Emma Hardy Portrait

Emma Hardy

Labour - Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle

First elected: 8th June 2017

Shadow Minister (Flooding, Oceans and Coastal Communities)

(since September 2023)

Treasury Committee
20th Apr 2021 - 11th Mar 2024
Treasury Sub-Committee on Financial Services Regulations
20th Jun 2022 - 11th Mar 2024
Finance (No. 2) Bill
10th May 2023 - 15th May 2023
Financial Services and Markets Bill
12th Oct 2022 - 3rd Nov 2022
Treasury Committee Sub-Committee on Financial Services Regulations
20th Jun 2022 - 20th Jun 2022
Skills and Post-16 Education [HL] Bill
29th Nov 2021 - 7th Dec 2021
Local Government (Disqualification) Bill
24th Nov 2021 - 1st Dec 2021
Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill
7th Sep 2021 - 22nd Sep 2021
Shadow Minister (Education)
10th Apr 2020 - 8th Mar 2021
Education Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Emma Hardy has voted in 728 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Emma Hardy Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Matt Western (Labour)
Shadow Minister (Education)
(72 debate interactions)
Michelle Donelan (Conservative)
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
(66 debate interactions)
Toby Perkins (Labour)
Shadow Minister (Nature and Rural Affairs)
(46 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department for Education
(386 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(109 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(68 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Financial Services and Markets Act 2023
(12,324 words contributed)
Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022
(3,719 words contributed)
Finance (No. 2) Act 2023
(1,236 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Emma Hardy's debates

Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petitions with highest Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle signature proportion
Petitions with most Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle signatures
Petition Debates Contributed

We 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.


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.

Revoke all licences (PEL) for commercial breeders of laboratory animals. Require all Project Licences (PPLs) applications be reviewed by an independent Non Animal Methods (NAMs) specialist committee. Revise s24 ASPA 1986 to allow review. Urge International Regulators to accept & promote NAMs.

Reverse the plan to withdraw funding for most applied general qualifications such as BTECs and guarantee they will continue to play a major role in the qualifications landscape. Students should not be forced to choose between studying A levels or T levels from the age of 16.

Endometriosis and PCOS are two gynaecological conditions which both affect 10% of women worldwide, but both are, in terms of research and funding, incredibly under prioritised. This petition is calling for more funding, to enable for new, extensive and thorough research into female health issues.

Now the hedgehog has been listed as vulnerable to extinction in the UK, we are calling on the Government to move hedgehogs to schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to allow them greater protection.

The University and College Union has repeatedly called on its members to strike. However, strikes are ineffective if students, not employees are the main source of revenue. For this to change, government needs to step in and require universities to reimburse tuition fees lost due to strike action.

All students should be reimbursed of this years tuition fees as universities are now online only due to COVID-19, with only powerpoints online for learning materials which is not worthy of up to £9,250. Furthermore, all assessments are being reconsidered to ‘make do’ and build up credits.

As students are unable to access facilities or continue with their eduction at their university setting in the following semester, we would like to request that the government considers refunding tuition payments for Semester 3.

The quality of online lectures is not equal to face-to-face lectures. Students should not have to pay full tuition fees for online lectures, without experiencing university life. The Government should require UK universities to partially refund tuition fees while online teaching is implemented.

Students across the UK have returned to University to be told our learning will be predominantly online for the foreseeable future. The Government should therefore lower our tuition fees and we should receive a partial refund for the effects this will have on our learning and university experience.

After 9 months of maternity leave, most working mums do not receive any maternity pay and need to go back to work. I think all working parents should be entitled to 15 hours free childcare from the time a child is 9 months. It makes more sense to provide this funding from 9 months instead of 2 years


Latest EDMs signed by Emma Hardy

5th February 2024
Emma Hardy signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Monday 5th February 2024

50th anniversary of the loss with all hands of the trawler fishing vessel Gaul

Tabled by: Emma Hardy (Labour - Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle)
That this House notes with solemnity and sadness the 50th anniversary of the loss of the fishing vessel Gaul, with all hands, on the night of 8-9 February 1974 in storm conditions in the Barents Sea, north of Norway; remembers the 36 crew who lost their lives; further notes that …
15 signatures
(Most recent: 27 Feb 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 6
Independent: 3
Scottish National Party: 3
Conservative: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
5th June 2023
Emma Hardy signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Monday 5th June 2023

Establishment of a Hull York Dental School

Tabled by: Emma Hardy (Labour - Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle)
That this House acknowledges with concern the survey by the British Dental Association which shows the dental workforce has been reduced to a level not seen since 2012-13; notes an unmet need for dentistry was at a record high at one in four of the adult population in 2022; further …
5 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Jun 2023)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Emma Hardy's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Emma Hardy, 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.


Emma Hardy has not been granted any Urgent Questions

4 Adjournment Debates led by Emma Hardy

Tuesday 12th March 2024
Monday 8th February 2021

4 Bills introduced by Emma Hardy


A Bill to set national minimum requirements for flood mitigation and protection measures in new build public and private properties enforced by local planning authorities; to place reporting requirements on local and national government in relation to flood prevention measures; to establish a certification scheme for improvements to domestic and commercial properties for flood prevention and mitigation purposes and an accreditation scheme for installers of such improvements; to require insurers to take account of such improvements and any existing flood prevention and mitigation measures that were planning permission requirements when determining premiums; to extend eligibility to the Flood Reinsurance scheme under section 64 of the Water Act 2014 to small and medium-sized enterprises and homes built after 2009; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to require employers to ensure that personal protective equipment provided at work to people with certain protected characteristics within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 is suitable for the wearer; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 12th March 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 7th June 2024
Order Paper number: 7
(Unlikely to be Debated - would require unanimous consent to progress)

A Bill to give the Environment Agency certain powers and duties in respect of the Humber2100+ project; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 28th March 2023

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 grant local authorities increased powers of compulsory purchase; to amend the law relating to land valuation and compensation; to make provision requiring landowners to fulfil conditions relating to planning permission; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 4th September 2019
(Read Debate)

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
6 Other Department Questions
1st Feb 2024
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, If she will make an assessment of the potential impact on women's health of the Government's progress on implementing the recommendations of the report of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review entitled First Do No Harm, published on 8 July 2020.

Patient safety and women’s health is a top priority for this Government.

That’s why since the ‘First Do No Harm’ report we have:

o Appointed England’s first Patient Safety Commissioner

o Setup specialist centres for women impacted by mesh

o Piloted ways doctors can declare their interests

o And launched a national mandatory Medical Device Outcome Registry.

Beyond this, we published the first Women’s Health Strategy for England, which set out our plans for improving how the health and care system listens to women.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
9th May 2023
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what recent progress her department has made on the Variations in Sex Characteristics Call For Evidence.

There has been a delay in publishing the VSC Call for Evidence report and the Government plans to release it in due course. The Government is considering the findings of the Call for Evidence and how it can improve outcomes for people with VSC.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
23rd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of including measures on supporting providers of (a) radio and (b) other audio services on digital platforms in the forthcoming Media Bill.

The Government has today published Command Paper CP 822, which contains a draft Media Bill.

The draft Bill contains measures which will ensure that UK radio remains available to listeners via their smart speakers over the coming years, while providing scope for innovative collaboration and partnerships between stations and the smart speaker platforms.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
23rd Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on including support for UK radio and audio in the Media Bill.

The Government has today published Command Paper CP 822, which contains a draft Media Bill.

The draft Bill contains measures which will ensure that UK radio remains available to listeners via their smart speakers over the coming years, while providing scope for innovative collaboration and partnerships between stations and the smart speaker platforms.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with Ofcom on (a) the timing of and (b) the terms of reference for the review of the TV Distribution market, announced in the 2022 Broadcasting white paper.

The Secretary of State and I meet representatives of Ofcom regularly to discuss a range of issues relating to broadcasting, as do officials from my Department.

The findings of Ofcom’s review of market changes referred to in the Broadcasting White Paper will form part of our evidence base for future long term decisions for the period after 2034. My officials continue to work with Ofcom to suggest areas of potential focus for the review.

As set out in the Broadcasting White Paper, the Government has asked Ofcom to publish the findings of their review before the end of 2025.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
20th Jun 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed merger between Vodafone-Three on national security.

As an open economy, we welcome investment where it supports UK growth and jobs, meets our stringent legal and regulatory requirements, and does not compromise our national security. The Government has robust powers under the National Security & Investment Act to block or impose remedies on transactions that pose a national security risk.

As you will appreciate, we cannot comment on specific acquisitions nor the applicability of the National Security and Investment regime.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) (jointly with the Cabinet Office)
22nd May 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an assessment of the monetary value of the benefits delivered by urban wetlands.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon lady’s Parliamentary Questions of 22 May are attached.

22nd May 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he will make an estimate of the contribution of urban wetlands to the economy.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon lady’s Parliamentary Questions of 22 May are attached.

29th Nov 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Office for National Statistics data entitled Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 18 November 2022 published on 29 November 2022, whether he has made an assessment of the reasons excess deaths have increased since October 2022.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question: PQ98831 is attached.

15th Nov 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what is the projected cost to the public purse of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

The Inquiry’s timescales, process and procedure are all matters for its independent Chair, who is under a statutory duty to avoid unnecessary cost in the conduct of the Inquiry. The Inquiry will publish details of its expenditure on its website in due course.

12th May 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the number of 18-24 year olds not in full-time education are employed (a) on zero hours contracts, (b) through agencies and (c) are self-employed.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.


A response to the hon. Member’s Parliamentary Question of 12 May is attached.

25th Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish data on the number of deaths of children from (a) flu, not flu and pneumonia, (b) measles, (c) varicella, (d) mumps, (e) rubella and (f) whooping cough in 2020.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

25th Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish data on the number of deaths of children from (a) flu, not flu and pneumonia, (b) measles, (c) varicella, (d) mumps, (e) rubella and (f) whooping cough in 2019.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

25th Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish data on the number of deaths of children from (a) flu, not flu and pneumonia, (b) measles, (c) varicella, (d) mumps, (e) rubella and (f) whooping cough in 2018.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

25th Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish data on the number of deaths in 2017 from childhood illnesses including (a) flu (directly from flu not flu and pneumonia), (b) measles, (c) chickenpox, (d) mumps, (e) rubella and (f) whooping cough.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

25th Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish data on the number of deaths of children from (a) flu, not flu and pneumonia, (b) measles, (c) varicella, (d) mumps, (e) rubella and (f) whooping cough in 2016.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

25th Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish data on the number of covid-19 deaths in children in (a) 2020 and (b) 2021 to date.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

30th Dec 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of lifting the 11.00pm curfew in tier 1 and tier 2 areas for the businesses affected by those restrictions.

On 4 January 2021, the Prime Minister announced a national lockdown in England. Details and guidance are available on gov.uk, as well as information on restrictions applicable in other parts of the United Kingdom. Restrictions are kept under review.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
24th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what risk assessment he has made of allowing three households to mix during the period of lifted covid-19 restrictions from 23 to 27 December 2020; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 25 November.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
24th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what risk assessment he has made of allowing three households to meet in restaurants and pubs during the period of lifted covid-19 restrictions from 23 to 27 December 2020; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 25 November.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
21st Oct 2020
What steps she is taking to help tackle race inequality in the workplace.

In July, the Government launched the independent Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, which is looking at outcomes across the country, with a focus on employment, enterprise, education, health and the criminal justice system.

Led by the evidence, the Commission will consider the causes of persistent disparities and barriers different groups face, and make recommendations for further action.

Their work will be crucial in informing and improving the national conversation on race. The Commission will aim to provide its report to the Prime Minister at the end of the year.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
1st Jun 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to publish a list of businesses that will be able to open under stage three of the Government’s covid-19 recovery strategy.

The move to Step Three of the COVID-19 Recovery Strategy will take place when the assessment of risk warrants further adjustments to the remaining measures.

Further details will be published in due course as appropriate.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
2nd Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has powers to review substantial transfers of assets between private companies when the proposed transaction may (a) be over value and (b) present significant risks to the employees and suppliers of the company purchasing the assets.

Directors of a company must act in good faith to promote its success for the benefit of its members as a whole. When taking decisions, directors must have regard to the interests of employees and the need to foster business relationships with suppliers, customers and others.

My Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business and Trade has powers to appoint inspectors to conduct confidential investigations into trading companies where information suggests serious corporate abuse and such an investigation would be in the public interest. In an insolvency situation, she has powers to investigate the conduct of company directors.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to Royal Mail's announcement on the rise of the cost of first class stamps, what steps her Department is taking to ensure Ofcom is fulfilling its responsibility to ensure all USO postal products are affordable for all consumers.

The Government’s objective continues to be ensuring the provision of a sustainable, accessible and affordable universal postal service. However, as the independent regulator of postal services, regulatory decisions are a matter for Ofcom in which Government is not involved.

Ofcom’s regulatory framework imposes prices controls, ‘safeguard caps’, on certain second-class products to ensure a basic universal service is available to all at affordable prices. Ofcom will conduct a public consultation in 2023-24 to inform a review of the safeguard caps that should apply from April 2024.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Seventh Report of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee of Session 2022–23, HC 1045, whether her Department plans to take steps to ensure Ofcom’s investigation into the Royal Mail (a) takes account of previous years targets and (b) accepts evidence from postal workers.

It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to set and monitor Royal Mail’s service standards and decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action should Royal Mail fail to achieve its obligations without good justification. The Government has no role in Ofcom’s regulatory investigations.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th Dec 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of including the potential impacts of decommissioning in the Environmental Impact Assessments for establishing new (a) oil and (b) gas developments.

The UK has a comprehensive legal framework of environmental protection measures for offshore oil and gas activities, including decommissioning activities. It covers the entire oil and gas life cycle, from the initial licence application to decommissioning.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the legal framework for protecting the marine environment in the context of recent progress in decommissioning oil and gas boreholes in the North Sea.

The decommissioning of wells is important to enable the safety and integrity of the well to protect the marine environment. The relevant regulators, Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED), HSE and NSTA continue to work together to ensure well decommissioning is progressed in accordance with the relevant safety and environmental regulations and standards.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
7th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department plans to take to monitor the environmental impact of oil and gas exploration in the period after licensing rounds increase in frequency.

The UK has a comprehensive legal framework of environmental protection measures for offshore oil and gas activities which will continue to apply. This covers the entire oil and gas life cycle, from the initial licence application to decommissioning activities. All activities that could impact the environment are subject to rigorous environmental assessment, and offshore activities are controlled through an environmental permitting process. There is also an inspection and enforcement regime in place to monitor compliance with the conditions included in environmental approvals.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
7th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the potential environmental impact of new offshore oil and gas licences on marine protected areas.

The UK has a comprehensive legal framework of environmental protection measures for offshore oil and gas activities, which will apply to new licences. It covers the entire oil and gas life cycle, from the initial licence application to decommissioning activities.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
7th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what her Department’s policy is on managing the marine impacts of oil and gas licensing.

The mission of the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) is to drive up the environmental performance of the offshore oil and gas industries, ensuring they minimise their impact on the environment and support the UK’s net zero transition.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent steps he has taken to help decarbonise the Humber industrial region.

The Zero Carbon Humber Partnership is supported by UK Government funding through the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge to support the rollout of decarbonisation technologies.

CCUS technologies have the potential to accelerate the Government's decarbonisation ambitions in the Humber region. The East Coast Cluster was selected as part of the CCUS Programme’s Track-1. The process will be launched later this year to enable expansion of Track-1 clusters, including in the Humber. The Government has also set out its view that the Viking (Humber) transport and storage system, given its maturity, is one of those best placed to deliver the Government's objectives for Track-2 and an update will be provided in the summer.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the potential impact of the Humber industrial region's contribution to the total UK greenhouse gas output.

Greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) emissions estimates are published annually by the department at a local authority and regional level, including Yorkshire & The Humber. The latest publication covers 2005 – 2021.

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-local-authority-and-regional-greenhouse-gas-emissions-national-statistics

This information – as well as emissions estimates for large point sources – is also viewable in emissions maps on the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) website, maintained by Ricardo Energy & Environment:

https://naei.beis.gov.uk/data/map-large-source

https://naei.beis.gov.uk/laghgapp/

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent estimate he has made of when the carbon dioxide pipeline from the Endurance carbon dioxide store will reach the Humber industrial region.

To contribute to the ambition of capturing and storing 20-30Mt CO2 per year, the Government will develop the Track-1 clusters to increase the benefits they can deliver. The Government announced in Powering Up Britain that it will launch a process later this year to enable further expansion of the Track-1 clusters, beyond the initial deployment, identifying and selecting projects for the HyNet and East Coast Clusters – including the Humber – and their associated stores, as they become viable, to be operational by 2030.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of (a) carbon capture and storage and (b) hydrogen power on decarbonisation of the Humber industrial region.

Analysis suggests there are more than 10MtCO2 per year in the Humber industrial area which carbon capture and storage and hydrogen projects could play a key role in decarbonising.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the definition of businesses eligible for the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries discount to include the IT industry.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) review assessed a range of qualitative and quantitative evidence and contributions from businesses and other stakeholders, on sectors that may be most affected by price increases based on energy and trade intensity (ETII). To qualify as an ETII sector, the sector had to be above the 80th percentile for energy intensity and the 60th percentile for trade intensity. The IT industry does not meet these criteria and is therefore not included in the ETII scheme.

The new Energy Bill Discount Scheme will provide a baseline discount to all eligible non-domestic customers, including the IT industry, until 2024. The unit discount is capped at £19.61/MW for electricity, and £6.97/MW for gas.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
17th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the number of people claiming Employment Support Allowance who are no longer eligible for the Warm Homes Discount following the changes to eligibility in 2022; and what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changing the criteria on people who are no longer eligible.

As households previously applied through their suppliers, who set their own application processes and eligibility criteria and selected successful applicants each year, the Government has not been able to assess how many households in receipt of Employment Support Allowance are no longer eligible.

The Government has expanded the scheme this year, providing £150 rebates to low-income and vulnerable households. The Government published impact assessments alongside the consultation and the final policy, which compared the option for reforming the scheme in England and Wales to continuing the previous scheme. These can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/warm-home-discount-better-targeted-support-from-2022.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the number of people claiming Personal Independence Payment who are no longer eligible for the Warm Homes Discount following the changes to eligibility in 2022; and what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changing the criteria on those no longer eligible.

The Government has expanded and reformed the Warm Home Discount scheme in England and Wales to target fuel poverty better and provide most rebates automatically.

Households in receipt of means-tested benefits with high energy costs based on certain characteristics of their property are eligible for the rebate. Around 62% of Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance recipients receive a means-tested benefit; those with high energy costs are eligible. As a result of expanding and reforming the scheme, the Government estimates that 160,000 more households where a person has a disability or long-term illness will receive a rebate.

These changes do not apply in Scotland, where customers apply for a Broader Group rebate through their energy suppliers, who can set their own eligibility criteria.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
7th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the accreditation process is for heat pump installers under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

In order to participate under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, installers must first submit a request to create an account with the scheme administrator, Ofgem. Only Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installers, who are members of a Consumer Code that ensures customers are protected by a Trading Standards Institute Approved Code of Practice, are eligible to create an account and carry out work under the scheme. This ensures high standards for consumer protection.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with Ofcom on the proposed Three-Vodafone merger.

Ministers and Departmental officials regularly meet with Ofcom to discuss a range of telecoms issues.

It is the responsibility of the Competition and Markets Authority to assess the impact on consumers and competition in the market of the proposed merger between Vodafone and Three, with input from sectoral regulators.

The Government does not comment on specific mergers or acquisitions, which are subject to the UK’s stringent legal and regulatory requirements.

12th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to her Answer of 8 June to question 187868 on Artificial Intelligence and Life Sciences: Research, what proportion of UK Research and Innovation funds does research involving (a) humans, (b) human materials, (c) animal models and (d) non-animal technologies receive; and what steps UKRI is taking to increase the proportion of funding for non-animal technologies in relation to animal models.

It is not possible to break down UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding data in this way. The Government actively supports and funds the development and dissemination of techniques that replace, reduce, and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs), primarily through funding from UKRI for the National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs). UKRI provide around £10 million funding per annum to the NC3Rs for research to develop 3Rs technologies.

The NC3Rs has committed to increase funding for technologies that replace the use of animals, including through their £4.7 million joint funding call with UKRI’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council for next generation non-animal technologies.

5th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she is taking steps to support research and development into (a) advanced cultures of human cells and tissues, (b) organ-on-a-chip technology and (c) artificial intelligence.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funds a portfolio of research involving humans, human materials, animal models, and non-animal technologies. This includes a recent £5 million investment by UKRI’s Medical Research Council in two new platforms as part of a human nervous tissue resources call; and a £4.7 million joint funding call by UKRI’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research focussed on supporting next generation non-animal technologies, such as organ-on-a-chip.

This complements work by UKRI including £1.6 million support for an AI in bioscience network.

20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to protect the UK’s broadcast spectrum allocation at the 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference.

The Government remains committed to the future of broadcast television and radio, and, in particular, to the future of digital terrestrial television (DTT), the technology underpinning the popular Freeview platform, which relies on suitable access to ultra high frequency (UHF) spectrum.

The Government has been supportive of Ofcom’s negotiations on behalf of the UK within the ITU and at a European regional level. They have been advocating for the inclusion of a ‘no change’ option, which would maintain broadcast’s priority access to the UHF spectrum.

In addition, from a technical and regulatory perspective, even in a scenario where mobile was granted an allocation at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023, and it is subsequently deployed in neighbouring countries, the UK would be able to rely on the ITU Radio Regulations, ITU Regional Agreements and existing bilateral TV broadcasting agreements with our neighbouring countries to ensure that DTT use of the spectrum in the UK can continue. Before any decisions about the future of DTT in the UK are made, close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessments she has made of the potential impact of the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 on (a) Freeview frequencies for mobile services and (b) access for UK viewers.

The Government remains committed to the future of broadcast television and radio, and, in particular, to the future of digital terrestrial television (DTT), the technology underpinning the popular Freeview platform, which relies on suitable access to ultra high frequency (UHF) spectrum.

The Government has been supportive of Ofcom’s negotiations on behalf of the UK within the ITU and at a European regional level. They have been advocating for the inclusion of a ‘no change’ option, which would maintain broadcast’s priority access to the UHF spectrum.

In addition, from a technical and regulatory perspective, even in a scenario where mobile was granted an allocation at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023, and it is subsequently deployed in neighbouring countries, the UK would be able to rely on the ITU Radio Regulations, ITU Regional Agreements and existing bilateral TV broadcasting agreements with our neighbouring countries to ensure that DTT use of the spectrum in the UK can continue. Before any decisions about the future of DTT in the UK are made, close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the provisions of the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) 2003 and The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 governing planning permission to expand Fibre to the Premises broadband for designated communications network operators and to the length of notice such operators must give to the Local Planning Authority for the erection and siting of telegraph poles and excavation of pavements, what assessment she has made of the consequences for those provisions and notice of the (a) disruption to residents and (b) permanent effects of new telegraph poles; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (i) limiting the number of times new cable can be laid in the same street by different operators and (ii) giving residents a right to consultation over erection of telegraph poles.

Access to digital services is increasingly important to businesses and consumers throughout the UK. The Government is committed to ensuring the right legislative framework is in place to ensure that there is a competitive broadband market and ensure that everyone receives the connectivity they need at a price which is affordable. At the same time, we recognise that the framework must take into account any effects on the local community.

Operators are given statutory rights to carry out streetworks and install apparatus on or below a street or road under Part 8 of the Electronic Communications Code. In addition, the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003 set out the circumstances where lines can be installed above ground and what the notice requirements are for doing so. Finally, operators are required to seek permission to carry out this work from the local highway authority and should also follow the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice, a copy of which is here. Together these measures ensure that telegraph poles are placed appropriately, and local authorities and communities are engaged prior to their installation.

The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act, which received Royal Assent on 6 December 2022, includes provisions which make it easier for operators to share existing infrastructure, including underground ducts. This should help reduce the need for future new pole installations, reduce the costs of providing new services and encourage competition within the market. The Government will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the measures and compliance by operators with the measures set out above.

17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to encourage the creation of businesses.

We are encouraging the creation of businesses through the Start Up Loan scheme which provides loans and mentoring support to new entrepreneurs, as well as through our network of 38 Growth Hubs across England which provide access to information and advice on starting a business.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
6th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing people to choose whether to receive the Warm Home Discount from their gas supplier rather than their electricity supplier.

Households eligible for a Warm Home Discount rebate receive their payment on their electricity supply by default to ensure it is clear which supplier is accountable for providing the rebate. This also reduces the risk of rebate payments being duplicated or missed between different suppliers.

Where a customer is eligible for a rebate and receives both electricity and gas from one supplier, known as a dual fuel supply, they may request for the rebate to be provided on their gas supply. This is at the discretion of the energy supplier.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)