Lord Oates Portrait

Lord Oates

Liberal Democrat - Life peer

Became Member: 5th October 2015


International Agreements Committee
23rd Apr 2020 - 31st Jan 2023
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change)
29th Jan 2020 - 11th May 2022
EU External Affairs Sub-Committee
2nd Jul 2019 - 23rd Apr 2020
EU Justice Sub-Committee
26th Jan 2016 - 5th Sep 2017


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Lord Oates has voted in 508 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

16 Mar 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Oates voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 18 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 33 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 145 Noes - 179
View All Lord Oates 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
Lord Callanan (Conservative)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
(82 debate interactions)
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(22 debate interactions)
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Department Debates
Home Office
(31 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(18 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Lord Oates's debates

Lords initiatives

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


Lord Oates has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Lord Oates has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
24th Jan 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to extend Cabinet Office Public Procurement Note (PPN) 6/21 reporting so that (1) public sector suppliers report on their food waste, and (2) they encourage the private sector to adopt this approach.

In the Resources and Waste Strategy, the government committed to consult on introducing mandatory reporting of food waste by certain businesses of an appropriate size. This builds on a voluntary approach to measuring food waste set out in WRAP delivered Food Waste Reduction Roadmap.

A consultation on this will be launched in 2022 alongside the Food Strategy White Paper.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
6th Jun 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Energy Transition Council has met since COP26; and if so, which nations attended.

The Energy Transition Council (ETC) met on Tuesday 24 May 2022, for its fifth Ministerial dialogue, chaired by the UK. Egypt, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Indonesia, Morocco, Laos PDR, Philippines and Germany were represented at Ministerial and senior official level.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Jun 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress the Energy Transition Council has made towards its objectives.

The Energy Transition Council’s objective is to support countries to accelerate their clean energy transition, including through national and Ministerial dialogues. The Council has mobilised assistance in the eleven Energy Transition Council partner countries including through its Rapid Response Facility, which is already responding to over twenty requests, with additional requests in the pipeline for 2022. As a result of these efforts, the Government has seen partner countries commit to raising ambition in their clean energy transition, including through declarations at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Jun 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to promote wider membership of the Energy Transition Council, in particular to include more African nations.

The Energy Transition Council currently works with eleven developing partner countries across Asia and Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and Kenya to accelerate their clean energy transitions. The Council’s mandate will continue to 2025, supported by a strategic partnership with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, which will allow for the expansion of the Council’s work and for wider membership, including from African nations.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of including all energy-saving technologies that reduce the cost of heating or hot water into the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

The targets for the current iteration of ECO, ECO4, are based on the Home Heating and Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO) powers set out in the Electricity Act 1989, Section 41B, and Gas Act 1986, Section 33BD. This allows Government to set a target for the promotion of measures for reducing the cost to individuals of heating their homes. Therefore, measures which do not result in space heating savings are not within scope.

ECO4 is focused on installing energy-efficiency and heating measures in lower income and otherwise vulnerable households across Great Britain. The scheme will run from 2022 to 2026 and is valued at £1 billion a year. This is predicted to help an extra 450,000 families with green measures that reduce the cost of heating such as insulation.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of water efficiency measures in helping achieve the government’s net zero aims.

As outlined in the Energy-related Products Policy Framework, the Government estimates 0.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent could be saved over Carbon Budget 5 through consumer behaviour change encouraged by a mandatory water label on taps and non-electric showers.

Defra has already committed to mandatory water labelling on taps and non-electric showers, among other products, and is working closely with BEIS officials to explore the inclusion of energy efficiency information on the labels in order to best support consumers to make energy- and money-saving purchases.

The Government will continue to explore the feasibility of other efficiency measures for these products.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Mar 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to require energy suppliers to consult with vulnerable customers before increasing their direct debit payments.

All suppliers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that customers’ direct debit payments are based on the best available information. Energy suppliers typically review their customers’ direct debit arrangements twice a year based on an actual meter reading to ensure payments are set at a level to avoid large credit or debit balances. A supplier should explain the reasons for changes made to a customer’s direct debit arrangement with 10 days advance notice before the next payment is taken. The customer may challenge a proposed increase and renegotiate the direct debit payment level.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Mar 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take, if any, to protect disabled customers from the impact of rising energy costs.

Consumers in vulnerable situations due to health issues are protected by the energy price cap if they are on a supplier’s default or standard variable tariff. They will also receive £200 discount on their electricity bill this autumn, as part of the Government’s package worth £9.1 billion to help domestic households with rising energy bills.

The Government will continue to support eligible vulnerable and low-income households through the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments. From April, local authorities will receive another £500 million for the Household Support Fund to provide help to the most in need.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
27th Jan 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the capacity of infrared heating to support their aim of decarbonising homes.

The Government anticipates that heat pumps will be the principal means of decarbonising heat in buildings through electrification over the next decade and beyond. Evidence to date suggests that there may be a role for alternative electric heating technologies, such as infrared heating, but this should be limited to specific use cases, such as small flats with low heat demand.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
27th Jan 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have considered research published by the Environmental Technologies & Resource Efficiency Support Service (EnTRESS), at the University of Wolverhampton, concerning any cost and efficiency advantages infrared heating has over other alternatives to decarbonising home heating.

BEIS is gathering evidence on the performance of infrared heating to account for recent developments in infrared heating technology, data management and intelligent control systems. The report published by the Environmental Technologies & Resource Efficiency Support Service (EnTRESS) will be considered as part of this evaluation.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Dec 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risks of omitting Scope 3 emissions from Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures reporting; and what plans they have to mandate Scope 3 emissions reporting for UK businesses.

In October 2021, the Government laid regulations to require climate-related financial disclosures from certain UK-registered companies. The regulations do not duplicate pre-existing greenhouse gas emission disclosure requirements under Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), which require large or quoted UK companies and large Limited Liability Partnerships to make disclosures on energy use and emissions in their Annual Reports. Scope 3 emissions reporting is not currently required by either set of regulations.

The discussion around better alignment between SECR and the TCFD recommendations, and the potential to require Scope 3 disclosures formed a part of our UK Government consultation on mandatory climate-related financial disclosures, which concluded in May 2021. Any changes to the SECR regime to require scope 3 disclosures will require a separate consultation process, and would need to take into account the costs and benefits to business of mandatory scope 3 reporting. Any changes would also need to take account of the introduction of the proposed UK Sustainability Disclosures Requirements (SDR) Regime, as set out in Greening Finance: A Roadmap to Sustainable Investment published on 18th October 2021; and the requirements introduced in the June 2021 Procurement Policy Note that require mandatory disclosures of scope 1, scope 2 and a subset of Scope 3 emissions in carbon reduction plans when bidding for major government contracts.

Following COP26, our main ask of business is to join the UN’s Race to Zero. Companies with this kitemark commit to cutting emissions across all three scopes in line with a 1.5C pathway, with clear reporting and transparency mechanisms.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what percentage of those who have been moved to a new energy supplier due to their own supplier ceasing to trade were previously on a green tariff and have now been transferred to a non-green tariff.

We do not hold information on which tariff these customers were on with their previous supplier.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Jul 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the meeting on 28 June with the Norwegian Energy Minister and state-owned oil and gas company Equinor regarding the bilateral energy relationship, why an announcement was made ahead of the publication of the Hydrogen strategy of Equinor’s 1.8gw target for fossil fuel hydrogen.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy met with the Norwegian Energy Minister in Oslo to discuss ways to build back better from the Coronavirus pandemic and tackle climate change. They signed a Joint Statement reaffirming the importance of the bilateral energy relationship between the countries.

The Joint Statement marks a new phase of cross-border energy cooperation between the UK and Norway. The statement celebrated the completion last month of the construction of the North Sea link interconnector and announced that the UK and Norway are close to concluding a historic bilateral treaty on electricity interconnection. It also signalled both countries’ commitment to work together on future opportunities to support our economies’ transition to clean, green energy.

Both Norway and Equinor already play a valuable role in the UK’s energy supply. Equinor has major existing investments in wind and hydrocarbon projects on the UK Continental Shelf.

Equinor announced their latest plans for potential investment in low-carbon hydrogen production separately, following the Joint Statement. Equinor are one of several companies looking to invest in low carbon hydrogen projects in the UK.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government why emissions from international aviation and shipping are not included in the draft Carbon Budget Order 2021.

The Government has laid legislation for the UK’s sixth carbon budget and this marks a decisive step towards net zero by 2050. It builds on the series of ambitious plans we have announced since committing to net zero emissions in law, including through my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and our new UN climate target to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels – the highest reduction target made by a major economy to date. We have committed to include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget and will bring forward legislative proposals in due course.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will publish regulations under section 30 of the Climate Change Act 2008 to include emissions from international aviation and shipping in the Sixth Carbon Budget.

The Government has laid legislation for the UK’s sixth carbon budget and this marks a decisive step towards net zero by 2050. It builds on the series of ambitious plans we have announced since committing to net zero emissions in law, including through my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and our new UN climate target to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels – the highest reduction target made by a major economy to date. We have committed to include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget and will bring forward legislative proposals in due course.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Jan 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to include indirect non-CO2 climate impacts of aviation, such as climate forcing caused by condensation trails, in the UK's Emissions Trading Scheme.

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) currently captures CO2 emissions on domestic UK flights, flights from the UK to the EEA and flights between the UK and Gibraltar. We recognise that there is a case for expanding carbon pricing, especially given that the UK ETS will be the world’s first Net Zero carbon cap and trade market, a crucial step towards achieving the UK’s target for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The Government continues to support work on aviation’s non-CO2 emissions, and possible mitigation measures, taking into account their trade-offs with CO2 and the importance of ensuring that the sector’s total climate impact would be reduced. The Government keeps non-CO2 emissions under review and reassesses the UK’s policy position as more evidence becomes available.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment the FlyZero initiative, announced on 20 July, has made of the research by D S Lee et al The contribution of global aviation to anthropogenic climate forcing for 2000 to 2018, published in volume 244 of Atmospheric Environment, which found that non-CO2 effects contribute approximately two-thirds of aviation-induced warming; and what steps, if any, they have taken to adjust the work of that initiative in the light of this research.

The FlyZero project will investigate the commercial and technical feasibility for a zero-carbon emitting aircraft. A much wider sustainability agenda is at the core of the planned aircraft studies. Beyond tail-pipe carbon emissions, FlyZero will consider full lifecycle sustainability, including other sources of environmental impact, such as non-CO2 effects.

The FlyZero team have considered the work of Prof. Lee et al, in addition to many other publications and work, such as modelling and data, from UK and international experts on the topic of non-CO2 impacts. This includes the European Commission report: “Updated analysis of the non-CO2 climate impacts of aviation and potential policy measures pursuant to EU Emissions Trading System Directive Article 30(4)” released in December 2020.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how they can support local authorities to work together in granting permissions across multiple council areas for automated goods movement systems.

The Government’s Code of Practice for automated vehicle trialling allows trials with a safety driver to take place anywhere in the UK if carried out in line with UK law. The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles works closely with local authorities and regional transport authorities across the UK that are looking to safely trial automated vehicle technologies.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking, if any, to enable below surface automated delivery systems to be built in UK cities.

The Government is monitoring industry work in this area. In 2019, the Department for Transport published the Future of Mobility: Urban Strategy, which established principles for facilitating innovation in urban mobility for freight, passengers and services. The Strategy ?sets out the Government’s support for innovation that encourages more efficient movement of goods, reducing congestion and improving environmental outcomes.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the opportunities for urban fulfilment centres to connect warehousing and factories to urban customers using automated delivery systems.

The Government recognises the potential benefits of automation for the movement of people and goods. Since 2015, the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles has enabled joint government and industry investment of £440m into UK connected and automated mobility technology.

The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles has engaged with the connected and automated mobility, logistics and manufacturing sectors to understand potential use cases of automation in delivery systems.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Oct 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their target for the amount of green hydrogen to be produced from electrolysis by 2025.

We are committed to developing hydrogen as a strategic decarbonised energy carrier for the UK. We have committed to publish a UK hydrogen strategy in early 2021. Development is well underway, including consideration of the important role that targets, alongside long-term policy frameworks, have often played in the development of low carbon technology in the UK, and how this might apply to hydrogen.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Oct 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the governments of Australia and Japan about the production of hydrogen from lignite and the consequent CO2 emissions.

We are closely monitoring international hydrogen developments and participate in a range of international fora, including the International Partnership for Hydrogen for Fuel Cells in the Economy, Mission Innovation and Clean Energy Ministerial. These offer opportunity to discuss other countries’ domestic hydrogen strategies in detail.

Countries have many different drivers for their interest in hydrogen, and the scale and application of hydrogen in national energy systems is likely to differ across the globe based on national circumstances

Officials from BEIS have engaged directly with counterparts in relevant Japanese and Australian ministries to understand their hydrogen ambitions, including hydrogen production pathways; and to share the UK approach.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Oct 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications of firms owned by the government of China taking significant stakes in UK hydrogen technology companies.

As an open economy, we welcome foreign trade and investment where it supports UK growth and jobs. All investment must meet stringent legal and regulatory requirements to protect the UK’s national interest and security.

The UK has an outstanding innovation base with a number of world leading companies developing the next generation of hydrogen related technologies. As we develop the UK’s low carbon hydrogen economy to help meet our legally binding net zero commitments, we will seek to build on existing expertise to develop a prominent position in a growing global hydrogen market.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Sep 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the level of investment that would be required for a UK hydrogen strategy.

The Government is committed to the development of hydrogen as a strategic decarbonised energy carrier for the UK. We plan to publish a Hydrogen Strategy in early 2021. The Strategy will include discussion around the costs associated with expansion of the UK hydrogen economy, and how these might be met.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Sep 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of investment provided for hydrogen strategies announced by other countries.

We are closely monitoring international strategies, including strategic drivers for interest in hydrogen, levels of ambition, detail of policy support and the level and type of funding committed. This informs our own approach to developing hydrogen in the UK context. We plan to publish a UK Hydrogen Strategy in early 2021. The Strategy will include discussion around the costs associated with expansion of the UK hydrogen economy, and how these might be met.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Sep 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government how often the Hydrogen Advisory Council intends to meet.

The inaugural meeting of the Hydrogen Advisory Council (HAC) was on 20th July 2020. It is expected to meet quarterly for the next two years. We will schedule future meetings in due course.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jul 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much, in total, they have committed to the development of a green hydrogen economy over the next five years.

The Government is committed to exploring the option of hydrogen as a strategic decarbonised energy carrier. This includes business models to support the deployment of, and investment in, low carbon hydrogen production and a £100m Low Carbon Hydrogen Production Fund, announced in August 2019 to stimulate capital investment. In parallel we are currently investing up to £121 million, between 2015 and 2021, in hydrogen innovation, supporting a range of projects exploring the potential of low carbon hydrogen across the value chain. This includes investment in green hydrogen both through innovation funding and other grants. An example is our support for the industrialisation of production processes at the new ITM Power Gigafactory being built in Sheffield which when complete will be the largest electrolyser manufacturing facility in the world.

The Treasury has recently announced the Comprehensive Spending Review 2020, that will allow the government to consider its priorities across all spending over multiple years. Support to develop technologies that will support the government’s ambition to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a priority.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Jul 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the steps taken by the EU to establish the Clean Hydrogen Alliance; and what steps they are taking to establish a formal working group for regular engagement with industry in the UK about the use of hydrogen as an energy source.

We recognise that the scale up and demonstration of hydrogen’s potential in meeting Paris commitments is a global challenge. We are an active member of Mission Innovation and the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy. Since the UK has left the European Union, we are seeking to engage and cooperate with the EU on hydrogen through normal diplomatic channels. Therefore, the UK will not attend EU meetings or working groups on this topic other than in exceptional circumstances. Whilst the UK is leaving the EU single market, it remains an important part of the gas supply system for North West Europe. The UK, including industry, can expect to work cooperatively with its neighbours to sustain this mutually beneficial relationship into the future as the methane gas market is decarbonised, potentially leading to a European hydrogen market.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Jun 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what research funding they are providing to accelerate the development of cost-effective production of clean hydrogen through electrolysis.

The BEIS Energy Innovation Programme funded four feasibility studies into various innovative ways to produce hydrogen by electrolysis. The reports from these studies are available on the government website. Two projects went on to receive £10.6m in further funding.

ITM Power, a Sheffield based electrolyser manufacturer, received £7.5m to further develop their technology; to trial semi-automation in their production process; and work with Orsted and Phillips 66, to design a system to supply Phillips 66’s Humber oil refinery with green hydrogen.

Environmental Resources Management, a global sustainability consultancy, received £3.1m to carry out a detailed engineering design on a concept that combined floating offshore wind with electrolysis to produce green hydrogen.

In addition, several relevant initiatives are funded through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). These include “Green Hydrogen for Humberside” funded from the £170m Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy Challenge Fund, and several smart local energy system project which incorporate hydrogen electrolysis funded from the £102.5m Prospering from the Energy Revolution Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. Innovate UK is supporting electrolysis projects such as the £226k Centurion Power-to-Gas feasibility study, and several electrolysis research projects are supported through UKRI’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell research hub (H2FC SUPERGEN).

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Oct 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with UK media outlets about the importance of verifying reports before broadcast, particularly in a volatile war environment.

Broadcasters have a duty to ensure that the news they provide are accurate and impartial. That is particularly important when it comes to coverage of highly sensitive events.

As the Prime Minister said at Prime Minister’s Questions on 18 October 2023, “it is incumbent on all of those in positions of responsibility in this House and outside in the media to recognise that the words we say will have an impact, and we should be careful with them”.

Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code ensures that all broadcast news are reported with due accuracy and impartiality. As the UK’s independent broadcasting regulator, it is for Ofcom to determine whether there has been a breach of the Broadcasting Code, and whether to take action.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
19th Jul 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Football Association about the number of stewards employed to provide security at the Wembley Euro 2020 final who were self-isolating on the day, due to (1) a positive COVID-19 test, or (2) having been instructed to do so by the NHS Covid App; and what proportion of total stewards that represents.

The UK Government has worked closely with the Football Association (FA) over the course of the Euro 2020 competition. The FA, as owner of Wembley Stadium, is responsible for safety and stewarding within the stadium footprint. Stewards scheduled to work at the Wembley Euro 2020 final who tested positive for COVID-19 or who were instructed to isolatedo so by the NHS COVID app were instructed to follow isolation procedures and not attend work.

At the EURO 2020 final at Wembley, the FA had 1,977 stewards rostered to work, with 1,937 stewards reporting for work at the start of their shift. This meant that there was a drop out of 40 stewards (this number being within the allocated contingency). The FA do not hold the data for how many of these missed work because they were self-isolating due to a positive COVID-19 test, or having been instructed to do so by the NHS COVID app.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
3rd Jun 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether private holiday clubs which usually take place on school premises will be allowed to go ahead during the summer holidays; and what guidance they are providing to schools in this respect.

The government’s overriding priority remains keeping the public safe. Any steps taken as part of a phased lifting of restrictions need to therefore be measured and guided by the science. It is for this reason that, while we have set out that primary schools can now welcome back some of their pupils as part of a phased and cautious approach, we are advising that out of school settings, including private holiday clubs, should remain closed for the time-being.

The government will keep this position under review and continue to be guided by the best scientific and medical advice to ensure that the right decisions are taken at the right time.

12th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether joint working is taking place between the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department and HM Treasury to explore bespoke funding pots to enable the roll-out of water saving technologies.

We are collaborating with BEIS to produce a joint water efficiency label to enable the roll-out of water saving technologies. Water companies are already funding water saving measures for their customers and we continue to work towards delivering our 2021 Written Ministerial Statement on reducing demand for water.

24th Jan 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to recommendations set out in the National Food Strategy published on 15 July 2021, what plans they have to commission a dedicated strategy that (1) tackles food waste and its climate impact, and (2) includes mandatory food waste reporting.

The Resources and Waste Strategy sets out how the Government will work with WRAP to address both supply chain and household food waste from farm to fork and included a commitment to consult on introducing mandatory reporting of food waste.

The Government will publish its response to the National Food Strategy in due course.

24th Jan 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have for a public information campaign to increase public understanding of the impact of food waste on (1) UK, and (2) global, emissions.

We support Food Waste Action Week, and the year-round consumer campaigns delivered by WRAP to reduce and prevent food waste. These include Love Food Hate Waste which seeks to help citizens reduce their food waste and make the connection with climate change including using the banner Wasting food feeds climate change. The current campaigns do not differentiate between UK and global emissions but look to make the broad connection between food waste and climate change and empower citizens to throw away less.

23rd Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the relative Greenhouse Gas Emissions arising from UK and Australian farming products; and whether such an assessment was considered when concluding its agreement in principle on a free trade agreement with Australia.

The Government has always been clear that any free trade agreement it signs will not threaten the UK’s ability to meet its environmental commitments or its membership of international environmental agreements. The Government is seeking a deal with Australia that will further environmental and climate policy priorities and the UK will not compromise on high environmental protection.

The Government carried out a public consultation and scoping assessment for its free trade agreement negotiation with Australia, which can be found on the Government’s website (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uks-approach-to-negotiating-a-free-trade-agreement-with-australia/uk-australia-free-trade-agreement-the-uks-strategic-approach). This preliminary scoping assessment considered illustrative scenarios and served as a point of reference when concluding the agreement in principle. Following the conclusion of negotiations, a full impact assessment will be published prior to implementation.

29th Jul 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what contributions they have made to support the implementation of the UK-SACU Economic Partnership Agreement as required under Article 12 of that Agreement.

Britain is working hard to understand the requirements of Southern Africa Customs Union and Mozambique (SACUM) to implement our Economic Partnership Agreement effectively, which is due to enter into force at the end of the transition period. This is part of a broader programme of £8 million of technical assistance to the region that was announced in August 2018.

29th Jul 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many of the parties to the UK-SACU Economic Partnership Agreement have ratified that Agreement.

As of 4th August 2020, Botswana and South Africa have completed their domestic ratification procedures. Britain completed her own domestic scrutiny procedures, in accordance with the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act, on 5th February 2020. We continue to monitor progress closely in the remaining countries.

Our preference is that all our Southern Africa Customs Union + Mozambique Economic Partnership Agreement partners ratify the agreement, so that it can enter into force at the end of the transition period. Nevertheless, we will consider all possible options to maintain continuity, including provisional application, if not every partner is able to ratify the agreement before the end of the transition period.

29th Jul 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many parties to the UK-SACU Economic Partnership Agreement they expect to have ratified that Agreement by 1 December.

As of 4th August 2020, Botswana and South Africa have completed their domestic ratification procedures. Britain completed her own domestic scrutiny procedures, in accordance with the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act, on 5th February 2020. We continue to monitor progress closely in the remaining countries.

Our preference is that all our Southern Africa Customs Union + Mozambique Economic Partnership Agreement partners ratify the agreement, so that it can enter into force at the end of the transition period. Nevertheless, we will consider all possible options to maintain continuity, including provisional application, if not every partner is able to ratify the agreement before the end of the transition period.

29th Jul 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to allow provisional application of the UK-SACU Economic Partnership Agreement if the parties to that Agreement have not ratified it in time for it to come into force on 1 January 2021.

As of 4th August 2020, Botswana and South Africa have completed their domestic ratification procedures. Britain completed her own domestic scrutiny procedures, in accordance with the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act, on 5th February 2020. We continue to monitor progress closely in the remaining countries.

Our preference is that all our Southern Africa Customs Union + Mozambique Economic Partnership Agreement partners ratify the agreement, so that it can enter into force at the end of the transition period. Nevertheless, we will consider all possible options to maintain continuity, including provisional application, if not every partner is able to ratify the agreement before the end of the transition period.

5th Sep 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what joint working, if any, is taking place across Government to unlock additional benefits of the Cycle to Work Scheme to (1) support workers with the rising cost of commuting, and (2) drive outcomes in (a) public health, and (b) reducing carbon emissions.

Cycling to work can reduce the costs of commuting whilst improving physical and mental health for employees and can help reduce carbon emissions. The Cycle to Work scheme enables people do this more cost effectively and in 2019 the Department revised the guidance on the scheme to make it simpler for employers to offer it to their employees.

The Department regularly promotes the Cycle to Work Scheme and has previously commissioned Business in the Community and Sustrans to publish best practice guidance for employers and local authorities highlighting how employers can enable more of their staff to cycle to work using the scheme. The Department and HMRC are in regular contact on these and other issues and the Department regularly meets with the Cycle to Work Alliance to identify opportunities to further increase take up of the scheme.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Sep 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to increase take-up of the Cycle to Work Scheme in line with their priorities around boosting active travel.

Cycling to work can reduce the costs of commuting whilst improving physical and mental health for employees and can help reduce carbon emissions. The Cycle to Work scheme enables people do this more cost effectively and in 2019 the Department revised the guidance on the scheme to make it simpler for employers to offer it to their employees.

The Department regularly promotes the Cycle to Work Scheme and has previously commissioned Business in the Community and Sustrans to publish best practice guidance for employers and local authorities highlighting how employers can enable more of their staff to cycle to work using the scheme. The Department and HMRC are in regular contact on these and other issues and the Department regularly meets with the Cycle to Work Alliance to identify opportunities to further increase take up of the scheme.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
6th Jun 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made representations to Ryanair about that company's practice of requiring South African nationals to fill in questionnaires in Afrikaans before boarding flights in the UK.

The recent language test requirement for passengers travelling with Ryanair was not a UK Government requirement. My officials have engaged with Ryanair on this matter and they have since confirmed that the language test is no longer in use.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
21st Oct 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential of green hydrogen to replace existing maritime fuels.

DfT-commissioned analysis supporting the publication of the 2019 Clean Maritime Plan provided an assessment of emission reduction options for shipping such as low emission fuels. This includes hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels such as ammonia and methanol.

The Government’s approach is technology neutral and it would be premature to speculate precisely which technologies might and might not be able to deliver our long-term ambitions.

The Government announced the winners of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition on 15 September. Some of the winners of the competition are working on hydrogen maritime solutions.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
25th Jan 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the International Civil Aviation Organisation about the inclusion of indirect non-CO2 climate impacts of aviation, such as climate forcing caused by condensation trails, in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.

Currently, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) only applies to CO2 emissions. Due to the uncertainties surrounding aviation’s non-CO2 climate impacts, ICAO does not include these in its climate policies.

The UK continues to negotiate in ICAO for increased environmental ambition and supports continued work on aviation’s non-CO2 climate impacts and possible mitigation measures, taking into account their trade-offs with CO2. As a UN specialised agency, ICAO’s policies are the result of extensive technical work and negotiation between its Contracting States.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
17th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) linear motor technology developed in the UK, and (2) how such technology can be used to decarbonise the transfer and delivery of goods.

Decarbonising transport will require us to embrace new technology and innovation, and multiple solutions will have essential parts to play. Innovate UK is currently part-funding a UK based project to identify the standards and procedures required to design, build, operate and qualify an Underground Freight Transportation system using linear motors, which will report in 2021.

Testing new technology and business models at scale is essential and that is why we have already invested £92 million in four Future Transport Zones (FTZs). These will support local leaders and industry to trial new approaches and we have committed £20m towards mass scale demonstration of zero emission freight in the next year. Our further plans for the decarbonisation of freight will form part of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan which is due to be published by Spring 2021.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
17th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures they are taking to support the introduction of (1) linear motors, and (2) other new technologies, which can be used to decarbonise the transfer and delivery of goods.

Decarbonising transport will require us to embrace new technology and innovation, and multiple solutions will have essential parts to play. Innovate UK is currently part-funding a UK based project to identify the standards and procedures required to design, build, operate and qualify an Underground Freight Transportation system using linear motors, which will report in 2021.

Testing new technology and business models at scale is essential and that is why we have already invested £92 million in four Future Transport Zones (FTZs). These will support local leaders and industry to trial new approaches and we have committed £20m towards mass scale demonstration of zero emission freight in the next year. Our further plans for the decarbonisation of freight will form part of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan which is due to be published by Spring 2021.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
17th Dec 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential for existing road and rail corridors to be utilised for automated goods movement systems; and whether they have included technologies such as linear motors in any such assessment.

Decarbonising transport will require us to embrace new technology and innovation, and multiple solutions will have essential parts to play. Innovate UK is currently part-funding a UK based project to identify the standards and procedures required to design, build, operate and qualify an Underground Freight Transportation system using linear motors, which will report in 2021.

Testing new technology and business models at scale is essential and that is why we have already invested £92 million in four Future Transport Zones (FTZs). These will support local leaders and industry to trial new approaches and we have committed £20m towards mass scale demonstration of zero emission freight in the next year. Our further plans for the decarbonisation of freight will form part of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan which is due to be published by Spring 2021.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)