Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
These initiatives were driven by Lord Berkeley, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
A Bill to amend the Sovereign Grant Act 2011; to amend the succession to the title of the Duke of Cornwall; to redistribute the Duchy of Cornwall estate; and to remove the requirement for a Parliament to obtain the Queen's or Prince's consent to consideration of Bills passing through Parliament.
To establish a Marine Navigation Aids Commission; to establish an Office of Marine Navigation Aids Regulation; to amend the Merchant Shipping Act 1995; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to Amend the succession to the title of Duke of Cornwall, to remove the presumption of Crown immunity applying to the Duke of Cornwall and Duchy of Cornwall; to remove certain exemptions and immunities from the Duke of Cornwall and Duchy of Cornwall; to allow the present Duke of Cornwall to purchase land and estates in land throughout the United Kingdom; to make provision about legal representation of and legal advice given to the Duke and Duchy of Cornwall; and to provide that the Duchy of Cornwall shall become subject to the Crown Estate Act 1961
A bill to amend the succession to the title of Duke of Cornwall; to remove various powers, exemptions and immunities from the Duchy of Cornwall; to make provisions relating to the Treasury Solicitor and any solicitor or attorney appointed in the affairs of the Duchy; and for connected purposes
A Bill to amend the succession to the title of the Duke of Cornwall, to remove the presumption of Crown Immunity applying to the Duchy of Cornwall, to remove various powers, exemptions and immunities from the Duchy of Cornwall, to confirm the right to Royal Mines within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly vests in the Crown, to provide the right to Treasure Trove, bona vacantia and escheat within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly lies with the Crown and to provide that any attorney or solicitor appointed in the affairs of the Duchy of Cornwall shall be called to the Bar or hold a practising certificate as appropriate; and for connected purposes
A Bill To amend the succession to the title of the Duke of Cornwall, to remove the presumption of Crown Immunity applying to the Duchy of Cornwall, to remove various exemptions and immunities from the Duchy of Cornwall, to confirm the right to Royal Mines within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly vests in the Crown, to provide the right to Treasure Trove, bona vacantia and escheat within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly lies with the Crown and to provide that any attorney or solicitor appointed in the affairs of the Duchy of Cornwall shall be called to the Bar or hold a practising certificate as appropriate. Lord Berkeley Ordered to be Printed, 10th June 2014
A bill to make provision about marine navigation.
First reading took place on 26 March. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled. A bill to amend the Sovereign Grant Act 2011; amend the succession to the title of the Duke of Cornwall; re-distribute the Duchy of Cornwall estate; and to remove the requirement for a Parliament to obtain Queen or Prince's consent to consideration of bills passing through Parliament.
First reading took place on 5 July. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.The 2010-12 session of parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
Lord Berkeley has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting
Annual Fire Drills are required to be established and implemented by the Responsible Persons as set out in Article 15 (a) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The records that have been possible to investigate do not provide detail of evacuations for the past 20 years. The information below, taken from Fire Safety Committee reports, details full evacuations across the Estate on the following dates:
2016: 29 February and 31 October
2017: 10 July
2018: 21 May and 17 December
2019: 24 June
2020: Evacuation drills were scheduled for June and December but were postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions and advice on social distancing
2021: 13 September
2022: 7 February and 6 December
2023: 22 May
1. All fire drills are undertaken across the whole of The Palace of Westminster.
2. The main Committee corridor is evacuated under the Palace of Westminster drill.
3. None of the drills listed above have been undertaken while the House is sitting. The Services Committee discussed a possible evacuation when the Palace is at its busiest at its July 2023 meeting.
4. The efficacy of the evacuation process relies on suitably trained staff across the estate to assist with each evacuation. House of Lords Doorkeepers have received specific fire safety training on the evacuation of the Chamber. Other areas are managed by Security staff and House of Lords administration staff who have volunteered to be Fire Marshals and have undertaken training on evacuations. Specific drills have used volunteers to simulate mobility impaired persons in June 2019 and December 2022, and as part of an evacuation of a Lords Committee drill in January 2020.
5. All drills incorporate the general public and all staff working in the area, they also incorporate any other events happening in the Palace at the time including line of route tours, catering events and educational tours.
6. All evacuations lead to reports issued to the Fire Safety Committee. Actions arising from these reports are communicated to the House of Lords Services Committee and are reported on by both the Director of Estates for the House of Lords and the Fire Safety Team. The minutes of the Services Committee are available online and in the Printed Paper Office.
The Estates and Fire Risk Management Team also report annually on the completion statistics for fire training across the House of Lords Estate and on the latest fire drills undertaken.
The Committee of Selection considers nominations for memberships of select committees, including hybrid bill committees, and makes recommendations to the House. Nominations are submitted by the usual channels and the choice of nominations is up to each party or group.
Hybrid bill committees are unlike other select committees in that they perform a quasi-judicial function. There is an expectation that the choice of nominations will consider the importance of ensuring that the committee is perceived as enabling parties to the proceedings to receive a fair adjudication. In addition, Private Business Standing Order 96 provides that a member with an interest in the outcome of a private bill may not serve on the committee on the bill. This is set out in the footnote on page 11 of the Guide to the Code of Conduct (Twelfth Edition: June 2022). Private Business Standing Orders apply to the private bill procedure element of hybrid bills. The usual channels and the Committee of Selection are cognisant of the requirement under Standing Order 96 when formulating nominations and recommending final nominations to the House respectively.
The decision on the membership of a select committee on a hybrid bill rests ultimately with the House, which is invited to agree to the proposed membership by way of an appointment motion. There are no plans to change the way in which members of select committees on hybrid bills are appointed.
Folding bicycles can be brought onto the parliamentary estate by visitors, provided they can fit through the security screening equipment. The screening equipment can accommodate items up to 550mm x 360mm, except at the main visitor entrance, Cromwell Green, where items up to 600mm x 400mm can be accommodated. Non-folding bicycles and folding bicycles that are too large for the screening equipment cannot be brought onto the estate by visitors and can be stored in the bike racks outside 1, 2 and 4 Millbank.
The consultation on Stage 2 of the review of hybrid bill procedure took place from 29 April to 23 July 2021. Forty-three responses were received, raising a range of issues. Some of these issues have been addressed in the preparations for the hearing of petitions against the High Speed Rail (Crewe-Manchester) Bill which was introduced in the House of Commons on 24 January 2022. A report, summarising the issues raised in the consultation responses and the steps taken so far to address them, will be published on the UK Parliament website in the near future. The report will also indicate how the longer-term work will be taken forward.
The number of non-passholders who can attend All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meetings and receptions is the responsibility of the Chair of the APPG and the sponsor of the reception, irrespective of how they are funded. The total number of people allowed in each meeting room or catering venue is limited by the capacity of each room. The limits differ from room to room depending on their size.
The role of the Independent Assessor in hybrid bill procedure is to summarise the issues raised in comments received on the environmental statement (and any supplementary environmental information subsequently deposited) relating to a hybrid bill and to make a report (or reports). The second reading of a hybrid bill cannot be moved until at least 14 days after the report relating to the environmental statement has been submitted.
The procedure in relation to the Independent Assessor is well-established. It is set out in detail in House of Lords Private Business Standing Order 83A. HL SO 83A was agreed by the House of Lords on 25 July 2013, following a recommendation by the Procedure Committee (2nd Report, Session 2013-14, HL Paper 33). An Independent Assessor was appointed in relation to the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill and the High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Bill.
In common with other legislation, the Equality Act 2010 maintains the long standing principle that it is not appropriate for The Sovereign, personally, to be the subject of legal action in a Court or Tribunal. However, the Royal Household has formal arrangements in place that provide a means of hearing and remedying any complaint that might be raised under the Act.
There are no plans to review this position.
In 2016, a review of hybrid bill procedure was commissioned by the Senior Deputy Speaker and the Chairman of Ways and Means in the House of Commons. It was planned to take place in two stages. The first stage was completed in 2017 and resulted in a number of changes to the Private Business Standing Orders in both Houses. On the 22 March, I wrote to the Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal informing her that a consultation in relation to the second stage would begin soon. It will last for two to three months. It will be a public consultation and evidence will be invited. This is a joint review, and the Chairman of Ways and Means has written to the Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons in similar terms.
The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chair of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf. Both Houses recognise the value that suppression systems can add to an overall package of Fire Safety. A requirement to install suppression systems when major refurbishment works are undertaken in all Parliamentary buildings is part of our current fire safety strategy, any decision to use suppression assesses risks and takes account of the historic fabric of our buildings.
As part of the recent Fire Safety Improvement Works a High Pressure Water Mist suppression system was installed in the Palace basement, and the Elizabeth Tower refurbishment has included the installation of a full sprinkler system. Further works on the roof and other parts of the Palace are subject to future projects likely to be delivered through Restoration and Renewal. Design of the plans, including Fire Safety, is the responsibility of the Sponsor Board and Delivery Authority, with input from House Officials. I understand that suppression is being considered, as part of a suite of fire safety options, in the ongoing work to create the outline business case.
The Privy Council has no jurisdiction to investigate or intervene in the internal affairs of Chartered bodies. The only role that the Privy Council has in relation to Chartered bodies is the reactive one of considering amendments to Charters and Bylaws that are submitted to it for approval by the Chartered body.
The grant of a Royal Charter confers independent legal personality on a body and defines its objectives, constitution and powers to govern its own affairs. Incorporation by Royal Charter is a prestigious way of acquiring legal personality. Complaints against a Chartered body should be addressed to the body itself or, if a member, by raising issues directly with the organisation.
In April 2023, the Government published through Written Ministerial Statement UIN HLWS695 https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2023-04-17/hlws695 the launch of the Border Target Operating Model, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments. This sets out plans to introduce security and biosecurity controls from the 31st October 2023 in a way which implements critical protections at the UK border, while ensuring that these new controls are as simple as possible for businesses to comply with. By harnessing data and technology and taking a proportionate, risk-based approach to these controls, we have developed a model that works best for the UK.
On Friday 28 April 2023 we published a detailed risk categorisation of animal products, plants and plant products of EU and EFTA origin. This provides clarity to importers on what controls will be applied to the different risk categories, including when health certificates will be required to import goods from 31st October 2023. Following the publication of this additional information we are working to update our early estimate of the impact and cost of the new model, driving down cost wherever possible.
The relevant business stakeholders told us before publication that they will need time to prepare for these changes, and our phased approach gives them this time. We are working to ensure that UK and international businesses and their supply chains are aware of and understand the new requirements and are ready for these changes.
The Government is using the current period of engagement to listen and gather views through a series of thematic in-person and virtual workshops with the UK’s major supermarkets, logistics and transport firms, and with Business Representative Organisations, to further explore the costs of implementing the new model, and to ensure importing is as smooth as possible where checks are needed.
We will publish a final version of the Border Target Operating Model, reflecting feedback from stakeholders, in the summer.
In April 2023, the Government published through Written Ministerial Statement UIN HLWS695 https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2023-04-17/hlws695 the launch of the Border Target Operating Model, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments. This sets out plans to introduce security and biosecurity controls from the 31st October 2023 in a way which implements critical protections at the UK border, while ensuring that these new controls are as simple as possible for businesses to comply with. By harnessing data and technology and taking a proportionate, risk-based approach to these controls, we have developed a model that works best for the UK.
On Friday 28 April 2023 we published a detailed risk categorisation of animal products, plants and plant products of EU and EFTA origin. This provides clarity to importers on what controls will be applied to the different risk categories, including when health certificates will be required to import goods from 31st October 2023. Following the publication of this additional information we are working to update our early estimate of the impact and cost of the new model, driving down cost wherever possible.
The relevant business stakeholders told us before publication that they will need time to prepare for these changes, and our phased approach gives them this time. We are working to ensure that UK and international businesses and their supply chains are aware of and understand the new requirements and are ready for these changes.
The Government is using the current period of engagement to listen and gather views through a series of thematic in-person and virtual workshops with the UK’s major supermarkets, logistics and transport firms, and with Business Representative Organisations, to further explore the costs of implementing the new model, and to ensure importing is as smooth as possible where checks are needed.
We will publish a final version of the Border Target Operating Model, reflecting feedback from stakeholders, in the summer.
In April 2023, the Government published through Written Ministerial Statement UIN HLWS695 https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2023-04-17/hlws695 the launch of the Border Target Operating Model, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments. This sets out plans to introduce security and biosecurity controls from the 31st October 2023 in a way which implements critical protections at the UK border, while ensuring that these new controls are as simple as possible for businesses to comply with. By harnessing data and technology and taking a proportionate, risk-based approach to these controls, we have developed a model that works best for the UK.
On Friday 28 April 2023 we published a detailed risk categorisation of animal products, plants and plant products of EU and EFTA origin. This provides clarity to importers on what controls will be applied to the different risk categories, including when health certificates will be required to import goods from 31st October 2023. Following the publication of this additional information we are working to update our early estimate of the impact and cost of the new model, driving down cost wherever possible.
The relevant business stakeholders told us before publication that they will need time to prepare for these changes, and our phased approach gives them this time. We are working to ensure that UK and international businesses and their supply chains are aware of and understand the new requirements and are ready for these changes.
The Government is using the current period of engagement to listen and gather views through a series of thematic in-person and virtual workshops with the UK’s major supermarkets, logistics and transport firms, and with Business Representative Organisations, to further explore the costs of implementing the new model, and to ensure importing is as smooth as possible where checks are needed.
We will publish a final version of the Border Target Operating Model, reflecting feedback from stakeholders, in the summer.
In April 2023, the Government published through Written Ministerial Statement UIN HLWS695 https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2023-04-17/hlws695 the launch of the Border Target Operating Model, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments. This sets out plans to introduce security and biosecurity controls from the 31st October 2023 in a way which implements critical protections at the UK border, while ensuring that these new controls are as simple as possible for businesses to comply with. By harnessing data and technology and taking a proportionate, risk-based approach to these controls, we have developed a model that works best for the UK.
On Friday 28 April 2023 we published a detailed risk categorisation of animal products, plants and plant products of EU and EFTA origin. This provides clarity to importers on what controls will be applied to the different risk categories, including when health certificates will be required to import goods from 31st October 2023. Following the publication of this additional information we are working to update our early estimate of the impact and cost of the new model, driving down cost wherever possible.
The relevant business stakeholders told us before publication that they will need time to prepare for these changes, and our phased approach gives them this time. We are working to ensure that UK and international businesses and their supply chains are aware of and understand the new requirements and are ready for these changes.
The Government is using the current period of engagement to listen and gather views through a series of thematic in-person and virtual workshops with the UK’s major supermarkets, logistics and transport firms, and with Business Representative Organisations, to further explore the costs of implementing the new model, and to ensure importing is as smooth as possible where checks are needed.
We will publish a final version of the Border Target Operating Model, reflecting feedback from stakeholders, in the summer.
Section 6 of the Regency Act 1937 provides for a power to delegate Royal functions to Counsellors of State in the event of the Sovereign being either overseas, or intended to be overseas, or in the event of illness (stopping short of incapacity).
The Regency Act itself specifies that the Counsellors of State shall be the wife or husband of the Sovereign (if the Sovereign is married), and the four persons who are next in the line of succession to the Crown.
Changes to the list of those who can be appointed as Counsellors of State would require amending the Regency Act.
My answer to the noble Lord’s question on 6 December 2021 referred to recent correspondence from the Rt Hon Member for Ashton-under-Lyne, in connection with the Government's policies towards General Aviation. The Minister for Aviation's response to the Opposition is a matter of public record.
The Independent Adviser, in relation to the question about the Secretary of State for Transport's interests, confirmed that he was content that the Transport Secretary had followed the process required under the Ministerial Code for the declaration of his private interests. It was this matter to which I was referring.
As set out on page 57, section 2.10 of the Cabinet Office Annual Account (2019-2020) and available on gov.uk, expenditure on consultancy reduced from £43.647 million in 2018-19 to £35.380 million in 2019-20.
Cabinet Office publishes all contracts over £10,000. Details of all consultancy contracts can be found on Contracts Finder.
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) has not conducted a review of the Wendover area since its dedicated review in 2018. The review in 2018 of the Wendover area was of the process by which HS2 Ltd had considered and rejected the mined tunnel proposal. However, the IPA was not asked to review either the construction costs or the whole life costs, but whether HS2 Ltd had followed a competent process in making its decision. The review concluded that HS2 Ltd had followed a competent process in reaching its decision.
As stated within the Government’s publication: The Future Relationship with the EU, The UK’s Approach to Negotiations, the UK is committed to carbon pricing as a decarbonisation tool. We will establish a UK system that supports our world leading climate ambition, including net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will enable UK energy generators, heavy industry and aviation to decarbonise their operations in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
In the context of our approach to carbon pricing, the UK remains open to considering a link between any future UK Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the EU ETS (as Switzerland has done with its ETS), if it suited both sides’ interests.
We are aware of a petition on the Order of St Michael and St George. The premise of this petition is factually incorrect – the insignia for the Order of St Michael and St George was updated in 2011, and the design referred in the petition is no longer used. Any current recipient of a pre-2011 insignia is able to receive one with the updated design, on request.
Matters regarding insignia are for the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (also known as the ‘HD Committee’). The independent Officers of the Order of St Michael and St George may advise the Committee in relation to their Order. The Committee then gives advice to the Sovereign.
In light of the change in 2011, it is the view of Ministers in Her Majesty's Government that there is no need for any specific review.
The terms of reference will be announced in due course.
Following the ‘polluter pays’ principle, industry is responsible for undertaking and funding the decommissioning and removal of (1) offshore oil and gas platforms and connections and (2) offshore wind turbines and connections.
The Petroleum Act 1998 and Energy Act 2004 provide a statutory regime to ensure industry fulfil these responsibilities.
BEIS has created a Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) team to strengthen cross-Government PNT resilience, in line with the 2021 Integrated Review commitment to strengthen the resilience of the PNT services on which the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure and economy depend.
The team will take forward the PNT agenda initially as a ‘concept demonstrator’ project to develop a cross-government position on national PNT resilience through a better understanding of national needs, risks, and mitigations. This includes consideration of European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) type services. The team is building on the work already undertaken within Government on PNT.
King's consent was requested in relation to Clauses 16 and 19 of the Energy Prices Bill. These clauses could affect the Duchy of Lancaster or the Duchy of Cornwall or the personal property or interests of the Crown.
No changes were made as a result of the process of obtaining King’s consent.
King's consent was requested in relation to Clauses 16 and 19 of the Energy Prices Bill. These clauses could affect the Duchy of Lancaster or the Duchy of Cornwall or the personal property or interests of the Crown.
No changes were made as a result of the process of obtaining King’s consent.
In August 2022, the Government and Ofgem jointly published the Electricity Networks Strategic Framework. This sets out a shared vision for the transformation of the electricity network, that will ensure it can act as an enabler for a clean, secure, low-cost energy system and meet the electrification needs of wider sectors such as heat and transport. Electricity network regulation, including ensuring sufficient investment to deliver the capacity needed to meet demand, is a matter for Ofgem.
BEIS and DfT engage with each other regularly to understand the future demand on electricity network capacity and infrastructure not only from supplying vessels powered by low and zero emissions fuels, but also from installing shore power technology for use when a vessel is at berth.
A consultation took place with relevant construction industry and water sector stakeholders. Those consulted included construction trade and legal associations, individual contractor companies, consultancies, water utility companies and other government departments. A number of individual responses were also received. Consultees included:
In addition, engagement was undertaken with each Devolved Administration.
No projects are either included or excluded by the design of this measure, but to benefit from the Exclusion Order they would need to be consistent with the provisions of the statutory instrument. Projects designated for delivery by way of Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) need to satisfy various selection criteria including, that the estimated whole-life totex (i.e. capital expenditure plus operations and maintenance costs) of the project is likely to exceed a threshold (currently set at £100m), and that delivering the project via DPC has the potential to offer best value for money for customers compared to delivery by the relevant water undertaker.
The Department did engage with both internal and external stakeholders on the decision not to participate. It would not be appropriate for the Department to comment on any value for money assessment given the ongoing commercial sensitivity around EU Space Programmes.
The Department did engage with both internal and external stakeholders on the decision not to participate. It would not be appropriate for the Department to comment on any value for money assessment given the ongoing commercial sensitivity around EU Space Programmes.
The Department did engage with both internal and external stakeholders on the decision not to participate. It would not be appropriate for the Department to comment on any value for money assessment given the ongoing commercial sensitivity around EU Space Programmes.
The Government remains open to considering well-developed proposals for harnessing the tidal range energy in the bays and estuaries around our coastlines, including barrage schemes and other alternatives. Any such proposal would need to demonstrate strong evidence of value for money in the context of other renewable technologies, as well as details of its associated energy system benefits and environmental impact mitigation strategies before the Government could take a view on its potential or on the funding models appropriate for exploration.
The UK Government is committed to ensuring that consumers are protected from unsafe goods. The General Product Safety Regulations 2005, and other product regulations, place obligations on manufacturers to ensure the safety of consumer goods including the batteries used to power them.
Manufacturers need to ensure that all products supplied meet the relevant product safety regulations before being placed on the market. In doing so, they may choose to apply standard EN 62133-2 which specifies requirements and safety tests necessary for the safe operation, including foreseeable misuse, of portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) does not maintain a list of approved batteries for use in such vehicles, as the responsibility for the selection of such components rests with the manufacturer. However, OPSS works with Local Authorities and border authorities to help ensure that products imported and sold in the UK are safe and that action is taken against those who place unsafe or non-compliant products on the market, including their removal from the market.
The Space Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Programme explored a range of innovative options for strengthening the resilience of PNT services from space. The scope of the programme did not include identification of a replacement for EGNOS.
The UK sought to negotiate a service access agreement on the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) with the EU. However, the EU required participation in the programme along with the full associated costs of participation which would have equated to €30-€35 million per year. For all programmes under consideration, the Government was clear it would only participate where the terms were in the UK’s interests, and in this case, it was not considered value for money. The negotiations on EGNOS concluded in December 2020 and there are no plans to reopen the discussions on this matter.
Earlier this year the Department for Transport consulted on the Jet Zero Strategy, which will set out steps to reach net zero aviation emissions by 2050. Working towards this ambition, the Department is co-funding new, zero carbon UK aircraft technology through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme. This is a commitment from both industry and the Government to co-invest £3.9 billion in aerospace research and development from 2013 to 2026.
This programme has agreed grants of £1.7 million to Hybrid Air Vehicles. The same programme has supported 343 aerospace technology projects, with total Government and industry funding of £3.2 billion across the UK, including the emerging green aerospace cluster in South Yorkshire.
On 13 September 2021 we published draft parameters ahead of the fourth Contracts for Difference (CfD) allocation round which did not include a minimum for geothermal energy. The final budget notice will be published ahead of the CfD round opening in December.
Large scale renewable heat generation will be supported in a number of ways, including through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, the Green Heat Network Fund and the Green Gas Support Scheme. Further information on each of the schemes can be found on the GOV.UK website.
The UK and the EU agreed the terms for our association to Horizon Europe under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
As the underpinning EU legislation was not yet adopted when the TCA was agreed, this was accompanied by a Joint Declaration on Participation in Union Programmes and Access to Programme Services, which set out the parties’ intention to formalise our participation at the earliest opportunity.
Now that the EU legislation underpinning the Horizon Europe programme is in force, the UK stands ready to formalise our participation.
The Government had already committed £1.5 billion to support the early market and remove barriers to ZEV ownership. Alongside the new phase out dates for new petrol and diesel cars and vans, we have pledged a further £2.8 billion package of measures to support industry and consumers to make the switch to cleaner vehicles. These ambitions will include up to £1 billion to support the electrification of UK vehicles and their supply chains, £1.3 billion to accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure and £582 million for plug in vehicle grants.
The March 2020 Budget included the extension of favourable benefit in kind tax rates for zero emission vehicles out to 2025: company car tax is 1% in 2021/22 and 2% in 2022/23 through to 2024/25; and all zero emission cars are exempt from vehicle excise duty (VED)
We are currently consulting on the proposed regulatory framework for the UK with regard to all newly sold road vehicles which includes the option for a ZEV mandate. The consultation closes on 22 September.
The Government had already committed £1.5 billion to support the early market and remove barriers to ZEV ownership. Alongside the new phase out dates for new petrol and diesel cars and vans, we have pledged a further £2.8 billion package of measures to support industry and consumers to make the switch to cleaner vehicles. These ambitions will include up to £1 billion to support the electrification of UK vehicles and their supply chains, £1.3 billion to accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure and £582 million for plug in vehicle grants.
The March 2020 Budget included the extension of favourable benefit in kind tax rates for zero emission vehicles out to 2025: company car tax is 1% in 2021/22 and 2% in 2022/23 through to 2024/25; and all zero emission cars are exempt from vehicle excise duty (VED)
We are currently consulting on the proposed regulatory framework for the UK with regard to all newly sold road vehicles which includes the option for a ZEV mandate. The consultation closes on 22 September.
As part of their domestic immigration rules, each EU Member State has the power to set the cost of visas and/or work permits. This has resulted in a wide range of costs that Member States can continue to change, and at a time of their choosing. Each Member State is responsible for communicating and updating such costs, and each remains the most accurate and applicable source of this information; the UK Government does not hold this information. We urge all UK nationals to check the rules in the country they are travelling to ahead of time. These rules will differ depending on length of stay and activities undertaken abroad.
The Government is committed to supporting individuals and businesses. We will continue to engage regularly with our embassies to better understand the requirements in Member States. We will also continue to enhance guidance for businesses to best support travel for work purposes under our new trading relationship with the European Union.
Under the terms of the Contract for Difference, neither taxpayer nor consumer is liable to contribute to the construction cost of Hinkley Point C. The Contract for Difference defines a Commissioning Window for each of the two nuclear reactors. These are from 1st May 2025 to 30th April 2029 for Reactor One and 1st November 2025 to 31st October 2029 for Reactor Two.
In September 2019, the lead investor in Hinkley Point C published a statement on the project cost and schedule. This said that the capital cost is likely to be between £21.5Bn and £22.5Bn (these figures are in 2015 money). The developer is targeting power generation by the end of 2025.
In 2019, the UK became the first major economy in the world to legislate to end its contribution to global warming by 2050 by reaching net zero emissions.
This year, the Government has set out billions in support for our low-carbon economy. We are taking action in every sector including: over £3 billion to transform energy efficiency in homes and public buildings; £2 billion to kickstart a cycling and walking revolution; £1 billion support for ultra-low emission vehicles; £800 million to capture carbon from power stations and industry; a £640 million Nature Climate Fund; £350 million to cut emissions in heavy industry; and £100 million to research and develop Direct Air Capture technologies.
The transition to a low carbon economy constitutes one of the most significant challenges and opportunities for the UK and the world over the coming decades. In March, we published the first phase of our transport decarbonisation plan and will be setting our further plans over the coming months for other sectors of the economy including on energy, heat and buildings and the natural environment. Our forthcoming sector strategies, and wider plans to deliver a green economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, will contain further proposals to put us on track to meeting our carbon reduction obligations which are among the most ambitious in the world
The Government has been clear that, after the end of the transition period, the UK will have its own domestic subsidy control regime. This will not align with EU State Aid rules. Work is ongoing to devise a modern system for supporting British business in a way that fulfils our interests. As part of this, consideration will be given on how to ensure compliance with the new regime. There are a number of possible options , of which an independent regulator is one. We will discuss these options with key stakeholders in due course..
However, as the Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets has previously set out, the UK’s position on subsidies for the trade agreement negotiations with the EU does not necessarily require a domestic regulator (as demonstrated by other countries, like Canada, that do not maintain a domestic subsidy control regulator to fulfil their trade agreement obligations with the EU).
The Government recognises the importance of providing clarity to businesses. In advance of the introducing the domestic subsidy control regime, we will be seeking the views of business on the best approach to ensure we continue to have fair and open competition across the UK.
Floating offshore wind presents an exciting opportunity to support the UK’s low carbon ambitions, whilst maintaining a leadership position in offshore innovation. The Department, alongside the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government are in regular contact with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, including in regard to their plans to transform the existing Wave Hub asset, off the coast of Cornwall, into a test site for floating offshore wind technologies.
The Government recently consulted on the forthcoming Contracts for Difference allocation round, due to open in 2021, and included questions on measures to support floating offshore wind. The Contracts for Difference approach could support the commercial build out of offshore zones in the Celtic Sea.
The Government’s top priority is to ensure we protect people and businesses throughout the present health crisis. The Government’s advice to avoid using public transport where possible, and instead try to walk, cycle, or drive is based on the present concern for public health.
Covid-19 has meant people have had to profoundly change the way they live, work and travel. Many people have rediscovered walking and cycling, and their benefits to both air quality and health. We are supporting that through the £225 million Emergency Active Travel Fund, which was announced on 9 May, and is the first stage of a £2 billion investment in active travel. We are also encouraging local authorities to consider rapid changes to road layouts such as pop up cycles lanes to make cycling safer and more attractive.
The COVID-19 crisis has not diminished the Government’s determination to meet our net zero target and we are committed to going further and faster to tackle climate change. Transport has a central role to play in decarbonising our economy whilst delivering growth. At the end of March, we published “Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge” kicking off our work on preparing a Transport Decarbonisation Plan to ensure we meet the challenge of reaching net zero transport emissions by 2050.
The Government has introduced a number of support measures available to pubs during the current COVID-19 outbreak. These include a retail, hospitality and leisure business rates holiday scheme and grants scheme for these sectors, business interruption loans schemes, as well as job retention and self-employed income support schemes. The full details of all these measures have been published, and can be viewed on the GOV.UK website
The Government’s decisions on when and how to amend the current social distancing measures will be guided by the scientific advice.