Jane Stevenson Portrait

Jane Stevenson

Conservative - Wolverhampton North East

First elected: 12th December 2019


Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill
7th Jun 2023 - 11th Jul 2023
Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill
1st Mar 2023 - 2nd Mar 2023
Electricity and Gas Transmission (Compensation) Bill
18th Jan 2023 - 23rd Jan 2023
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill
19th Oct 2022 - 29th Nov 2022
Carer’s Leave Bill
2nd Nov 2022 - 9th Nov 2022
Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Bill
26th Oct 2022 - 1st Nov 2022
Online Safety Bill
18th May 2022 - 28th Jun 2022
Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Bill [HL]
19th Jan 2022 - 27th Jan 2022
Glue Traps (Offences) Bill
12th Jan 2022 - 19th Jan 2022
Animal (Penalty Notices) Bill
1st Dec 2021 - 8th Dec 2021
Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill
3rd Nov 2021 - 17th Nov 2021
Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
2nd Mar 2020 - 16th Jan 2021


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Jane Stevenson has voted in 942 divisions, and 8 times against the majority of their Party.

2 Sep 2020 - Recall of MPs (Change of Party Affiliation) - View Vote Context
Jane Stevenson voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 41 Conservative No votes vs 47 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 55 Noes - 52
24 Jun 2020 - Demonstrations (Abortion Clinics) - View Vote Context
Jane Stevenson voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 43 Conservative No votes vs 56 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 47
14 Dec 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Jane Stevenson voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 97 Conservative No votes vs 224 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 369 Noes - 126
18 Oct 2022 - Public Order Bill - View Vote Context
Jane Stevenson voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 103 Conservative No votes vs 113 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 297 Noes - 110
7 Mar 2023 - Public Order Bill - View Vote Context
Jane Stevenson voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 107 Conservative Aye votes vs 109 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 116 Noes - 299
16 Jan 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Jane Stevenson voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 57 Conservative Aye votes vs 262 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 58 Noes - 525
16 Jan 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Jane Stevenson voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 58 Conservative Aye votes vs 262 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 68 Noes - 529
17 Jan 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Jane Stevenson voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 59 Conservative Aye votes vs 266 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 65 Noes - 536
View All Jane Stevenson 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
Boris Johnson (Conservative)
(13 debate interactions)
Michael Gove (Conservative)
Minister for Intergovernmental Relations
(9 debate interactions)
Matt Hancock (Independent)
(9 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department of Health and Social Care
(22 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(14 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Jane Stevenson's debates

Wolverhampton North East 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).

Petition Debates Contributed

Many missing microchipped pets are never reunited as it’s optional to scan & check microchip registration. It’s time veterinary professionals, authorities and rescues checked pet & keeper match on the original database at a pets 1st consultation or yearly checkup. It’s their only chance to get home

A healthy young dog with RBU was euthanised. The person who requested euthanasia was not the registered keeper.

We propose to amend the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to make pet theft a specific offence, distinct from that of inanimate objects; and in sentencing, the courts must consider the fear, alarm or distress to the pet and owners and not monetary value.

Pet Theft Reform 2020: Revise the sentencing guidelines in the Theft Act 1968 to reclassify pet theft as a specific crime. Ensure that monetary value is irrelevant for the categorisation of dog and cat theft crime for sentencing purposes. Recognise pet theft as a category 2 offence or above.


Latest EDMs signed by Jane Stevenson

Jane Stevenson has not signed any Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Jane Stevenson, 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.


Jane Stevenson has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Jane Stevenson has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

1 Bill introduced by Jane Stevenson


A Bill to make certain uses of glue traps an offence; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 28th April 2022 and was enacted into law.

Jane Stevenson has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


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
23rd Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his policy is on the use of non-pharmaceutical interventions to contain covid-19 infections after Step 4 of the Government's lockdown easing plan.

On 22 February the Government published it's 'COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021' roadmap to recovery.

As part of this, the government has committed to four reviews (large events, COVID-Certification, international travel and social distancing) to consider different non-pharmaceutical interventions and how they might be utilised in the summer and beyond.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
18th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether travelling from England to Wales for the purposes of securing a property is allowed during the November 2020 covid-19 lockdown in England.

The November restrictions currently in force in England are clear that you can only leave home where there is a reasonable excuse to do so. Whether such an exemption exists will depend on the circumstances of a specific situation, but it would not normally be reasonable to do so to visit a second property.

Further guidance on these restrictions is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#travel

These restrictions will cease to have effect from 2 December.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
2nd Jul 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans his Department has to recognise the work of various professions in helping to combat covid-19; and if he will make a statement.

Further to the answer given by my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster during his oral statement on 28 April 2020, the Government will ensure recognition is both timely and appropriate and is reflective of the profound gratitude the nation feels towards everyone on the frontline.

2nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government is taking steps to help support the UK steel industry to decarbonise; and if he will make a statement.

The Net Zero Strategy, published on 19 October 2021, reaffirms the Government’s commitment to work with the steel industry on decarbonisation and to consider the implications of the recommendations of the Climate Change Committee: to ‘set targets for ore-based steelmaking to reach near-zero emissions by 2035’.

BEIS continues to work with companies, who are developing their own decarbonisation strategies, to understand the trajectories of their plans and to support them as they make commercial decisions on the optimum route for their sites.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the impact of the rise in the price of magnesium and supply issues on the aluminium extrusion industry in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

This is a global issue initiated by a reduction in Chinese magnesium production. The Government is monitoring the situation. At present there are no reported disruptions to the aluminium sector or supply chains.

As part of the work to develop a strategy on Critical Minerals, the Government will establish an Expert Committee on critical minerals. This committee will provide high quality, independent and well-considered advice to the Government on technology-critical minerals and metals priorities, including magnesium.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
24th Jun 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what financial impact assessment he has made of the effect on UK manufacturing companies of obtaining AS9100 certification.

The Government has not made a financial impact assessment of the effect on UK manufacturing companies of obtaining AS9100 certification. This is an industry standard rather than a regulatory requirement.

The UK has been at the forefront of aviation for more than 100 years. Our Aerospace Sector is a world leader in the design, manufacture and aftercare of some of the highest value products on aircraft – wings, engines and advanced systems. Aerospace companies in the UK work to the highest quality and standards which ensures the world leading standing of our Aerospace sector.

28th Jan 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his policy is on reopening covid-secure hospitality venues once the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation's priority groups one to four have been vaccinated.

As my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister said, we intend to publish our plan for taking the country out of lockdown in the last week of February. That plan will depend on the continued success of our vaccination programme, and on deaths falling at the pace we would expect as more people are inoculated.

30th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much aluminised steel was produced in the UK in each of the last five years for which data is available; and if he will make a statement.

The data requested is not available from official statistics.

We have been working with companies across the steel sector to ensure that they can access the unprecedented package of support measures that the Government has made available during this challenging time.

The Government has also helped steel companies to reduce their costs through resource and energy efficiency, including through a package of compensation and exemptions from electricity costs, and has provided more than £560 million in support to the UK steel industry since 2013.

In?addition, we have established an Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF),?backed by up to?£315 million?of investment. The IETF will help businesses with high energy use, including steel companies, to cut their bills and transition the UK’s industry to a low carbon future.

9th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to reduce the noise limit on fireworks available to the public.

The Government has no current plans to lower the legal noise limit of fireworks.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published its Fireworks Evidence Base on 29 October 2020. This included reviewing existing data and producing a research paper on fireworks noise levels and impacts on health and the environment. This is intended to provide a baseline of current scientific knowledge.

The Fireworks Evidence Base, including noise data, can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fireworks-evidence-base

9th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will class card shops as an essential retailer for the purposes of the November 2020 covid-19 lockdown.

The Government has published details of guidance that sets out the restrictions that certain businesses and venues in England will be required to follow from 5 November. It is for each business to assess whether they are a business required to close having considered the guidance and Regulations.

All shops can continue to offer home delivery and click and collect services to customers?during the national restrictions in place from 5 November.

2nd Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will allow pubs to sell takeaway alcohol during the November 2020 covid-19 lockdown.

During the new national restrictions in place from 5 November, pubs and bars are permitted to sell alcohol through delivery or via click and collect where remote ordering has been utilised.

13th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the value of the aluminium sector to the UK economy.

Aluminium is widely used in many sectors of the economy, including transport (automotive and aviation), construction, manufacturing equipment, consumer durables and electronics, as well as food, beverage, and medical packaging. In 2018, the aluminium sector had an estimated turnover of £1.9 billion and contributed around £200 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy. It directly supports 4,100 jobs and many more indirectly. Aluminium is a lightweight material and infinitely recyclable, and so has significant potential to contribute to the UK’s net zero objectives.

The Government recognises that it is crucial for the aluminium sector to continue providing essential materials to support the economy and the Department is committed to ongoing engagement with the aluminium industry. Input from aluminium firms informed the Government’s guidelines to help manufacturing businesses to operate safely during the pandemic, and the industry has also been widely consulted on changes affecting the sector as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU.

6th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if his Department will provide financial support to pubs which experience financial losses as a consequence of the 10pm curfew.

My Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Winter Economy Plan outlines further measures to help businesses, including the Job Support Scheme, extending the VAT cut until 31 March 2021, the New Payment Scheme to allow deferred VAT payments to be spread through the year, extending the application period for government-backed loans and introducing ‘Pay as You Grow’ repayment options.

1st Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to update guidance on marriages and civil partnerships to allow wedding receptions to be held after ceremonies during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

We recognise the importance of weddings to people, both to couples wishing to get married and their friends and families, and the wider industry which enables weddings to take place.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister has announced that wedding ceremonies of up to 30 people can resume from 4 July. The Government is continuing to engage with representatives from the industry to explore how wedding celebrations, including receptions, may be resumed in a Covid-secure way, once it is safe to do so.

26th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to prevent redundancies in the aerospace sector.

The UK’s aerospace sector is benefiting from over £6 billion of support from the Government’s Covid-19 business support measures, including: the Coronavirus Corporate Financing Facility; our sector specific support measures for research and development; our supply chain innovation and performance improvement programmes; and export finance support for aerospace, expected over the next 18 months.

In addition, we remain in active discussion with the industry, including at sector level through the Aerospace Growth Partnership.

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

11th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what support he has made available for businesses facing closure as a result of the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has introduced an unprecedented package of support for businesses to get through this incredibly challenging period. This includes:

  • A Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme;
  • Deferring VAT and Income Tax payments;
  • A Statutory Sick Pay relief package for SMEs;
  • A 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England;
  • Small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief;
  • Grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000;
  • A Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, with up to £617 million available to Local Authorities to support certain small businesses;
  • The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank;
  • The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering facilities of up to £200 million through the British Business Bank;
  • The Bounce Back Loan Scheme to help the smallest businesses access loans of between £2000 and £50,000;
  • The Future Fund to provide government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors;
  • A new lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans;
  • Extending the HMRC Time To Pay Scheme.

Many businesses have already benefitted from this support. As of 14 June, 1.1 million employers are utilising the Job Retention Scheme, over 900,000 businesses of all sizes have been able to access more than £38 billion of finance through our loan schemes, and more than £10 billion of Small Business and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants have been paid.

As well as this support, the Government is currently taking the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill through Parliament to make changes to insolvency and company law, to:

  • introduce new corporate restructuring tools to give companies the breathing space and rescue tools required to maximise their chance of survival; and
  • temporarily suspend parts of insolvency law to support directors in continuing to trade through the emergency without the threat of personal liability, and protects companies from aggressive creditor action.

Full details on the support available for businesses can be found on GOV.UK, or through contacting our business support line.

8th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of allowing pubs and restaurants to use additional outdoor spaces when re-opening during the covid-19 outbreak to ensure social distancing guidance is adhered to.

On 13 May, five ministerial-led taskforces were set up to develop plans for how closed sectors could reopen safely. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is responsible for the Pubs and Restaurants Taskforce, which brought together representatives from the industry.

The taskforce consulted with the sector to develop guidancethat will allow restaurants, bars and cafes to reopen at the earliest point it is considered safe to do so. The guidance, which will cover both indoor and outdoor workspaces, will be published in due course.

As is the case now, individual business owners will be responsible for ensuring their customers adhere to social distancing guidelines wherever possible.

11th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what his policy is on outdoor stadia returning to full capacity for spectators as covid-19 restrictions ease; and if he will make a statement.

The government recognises the importance of spectators to competitive sport and remains committed to working towards their full return to stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so.

We published the ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ setting out the roadmap out of the lockdown restrictions for England, and which explains how restrictions will be eased over time. It is now confirmed that Step 3 of the roadmap will go ahead as planned on Monday 17 May which will see fans return to stadia, albeit under capacity caps.

We further welcome the return of spectators at selected events as part of the science-led Events Research Programme (ERP). The ERP is currently running its first phase of April and May pilot events to inform decisions around the safe removal of social distancing at Step 4 of the roadmap. The pilots are running across a range of settings, venues, and activities, so that findings support the full reopening of similar settings across multiple sectors.

As stated in the Roadmap, the government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact later this summer, no earlier than 21 June. This will be subject to the outcomes of the 4 government-led reviews, including the ERP.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to allow people to attend live sports events once covid-19 vaccination priority groups 1-4 have been vaccinated; and if he will make a statement.

The government remains committed to working towards the safe return of spectators to stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so.

The supply of vaccines and hitting vaccination targets for priority groups is the immediate priority for the Government. Transmission data is evaluated so the impact of vaccine rollout can be determined.

Government continues to proactively engage across the sector, to maintain a complete picture of the impact of Covid-19, and are working closely with DHSC and public health experts alongside sporting national governing bodies to determine the next steps in the readmission of fans into stadia and viably increasing spectator capacities without compromising public safety. We also remain in close contact with the Sports Technology Innovation Group (STIG), formed of sporting bodies and health experts, to assess the latest thinking and high-tech solutions that could enable further spectators to return.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
1st Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what criteria he has set for increasing the limit on the number of spectators allowed in outdoor sports stadia during the covid-19 outbreak.

The safety and security of players and spectators remains of paramount importance and we will continue to be led by wider public health guidance. The recently announced capacity limits have been agreed by the Government with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority and Public Health England as a maximum capacity for spectators, in light of the updated Covid Tiering system. Capacity limits will be kept under review in line with wider public health policy decisions.

A series of successful pilot events demonstrated the ability of the sector to follow covid secure guidance. We have updated our guidance to the sector, and the SGSA’s SG02 guidance sets out explicit guidance on how safe socially distanced capacities can be maintained.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will allow sports stadia in Tier 1 and Tier 2 local covid-19 alert level areas to reopen to spectators.

The Prime Minister announced on Saturday 31 October that new National Restrictions will be introduced across England from Thursday 5 November. These new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December. The restriction on spectators attending stadia will continue during this time.

The government recognises the valuable role of elite sport to the UK. That is why elite sports continue to be able to continue behind closed doors which will both enable vital broadcasting revenue to flow to the sector and whilst also bringing joy to millions of sports fans. The government is also working hard through the Sports Technology and Innovation Group and other initiative to enable the return of fans to stadia as soon as it is safe to do so.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Premier League on fair access to viewing football matches during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has worked closely with the football authorities throughout the pandemic, this saw the Premier League and English Football League as some of the first elite competitions to return "behind closed doors". We also ensured that Project Restart was shared with everyone by getting Premier League football on the BBC for the first time ever.

We will continue to have regular discussions with the Premier League on a range of topics, including viewing access to their matches, and the return of fans when it is safe to do so.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
13th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if the Government will delegate the decision on when to allow spectators into sports stadia during the covid-19 outbreak to local directors of public health.

The Government continues to engage and consult with health officials as necessary during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chief Scientific Officer (CSA) and local directors of public health

The safety and security of players and spectators remains of paramount importance.

We fully understand the decision not to reopen stadia on October 1 is frustrating for sports fans. But in the face of rising infections and further restrictions it would not have been possible. The decision was taken on advice from the CMO and CSA and takes into account travelling to and from games held in stadia, where there may be further social interaction and the risk of virus spread.

Work continues at pace to find solutions that will allow crowds safely back into stadia as soon as possible and will allow local authorities and stakeholders retain their regulatory and advisory roles that support the running of spectator events.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
6th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he has had with local authorities on allowing supporters to return to football stadiums during the covid-19 outbreak.

On 22 September it was announced that all sports pilot events currently ongoing would be paused with immediate effect, due to the sharp upward trajectory of Covid-19 cases nationally. A?s set out in our Roadmap, sports events pilots, and the full return of fans to stadia would only ever take place when it was safe to do so.

The Government will continue to work closely with the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA), who liaise with local Safety Authority Groups, and a whole range of sports to understand the latest thinking that might allow spectators to return. This includes the creation of a new Sports Technology Innovation Group of sporting bodies and health experts to analyse new technologies which might support this.

In any return to spectators, the relevant authorities and partners would retain their established regulatory and advisory roles at a local level.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will publish the scientific advice behind the decision to delay the reopening of football stadiums to fans.

We fully understand that fans want to be back watching live sports, and we are continuing to work with the sector on solutions and innovations.

But as set out in our Roadmap, sports pilots and the full return of fans to stadia would only ever take place when it was safe to do so.

The sport pilot events demonstrated that many risks within these events can be mitigated with Covid secure guidance. However, confirmed Covid-19 cases are now on a sharply upward trajectory. On advice from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser in light of this, a decision was taken that it was not the time to make further easements by reopening stadia to fans.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
15th Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what financial support is available for (a) charities and (b) religious organisations to help them respond to the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government has made available an unprecedented £750 million package of support, specifically for charities, social enterprises and the voluntary sector. Religious activities are not eligible for this funding but religious organisations could be funded if their project benefits the wider community and does not include religious content. The funding is being allocated through the following ways:

£200 million is being distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund through the Coronavirus Community Support Fund which is available to smaller and local VCSE organisations, including religious organisations that provide charitable services in response to the outbreak.

£360 million has been allocated by central government departments with £200 million of this directly supporting hospices.

To support the BBC’s 'Big Night In', the Government matched the generous donations of the public across the country with grants for £20 million to the National Emergencies Trust who is working in Partnership with the UK Community Foundations and a further £17 million split between Comic Relief and Children in Need to issue grants to grassroots, local and community organisations providing charitable services during the outbreak.

£85 million has been allocated to the ‘Community Match Challenge’ which is matching funds raised by philanthropists, foundations and grant making organisations to further support organisations from across the country who are working with those who are most vulnerable and have been hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak. This Fund closed for bids on 2nd August and the outcome will be announced shortly.

A further £4.8 million was allocated to the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership - a group that comes together to improve national and local coordination before, during and after emergencies - to help strengthen the voluntary sector’s response to coronavirus and future emergencies.

In addition to the £750million, a further £150m has been unlocked from dormant bank and building society accounts which are being directed to charities, social enterprises and individuals.

6th Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans his Department has to allow the reopening of circuses and travelling shows as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has announced a £1.57 billion package to support the cultural and creative sectors as we take steps towards audiences returning to live performances.

We have also developed a five-stage roadmap which provides a clear pathway back for the sector. The next stage of the roadmap will be performances outdoors with social distancing.

DCMS is working closely with the sector and medical experts on our phased approach.

20th Apr 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether his Department has plans to commemorate lives lost to covid-19.

Every single death from coronavirus will cause grief and heartache for families across the country, and the nation will rightly want to remember all those we have lost. There will be a formal national recognition for all Covid-19 victims at an appropriate time.

20th Apr 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to support the community radio sector during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

The Government is strongly supportive of the community radio sector and recognises the great value that it offers to communities across the United Kingdom, in terms of providing quality local news, information and entertainment.

We recognise the challenges that some community stations are facing due to Covid-19 and are currently holding discussions with Ofcom and the Community Media Association (CMA) on possible options to provide urgent support for those stations in greatest need.

2nd Dec 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support is available for full-time further education students seeking apprenticeship opportunities.

Apprenticeships provide people with the opportunity to earn and learn the skills needed to start an exciting career in a wide range of industries, everything from artificial intelligence, archaeology, data science, business management, and banking. We want more young people to benefit from high-quality apprenticeships.

To encourage more young people to consider apprenticeships, we are promoting apprenticeships in schools and colleges through our Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge programme. This free service provides resources and interventions to help better educate young people about apprenticeships and has reached over 600,000 students across England in the 2020/21 academic year.

In the ‘Skills for Jobs’ White Paper, published in January 2021, we announced the introduction of a three-point-plan to enforce provider access legislation. This requires that all maintained schools and academies provide opportunities for providers of technical education and apprenticeships to visit schools to talk to all year 8-13 pupils. This plan includes creating clear minimum legal requirements, specifying who is to be given access to which pupils and when. This is an important step towards real choice for every pupil.

We are introducing a range of measures to incentivise schools and colleges to prioritise careers guidance and hold them to account for the quality of their careers programmes. In addition to a strong statutory framework, this includes tougher enforcement and an Ofsted review of provision. To build a whole-school or whole-college approach, we will build careers awareness into every stage of teacher professional development and embed careers education into the secondary curriculum.

The National Careers Service, a free, government-funded careers information, advice and guidance service draws on a range of labour market information to support and guide individuals. The National Careers Service is impartial, and careers guidance is tailored to individual needs. Young people aged 13 to 18 can access ongoing in-depth information, advice and guidance from the service via local telephone-based advisers or the National Careers Service website.

The department offers guidance and support to young people who are considering applying for apprenticeships through our apprenticeships.gov.uk website, which explains the application stages in a step-by-step process. Students can search for new apprenticeship opportunities on our Find an Apprenticeship (FAA) service; over 15,000 apprenticeship vacancies were advertised on FAA in October 2021.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
1st Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will extend the use of covid-19 home testing kits to childminders.

The Department is continuing to work closely with colleagues across government and local authorities to secure the most effective approach to asymptomatic testing for the whole of the early years sector. This includes ongoing discussions about providing testing via the education testing programme, as well as encouraging local authorities to prioritise appropriate testing for private voluntary and independent nurseries and childminders via the Community Testing Programme wherever possible. This is now available to all local authorities.

13th Jan 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to roll out lateral flow tests to childminders and early years settings.

The Department is continuing to work closely with other government departments and local authorities to secure the most effective approach to asymptomatic testing for the whole of the early years sector. This includes ongoing discussions about providing testing via the education testing programme as well as strongly encouraging local authorities to prioritise appropriate testing for early years staff via Community Testing programmes, which now covers all local authorities. Many local authorities’ Community Testing programmes are already underway for early years staff to access asymptomatic testing where appropriate.

The Department is rolling out our asymptomatic testing programme to primary schools, schools-based nurseries and maintained nursery schools who will receive testing kits for staff from Monday 18th January. The asymptomatic testing programme will offer all primary school, schools-based nursery and maintained nursery school staff home Lateral Flow Device test kits for twice weekly testing. This will help to break the chains of transmission of COVID-19 in primary schools and nurseries by identifying asymptomatic positive cases. Those who test positive will then self-isolate, helping to reduce transmission of the virus.

13th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with awarding bodies on easing coursework requirements for A Level students during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government has been working closely with Ofqual and the exam boards on the approach to GCSE, AS and A level exams and assessments in 2021, to ensure that exams go ahead next year and students receive the qualifications they deserve. In August, Ofqual published a number of subject-level changes to exam and assessment requirements for A levels next year, including for non-exam assessment, in order to free up teaching time and take account of public health considerations.

On 12 October, the Government confirmed that no further subject-level changes to exams and assessments will be made for GCSEs, AS and A levels.

In confirming these changes, we are giving teachers, school and college leaders and students clarity on what will be assessed in exams next summer.

Students taking A levels in the autumn exam series will not be assessed on the basis of any non-exam assessment, including coursework, with the exception of those taking art and design qualifications.

24th Apr 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what financial support is available to animal sanctuaries and rescue centres during the covid-19 outbreak.

I am very aware of the issues currently facing organisations in this sector with falls in income and pressure on staff. Defra is in regular contact with the main bodies representing the sector, including the Canine and Feline Sector Group, the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes and the equine welfare charities, to understand their position and offer advice. The Government has supported the sector, providing guidance which enables it to continue to operate within the current restrictions which is available here: www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus/SiteAssets/SitePages/Home/CFSG%20Guidance%20for%20Pet%20Rescues.pdf.

Where income has fallen we have encouraged the sector to consider all the various financial support arrangements already announced by the Chancellor, and issued guidance for the charity sector which provides further information and advice on raising funds, available here: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-the-charity-sector. Social enterprises such as community interest companies can benefit from all of the measures set out by the Chancellor to benefit small businesses. We are also exploring the possibility of assistance from the additional specific fund recently announced by the Chancellor to support charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
14th Jun 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of the (a) price and (b) volume of timber imported into the UK since the end of the transition period; and if she will make a statement.

The United Kingdom imported £3.2bn timber in 2020 (down from £3.4bn in 2019), over two-thirds of which (69%) was imported from the EU. In 2021, in the four months from January to April, the UK has imported £1.4bn of timber (70% from the EU).

By weight this was 6.1 Megatonnes of timber imports in 2020. So far in 2021 (January to April) 2.4 Megatonnes of timber have been imported.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
26th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she has made of the impact of introducing an anti-dumping surcharge for aluminium products on the UK's manufacturing sector.

The United Kingdom’s policy on trade remedies, under which anti-dumping is one measure, is to protect British producers from harm caused by unfair trading practices, such as dumping, subsidies, or unforeseen surges in imports.

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), established on 1st June, is Britain’s independent arms-length body responsible for investigating unfair trading practices or unforeseen surges in imports, based on the evidence available.

If the TRA concludes that a measure should be imposed following an investigation, it will provide an impartial and evidence-based recommendation to the Secretary of State. When a recommendation is received, the Secretary of State may only accept or reject it and cannot amend the details of the TRA’s recommendation.

As part of our transition policy, we transitioned one anti-dumping measure on aluminium foil in small rolls from China, and one on certain aluminium road wheels from China. The TRA will conduct a review of the two measures in due course.

26th May 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what her policy is on the reintroduction of an anti-dumping surcharge on aluminium; and if she will make a statement.

The United Kingdom’s policy on trade remedies, under which anti-dumping is one measure, is to protect British producers from harm caused by unfair trading practices, such as dumping, subsidies, or unforeseen surges in imports.

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), established on 1st June, is Britain’s independent arms-length body responsible for investigating unfair trading practices or unforeseen surges in imports, based on the evidence available.

If the TRA concludes that a measure should be imposed following an investigation, it will provide an impartial and evidence-based recommendation to the Secretary of State. When a recommendation is received, the Secretary of State may only accept or reject it and cannot amend the details of the TRA’s recommendation.

As part of our transition policy, we transitioned one anti-dumping measure on aluminium foil in small rolls from China, and one on certain aluminium road wheels from China. The TRA will conduct a review of the two measures in due course.

10th Mar 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions she has had with her EU counterparts on removing tariff rate quotas on steel and aluminium products exported to the UK; and if she will make a statement.

The Department for International Trade and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have engaged closely with the European Commission to secure tariff-free quota allocations for some British steel exports into the EU from 1st January 2021.

The United Kingdom has put in place some country-specific allocations within its overall tariff rate quotas for steel products subject to the steel safeguards also, to enable EU companies to trade tariff-free into the United Kingdom. These tariff-free allocations came into operation on 1st January 2021 too.

Aluminium products exported to the United Kingdom are not subject to safeguard measures.

30th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if she will exempt aluminised steel from the UK steel import quotas that are due to come into effect on 1 January 2021.

The priority of HM Government is to make sure that British industry retains appropriate trade remedy protections at the end of the transition period.

We have committed to carrying across existing measures where there is a British producer interest, including steel safeguard measures; of the 26 steel product categories currently covered by EU safeguard measures, we have worked with industry to identify 19 product categories that are relevant to Britain. Some aluminised products are amongst these categories.

The Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate (TRID) is currently conducting a transition review to consider whether it is appropriate to vary the United Kingdom's safeguard measures, extend them or revoke them. Interested parties can provide evidence to factor into TRID’s assessment.

30th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions she has had with the UK steel industry on the inclusion of aluminised steel in tariffs and quotas after the end of the transition period.

The priority of HM Government is to make sure that British industry retains appropriate trade remedy protections at the end of the transition period.

We have committed to carrying across existing measures where there is a British producer interest, including steel safeguard measures; of the 26 steel product categories currently covered by EU safeguard measures, we have worked with industry to identify 19 product categories that are relevant to Britain. Some include aluminised products are amongst these categories.

The Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate (TRID) is currently conducting a transition review to consider whether it is appropriate to vary Britain’s safeguard measures, extend them or revoke them. Interested parties can provide evidence to factor into TRID’s assessment.

12th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what her policy is on the anti-dumping duty applied to aluminium extrusions after the end of the transition period.

HM Government’s priority is to provide continuity for industry wherever possible by ensuring British industry retains appropriate trade remedy protection after the transition period.

This is why HM Government has laid legislation to allow the Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate (TRID), to undertake new investigations into goods that the European Commission is already investigating. This will help us to protect businesses where the investigations do not conclude before the end of the transition period, such as aluminium extrusions. This minimises the possibility of a gap in protection for British businesses, where an ongoing Commission investigation has resulted in the application of provisional measures that then cease to apply in the United Kingdom after 31st December. British producers can contact TRID in confidence to discuss applying for an investigation.

12th Oct 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what her policy is on rules of origin for exports to the EU after the end of the transition period; and if she will make a statement.

Rules of Origin commitments exist in all Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and my Hon. Friend will understand that United Kingdom-EU discussions on Rules of Origin provisions after the end of the transition period are ongoing.

Nonetheless, as these discussions progress, we remain committed to working with businesses and traders to make sure that the United Kingdom-EU FTA reflects our interests and priorities as far as is possible, including modern Rules of Origin that are clear, simple and facilitate trade.

11th Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what statutory responsibilities local authorities have for maintaining grass verges.

Local highway authorities have a duty under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, as amended, to maintain the highways network for which they are responsible, including highway grass verges.

22nd Sep 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plan to remove the temporary permitted weight limit of 32 tonnes on volumetric concrete mixers; and if he will make a statement.

There is no temporary permitted weight limit of 32 tonnes for volumetric concrete mixers (VCMs). 32 tonnes is the standard weight limit applicable to 4-axle rigid HGVs.

Following consultation in 2017, the Government implemented a temporary arrangement whereby a limited number of VCMs would be permitted to temporarily operate at weights higher than the standard 32 tonnes for vehicles of their design, using Vehicle Special Orders (VSOs). This was in recognition that, historically, some in the sector had operated VCMs at laden weights in excess of the 32-tonne limit. This temporary arrangement was put in place to allow time for the industry to adjust to the normal permitted weight limits over a reasonable timescale. It was not enacted as a step towards increasing permitted vehicle weights more widely.

14th Jul 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of regional airports on restoring flights to long-haul destinations; and if he will make a statement.

The government recognises the continued challenges faced by the aviation industry as we look towards reopening international travel further.

Ministers and officials engage regularly with the aviation industry, including with regional airports, and remain committed to working collaboratively to reopen international travel in a safe and secure way.

Robert Courts
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
21st Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has for the further electrification of railway lines; and if he will make a statement.

1110 miles of track in Great Britain have been electrified for passenger traffic from 2010 up to March 2020, compared to 63 miles between 1997 and 2010. Further electrification of the network will play an important role in our plans to decarbonise the railway, alongside the deployment of battery and hydrogen trains on some lines. The Department’s forthcoming Transport Decarbonisation Plan will set out the government’s ambition for the scale and pace of rail decarbonisation between now and 2050.

Chris Heaton-Harris
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
21st Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with train manufacturers on meeting net-zero carbon emission targets through the use of green technologies.

Departmental ministers and officials meet with train manufacturers regularly and discuss decarbonisation and our net zero target.

As well as recent meetings with individual manufacturers, on 22 April I have supported the establishment of the Sustainable Rail Executive, and on 28 April I will be giving a speech at the Rail Industry Association Innovation Conference, where rail decarbonisation will be a key theme.

Chris Heaton-Harris
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland