First elected: 12th December 2019
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
These initiatives were driven by Claire Hanna, 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.
Claire Hanna has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Claire Hanna has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
Claire Hanna has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Mortgages (Switching) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Martin Docherty-Hughes (SNP)
Universal Jurisdiction (Extension) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)
Tax Reform Commission Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Liz Saville Roberts (PC)
Elected Representatives (Prohibition of Deception) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Liz Saville Roberts (PC)
Flexible Working Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tulip Siddiq (Lab)
Shared Prosperity Fund (Wales) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Ben Lake (PC)
Decarbonisation and Economic Strategy Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Caroline Lucas (Green)
Co-operatives (Employee Company Ownership) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Christina Rees (LAB)
Wellbeing of Future Generations (No. 2) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Caroline Lucas (Green)
Trade Agreements (Exclusion of National Health Services) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Peter Grant (SNP)
Ministerial Interests (Emergency Powers) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Owen Thompson (SNP)
Jet Skis (Licensing) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Hywel Williams (PC)
Employment (Dismissal and Re-employment) (No. 2) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Gavin Newlands (SNP)
The Government continues to hold regular meetings with the Devolved Administrations, including Northern Ireland, and offers its support to all of the constituent parts of the UK in their promotion of inclusion and belief that women should be able to thrive regardless of where they live in the UK.
Equality is a fully transferred matter in Northern Ireland and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland is currently undertaking a programme of work aimed at refreshing the policy frameworks for voluntary and community sector support. This includes agreeing with partners on the outcomes that should be prioritised in future years, together with a series of roundtables to discuss key questions of interest.
Over the last decade we have seen strong growth in the number of women in full-time work, and we are committed to ensuring that every woman is able to reach her full potential in her working life.
In June to August 2022, 19.2% of people (1.7 million people) were economically inactive as a result of looking after family/home and of working age (16 to 64 years). This is part of a long-term declining trend since comparable data started to be collected June to August 1993 when it was 34.6% (3 million people). We continue to carefully monitor these figures.
We are also committed to improving the cost, choice, and availability of childcare. We continue to look at ways to make childcare more affordable and to encourage families to use the government-funded support they are entitled to.
In assessing the impact of its free childcare entitlements, the Department for Education regularly reviews the impact on parents from a range of different research publications. This includes the Families and the Labour Market release (from the Office for National Statistics) and the Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents.
As part of the Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents, parents are asked about the effect that 30 hours free childcare has on families, including their ability to work. Almost 2 in 5 families using the 30 hours offer said that without the entitlement they would work fewer hours.
The Government Equalities Office works closely with the devolved administrations on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The devolved administrations contributed examples of the progress they had made with implementation to the eighth periodic report submitted to the CEDAW Committee, and representatives of each of the devolved administrations participated in the one day hearing in front of the CEDAW Committee in 2019.
All of the devolved administrations were consulted as part of the preparations for the production of the recent CEDAW interim report.
The Equality Hub, at the heart of Government in the Cabinet Office, has a key role in driving Government priorities on equality and opportunity. The Equality Hub is leading on several cross-cutting projects, which involves working closely with other departments and Ministerial-level discussions. This includes work related to women’s economic empowerment, LGBT rights and the National Strategy for Disabled People, as well as work on the Government’s response to the final report of the independent Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. We will also use the UK’s role as President of the G7 and our independent Gender Equality Advisory Council to ramp up work on equality.
In December 2020, we announced the Equality Data Project, the Government's new approach to tackling inequality that supports our manifesto commitment to level up across the UK. This will consider issues like geography and social background, alongside other characteristics, to enable us to understand where individuals are being held back across the UK. The Equality Hub will share the evidence from this inquiry with other government departments to help inform their work.
We also announced in December that the sponsorship of, and secretariat to, the independent Social Mobility Commission would move to the Equality Hub in the Cabinet Office from 1 April 2021. This move reflects the importance of the Social Mobility Commission for our levelling up agenda and ensures that equality and fairness of all kinds are at the heart of government.
More broadly, all departments ensure that equality considerations are at the heart of their decision-making; this is key to the Government’s commitment to delivering equality of opportunity for all as well as complying with legal requirements under the public sector equality duty. Officials in the Equality Hub provide advice to departments to assist with this.
The Government will respond in full to Sir Brian’s recommendations on compensation following the publication of the Inquiry’s final report, however, we are making progress. In particular, the Government will bring forward amendments at Report Stage of the Victims and Prisoners Bill in the Other Place with the intention of speeding up the implementation of the Government’s response to the Infected Blood Inquiry.
In October 2022, we made interim payments of £100,000 to chronic infected beneficiaries and bereaved partners registered with existing support schemes. I recognise the importance the infected blood community places on interim payments relating to those deaths not yet recognised, and the Government is working through the technical implications of recommendation 12.
The entitlement to severance payments for those who cease to hold ministerial office is set out in the Ministerial and other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991. The Government has no current plans to amend the Act.
The study will report to the Paymaster General no later than 14 March 2022. The Government will give full consideration to Sir Robert's study - which is separate from the independent public inquiry - and the Government's response and Sir Robert's study will be published.
The Prime Minister has appointed the Rt Hon Baroness Heather Hallett DBE to chair the public inquiry into Covid-19. The inquiry will be established on a statutory basis, with formal powers, and will begin its work in spring 2022.
Draft terms of reference will be published in due course, following consultation with Baroness Hallett and ministers from the devolved administrations. As set out in the Prime Minister’s statement on 15 December, Baroness Hallett will then lead a process of public consultation, including with bereaved families and other affected groups, before the terms of reference are finalised.
Lord Frost and his team are in regular contact with Vice President Šefčovič and the Commission about the various issues for which the Northern Ireland Protocol presents difficulties, including medicines and medical consumables. The Government remains in close contact with the Northern Ireland Executive as these discussions continue.
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020. An equality analysis was completed for the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018, which is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/629244/European_Union__Withdrawal__Bill_equality_analysis.pdf
Guidance on pet travel is set out on gov.uk.
Any changes to this guideline is dependent on the category that is given to Great Britain at the end of the Transition Period, with this being conditional on the ongoing discussions being had with the EU Commission.
DEFRA has submitted an application to the European Commission to become a ‘Part I’ listed third country in relation to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets into the EU, which the Commission is considering.
Discussions with the European Commission are ongoing. Updates will be announced in the usual way.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
The Government response to the Transparency in Supply Chains consultation, published on 22 September 2020, committed to an ambitious package of changes to the Modern Slavery Act’s transparency legislation.
Northern Ireland will engage and consult with affected Northern Irish businesses and public sector organisations on all the proposals.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an arrangement between the UK, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey, and Ireland. It is underpinned by domestic law in each jurisdiction.
The UK Government and Irish Government have indicated their commitment to maintaining the CTA, and to taking all necessary measures to ensure that its associated rights and privileges are protected. Both Governments confirmed that position on 8 May 2019, when they signed a Common Travel Area Memorandum of Understanding, setting out that commitment. The text is available on GOV.UK. The UK Government and Irish Government continue to work together to implement the CTA through bilateral agreements and legislation where required.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 October, the approach outlined in the Government's Command Paper in May, and the guidance published on 7 August regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, as well as my answers to PQs here, and the updated Border Operating Model for Great Britain and the EU, available on gov.uk.
Further to my answer to PQs here, the Government has launched a Trader Support Service to provide end-to-end support to traders, backed by £200 million in funding. I urge businesses to sign up to the scheme with a link available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service.
We are also considering further measures of support as regards agrifood trade, as set out in the August guidance.
Regarding costs and burdens on businesses, the UK Government continues to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive.
Northern Ireland produce will enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK following the end of the Transition Period.
The Government has committed to publishing further detailed information and guidance as soon as possible when relevant details are resolved, including where matters depend on discussions in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. This includes on the question of VAT and excise.
The question of Exit Summary Declarations for goods movement from Northern Ireland to Great Britain is subject to discussion at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.
The Government has set out its approach to ensuring how the requirements of the Protocol are conducted. This will include market surveillance for industrial goods.
The Government has an extensive communications campaign in place regarding the need for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, and this covers businesses in Northern Ireland.
The Cabinet Office and Departments across Whitehall continue to work closely with their counterparts in the devolved administrations, including the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to ensure common approaches are implemented in a range of areas as we leave the EU. Updates on progress will be made in the usual way.
The Cabinet Office and Departments across Whitehall continue to work closely with their counterparts in the devolved administrations, including the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to ensure common approaches are implemented in a range of areas as we leave the EU. Updates on progress will be made in the usual way.
A response was provided on 21 November 2023.
The government is carefully considering the views and evidence submitted in response to this consultation. The government will publish its summary of responses and next steps in due course.
All applications for export licences are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.
The Government has not made an assessment of this report. As set out in our Manifesto, the Government is committed to making it easier for father and partners to take Paternity Leave. In 2019, we also consulted on high-level options and principles for reforming the parental leave and pay system. We have analysed the responses to the consultation and will publish our response in due course.
The standard rate of Statutory Paternity Pay is reviewed annually. From April 2023, it increased by September's Consumer Price Index figure of 10.1 per cent to £172.48.
The Department uses widely recognised industry estimates provided by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK). According to OEUK’s 2022 workforce estimates (https://oeuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/OEUK-Workforce-Insight-2022.pdf), oil and gas companies support around 200,000 jobs across the supply chain and wider local economy. This includes 30,000 people who are employed directly by the sector.
Information on the methodology used by OEUK to estimate workforce numbers was provided in the answer given to the hon. Member for Brighton Pavilion on 25 March 2024 to Question UIN 18876.
The Government recognises the challenges posed by cost-of-living pressures, including the impact of energy bills, and is already providing extensive financial support to households. This includes a package of support to assist households and individuals with rising costs of living that will total over £104 billion, or £3,700 per household on average, over 2022-2025.
Millions of vulnerable households across the UK are receiving up to £900 in further Cost of Living Payments this year.
These payments are in addition to established financial support in Great Britain, including the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment. Decisions on established financial support in Northern Ireland are devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive.
Ofgem regularly publishes data on households in debt and arrears, here:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/debt-and-arrears-indicators
The Government understands the challenges that are posed by cost-of-living pressures that includes energy bills and the impact of debt. Energy prices have fallen significantly with the price cap more than halving from £4,279 in January 2023 to £1,834 since the start of October 2023.
This coincides with the £900 cost-of-living payment being provided by the Government across 2023/24, which has increased from the £650 provided the previous year. The Government continues to closely monitor energy prices and will keep support schemes under review.
DESNZ has responsibility for the measurement of fuel poverty in England. The latest
estimates of fuel poverty in England are available
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fuel-poverty-statistics
Fuel poverty is a devolved matter and different metrics of fuel poverty are used in the Devolved Administrations. The latest fuel poverty estimates for Northern Ireland, published by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive are available here: Estimates of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland in 2020 and 2021 (nihe.gov.uk)
The Government frequently assesses the merits of energy cost support policies and the impacts various policy ideas would have on the most vulnerable households.
The Government is continuing to provide targeted support for vulnerable households as prices come down. In 2023-24 the Government is already providing additional cost of living payments of up to £900 to households on means-tested benefits, £300 to pensioner households, and £150 to those on eligible disability benefits.
This is alongside existing and ongoing energy bills support for the most vulnerable that includes the:
The Government is continually reviewing the financial support it provides for the differing energy needs within its communities and prioritising support for the most vulnerable. The Help for Households campaign includes numerous cost-of-living support schemes in 2023/2024, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount, Disability Cost of Living Payment and the Cost-of-Living Payment for those on means tested benefits which has increased from £650 in 2022/2023 to £900 in 2023/2024.
The Energy Price Guarantee was introduced in October 2022 to protect millions of households from the rising high cost of energy. The outlook for energy prices has improved significantly since last year’s Autumn Statement, with the Ofgem price cap falling 55% since its peak earlier this year, which is good news for households who have seen their energy prices fall.
All eligible businesses automatically receive the baseline support under the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) from 1 April 2023, for as long as wholesale prices continue to meet or exceed the threshold price. The process for implementing additional support for Energy and Trade Intensive Industries in Northern Ireland is underway and while the Department cannot provide a precise date, it expects the work to be concluded soon. The additional support will be backdated to 1 April 2023.
Officials from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero are working closely with a range of stakeholders to assess options for a new approach to consumer protection from April 2024 as part of wider retail market reforms and we intend to consult on these options in Summer 2023.
As part of this work, we are working with disability organisations, considering the costs for disabled people with medical equipment and assessing the need for specific support for disabled people using medical equipment in the home.
The qualifying date to receive the £600 payment from the Government under the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the Alternative Fuel payment is 08:00 2 January 2023. Customers of electricity suppliers who had an account at this point will receive the payment.
The Energy Bills Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment, which together total £600, is being paid to households with a domestic electricity meter. Payments are not made per occupant of a property. The Government has introduced regulations requiring intermediaries, including landlords, to pass through the Energy Bill Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment.
The Energy Bills Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment, which together total £600, is being paid to households with a domestic electricity meter. Payments are not made per occupant of a property. The Government has introduced regulations requiring intermediaries, including landlords, to pass through the Energy Bill Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment.
The Energy Bills Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment, which together total £600, is being paid to households with a domestic electricity meter. Payments are not made per occupant of a property. The Government has introduced regulations requiring intermediaries, including landlords, to pass through the Energy Bill Support Scheme and Alternative Fuel Payment.
Actors’ and musicians’ performances are protected under Part II of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Sections 182 and 182A of the Act give performers the right to control who is able to record and make reproductions of their performances. These provisions apply regardless of the technology used to make such reproductions, including AI technology. Whether an AI-made synthetisation has reproduced the recording of a performance will depend on the circumstances of each case.