Gavin Robinson Portrait

Gavin Robinson

Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast East

First elected: 7th May 2015

Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Defence)

(since July 2017)

Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Home Affairs)

(since May 2015)

Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill
28th Jun 2021 - 6th Jul 2021
Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee)
31st Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Committees on Arms Export Controls (formerly Quadripartite Committee)
10th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Defence Sub-Committee
12th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Defence Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Committees on Arms Export Controls
10th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Justice)
8th May 2015 - 8th Jun 2017
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Human Rights)
8th May 2015 - 8th Jun 2017
Defence Committee
5th Dec 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Defence Sub-Committee
5th Dec 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee)
28th Oct 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
6th Jul 2015 - 5th Dec 2016


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Gavin Robinson has voted in 592 divisions, and 6 times against the majority of their Party.

13 Oct 2020 - Fisheries Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Gavin Robinson voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 197 Noes - 331
12 Oct 2020 - Agriculture Bill - View Vote Context
Gavin Robinson voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 7 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 332 Noes - 279
23 Sep 2020 - PUBLIC HEALTH - View Vote Context
Gavin Robinson voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 337 Noes - 6
23 Sep 2020 - Deferred Division - View Vote Context
Gavin Robinson voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 335 Noes - 6
23 Sep 2020 - Deferred Division - View Vote Context
Gavin Robinson voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 334 Noes - 6
17 Jan 2022 - Elections Bill - View Vote Context
Gavin Robinson voted No - against a party majority - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 5 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 236 Noes - 327
View All Gavin Robinson 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
Stephen Farry (Alliance)
(27 debate interactions)
Chris Heaton-Harris (Conservative)
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
(23 debate interactions)
Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party)
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Human Rights)
(20 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Northern Ireland Office
(154 debate contributions)
Home Office
(28 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(28 debate contributions)
Ministry of Defence
(20 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Gavin Robinson's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Gavin Robinson

4th March 2024
Gavin Robinson signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Monday 4th March 2024

Greenwood House 60th anniversary

Tabled by: Gavin Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast East)
That this House warmly congratulates Greenwood House Assessment Centre on reaching its 60th anniversary; acknowledges that since its establishment in 1964, Greenwood House has been an integral part of the community, providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children with additional needs; pays tribute to the work of principal …
2 signatures
(Most recent: 6 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
8th January 2024
Gavin Robinson signed this EDM on Wednesday 21st February 2024

Pension restitution for women born in the 1950s

Tabled by: Kim Johnson (Labour - Liverpool, Riverside)
That this House welcomes the positive interventions from so many hon. Members from across the House on behalf of women born in the 1950s who have suffered pensions loss through the targeting of their pension rights; pays tribute to constituents and campaigners in their ongoing fight for justice; recalls that …
97 signatures
(Most recent: 25 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 44
Scottish National Party: 30
Democratic Unionist Party: 7
Independent: 5
Plaid Cymru: 3
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Alba Party: 2
Liberal Democrat: 2
Green Party: 1
Alliance: 1
Conservative: 1
Workers Party of Britain: 1
View All Gavin Robinson's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Gavin Robinson, 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.


Gavin Robinson has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Gavin Robinson has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

2 Bills introduced by Gavin Robinson


A Bill to make provision about British citizenship in respect of people born in Ireland after 31 December 1948 who are, or have been, resident in Northern Ireland; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - Instruction
Tuesday 5th March 2024
(Read Debate)
Next Event - Committee Stage
Wednesday 17th April 2024

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 deliver services in accordance with the armed forces covenant; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 6th February 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
25th Mar 2021
What progress has been made by the UK-EU Joint Committee on revising the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Joint Committee has been working on the many difficulties presented to the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol by the EU’s decision to activate Article 16 on 29 January. There are outstanding issues to be resolved and we have taken temporary operational steps to avoid disruption to everyday life. We remain committed to working within the Joint Committee process to find solutions.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
6th Jan 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish further information on duty free arrangements for Northern Ireland to and from (a) Great Britain, (b) the EU and (c) the Rest of the World.

All guidance on duty free arrangements for Northern Ireland traders has been published, and can be found at https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
2nd Jun 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what (a) discussions, (b) meetings and (c) correspondence took place between members of the Cabinet and Lord Saville in (i) 1997, (ii)1998 and (iii) 1999.

The information requested is not held centrally. It could be held across a very wide range of paper files and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Under the Public Records Act, the records from 1997-1999 will be reviewed and transferred to The National Archives by 2022.

19th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to issue guidance to energy companies in Northern Ireland on (a) tackling fraudulent use of energy support vouchers and (b) reissuing vouchers to customers who have not been able to redeem theirs as a result of fraud.

The Department is aware of a small number of cases in which customers have reported that they have not received their voucher and yet it has already been redeemed. Customers are required to produce various forms of evidence and identification when redeeming a voucher and this is set out in the scheme guidance. The Government is working closely with suppliers to ensure eligible customers receive their payment as soon as possible, whilst appropriately protecting public money.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
22nd Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to Answer of 20 June to Question 18928, whether Government has secured any purchase options, subject to approval, of vaccines for under-5s.

The Government keeps the global vaccine picture under ongoing review and through its regular conversations with vaccine developers will explore supply options, should that become necessary.

15th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many doses of (a) Pfizer and (b) Moderna Coronavirus Vaccines have been procured for under 5 year olds as of 15 June 2022.

There are no Covid-19 vaccines for under 5s currently approved for use in the UK, and as such we have not specifically procured vaccines for this cohort. The Government will continue monitoring developments and follow the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation going forward.

25th Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many paediatric doses of the covid-19 vaccine have been received in the UK as of 25 January 2022.

The precise details of our vaccine orders and deliveries are commercially sensitive, but we have sufficient vaccines available to enable us to meet current, and any future updates to JCVI guidance. We continue to plan for future scenarios.

25th Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many paediatric doses of the covid-19 vaccine have been ordered as 25 January 2022.

The precise details of our vaccine orders and deliveries are commercially sensitive, but we have sufficient vaccines available to enable us to meet current, and any future updates to JCVI guidance. We continue to plan for future scenarios.

12th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of recognising online marketplaces as actors in the supply chain.

The Government is committed to ensuring that only safe consumer products can be sold in the UK, including through online marketplaces. Product safety legislation places obligations on distributors to act with due care to ensure products they are selling are safe and this includes online retailers selling goods via marketplaces.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) continues to engage with major online marketplaces to ensure that they are playing their part in protecting UK consumers from unsafe products. This includes developing a new voluntary commitment for online marketplaces to agree actions they will take to reduce the risks from unsafe products, including white goods subject to recall, being sold online, enabling them to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the safety of their consumers in the UK.

In order to ensure that the UK’s Product Safety framework is flexible and fit for the future, the OPSS is conducting a review. The review will ensure we have a framework that delivers safety for consumers while supporting businesses to innovate and grow and will consider the impact on product safety of non-traditional business models, including third-party sales conducted via online marketplaces.

The OPSS is currently running a Call for Evidence that is open until 3 June to ensure a wide range of views and evidence are gathered: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/uk-product-safety-review-call-for-evidence.

8th Jan 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his policy is on retrofit solutions for publicly funded housing.

The Government remains committed to the ambition set out in the Clean Growth Strategy, that as many homes as possible are improved to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C by 2035, where practical, cost-effective, and affordable.

At the Summer Economic Update, my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer provided up to £50m for a UK-wide Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Demonstrator, to support jobs, improve energy efficiency and reduce bills for social tenants whilst demonstrating the benefits of the Whole House Retrofit approach to reduce costs overall. At the recent spending review the chancellor announced £60 million in 2021/22 for the SHDF in England.

The Government has also recently published the Social Housing White Paper where we committed to review the Decent Homes Standard to consider how it can better support the decarbonisation and energy efficiency of social homes. This will apply to England only, with the Devolved Administrations setting their own standards in social housing.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy of 21 July 2020, Official Report column 193, how the figure of £8.5bn financial support for the aviation and aerospace sector was calculated.

The aerospace sector and its aviation customers are being supported with over £8.5 billion worth of support through the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility, grants for research and development (R&D), loan guarantees, and support for aerospace exports over the next 18 months.

The amount is made up of support across the Covid Credit Financing Facility (£2.7 billion), expected UK Export Finance support for aerospace and its aviation customers (£5.5 billion) and R&D support for aerospace (across 3 years over £500 million).

We will continue to back businesses strongly through the Covid-19 pandemic and as we return to growth.

23rd Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 22 June 2020 to Question 59788; if will provide a breakdown of the £6 billion figure referenced in the Answer.

As stated previously, the Government is providing over £6 billion of support to the aviation and aerospace sectors. UK Export Finance expects to support £3.5 billion of aerospace exports over the next 18 months, up sharply from £1.15 billion over the past two financial years.

Under the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Finance Facility, £2.16 billion of loans have been made to airlines and aerospace companies affected by a short-term funding squeeze.

We are also providing support over the next three years for research on the next generation of aerospace technologies, through £450 million of Aerospace Technology Institute programme funding, as well as £70 million through the Future Flight programme.

16th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much financial support his Department has allocated to the aerospace sector since the start of the covid-19 lockdown; and what plans he has to provide further support to that sector.

Aerospace companies have benefitted from the Government’s extensive financial support package, on top of existing support measures for the sector.

The UK’s aviation and aerospace sectors can expect to benefit from over £6 billion of support through UK Export Finance, the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Finance Facility, research and development grants, and other measures.

We will continue to support the UK aerospace industry to get back on its feet to protect jobs across the UK.

5th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that consumers who were unable to travel on package holidays due to the covid-19 outbreak receive (a) a full refund or (b) a Government-backed transferable voucher equal to the amount paid.

The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 protect consumers who have bought package holidays. Consumers are entitled to a refund?if forced to cancel a package holiday due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, which should be issued?within 14 days, depending on the nature of the contract in place. Businesses in the sector are offering consumers vouchers or refund credit notes but acceptance must be the choice of the consumer who retains the right to a cash refund. Further information on the rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses was published on 30 April by the Competition and Markets Authority who have also set up a covid-19 taskforce for consumers seeking refunds.

16th Jun 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what progress has been made on the Government's inquiry into the collapse of the Football Index.

As outlined in my Written Ministerial Statement of 7 June, the Secretary of State has appointed Malcolm Sheehan QC to lead the independent review of the Football Index gambling product and we have published its scope and terms of reference on gov.uk. That independent review is underway and is expected to provide a report for publication in the summer. The statement can be found at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2021-06-07/hcws63

20th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when the Government plans to implement the recommendations from Part 2 of the Leveson Inquiry.

The Government has made clear that it does not intend to proceed with Part 2 of the Leveson Inquiry. This decision was reached following a public consultation and having taken into account all of the views and evidence submitted. Reopening the inquiry is no longer appropriate, proportionate, or in the public interest. This position was reiterated in the 2019 Conservative manifesto.

The media landscape has changed significantly since the Leveson Inquiry. Today, our press is facing new and critical challenges that threaten its livelihood and sustainability.

The Inquiry and subsequent police investigations were comprehensive. More than 300 people gave evidence to the Inquiry, and over 40 people were convicted during the three major investigations. There have been extensive reforms to policing practices as well as significant changes to press self-regulation.

There now exists a strengthened, independent, self-regulatory system for the press. The majority of traditional publishers—including 95% of national newspapers by circulation—are members of IPSO. A number of smaller publishers have joined IMPRESS.

21st Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that the qualifications of Ukrainians who reside in the UK under resettlement schemes are recognised in the UK.

The UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills (ENIC) provides expert advice on the comparability of international qualifications at all levels of education with those of the UK, on behalf of the government. ENIC maintains an extensive database of international qualifications and education systems, including for Ukraine, and is fully prepared to assess and advise on the comparability of Ukrainian and other refugees’ qualifications.

Organisations and individuals can apply for a Statement of Comparability through the standard UK ENIC portal. Within the portal, there is provision for individuals to be able to identify as refugees, which allows more flexibility for document submissions. Many organisations, including education institutions and employers, also subscribe to the UK ENIC service and use its database when assessing applications.

Higher education (HE) providers are autonomous institutions, independent from government, and they are responsible for their own admissions policies. The department has made clear to providers that they should be as flexible as possible when considering applications for students with difficult circumstances, such as those from Ukraine, and would encourage students to speak to their desired HE provider about their personal situation directly.

6th May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what (a) support and (b) guidance he is providing to students who have returned home from university during the covid-19 lockdown and are being required to (i) pay rent for their accommodation, (ii) remove their belongings but not return and (iii) pay for storage, removal and cleaning costs.

As my right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have both made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19. Students will continue to receive scheduled payments of loans towards their living costs for the remainder of the current 2019/20 academic year.

To provide further support, we have worked closely with the Office for Students to enable providers to draw upon existing funding to increase hardship funds and to support disadvantaged students impacted by COVID-19. As a result, providers will be able to use the funding – worth around £23 million per month for April and May - towards student hardship funds, including for the purchase of IT equipment and mental health support.

The government encourages universities and private hall providers to be fair in their decisions about rent charges for this period. A number of universities and large companies have waived rents for the summer term or released students early from their contracts.

The government guidance makes clear that tenants should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of their tenancy agreement to the best of their ability during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy, published on 11 May, sets out a cautious roadmap to ease existing measures in a safe and measured way. The strategy allows for certain necessary travel if people take precautions.

In light of this, we are developing guidance on students travelling to and from student accommodation and this will be published today.

We have made clear meanwhile that we do not believe that students should be fined for failing to collect their belongings if this is because they are complying with the government’s travel advice.

If a student has asked their accommodation provider to store their belongings for collection once the COVID-19 lockdown period is over, there may be costs to the provider associated in carrying out this service. We would not expect a provider to make a profit from such a service.

Michelle Donelan
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
8th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of banning the importation of dogs with cropped ears.

The practice of non-exempted mutilations such as cropping dogs' ears is abhorrent and has rightly been banned in the UK for over 10 years.

In August 2021, we consulted on proposed changes to the commercial and non-commercial movements of pets into Great Britain including the importation of dogs with cropped ears.

We are carefully reviewing the feedback from our consultation and wider engagement with stakeholders, and a summary will be published in due course.

Mark Spencer
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
25th Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many dwellings have secured home insurance through the Flood Re scheme in Belfast East constituency in each year since that scheme's commencement in 2016.

Flood Re’s statistics run from October 2017 and are reported twice a year, with the most recent confirmed data in April 2021. The data shows a steady increase in the number of properties ceded to the Flood Re scheme within Belfast East.

Country

Constituency

Q4 2017

Q2 2018

Q4 2018

Q2 2019

Q4 2019

Q2 2020

Q4 2020

Q2 2021

Northern Ireland

Belfast East

392

364

395

479

550

550

583

635

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
8th Mar 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to support people who are training to be pilots.

The Government is aware that the high cost of training to become a commercial airline pilot can be a significant barrier to many young people seeking to pursue a career as a pilot. The Generation Aviation programme sees Government work with industry and outreach partners to raise the profile of aviation careers and remove barriers to access so the sector can build a workforce fit for the future.

As part of this, the Department commissioned independent research to help both Government and industry understand options for addressing the high cost of pilot training in the UK. The research, published in May 2023, found that there is a possibility that the future supply of commercial pilots will not meet demand in the UK. It made recommendations about alternative funding approaches and about addressing other costs for new pilots.

Since publication, the DfT has worked closely with industry to consider next steps. Airlines have a crucial role to play in reducing the financial barriers to becoming a pilot and we applaud the airline carriers who have recently launched funding options/sponsored pathways and cadetships.

Employers in the sector have already developed a First Officer Apprenticeship (FOA) standard to support the industry to develop the skills it needs and to help it widen access to the profession. The Department for Transport and Department for Education (DfE) are working with the sector to ensure that suitable training provision is available and to support the sector to make use of the apprenticeship. My department plans to host an industry event to discuss this in more detail next week.

Anthony Browne
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
8th Mar 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to introduce a Government-backed loan for pilot training.

The Government is aware that the high cost of training to become a commercial airline pilot can be a significant barrier to many young people seeking to pursue a career as a pilot. The Generation Aviation programme sees Government work with industry and outreach partners to raise the profile of aviation careers and remove barriers to access so the sector can build a workforce fit for the future.

As part of this, the Department commissioned independent research to help both Government and industry understand options for addressing the high cost of pilot training in the UK. The research, published in May 2023, found that there is a possibility that the future supply of commercial pilots will not meet demand in the UK. It made recommendations about alternative funding approaches and about addressing other costs for new pilots.

Since publication, the DfT has worked closely with industry to consider next steps. Airlines have a crucial role to play in reducing the financial barriers to becoming a pilot and we applaud the airline carriers who have recently launched funding options/sponsored pathways and cadetships.

Employers in the sector have already developed a First Officer Apprenticeship (FOA) standard to support the industry to develop the skills it needs and to help it widen access to the profession. The Department for Transport and Department for Education (DfE) are working with the sector to ensure that suitable training provision is available and to support the sector to make use of the apprenticeship. My department plans to host an industry event to discuss this in more detail next week.

Anthony Browne
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
8th Mar 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to launch a support scheme for pilot training.

The Government is aware that the high cost of training to become a commercial airline pilot can be a significant barrier to many young people seeking to pursue a career as a pilot. The Generation Aviation programme sees Government work with industry and outreach partners to raise the profile of aviation careers and remove barriers to access so the sector can build a workforce fit for the future.

As part of this, the Department commissioned independent research to help both Government and industry understand options for addressing the high cost of pilot training in the UK. The research, published in May 2023, found that there is a possibility that the future supply of commercial pilots will not meet demand in the UK. It made recommendations about alternative funding approaches and about addressing other costs for new pilots.

Since publication, the DfT has worked closely with industry to consider next steps. Airlines have a crucial role to play in reducing the financial barriers to becoming a pilot and we applaud the airline carriers who have recently launched funding options/sponsored pathways and cadetships.

Employers in the sector have already developed a First Officer Apprenticeship (FOA) standard to support the industry to develop the skills it needs and to help it widen access to the profession. The Department for Transport and Department for Education (DfE) are working with the sector to ensure that suitable training provision is available and to support the sector to make use of the apprenticeship. My department plans to host an industry event to discuss this in more detail next week.

Anthony Browne
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
8th Mar 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress he has made on implementing his Department's policy document entitled Options for addressing the cost of pilot training, published on 31 May 2023.

The Government is aware that the high cost of training to become a commercial airline pilot can be a significant barrier to many young people seeking to pursue a career as a pilot. The Generation Aviation programme sees Government work with industry and outreach partners to raise the profile of aviation careers and remove barriers to access so the sector can build a workforce fit for the future.

As part of this, the Department commissioned independent research to help both Government and industry understand options for addressing the high cost of pilot training in the UK. The research, published in May 2023, found that there is a possibility that the future supply of commercial pilots will not meet demand in the UK. It made recommendations about alternative funding approaches and about addressing other costs for new pilots.

Since publication, the DfT has worked closely with industry to consider next steps. Airlines have a crucial role to play in reducing the financial barriers to becoming a pilot and we applaud the airline carriers who have recently launched funding options/sponsored pathways and cadetships.

Employers in the sector have already developed a First Officer Apprenticeship (FOA) standard to support the industry to develop the skills it needs and to help it widen access to the profession. The Department for Transport and Department for Education (DfE) are working with the sector to ensure that suitable training provision is available and to support the sector to make use of the apprenticeship. My department plans to host an industry event to discuss this in more detail next week.

Anthony Browne
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
7th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the answer of 17 April 2023 to Question 176600 on Motor Vehicle Tyres (Labelling) (Enforcement) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, what recent progress his Department has made on reviewing its stock of Retained EU Law.

The Department continues to actively review retained EU laws to identify and progress opportunities for reform by June 2026, when the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act’s powers expire.

We have already taken steps, such as through four statutory instruments already laid so far that seek to revoke or reform transport retained EU laws, the detail of which is available online. This is in addition to revoking over 65 unnecessary transport retained EU laws through the Act itself, including the Port Services Regulations 2019.

Mark Harper
Secretary of State for Transport
19th Jan 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme (a) applies to England only and (b) is funded through new resource; and what the value is of any Barnett consequential for each of the Devolved areas.

The Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme (AGOSS) will apply only to England. AGOSS constitutes new spend for the Department for Transport and Barnett consequentials will apply as standard.

Robert Courts
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
3rd Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the effect of travel corridors on the the aerospace sector.

Ministers and officials in the Department for Transport have held extensive discussions about the effect of travel corridors on the aerospace sector?with their counterparts across Government, including in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

BEIS is a member of the Global Travel Taskforce, which is tasked with considering robust and sustainable proposals that will facilitate safer international travel.

Specialist aerospace engineers and specialist workers responsible for ensuring the safe operation of aircraft are exempt from self-isolation measures.

Additionally, Department for Transport officials are working closely with BEIS officials as part of the Aerospace Growth Partnership Group.

Robert Courts
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
15th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to support decarbonisation of the maritime sector.

The Clean Maritime Plan, published in July 2019, is the environmental route map of the Maritime 2050 Strategy, outlining the UK’s pathway to zero carbon emissions in domestic maritime. In launching the Clean Maritime Plan, the UK became one of the first countries to publish a strategy on domestic action to reduce shipping emissions following the agreement of the International Maritime Organization’s initial IMO strategy on the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. Government has continued to make good progress in implementing the commitments in the Clean Maritime Plan.

At the end of March 2020, the Government published a document “Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge” kicking off our work on preparing a Transport Decarbonisation Plan, which will include further details of the Government plans regarding the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. Following extensive consultation, the Transport Decarbonisation Plan will be published later this year.

Robert Courts
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
7th Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how an airline passenger flying from Northern Ireland to Great Britain can demonstrate to an airline that they are exempt from wearing a face covering for medical reasons.

The use of face coverings on public transport is mandatory in both Northern Ireland and England. Guidance for both Northern Ireland and England can be found at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-face-coverings and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own.

Some circumstances make it difficult for certain people to wear face coverings.

If a passenger has a condition which means they cannot wear a face covering they only need to say, if asked, that they cannot wear a face covering because they are exempt.

The reasons for a person not wearing a face covering may not always be visible.

Andrew Stephenson
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
28th Aug 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his Department's survey, Transport decarbonisation plan: call for ideas, for what reasons Northern Ireland is omitted from that survey.

It was an error to not include Northern Ireland in the list of options in response to the question “What region do you live in?”. I apologise for this error, which was not a purposeful omission. The question was part of the demographic information which was not a mandatory field and did not prevent responses to other questions being provided.

The online public feedback opportunity welcomed responses from across the United Kingdom, and was one of a number of ways people have fed into the development of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan. Department for Transport officials regularly engage with counterparts from the Northern Ireland Executive, who participated in recent workshops on decarbonising transport.

22nd Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with representatives of Easyjet on that company's redundancy proposals.

We recognise that the Easyjet announcement on redundancies will be distressing news for Easyjet employees and their families and Government stands ready to support them.

The Department for Transport is in regular contact with airlines, airports and unions to understand the impact that COVID-19 is having on the sector and its workers.

15th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether there is a (a) legislative, (b) health and safety and (c) regulatory requirement for ferry passengers to alight from their vehicles during travel.

For domestically trading passenger ferries, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Merchant Shipping Notice, MSN 1823(M) sets out the requirements for compliance with Statutory Instrument, SI 2010 No. 680 - the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ships) (Safety Code for UK Categorised Waters) Regulations 2010. It only permits the carriage of passengers in their vehicles under certain conditions, where the vehicle decks are open, and the voyage is of less than 30 minutes. This limitation is applied to other to similar vessels trading under equivalent legislation.

For larger vessels on international voyages, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 Chapter II-1 Regulation 23 specifically excludes passengers from enclosed vehicle decks, when the vessel is in navigation.

2nd Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of permitting ferry passengers to remain in their cars in line with social distancing measures during the covid-19 outbreak.

The carriage of passengers on vehicle decks of ferries was considered early in the Department’s mitigations to the COVID-19 outbreak weighing risk against the need to maintain life-line services.

Limited exemptions were provided on the basis of risk assessments developed by operators for domestic operators with open-decked passenger vessels on short voyages to facilitate safe transport with passengers remaining in their cars on vehicle decks.

For larger vessels on international voyages no exemptions have been requested, though a framework of considerations was developed with our European partners to guide industry on areas for consideration should an exemption be requested specifically to the carriage of a limited number of freight drivers in the cabs of their vehicles.

There are no (a) legislative, (b) health and safety or (c) regulatory requirements for ferry passengers to remain in vehicles during travel.

2nd Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether there is a (a) legislative, (b) health and safety or (c) regulatory requirement for ferry passengers to remain in their vehicles during travel.

The carriage of passengers on vehicle decks of ferries was considered early in the Department’s mitigations to the COVID-19 outbreak weighing risk against the need to maintain life-line services.

Limited exemptions were provided on the basis of risk assessments developed by operators for domestic operators with open-decked passenger vessels on short voyages to facilitate safe transport with passengers remaining in their cars on vehicle decks.

For larger vessels on international voyages no exemptions have been requested, though a framework of considerations was developed with our European partners to guide industry on areas for consideration should an exemption be requested specifically to the carriage of a limited number of freight drivers in the cabs of their vehicles.

There are no (a) legislative, (b) health and safety or (c) regulatory requirements for ferry passengers to remain in vehicles during travel.

9th Mar 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether any funding from the public purse was formally committed to Flybe prior to its administration.

We explored a range of funding options with the company but the directors decided it was not viable to keep Flybe operating. Following a commercial decision by the company Flybe ceased trading. Not a single penny of taxpayer’s money has been given to Flybe.

9th Mar 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether any funding from the public purse was allocated to Flybe prior to its administration.

We explored a range of funding options with the company but the directors decided it was not viable to keep Flybe operating. Following a commercial decision by the company Flybe ceased trading. Not a single penny of taxpayer’s money has been given to Flybe.

24th Jan 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with devolved administrations on the provision of a veterans' railcard.

Most railcards can be used across Great Britain given the interconnected nature of rail services, and I have written to my counterparts in Wales and Scotland to encourage them to accept the Veterans’ Railcard on services for which they are responsible. I will also be engaging with my counterpart in Northern Ireland to explore options for ensuring it is also valid there. Passengers will be fully appraised of the railcard’s validity before it goes live, and this will include how to apply and the detailed terms and conditions.

Chris Heaton-Harris
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
14th Jan 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of increasing the universal credit standard allowance for claimants aged under 25 who live independently to align with the amount received by claimants aged over 25.

The £20 per week uplift to everyone on Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit was announced by the Chancellor as a temporary measure in March 2020 to support those facing the most financial disruption as a result of the public health emergency. This measure remains in place until March 2021.

The lower rates for younger claimants under 25 years reflects the fact that they are more likely to live in someone else's household and have lower living costs and lower earnings expectations. It also reinforces the stronger work incentives that Universal Credit creates for this age group which have been aided by the Department’s £2bn Kickstart scheme which is already creating thousands of high-quality jobs for young people.

For claimants who live independently, Universal Credit already includes separate elements to provide support for housing costs, children and childcare costs and support for disabled people and carers.

Care leavers up to the age of 22 are exempt from the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) Shared Accommodation Rate and are entitled to the higher, one bed LHA rate.

For those who require additional support Discretionary Housing Payments are available. Since 2011 we have provided over £1 billion in DHPs to local authorities to support households with their housing costs.

20th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of awarding a retrospective £20 uplift that was received by universal credit claimants to people who remain on legacy benefits such as (a) employment and support allowance, (b) income support and (c) jobseeker's allowance.

The temporary Universal Credit Standard Allowance uplift was introduced to support those facing the most financial disruption due to the pandemic. There are no plans to extend the uplift to legacy benefits. Claimants on legacy benefits can make a claim for Universal Credit (UC) if they believe that they will be better off. Claimants should check carefully their eligibility and entitlements under UC before applying as legacy benefits will end when claimants submit their claim and they will not be able to return to them in the future.

21st Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Welsh Government on its proposal to end the sale of energy drinks to children under 16; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward a similar proposal.

We have consulted on a proposal to end the sale of energy drinks to children in England and we will be setting out our full response to the consultation in due course. There have been no such recent discussions.

21st Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his Department's policy is on a potential ban on the sale high energy drinks to children.

We have consulted on a proposal to end the sale of energy drinks to children in England and we will be setting out our full response to the consultation in due course. There have been no such recent discussions.

21st Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of repealing 4.1 and 4.2 of Annex III of EU Regulation 1069/2011.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has policy responsibility for the safety of high caffeine drinks and foods, including the caffeine labelling requirements set out in Articles 4.1 and 4.2 of Annex III of retained EU Regulation No. 1169/2011.

These articles require information to be provided on the level of caffeine, in milligrams per 100 millilitres or per 100 grams and helps to highlight the existence of caffeine in a product where, unlike a coffee or tea, people may not expect it to be present.

We have no current plans to remove these requirements as some people need to limit their caffeine consumption such as pregnant women where high caffeine consumption can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. However, the FSA is considering the UK Government’s Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill and what opportunities there are to reform legislation, where needed.

The FSA advises that children, or other people sensitive to caffeine, should only consume caffeine in moderation. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should limit their caffeine consumption to less than 200 mg a day. As the level of caffeine can vary between high caffeine ‘energy’ drinks and caffeinated foods, the labelling requirement provide useful information for consumers who need to limit their caffeine consumption.

14th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has plans to commission research into long covid and the presence of micro-clots in patients blood.

The Department is aware of clinical trials currently taking place internationally, which are researching possible links between the long term effects of COVID-19 and micro-clots. The Department will assess the impact of research findings as they emerge and update its guidance accordingly.

Through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and UK Research Institute (UKRI), over £50 million has been invested in research projects for post-COVID-19 syndrome to improve our understanding and treatment of the condition. While it is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics, the NIHR and UKRI welcome funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including the long term effects of COVID-19.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
14th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the implications for his policies of clinical trials in Germany and South Africa that have determined a link between long covid and micro-clots.

The Department is aware of clinical trials currently taking place internationally, which are researching possible links between the long term effects of COVID-19 and micro-clots. The Department will assess the impact of research findings as they emerge and update its guidance accordingly.

Through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and UK Research Institute (UKRI), over £50 million has been invested in research projects for post-COVID-19 syndrome to improve our understanding and treatment of the condition. While it is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics, the NIHR and UKRI welcome funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including the long term effects of COVID-19.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
14th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients have been (a) assessed at long covid clinics and (b) discharged since the creation of those clinics; and what treatments have been offered to those patients at those clinics.

Between 5 July 2021 to 13 March 2022, 37,154 people have received a specialist assessment following referral to a post COVID-19 syndrome service. Clinics will assess and provide advice, where appropriate, for symptom management and onward referral. Where they would benefit, patients are also offered a course of rehabilitation. However, post COVID-19 syndrome is a new condition and our understanding continues to grow, including the appropriate treatments which should be offered. Data on onward referral pathways and discharge is not currently collected.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
25th Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many paediatric doses of the covid-19 vaccine have been administered in each region of the UK as of 25 January 2022.

The information requested is not held centrally. COVID-19 vaccination in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is a devolved matter.

25th Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many paediatric doses of the covid-19 vaccine have been delivered to each region of the UK as of 25 January 2022.

This information is not held in the format requested.