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).
Hold a parliamentary vote on whether to reject amendments to the IHR 2005
Gov Responded - 4 Jul 2023 Debated on - 18 Dec 2023 View Christopher Chope's petition debate contributionsWe are concerned that Parliament has not discussed and will not have a say on the 307 proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations, AND the amendments to 5 Articles of the IHR that were ADOPTED by the 75th World Health Assembly on 27 May 2022.
Repeal the current Dangerous Dogs Act and replace with new framework
Gov Responded - 24 Jan 2023 Debated on - 27 Nov 2023 View Christopher Chope's petition debate contributionsWe want the Government to repeal the Dangerous Dogs Act and replace it with legislation that focuses on early intervention to prevent dog bites and tackle dog-related issues regardless of breed or type, based solely on their behaviour.
Bad owners are to blame not the breed - don't ban the XL bully
Gov Responded - 23 Nov 2023 Debated on - 27 Nov 2023 View Christopher Chope's petition debate contributions
I believe that the XL bully is a kind, beautiful natured breed that loves children and people in general, and are very loyal and loving pets.
Do not sign any WHO Pandemic Treaty unless it is approved via public referendum
Gov Responded - 27 May 2022 Debated on - 17 Apr 2023 View Christopher Chope's petition debate contributionsWe want the Government to commit to not signing any international treaty on pandemic prevention and preparedness established by the World Health Organization (WHO), unless this is approved through a public referendum.
Open a Public Inquiry into Covid-19 Vaccine Safety
Gov Responded - 5 Jan 2022 Debated on - 24 Oct 2022 View Christopher Chope's petition debate contributionsThere has been a significant increase in heart attacks and related health issues since the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines began in 2021. This needs immediate and full scientific investigation to establish if there is any possible link with the Covid-19 vaccination rollout.
Suspend trade agreement with Faroe Islands until all whale & dolphin hunts end
Gov Responded - 26 Oct 2021 Debated on - 11 Jul 2022 View Christopher Chope's petition debate contributionsIn 2019 UK Government finalised a free trade agreement (FTA) with Faroe Islands which allows for £100 million of exports of wild caught and farmed fish to Britain per annum (20% of the Faroe Islands global trade). This FTA should be suspended until all whale & dolphin hunts on Faroe Islands end
VALERIE'S LAW Compulsory Training for Agencies Supporting Black DV Victims
Gov Responded - 6 Jul 2021 Debated on - 28 Mar 2022 View Christopher Chope's petition debate contributionsMake specialist training mandatory for all police and other government agencies that support black women and girls affected by domestic abuse. Police and agencies should have culturally appropriate training to better understand the cultural needs of black women affected by domestic abuse.
Reform the Gender Recognition Act.
Gov Responded - 7 Oct 2020 Debated on - 21 Feb 2022 View Christopher Chope's petition debate contributionsReform the GRA to allow transgender people to self-identify without the need for a medical diagnosis, to streamline the administrative process, and to allow non-binary identities to be legally recognised.
These initiatives were driven by Christopher Chope, 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.
Christopher Chope has not been granted any Urgent Questions
A Bill to amend the provisions about pitch fees in the Mobile Homes Act 1983; and for connected purposes.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 2nd May 2023 and was enacted into law.
A Bill to make provision for the regulation of political opinion polling in the United Kingdom; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.
A Bill to require public authorities to exercise their statutory powers to investigate and take enforcement action for breaches of the law; to make provision for sanctions for failing to take such action; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require a Regulatory Impact Assessment to be published for all primary and secondary legislation introduced by the Government; to make provision for associated sanctions; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to limit exit payments made by some public sector organisations to employees; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to make provision about parliamentary scrutiny of regulations made under that Act; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about arranging alternative non-NHS England treatment for patients who have waited for more than one year for hospital treatment; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for co-funding and for the extension of co-payment for NHS services in England; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to create offences in respect of persons who have entered the UK illegally or who have remained in the UK without legal authority; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to establish a national register of Green Belt land in England; to restrict the ability of local authorities to de-designate Green Belt land; to make provision about future development of de-designated Green Belt land; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to exempt from VAT supplies of electricity, oil and gas for domestic purposes; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to improve the diagnosis and treatment of persons who have suffered or continue to suffer ill effects from Covid-19 vaccines; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to make provision about financial assistance to persons who have suffered disablement following vaccination against Covid-19 and to the next of kin of persons who have died shortly after vaccination against Covid-19; to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the merits of a no-fault compensation scheme to provide such financial assistance, on whether there should be any upper limit on the financial assistance available, on the criteria for eligibility and on whether payment should be made in all cases where there is no other reasonable cause for the death or disablement suffered; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to establish an independent review of disablement caused by Covid-19 vaccinations and the adequacy of the compensation offered to persons so disabled; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to extend the definition of children’s clothing for the purposes of exemption from VAT; to extend the VAT exemption to further categories of school uniform; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the requirements for caravan site licence applications made under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to exempt motor homes from caravan site licensing requirements; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the privatisation of the British Broadcasting Corporation; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to de-criminalise the non-payment of the BBC licence fee by persons aged over seventy-five; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require the Chancellor of the Exchequer to report to Parliament on proposals to replace the Barnett Formula used to calculate adjustments to public expenditure allocated to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with a statutory scheme for the allocation of resources based on an assessment of relative needs; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to create an offence of disclosing the identity of a person who is the subject of an investigation in respect of the alleged commission of an offence; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require public authorities to exercise their statutory powers to investigate and take enforcement action for breaches of the law; to make provision for sanctions for failing to take such action; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for co-funding and for the extension of co-payment for NHS services in England; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the Mobile Homes Act 1983; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about arranging alternative non-NHS England treatment for patients who have waited for more than one year for hospital treatment; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to make provision about Parliamentary scrutiny of regulations made under that Act; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to limit exit payments made by some public sector organisations to employees; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require a Regulatory Impact Assessment to be published for all primary and secondary legislation introduced by the Government; to make provision for associated sanctions; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to create offences in respect of persons who have entered the UK illegally or who have remained in the UK without legal authority; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to establish a national register of Green Belt land in England; to restrict the ability of local authorities to de-designate Green Belt land; to make provision about future development of de-designated Green Belt land; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to improve the diagnosis and treatment of persons who have suffered or continue to suffer ill effects from Covid-19 vaccines; to make provision about financial assistance to persons who have suffered disablement following vaccination against Covid-19 and to the next of kin of persons who have died shortly after vaccination against Covid-19; to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the merits of a no-fault compensation scheme to provide such financial assistance, on whether there should be any upper limit on the financial assistance available, on the criteria for eligibility and on whether payment should be made in all cases where there is no other reasonable cause for the death or disablement suffered; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to establish an independent review of disablement caused by Covid-19 vaccinations and the adequacy of the compensation offered to persons so disabled; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the requirements for caravan site licence applications made under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to de-criminalise the non-payment of the BBC licence fee by persons aged over seventy five; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to limit exit payments made by public sector organisations to employees; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the Mobile Homes Act 1983; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to establish a national register of green belt land in England; to restrict the ability of local authorities to de-designate green belt land; to make provision about future development of de-designated green belt land; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require the carrying out and publication of reviews of the level of public expenditure in connection with the High Speed 2 rail line (Phase 1); to establish procedures in connection with changes in these levels; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require the Government to publish an annual review of the net yield to HM Treasury of tax rates and duties levied, including estimates of the impact on yield of changes to rates of those taxes and duties; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make the breach of certain rules relating to sub-letting rented accommodation a criminal offence; to make provision for criminal sanctions in respect of unauthorised sub-letting; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to limit the rate of interest chargeable on outstanding student loan debt; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the reduction of stamp duty rates on residential property.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to prohibit permanent derogations from a 30 mile per hour speed limit in built-up areas in England; to make provision for the circumstances in which speed limits below 30 miles per hour may be introduced; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to enable schools to select pupils on the basis of published criteria; to allow schools to determine maximum class sizes; to remove restrictions on the expansion of the number of pupils in schools and on the creation of new schools; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about the availability of public services during weekday evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require the use of published criteria to determine whether mobile homes and park homes are liable for council tax or non-domestic rates; to make provision in relation to the residential status of such homes; to amend the Mobile Home Acts; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to remove certain restrictions on the production and sale of goods manufactured in the United Kingdom for use in the United Kingdom, in connection with the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about the maintenance and repair of roads by local authorities in England; to make provision for prescribing the use of funds for this purpose; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the reduction of tariffs on goods imported into the United Kingdom; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about the accountability of clinical commissioning groups; to make provision about local referendums on NHS sustainability and transformation plans; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for fruit and vegetables to be classified by flavour, condition and size for the purposes of sale in the UK; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to restrict the rights of vessels not registered in the United Kingdom to fish in territorial waters; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to introduce more freedom, flexibility and opportunity for those seeking employment in the public and private sector; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to impose duties on the Electoral Commission to investigate allegations of electoral fraud and other breaches of electoral law and to act as the prosecuting authority for such offences; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to reduce Value Added Tax on domestic energy bills; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about private prosecutions in cases of suspected criminal fraud in certain circumstances; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision to enhance the protection available for bat habitats in the non-built environment and to limit the protection for bat habitats in the built environment where the presence of bats has a significant adverse impact upon the users of buildings; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the recruitment and retention of Volunteer Reserves for the Armed Forces; to make provision for the eligibility for deployment of such reserves; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to enhance the protection available for bat habitats in the non built environment and to limit the protection for bat habitats in the built environment where the presence of bats has a significant adverse impact upon the users of buildings.
A Bill to make provision for an open list system for elections to the European Parliament.
A Bill to make provision to restrict the entitlement of non-UK Citizens from the European Union and the European Economic Area to taxpayer-funded benefits.
A Bill to make provision for criminal sanctions against those who have entered the UK illegally or who have remained in the UK without legal authority.
A Bill to make provision to facilitate an increase in the registration of voters resident overseas who are eligible to participate in United Kingdom Parliamentary elections; to extend the criteria for eligibility to register as an overseas voter; to enable those registered as overseas voters to cast their votes through use of the internet; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about the meeting by the United Kingdom of the target for defence expenditure to constitute a minimum of 2% of Gross Domestic Product; to make provision that the definition of defence expenditure is subject to independent verification; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to ensure that pupils with a parent with a terminal or seriously disabling illness receive priority in the admissions process to maintained schools in England.
A Bill to make provision to facilitate an increase in the registration of voters resident overseas who are eligible to participate in United Kingdom Parliamentary elections; to extend the criteria for eligibility to register as an overseas voter and to enable those registered as overseas voters to cast their votes through use of the internet; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for criminal sanctions against those who have entered the UK illegally or who have remained in the UK without legal authority.
A Bill to make provision for a national referendum on whether the proposed construction of the HS2 railway should be supported financially by the UK taxpayer.
A Bill to make provision for an open list system for elections to the European Parliament.
A Bill to make provision for rules relating to the exclusion of convicted prisoners from participation in Parliamentary and Local Elections.
A Bill to restrict the height, number, location and operation of wind turbines situated off shore within twenty miles of the coast; to restrict subsidies available for such turbines; and to make provision regulating the length, location and environmental impact of cables connecting such turbines to the national grid; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to enhance the protection available for bat habitats in the non-built environment and to limit the protection for bat habitats in the built environment where the presence of bats has a significant adverse impact upon the users of buildings.
A Bill to limit the application of the EU Working Time Directive; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to ensure that the United Kingdom has absolute control over the right to prevent non-UK citizens from entering the United Kingdom; to determine the circumstances in which non-UK citizens may be required to leave the United Kingdom; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for criminal sanctions against those who have entered the UK illegally or who have remained in the UK without legal authority.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision to restrict the entitlement of non-UK Citizens from the European Union and the European Economic Area to taxpayer-funded benefits.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to define public service content for the purposes of public service broadcasting.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make further provision to limit the size of the legislature by ensuring that the number of peers entitled to vote in the House of Lords does not exceed the number of parliamentary constituencies; to introduce a statutory limit on the number of Ministers, Whips and Parliamentary Private Secretaries in each House of Parliament; and to set a maximum proportion of Ministers, Whips and Parliamentary Private Secretaries in the total membership of each House of Parliament.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. The Bill would impose a maximum limit of £50,000 on all compensatory awards made by Employment Tribunals arising out of cases brought for unfair or wrongful dismissal or unlawful discrimination.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.
A Bill to make provision to require all institutions of further and higher education in receipt of public funds to allocate places on merit; and for connected purposes.
The Bill would make provision for roadside testing for illegal drugs.
A Bill to exempt from VAT supplies of electricity, oil and gas for domestic purposes; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the requirements for caravan site licence applications made under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for co-funding and for the extension of co-payment for NHS services in England; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to create offences in respect of persons who have entered the UK illegally or who have remained in the UK without legal authority; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require public authorities to exercise their statutory powers to investigate and take enforcement action for breaches of the law; to make provision for sanctions for failing to take such action; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require the Chancellor of the Exchequer to report to Parliament on proposals to replace the Barnett Formula used to calculate adjustments to public expenditure allocated to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with a statutory scheme for the allocation of resources based on an assessment of relative needs; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require a Regulatory Impact Assessment to be published for all primary and secondary legislation introduced by the Government; to make provision for associated sanctions; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to extend the definition of children’s clothing for the purposes of exemption from VAT; to extend the VAT exemption to further categories of school uniform; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the privatisation of the British Broadcasting Corporation; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about arranging alternative non-NHS England treatment for patients who have waited for more than one year for hospital treatment; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to exempt motor homes from caravan site licensing requirements; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to improve the diagnosis and treatment of persons who have suffered or continue to suffer ill effects from Covid-19 vaccines; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to exempt from Value Added Tax goods or services which are beneficial to the environment, to health and safety, to education or for charitable purposes.
A Bill to provide that, before making any order to designate a type of dog for the purposes of section 1 or 2 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, the Secretary of State must carry out a public consultation and publish a comparative review of data showing the incidences of fatalities resulting from bites of dogs of that type in the last three years.
A Bill to provide that a draft statutory instrument which is subject to the affirmative resolution procedure may be amended by either House of Parliament before it is approved; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to make provision about financial assistance to persons who have suffered disablement following vaccination against Covid-19 and to the next of kin of persons who have died shortly after vaccination against Covid-19; to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the merits of a no-fault compensation scheme to provide such financial assistance, on whether there should be any upper limit on the financial assistance available, on the criteria for eligibility and on whether payment should be made in all cases where there is no other reasonable cause for the death or disablement suffered; to provide for a special time limit under the Limitation Act 1980 for actions in respect of personal injury or death following a Covid-19 vaccination; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend section 58 of the Highways Act 1980 to restrict the defences available to highway authorities; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to establish a national register of Green Belt land in England; to restrict the ability of local authorities to de-designate Green Belt land; to make provision about future development of de-designated Green Belt land; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to limit exit payments made by some public sector organisations to employees; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to de-criminalise the non-payment of the BBC licence fee by persons aged over seventy-five; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 to make provision about parliamentary scrutiny of regulations made under that Act; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to create an offence of disclosing the identity of a person who is the subject of an investigation in respect of the alleged commission of an offence; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for Arm’s-Length Bodies to be directly accountable to Parliament.
A Bill to amend the Mobile Homes Act 1983; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to provide for an exemption from the provisions of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 relating to dogs bred for fighting and other specially dangerous dogs for persons who hold a licence; to make provision relating to such licences; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to establish an independent review of disablement caused by Covid-19 vaccinations and the adequacy of the compensation offered to persons so disabled; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to review, and publish a report on, the merits of increasing the relevant statutory sum under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979 for all claims since 1 January 2020 by an amount representing the amount of inflation since 2007.
A Bill to amend the Mobile Homes Act 1983; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to prohibit the transfer of personal data by the NHS without the authority of the data subject; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to extend the definition of children's clothing for the purposes of exemption from VAT; to extend the VAT exemption to further categories of school uniform; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the privatisation of Channel 4; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to exempt motor homes from caravan site licensing requirements; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the privatisation of the British Broadcasting Corporation; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require the Chancellor of the Exchequer to report to Parliament on proposals to replace the Barnett Formula used to calculate adjustments to public expenditure allocated to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with a statutory scheme for the allocation of resources based on an assessment of relative needs; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the expiration of the Working Time Regulations 1998; to provide for regulations governing working time; to make provision about holiday pay for employees; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to enable the maximum turnover threshold for exemption from the requirement to register for VAT to be raised; to make provision for the exemption of certain goods and services from liability to VAT; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to enable schools to select pupils on the basis of published criteria; to allow schools to determine maximum class sizes; to remove restrictions on the expansion of the number of pupils in schools and on the creation of new schools; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require public authorities to exercise their statutory powers to investigate and take enforcement action for breaches of the law; to make provision for sanctions for failing to take such action; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to prohibit permanent derogations from a 30 mile per hour speed limit in built-up areas in England; to make provision for the circumstances in which speed limits below 30 miles per hour may be introduced; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the reduction of stamp duty rates on residential property.
A Bill to make provision about the forgiveness or discharge of student loan debt in certain circumstances; to make provision about the treatment of student loan debt in bankruptcy proceedings; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to limit the rate of interest chargeable on outstanding student loan debt; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make the breach of certain rules relating to sub-letting rented accommodation a criminal offence; to make provision for criminal sanctions in respect of unauthorised sub-letting; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require the Government to publish an annual review of the net yield to HM Treasury of tax rates and duties levied, including estimates of the impact on yield of changes to rates of those taxes and duties; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about the definition of international development assistance; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to impose duties relating to the provision of public education on free trade; to require regular reports from government on trade arrangements with other countries; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the reduction of burdens resulting from legislation for businesses or other organisations or for individuals; to make provision for the repeal or amendment of regulations; to make provision about the exercise of regulatory powers and functions; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for guidance to schools about reducing anxiety about environmental concerns among pupils and staff; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about the maintenance and repair of roads by local authorities in England; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about the availability of public services during weekday evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to restrict the entitlement of non-UK citizens to publicly-funded benefits and services; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to require cost-benefit analysis and independent audit before payments are made by the Government to a foreign country or international organisation; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for an independent audit of the costs and benefits of meeting the requirement under the Climate Change Act 2008 for net United Kingdom carbon emissions to be zero by 2050; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for co-funding and for the extension of co-payment for NHS services in England; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the removal from the United Kingdom of foreign national criminal offenders and prisoners; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about requirements for non-UK citizens seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom; to make provision about a process for the removal from the United Kingdom of non-UK citizens, in certain circumstances and on the basis of established criteria; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about private prosecutions in cases of suspected criminal fraud in certain circumstances; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to repeal provisions for the compulsory retirement of holders of judicial office on the grounds of age; to remove upper age limits for appointment to judicial office; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require the use of published criteria to determine whether mobile homes and park homes are liable for council tax or non-domestic rates; to make provision in relation to the residential status of such homes; to amend the Mobile Home Acts; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require persons bringing claims or proceedings under the Human Rights Act 1998 to satisfy a test of reasonableness and equity; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about the local accountability of clinical commissioning groups; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004 to provide that any selective licensing scheme for residential accommodation extends to social housing.
A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to reduce anxiety about environmental concerns among the general population; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to limit the protection for bat habitats in the built environment where the presence of bats has a significant adverse impact upon the users of buildings; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to establish a national register of green belt land in England; to restrict the ability of local authorities to de-designate green belt land; to make provision about future development of de-designated green belt land; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the removal of restrictions on principal local authorities in England to set levels of council tax; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the privatisation of the British Broadcasting Corporation and Channel 4; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to decriminalise the non-payment of the BBC licence fee.
A Bill to create offences in respect of persons who have entered the UK illegally or who have remained in the UK without legal authority; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the regulation of the sale and use of electronic cigarettes; to exempt electronic cigarettes from UK law derived from the Tobacco Products Directive; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about the acquisition of land and property by local authorities in England outside their own local authority boundaries; to limit the power of local authorities to invest in commercial risk-taking enterprises; to limit public borrowing by local authorities for non-core activities; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 to remove planning permission requirements for caravan site licence applicants; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to reduce Value Added Tax on domestic energy bills; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for independent audits of the costs and benefits of the decarbonisation of road transport, and of the regulation of the sale and production of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to impose duties relating to the provision of public education on free trade; to require regular reports from government on trade arrangements with other countries; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the definition of a coastal path in England in respect of the coastal access duty under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to enable the maximum turnover threshold for exemption from the requirement to register for VAT to be raised; to make provision for the exemption of certain goods and services from liability to VAT; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for affordable home ownership; to require the inclusion of rent to buy homes in the definition of affordable housing; to make provision for a minimum proportion of new affordable housing to be available on affordable rent to buy terms; to provide relief from stamp duty when an affordable rent to buy home is purchased; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to prohibit principal local authorities being abolished in the absence of the authority of its elected councillors and a local referendum; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about the acquisition of land and property by local authorities in England outside their own local authority boundaries; to limit the power of local authorities to invest in commercial risk-taking enterprises; to limit public borrowing by local authorities for non-core activities; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for co-funding and for the extension of co-payment for NHS services in England; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to limit exit payments made by public sector organisations to employees; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to amend the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 to extend public access to certain documents that are commercially confidential and documents relating to NHS bodies in England; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about the requirements for non-UK citizens seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom; to make provision about a process for the removal from the United Kingdom of non-UK citizens, in certain circumstances and on the basis of established criteria; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to prohibit persons from being registered to vote in Parliamentary elections in more than one constituency; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to require cost-benefit analysis and independent audit before payments are made by the Government to a foreign country or international organisation; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about the forgiveness or discharge of student loan debt in certain circumstances; to make provision about the treatment of student loan debt in bankruptcy proceedings; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to create offences in respect of persons that have entered the UK illegally or who have remained in the UK without legal authority; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision to decriminalise the non-payment of the BBC licence fee.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to repeal provisions for the compulsory retirement of holders of judicial office on the grounds of age; to remove upper age limits for appointment to judicial office; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the regulation of the sale and use of electronic cigarettes; to exempt electronic cigarettes from UK law derived from the Tobacco Products Directive; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision to restrict the entitlement of non-UK citizens to publicly-funded benefits and services; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about the definition of international development assistance; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the removal of restrictions on principal local authorities in England to set levels of council tax; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the removal from the United Kingdom of foreign national criminal offenders and of prisoners who are citizens of European Union Member States; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the reduction of burdens resulting from legislation for businesses or other organisations or for individuals; to make provision for the repeal or amendment of regulations; to make provision about the exercise of regulatory powers and functions; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the privatisation of the British Broadcasting Corporation and Channel 4; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to require persons bringing claims or proceedings under the Human Rights Act 1998 to satisfy a test of reasonableness and equity; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about holiday pay for employees; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the expiration of the Working Time Regulations 1998; to provide for regulations governing working time; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for rules relating to the exclusion of convicted prisoners from participation in parliamentary and local elections.
A Bill to provide for a maximum limit on the number of Peers entitled to vote in the House of Lords; and to provide for a moratorium on new appointments.
A Bill to make provision to ensure that the United Kingdom has absolute control over the right to prevent non-UK citizens from entering the United Kingdom; to determine the circumstances in which non-UK citizens may be required to leave the United Kingdom; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision for the limitation of subsidies for the development and operation of off-shore wind farms.
A Bill to limit the application of the EU Working Time Directive; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to provide for a maximum limit on the number of Peers entitled to vote in the House of Lords; and to provide for a moratorium on new appointments.
A Bill to require an independent audit of the benefits and costs of UK membership of the European Union.
A Bill to make provision for a statutory code of practice to clarify and simplify the law relating to protection against unfair dismissal of miscreant employees; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to restrict the entitlement of non-UK citizens from the European Union and the European Economic Area to taxpayer-funded benefits.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to restrict the height, number, location and subsidies of wind turbines situated offshore within 20 miles of the coast.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require that asylum claims in the United Kingdom be lodged within three months of the claimant’s arrival in the United Kingdom; and that persons who have already entered the United Kingdom and wish to make an asylum claim must do so within three months of the passing of this Act.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require the collection and publication of information relating to the nationality of those in receipt of benefits and of those to whom national insurance numbers are issued.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to introduce more freedom, flexibility and opportunity for those seeking employment in the public and private sectors; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require an independent audit of the benefits and costs of UK membership of the European Union.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to restrict access by foreign nationals to United Kingdom public services for which no charge is made.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to provide for a maximum limit on the number of Peers entitled to vote in the House of Lords; and to provide for a moratorium on new appointments.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require that claims by employees alleging sexual impropriety be limited to cases where the alleged misconduct is contrary to the criminal law and has been reported to the police.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for the Government to give notice under Article 50 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to amend the National Health Service Redress Act 2006 to facilitate faster resolution of claims and reduce costs; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to empower the Secretary of State to abolish National Park Authorities; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to exempt self-employed persons engaged in low hazard activity from the requirement to produce a written risk assessment.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to abolish the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to exempt employers from the requirement to produce a written risk assessment in respect of low hazard workplaces and the premises of those working from their own home with low hazard equipment.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. The Bill would require central government Departments, executive agencies, non-Departmental public bodies, NHS bodies and public corporations to make an annual declaration of any of their tangible fixed assets that were unused on 1 January each year and the length of time those assets had been out of use. They would then be required to offer for sale at public auction any tangible fixed assets that had been out of use for more than one year.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to introduce qualification requirements for health and safety consultants; to provide accreditation for such consultants; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to amend the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in respect of systems of risk assessment; to make provision for separate requirements for play, leisure and work-based activities; to introduce simplified risk assessments for schools; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to facilitate the sale of park homes by residential owners; to restrict the ability of site owners to interfere in such sales; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to raise to £25,000 the upper limit for awards for road traffic accident personal injury claims introduced under the simplified claims procedure.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to reduce the duties on employers to report matters under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to provide for minimum turn-out thresholds for referendums; to impose restrictions on holding elections and referendums on the same day; to facilitate combined referendums on different issues; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. The Bill would require that a criminal records office (defined as "the Criminal Records Bureau or any successor body with similar statutory functions") must keep copies of all Magistrates’ Courts Registers, and any other registers produced by a court listing convictions, in electronic form, and must make these accessible to the public. It would provide that such information would not be considered 'personal information' for the purpose of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to prevent conditional fee agreement success fees and after the event insurance premiums being recoverable from the losing party in civil litigation; to facilitate damages-based agreements for contingency fees in respect of successful litigants; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to enable the national minimum wage to be varied to reflect local labour market conditions; and for connected purposes.
The Bill would provide that anyone entitled to the national minimum wage, as defined in the National Minimum Wage Act 1998, would lose that entitlement if they had entered into a written contract of employment offering them a training wage and training from the employer in skills relevant to the employment.
Voter Registration Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)
Parliamentary Constituencies (Amendment) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)
June Bank Holiday (Creation) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)
Voter Registration (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)
General Election (Leaders’ Debate) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)
Hereditary Titles (Female Succession) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Philip Davies (Con)
Prisons (Interference with Wireless Telegraphy) Act 2018
Sponsor - Maria Caulfield (Con)
Business of the House Commission Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)
This was a complex and harrowing case. Every effort was made to build a robust case for prosecution, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the case was handled by a team of experienced specialist prosecutors.
As it involved the prosecution of more than one defendant, it is not possible to state definitively the total costs in relation to the prosecution of David Duckenfield alone. In June 2017, David Duckenfield, the police commander in charge of safety during the Hillsborough stadium disaster, was charged with gross negligence manslaughter. At trial in April 2019, the jury was unable to reach a verdict against David Duckenfield, while a second defendant, Graham Mackrell, was convicted of a health and safety offence. In November 2019, after a retrial at Preston Crown Court, the jury found David Duckenfield not guilty.
The CPS estimates the cost of legal counsel fees and other prosecution costs for the prosecution of both David Duckenfield and Graham Mackrell to be approximately £1.97 million. CPS records do not capture the cost of the time spent by internal CPS staff on this case.
The CPS cannot comment on costs incurred by the police, HM Courts and Tribunals, or any other partners in this case. Nor can the CPS comment on the private prosecution referred to in the question, which was brought against David Duckenfield by the Hillsborough Family Support Group in 2000.
All requested documentation has now been collated and assessed. A response letter has now been issued and deposited in the House Library.
The Rapid Response Unit was disbanded in August 2022.
None of the staff were made redundant as they were all redeployed.
The information collected has now been archived and will be retained in line with the Cabinet Office Information Retention Policy.
Cabinet Office officials are working to collate the necessary information to answer this question. I will write to the hon. Member shortly, and a copy of this letter will be deposited in the House Libraries.
Please note that any release of documentation will be subject to classification.
Cabinet Office officials are working to collate the necessary information to answer this question. I will write to the hon. Member shortly, and a copy of this letter will be deposited in the House Libraries.
Please note that any release of documentation will be subject to classification.
I refer the Hon. member to the answers given to PQs 148800, 148801, 148802 on 28 February 2023.
The Rapid Response Unit was used to understand the spread of information and potential disinformation, and help inform how the Government communicates effectively with the public.
Online disinformation is a serious threat to the UK, which is why we brought together expertise from across government to monitor disinformation, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. These units used publicly available data, including material shared on social media platforms, to assess UK disinformation trends and narratives. They have since been disbanded and the learning and expertise is now being replicated across the wider Government Communications Service.
I refer the Hon. Member to the Terms of Reference for the Cabinet Office investigation and the update from the Second Permanent Secretary, both of which have been published on GOV.UK and placed in the Library of the House.
It is not Government policy. Throughout the pandemic the vast majority of people and businesses have been compliant with the restrictions we have needed to introduce to help reduce transmission of the virus. Tremendous sacrifices have been made, and it is thanks to our collective national resolve that we have been able to protect the NHS and save lives, which has been our priority from the start.
The Government published scientific evidence underlying the roadmap in February. The evidence indicated that reopening accommodation and encouraging non essential travel across England raised the risk of transmission, and the Government therefore decided to introduce reopening in phases - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021
I refer the hon. Member to the SAGE 81 minutes which can be found here. We have also shared SPI-M-O: Summary of modelling on roadmap scenarios.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.
Self contained accommodation is defined as accommodation in which facilities (kitchens, sleeping areas, and indoor lobbies, lifts, staircases, and internal corridors for entry and exit), are exclusive to a single household/support bubble.
Self-contained accommodation can open at Step 2, not before 12 April. Campsites and caravan parks may also open at Step 2 provided that the only shared facilities used by guests are washing facilities, toilets, water points and waste disposal points. Where it is reasonably possible to do so, access to bathing facilities and water points should be operated on a rota basis as was previously the case last summer.
The scientific evidence shows that opening too early or too quickly risks a further lockdown. Therefore, we committed to a phased reopening of accomodation prioritising settings that are self contained to allow individual households (including support bubbles where eligible) to visit these settings at Step 2 whilst reducing the risk of household mixing.
Self contained accommodation is defined as accommodation in which facilities (kitchens, sleeping areas, and indoor lobbies, lifts, staircases, and internal corridors for entry and exit), are exclusive to a single households/support bubbles.
Self-contained accommodation can open at Step 2, not before 12 April. Campsites and caravan parks may also open at Step 2 provided that the only shared facilities used by guests are washing facilities, toilets, water points and waste disposal points. Where it is reasonably possible to do so, access to bathing facilities and water points should be operated on a rota basis as was previously the case last summer.
The scientific evidence shows that opening too early or too quickly risks a further lockdown. Therefore, we committed to a phased reopening of accomodation prioritising settings that are self contained to allow individual households (including support bubbles where eligible) to visit these settings at Step 2 whilst reducing the risk of household mixing.
As set out in the COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021, published on 22 February, the Government will review whether COVID-status certification could play a role in reopening our economy, reducing restrictions on social contact and improving safety. The Government will set out its conclusions ahead of Step 4 of the roadmap.
The limits for weddings remain as set out in the COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021:
Further information can also be found in the guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships:
The UK Government’s approach to Tiers in England draws on the lessons learned from the range of interventions put in place across the four nations of the UK to date. There is clear evidence that shows the best way to control the virus is to limit opportunities for it to spread between individuals from different households. Although COVID-secure measures can be put in place to help mitigate the risk of transmission in different settings, they are unlikely to eliminate that risk completely. The restrictions on religious, and sports and leisure settings imposed in November were designed to further limit the risk of transmission. Details of rules set by devolved administrations are available on relevant web pages.
The UK Government recognises the significant sacrifices that people of all faiths have made this year; restrictions have been in place over a number of religious celebrations and observances. Communal worship is possible for all faiths in all three tiers in England and faith leaders will continue to play a key role, consulting on how to make religious practice as safe as possible. Relevant guidance is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-from-2-december
Gyms, sports facilities and leisure centres are open in all tiers in England. There is specific guidance for each tier. Further information may be found in the ‘sport and physical activity’ sections of each guidance publication, which are available here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know
There is no maximum length of contract as set out in reg 32(2)(c) of the Public Contract Regulations 2015. However, Procurement Policy Note 01/20 (Responding to COVID-19), advises that contracting authorities should limit their requirements to only what is absolutely necessary both in terms of what they are procuring and the length of contract.
All suppliers providing services under Government contracts must ensure they are maintained at optimum performance in accordance with manufacturers’ and installers’ recommendations and statutory obligations, including the BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations.
Data on electoral law offences is not collected or held by the Cabinet Office. The Electoral Commission reports on breaches of UK electoral law and will hold more detailed information.
As set out in the Queen's Speech, the Government will repeal the Fixed Term Parliaments Act. Prior to the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, an election was called through the use of the Royal Prerogative powers of the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The Department for Business and Trade has not received a request for additional funding from National Trading Standards (NTS) for such an investigation.
NTS operates independently and receives funding from the Department to respond to breaches of consumer law significant at a national or regional level. NTS base enforcement decisions on an intelligence-led assessment which determines their priorities.
The Government is seeking to strengthen consumer rights and their enforcement through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill, including through enabling enforcement agencies to impose tougher fines on noncompliant businesses.
The Government is considering the views of stakeholders in business, civil society, and Parliament and will inform Parliament of the outcome in due course.
The Government used information from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and from the Scottish and Welsh governments, to estimate the number of park home households eligible for the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding. As the scheme is now closed to new applications, the department will not be taking any further steps to estimate the number of households who were eligible for support.
The Government published its working assumption for the number of eligible park home residents for the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS) in October 2022 - https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3341/publications. The latest application figures for the EBSS AF were published on 15 June on GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support-scheme-alternative-fund-gb-ni-and-alternative-fuel-payment-alternative-fund-applications-made-by-customers
The final application figures for the scheme will be published later in the year.
DSIT engages regularly with Communication Providers and Ofcom regulate how telecoms companies should fulfil their regulatory obligations in the event of a power cut. Communication Providers are required to meet standards and specifications set out in the General Conditions of Entitlement, under obligations imposed by the Communications Act 2003, to ensure continuity of service. Ofcom guidance states that communications providers should have at least one solution that enables access to emergency organisations, for a minimum of one hour in the event of a power outage.
DSIT works closely on a range of resilience issues in partnership with industry, through the Electronic Communications Resilience & Response Group (EC-RRG), who engage in regular dialogue with the Energy Networks Association across a range of issues to help strengthen resilience between the two sectors. Ofcom recently closed a consultation on proposing a set of revised resilience guidance for communications providers with a statement on the resilience guidance expected in summer 2024.
We have supported grant funding to Tech Nation since 2017 to accelerate the growth of startups and scaleups across the UK and are grateful for their efforts.
We remain committed to our vision for the UK to be the best place to start and grow a digital business. Via the Digital Growth Grant, the government will provide £12 million to help startup and scaleup tech ecosystems in FY23/24-24/25.
The Digital Growth Grant was awarded via a competitive process, bringing this public funding into line with the majority of government grants. We announced that we would move to compete the funding on 11 April 2022. Following a period of market engagement and sector consultation, applications were opened in June and bidders notified in September 2022.
Barclays Eagle Labs was awarded the Digital Growth Grant because their application achieved the highest score against publicly available criteria when assessed by an independent panel. Their application represented the best value for taxpayers’ money, and will benefit the most startups and scale-ups over the next two financial years.
Barclays Eagle Labs will support over 22,000 businesses over the next two years, with at least 80% based outside London. As well as expanding access to Eagle Labs’ existing programmes and mentoring opportunities, to allow for even more businesses to be supported, they will also provide new growth programmes for start-ups and scale-ups, for example:
A new accelerator programme which will be targeted at Black-founded tech businesses who are at, or are about to enter, their scaleup stage.
The new Scaleup Programme that will provide the leadership teams of technology scaleups with tailored coaching to help address their bespoke challenges and achieve their potential.
The GOV.UK page in February 2023 will include an overview of eligibility for the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding. This is likely to include care home residents, residents of park homes, tenants in certain private and social rented homes, residents of caravans and houseboats on registered sites, farmers living in domestic farmhouses, and off-grid households. The Government will announce when the new scheme is live and will work closely with stakeholder groups and representative bodies to give them an update on progress, ensuring eligible households are made fully aware of the scheme and encouraged to apply.
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 8th November 2022 to Question 78634.
The Department will make an announcement as soon as possible.
The Energy Bill Relief Scheme will provide a discount on energy bills for eligible non-domestic customers. Where an eligible intermediary purchases electricity or gas on behalf of an end user, such as a park home site owner may do for their residents, the intermediary will be required to pass on any discount received to the end user. Further guidance on this has been published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pass-through-requirements-for-energy-price-support-provided-to-intermediaries.
The Alternative Funding will support households not eligible for the Energy Bills Support Scheme as they do not have a domestic electricity connection. The Government’s priority is to work with delivery partners to provide the £400 support to households at their primary residence. Eligibility, timescales and method of delivery will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Government will provide an update on this matter in due course.
The Government knows that there will be different considerations for consumers depending on their circumstances and the way in which they pay their energy bills, including park homes residents.
Households without a domestic supply contract are not eligible for this Scheme, but the Government is exploring options for other ways in which they might receive similar support.
The Government is currently analysing responses to the consultation ‘Technical Consultation - Energy Bills Support Scheme. Managing the impact of the energy price shock on consumer bills’ and will publish its response later in the summer.
We are not able to disclose the details of some clauses of contracts between the Government and vaccine manufacturers as this information is commercially sensitive.
We are not able to disclose the details of some clauses of contracts between the Government and vaccine manufacturers as this information is commercially sensitive.
The Better Regulation Framework as agreed across government is clear on the requirements for impact assessments, and we continue to push departments to adhere to these requirements.
We do this through support from the Better Regulation Executive (BRE) in providing extensive support and guidance on better regulation and impact assessments, and through a Cross-Whitehall training delivered by jointly by BRE and the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC), which covers everything from better regulation policy to conducting an impact assessment is also available and offered to departments.
We also encourage departmental engagement with the RPC in the early stages of the policy development process for their advice on the proposed analysis to support the policy.
We are confident that efforts by the Better Regulation Executive and the Regulatory Policy Committee will continue to improve the regulatory impact assessment process, while the impending reforms to the better regulation framework will also look to enhance the process.
The Government has been following closely the sale of Cobham Mission Systems to Eaton Corporation plc. The undertakings given to the Government by Advent International when it purchased Cobham in 2020 do not prevent the sale of the whole or parts of Cobham by Advent International. As a result of the sale of Cobham Mission Systems, Advent International is no longer bound by the undertakings in respect of Cobham Mission Systems. Any safeguards to address concerns arising from the sale of Cobham Mission Systems will be considered separately with the new owners.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed that the Oxford University/AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, which have all received regulatory approval, do not contain any components of animal origin, and no foetal material is present in the final vaccine.
The Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme launched on 30 September with initial funding of £1.5 billion. As of 22 January, 17,235 vouchers have been issued, corresponding to a total voucher value of £71.3 million. Funding will only be paid out once scheduled works are completed and vouchers redeemed.
The Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme launched on 30 September with initial funding of £1.5 billion. As of 22 January, 17,235 vouchers have been issued, with an average value of £4,138.
At the 23rd April 2020 meeting of the Consumer Protection Partnership (CPP), members’ comments on consumer related issues that had been identified in the park home sector and detail of any action undertaken were collated and forwarded to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) who were reviewing what could be done to mitigate some of the detriment faced by park home owners. The Government’s response to MHCLG’s consultation on the fit and proper test for site owners and managers was published in July 2020. The response, Mobile Homes: a fit and proper person test for park home sites, can be found on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/mobile-homes-a-fit-and-proper-person-test-for-park-home-sites#history.
As of 10 November, five TrustMark registered businesses were certified to install measures in park homes. We are aware of the relatively low numbers registered and are working closely with the industry to help more businesses obtain the relevant certifications.
As set out in out the Green Homes Grant scheme guidance, although customers are advised to obtain three quotes, only one is required for application to the scheme.
The Green Homes Grant scheme will be time-limited, to help stimulate the economic recovery and support and create tens of thousands of green jobs. Any potential funding allocations for future years will be considered as part of the spending review.
As of 15:00 on 20 October, there were 2 businesses which are TrustMark registered and certified to install insulation measures in park homes under the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme.
We are working with trade and certification bodies to support the accreditation of installers as quickly as possible. BEIS has launched a £6.9 million skills competition to provide training opportunities for the energy efficiency and low carbon heating supply chains to deliver works and scale up to meet additional consumer demand.
Park homeowners are able to search for suitably certified installers to insulate their properties on the Simple Energy Advice website.
Energy suppliers are required by their licence conditions to take all reasonable steps to install and maintain a fully functioning smart metering system for their customers.
When smart meters are installed, if a fault is identified then the customer should be made aware of the problem, what the resolution is likely to be, who will be resolving the fault, and the approximate timescales of the resolution.
Ofgem, as the energy market regulator, is responsible for overseeing energy supplier conduct and can take enforcement action if energy suppliers do not meet their rollout obligations.
Due to the significant reduction in flying associated with Covid-19, the Met Office will not receive the expected funding for its aviation services through the airline charging mechanism and, in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is reviewing and prioritising the aviation services it provides. Several options were considered in consultation with CAA and it was decided to not renew the current contract for the Met Office Civil Contingency Aircraft.
Since the UK was last affected by volcanic ash in 2010, a number of significant improvements have been made in ash monitoring and modelling, which will help to improve forecasting in any future eruption scenario. This includes investment by the Government in a UK-wide LIDAR network, providing the capability to detect ash from the ground, and in improved satellite data on ash-cloud and particulate matter. In addition, the Met Office is exploring options for an interim standby aircraft with other European institutions and work has begun on options for a longer-term replacement airborne volcanic ash monitoring capability.
The Met Office works very closely with the Icelandic Meteorological Office to monitor and assess the risk from volcanic activity. All volcanoes in Iceland are currently at colour state green, which means that activity is at normal levels.
The Consumer Protection Partnership (CPP) meets regularly to review evidence and prioritise enforcement action. The Department has raised park homes with the CPP intelligence gathering group, and the CPP will discuss the issue at a meeting on 23 April. The CPP and the agencies that are members of the group will then decide on next steps.
We define scale-ups using the OECD definition of high growth, i.e. an enterprise with a cumulative average annual growth in employees or turnover greater than 20 per cent per annum over a three-year period, and with more than 10 employees at the beginning of the period.
According to ONS data (Business demography – High Growth Enterprises 2018), the number of scaleups in (a) Dorset is 190 and (b) South West of England is 2,745.
The Government is committed to tackling consumer rip-offs and bad business practices. The Department is engaging with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to follow up the evidence gathered by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on park homes regarding alleged unfair practices. The Government plans to consult with the Consumer Protection Partnership to review this evidence and agree what actions can be taken. The Consumer Protection Partnership is a network bringing together consumer bodies covering all aspects of consumer protection and includes the Competition and Markets Authority as a member.
We define scaleups using the OECD definition of high growth, i.e. an enterprise with a cumulative average annual growth in employees or turnover greater than 20 per cent per annum over a three-year period, and with more than 10 employees at the beginning of the period.
Scaleups play an important role in the UK economy: they generate around 20% of all turnover in the economy and around 15% of employment, and Scale Ups can play a role in driving innovation. The number of scaleups has risen overall by 25% over the 5 years to 2018 to 33,860.
We have taken a number of actions to create the right conditions for businesses to achieve their potential to grow to scale, including:
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is tax-payer funded, and supporting solar thermal for space heating would not represent good value for money. This is because solar thermal systems are normally only capable of meeting a portion of a house’s heat demand (so a backup space heating system would be required), and are not as cost-effective in space heating when compared to other technologies.
The use of electricity from solar PV to heat water is most commonly achieved by directly heating water in a thermal store using an immersion heater rather than a heat pump. As heating water with heat pumps and solar PV panels is relatively uncommon, and this method is not considered to be a potential major source of renewable heat generation in the future, the Department has not made a comparative assessment of the costs and benefits of the use of solar thermal collectors against water heated by heat pumps and solar PV.