Iain Duncan Smith

The Government recently announced the re-establishment of the Solar Taskforce to bring together experts from across Government and industry. Publication of the Solar Roadmap will follow shortly and that will set out recommendations on how we and industry will work together to achieve our ambition to triple the UK’s solar capacity by 2030.

No company in the UK should have forced labour in its supply chain. We will be working with colleagues across Government to tackle the issue of Uyghur forced labour in supply chains.

We are also relaunching the Solar Taskforce, which will focus on identifying and taking forward the actions needed to develop supply chains that are resilient, sustainable and free from forced labour. This will support the significant increases in deployment of solar panels needed to meet our ambition of tripling the UKs solar power capacity by 2030.

We are in the early stages of the new Government and are still considering the full range of gambling policy. The Government recognises the impact harmful gambling can have on individuals and their families and, as stated in its manifesto, the Government is committed to strengthening the protections for those at risk. The Government will consider the best available evidence from a wide range of sources, including the Gambling Commission’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), to inform decisions on how best to fulfil its manifesto commitment to reducing gambling-related harm.

We are in the early stages of the new Government and are still considering the full range of gambling policy. The Government recognises the impact harmful gambling can have on individuals and their families and, as stated in its manifesto, the Government is committed to strengthening the protections for those at risk. The Government will consider the best available evidence from a wide range of sources, including the Gambling Commission’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), to inform decisions on how best to fulfil its manifesto commitment to reducing gambling-related harm.

We are in the early stages of the new Government and are still considering the full range of gambling policy. The Government recognises the impact harmful gambling can have on individuals and their families and, as stated in its manifesto, the Government is committed to strengthening the protections for those at risk. The Government will consider the best available evidence from a wide range of sources, including the Gambling Commission’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), to inform decisions on how best to fulfil its manifesto commitment to reducing gambling-related harm.

We are in the early stages of the new Government and are still considering the full range of gambling policy. The Government recognises the impact harmful gambling can have on individuals and their families and, as stated in its manifesto, the Government is committed to strengthening the protections for those at risk. The Government will consider the best available evidence from a wide range of sources, including the Gambling Commission’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), to inform decisions on how best to fulfil its manifesto commitment to reducing gambling-related harm.

As stated in the answer of 9 September 2024 to question 3677, £1.2 million has recently been released to the Barts Health NHS Trust to support them in continuing the development of their Outline Business Case for the new Whipps Cross Hospital.

We are continuing to support schemes in progressing while the review is ongoing, with requests for funding during this time being considered on an individual basis. The review will conclude this autumn, and Parliament will be updated on the next steps for the programme.

We are reviewing the New Hospital Programme to put it on a sustainable footing, including a realistic timetable for delivery and clarity on the funding required. The review will be completed as soon as possible this autumn. Once concluded, Parliament will be updated on the next steps for the Programme and individual schemes, including Whipps Cross Hospital.

£1.2 million has been released recently to Barts Health NHS Trust to support them in continuing the development of their Outline Business Case for the main scheme during the review period. Construction has also started on a Multi Storey Car Park on the site.

FCDO Ministers regularly raise consular cases with their counterparts at appropriate opportunities. The FCDO continues to provide consular assistance to Mr Cornelius.

This Government will champion freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all abroad. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. Envoy roles will be decided upon in due course. In the meantime, we will use the strength of our global diplomatic network, including dedicated staff within the FCDO, to promote and protect FoRB around the world.

The Chancellor and I know that the loan charge is a very important matter for many members and their constituents. We have been considering this matter since taking office and will provide an update in due course.

The Home Office works across government to tackle modern slavery in supply chains and holds regular discussions with other government departments on legislative and non-legislative measures to enhance our approach.

The Home Office is currently updating the Section 54 statutory guidance to support businesses with more practical guidance on how to tackle modern slavery in their supply chains. We are setting up the Forced Labour Forum, which will include representatives from government, civil society organisations, businesses and academics to ensure the guidance is fit for purpose and is applicable across sectors.

The Government is committed to improving our response to modern slavery and will set out next steps more broadly in due course.

The Home Office does not provide guidance on whether specific products have been made entirely or partially with forced labour.

The Government encourages businesses to monitor their supply chains with rigour, to uncover and remedy any instances of modern slavery they may find. Under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, commercial businesses who operate in the UK and have a turnover of £36m or more must report annually on the steps they have taken to prevent modern slavery in their operations and supply chains by publishing an annual modern slavery statement. The purpose of these ‘transparency in supply chains’ provisions is to allow scrutiny by consumers, investors, and civil society.

Businesses must ensure their statement has been approved by the Board, signed by a director and is available on the homepage of their website. They must publish the statement within 6 months of their financial year end. The Home Office has published statutory guidance for businesses to support them in drafting these statements. This guidance also provides information and further resources to support businesses identify and mitigate modern slavery risks in their supply chains.

To further enhance transparency, the modern slavery statement registry was launched in March 2021 to bring modern slavery statements together on a single platform.