Jonathan Edwards

The Government has not provided specific training for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Over 1,200 businesses are now MCS-certified to install heat pumps and a number of training courses are available for heating engineers who wish to learn how to install heat pumps.

Vouchers will be allocated on a first come first serve basis, up until the budget cap for the financial year is reached. Any Microgeneration Certification Scheme certified installer who is able to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the required evidence at voucher application will be eligible to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Vouchers will have a limited validity period to ensure unused vouchers are returned and recycled in a timely manner.

The customer will also need to consent to the voucher application, which will prevent speculative bulk applications being made.

The Smart Export Guarantee, introduced in 2020, is a cost-reflective and market led mechanism, helping to level the playing field for small-scale low-carbon generation whilst supporting the transition to a smart and flexible energy system. It provides a route to market for any excess energy exported to the grid following closure of the Feed-in Tariffs scheme.

In order to enable the Smart Export Guarantee to be market based and encourage innovation, one of the key features is to allow suppliers to set both the tariff levels and structure. These tariffs are not directly linked to the wholesale price, or the increase in the retail price of electricity. The Department believes the market has responded positively to the Smart Export Guarantee in its first year, but will review again for signs of price competitiveness and innovation following Ofgem’s annual report in the Autumn.

As set out in the 2020 Energy White Paper, the Department will consult later this year on new regulations to phase out fossil fuel heating in off-grid homes, businesses, and public buildings.

We recognise that liquid biofuels may play a role in future off-gas-grid decarbonisation, particularly for properties that are not suitable for a heat pump. However, further evidence is needed to consider what role these biofuels could play. The Department will publish a new Biomass Strategy in 2022, which will review the amount of sustainable biomass available to the UK, including liquid biofuels, and how this could be best used across the economy to achieve our net zero target. It will also assess the UK’s current biomass sustainability standards, which are some of the most stringent in the world, to see where and how we can improve them even further.

The Government is currently consulting on what the UK’s future IP exhaustion regime should be, and if there is to be a change, how any change should be implemented. This consultation closes on 31 August 2021. At the present time, no decisions have been made as to whether a change from the current system is in the best interests of the UK.

The UK has one of the best copyright frameworks in the world and the Government remains committed to ensuring that it continues to protect the livelihoods of creators. Copyright legislation is kept under review and has been updated many times over the years; the Government does not rule out future changes where this is supported by the evidence.

There is a robust legislative framework to protect consumers. This includes providing consumers the right to a refund within 14 days for most online purchases, for any reason. The Government keeps this legal framework under review to ensure consumers remain adequately protected.

Consumers should report any problems to the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133, www.citizensadvice.org/. The helpline offers free advice to consumers on their rights and can refer on complaints to Trading Standards for further appropriate enforcement action.

There is a robust legislative framework to protect consumers. This includes providing consumers the right to a refund within 14 days for most online purchase, for any reason. The Government keeps this legal framework under review to ensure consumers remain adequately protected.

Consumers should report any problems to the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133, www.citizensadvice.org/. The helpline offers free advice to consumers on their rights and can refer on complaints to Trading Standards for further appropriate enforcement action.

In order to ensure consumers have the right protections when using large digital platforms, the Government has also agreed to set up a new Digital Markets Unit in the Competition and Markets Authority. We will consult on the powers of the unit later this year.

Access to Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs are available across all areas of Great Britain. In order to be eligible for payments, generators must have an export meter that is capable of taking half-hourly measurements and have an export Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN). However, there is no requirement that it needs to be a smart meter.

Further information on the SEG metering requirements can be found at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/smart-export-guarantee-guidance-generators.

The Smart Export Guarantee is available for low carbon generation situated across all areas of Great Britain, therefore the Government does not consider an alternative rural scheme is necessary.

Second generation smart meters use a dedicated national smart metering communications network, which uses a variety of technologies to deliver connectivity to premises. These include cellular mobile technology plus wireless mesh radio, and long-range radio technology.

The Data Communications Company (DCC), which operates the national communications infrastructure for smart metering, is obligated under the conditions of its licence to provide communications coverage to at least 99.25% of premises across Great Britain.

The DCC is required by its licence conditions to assess opportunities to increase the overall level of coverage beyond its contractual requirements where it is practicable and cost proportionate.

Smart meters are replacing traditional gas and electricity meters in Great Britain as part of an essential infrastructure upgrade to make the energy system more efficient and flexible, enabling the cost-effective delivery of net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The rollout is making good progress, with 22.2 million smart and advanced meters in homes and small businesses across Great Britain, as of the end of September 2020.

Data for smart meter installations is routinely collected at a Great Britain level.

The latest data on the rollout of smart meters is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/smart-meters-statistics.

BEIS officials are working with industry to understand the potential for blending hydrogen with natural gas in the grid. This work includes investigating the range of carbon emissions that could be saved in different blending scenarios, depending on the scale of blending and source of hydrogen.

BEIS officials will be working closely with Ofgem and industry to explore the potential for a future billing methodology – that fairly considers hydrogen blends whilst protecting consumers. Any GB-wide changes will depend on hydrogen blending being proven safe and affordable.

We do not expect an impact on consumer bills when trialling hydrogen blending in the gas grid.

Mechanisms are in place to ensure networks are prepared for the significant new demand for electricity from the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The Government is working with partners in the Devolved Administrations to ensure that there are strong and coordinated plans in place to support the rollout of charging infrastructure across the country.

Ensuring the adequacy of local electricity networks is the responsibility of Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), and they are incentivised to do so through the regulatory framework set by Ofgem, the independent regulator. My officials regularly meet DNOs covering both rural and other areas to discuss the impacts of the EV transition. I recognise the particular issues that rural areas may face, such as longer distances between substations.

EVs also offer new opportunities for consumers to be part of a smarter and more flexible energy system. Smart charging can help reduce constraints on the network by shifting charging to off-peak periods. In 2019 the Government consulted on mandating that all private charge points sold or installed in the UK must have smart functionality and meet device level requirements. We intend to lay the relevant legislation later this year.

The Government has commenced its review of the UK Product Safety framework. The aim of our review is to ensure we have a Product Safety framework that is simple, flexible and fit for the future and delivers safety for consumers while supporting businesses to innovate and grow. The review is at an early stage of gathering evidence on current, emerging and anticipated challenges and opportunities for product safety.

In the coming months we will be engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including groups representing businesses and manufacturers, along with consumer and safety organisations. Engagement will inform if and how the UK Product Safety framework could be improved to work better for everyone.

Following the announcement of the lockdown, my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer has put in place additional support to the most affected businesses, worth £4.6 billion across the United Kingdom. Post Offices are eligible to be awarded financial support through these measures. Post Offices are also able to access other existing business support schemes, such as VAT deferrals.

In addition, Post Office Ltd’s Hardship Scheme remains open for Postmasters who are experiencing severe financial issues. Postmasters have been reminded of the application process and eligibility criteria. Further information on the Hardship scheme can be found at: https://www.onepostoffice.co.uk/secure/covid-19-situation/post-office-hardship-scheme/.

We continue to work closely with Post Office Ltd, the National Federation of SubPostmasters and other stakeholders to understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on the operation of the Post Office and how the Government can support Postmasters through this period.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the independent non-Ministerial department responsible for investigating competition issues in the UK. The Government has ensured that the CMA has significant powers to investigate and act if it finds that companies are behaving anti-competitively in a market.

In July 2020, the CMA published the final report of its market study into online platforms and digital advertising. In the recent response to the market study, the Government agreed with the CMA’s findings that Google and Facebook are dominant in the search and social media markets and that this is leading to higher prices for goods and services, less innovation and less choice for consumers.

The Government also announced the intention to establish and fund a Digital Markets Unit (DMU) within the CMA from April 2021, to create a new pro-competition regime for digital markets. A consultation on the DMU will be published in early 2021 and the Government will legislate to put it on a statutory footing as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

The Government recognises that the death of a close family member, friend, or colleague can be deeply upsetting.

We introduced Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay for employed parents in April this year.

So far, the Government has focused on supporting employed parents as they do not generally have the same level of flexibility and autonomy over the time they take off work and we continue to keep all support for employed and self-employed parents under review.

The Government recognises that bereavement can be a deeply upsetting experience. We believe that individuals are best placed to understand their own specific needs and we encourage their employers to respond in an appropriate and sensitive way.

Recognising that the death of a child is particularly tragic, we introduced Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay in April this year.

All employees are also able to take reasonable time off for an emergency involving a dependant. This can be used to deal with some of the practicalities that surround a bereavement, including registering the death, making funeral arrangements and attending the funeral.

Each year BEIS publishes updated energy projections (UEPs), analysing and projecting future energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. The most recently published assessment (EEP 2019) included assumptions on the transition to electric vehicles and accounted for policies which were considered firm and funded by autumn 2019. Forthcoming energy projections will be updated to account for the latest policy decisions, including ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030.

We expect the transition to electric vehicles to create significant new demand for electricity but also offer opportunities for flexible management of the electricity system. Smart charging during off-peak periods, when electricity demand is low, can reduce peak demand and avoid triggering unnecessary network reinforcement. It can also maximise use of renewable electricity and can benefit consumers with cheaper electricity.

Ensuring the adequacy of local electricity grids is the responsibility of Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), and they are incentivised to do so through the regulatory framework set out by Ofgem, the independent regulator. Network investment is therefore a matter for Ofgem. However, I recognise the importance of electricity distribution network investment in meeting our objectives for the electrification of transport, taking into account the particular issues that rural areas may face such as longer distances to substations. BEIS officials regularly meet DNOs covering both rural and urban areas to discuss the impacts of the electric vehicle transition and the benefits that local area energy planning can bring in coordinating transport and electricity policy and investment.

Ensuring the adequacy of local electricity grids is the responsibility of Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), and they are incentivised to do so through the regulatory framework set out by Ofgem, the independent regulator. Network investment is therefore a matter for Ofgem. However, I recognise the importance of electricity distribution network investment in meeting our objectives for the electrification of transport, taking into account the particular issues that rural areas may face such as longer distances to substations. BEIS officials regularly meet DNOs covering both rural and urban areas to discuss the impacts of the electric vehicle transition and the benefits that local area energy planning can bring in coordinating transport and electricity policy and investment.

The Department has not had any recent discussions with HM Treasury on the potential merits of coordinating the development of key skills required for civil and military nuclear programmes.

The Department has had no discussions since 2016 with the Ministry of Defence on the Government’s action to develop skills and capacities for nuclear submarines through exploring potential synergies with civil nuclear programmes.

There is an industry-led Nuclear Skills Strategy Group, of which the Department, as well as the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Education, are members. This group considers skills challenges and opportunities for the wider industry and its supply chain organisations.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 9 November 2020 to Question 110780.

The Government recognises that the death of a child is a tragic event. There are around 7,500 child deaths a year in Great Britain, including around 3,000 stillbirths. This is devasting for the parents involved and this is why the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy introduced Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay in April this year.

At the time we introduced this entitlement we published an Impact Assessment (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/249/impacts) which contains a cost benefit analysis of the policy, setting out the costs to the Exchequer and business as well as the monetary benefits to employees and business and the social benefit to employees.

In April this year we introduced a new statutory entitlement to Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay for parents who lose a child under the age of 18. Whilst this entitlement is not available to employees who suffer a bereavement in other circumstances, all employees have a ‘day 1’ right to take unpaid time off work for an emergency involving a dependant. Time off for Dependants can also be used to deal with practical issues, including registering the death and making funeral arrangements.

All employees also have access to 5.6 weeks of paid Annual Leave a year.

The Government recognises that the death of a child is particularly tragic, and this is why the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy introduced Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay in April this year.

The Government estimates that this entitlement will help to support over 10,000 parents of these children a year.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has made a number of media announcements to raise awareness of the new entitlement to Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay, including during the passage of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018 through Parliament and when the new entitlement came into force on 6 April 2020.

The new entitlement has attracted significant media attention since it was first proposed, including many articles in the national press and trade publications, and a multitude of broadcast coverage when the Statutory Instrument that was required to implement the detail of the policy was laid in January this year. Guidance for bereaved parents and their employers has also been published on GOV.UK. We continue to emphasise and champion Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay publicly, whenever the opportunity arises.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has had no recent discussions with my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on the potential merits of coordinated development of key skills required for civil and military nuclear programmes.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, has had no discussions with manufacturers or developers of small modular reactors (SMRs) in respect of developing the industrial synergies between SMRs and submarine propulsion nuclear reactors.

The prices of music streaming licences are the result of private, commercial negotiations and the Government plays no role in them.

The Government recognises the importance of understanding how rights holders are remunerated in the global streaming environment. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is working closely with the UK Council of Music Makers on a research project to investigate the flow of money from streaming to creators. This is due to report in summer 2021.

The Government has not had recent discussions with music streaming companies on enhancing cultural plurality for listeners, nor has the Government been approached on this matter.

Streaming contracts are private commercial agreements between the parties concerned.

The Government recognises the importance of understanding how rights holders are remunerated in the global streaming environment. To this end, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is working closely with the UK Council of Music Makers on a research project to investigate the flow of money from streaming to creators. This will run for 12 months and is due to report in summer 2021. This project will help improve our understanding of the issue.

Streaming contracts are private agreements between the parties concerned and the Government plays no role in them.

Ultimately, such remuneration is a private, contractual matter.

The Government recognises the importance of understanding how rights holders are remunerated in the global streaming environment. To this end, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is working closely with the UK Council of Music Makers on a research project to investigate the flow of money from streaming to creators. This will run for 12 months and is due to report in summer 2021. This project will help improve our understanding of the issue.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) opened for applications on 23 March. On 3 April it was significantly expanded along with changes to the scheme’s features and eligibility criteria to allow more SMEs to access the scheme. As of Tuesday 21 April, it has provided over £2.8 billion of lending to SMEs. Total lending under CBILS has doubled in the week from 14 April to 21 April, with an increase of £1.45 billion.

Interest rates charged under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) are set at the discretion of each lender. However, under the terms of the State Aid agreement, the Government fully expects that the benefit of the guarantee under the CBILS is reflected in the interest that is charged on the CBILS facility, both during the period of the Business Interruption Payment and thereafter for the remainder of the facility.

The Government held discussions with the banking industry prior to the launch of CBILS. The Business Secretary has had calls with UK senior executives at Natwest, Barclays, Aldermore, Lloyds, HSBC and Santander and will continue to hold a regular dialogue with each of the biggest CBILS lenders to address feedback on how the scheme has been working and closely monitor its implementation to ensure that companies feel the full benefits of this support.

On 12 June 2018, the then Minister for Business and Industry stated that the £2 billion debt guarantee for Hinkley Point C, made through the UK Guarantees Scheme, had been cancelled by EDF.

The Department does not hold records relating to the status of surface mine sites as overall planning approval and specific agreement to a restoration plan, detailing how the land will be landscaped once the site has been mined, is a matter for individual Local Planning Authorities (LPA). The LPA is also responsible for the monitoring of any restoration work and ensuring the planning applicant has the financial backing to complete the work.

The UK regards the Government of National Accord as the UN-endorsed government in Libya. There have been no discussions between members of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and representatives of the Libyan National Army on energy policy.

The Broadband Upgrade Fund was a pilot conducted in the three areas of the UK from June 2020 to January 2021, running in parallel with the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. It was set up to test whether we could collate demand for broadband in an area that suppliers could observe in order to see if this would attract new suppliers to build in rural areas.

The final stage of the Broadband Upgrade Fund only recently completed, in January 2021. A full assessment of the effectiveness of the Broadband Upgrade Fund Pilot will be undertaken once there has been sufficient opportunity for proposals to turn into gigabit capable connections. Following this assessment the Department will determine whether this approach is incorporated into the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.

The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme has existed since March 2018, and has provided eligible areas across the UK with vouchers to cover the installation of costs of bringing gigabit connectivity to people’s homes and businesses. So far more than 66,000 vouchers worth up to £127 million have been issued to premises across the UK.

Following the government’s announcement on 19 March 2021, rural homes and businesses across the UK currently struggling with slow broadband speeds will continue to be able to benefit from this unique form of funding without needing to wait for coverage under the new Project Gigabit procurement contracts. The government is investing up to £210 million to build on the success of its Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme and the new scheme is due to go live on 8 April 2021.

The new vouchers will be worth up to £1,500 for residents and up to £3,500 for businesses. There will be an online postcode checker available so people can check if their home or business is eligible. They can then search for and select a supplier that they wish to work with to set up a group project for their community. Suppliers registered to the scheme will guide each beneficiary through the process of application, and then, if eligible, through to connection. Group projects can be for as few as two premises only so are ideal for groups of less than 100 dwellings. If communities can group together to aggregate the value of their vouchers they can often accumulate enough funding to cover most or all of the costs for installation.

Heritage is a devolved matter and as such, the Secretary of State has not met with the Welsh Government to discuss the above. He has however held meetings with the UK-wide organisation the National Trust on heritage sector recovery.

DCMS officials have worked with representatives of Cadw and Historic Houses (representing 26 properties in Wales) throughout the pandemic, including the Heritage COVID Working Group which both are invited to.

I also met with the President and Director General of the Historic House Association. This organisation represents more than 1,600 private and charitably owned historic country houses, including 26 houses in Wales. At this meeting, the short, medium and long term recovery of the sector were discussed.

The Government is committed to tackling the sale of unsafe consumer products online, including unsafe electrical goods.

The new online safety legislation will focus on ensuring that people are protected from harmful content and behaviour online, with a particular emphasis on protecting children and on tackling the most serious illegal content.

It will not have a focus on product safety as it is important not to duplicate other work across government. As the country’s national product safety regulator, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has a clear remit to lead the Government’s efforts to tackle the sale of unsafe goods online.

In December we published the full government response to the Online Harms White Paper consultation. This set out the new expectations on companies to keep their users safe online.

The Online Safety Bill, which will give effect to the new regulatory framework, will be ready this year.

No assessment on this has been made, however we are continuing to meet with music stakeholders to understand the issues affecting their industry and provide support and guidance.

The Secretary of State provided a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. This support package will benefit the live music sector by providing support to venues and many other organisations to stay open and continue operating. The Cultural Recovery Fund is devolved, Wales has received £59 million from the Fund under the Barnett formula.

Freelancers working in the cultural and creative sectors in Wales will be able to apply for their share of a £7 million fund – which is targeted specifically at those in the freelance sector hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. Further support for artists is available through the Arts Council of Wales.

Culture policy is a devolved matter, we would also recommend that this issue is raised with Welsh Government Ministers and Creative Wales.

The UK’s data protection laws include extra-territorial scope and allow the Information Commissioner's Office to engage in international cooperation mechanisms to facilitate effective enforcement and to provide mutual assistance through notification, complaint referral, investigative assistance and information exchange.

Both the General Data Protection Regulations 2018 and the Data Protection Act 2018 provide for extra territorial scope, which applies to organisations offering goods or services, or monitoring the behaviour of data subjects within the UK, regardless of whether the processing actually takes place in the UK or not. In certain circumstances, this may allow the ICO to take action against companies located outside of the UK. Where enforcement is required to secure the data protection rights of UK users, the ICO will apply its powers as appropriate.

The Information Commissioner has an international team responsible for engaging with data protection and information regulators globally. The Information Commissioner’s investigative teams will, where appropriate, coordinate their investigative and evidence gathering activity; this may be either jointly or individually depending on the circumstances of the case. They also have operational protocols and memoranda of understanding with their international partners in support of this engagement.

Over the past few weeks the Digital Tech Policy directorate within DCMS have been holding Coordinating Communications and Support teleconferences with key stakeholders.

Below is a list of key bodies that were engaged with throughout the series of calls. Dating apps and website companies are amongst their membership.

TechUK - the leading representative body for the tech sector in the UK, Tech Nation, Tech Cluster Group, Digital Catapult, CBI (digital team), Coadec

Others include: Tech Advocates, British Computer Society, Internet Association, Institute for Coding, The Software Alliance

The government has issued clear guidance to businesses and the general public on how to respond to the current situation and this guidance is kept up to date on GOV.UK. We would expect everyone to be aware of social distancing guidance and to be doing their best to follow it.

I have not had any discussions with Six Nations or any Rugby Authorities regarding the broadcasting of rugby games in the Welsh Language.

The Rugby League Challenge Cup Final, the Rugby World Cup Final and other games in the Rugby World Cup, and the Six Nations Rugby tournament are all included on the listed events regime, which ensures availability of live or delayed coverage respectively for qualifying free to air channels.

I have spoken to a number of sports governing bodies to ensure they are aware of the latest position from Government and guidance from the health authorities.

We will continue this dialogue and update the relevant stakeholders immediately should advice from the public health authorities change at any point and I know my counterparts in devolved authorities have similarly close engagement. Anyone wishing to travel to Azerbaijan or Italy should consult the foreign travel advice provided by the FCO.

We continue to engage with the EU on steps we can take to reduce trade frictions. At the first meeting of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) Partnership Council on 9 June, the UK emphasised the importance of cooperating to avoid unnecessary SPS barriers, and reiterated that we are open to an SPS agreement based on equivalence.

The UK proposed a mechanism to agree equivalence during the TCA negotiations, which the EU did not countenance. We are open to discussions with the EU on additional steps to further reduce trade friction, but these cannot be on the basis of future alignment with EU rules. This would compromise UK sovereignty over our own laws.

Our TCA also provides an alternative framework for agreeing trade facilitations going forward. Over time, this will help to reduce the burden on businesses from border controls and certification requirements. We will seek to reduce checks safely through the regular dialogue both sides have committed to in the agreement.

This year Defra is working closely with industry to ensure that our sectors have the labour they need for 2021 and beyond. Defra is regularly speaking with industry and making use of all available information to understand the national labour supply picture. We will keep labour market data under very careful scrutiny to monitor any pressures in key sectors.

Fishmongers, butchers, and poultry processors are eligible for the Skilled Worker route under the points-based immigration system. The Skilled Worker route is open to all nationals who wish to come to the UK for the purpose of working in a skilled job they have been offered. Migrants need to meet mandatory criteria - a job offer from an approved sponsor, a job offer at the appropriate skills level, English language skills and criminality checks.

In 2021 and beyond, food and farming businesses will continue to be able to rely on EU nationals living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status. Over five million EU citizens and their families have been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to date, and the application deadline is 30 June 2021.

The Government encourages all sectors to make employment more attractive to UK domestic workers through offering training, careers options, wage increases and to invest in increased automation technology.

The sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) chapter of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) puts in place a framework (including an SPS Specialised Committee) that allows the UK and the EU to take informed decisions to reduce their respective SPS controls, with a commitment to avoid unnecessary barriers to trade. It is in both Parties' interests to use this framework to reduce the rate of SPS checks required.

We are open to discussions with the EU on additional steps we can take to further reduce trade friction, but these cannot be on the basis of future alignment with EU rules as this would compromise UK sovereignty over our own laws.

Defra's reach and engagement with the agri-food sector is extensive and well established. We have maintained and built on conversations with stakeholders over the last four years, to ensure a strong two-way dialogue at both a ministerial and official level. We engage directly with the largest exporting businesses (the top ten of whom alone account for around 25% of exports). We also reach businesses through trade associations. The Secretary of State meets fortnightly with the F4 group, representing the four main business representative organisations across the agri-food chain: the Food and Drink Federation, National Farmers' Union, UK Hospitality and the British Retail Consortium.

In order to hold productive discussions on specific issues, Defra holds regular forums with the different food and drink sectors. For example, we engage the farming sector through groups such as the Arable and Livestock Chain Advisory Groups, manufacturers through the Food and Drink Manufacturers Roundtable and meat processors through the M4 forum. Defra also holds a Retailer Forum and has regular calls with Wholesale stakeholders.

Regular meetings such as the F4 and F4 sub-groups have allowed for productive two-way engagement with stakeholders across the supply chain. They are an important source of intelligence and industry feedback is that this approach of bringing stakeholders and policy experts together is making good progress towards resolving issues.

The sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) chapter of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) puts in place a framework (including an SPS Specialised Committee) that allows the UK and the EU to take informed decisions to reduce their respective SPS controls, with a commitment to avoid unnecessary barriers to trade. It is in both Parties' interests to use this framework to reduce the rate of SPS checks required.

We are open to discussions with the EU on additional steps we can take to further reduce trade friction, but these cannot be on the basis of future alignment with EU rules as this would compromise UK sovereignty over our own laws.

Defra's reach and engagement with the agri-food sector is extensive and well established. We have maintained and built on conversations with stakeholders over the last four years, to ensure a strong two-way dialogue at both a ministerial and official level. We engage directly with the largest exporting businesses (the top ten of whom alone account for around 25% of exports). We also reach businesses through trade associations. The Secretary of State meets fortnightly with the F4 group, representing the four main business representative organisations across the agri-food chain: the Food and Drink Federation, National Farmers' Union, UK Hospitality and the British Retail Consortium.

In order to hold productive discussions on specific issues, Defra holds regular forums with the different food and drink sectors. For example, we engage the farming sector through groups such as the Arable and Livestock Chain Advisory Groups, manufacturers through the Food and Drink Manufacturers Roundtable and meat processors through the M4 forum. Defra also holds a Retailer Forum and has regular calls with Wholesale stakeholders.

Regular meetings such as the F4 and F4 sub-groups have allowed for productive two-way engagement with stakeholders across the supply chain. They are an important source of intelligence and industry feedback is that this approach of bringing stakeholders and policy experts together is making good progress towards resolving issues.

The sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) chapter of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) puts in place a framework (including an SPS Specialised Committee) that allows the UK and the EU to take informed decisions to reduce their respective SPS controls, with a commitment to avoid unnecessary barriers to trade. It is in both Parties' interests to use this framework to reduce the rate of SPS checks required.

We are open to discussions with the EU on additional steps we can take to further reduce trade friction, but these cannot be on the basis of future alignment with EU rules as this would compromise UK sovereignty over our own laws.

Defra's reach and engagement with the agri-food sector is extensive and well established. We have maintained and built on conversations with stakeholders over the last four years, to ensure a strong two-way dialogue at both a ministerial and official level. We engage directly with the largest exporting businesses (the top ten of whom alone account for around 25% of exports). We also reach businesses through trade associations. The Secretary of State meets fortnightly with the F4 group, representing the four main business representative organisations across the agri-food chain: the Food and Drink Federation, National Farmers' Union, UK Hospitality and the British Retail Consortium.

In order to hold productive discussions on specific issues, Defra holds regular forums with the different food and drink sectors. For example, we engage the farming sector through groups such as the Arable and Livestock Chain Advisory Groups, manufacturers through the Food and Drink Manufacturers Roundtable and meat processors through the M4 forum. Defra also holds a Retailer Forum and has regular calls with Wholesale stakeholders.

Regular meetings such as the F4 and F4 sub-groups have allowed for productive two-way engagement with stakeholders across the supply chain. They are an important source of intelligence and industry feedback is that this approach of bringing stakeholders and policy experts together is making good progress towards resolving issues.

We have published a consultation stage impact assessment which estimates the potential impact on businesses of proposals to end live animal exports for slaughter and fattening and introduce further improvements to animal welfare during transport. We want to gather further evidence through the consultation process to further refine the impact assessment.

We are working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency on how any proposals would be implemented and enforced.

The following table shows the volume of live animal exports from the EU to the UK in each financial year since 2015.

The data provided for live animal imports includes farm animals (cattle, sheep, pigs etc.) as well as non-farm animals (exotic animals, race horses etc). Both breeding and non-breeding animals are included. Country and regional level trade data is not readily available, and has not been provided.

Data source: HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics

My department has not made an assessment of how the volume of live animal exports might change based on the possible outcome of the trade talks with the EU. Trade negotiations with the EU are ongoing, and we will always look to agree the best deal for British producers and businesses. We want to maintain a relationship with the EU which is based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals, and centred on free trade. We are continuing to work closely with traders and are implementing processes to ensure that exporters understand the requirements they need to meet to continue trading within the EU following the end of the Transition Period, including for live animal exports.

We have prepared a provisional impact assessment to estimate the potential impact on businesses of our proposals to end live animal exports for slaughter and fattening and introduce further improvements to animal welfare during transport. This will be made available during the consultation period.

The following table shows UK exports of live animals to EU and non-EU countries in each financial year since 2015.

The data provided for live animal exports includes farm animals (cattle, sheep, pigs etc.) as well as non-farm animals (exotic animals, race horses etc). Both breeding and non-breeding animals are included. Country and regional level trade data is not readily available, and has not been provided.

Data source: HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics

The following table shows UK exports of meat to EU and non-EU countries in each financial year since 2015.

Data source: HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics

The regulations governing the non-commercial movements of cats, dogs and ferrets stipulate that people cannot bring more than 5 pets per person into the UK unless they are attending or training for a competition, show, sporting event (and written evidence of registration is required). However, dogs imported into the UK for rescue or rehoming must be moved under the commercial 'Balai Directive' regulations, which has different requirements. These regulations place no limits on consignment sizes. Any decisions made by the carriers (such as ferries and trains) to restrict consignment sizes in ways not required by the regulations are commercial decisions to which the Government is not party.

It is for carriers, in this case Eurotunnel, to decide whether to introduce any additional conditions on passengers that go beyond the legal requirements in the regulations, including those that relate to travelling with pets.

Anybody wishing to move animals into the UK during these unprecedented times must plan all journeys carefully, ensuring that the proposed journey is realistic and complies with all relevant regulations and legislation around the movement of animals throughout the animals' entire journey, including welfare in transport, as well as relevant COVID-19 legislation.

The regulations governing the non-commercial movements of cats, dogs and ferrets stipulate that people cannot bring more than 5 pets per person into the UK unless they are attending or training for a competition, show, sporting event (and written evidence of registration is required). However, dogs imported into the UK for rescue or rehoming must be moved under the commercial ‘Balai Directive’ regulations, which has different requirements. These regulations place no limits on consignment sizes. Any decisions made by the carriers (such as ferries and trains) to restrict consignment sizes in ways not required by the regulations are commercial decisions to which the Government is not party.

Anybody wishing to move animals into the UK during these unprecedented times must plan all journeys carefully, ensuring that the proposed journey is realistic and complies with all relevant regulations and legislation around the movement of animals throughout the animals’ entire journey, including welfare in transport, as well as relevant COVID-19 legislation.

The end of the Transition Period may open up new opportunities for managing our own commercial and non-commercial import and pet travel arrangements. The Government will be considering our pet travel and import arrangements (including for puppies and kittens) as part of cracking down on puppy smuggling in line with our manifesto commitment.

We are implementing processes to ensure that meat can continue to be exported to the EU from 1 January 2021, in line with EU import rules. We are hosting webinars to help traders familiarise themselves with those export processes, including for the Association Independent Meat Suppliers and International Meat Trade Association. We have also developed a Groupage Export Facilitation Scheme to support the export of products from complex but stable supply chains, including certain meat products and preparations.

We want a relationship with the EU which is based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals, and centred on free trade. In the circumstances, we have no plans to ask for special arrangements on the use of health or identification marks for British exports to the EU. The Food Standards Agency is finalising its new guidance to the food industry covering which health and identification marks should be used on products of animal origin after the end of the Transition Period. We anticipate that this will be published shortly.

The Export Health Certificates (EHC) Online service has been available for trade with third countries since June 2020. It replaces the current manual process for applying for EHCs.

The 150 most frequently used third country EHCs (representing 80% of current throughput) are available via the EHC Online service. There will be further releases of third country EHCs on the online service before the end of 2020.

APHA plan to make EHCs for EU trade available via EHC Online from mid-October. This will offer traders visibility of the documentation they will be required to use at the end of the transition period.

The EHC Online service has been developed with the capability to meet future demand in export trade. Defra estimate that up to an additional 300,000 Export Health Certificates may be required annually to facilitate EU trade. The EHC Online system has been designed and stress tested to process transactions in excess of this.

The Export Health Certificates (EHC) Online service has been available for trade with third countries since June 2020. It replaces the current manual process for applying for EHCs.

The 150 most frequently used third country EHCs (representing 80% of current throughput) are available via the EHC Online service. There will be further releases of third country EHCs on the online service before the end of 2020.

APHA plan to make EHCs for EU trade available via EHC Online from mid-October. This will offer traders visibility of the documentation they will be required to use at the end of the transition period.

The EHC Online service has been developed with the capability to meet future demand in export trade. Defra estimate that up to an additional 300,000 Export Health Certificates may be required annually to facilitate EU trade. The EHC Online system has been designed and stress tested to process transactions in excess of this.

We estimate around 200 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Official Vets (OVs) are required to certify export of products of animal origin from Great Britain after the end of the Transition Period. In practice, many qualified vets operating in the private certification market certify health certificates alongside other more traditional veterinary activities. We have increased the number of those holding the relevant qualification to certify exports of products of animal origin from circa 600 in February 2019 to more than 1200 today, with further funded training announced on 1 October 2020.

To help traders prepare for changes to export arrangements for animals and products of animal origin from 1 January 2021, we are hosting a series of webinars from mid-October. Specimen Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and accompanying guidance notes for trade between Great Britain and the EU have been made available on gov.uk, to enable exporters and certifiers to familiarise themselves with the detailed requirements. A Groupage Export Facilitation Scheme (GEFS) was developed in consultation with industry to help facilitate the export of certain commodities with complex but stable supply chains, including composite products, meat products and meat preparations, for use from 1 January 2021.

The Government proposed an organics equivalence agreement in its Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) proposals. Organics is currently included in the UK’s proposed CFTA legal text as a technical annex and the negotiations are ongoing.

In addition, the six UK control bodies, including Soil Association Certification, have applied to the EU for recognition as equivalent for the purpose of trade. We understand that these applications by the individual organic control bodies are progressing.

The Government is committed to take action to mitigate climate change and to adapt to its impact. We have committed significant funding for agri-tech innovation, including research and development to move us towards net zero farming systems. We will offer financial assistance to enable farmers, foresters, and growers to invest in the equipment, technology, and infrastructure that they need, to improve their productivity, manage the environment sustainably, and deliver other public goods.

In addition, The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from fuel supplied for use in transport. The RTFO is a certificate trading scheme which rewards those supplying low carbon fuels in the UK for use in road vehicles and some other forms of transport, including tractors.

Low carbon fuels supplied under the RTFO saved 2.88 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions in just the last three quarters of 2018. The Government has nearly doubled targets for supply from 2018 to 2020, and set further targets out to 2032, providing investment certainty.

Agricultural fuel and energy use represent around 1% of the total UK emissions, and constitutes just 10% of agricultural sector emissions.

After the UK leaves the EU with on 31 January 2020, we will enter a temporary implementation period which will apply until the end of December 2020. The UK will continue to import goods tariff free from within the EU and will continue to apply the EU’s Common External Tariff to goods imported from outside the EU during this period.

At the end of the implementation period the Government will introduce a long-term tariff regime. Further information on this will be provided on GOV.UK at the appropriate time.

DFID is partnering with India to tackle climate change and transition to a clean growth pathway that will benefit us all, by providing advice and technical assistance. DFID’s Supporting Structural Reforms in the Indian Power Sector programme is working to improve the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of electricity supply in India, enabling a reduction in carbon emissions. Since 2015 DFID has invested in over 1GW of renewable energy projects in India – returns from these investments come back to the UK taxpayer. To date £55m has been returned.

The UK ended traditional aid to India in 2015 and no financial assistance is provided to the Government of India.

Consistent with other transitioned agreements, the Department will lay a Parliamentary Report, with Explanatory Memorandum, alongside the UK–Singapore text in Parliament. These reports are intended to aid businesses, consumers and parliamentarians in understanding any significant differences made to our trade relationship with partner countries and the reasons for any changes, and their impact.

Our Parliamentary Reports contain detailed information about the volume of trade, composition of imports and exports, and wider economic impact of these agreements. However, they do not assess the impact on specific regions or nations of the UK.

The Government is committed to an inclusive and transparent trade policy. We have published an impact assessment for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Japan, setting out the potential economic impacts on all nations and regions of the UK, including Wales.

Further details on this analysis are set out in our published impact assessment and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-japan-cepa-final-impact-assessment.

The Secretary of State for International Trade signalled her intention to establish a new Trade and Agriculture Commission on 29 June. The Commission will have a fixed term to consider trade policies that Government should adopt to secure opportunities for UK farmers, producers and exporters. The Commission will ensure the sector remains competitive and that animal welfare and environmental standards in food production are not undermined. At the end of its work, the Trade and Agriculture Commission will produce an advisory report which will be presented to Parliament by the Department for International Trade.

Details around the Commission’s membership and Terms of Reference are currently being finalised and we will inform Parliament as soon as all these details are confirmed.

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) Board will be crucial to safeguarding the TRA’s impartiality and making sure that it acts in the interest of all parts of the United Kingdom.

We are engaging with the devolved administrations, in line with HM Government’s commitments during the passage of the Trade Bill in 2017-18, and recently sought their proposals on recruiting TRA Board Members with knowledge of the United Kingdom as a whole, a broad range of skills and diverse experience. However, it is essential that members are appointed on merit, rather than due to their affiliations with any particular part of the United Kingdom or special interest group.

Statistics are not available for the number of second-hand diesel cars exported from the UK in 2019. However, the value of those exports in 2019 was £278 million.

My Rt Hon Friend the Minister of State for Trade Policy (Conor Burns) has spoken to the Scottish Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation on a range of issues, including a telephone call on 15 January. He also met the trade ministers from all the Devolved Administrations on 23 January at the Ministerial Forum.

The DIT Directors General for Trade and Investment met with all the Devolved Administrations in London on 17 January.

The department recognises and promotes the great opportunities that India presents to Welsh exporters. To demonstrate this, last summer the department, together with the Welsh government, kicked off the successful India roadshow in Cardiff. This event provided support and advice to firms interested in exploring exporting and investment opportunities in India.

In September last year I met with the Noble Baroness Morgan of Ely, the Welsh Government Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, to discuss how we might further develop our mutual work on trade promotion.

Freeports are a key priority for this government and we are committed to developing an ambitious offer that will attract inward investment, drive productivity and help rejuvenate deprived communities across the UK.

The government is committed to ensuring that Freeport policy works for the whole of the UK and has been working with all of the Devolved Administrations to develop a UK wide offer. My Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade has corresponded directly with her counterparts in the Welsh Government and meetings have also been held at an official level. We look forward to continue working with the Welsh Government as the policy develops.

The Department for International Trade has been making good progress establishing the Ministerial Forum for Trade with the devolved administrations. We hope to hold the first meeting this month.

In September 2019, I met with the Noble Baroness Morgan of Ely, Welsh Government Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, in Newport. We discussed how we might work together more closely on trade promotion and create greater synergies across our sector teams. Present at the meeting, accompanying Baroness Morgan, was Andrew Gwatkin, Director – International Relations and Trade for Welsh Government.

In addition, UK officials regularly engage with Welsh Government, to increase awareness of the Department for International Trade’s offer available to businesses in the devolved nations through communications, bilateral visits, and the Executive and Partnership Forums.

Under Section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act (Commercial Interests), we are prevented from publishing in advance a list of businesses attending the Summit.

The UK-Africa Investment summit will create new lasting partnerships that will deliver more investment and jobs. This will benefit people and businesses in Africa and across the whole of the UK. We have undertaken UK-wide promotion of the Summit and the Board of Trade has discussed ways to ensure all Devolved Nations are represented in longer term engagement with Africa.

In September 2019, I met with the Noble Baroness Morgan of Ely, Welsh Government Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, in Newport. We discussed working more closely on trade promotion and creating greater synergies across our sector teams. Accompanying Baroness Morgan, was Andrew Gwatkin, Director – International Relations and Trade for Welsh Government. Mr Gwatkin also attended the Executive Forum with the Department for International Trade’s Directors General on 17 September 2019.

The UK-Africa Investment Summit will bring together UK and African business representatives, African leaders and delegations from 21 countries, international institutions, and young entrepreneurs. The Summit will create new lasting partnerships that will deliver more investment, jobs and growth, benefitting people and businesses across both Africa and in all four nations of the UK. This department engages with business across the whole of the UK to ensure that they have tools required to trade overseas; the Summit will be used as a platform to announce a number of commercial deals involving UK businesses and their partners across Africa. The Government will also announce further funding to reduce the cost of trading within Africa, and support businesses from across Britain and Africa to trade more and grow faster.

In September 2019, I met with the Noble Baroness Morgan of Ely, Welsh Government Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, in Newport. We discussed how we might work together more closely on trade promotion and create greater synergies across our sector teams.

The Government has been clear that we will not compromise on our world class environmental and consumer protection, animal welfare, and food standards. Any future trade agreements, including with Australia and New Zealand, must uphold our high standards and work for UK consumers and business.

The UK-Africa Investment Summit will bring together UK and African business representatives, African leaders and delegations from 21 countries, international institutions, and young entrepreneurs. The Summit will create new lasting partnerships that will deliver more investment, jobs and growth, benefitting people and businesses across both Africa and in all four nations of the UK. This department engages with business across the whole of the UK to ensure that they have tools required to trade overseas; the Summit will be used as a platform to announce a number of commercial deals involving UK businesses and their partners across Africa. The Government will also announce further funding to reduce the cost of trading within Africa, and support businesses from across Britain and Africa to trade more and grow faster.

In September 2019, I met with the Noble Baroness Morgan of Ely, Welsh Government Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, in Newport. We discussed how we might work together more closely on trade promotion and create greater synergies across our sector teams.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their practical driving test following the suspension of routine driver training and testing during the pandemic.

The DVSA is working hard to provide as many practical driving test appointments as possible and has a number of measures in place to do this.

These include:

• offering a national recovery allowance and annual leave buy back to examiners;
• asking all those qualified to conduct tests, but who do not do so as part of their current day job, to return to conducting tests;
• conducting out of hours testing, such as on public holidays and weekends; and
• asking recently retired driving examiners to return to testing.

As of 22 March 2022, driving test waiting times at Carmarthen is 2 weeks, and Llanelli is 8 weeks.

The DVSA has a live recruitment campaign covering Carmarthen, Llanelli and Swansea, and has recently completed a campaign to recruit Welsh speaking driving examiners. The DVSA is also launching a new national campaign to recruit an extra 161 examiners across Great Britain to help meet the increasing demand for driving tests. This is in addition to its previous campaign to recruit more than 300 additional examiners.

The DVSA does not take the decision to cancel tests lightly and will only do so when it has exhausted every possible avenue and tried to find another examiner to provide cover. All available practical driving test appointments, including cancellations, are shown on the live booking system to everyone, including approved driving instructors (ADI), at the same time. Any additional tests are added as soon as they become available. The DVSA has a 24-week forward booking window and tests are not available to book beyond this.

Candidates, and ADIs, can check for earlier appointments at their local test centres on the gov.uk/change-driving-test services. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up slots for others to book, and appointments may be available at other nearby centres. The DVSA advises everyone to regularly check for new appointments.

I have regular meetings with both representatives of the car industry and Ministerial colleagues about a wide range of issues pertinent to our support for the transition to zero emission driving.

The Government regards public safety to be of paramount importance and we require that all electric vehicle technology supported by public funding must clearly demonstrate how it is safe before it is awarded funding.

Electric vehicle chargepoints must meet the relevant legislation for electro-magnetic radiation as defined in the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 and the Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations 2016 which covers requirements for compatibility with pacemakers. All electric vehicles eligible for the Government’s Plug-in Grant schemes are required to provide evidence that they are compliant with current electrical safety regulations.

I have regular meetings with both representatives of the car industry and Ministerial colleagues about a wide range of issues pertinent to our support for the transition to zero emission driving.

The Government regards public safety to be of paramount importance and we require that all electric vehicle technology supported by public funding must clearly demonstrate how it is safe before it is awarded funding.

Electric vehicle chargepoints must meet the relevant legislation for electro-magnetic radiation as defined in the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 and the Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations 2016 which covers requirements for compatibility with pacemakers. All electric vehicles eligible for the Government’s Plug-in Grant schemes are required to provide evidence that they are compliant with current electrical safety regulations.

I have regular discussions with Ministerial colleagues from different Devolved Administrations (DAs) about various aspects of the government’s support for the transition zero emission driving. During the development of our EV infrastructure strategy, officials have been working closely with colleagues in the DAs to ensure that there are strong and coordinated plans in place for electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has well-established processes in place for dealing with applications from keepers of classic vehicles that have been restored. This may include an inspection to ensure that the vehicle exists in its entirety and has the required identification features stamped in to identify the vehicle as original. The DVLA may also seek the advice of independent experts in the field. A vehicle registration certificate will be issued when appropriate.

I am not aware of any formal representations received from the Welsh Government in relation to the proposal for a West Wales Parkway station. However, my department is in regular communication with them regarding the progression of this scheme.”

An integrated approach is required between the new station proposal and the development of the train services that will call at it. For a West Wales Parkway station these services will be provided by the devolved Wales & Borders operator. We are engaged with Transport for Wales via their ‘Swansea Bay & West Wales Metro Development Strategy Board’ to determine the optimal location for the station and the pattern of enhanced services that will call at it. A number of options are currently being evaluated prior to selecting a single option for further development.

We have confirmed agreement from all EU/EEA countries that UK motorists will continue to be able to drive in their territories on the basis of a UK Photocard licence, without the need for an additional International Driving Permit. All EU/EEA Member States, except for Italy, have also confirmed reciprocal arrangements for exchanging licences, meaning that a retest will not be required for resident UK nationals. We continue to explore options with Italy on this issue. Most of our agreements are permanent arrangements and a small number require formal agreements which will be concluded before the end of this year. Where these agreements are needed, the UK has secured interim arrangements with the relevant Member States.

The Department has committed £1.3 billion to accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure on motorways and major A roads, in homes and businesses and on-street.

This funding includes the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme, available to all UK local authorities to fund public chargepoints for those without access to private parking. More than 105 local authorities have taken advantage of the fund so far, and the Government recently announced the Scheme would continue in to 2021/22 with a budget of £20m.

The Government is also developing proposals for £90m of committed funding for local EV charging infrastructure to support the roll out of larger, on-street charging schemes and rapid hubs in England. Details of the scheme will be announced in due course.

Small businesses and those in leasehold and rented accommodation are set to benefit from up to £50 million to install electric vehicle chargepoints. The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, which provides up to £350 towards a chargepoint, will continue in 2021/22 and will be expanded to target people in rented and leasehold accommodation. At the same time, the Workplace Charging Scheme will be opened up to small to medium enterprises and the charity sector, providing a boost as staff return to work. The changes will also mean that small accommodation businesses, such as B&Bs can benefit from the funding, boosting rural areas, and tackling ‘range anxiety’ associated with long journeys.

The safety of electric vehicles and their charging is very important to the Government and kept under regular review. The safety of charging events is primarily determined by the design and installation of electric chargepoints. There is a wide pool of regulations and standards, as well as enforcement mechanisms, covering this. The Department regularly engages with the bodies who enforce those regulations to ensure safety outcomes for the general public.

The two-year validity period of a compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate is set out in legislation. It is in place to ensure learner moped and motorcycle riders can ride safely on their own, with L-plates, while they practise for a full moped or motorcycle test. The Government has no plans, on road safety grounds, to waive that two-year validity period.

Compulsory basic training (CBT) for learner moped and motorcycle riders is suspended during the current lockdowns in England, Scotland and Wales. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will follow the relevant administrations’ instructions and advice about when easing of the current COVID-19 restrictions will allow CBT to restart safely. The DVSA will tell all motorcycle approved training bodies when that is.

The Department has received correspondence from the First Minister of Wales but does not intend to publish this correspondence.

As the information requested on all the communication between the Department for Transport and the DVLA on work practices during the covid-19 outbreak is so wide in scope, it can only be produced at disproportionate cost. This is due to the amount of work that would be required to collate the information requested.

As of 24 January, the number of DVLA staff working both on-site and working from home who have tested positive for Covid-19 since March 2020 is 546. There are currently no live cases in the DVLA’s contact centre and six live cases across the whole of our workforce of more than 6,000 staff.

The number of working days lost at the DVLA due to staff contracting Covid-19 is 4,132. It is not possible to provide a figure of working days lost for the number of people self-isolating due to Covid-19 in the time available for responding to this question as the data needs to be extracted. The DVLA will therefore write to you with this further detail.

Department for Transport Ministers have received correspondence from the First Minister of Wales. Throughout the pandemic, the DVLA has worked closely with Public Health Wales, Swansea Bay University Health Board and the local environmental health team on Covid-19 related issues, including the safety measures put in place at the DVLA’s offices in Swansea.

As of 24 January, the number of DVLA staff working both on-site and working from home who have tested positive for Covid-19 since March 2020 is 546. There are currently no live cases in the DVLA’s contact centre and six live cases across the whole of our workforce of more than 6,000 staff.

The number of working days lost at the DVLA due to staff contracting Covid-19 is 4,132. It is not possible to provide a figure of working days lost for the number of people self-isolating due to Covid-19 in the time available for responding to this question as the data needs to be extracted. The DVLA will therefore write to you with this further detail.

Department for Transport Ministers have received correspondence from the First Minister of Wales. Throughout the pandemic, the DVLA has worked closely with Public Health Wales, Swansea Bay University Health Board and the local environmental health team on Covid-19 related issues, including the safety measures put in place at the DVLA’s offices in Swansea.

As of 24 January, the number of DVLA staff working both on-site and working from home who have tested positive for Covid-19 since March 2020 is 546. There are currently no live cases in the DVLA’s contact centre and six live cases across the whole of our workforce of more than 6,000 staff.

The number of working days lost at the DVLA due to staff contracting Covid-19 is 4,132. It is not possible to provide a figure of working days lost for the number of people self-isolating due to Covid-19 in the time available for responding to this question as the data needs to be extracted. The DVLA will therefore write to you with this further detail.

Department for Transport Ministers have received correspondence from the First Minister of Wales. Throughout the pandemic, the DVLA has worked closely with Public Health Wales, Swansea Bay University Health Board and the local environmental health team on Covid-19 related issues, including the safety measures put in place at the DVLA’s offices in Swansea.

The Department is not currently planning to issue MOT exemptions, but the situation is being kept under review. The Road Traffic Act 1988 does not permit the issuing of MOT extensions on the basis of the circumstances of the vehicle owner. Vulnerable people or those self-isolating should use a pick-up and drop-off service, which is offered by many MOT test stations.

The maximum duration of two years between passing the theory test and a subsequent practical test is in place to ensure a candidate’s road safety knowledge is current. This validity period is set in legislation and the Government has no current plans to lay further legislation to extend it.

Ensuring new drivers have current relevant knowledge and skills is a vital part of the training of new drivers, who are disproportionality represented in casualty statistics. Taking all this into consideration, the decision has been made not to extend theory test certificates and learners will need to pass another theory test if their certificate expires.

The government has committed £318m into the Faraday Battery Challenge to support the research, development and scale-up of world-leading battery technology in the UK. The Faraday Battery Challenge is focused on developing cost-effective, high-performance, durable, safe and recyclable batteries to capture the growing electric vehicle market. We are also supporting research into flow batteries for grid applications.

The government is supporting a wide range of research, development and scale-up of world-leading battery technology in the UK through the £318m Faraday Battery Challenge. The Faraday Battery Challenge aims to ensure the UK builds on its strengths and leads the world in the design and manufacture of electric vehicles. Challenges with interchangeable battery technologies include need to standardise battery size and location in a vehicle, requirement for more batteries than vehicles and concerns around safety. Trial programmes in other countries have failed in recent years and improving battery range and fast charging technology is reducing the commercial case for a battery swapping system. The technology could work well in countries with relatively low vehicle numbers and smaller vehicle types. We will keep this under review.

All Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) staff who can work from home continue to do so as office space has been prioritised for operational staff who have to be on-site to process paper applications. The DVLA’s online services have worked well throughout the pandemic and this remains the quickest and easiest way of making applications.

The DVLA is employing shift patterns, staggered start times, weekend working and other measures to ensure that social distancing can be maintained. Due to this, the number of staff who can be on-site at any one time is greatly reduced but the working day has been significantly extended. This means that almost all DVLA operational staff are now working on-site but not all at the same time. Staff are allocated to different work streams at different times depending on where the need is greatest.

Between March and the end of August, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued nearly seven million vehicle registration certificates. On 21 September, there were just over 32,000 hard copy vehicle registration certificates awaiting processing. Vehicle registration certificates are currently being processed within around ten days of receipt at the DVLA. These include notification of change of vehicle keeper and also a change of name and address of the current keeper.

Between March and the end of August, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued nearly seven million vehicle registration certificates. On 21 September, there were just over 32,000 hard copy vehicle registration certificates awaiting processing. Vehicle registration certificates are currently being processed within around ten days of receipt at the DVLA. These include notification of change of vehicle keeper and also a change of name and address of the current keeper.

The Department is in regular contact with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, hosted a roundtable with the CPT and coach operators on the 15 July, and on 13 August the Minister spoke with the CPT’s CEO to discuss wider issues facing the coach sector. Officials continue to meet with the CPT regularly to discuss a range of issues including the challenges facing the coach industry.

There is no backlog for driving licence applications made online. Online services have continued to operate as normal throughout the pandemic. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has a reduced number of staff on-site to comply with social distancing requirements in Wales. Postal applications have to be dealt with in person on our site in Swansea and will therefore take longer to process than applications made online.

Since 4 June changes have been made to automatically extend the validity of 10 year photocard driving licences expiring between 1 February and 31 August, by a further seven months. Drivers do not need to take any action to benefit from this change and DVLA will write to them when their licence is due for renewal.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising against all but essential international travel due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Government keeps travel advice constantly under review, so that it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British people.

The Government will require international arrivals not on a short list of exemptions to self-isolate in their accommodation for fourteen days on arrival into the UK. We are working closely with the devolved administrations, including the Welsh Government, to coordinate implementation across the UK.

While the global market for hydrogen vehicles is at an earlier stage of development than plug-in electric vehicles, the UK is well placed to be a leader in hydrogen and fuel cell powered transportation due to our high-quality engineering and manufacturing capability. Our approach to delivering long-term ambitions are technology neutral, supporting hydrogen where the market favours its use. The Government’s £23m Hydrogen for Transport Programme is increasing the uptake of fuel cell electric vehicles and growing the number of publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling stations. The programme is delivering new refuelling stations, upgrading some existing stations and deploying hundreds of new hydrogen vehicles. The £48m Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme, and its predecessor the £41m Low Emission Bus Scheme supported hydrogen buses and refuelling infrastructure in London, Birmingham and Brighton.

Ministers and officials are meeting regularly with the aviation sector. The Government is absolutely focused on working with the sector to ensure that UK citizens can make their way home.

We have agreed with airlines that they will keep as many commercial routes open as they can, for as long as they can. We are working with international partners to facilitate this.

In some countries where commercial routes are no longer an option, we have worked with airlines to charter their aircraft to help stranded British travellers return home.

The government is paying for these flights but we have a responsibility to the taxpayer. Therefore, we are asking passengers to pay a share of the overall cost. Flights are costed differently based on country of origin however the ticket cost only reflects a proportion of the overall costs. Foreign Office officials will be able to offer support to British travellers unable to pay including an emergency loan as a last resort.

Vehicle registration data is not captured as part of the project reporting for the Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial. The two consortium leads running Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles as part of the trials operate vehicles from various depots, including Swindon, Bristol, and Milton Keynes.

The Department for Transport has not assessed the impact of recent changes to fuel prices on the uptake of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs). Fuel prices are one variable that can impact on Ultra Low Emission Vehicle uptake among many, including vehicle pricing, manufacturer supply, consumer demand for vehicles, infrastructure provision and the regulatory regime surrounding vehicles. Fuel prices are also volatile and short-term changes may not indicate a change in long-term prices. DfT regularly update long-term projections of ULEV uptake and take into account a wide range of variables, including the best available data on fuel prices produced by BEIS.

The Government is investing £2.5 billion? to support the market for electric vehicles. Budget 2020 included £532m extra funding to keep the Plug-in Vehicle Grants for another three years, and favourable benefit-in-kind rates for zero emission vehicles extended out to 2025. Additionally, we are providing £500 million to support the rollout of a fast-charging network for electric vehicles, ensuring that drivers will never be further than 30 miles from a rapid charging station.

The DfT is working with Network Rail and the rail industry to determine which parts of the network are best suited to use of hydrogen trains, as well as battery and electrification. DfT is also supporting the development of hydrogen technology through innovation funding and research to overcome barriers to its deployment. This work supports deployment of hydrogen technology across the GB railway.

I have not had conversations with my Welsh colleagues on this subject.

The £20m Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial (LEFT) has supported 61 zero and low emission heavy goods vehicles into operation on UK roads, including some using compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to diesel.

Emissions testing is a key aspect of project evaluation that will ensure we have a clear and independent view on the environmental impact of these vehicles. The programme is on-going with the final report expected to be published by the summer.

In the 2018 Budget, the Government confirmed that it would maintain the difference between alternative fuel (including CNG) and main road fuel duty rates until 2032 (subject to a review in 2024) to support the decarbonisation of the UK transport sector.

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) has been successful in promoting a market for sustainable renewable fuels. Long term targets set in legislation have given companies the confidence to invest in Wales and across the UK.

Companies that supply at least 450,000 litres of fossil fuels are obligated to supply a certain amount of renewable fuel under the RTFO. Companies can also register voluntarily to be able to receive RTFO certificates. Currently, there are 50 UK registered suppliers, with one supplier having a registered address in Wales.

The Department is encouraging further investment in renewable fuels in the UK through its multimillion pound innovation competitions. Competitively awarded grants have been provided to support the construction of several commercial-scale plants in the UK. This includes the Future Fuels for Flight and Freight Competition (F4C) which was launched in 2017 and makes up to £20 million in capital funding available. Among the shortlisted projects of the competition, one of the companies is looking to locate in Wales.

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) has been successful in promoting a market for sustainable renewable fuels. Long term targets set in legislation have given companies the confidence to invest in Wales and across the UK.

Companies that supply at least 450,000 litres of fossil fuels are obligated to supply a certain amount of renewable fuel under the RTFO. Companies can also register voluntarily to be able to receive RTFO certificates. Currently, there are 50 UK registered suppliers, with one supplier having a registered address in Wales.

The Department is encouraging further investment in renewable fuels in the UK through its multimillion pound innovation competitions. Competitively awarded grants have been provided to support the construction of several commercial-scale plants in the UK. This includes the Future Fuels for Flight and Freight Competition (F4C) which was launched in 2017 and makes up to £20 million in capital funding available. Among the shortlisted projects of the competition, one of the companies is looking to locate in Wales.

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) has been successful in promoting a market for sustainable renewable fuels. Long term targets set in legislation have given companies the confidence to invest in Wales and across the UK.

Companies that supply at least 450,000 litres of fossil fuels are obligated to supply a certain amount of renewable fuel under the RTFO. Companies can also register voluntarily to be able to receive RTFO certificates. Currently, there are 50 UK registered suppliers, with one supplier having a registered address in Wales.

The Department is encouraging further investment in renewable fuels in the UK through its multimillion pound innovation competitions. Competitively awarded grants have been provided to support the construction of several commercial-scale plants in the UK. This includes the Future Fuels for Flight and Freight Competition (F4C) which was launched in 2017 and makes up to £20 million in capital funding available. Among the shortlisted projects of the competition, one of the companies is looking to locate in Wales.

The number of new registrations of battery electric cars in the first nine months of 2019 in the UK are provided in the table below.

The Government supports the creation of an inclusive transport network, and enabling disabled children to travel to school alongside their non-disabled peers is important for making this a reality.

Officials engage regularly with colleagues at the Welsh Government, as well as other stakeholders, concerning the application of the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) and the impact of exemptions issued, on home to school transport services across Great Britain.

The Rescue Boat Grant Fund has already provided £4.7 million of grants from 2014 - 2018.

We are continuing to review the impact of the Rescue Boat Grant Fund and expect to make a decision on its future shortly.

The demand modelling for HS2 is set out in the Economic Case. The Government commissioned Doug Oakervee to provide advice on how and whether to proceed with HS2; the Government will set out the next steps for High Speed 2 in due course.

The Government commissioned Doug Oakervee to provide advice on how and whether to proceed with HS2. The Government will set out the next steps for High Speed 2 in due course including its consideration of alternatives.

The Rescue Boat Grant Fund has already awarded £4.7 million to 103 charities around the UK.

We have already extended the Fund by making a further £1 million available for 2019-20 and I expect to announce the successful applicants shortly.

A decision on the future of the Fund will be taken in due course.

The Government has made clear its intentions to publish the report of the Oakervee review and the Transport Secretary has met Doug Oakervee to discuss the review. The Government will set out the next steps for High Speed 2 in due course.

The Government commissioned Doug Oakervee to provide advice on how and whether to proceed with HS2 and his report will inform our decisions. We will of course give consideration to Lord Berkeley’s personal views. The Government will set out the next steps for High Speed 2 in due course.

Subject to decisions about whether and how to proceed with HS2, the Government will make public a Full Business Case for HS2 Phase 1 including the underlying economic modelling for the benefit-cost ratio.

In Carmarthen East and Dinefwr 60 families on Universal Credit were affected by the policy in April 2020.

Notes:

• Families affected means households reporting a third or subsequent child on or after 6 April 2017 and not receiving a child element/amount.
• This data is for households that had an open UC claim in April 2020, and so will have been included in this year’s Two Child Policy Publication.
• Percentages rounded to nearest percent and number of families rounded to nearest 10.

The Labour government passed the Pensions Act 2007 which legislated for State Pension age to increase to 68 by 2046.

The Government introduced a package of temporary welfare measures worth around £9.3 billion this year to help with the financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The £20 weekly increase to the Universal Credit Standard Allowance rates was introduced as a temporary measure for the 20/21 tax year, in recognition of these consequences.

Future decisions on spending will be made at the next appropriate fiscal event and Parliament will be updated accordingly.

Since the start of Covid-19 as key workers, DWP employees have played a crucial role in the national effort, in line with government guidelines.

In accordance with Government social distancing guidance we have provided digital kit to our staff to enable more flexible working – in particular working from home. This has enabled us to ensure that Jobcentres are Covid secure for those customers who are best supported face to face, whilst still providing services over the phone and online.

As we double the number of Work Coaches, we will continue to expand our multi-channel engagement with claimants, including booking appointments across our network to support people face-to-face where they need it.

The wellbeing of our employees is paramount. Since the start of the pandemic, we have adapted our wellbeing offer at pace to bring our colleagues targeted solutions to support their wellbeing. This has focused on colleagues working in the office as well as those required to work from home.

As key workers, our staff have continued to attend our offices throughout the pandemic but we have also provided digital kit to our staff to enable more flexible working, in particular working from home. This has enabled us to ensure that our offices are COVID-19 secure and we can maintain social distancing.

An individual Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) risk assessment is available for colleague to work through with their line manager to address their individual concerns.

All BAME colleagues have also had the opportunity to participate in a small group talking session, facilitated by trauma managers/counsellors. This has provided BAME colleagues with the opportunity to talk through any concerns they may have had about returning to work, which may have been heightened by COVID-19, and to work with specialists to put strategies in place to combat.

Since the start of Covid-19 as key workers, DWP employees have played a crucial role in the national effort, in line with government guidelines.

In accordance with Government social distancing guidance we have provided digital kit to our staff to enable more flexible working – in particular working from home. This has enabled us to ensure that Jobcentres are Covid secure for those customers who are best supported face to face, whilst still providing services over the phone and online.

As we double the number of Work Coaches, we will continue to expand our multi-channel engagement with claimants, including booking appointments across our network to support people face-to-face where they need it.

Since the start of Covid-19 as key workers, DWP employees have played a crucial role in the national effort, in line with government guidelines.

In accordance with Government social distancing guidance we have provided digital kit to our staff to enable more flexible working – in particular working from home. This has enabled us to ensure that Jobcentres are Covid secure for those customers who are best supported face to face, whilst still providing services over the phone and online.

As we double the number of Work Coaches, we will continue to expand our multi-channel engagement with claimants, including booking appointments across our network to support people face-to-face where they need it.

No comparative assessment has been made of virtual and face-to-face Jobcentre appointments.

The Department takes our responsibility to ensure all our customers have access to our services without disadvantage very seriously. Every DWP office has been assessed to ensure that we are compliant with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. Where suitable physical adaptations to buildings are not possible, the Department provides an alternative method of delivering our services where we are made aware that a customer has potential access issues, such as an appointment would be rearranged at a ground floor location or by a home visit.

The information requested is not available.

Guidance requires Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA) personnel to consider the needs of individuals when arranging assessment appointments. If an individual believes they will have any difficulties attending their appointment they should discuss this with CHDA as soon as possible, using the contact details on their appointment letter.

Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA) is advised to consider the needs of individuals when arranging assessment appointments. If an individual believes they will have any difficulties attending their appointment they should discuss this with CHDA as soon as possible, using the contact details on their appointment letter.

There are a range of provisions in place to ensure assessments are accessible to individuals, in line with the standards under the Equality Act 2010. If a particular Assessment Centre is not accessible to an individual, CHDA can make alternative arrangements for them to visit a different Assessment Centre or arrange for them to be assessed at home. Each case is assessed on the individual merits of the case. Travel expenses to the Assessment Centre will be paid.

No doses of the AstraZeneca Covishield branded vaccines have been purchased by the Government. All AstraZeneca vaccine doses approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and administered in the United Kingdom were branded as the ’COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca’ which is now known commercially as ‘Vaxzeria’. The MHRA has not approved doses branded as ‘Covishield’ and none have been administered or rebranded as Vaxzevria in the UK. All AstraZeneca vaccines are the same product and appear on the NHS COVID Pass as Vaxzevria.

No doses of the AstraZeneca Covishield branded vaccines have been purchased by the Government. All AstraZeneca vaccine doses approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and administered in the United Kingdom were branded as the ’COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca’ which is now known commercially as ‘Vaxzeria’. The MHRA has not approved doses branded as ‘Covishield’ and none have been administered or rebranded as Vaxzevria in the UK. All AstraZeneca vaccines are the same product and appear on the NHS COVID Pass as Vaxzevria.

We continue to have regular discussions with the devolved administrations on a range of issues.

AstraZeneca doses branded as ‘Covishield’ are not approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and have not been administered in the United Kingdom. All doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines administered in the UK are the same product, which appear on the NHS COVID Pass as Vaxzevria.

The Government continues to engage with other countries regarding certification to ensure that global travel is supported by a common approach.

There have been no specific meetings on these issues.

The Department, through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has funded or supported various studies into the use of psilocybin to treat depression. The NIHR’s Research Programmes has invested £1.1 million in the study ‘A Feasibility RCT of Single-Dose Psilocybin in Unipolar Depressive Disorder Resistant to Standard Treatments’.

As per the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s (JCVI) advice, many immunosuppressed individuals qualify for vaccination in priority groups four or six. For those whom the vaccination is not advised, a general practitioner or relevant clinician will host a consultation. It is important that clinically extremely vulnerable people should continue following government advice on reducing risk. The United Kingdom is leading the way on vaccine research. As soon as sufficient evidence becomes available, the JCVI will provide advice on strategies to protect immunosuppressed individuals and consider if certain vaccines are preferred for particular groups.

Contracts for the delivery of Official Controls are awarded in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations. All tenderers complete a standard pre-qualification envelope which is based on the Cabinet Office template.

As part of the Tender Evaluation process the Food Standards Agency (FSA) undertook a robust and detailed analysis of the financial model each bidder submitted, including the coherence between the financial model and the technical bid submitted and the underlying cost and assumptions of the financial model. The financial submission also included sensitivity analysis against the core financial bid assumptions that were validated by the FSA as part of the tender evaluation.

In accordance with Cabinet Office Spend Controls process, the FSA submitted an Outline Business Case prior to commencing the formal tender process and a Full Business Case prior to awarding the contract to the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury for approval to proceed. Both Businesses Cases underwent robust analysis by the Spend Controls Teams prior to being approved. In line with standard Government processes on such contracts, intra-contractual rate rises and one-off payments defined as special payments require HM Treasury and Cabinet Office consultation.

No recent discussions have taken place between Departmental Ministers and the Food Standards Agency on either the award or the operation of the current contract for the provision of Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors in England and Wales.

As a non-ministerial Government Department, Food Standards Agency discusses a range of issues with the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury directly.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has a programme of operational transformation in place to modernise the model for delivery of official controls, including veterinary services, in approved meat premises. This programme will define the future specification for contracted services, with an aim to altering the markets that the FSA procures from to help improve competition levels. The FSA is committed to providing an update on this work later in 2021.

No discussions have taken place with regards to any contracts awarded by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) around companies under investigation by HM Revenue and Customs.

All FSA contracts that are above the public procurement thresholds are awarded following competitive procurement processes, which are conducted in accordance with the public contracts regulations and in line with the Cabinet Office spend controls process. Additionally, financial due diligence is completed to ensure existing and future suppliers are financially stable, in line with the outsourcing playbook.

On the advice of the four United Kingdom Chief Medical Officers, the self-isolation period for all positive cases and contacts remains at 10 days. This decision is based on the scientific evidence. There is no evidence of a change in the incubation period or infectious period for any variant, therefore the advice regarding the isolation period remains unchanged.

Departmental officials and the Welsh Government regularly discuss the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in Wales. Allocation is based upon the Barnett formula, which uses relative population to allocate vaccines fairly across the four nations. The Welsh Government have agreed the use of this formula.

The following table shows the value of each contract for veterinary official controls in meat plants since 2012. Contract periods were tendered with slightly differing geographic and technical requirements and therefore a difference in costs is realised.

The contract to deliver veterinary services or official controls for approved meat establishments was most recently tendered in 2019 with a three year contract awarded in 2020. Assurances were given at contract award recommendation stage to a selected private service delivery partner as this option met the tender exercise strategic objectives of:

- Maintaining operational performance - the supplier provided the best technical submission so will provide the best operational performance;

- Delivering a financially sustainable contract - new contractual provisions support a more commercially robust contract, as a result of improved Food Standards Agency (FSA) understanding of costs and financial pressures in the market; and

- Delivering value for money to the FSA - the recommended supplier is the most cost effective to the FSA.

During contract retender an in-house comparator model was forecast to cost approximately £7.8 million more for the same delivery model which would have carried less flexibility and increased risk for the FSA, meaning it was not a feasible option at the time of contract retender.

The cost of the distribution of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to locations in England which is managed by Public Health England, is estimated at £1.85 million from 4 December 2020 to the end of week commencing 15 February 2021.

The United Kingdom Government has procured vaccines on behalf of all parts of the country. The Barnett formula has been used to calculate vaccine supply allocations to the devolved administrations. This ensures Wales has access to 4.78% of any COVID-19 vaccine doses procured by the UK. Wales has received £5.2 billion upfront funding from the UK Government since the start of the pandemic, on top of the devolved administrations’ Spring Budget 2020 funding.

People do not need a mobile phone to book a test. Tests can be booked online through the GOV.UK website or by calling 119 in England and Wales or 0300 303 2713 in Scotland and Northern Ireland from any telephone.

The UK condemns the coup and the state of emergency imposed by the Myanmar military on 1 February, and the arbitrary detention of civil society representatives and democratically elected politicians, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.

We are currently working closely with international partners to ensure a coordinated and impactful response. The UK will consider all the tools at its disposal. Before the coup, the UK had already imposed targeted sanctions on 16 individuals responsible for human rights violations in Myanmar. We played a leading role in securing sanctions on 14 individuals whilst we were in the EU. These have all been transitioned into UK law. In July 2020, we sanctioned the Commander-in-Chief and his Deputy, in our first tranche of sanctions under the Global Human Rights Sanctions regime. We have now sanctioned all six individuals named in the UN Fact Finding Mission Report.

The safety of sports teams and fans travelling is paramount and for this reason we keep our travel advice under constant review. We urge anyone considering travel to consult our advice before doing so. We are also in regular contact with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and with the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, including in preparation for last year's successful visit of the Welsh National Team to Baku for a Euro qualifier. However, it is for the Football Association of Wales to make the decision about whether the Welsh Team play in Baku.

Before planning any travel, individuals should check all the domestic rules that apply where they are resident, including whether they could restrict international travel. There are different measures in place in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice provides guidance on COVID and non-COVID risks abroad. FCDO travel advice aims to help British nationals make informed decisions about foreign travel. The amount of information the FCDO can provide varies from place to place. For some parts of the world we may be able to offer very detailed advice; for others we may not. We cannot give tailored advice for individual itineraries.

The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to many countries and territories on the basis of COVID risks. Whether travel is essential or not is a personal decision and only individuals can make an informed decision based on their own individual circumstances and the risks. Travel disruption is still possible worldwide. Countries may bring in new measures with little notice such as border closures, movement restrictions or quarantine rules. Travellers should check the advice for their destination and be ready and prepared to stay overseas longer than planned.

We are concerned by the continuing instability within the Eastern Mediterranean region. We continue to urge all countries involved to de-escalate and to engage in dialogue. The Foreign Secretary raised this with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on 8 July. He has also discussed this with the Foreign Ministers of Germany, France and Turkey. I have raised this with my Turkish, Greek and Cypriot counterparts in recent weeks. We believe it is critical for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean that disputes are resolved through constructive dialogue in accordance with international law, including as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

We are concerned by the continuing instability within the Eastern Mediterranean region. We continue to urge all countries involved to de-escalate and to engage in dialogue. The Foreign Secretary raised this with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on 8 July. He has also discussed this with the Foreign Ministers of Germany, France and Turkey. I have raised this with my Turkish, Greek and Cypriot counterparts in recent weeks. We believe it is critical for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean that disputes are resolved through constructive dialogue in accordance with international law, including as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will continue to be guided by our responsibilities under the International Development Act, including a commitment to poverty reduction. The work of UK aid to reduce poverty will remain central to the new department's mission.

We engaged intensively with the United States, Afghan Government and our NATO allies and partners in the run-up to and throughout the bilateral talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha. The US-Taliban agreement was a positive step, but it was also the first step in a long and difficult road towards peace. Our UK diplomatic commitment is helping push towards a sustainable and inclusive peace process, the only route to lasting peace and security in Afghanistan.

We engaged intensively with the United States, Afghan Government and our NATO allies and partners in the run-up to and throughout the bilateral talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha. The US-Taliban agreement was a positive step, but it was also the first step in a long and difficult road towards peace. Our UK diplomatic commitment is helping push towards a sustainable and inclusive peace process, the only route to lasting peace and security in Afghanistan.

We engaged intensively with the United States, Afghan Government and our NATO allies and partners in the run-up to and throughout the bilateral talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha. The US-Taliban agreement was a positive step, but it was also the first step in a long and difficult road towards peace. Our UK diplomatic commitment is helping push towards a sustainable and inclusive peace process, the only route to lasting peace and security in Afghanistan.

The British Government's position is to oppose any action which raises tensions in the South China Sea. We regularly make this position clear to the Chinese authorities and encourage all parties, including China, to settle their disputes peacefully through the existing legal mechanisms, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and to uphold existing Arbitration rulings.

The Foreign Secretary has not received any specific representations of this nature. Coronavirus is a global challenge and we are focused on working with our international partners - including China - to stop the spread of the virus and save lives. The Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with his counterparts in a wide range of countries to discuss the international response to the pandemic.

As stated in our answer of 2 April to Question 34327, we were in close consultation and engaged intensively with the US throughout the US-Taliban talks in Doha.

Wet markets exist all around the world. All wet markets should follow best practice on hygiene and safety to avoid health issues, whether in China or elsewhere and that should include safe sourcing of animal and other products. The UK has always been at the forefront of international efforts to ensure global trade in wild animals is sustainable and well regulated, including through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). We are investing over £36m between 2014 and 2021 and last year pledged a further £30 million over three years to crack down on the abhorrent illegal trade in animals and plants.

We welcome China's decision on 24 February to put in place a ban on the sale of wildlife for food, and urge China to ensure this is strictly enforced until such times that they can ensure that all meat for sale is sustainably and legally sourced and poses no threat to human health. We have been in regular contact with the Chinese authorities since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, including a phone conversation between the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Wang-Yi on 20 March.

The announcement of self-rule by the Southern Transitional Council is a dangerous move which risks prolonging the conflict. The UK supports the Saudi-brokered Riyadh Agreement between the Government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council. The Riyadh Agreement is the best means of restoring security and stability to Southern Yemen and the UK urges the parties to resume their efforts towards implementation. We are encouraging the parties to refrain from unconstructive acts and statements, and we are working with them to agree a way forward.

UK representatives are in regular contact with representatives of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about the situation in Yemen and the importance of ensuring that Yemen's Southern Transitional Council remains committed to the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement. We note that since the Southern Transitional Council's 'self-rule' declaration, the UAE have reiterated their support for implementation of the Riyadh Agreement.

Wet markets exist all around the world. All wet markets should follow best practice on hygiene and safety to avoid health issues, whether in China or elsewhere and that should include safe sourcing of animal and other products. The UK has always been at the forefront of international efforts to ensure global trade in wild animals is sustainable and well regulated, including through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). We are investing over £36m between 2014 and 2021 and last year pledged a further £30 million over three years to crack down on the abhorrent illegal trade in animals and plants.

We welcome China's decision on 24 February to put in place a ban on the sale of wildlife for food, and urge China to ensure this is strictly enforced until such times that they can ensure that all meat for sale is sustainably and legally sourced and poses no threat to human health. We have been in regular contact with the Chinese authorities since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, including a phone conversation between the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Wang-Yi on 20 March.

As of 29 April, we have brought back more than 20,000 people on 99 flights organised by the Foreign Office from 21 different countries and territories and have helped more than 19000 British passengers return home from 60 cruise ships.

All passengers returning on repatriation flights should follow the UK's latest public health advice, as laid out by the Prime Minister last month. We will not be flying back people who are symptomatic or have COVID-19. All British nationals returning to the UK must comply with current social distancing rules, and self-isolate should they develop symptoms.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has lobbied foreign governments to provide COVID-19 tests and treatment without charge to British nationals currently based on their territory, as the UK is doing for foreign nationals here. Although access to the NHS is usually based on residence in the UK, in January the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) decided that overseas visitors would not be charged for testing for COVID-19 (even if the test is negative) nor for treatment for COVID-19 in the UK. We advise British nationals overseas to follow the advice of the local health and government authorities, and this includes following their testing regime.

Following the change to date for answer of this PQ, I submitted a response by email on 2 April, with the following response. The Table Office have agreed this approach.

The UK did not have diplomatic representation at US-Taliban talks in Doha. We were in close consultation throughout the process. We engaged intensively with the US, Afghan Government and our NATO allies and partners. The UK continues to support Afghanistan on its path towards a more peaceful and positive future.

We are working intensively with the Governments of those countries that have closed their borders to people travelling to and from the UK, to enable airlines to bring back British people to the UK, if that is what they want. The welfare of British nationals remains our top priority, and we are focused on supporting those around the world who are being affected by the restrictions being put in place. If British Nationals require assistance they can contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office) on 0207 008 1500, or the nearest British embassy, High Commission or Consulate (www.gov.uk/world/ embassies).

Consular Assistance is given on a case by case basis and if British Nationals require assistance they can contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office) on 0207 008 1500, or the nearest British embassy, High Commission or Consulate (www.gov.uk/world/embassies). We do not register British nationals abroad, and do not therefore have numbers of British nationals in each country.

The UK continues to work closely with the Afghan government, the US and our NATO allies in support of peace efforts and for a better future for Afghan people. The US-Taliban agreement of 29 February was a positive milestone in efforts to make progress towards peace in Afghanistan.

The recent reduction in violence is a welcome respite for Afghans. It is clear that there is no military solution to the conflict.

The US-Taliban agreement is a positive milestone. It is important that talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government start soon to maintain momentum.

The UK is committed to supporting the Afghan people, including through our contribution to NATO Resolute Support Mission.

The UK welcomes the recent statement by the UN and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of their commitment to work together towards peace, security and stability across West Africa and the Sahel. The UK regularly engages with ECOWAS and its member states on tackling terrorism and the underlying causes of conflict in the region. We will continue to identify opportunities for co-ordination and partnership, in particular as ECOWAS assumes responsibility within the framework of the African Standby Force High Readiness element from July.

Building on new Syria sanctions announced on 17 February, we have been working with European and other partners to increase international pressure to ensure that the brutal offensive conducted by Russia and the Syrian regime force in Idlib ends and a lasting ceasefire is established.

The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is the only legally binding international conventional arms control treaty. It seeks to establish the highest possible common international standards for regulating the trade in conventional arms. By promoting consistent standards and enhancing transparency, the ATT can tackle the illicit transfer of arms, including in Africa. However, the Treaty can only achieve its goal if it is fully and universally implemented. Twenty-six African states are States Parties to the ATT; the UK continues to call on states that have not yet done so to accede to the Treaty. The UK strongly supports the ATT's Voluntary Trust Fund (VTF), which supports Treaty implementation. The UK has donated £311,000 to the fund and has served as a member of the VTF Selection Committee since the fund's inception.

It is our longstanding position that a political solution to the conflict is the only way to achieve lasting stability in Afghanistan and the wider region. The UK welcomes both the agreement between the US and the Taliban, and the Joint Declaration between the United States and the Afghan Government. It is vital that the next step is a credible and inclusive peace process. The UK remains in close contact with the US about the situation in Afghanistan, peace efforts and the continuing NATO commitment to the Afghan National Security Forces.

The UK was represented at the funeral by our Deputy Ambassador.

HMG takes its arms export responsibilities seriously and operates one of the most robust arms export control regimes in the world. We can and do respond quickly and flexibly to changing or fluid international situations. We are able to review licences and suspend or revoke as necessary when circumstances require.

The UK has committed over £3.1 billion Official Development Assistance (ODA) in response to the Syria Crisis, our largest ever response to a single humanitarian crisis. No British Government funding is provided through financial transfers via Syrian Government institutions and affiliated agencies. UK ODA funding is spent through carefully vetted partners and is closely monitored to ensure that our assistance reaches those most in need and to provide that assurance to the British taxpayer.

The UK's position on the Assad regime is unchanged: it has lost its legitimacy due to its atrocities against the Syrian people. Only an inclusive, non-sectarian government can unite the country and protect the rights of all Syrians. Our priority is to end the conflict in Syria through a negotiated political settlement on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. We continue to strongly support the UN-led Constitutional Committee, and all efforts to create a safe, neutral environment that enables Syria to hold free and fair elections through which Syrians can choose their own government.

We are aware of media reports alleging Russian state links to the Wagner Group, and maintain an interest in this matter.

We are concerned by the recent escalation in Gaza, including indiscriminate rocket fire which places civilians at risk. Indiscriminate attacks against civilians are unacceptable and unjustifiable. The perpetual cycle of violence does not serve anyone's interests, and must end. Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence, and the right to defend their citizens from attack. In doing so, it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with International Humanitarian Law, and are calibrated to avoid civilian casualties. We call upon Hamas and other terrorist groups to permanently end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel. We urge all parties to adhere to the ceasefire arrangement.

The Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with his French and Italian counterparts about the situation in Libya and met to discuss Libya in Brussels on 7 January. The Prime Minister met President Macron and Prime Minister Conte at the Libya conference in Berlin on 19 January. Our governments agreed a set of conclusions at Berlin which the UN Security Council endorsed in Resolution 2510 of 12 February. This calls on all the parties, including the Libyan National Army, to support a lasting ceasefire and engage in a renewed political process under UN auspices.

The Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with his French and Italian counterparts about the situation in Libya and met to discuss Libya in Brussels on 7 January. The Prime Minister met President Macron and Prime Minister Conte at the Libya conference in Berlin on 19 January. Our governments agreed a set of conclusions at Berlin which the UN Security Council endorsed in Resolution 2510 of 12 February. This calls on all the parties, including the Libyan National Army, to support a lasting ceasefire and engage in a renewed political process under UN auspices.

The Government is in frequent contact with Egypt about the situation in Libya. The Foreign Secretary discussed it with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, in London on 21 January. The UK and Egypt supported the conclusions of the Berlin conference on Libya on 19 January that called for an end to external military support to the parties in Libya. The UN Security Council endorsed the Berlin conference conclusions in Resolution 2510 of 12 February.

We continue to monitor the situation in Syria very closely and keep the licensing position under review. As the Foreign Secretary told the House of Commons on 15 October 2019, no further export licences to Turkey for items which might be used in military operations in Syria will be granted while we do so. We take into account any developments in operations as part of our licensing process.

We are gravely concerned about the political and humanitarian situation in Syria, particularly in Idlib as a result of regime and Russian military action. As of 12 February, the UN reports that at least 832,000 people have been displaced since 1 December 2019, and many more are at risk of imminent further displacement. We are calling on all parties to adhere to previously agreed ceasefires and abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law. The former Minister for the Middle East and North Africa discussed the crisis in north-west Syria with Turkish counterparts as well as UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs, during a visit to Turkey on 5-6 February. We are committed to supporting the victims of this appalling conflict. The Syria crisis has been the UK's biggest ever humanitarian response, with the UK committing £2.81bn of support to Syria and the region since 2012, including a commitment of £400m at the Brussels III Conference in 2019.

The British High Commission in New Delhi and our network of Deputy High Commissions across India are following reports on the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens, as well as the Government of India's response. We raise our concerns with the Government of India. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon discussed the CAA, and public response to the legislation, with India's Minister of State for External Affairs on 19 December 2019. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials also raised the issue with the High Commission of India in London on 14 January.

The UK has long regarded protest as a key part of democratic society. Democratic governments must have the power to enforce law and order when a protest crosses the line into illegality, though we encourage all states to ensure their domestic laws are enforced in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights violations is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly, and transparently.

India has a proud history of inclusive government and religious tolerance. After his re-election, Prime Minister Modi promised to continue this. We trust the Government of India will provide reassurances to its citizens who are expressing concern about the impact this legislation may have. We will continue to monitor the situation.

We remain concerned about the persecution of Uyghur Muslims, Falun Gong practitioners, as well as Christians, Buddhists and others, in China on the grounds of their religion or belief. We have particularly serious concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang including the extra-judicial detention of over a million Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in “political re-education camps”. This is underpinned by extensive evidence. We are also concerned about the systematic restrictions on Uyghur culture and the practice of Islam, and extensive and invasive surveillance targeting minorities outside of the “camps”.

We remain deeply concerned about the persecution of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners and others on the grounds of their religion or belief in China. We regularly raise our concerns about human rights and freedom of religion or belief with the Chinese authorities at senior levels. Most recently our UK Ambassador to China raised our concerns with Vice Foreign Minister Qin Gang on 24 December 2019. We also regularly discuss the situation in Xinjiang with likeminded partners including at the UN. We have issued or joined a number of statements registering our concern in recent months: on 29 October 2019 at UN Third Committee, the UK read out a joint statement signed by 22 others drawing attention to the human rights violations and abuses in Xinjiang and called on China to uphold its obligations to respect human rights. On 26 September 2019 during an Urgent Question, the Foreign Secretary set out the UK’s position on the persecution of groups in China on the grounds of religion or belief. As the Foreign Secretary stated in the House, we are concerned that Chinese Government guidelines on unapproved religious activity, education and travel may restrict the peaceful observation of those rights.

​

There were no foreign governments present when His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq assumed his position. On 12 January 2020, three delegations from the United Kingdom offered condolences to His Majesty Sultan Haitham.

HRH The Prince of Wales was accompanied by his Deputy Private Secretary, Scott Furssedonn-Wood; Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Muscat, Hamish Cowell CMG; and the Director-General for Political Affairs at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Richard Moore CMG.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Muscat and other officials from No. 10.

The Secretary of State for Defence was accompanied by the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Defence Senior Adviser for the Middle East, officials from the British Embassy in Muscat and officials from the Ministry of Defence.

There are no official documents relating to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq assuming his position.

We remain deeply concerned about the persecution of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners and others on the grounds of their religion or belief in China. We regularly raise our concerns about human rights and freedom of religion or belief with the Chinese authorities at senior levels. Most recently our UK Ambassador to China raised our concerns with Vice Foreign Minister Qin Gang on 24 December 2019. We also regularly discuss the situation in Xinjiang with likeminded partners including at the UN. We have issued or joined a number of statements registering our concern in recent months: on 29 October 2019 at UN Third Committee, the UK read out a joint statement signed by 22 others drawing attention to the human rights violations and abuses in Xinjiang and called on China to uphold its obligations to respect human rights. On 26 September 2019 during an Urgent Question, the Foreign Secretary set out the UK’s position on the persecution of groups in China on the grounds of religion or belief. As the Foreign Secretary stated in the House, we are concerned that Chinese Government guidelines on unapproved religious activity, education and travel may restrict the peaceful observation of those rights.

​

There are no legal provisions in place that prevent UK nationals from unknowingly participating in China’s organ transplant system. Following the Westminster Hall Debate on Forced Organ Extraction on 26 March 2019, the former Minister for Asia and the Pacific commissioned from officials additional information on five countries/territories named by MPs during the Westminster Hall Debate as having such provisions. These findings were sent to the Home Office. Numbers of patients travelling to China for transplants are not collated.

There are no legal provisions in place that prevent UK nationals from unknowingly participating in China’s organ transplant system. Following the Westminster Hall Debate on Forced Organ Extraction on 26 March 2019, the former Minister for Asia and the Pacific commissioned from officials additional information on five countries/territories named by MPs during the Westminster Hall Debate as having such provisions. These findings were sent to the Home Office. Numbers of patients travelling to China for transplants are not collated.

The British Government has taken note of the views of the UN Human Rights Committee's in the case concerned, which are not legally binding. We also note that the Committee made wider comments, including on the responsibilities of receiving states in relation to non-refoulement where the effects of climate change have been a driver of migration. However under the 1951 Refugee Convention, climate change does not of itself constitute a basis for requesting/granting refugee status.

Evidence shows that climate extremes and environmental degradation are often amplifiers of other principal migration drivers (economic, social and political), but decisions to migrate are rarely mono-causal. We recognise the complexity of causes of migration and the importance of providing people with options for sustainable livelihoods that do not compel them to migrate. More broadly, as climate change increases its impact on migration it is imperative that efforts are redoubled to limit warming and to help vulnerable people to adapt to change. Climate change is a reality that requires greater and more coordinated adaptation and mitigation planning.

​Our thoughts are with Mr Kassem's family. The US Government has taken particular interest in Mr Kassem's case, since he was an American citizen. We regularly raise prison conditions and other human rights issues with the Egyptian Government, as we did through our contribution to Egypt's Universal Periodic Review in November 2019.

​We have the deepest sympathy for Giulio Regeni's family and their quest for justice for his appalling murder. We continue to follow the investigation into his death and to work closely with the Italian Government. We have raised with the Egyptian authorities at a senior level the need for a transparent and impartial investigation, in full co-operation with Italy, so that Mr Regeni's killers can be brought to justice.

In 2015 the then Foreign Secretary conveyed to his Egyptian counterpart our deep concern over the death of Shaimaa El-Sabbagh. We continue to raise human rights concerns with the Egyptian authorities, both privately and in forums such as the UN Humans Rights Council. Most recently, we raised human rights with the Egyptian delegation at a senior level in the margins of the UK-Africa Investment Summit.

​We are aware of press reports regarding the lions in Khartoum’s Al-Qureshi park and pleased that a local community committee has recently provided food and assistance. We urge the Sudanese authorities to ensure the continued welfare of the animals.

Following the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said on 10 January, a three day official condolence period began on 12 January. The UK was represented on the first day with three delegations led by HRH The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary, each of whom had an audience with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al Said.

Reports of attacks against students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) are concerning. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials raised the ongoing protests across India with the Indian High Commission in London on 14 January. We will continue to monitor the situation and raise our concerns with Indian officials where appropriate.

Our strategic aim remains to de-escalate tensions; to hold Iran to account for its destabilising regional activity; and to keep the diplomatic door open for Iran to negotiate a peaceful way forwards. Sanctions are only one of a number of tools available to the international community to achieve these goals. Sanctions relief in return for commitments by Iran is a core part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) – it is essential that Iran engage in good faith with the dispute resolution mechanism under the deal and return to full compliance with its commitments. We continue to support the JCPoA and have always said we regret US withdrawal from the deal and the re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran.

We are not aware of any developments on the proposed natural gas pipeline. Any project would have to seek their own legal advice about how to ensure international sanctions are not violated.

Reports of attacks against students at Jawaharlal Nehru University are concerning. The British High Commission in New Delhi and our network of Deputy High Commissions maintain a continuous assessment of the human rights situation across India, and raise our concerns with Indian officials where appropriate.

The Defence Secretary updated Parliament on this issue as part of his statement on 7 January. The safety and security of HMG personnel is of paramount importance and we keep our force protection measures under constant review.

Frontline health and social care workers make a valuable contribution to our society and we are so grateful for their continued work.

Income Tax is a tax paid on income and is therefore applied to grants and support payments made because of Coronavirus, including the NHS and social care financial recognition scheme.

Receiving a bonus may reduce the amount of support a claimant receives through means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit. This is because if a claimants’ earnings increase, they therefore have more money available to support themselves. It is a long-standing principle of means-tested benefits that as a person’s earnings increase their Government support decreases.

HM Treasury officials regularly discuss these, and similar issues, with the Welsh Government and other devolved administrations.

The UK Government is responsible for much of the rail infrastructure in Wales and therefore spends money on this infrastructure rather than providing Barnett-based funding for the Welsh Government to do so. This is consistent with funding arrangements for all other reserved responsibilities in Wales. For example, the UK Government spends money on policing in Wales rather than providing the Welsh Government with Barnett-based funding in relation to spending on police forces in England.

In line with this responsibility, the UK Government is currently delivering an ambitious programme to upgrade Welsh railways, including through the electrification of the Severn Tunnel and building a new station at Bow Street.

Full details of how comparability factors work are set out in the Statement of Funding Policy.

The UK Government is responsible for much of the rail infrastructure in Wales, and therefore spends money on this infrastructure rather than funding the Welsh Government to do so.

In line with this responsibility, the UK Government is currently delivering an ambitious programme to upgrade Welsh railways, including through the electrification of the Severn Tunnel and building a new station at Bow Street.

The Barnett formula is applied at fiscal events when departmental budgets are set rather than being applied when departments announce how they are spending their budgets. At the recent 2021 Spending Review the UK Government provided the Welsh Government with more than £18 billion on average each year over the spending review period. The Welsh Government will determine how to spend this on its devolved responsibilities.

The UK Government is responsible for much of the rail infrastructure in Wales, and therefore spends money on this infrastructure rather than funding the Welsh Government to do so.

In line with this responsibility, the UK Government is currently delivering an ambitious programme to upgrade Welsh railways, including through the electrification of the Severn Tunnel and building a new station at Bow Street.

The Barnett formula is applied at fiscal events when departmental budgets are set rather than being applied when departments announce how they are spending their budgets. At the recent 2021 Spending Review the UK Government provided the Welsh Government with more than £18 billion on average each year over the spending review period. The Welsh Government will determine how to spend this on its devolved responsibilities.

The UK Government is responsible for much of the rail infrastructure in Wales, and therefore spends money on this infrastructure rather than funding the Welsh Government to do so.

In line with this responsibility, the UK Government is currently delivering an ambitious programme to upgrade Welsh railways, including through the electrification of the Severn Tunnel and building a new station at Bow Street.

The Barnett formula is applied at fiscal events when departmental budgets are set rather than being applied when departments announce how they are spending their budgets. At the recent 2021 Spending Review the UK Government provided the Welsh Government with more than £18 billion on average each year over the spending review period. The Welsh Government will determine how to spend this on its devolved responsibilities.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer and other Treasury ministers engage with the Welsh Government and all of the devolved administrations regularly on a range of subjects, including VAT.

The Government currently maintains a zero rate of VAT on new-build residential properties.

The Government is committed to greening the economy; and investing in new affordable housing is a priority.

The Government is investing £12.2 billion over five years through the Affordable Homes Programmes; this is the largest cash investment in affordable housing for a decade and will provide up to 180,000 new homes across the country.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer and other Treasury ministers engage with the Welsh Government and all of the devolved administrations regularly on a range of subjects, including VAT.

The Government currently maintains a zero rate of VAT on new-build residential properties.

The Government is committed to greening the economy; and investing in new affordable housing is a priority.

The Government is investing £12.2 billion over five years through the Affordable Homes Programmes; this is the largest cash investment in affordable housing for a decade and will provide up to 180,000 new homes across the country.

The UK has been at the forefront of global efforts to update the international corporation tax framework in response to challenges created by digitisation, and it has played an active role at the OECD in helping to develop a comprehensive two-pillar solution.

The Chancellor has made it a priority of the UK’s G7 presidency to support progress towards a final agreement by mid-2021 and he has regular discussions with his counterparts on these issues.

The Barnett formula will apply in the usual way in relation to funding provided to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to introduce Freeports in England.

There are ongoing discussions with the devolved administrations to establish at least one Freeport in each of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as soon as possible.

We want to ensure that the whole of the UK can benefit from Freeports and we remain in ongoing discussions with the Welsh government to establish a Freeport in Wales as soon as possible.

Successful bidders in England will be able to access a share of £175m. This is capital spending to support the development of Freeport sites and should be matched by a mix of private sector investment, council borrowing and co-funding. The expectation is that all Freeports who have their business case accepted will get similar shares of the available £175 million fund. The amount accessed will depend on the submission of an outline business case (OBC).

It is for the Welsh Government to decide how much seed funding to provide to a Freeport in Wales. Through the application of the Barnett formula at the 2020 Spending Review, the Welsh Government is receiving around £123 per head in 2021-22 for every £100 per head spent by the UK Government on devolved matters in England. It is similarly for the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive to determine how much seed funding to allocate to Freeports in Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.

There are also a variety of benefits from Freeports, including on tax, customs, planning and innovation, and the seed funding is only one part of the offer available to ports and businesses.

We want to ensure that the whole of the UK can benefit from Freeports and we remain in ongoing discussions with the Welsh government to establish a Freeport in Wales as soon as possible.

Successful bidders in England will be able to access a share of £175m. This is capital spending to support the development of Freeport sites and should be matched by a mix of private sector investment, council borrowing and co-funding. The expectation is that all Freeports who have their business case accepted will get similar shares of the available £175 million fund. The amount accessed will depend on the submission of an outline business case (OBC).

It is for the Welsh Government to decide how much seed funding to provide to a Freeport in Wales. Through the application of the Barnett formula at the 2020 Spending Review, the Welsh Government is receiving around £123 per head in 2021-22 for every £100 per head spent by the UK Government on devolved matters in England. It is similarly for the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive to determine how much seed funding to allocate to Freeports in Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.

There are also a variety of benefits from Freeports, including on tax, customs, planning and innovation, and the seed funding is only one part of the offer available to ports and businesses.

We want to ensure that the whole of the UK can benefit from Freeports and we remain in ongoing discussions with the Welsh government to establish a Freeport in Wales as soon as possible.

Successful bidders in England will be able to access a share of £175m. This is capital spending to support the development of Freeport sites and should be matched by a mix of private sector investment, council borrowing and co-funding. The expectation is that all Freeports who have their business case accepted will get similar shares of the available £175 million fund. The amount accessed will depend on the submission of an outline business case (OBC).

It is for the Welsh Government to decide how much seed funding to provide to a Freeport in Wales. Through the application of the Barnett formula at the 2020 Spending Review, the Welsh Government is receiving around £123 per head in 2021-22 for every £100 per head spent by the UK Government on devolved matters in England. It is similarly for the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive to determine how much seed funding to allocate to Freeports in Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.

There are also a variety of benefits from Freeports, including on tax, customs, planning and innovation, and the seed funding is only one part of the offer available to ports and businesses.

The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 4 has not yet concluded and therefore this information is not known. The revenue raised will depend on the outcome of the upcoming plan-level Habitats Regulations Assessment, as well as how developers subsequently progress potential projects through to construction.

The Crown Estate publishes its financial returns in relation to all its activities in Wales on an annual basis. As set out in The Crown Estate’s most recent Wales Highlights Report, total revenue from offshore renewables in Wales in 2019-20, totalled £3.4 million, up from £3 million in 2018-19. Figures are not published for individual leasing rounds. [https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/media/3558/wales-highlights-2020.pdf]

The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 4 has not yet concluded and therefore this information is not known. The revenue raised will depend on the outcome of the upcoming plan-level Habitats Regulations Assessment, as well as how developers subsequently progress potential projects through to construction.

The Crown Estate publishes its financial returns in relation to all its activities in Wales on an annual basis. As set out in The Crown Estate’s most recent Wales Highlights Report, total revenue from offshore renewables in Wales in 2019-20, totalled £3.4 million, up from £3 million in 2018-19. Figures are not published for individual leasing rounds. [https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/media/3558/wales-highlights-2020.pdf]

In 2014 the government announced it would increase the minimum pension age from age 55 to age 57 from 2028.

This increase reflects trends in longevity and encourages individuals to remain in work, while also helping to ensure pension savings provide for later life.

The 2014 announcement set out the timetable for this change well in advance to enable people to make financial plans and will be legislated for in due course.

In 2014 the government announced it would increase the minimum pension age from age 55 to age 57 from 2028, reflecting trends in longevity and encouraging individuals to remain in work, while also helping to ensure pension savings provide for later life.

That announcement set out the timetable for this change well in advance to enable people to make financial plans and will be legislated for in due course.

In October 2019, HMRC published their updated impact assessment for the movement of goods for if the UK leaves the EU without a deal (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmrc-impact-assessment-for-the-movement-of-goods-if-the-uk-leaves-the-eu-without-a-deal/hmrc-impact-assessment-for-the-movement-of-goods-if-the-uk-leaves-the-eu-without-a-deal-third-edition). Should a deal be agreed with the EU, the Government will publish an impact assessment alongside introducing legislation to give effect to that deal.

The UK is leaving the EU’s customs union and single market at the end of this year, which will inevitably mean extra processes required for UK-EU trade. Most customs processes are electronic and done away from the border, including getting an EORI number and making plans for completing customs declarations, where traders will need a customs agent or their own software. Many businesses have already begun factoring in these new processes as part of their preparations for life outside the customs union and the Government urges others to do the same.

On 25 November, the Government and UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) published their response to the consultation on the timing of reform to the Retail Prices Index (RPI). Owing to shortcomings in its calculation, UKSA intends to bring the methods and data sources of the Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) into RPI.

The consultation launched at the Budget on 11 March 2020. Originally, the consultation was set to run for six weeks, closing on 22 April 2020. However, due to the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Chancellor and UKSA Board decided to extend the consultation to 21 August 2020. At the close of the consultation, the Government and UKSA had received 831 written responses. As Economic Secretary to the Treasury, in July 2020 I chaired two roundtables comprising representatives of index-linked gilt holders, to hear their views on the impact of the timing of reform. The details of these meetings can be found in Annex D of the response document.

As detailed in the response document, the holders of a majority of index-linked gilts are seeking to match inflation-linked liabilities. This means that they use the returns from index-linked gilts to hedge against inflation-linked liabilities. Such investors include some defined benefit (DB) pension schemes. How such schemes’ funding positions will be impacted by reform will depend on the extent to which they are hedged and the nature of their liabilities. For some DB pension schemes, a deterioration in their funding position means that existing deficits may increase, or that surpluses may be reduced. The vast majority of index-linked gilt investors who responded to the consultation noted a strong preference for UKSA’s proposal to be implemented as late as possible, i.e. in 2030, in order to allow index-linked gilt holders as much time as possible to adjust to the reform of the RPI and to minimise any potential negative impacts they may face.

As part of the response, the Chancellor announced that while he sees the statistical arguments of UKSA’s intended approach to reform, in order to minimise the impact of reform on the holders of index-linked gilts, he will be unable to offer his consent to the implementation of such a proposal before the maturity of the final specific index-linked gilt in 2030. As it stated in the response, it is UKSA policy to address the shortcomings of RPI in full at the earliest practical time. The change proposed can legally and practically be made by UKSA in February 2030.

For further information please see the consultation response at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-the-reform-to-retail-prices-index-rpi-methodology.

On 25 November, the Government and UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) published their response to the consultation on the timing of reform to the Retail Prices Index (RPI). Owing to shortcomings in its calculation, UKSA intends to bring the methods and data sources of the Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) into RPI.

The Government and UKSA engaged directly with a number of users and stakeholders to discuss the consultation. The consultation response document has been published and is available on the Government and UKSA’s websites, as below:

- https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-the-reform-to-retail-prices-index-rpi-methodology

- https://uksa.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/news/response-to-the-joint-consultation-on-reforming-the-methodology-of-the-retail-prices-index/

Under legislation, how RPI is changed is a matter for UKSA alone. This reflects the important principle established in the Act that UKSA’s judgement on statistics should be independent of Government. After expert advice from the National Statistician and following public consultation, UKSA intends to address the shortcomings in RPI by bringing in the methods and data sources of CPIH. This intended approach was made public in September 2019. Following consultation, UKSA confirmed publicly that the change proposed can legally and practically be made by UKSA in February 2030. It is the role of UKSA – as set out in legislation - to promote and safeguard official statistics.

On 25 November, the Government and UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) published their response to the consultation on the timing of reform to the Retail Prices Index (RPI). Owing to shortcomings in its calculation, UKSA intends to bring the methods and data sources of the Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) into RPI.

The Government and UKSA are mindful of the widespread use of RPI in the economy, and, as such, sought views in the consultation on the broader impacts of reform. The Government and UKSA received approximately 550 responses from members of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes whose benefits are linked to RPI.

It is apparent that some DB pension scheme members will be affected by UKSA’s reform of RPI. The effect of reform on the members of such schemes will depend on whether their benefits are linked to RPI under the trust deed and rules of the scheme.

The announcement in the response by the Chancellor and Authority Chair means that reform will not be implemented before 2030. The Government keeps the occupational pensions system under review and will continue to do so.

For further information please see the consultation response at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-the-reform-to-retail-prices-index-rpi-methodology.

The Retail Prices Index (RPI) is a measure of inflation with a number of shortcomings. To address these shortcomings, the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) has made a proposal to reform RPI by bringing the methods and data sources of the Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) into RPI. Owing to the use of RPI in specific index-linked gilts, prior to 2030 the Chancellor’s consent to this proposal is required before it can be implemented.

As outlined in the consultation document (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-the-reform-to-retail-prices-index-rpi-methodology), factors related to the impact of the proposal on the holders of index-linked gilts are likely to be relevant to the Chancellor’s decision on whether he would offer his consent to such a proposal before 2030. At the Budget in March, the government and UKSA launched a consultation to seek views on whether UKSA’s proposal should be implemented at a date other than 2030, and, if so, when between 2025 and 2030.

The consultation closed for responses on 21 August. The government and UKSA will respond to the consultation in the autumn. As Economic Secretary to the Treasury, in July 2020 I chaired two roundtables comprising representatives of index-linked gilt holders to hear their views on the impact of the timing of reform. Further details of these meetings will be published as part of the response to the consultation.

The Retail Prices Index (RPI) is a measure of inflation with a number of shortcomings. To address these shortcomings, the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) has made a proposal to reform RPI by bringing the methods and data sources of the Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) into RPI. Owing to the use of RPI in specific index-linked gilts, prior to 2030 the Chancellor’s consent to this proposal is required before it can be implemented.

At the Budget in March, the government and UKSA launched a consultation to consider whether UKSA’s proposal should be implemented at a date other than 2030, and, if so, when between 2025 and 2030. The consultation closed for responses on 21 August. As part of the consultation, the government has sought views on the broader impacts of the proposed reform of RPI.

The government and UKSA will respond to the consultation in the autumn.