Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of granting Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project status to large-scale anaerobic digestion and biomethane facilities; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project status designation on (a) the delivery of large-scale anaerobic digestion and biomethane projects and (b) the UK' net zero and energy security targets.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime streamlines planning for major projects, making processes faster and fairer for developers and communities. Large-scale infrastructure is vital for secure, reliable, and affordable energy while meeting decarbonisation targets. Biomethane supports these goals as a low-carbon, domestically produced energy source. The Department is working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and other stakeholders to identify the best ways to enable deployment of larger anaerobic digestion and biomethane plants, including assessing whether NSIP designation is the most effective approach to remove barriers and accelerate delivery toward achieving the UK’s net zero targets.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support the (a) development of the anaerobic digestion and biomethane sector, (b) design of support mechanisms for that sector and (c) inclusion of biomethane in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Biomethane production is supported by the Green Gas Support Scheme, which is open to applications until March 2028. Following the February 2024 call for evidence, the Government intends to consult on a future policy framework consultation this financial year.
The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) applies a zero emissions factor to biomethane combustion where supplied directly to ETS installations. Where injected into the gas grid, there is not currently a mechanism to ensure biomethane is accounted for separately.
The Department is considering feedback on the impacts of this to inform next steps and will provide an update in due course.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Department for Business and Trade is committed to supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse and has guidance in place that outlines the support available to employees affected by domestic abuse.
Line managers complete 'Manager Essentials' training, which promotes wellbeing and guidance on handling complex issues.
Employees at risk of, or experiencing, domestic abuse can access:
Once available, we will promote the take-up of the training product for managers currently being developed by the Cabinet Office.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to extend support for anaerobic digestion plants due to expire under the Renewables Obligation.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government currently supports anaerobic digestion (AD) through the Renewables Obligation (RO), Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, Feed-in-Tariffs, and the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS). The Government has no plans to extend the RO when it comes to an end from 2027 onwards. Since the RO was launched in 2002, the energy landscape has evolved, and the scheme no longer provides the correct market incentives or value for money for electricity generation.
For biomethane from AD, the Government expects to consult this financial year on a policy framework to follow the GGSS, which closes to applications in 2028.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
DESNZ is committed to looking after the welfare of our staff.
(a) We have Domestic Abuse guidance in place to support staff
(b) We have Domestic Abuse guidance in place to support managers. We also promote Cross-Government Domestic Abuse awareness training.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip
This Department is committed to supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse.
We provide comprehensive advice to these employees and their managers including how to identify abuse, actions which colleagues and managers can take, and links to organisations providing advice and support. Our guidance also covers the actions of perpetrators and how disciplinary action would be implemented.
In August 2025, the Ministry of Justice People and Capability Group launched refreshed pan-Ministry of Justice domestic abuse guidance and support for employees and their managers. This guidance recognises the employer’s duty of care to their employees, making clear what support is available with a clear commitment from the organisation and senior leaders to take the issue seriously.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether his Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) follows the Ministry of Justice for its HR policies. The MoJ published updated domestic abuse guidance and support on their intranet in August 2025, helping staff and managers assess safety concerns, and providing information on how best to support individuals and teams. This guidance is readily accessible to all staff in the NIO alongside a range of wellbeing support.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
DSIT is committed to supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse. We provide comprehensive advice to these employees and their managers including how to identify abuse, actions which colleagues and managers can take, and links to organisations providing advice and support. Our guidance also covers the actions of perpetrators and how disciplinary action would be implemented.
In July 2024 we implemented Domestic Abuse Guidance for employees and line managers. Line managers can access departmental online information and 121 support is available for the line manager where this is needed for specific instances of domestic abuse.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Defence is fully committed to supporting staff affected by domestic abuse and will continue to do so through dedicated awareness campaigns and training. Addressing domestic abuse is a ministerial priority and a shared responsibility for Defence leaders, as detailed in the Ministry of Defence Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-2029.
Defence has a dedicated whole force policy on domestic abuse, Joint Service Publication (JSP) 913, which provides specific guidance for line managers. JSP_913_Whole_Force_Policy_on_Domestic_Abuse_-_Part_2_Guidance.pdf
While Defence does not yet formally train line managers to respond to domestic abuse, we are undertaking work aligned to this approach. In our current action plan, we have committed to developing a staff briefing to further promote workplace support and set out line manager actions. This work is well underway and near completion. Defence is also an active member of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA).
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Department has committed to raising awareness of domestic abuse and providing guidance and support for employees and managers.
The Department’s 2021 Domestic Abuse Charter commits to providing a safe, supportive workplace for staff affected by domestic abuse. It outlines practical support measures, guidance for managers, and a clear process for responding to disclosures, with the aim of breaking down taboos and ensuring staff wellbeing.
The Department’s intranet provides a dedicated domestic abuse support page that includes the employee guide. The guide is designed to help all staff understand what domestic abuse is and what help is available, and contains a list of external organisations available for advice and support. Staff can also contact the Department’s Domestic Abuse Support Network via email for confidential advice and resources, or follow signposting to the Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7 confidential emotional and wellbeing support. The Department is also a member of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse which supports organisations to take action on domestic abuse.
The Department provides guidance for managers to effectively support employees who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. This guidance covers supporting affected colleagues, managing perpetrators, and ensuring a safe, supportive workplace. Further guidance and support for managers is available through Human Resources (HR). In 2022 and 2024, the Department provided training for HR and the Domestic Abuse Support Network members who provide support to managers and employees.