffered ill-health due to service have the right to apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pension Scheme. War Pensions are payable in respect of illness or injury as a result of service in the Armed Forces before 6 April 2005, with the benefit of reasonable doubt always given to the claimant. Decisions are medically certified and follow consideration of available service and medical evidence and carry full rights of appeal to an independent tribunal.
The Ministry of Defence has no plans to provide compensation to the descendants of nuclear test veterans.
All ex-service personnel, including Nuclear Test Veterans, can claim a War Pension in respect of their service before 6 April 2005.
Nuclear Test Veterans can claim for any condition which they consider may have been caused, or made worse, by their service. Each claim is considered on its own merits.
There is no published peer-reviewed evidence of excess illness or mortality among nuclear test veterans as a group that could be linked to their participation in the tests or to exposure to radiation because of that participation. The Ministry of Defence has also seen no evidence of excessive ill-health or mortality among the descendants of nuclear test veterans.
Nuclear test veterans who believe they have suffered ill-health due to service have the right to apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pension Scheme. War Pensions are payable in respect of illness or injury as a result of service in the Armed Forces before 6 April 2005, with the benefit of reasonable doubt always given to the claimant. Decisions are medically certified and follow consideration of available service and medical evidence and carry full rights of appeal to an independent tribunal.
The Ministry of Defence has no plans to provide compensation to the descendants of nuclear test veterans.
The United Kingdom is a family of nations that embodies parliamentary democracy.
The Scottish Parliament is one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world and the UK Government will continue to respect and uphold the current devolution settlement.
I regularly discuss issues of importance to Scotland with Ministerial colleagues including Scotland’s renewable energy sector exports.
Scotland is well positioned to become a centre of global excellence in energy and climate technology and the Government is committed to supporting Scotland’s clean energy exports.