Kevin Hollinrake Portrait

Kevin Hollinrake

Conservative - Thirsk and Malton

First elected: 7th May 2015

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

(since February 2023)

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill
7th Jun 2023 - 11th Jul 2023
Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill
1st Mar 2023 - 8th Mar 2023
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
27th Oct 2022 - 7th Feb 2023
Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill
30th Nov 2022 - 7th Dec 2022
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill
31st Oct 2022 - 29th Nov 2022
Treasury Sub-Committee on Financial Services Regulations
20th Jun 2022 - 21st Nov 2022
Treasury Committee
14th Dec 2021 - 21st Nov 2022
Carer’s Leave Bill
2nd Nov 2022 - 9th Nov 2022
Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Bill
1st Nov 2022 - 2nd Nov 2022
Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill
20th Jul 2022 - 7th Sep 2022
Treasury Committee Sub-Committee on Financial Services Regulations
20th Jun 2022 - 20th Jun 2022
Subsidy Control Bill
20th Oct 2021 - 18th Nov 2021
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee
13th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
13th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Armed Forces Bill Committee
26th Oct 2015 - 24th Nov 2015


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Kevin Hollinrake has voted in 907 divisions, and 7 times against the majority of their Party.

3 Nov 2021 - Committee on Standards - View Vote Context
Kevin Hollinrake voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative No votes vs 247 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 250 Noes - 232
22 Nov 2021 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Kevin Hollinrake voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 19 Conservative No votes vs 269 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 272 Noes - 246
2 Feb 2022 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Kevin Hollinrake voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative Aye votes vs 293 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 230 Noes - 301
30 Mar 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Kevin Hollinrake voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 72 Conservative Aye votes vs 175 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 215 Noes - 188
30 Mar 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Kevin Hollinrake voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Conservative No votes vs 245 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 247 Noes - 150
20 Apr 2022 - Nationality and Borders Bill - View Vote Context
Kevin Hollinrake voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 11 Conservative No votes vs 291 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 294 Noes - 242
25 Apr 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Kevin Hollinrake voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 11 Conservative No votes vs 280 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 282 Noes - 183
View All Kevin Hollinrake Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Seema Malhotra (Labour (Co-op))
Shadow Minister (Education)
(204 debate interactions)
Margaret Hodge (Labour)
(126 debate interactions)
Stephen Kinnock (Labour)
Shadow Minister (Home Office) (Immigration)
(79 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department for Business and Trade
(819 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(174 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Kevin Hollinrake's debates

Thirsk and Malton Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

The Government should bring forward legislation to allow assisted dying for adults who are terminally ill and have mental capacity. It should be permitted subject to strict upfront safeguards, assessed by two doctors independently, and self-administered by the dying person.

Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery (Wild Justice) believe that intensive grouse shooting is bad for people, the environment and wildlife. People; grouse shooting is economically insignificant when contrasted with other real and potential uses of the UK’s uplands.

Matthew was taken to, ‘a place of safety’, and died 7 days later.
24 others died by the same means, dating back to the year 2000. An indicator that little was done to address the growing problems.
Something went terribly wrong with the NHS Mental Health Services provided to my son.


Latest EDMs signed by Kevin Hollinrake

16th June 2020
Kevin Hollinrake signed this EDM on Tuesday 16th June 2020

China's new National Security Law for Hong Kong

Tabled by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
That this House notes with surprise and concern the decision by HSBC Bank Plc and Standard Chartered Plc to support China’s proposals for a new National Security Law in Hong Kong; recognises that financial institutions, particularly those enjoying the benefits and protections of being based in the UK, have a …
21 signatures
(Most recent: 15 Sep 2020)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 4
Scottish National Party: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 4
Conservative: 3
Independent: 2
Liberal Democrat: 2
Green Party: 1
Alba Party: 1
8th April 2019
Kevin Hollinrake signed this EDM on Monday 8th April 2019

ANTISEMITISM

Tabled by: Lord Mann (Non-affiliated - Bassetlaw)
That this House notes the contribution of one million euros made by Borussia Dortmund Football Club towards the expansion of Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Israel; congratulates the club for their commitment to the memory of the Holocaust and their ongoing action against modern day antisemitism; highlights an example of …
74 signatures
(Most recent: 3 Sep 2019)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 44
Conservative: 9
Independent: 7
Liberal Democrat: 4
Scottish National Party: 4
Crossbench: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Non-affiliated: 1
Plaid Cymru: 1
The Independent Group for Change: 1
View All Kevin Hollinrake's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Kevin Hollinrake, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Kevin Hollinrake has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Kevin Hollinrake

4 Bills introduced by Kevin Hollinrake


A Bill to make provision about leave and pay for employees whose children have died.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 13th September 2018 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision about the property and affairs of missing persons; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 27th April 2017 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make the offence of supplying or offering to supply a controlled drug aggravated when the person to whom the drug is supplied or offered is under 16; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 19th July 2022
(Read Debate)

A Bill to abolish business rates; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 12th January 2021

19 Bills co-sponsored by Kevin Hollinrake

Consumer Telephone Service Standards Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Robert Halfon (Con)

Non-Disclosure Agreements (No. 2) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Maria Miller (Con)

Whistleblowing Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Mary Robinson (Con)

Disposable Barbecues Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Robert Largan (Con)

Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021
Sponsor - Mike Amesbury (Lab)

Banking Services (Post Offices) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Duncan Baker (Con)

National Health Service Reserve Staff Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Alan Mak (Con)

Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies (Environmentally Sustainable Investment) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Anna McMorrin (Lab)

Ground Rents (Leasehold Properties) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Eddie Hughes (Con)

Freehold Properties (Management Charges) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Preet Kaur Gill (LAB)

Banking (Consumer and Small Business Protection) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Charlie Elphicke (Ind)

Climate Change (Net Zero UK Carbon Account) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alex Chalk (Con)

Parental Rights (Rapists) and Family Courts Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Louise Haigh (Lab)

Planning (Appeals) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - John Howell (Con)

Minimum Service Obligation (High Street Cashpoints) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Huw Merriman (Con)

National Health Service (Prohibition of Fax Machines and Pagers) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alan Mak (Con)

Construction (Retention Deposit Schemes) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Aldous (Con)

Banking and Post Office Services (Rural Areas and Small Communities) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Luke Graham (Con)

Child Maintenance (Assessment of Parents' Income) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Heidi Allen (LD)


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
25th Oct 2021
To ask the Attorney General, how many referrals the CPS received from the National Crime Agency for charging decisions under the Money Laundering Regulations in each of the last three years.

The number of referrals the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Specialist Fraud Division (SFD) has received from the National Crime Agency (NCA) for charging decisions under the Money Laundering Regulations for the last three years are as follows:

  • 4 cases received in 2018-19
  • 2 cases received in 2019-20
  • 4 cases received in 2020-21

CPS data is available through its Case Management System (CMS) and associated Management Information System (MIS). The CPS collects data to assist in the effective management of its prosecution functions. The CPS does not break down figures that constitute official statistics as defined in the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007.

However, the CPS is not able through either CMS or MIS to breakdown referrals to differentiate whether they were made by the police or other investigative organisations in England and Wales. On this occasion we have been able to provide the data because of a recent manual review, so whilst we have endeavoured to produce figures that are as accurate as possible, this data is subject to human error.

The official statistics relating to crime and policing are maintained by the Home Office and the official statistics relating to sentencing, criminal court proceedings, offenders brought to justice, the courts and the judiciary are maintained by the Ministry of Justice.

Alex Chalk
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
15th Oct 2021
To ask the Attorney General, how many (a) company self-referrals, (b) whistleblower, (c) victim, (d) professional advisory, (e) competitor and (f) other referrals have been made to the Serious Fraud Office in each financial year between 2015-16 and 2020-21.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) receives a large number of reports and referrals from multiple different sources relating to a wide range of offences. Whistleblower referrals have been routinely published in the SFO Annual Report on Whistleblowing Disclosures since 2017. The figures are set out below:

  • During the period from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021, the SFO managed 175 whistleblowing disclosures.
  • During the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020, the SFO managed 128 whistleblowing disclosures.
  • During the period from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019, the SFO managed 137 whistleblowing disclosures.
  • During the period from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018, the SFO managed 102 whistleblowing disclosures.

The SFO does not hold a detailed breakdown of the number of referrals within each of the other categories requested. However, the total number of all other referrals made to the SFO within the time period requested are set out below:

  • During the period from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 the SFO managed 1335 non whistleblower referrals.
  • During the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 the SFO managed 1160 non whistleblower referrals.
  • During the period from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 the SFO managed 1151 non whistleblower referrals.
  • During the period from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 the SFO managed 1045 non whistleblower referrals.
  • During the period from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 the SFO managed 1397 referrals – including whistleblower reports received in this financial year.
  • During the period from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 the SFO managed 2749 referrals – including whistleblower reports received in this financial year.
Alex Chalk
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
22nd Jul 2021
To ask the Attorney General, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the decision making process within the Serious Fraud Office on whether to open, continue or close a criminal investigation into a corporate entity.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has robust assurance processes in place to ensure effective decision-making on whether to open, continue, or close a criminal investigation into a corporate entity. This includes the SFO’s Case Evaluation Board (CEB) and Case Review Panels (CRPs), both of which are chaired by the SFO General Counsel.

The CEB reviews intelligence submissions against the Director’s Statement of Principle and assesses strategic and tactical risks, costs, and resource implications to make an informed recommendation to the Director on whether to initiate or decline an investigation. CRPs seek to scrutinise all cases at least twice a year to ensure that sound judgement and appropriate investigative and legal expertise are being used in cases, and that cases are progressing appropriately and comply with all relevant legal and operational guidance.

While the SFO exercises independence in its individual casework decisions, I am regularly updated by the Director and her senior leadership team on the SFO’s casework.

22nd Jul 2021
To ask the Attorney General, what the Serious Fraud Office’s conviction rate was for (a) individuals and (b) corporations in 2020-21.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO), by its specialist nature, takes on a relatively small number of large, complex economic crime cases which can take several years to investigate. This means that small changes in case numbers can lead to significant fluctuations in in the SFO’s conviction rate.

Against this context, in 2020-21 the SFO’s conviction rate for individuals was 67 percent, which included three convictions in the $1.7bn Unaoil bribery case and one guilty plea in the Petrofac bribery case. No corporations were brought to trial in 2020-21. The SFO also secured two Deferred Prosecution Agreements against corporates in 2020-21, returning £47.4m in fines and penalties to the UK taxpayer and compelling these organisations to reform.

21st Jul 2021
To ask the Attorney General, whether he has had a discussion with the Director of the Serious Fraud Office on a renewal or extension to the five-year appointment to that post.

I have had no discussions with the Director of the Serious Fraud Office on a renewal or extension to the five-year appointment to that post, which is not due to come to an end until August 2023.

9th Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent estimate he has made of the number of UK-based businesses with an annual turnover of between (a) £10,000 and £20,000, (b) £21,000 and £30,000, (c) £31,000 and £40,000, (d) £50,000 and £60,000 and (e) £70,000 and £85,000 in each of the last five years.

The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy does not hold data on the number of UK-based businesses with an annual turnover at the intervals provided in the question.

The Office for National Statistics publishes annual data on UK-based business with an annual turnover of between (a) £0-£49,000, (b) £50,000-£99,000, (c) £100,000-£249,000 etc.[1]

[1] ONS, UK Business: Activity, Size and Location (Table 11)

24th Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans his Department has to help support the British Business Bank strengthen its approach to countering fraud.

The Department already supports the British Business Bank (BBB) in its counter fraud activities and will continue to do so.

We work in partnership with BBB to support their compliance with the Government Functional Standards in Counter Fraud including the:-

  • Detection and Measurement of fraud,
  • Fraud Risk Assessments,
  • Measurement of fraud controls,
  • Investigation of fraud and
  • High level fraud analysis.

Further, we are working to strengthen the future approach to fraud. The department is currently working with BBB on an updated fraud strategy to address the challenges associated with the Bounce Back Loan and which for instance includes:-

  • Improved Management Information
  • Enhanced enforcement action
  • How insight from current schemes can be used to prevent fraud in future schemes administered by BBB on behalf of BEIS.
24th Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of the British Business Bank being required to set higher standards for lenders than the statutory minimum because public money is at stake.

Lenders accredited to deliver the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme are subject to the terms of Guarantee Agreements, which they must abide by to be eligible to make a claim under the Government guarantee.

The recovery principles outlined in these agreements are no less stringent than those applied to standard commercial lending.

24th Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to take steps to tackle disparities in basic lender performance of the British Business Bank, in response to some lenders putting in additional checks to counter fraud, while others did not.

All lenders continue to be subject to a robust audit and assurance process by the British Business Bank. If lenders don’t meet their obligations in the Guarantee Agreement the Bank can take remedial action including cancellation of the guarantee.

2nd Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure strict anti-money laundering and identity checks for directors are in place at the point of company formation on Companies House.

The Government has already committed to introduce identity verification for all directors at the point of incorporation with Companies House. Third parties that seek to form companies are already required to be supervised for anti-money laundering purposes. Under the reforms announced by the Government in September 2020, third parties will be required to register with Companies House and have their supervision confirmed before they will be permitted to request company formations.

1st Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effectiveness of the introduction of a market share cap, as opposed to managed shared audit, on preventing further corporate failures.

The Government’s White Paper on “Restoring Trust in Audit and Corporate Governance: Proposals for Reform” was published in March this year and proposed the introduction of managed shared audit as part of a package of measures, which together aim to improve corporate governance, quality of accounting, auditing and their regulation, and competition and resilience in in the FTSE 350 audit market, for the UK’s largest companies.

The Government is currently considering all submissions from stakeholders, in response to the White Paper and will publish a Government response to the consultation in due course.

1st Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the White Paper on Restoring trust in audit and corporate governance, what assessment he has made of whether managed shared audit is the most effect method of audit reform to improve resilience in the FTSE350.

The Government’s White Paper on “Restoring Trust in Audit and Corporate Governance: Proposals for Reform” was published in March this year and proposed the introduction of managed shared audit as part of a package of measures, which together aim to improve corporate governance, quality of accounting, auditing and their regulation, and competition and resilience in in the FTSE 350 audit market, for the UK’s largest companies.

The Government is currently considering all submissions from stakeholders, in response to the White Paper and will publish a Government response to the consultation in due course.

1st Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the new Audit Reporting and Governance Authority (ARGA) will take to work in partnership with investors, boards, auditors and other regulators to develop a world-class system of corporate governance in practice.

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has since December 2019 been undertaking a transformation programme to prepare for its transition to the Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority (ARGA). As part of this, the FRC has established a dedicated stakeholder engagement team to enable more extensive engagement and dialogue with investors, boards, auditors and other stakeholders on how the UK’s corporate governance and stewardship frameworks can continue to improve and embed good practice. Further details of this expanded outreach programme can be found in section 6 of the regulator’s latest Annual Report published in July 2021:

https://www.frc.org.uk/getattachment/985d9c2a-8a6d-4c8b-8172-06858edfabab/FRC-Annual-Report-and-Accounts-2020-21.pdf.

The new ARGA will take forward this dialogue and partnership working in line with new statutory objectives, as set out in the Government’s White Paper on ‘Restoring Trust in Audit and Corporate Governance’: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/restoring-trust-in-audit-and-corporate-governance-proposals-on-reforms.

3rd Sep 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to publish the Heat and Buildings Strategy.

The Government is planning to publish a Heat and Buildings Strategy in due course. The strategy will set out the immediate actions we will take for reducing emissions from buildings, as well as our approach to the key strategic decisions needed to achieve a mass transition to low-carbon heat.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has plans to create a single, independent regulatory body for insolvency practitioners before his power to do so expires in 2022 in accordance with the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.

The Government has conducted a call for evidence on Insolvency Practitioner regulation, which included seeking evidence and views on possible reforms of the regulatory framework. The Government will publish its response in due course.

25th Mar 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent improvements he has made to the whistleblowing regime; when he plans to begin his review of whistleblowing legislation; and what plans he has for a public consultation once that review has been completed.

The Government remains committed to reviewing the UK whistleblowing framework and will carry this out once sufficient time has passed for there to be the necessary evidence available to assess the impact of the most recent reforms. The scope and timing of such a review will be confirmed in due course.

The most recent change introduced in 2017 was a new legislative requirement for most prescribed persons to produce an annual report on whistleblowing disclosures made to them by workers.

23rd Mar 2021
What steps his Department is taking to increase renewable energy production.

The Government aims to deliver up to double the renewable electricity capacity at the next Contracts for Difference round at end of this year compared to AR3, while spending an estimated £1billion in 2020/21 to encourage the deployment of low carbon heating in homes and businesses through the Renewable Heat Incentive. We have also announced the Clean Heat Grant, the Green Heat Network Fund and will launch the Green Gas Support Scheme later this year.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Mar 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the increase in (a) temporary closures and (b) part-time opening of post offices on communities and community access to essential services across the UK; and if he will make a statement.

While the Post Office is publicly owned, it is a commercial business that operates independently of the Government. With a network of over 11,500 branches across the UK, it is inevitable there will be variations in the number of branches open at any one time. Where branches do temporarily close, the Post Office strives to find solutions, like mobile vans and other types of outreach services, before reinstating a bricks-and-mortar service offer.


I am committed to ensuring that everyone in the country can access essential services via the Post Office conveniently and locally. That is why Post Office Limited must ensure Network Access Criteria are met. These ensure that 99% of the population are within three miles of their nearest post office and 90% are within one mile, with additional requirements set for rural, urban and deprived urban customers.

24th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of UK whistleblowing legislation to (a) ensure that it keeps pace with international developments and (b) maintain the UK’s position on worker rights.

The Government recognises how valuable it is that whistleblowers are prepared to shine a light on wrongdoing and believes that they should be able to do so without fear of recrimination. We have also been clear that there will be no reduction in workers’ rights.

The Government remains committed to reviewing the UK whistleblowing framework and will carry this out once sufficient time has passed for there to be the necessary evidence available to assess the impact of reforms. The most recent change introduced in 2017 was a new legislative requirement for most prescribed persons to produce an annual report on whistleblowing disclosures made to them by workers.

8th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the extent to which businesses are on track to meet the Government’s 2050 net zero target.

This year, the eyes of the world will be on the UK as we host the G7 and COP26. Business action on climate is vitally important to achieving a successful summit and presidency and meeting net zero emissions by 2050. Together these provide an excellent opportunity to showcase businesses as global leaders in tackling climate change in the year leading up to COP26.

The Government has appointed my Hon. Friend the Member for Arundel and South Downs (Andrew Griffith) as the UK Net Zero Business Champion for COP26. Andrew will drive the action needed to encourage UK businesses to sign up to the Race to Zero. This sends the strongest signal to markets, supply chains, governments and consumers that businesses are committed to the Net Zero transition.

We have met our emissions reductions targets to date, and to monitor emissions across all sectors of the economy, BEIS publishes an annual assessment of projected emissions, including those from business and industry, as part of the department’s Energy and Emissions Projections (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/energy-and-emissions-projections).

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
8th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if his Department will work with regulators to expand the definition of microbusiness in the (a) energy and (b) communications sectors to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises have access to redress.

The independent GB regulator, Ofgem, defines a microbusiness as - employing 10 or fewer full-time employees with an annual turnover of 2m Euros or less OR typically spending £10,000-£12,000 per year on gas or electricity.

An energy supply licence obligates suppliers to proactively identify their microbusiness customers and provide information on their formal complaints process. If microbusinesses cannot resolve their complaints in this way, they can complain to the Energy Ombudsman.

Ofcom, the independent UK telecommunications services regulator, has put in place general conditions, which all communication providers must follow, that offer protections to businesses of any size relating to specific provisions on contracting, tariff information, billing procedures and number porting. Ofcom's rules also provide additional protections to businesses with fewer than 10 employees, including access to alternative dispute resolution and protections against mis-selling. All providers must be registered with either the Consumer Ombudsman or the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution.

The Government takes the view that larger businesses are better able to represent their interests by negotiating contracts for supply, and to make use of approved dispute resolution procedures where necessary.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will ensure that the successor loan scheme to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will continue the distinct individual guarantee cover and portfolio cap level for charities and social enterprises.

Details on the terms of the successor loan scheme will be announced in due course.

The Government takes very seriously the economic impact of Covid-19 on charities and social enterprises.

However, I can confirm that the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme does not feature different guarantee levels (either for individual loans or at the portfolio level) for charities and social enterprises.

4th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will ensure that the successor loan scheme to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will continue the exemption of creditworthy charities and social enterprises from the over 50 per cent trading criteria.

Details on the terms of the successor loan scheme will be announced in due course.

The Government takes very seriously the economic impact of Covid-19 on charities and social enterprises.

However, I can confirm that the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme does not feature different guarantee levels (either for individual loans or at the portfolio level) for charities and social enterprises.

4th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will ensure that the successor scheme to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme takes into account the specific needs of charities and social enterprises.

Details on the terms of the successor loan scheme will be announced in due course.

The Government takes very seriously the economic impact of Covid-19 on charities and social enterprises.

However, I can confirm that the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme does not feature different guarantee levels (either for individual loans or at the portfolio level) for charities and social enterprises.

15th Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of businesses unable to repay debt resulting from the effects of the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government will continue to work closely with local authorities, businesses, and business representative organisations to understand the impact of Covid-19 on businesses. This will include consideration of how payments for deferred VAT and loan repayments will impact businesses from March 2021.

We are developing a consistent industry-wide approach to the collections and recoveries of Bounce Back loans. This will ensure that lenders understand the full range of support they can provide to borrowers struggling to repay their loans.

8th Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Stragtegy, what steps he is taking to help businesses manage debt resulting from the effects of the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government has provided a comprehensive package of support to help businesses that have been affected by Covid-19. This package includes the small business grants, the coronavirus loan schemes, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, as well as deferral of income tax payments.

The Government will continue to work closely with local authorities, businesses, and business representative organisations to understand the impact of Covid-19 on businesses. This will include consideration of how payments for deferred VAT and loan repayments will impact businesses from March 2021.

We are developing a consistent industry-wide approach to the collections and recoveries of Bounce Back loans. This will ensure that lenders understand the full range of support they can provide to borrowers struggling to repay their loans. The British Business Bank has created the online Finance Hub[1] which details potential types and sources of business finance and guidance.

Firms can access wide variety of government free support and advice online and in person on .gov.uk, the Business Support Helpline and the network of 38 Growth Hubs in England. The devolved administrations have their own business support service.

The Recovery Advice for Business scheme, supported by the government and hosted on the Enterprise Nation website[2], offers small firms access to free, one-to-one advice with an expert adviser to help them through the coronavirus pandemic and to prepare for long-term recovery.

In addition, Government has brought forward £5 billion of capital investment projects, supporting jobs and the overall economic recovery. £111million has been announced to triple the scale of traineeships, ensuring that more young people have access to high quality training needed for future jobs.

[1] https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/

[2] https://www.enterprisenation.com/freesupport/

8th Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy what plans he has to support companies facing insolvency as a result of debt arising from the effects of the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government has provided a comprehensive package of support to help businesses that have been affected by Covid-19. This package includes the small business grants, the coronavirus loan schemes, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, as well as deferral of income tax payments.

The Government will continue to work closely with local authorities, businesses, and business representative organisations to understand the impact of Covid-19 on businesses. This will include consideration of how payments for deferred VAT and loan repayments will impact businesses from March 2021.

We are developing a consistent industry-wide approach to the collections and recoveries of Bounce Back loans. This will ensure that lenders understand the full range of support they can provide to borrowers struggling to repay their loans. The British Business Bank has created the online Finance Hub[1] which details potential types and sources of business finance and guidance.

Firms can access wide variety of government free support and advice online and in person on .gov.uk, the Business Support Helpline and the network of 38 Growth Hubs in England. The devolved administrations have their own business support service.

The Recovery Advice for Business scheme, supported by the government and hosted on the Enterprise Nation website[2], offers small firms access to free, one-to-one advice with an expert adviser to help them through the coronavirus pandemic and to prepare for long-term recovery.

In addition, Government has brought forward £5 billion of capital investment projects, supporting jobs and the overall economic recovery. £111million has been announced to triple the scale of traineeships, ensuring that more young people have access to high quality training needed for future jobs.

[1] https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/

[2] https://www.enterprisenation.com/freesupport/

8th Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to help businesses who are in debt from the effects of the covid-19 to raise capital.

The Government has provided a comprehensive package of support to help businesses that have been affected by Covid-19. This package includes the small business grants, the coronavirus loan schemes, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, as well as deferral of income tax payments.

The Government will continue to work closely with local authorities, businesses, and business representative organisations to understand the impact of Covid-19 on businesses. This will include consideration of how payments for deferred VAT and loan repayments will impact businesses from March 2021.

We are developing a consistent industry-wide approach to the collections and recoveries of Bounce Back loans. This will ensure that lenders understand the full range of support they can provide to borrowers struggling to repay their loans. The British Business Bank has created the online Finance Hub[1] which details potential types and sources of business finance and guidance.

Firms can access wide variety of government free support and advice online and in person on .gov.uk, the Business Support Helpline and the network of 38 Growth Hubs in England. The devolved administrations have their own business support service.

The Recovery Advice for Business scheme, supported by the government and hosted on the Enterprise Nation website[2], offers small firms access to free, one-to-one advice with an expert adviser to help them through the coronavirus pandemic and to prepare for long-term recovery.

In addition, Government has brought forward £5 billion of capital investment projects, supporting jobs and the overall economic recovery. £111million has been announced to triple the scale of traineeships, ensuring that more young people have access to high quality training needed for future jobs.

[1] https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/

[2] https://www.enterprisenation.com/freesupport/

7th Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he (a) holds information and (b) has received representations on the exclusion by the Post Office from the Horizon historical shortfall compensation scheme of the (i) 550 litigants who brought the Horizon scandal to light and (ii) (A) 600 subpostmasters employed through McColls and (B) 500 subpostmasters employed through the Co-op who were also affected by the Horizon system; and if he will make a statement.

The Historical Shortfall Scheme was designed for postmasters and companies who had or have a direct contract with Post Office, and therefore the individual or company had potential contractual liability for shortfalls found under previous versions of Horizon. On this basis, companies such as McColls and Co-Op were eligible to apply for the scheme. Claims could include consequential losses where appropriate. Assistants of postmasters or employees of other companies are not be eligible, as they had no contract with or contractual liability directly to the Post Office.

The Historical Shortfalls Scheme was designed for postmasters or companies who were not part of the group litigation and have had issues with historical shortfalls recorded in Horizon and want these to be investigated and addressed. Claimants in the settled litigation were therefore not eligible for the Historical Shortfalls Scheme.

28th Aug 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many sub-postmasters employed directly by McColls stores are known to have been removed from their employment as managers of branch sub Post Offices in McColls stores on grounds of alleged shortfalls in their Post Office Horizon branch accounts since 2000.

The Government recognises the critical role that post offices play in communities and for small businesses across the UK.

While the Government sets?the strategic direction for the Post Office, it allows the company the commercial freedom to deliver this strategy as an independent business. As such, the number of postmasters employed by McColls and who were subsequently removed as managers on grounds of alleged Horizon shortfalls are an?operational matter for?Post Office Limited.

?I have asked Nick Read, the Group Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to the Hon. Member about this matter. A copy of his reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House.??

15th Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to bring forward changes to the Undertaking in Difficulty rules.

Although the UK has left the EU, under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement the EU State aid rules continue to apply in the UK until the end of the Transition Period. The rules are an exclusive competence of the European Commission and it is not within the power of the United Kingdom or any EU Member State to unilaterally vary or suspend them.

The Government has announced that following the end of the Transition Period, a new domestic subsidy control regime will replace the EU State aid rules. The treatment of firms in difficulty will be considered as part of the work to develop the new regime, which will also take into account, amongst other factors, the arrangements agreed under the Northern Ireland Protocol. Announcements on the new regime will be made in due course.

17th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with representatives from businesses on (a) investment plans and (b) the potential for job creation in shovel-ready hydrogen projects.

We are in regular discussions with businesses about their investment plans for hydrogen projects, including those that are ready for very near-term deployment. In addition we are undertaking extensive stakeholder engagement as we develop new policy to help bring forward the technologies and supply chain we will need to grow the UK hydrogen economy.

We recently published the Energy Innovation Needs Assessment (EINA) for hydrogen and fuel cells which identified that up to 15,000 jobs per annum by 2050 could be created through domestic hydrogen opportunities.

We are also looking to formalise regular engagement between Government and industry to discuss and drive development if the UK hydrogen economy. This will consider how we can best work together to retain and expand jobs and skills in hydrogen and related sectors; as well as developing the UK supply chain.

17th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with businesses about (a) investment plans and (b) potential for jobs in shovel-ready hydrogen projects.

We are in regular discussions with businesses about their investment plans for hydrogen projects, including those that are ready for very near-term deployment. In addition we are undertaking extensive stakeholder engagement as we develop new policy to help bring forward the technologies and supply chain we will need to grow the UK hydrogen economy.

We recently published the Energy Innovation Needs Assessment (EINA) for hydrogen and fuel cells which identified that up to 15,000 jobs per annum by 2050 could be created through domestic hydrogen opportunities.

We are also looking to formalise regular engagement between Government and industry to discuss and drive development if the UK hydrogen economy. This will consider how we can best work together to retain and expand jobs and skills in hydrogen and related sectors; as well as developing the UK supply chain.

9th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to publish its response to its consultation on corporate transparency and register reform before the 2020 summer recess.

The Government is currently considering a broad package of reforms to Companies House to ensure it is fit for the future and continues to contribute to the UK’s business environment. This would amount to the most significant reform of the UK’s company registration framework since a?companies?register was first introduced in 1844, and it is important, therefore, to take the time to get it right.

The consultation received a significant number of responses and an official government response with proposals for the way forward will be published in due course.

9th Jun 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the consultation published by his Department on 5 May 2019 on corporate transparency and register reform, what assessment he has made of the level of resources required by Companies House to implement the reforms recommended in that consultation.

Companies House ensures it has the appropriate amount of resources to effectively manage the register. Staffing levels are made available in the Companies House Annual Report which is published after the end of the financial year.

The Department’s consultation received a significant number of responses and an official government response with proposals for the way forward will be published in due course. An assessment of the staffing levels required to implement the recommended reforms will be finalised as the proposals are finalised.

As proposals under the consultation have not yet been finalised, the staffing levels required have not been finalised.

5th Mar 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government has plans to encourage (a) Ofgem and (b) Ofcom to cooperate on producing guidance for best practice in their dealings with SMEs operating in the (i) energy, (ii) communications and (iii) other sectors.

The Government wants all consumers to pay a fair price for their energy. In 2019 Ofgem launched a Strategic Review of the Microbusiness Retail Market to better understand the customer journey for microbusinesses and consider what solutions may be necessary to safeguard them as consumers. The regulator plans to publish a consultation this spring setting out its detailed policy solutions in response to the Review’s findings.

Microbusinesses display similar characteristics to domestic consumers when buying energy. Therefore, where they have exhausted their energy company’s own complaints procedure, businesses with up to 10 employees can make a complaint to the Ombudsman Services: Energy.

Larger businesses are more likely to be able to effectively procure their energy supply, as they procure other commodities for their businesses.


The Communications Act 2003 places a duty on Ofcom to ensure that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures are available for domestic and small business customers (defined as up to 10 employees). All communications providers must be a member of an approved scheme, Ofcom currently approves two ADR Schemes: Ombudsman Services: Communications (OS) and the Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS).

In 2019 Ofcom published an independent review of the two approved ADR schemes. The review found that both schemes show a high level of decision-making accuracy with regard to case acceptance or rejection, and Ofcom is satisfied that both ADR Schemes are following the requirements set out in the ADR regulations and the Communications Act.

It is for Ofgem and Ofcom to review the evidence and to work with Government to determine whether further regulatory intervention, or other steps, are necessary to assist SMEs.

Though there are currently no plans to offer joint guidance between Ofcom, Ofgem and the FCA, they continue to cooperate on dealing with issues affecting SMEs in their respective sectors.

5th Mar 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will introduce a redress service for SMEs in the (a) energy and (b) communications sectors that is equivalent to that service offered by the Financial Ombudsman Service to SMEs operating in the financial sector.

The Government wants all consumers to pay a fair price for their energy. In 2019 Ofgem launched a Strategic Review of the Microbusiness Retail Market to better understand the customer journey for microbusinesses and consider what solutions may be necessary to safeguard them as consumers. The regulator plans to publish a consultation this spring setting out its detailed policy solutions in response to the Review’s findings.

Microbusinesses display similar characteristics to domestic consumers when buying energy. Therefore, where they have exhausted their energy company’s own complaints procedure, businesses with up to 10 employees can make a complaint to the Ombudsman Services: Energy.

Larger businesses are more likely to be able to effectively procure their energy supply, as they procure other commodities for their businesses.


The Communications Act 2003 places a duty on Ofcom to ensure that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures are available for domestic and small business customers (defined as up to 10 employees). All communications providers must be a member of an approved scheme, Ofcom currently approves two ADR Schemes: Ombudsman Services: Communications (OS) and the Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS).

In 2019 Ofcom published an independent review of the two approved ADR schemes. The review found that both schemes show a high level of decision-making accuracy with regard to case acceptance or rejection, and Ofcom is satisfied that both ADR Schemes are following the requirements set out in the ADR regulations and the Communications Act.

It is for Ofgem and Ofcom to review the evidence and to work with Government to determine whether further regulatory intervention, or other steps, are necessary to assist SMEs.

Though there are currently no plans to offer joint guidance between Ofcom, Ofgem and the FCA, they continue to cooperate on dealing with issues affecting SMEs in their respective sectors.

5th Mar 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the definition of a microbusiness on access to complaint handling and dispute resolution processes by SMEs in the (a) energy and (b) communications sectors.

The Government wants all consumers to pay a fair price for their energy. In 2019 Ofgem launched a Strategic Review of the Microbusiness Retail Market to better understand the customer journey for microbusinesses and consider what solutions may be necessary to safeguard them as consumers. The regulator plans to publish a consultation this spring setting out its detailed policy solutions in response to the Review’s findings.

Microbusinesses display similar characteristics to domestic consumers when buying energy. Therefore, where they have exhausted their energy company’s own complaints procedure, businesses with up to 10 employees can make a complaint to the Ombudsman Services: Energy.

Larger businesses are more likely to be able to effectively procure their energy supply, as they procure other commodities for their businesses.


The Communications Act 2003 places a duty on Ofcom to ensure that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures are available for domestic and small business customers (defined as up to 10 employees). All communications providers must be a member of an approved scheme, Ofcom currently approves two ADR Schemes: Ombudsman Services: Communications (OS) and the Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS).

In 2019 Ofcom published an independent review of the two approved ADR schemes. The review found that both schemes show a high level of decision-making accuracy with regard to case acceptance or rejection, and Ofcom is satisfied that both ADR Schemes are following the requirements set out in the ADR regulations and the Communications Act.

It is for Ofgem and Ofcom to review the evidence and to work with Government to determine whether further regulatory intervention, or other steps, are necessary to assist SMEs.

Though there are currently no plans to offer joint guidance between Ofcom, Ofgem and the FCA, they continue to cooperate on dealing with issues affecting SMEs in their respective sectors.

16th Jan 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps she is taking to support the deployment of rooftop solar PV; and if she will make a statement.

Low carbon electricity, including solar – whether at the household level or the national level – is central to the transition to the smart and flexible energy systems of the future.

Since 2010, we have quadrupled the electricity we generate from renewables – installing 99% of the UK’s solar capacity and over 800,000 installations – exceeding our historic projections on solar PV deployment. We now have over 13.3GW of solar capacity installed in the UK, which is enough to power over 3 million UK homes.

The Smart Export Guarantee, which came into force on 1 January 2020, gives small scale low-carbon electricity generators, such as homes with solar panels, the right to be paid for the renewable electricity they export to the grid. Renewable generators now have a several competitive tariffs to choose from, in some cases even higher than the FIT export tariff.

Permitted development rights have been introduced allowing the installation of solar panels up to 1 megawatt on domestic properties, schools, businesses and farm buildings without any need for planning permission.

16th Jan 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to encourage (a) innovation and (b) product development in the UK solar PV industry.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) provides grant funding to innovative businesses in many different ways, including Innovate UK‘s SMART grants, which deliver ambitious R&D innovations that can make a significant impact on the UK economy.

Through the Clean Growth Strategy, BEIS has committed £900 million of public funds to innovation, which includes £177 million to further reduce the cost of renewables.

We are also investing over £3 billion to support low carbon innovation in the UK up to 2021, to ensure that the UK continues to reap the benefits from the transition to a low carbon economy.

30th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the Gratitude Games.

The Government recognises the impact that sport and physical activity has on physical and mental health, and the importance of welfare and wellbeing for everyone participating in sport at all levels.

The Government's role in the support of bidding for and hosting major sporting events is set out in the Gold Framework. The Gratitude Games do not meet the criteria as set out in the Gold Framework and therefore would not be within scope for support. We encourage all organisations to continue to work together to support mental health through sport and physical activity.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
18th Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, in what way her Department plans to consult the British racing industry prior to the publication of the Gambling Act Review White Paper.

The Gambling Act Review is wide-ranging and aims to ensure that the regulation of gambling is fit for the digital age. We will publish a white paper setting out our conclusions and next steps in the coming months.

Ministers and officials have meetings with various stakeholders to support ongoing work and policy development. There has also been a wide-ranging series of meetings to support the Gambling Act Review, including with representatives of the racing industry. Records of ministerial meetings are published quarterly and are available on GOV.UK.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
30th Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure professional athletes can train visa free for more than 180 days outside the UK.

It is up to the individual (including professional athletes) to check the rules of each country they intend to travel to ahead of time, whether an EU member state or non-EU country, in case they need to apply for a visa, work permit, or provide other documentation. UK nationals are able to travel visa-free to the Schengen Area for short-term visits (up to 90 days in 180) for a limited number of activities, including attending sporting events, tourism and short-term study. For those undertaking longer-term stays (exceeding the 90 days limit), a visa and/or work permit may be required directly from the host nation.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
17th Mar 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether indoor play centres and other children’s activities in venues for that purpose can commence from 12 April 2021 as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

The ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ published 22 February advises that indoor entertainment and visitor attractions can resume at Step 3, which will commence no earlier than 17 May. This includes indoor play centres.

The timings outlined in the roadmap are indicative, and the Government will be led by data, rather than fixed dates. Before taking each step, the Government will review the latest data and will only ease restrictions further if it is safe to do so. The indicative, ‘no earlier than’ dates in the roadmap are all contingent on the data and subject to change.

Each full step of the roadmap will be informed by the latest available science and data and will be five weeks apart in order to provide time to assess the data and provide one week’s notice to businesses and individuals.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he plans to take to ensure that the consultation on Remote customer interaction published by the Gambling Commission aligns with the Government’s forthcoming review of the Gambling Act 2005.

The Gambling Commission requires operators to monitor play and to intervene where players may be at risk of harm. Its consultation and call for evidence on Remote Customer Interaction is considering whether further requirements are needed for how operators identify and interact with customers who may be at risk.

The Commission will be led by the evidence it receives in deciding its next steps, and its findings may also inform its advice to government on the Review of the Gambling Act 2005. Following a one month extension to allow extra evidence to be submitted, the deadline for submissions was 9 February.

The government launched the Review of the Gambling Act 2005 in December with a Call for Evidence, which runs until 31 March. The Review aims to strike the right balance between preventing harm and respecting consumers’ freedom of choice. More information about the Call for Evidence and how to make a submission is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-gambling-act-2005-terms-of-reference-and-call-for-evidence/review-of-the-gambling-act-2005-terms-of-reference-and-call-for-evidence

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
12th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether class 3B agricultural land is classified as best and most versatile land in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Best and most versatile agricultural land (BMVAL) is defined in the National Planning Policy Framework and Natural England’s ‘Guide to assessing development proposals on agricultural land’ as land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification.

1st Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether it his Department's policy to reach a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU.

The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) remains the starting point for our new relationship. The sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) chapter of the TCA puts in place a framework 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.

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

Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
19th Apr 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Canal & River Trust on securing the long-term future of canals and waterways and the wider benefits they provide.

Defra is working with the Canal and River Trust on the current review of the Government’s annual grant funding for the Trust, as required by the 2012 Grant Agreement. The review will inform a decision about any future grant funding from 2027.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)