Luke Evans Portrait

Luke Evans

Conservative - Hinckley and Bosworth

5,408 (11.3%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 12th December 2019

Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Health and Social Care)

(since November 2024)

Luke Evans is not a member of any APPGs
3 Former APPG memberships
East Midlands, Health, Video Games and Esports
Opposition Whip (Commons)
19th Jul 2024 - 18th Nov 2024
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Culture, Media and Sport)
19th Jul 2024 - 18th Nov 2024
Secure 16 to 19 Academies Bill
24th Apr 2024 - 1st May 2024
Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill
19th Jul 2023 - 14th Sep 2023
Electricity and Gas Transmission (Compensation) Bill
23rd Jan 2023 - 25th Jan 2023
Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill
30th Nov 2022 - 7th Dec 2022
Health and Social Care Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 29th Nov 2022
Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform Bill)
2nd Nov 2022 - 29th Nov 2022
Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Bill
1st Nov 2022 - 2nd Nov 2022
Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill
3rd Nov 2021 - 18th Nov 2021


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Luke Evans has voted in 65 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

29 Nov 2024 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context
Luke Evans voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 23 Conservative Aye votes vs 92 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 330 Noes - 275
View All Luke Evans Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 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
James Murray (Labour (Co-op))
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
(18 debate interactions)
Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op))
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(11 debate interactions)
Chris Bryant (Labour)
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
(8 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(50 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(35 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Luke Evans's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Luke Evans

26th March 2024
Luke Evans signed this EDM on Tuesday 26th March 2024

Referral of matters of 21 February 2024 to the Committee of Privileges

Tabled by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
That this House notes the Speaker’s decision on selection and calling of amendments on 21 February 2024 was not in accordance with the established precedent for Opposition days; and accordingly considers that, notwithstanding the Resolution of this House of 6 February 1978, the matter of whether undue pressure was placed …
70 signatures
(Most recent: 19 Apr 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 42
Conservative: 25
Independent: 2
Plaid Cymru: 1
21st February 2024
Luke Evans signed this EDM on Thursday 22nd February 2024

No confidence in the Speaker

Tabled by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
That this House has no confidence in Mr Speaker.
90 signatures
(Most recent: 20 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 42
Scottish National Party: 41
Independent: 3
Plaid Cymru: 3
Workers Party of Britain: 1
View All Luke Evans's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Luke Evans, 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.


Luke Evans has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Luke Evans has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

3 Bills introduced by Luke Evans


A Bill to require a person in charge of a dog to take all reasonable steps to ensure that that dog does not fatally injure another dog; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 21st October 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 16th May 2025
Order Paper number: 1
(Certain to be Debated)

A Bill to require advertisers, broadcasters and publishers to display a logo in cases where an image of a human body or body part has been digitally altered in its proportions; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 12th January 2022
(Read Debate)

A Bill to require advertisers, broadcasters and publishers to display a logo in cases where an image of a human body or body part has been digitally altered in its proportions; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 15th September 2020
(Read Debate)

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
12th Sep 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of a cross-government independent advisory body to consider the (a) short and long term effects of population growth in the UK.

There are no current plans to create an independent advisory body on the effects of population growth. The effects of population growth and other demographic shifts are already considered as part of wider work in government.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
12th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of trends in petrol and diesel prices.

UK government statistics show average retail prices of petrol and diesel were approximately 134 and 138 pence per litre respectively on 7th October.

These are 58 and 61 pence per litre lower than the all-time peak of 4th July 2022.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the meeting between the Minister for Energy and energy firms on Wednesday 28 August 2024, what assessment he has made of the [a] potential impact of the costs of energy on pensioners who will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in Winter 2024-25 and [ii] adequacy of the steps taken by energy firms to support pensioners in advance of the eligibility changes for the payment.

The Government has not made this specific assessment. However, the most recent statistical projections of rates of fuel poverty can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fuel-poverty-and-winter-fuel-payment-in-england-ad-hoc-statistics-2023-and-2024.

This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring pensioners are supported. Everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement. The Government expects energy suppliers to do everything they can to support customers who are struggling with bills, especially vulnerable customers. It is important that anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills contact their supplier.

I am working closely with Ofgem and energy suppliers to ensure they are doing everything they can to support all vulnerable consumers and those struggling to pay their bills.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Competition and Markets Authority's paper entitled Road fuel review, published on 12 October 2022, if he will make it his policy to introduce a statutory (a) open data fuel finder scheme and (b) monitory function to help scrutinise the petrol industry.

In the King’s Speech 2024, the government has committed to introduce a Digital Information and Smart Data Bill, which could provide the legislative basis to implement the statutory open data scheme. The government will respond to the road fuels consultation, published earlier this year, in due course.

The Digital Markets, Competition & Consumer Act 2024 gives the Competition and Markets Authority information gathering powers to undertake the permanent monitoring function. We will commence these provisions as soon as possible.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department plans to take through the new joint government working group on children’s online safety to assess the impact of digitally-manipulated body images on young people’s mental health.

Under the UK’s Online Safety Act relevant services will need to prevent children from accessing the most harmful content, including content promoting eating disorders. Ofcom has also proposed in its draft child safety codes that platforms take steps to protect children from depressive content and body image content.

The government recognises that these issues must also be addressed working with our international partners. Once established, the new UK-US working group will facilitate the sharing of expertise and evidence, including from implementation of the UK’s Online Safety Act, on the impact of social media on children’s mental health and well-being.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
14th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department plans to take through the new joint government working group on children’s online safety to assess the impact of the illegal sale of IPEDs and anabolic steroids via social media platforms on young people.

The UK’s Online Safety Act places duties on online platforms to tackle illegal content and protect children’s safety by mitigating risks identified. Platforms will need to put in place proactive measures to prevent the unlawful supply, or offer to supply, of controlled drugs on their services.

The government recognises that these issues must also be addressed working with our international partners. Once established, the new UK-US working group will facilitate the sharing of expertise and evidence, including from implementation of the UK’s Online Safety Act.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help improve mobile phone coverage in (a) Hinckley and Bosworth constituency and (b) Leicestershire.

The Government is committed to improving mobile coverage across the UK. Ofcom’s most recent coverage data for the former constituency of Bosworth shows 97% 4G geographic coverage from all four mobile network operators and that 5G is available from at least one mobile network operator outside 88% of premises.

I am aware that Ofcom’s coverage data does not always reflect consumers’ experience of mobile networks at a local level, and I am intent on ensuring Ofcom takes all necessary steps to improve the accuracy of its coverage data.

Alongside this, the Government intends to reform the planning system in a way that will make it easier to build digital infrastructure.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
10th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 20 December 2024 to Question 20261 on Rugby, if she will have further discussions with (a) the Rugby Football Union and (b) Premiership Rugby on (i) current governance issues and (ii) securing necessary partnerships to ensure the long-term stability of the game, in the context of the Rugby Football Union's rejection of a Special General Meeting about the future of the game and rugby governance.

I meet regularly with stakeholders such as the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby. The RFU is independent of the Government and is responsible for the regulation and governance of rugby union, and for protecting and promoting the financial sustainability of the sport.

My department will continue to work with the RFU, representatives of Premiership clubs and Championship clubs, and the wider sport sector to support the ongoing sustainability of elite and community level rugby union.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
18th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of A22's new Unify League proposals on English football.

The Prime Minister has made it very clear that there will be no Super League-style breakaway from English football.

As part of the strengthened Football Governance Bill, the Regulator will be able to prevent English clubs from joining future breakaway competitions by taking into account factors such as sustainability, heritage and fairness. The Regulator will be obliged to gather the views of fans and consult the FA before it prohibits a competition.

This approach is the most effective way of stopping unwanted competitions that do not adhere to the principles of how sport operates in this country, are not supported by fans, and that risk undermining the English football pyramid.

The Football Governance Bill was introduced on 24 October.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will meet representatives of (a) Rugby Football Union, (b) Premiership Rugby, (c) Championship Clubs and (d) Community Clubs Union to discuss (i) future governance, (ii) financial stability and (iii) executive pay.

Rugby Union has a vital role to play in our national identity. I recently met with the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby to discuss the future of the sport, and my department is in regular contact with the rugby union authorities.

The RFU is independent of the Government and is responsible for the regulation of rugby union, and for protecting and promoting the financial sustainability of the sport. My department does not intend to conduct a review into the finances or governance of rugby union at this time.

My department continues to work with the RFU, representatives of Premiership clubs and Championship clubs, and the wider sport sector to support the ongoing sustainability of elite and community level rugby union.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will undertake a review of (a) financial pressures and (b) governance challenges facing rugby union in England.

Rugby Union has a vital role to play in our national identity. I recently met with the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby to discuss the future of the sport, and my department is in regular contact with the rugby union authorities.

The RFU is independent of the Government and is responsible for the regulation of rugby union, and for protecting and promoting the financial sustainability of the sport. My department does not intend to conduct a review into the finances or governance of rugby union at this time.

My department continues to work with the RFU, representatives of Premiership clubs and Championship clubs, and the wider sport sector to support the ongoing sustainability of elite and community level rugby union.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had recent discussions with (a) the Rugby Football Union, (b) Premiership Rugby and (c) the Rugby Players Association on the issues facing rugby union.

Rugby Union has a vital role to play in our national identity. I recently met with the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby to discuss the future of the sport, and my department is in regular contact with the rugby union authorities.

The RFU is independent of the Government and is responsible for the regulation of rugby union, and for protecting and promoting the financial sustainability of the sport. My department does not intend to conduct a review into the finances or governance of rugby union at this time.

My department continues to work with the RFU, representatives of Premiership clubs and Championship clubs, and the wider sport sector to support the ongoing sustainability of elite and community level rugby union.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
25th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when she plans to conclude her review of Arts Council England.

The previous public body review of Arts Council England was paused during the election and has now been closed.

We have announced a new review of Arts Council England and further details will be announced in due course.

After 14 years of indifference and cultural vandalism, this government is committed to making sure that arts and cultural activities will no longer be the preserve of a privileged few.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
14th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when she plans to publish the Government’s response to the consultation entitled The Enterprise Act 2002 (Mergers Involving Newspaper Enterprises and Foreign Powers) Regulations 2024.

We are currently considering the responses to the consultation that we received, and hope to publish a response in the near future.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
14th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of Universal Studios’ proposed theme park to be situated in Bedfordshire.

DCMS supports NBCUniversal’s proposal to invest in Bedfordshire. A world-class, large-scale resort and theme park has the potential to transform the area, drive growth, create thousands of jobs and boost UK tourism.

The details of conversations between private investors and the Government are confidential.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
14th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with Universal Studios on proposals for a theme park in Bedfordshire.

DCMS supports NBCUniversal’s proposal to invest in Bedfordshire. A world-class, large-scale resort and theme park has the potential to transform the area, drive growth, create thousands of jobs and boost UK tourism.

The details of conversations between private investors and the Government are confidential.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential impact of proposals for the regulation of short-term lets on the tourism industry.

Short-term lets are integral to our visitor economy and we know they bring a range of benefits to the UK on a national and local scale. We believe that communities in tourism hot spots need to be able to benefit from a thriving tourism sector, but they also must be able to access genuinely affordable housing to rent or buy in their local area. DCMS and MHCLG continue to discuss their respective policies to ensure a joined up approach that looks at the short-term lets sector as a whole. DCMS will be examining the impact of the registration scheme for short-term lets on the sector through an impact assessment and will update in due course.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support local journalism.

The Culture Secretary has announced our intention to develop a local media strategy, in recognition of the importance of this vital sector and with a view to helping ensure it can continue to tell the stories that matter in communities. We are working across Government as we develop this strategy and see how we can improve local communities’ access to news.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with the BBC board on their work to maintain professional standards within the BBC.

The BBC is operationally and editorially independent, but the Secretary of State has sought assurance that the BBC has robust processes in place regarding non-editorial complaints so that it acts at pace and is transparent with the public at the earliest opportunity to ensure trust is maintained.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on the potential impact of its proposals to introduce a visitor levy scheme on the number of tourists visiting Wales.

None. Responsibility for a visitor levy scheme in Wales is reserved to the Welsh Government, but DCMS and Visit Britain will of course engage with the Welsh Government as the proposals develop.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
11th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the Asserson report into the BBC, published in September 2024.

The BBC has a duty, outlined in its Charter, to provide accurate and impartial news and information. That is particularly important when it comes to coverage of highly sensitive issues such as the conflict in Gaza. However, the BBC is independent from the Government and its editorial decisions are rightly not something for the Government to interfere with.

Responsibility for ensuring the BBC fulfils its obligations to audiences as outlined in its Charter falls with Ofcom, the independent regulator.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
24th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will hold discussions with representatives of the Save Tall Ship Tenacious campaign on saving the SV Tenacious to support future generations of seafarers with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is aware of the campaign regarding the future of the SV Tenacious after its owner and operator, The Jubilee Sailing Trust (Tenacious) Limited, entered administration. Unfortunately, the department does not have a suitable funding stream or policy lever to meet the unique and necessary means required to support the ship, and therefore does not believe it would be appropriate to hold discussions with representatives of the organisation. However, if an organisation offers to take over the running of the ship, then officials could potentially provide advice on how to access funding streams.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
8th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans her Department has to (a) support foster placements and (b) develop regional recruitment hubs in the East Midlands.

This government is committed to working in partnership with local authorities to recruit more foster carers. This currently includes delivering 10 regional fostering recruitment and retention hubs, covering 64% of local authorities in England. The hubs will transform the way people who are interested in fostering are supported, and rollout of a retention programme which offers peer-support to foster carers and the children in their care. An additional £15 million was announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 to move towards national roll out in the 2025/26 financial year.

Foster For East Midlands Recruitment Hub launched in March 2024 and comprises of four neighbouring local authorities, Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, and Derby City Council. The department would welcome discussions with other local authorities in the East Midlands region about national roll out plans.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
8th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress her Department has made on the kinship allowance trial; how many kinship carers will be able to join the trial; what date she plans to launch the trial; and whether the findings of the trial be published.

The department recognises the important role that kinship carers play in caring for some of the most vulnerable children, and the role of local authorities to support them.

​​​​The government has recently announced a £40 million package to trial a new Kinship Allowance to test whether paying an allowance to cover the additional costs of supporting the child can help increase the number of children taken in by family members and friends. The pilot will begin in 2025.

This government’s ambition is that all kinship carers will get the support they need to care for their children. It is important that we first build the evidence base to find out how best to deliver financial support for kinship families, therefore we will be evaluating this pilot. Decisions about future national rollout will be informed by the findings of the evaluation.

The department will share further details on the process for selecting local authorities in due course.​

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
19th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to increase the number of educational psychologists.

This department’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.

Educational psychologists play a critical role in supporting children and young people, providing statutory input into education, health and care assessments and advising the school workforce on how to support children and young people with SEND.

As the employers of educational psychology services, it is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure that their services are adequately staffed. The department is taking measures to support local authorities by investing in building the pipeline.

The department is investing over £21 million to train 400 more educational psychologists from this year. This builds on the £10 million currently being invested in the training of over 200 educational psychologists who began their training in September 2023.

To support retention, following graduation, trainees who have had their training funded by the department are required to remain in local authority employment for a minimum period. For trainees beginning their course in September 2024, this requirement has increased to three years.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
19th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the challenges of (a) recruiting and (b) retaining educational psychologists to ensure the effective processing of education, health and care plans.

This department’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.

Educational psychologists play a critical role in supporting children and young people, providing statutory input into education, health and care assessments and advising the school workforce on how to support children and young people with SEND.

As the employers of educational psychology services, it is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure that their services are adequately staffed. The department is taking measures to support local authorities by investing in building the pipeline.

The department is investing over £21 million to train 400 more educational psychologists from this year. This builds on the £10 million currently being invested in the training of over 200 educational psychologists who began their training in September 2023.

To support retention, following graduation, trainees who have had their training funded by the department are required to remain in local authority employment for a minimum period. For trainees beginning their course in September 2024, this requirement has increased to three years.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
30th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) increasing levels of pay and (b) reviewing conditions for teaching assistants.

School support staff play a vital role in children’s education and the smooth running of schools. They are crucial to ensuring children are given the best possible life chances.

In the survey ‘Use of teaching assistants in schools’, carried out by the department in 2023, 75% of school leaders reported they found it either 'fairly’ or ‘extremely’ difficult to recruit teaching assistants. The survey found that retention was difficult for 29% of leaders.

The department values and recognises the professionalism of the entire school workforce and will address recruitment and retention challenges by reinstating the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB).

The SSSNB will be tasked with establishing a national terms and conditions handbook, training, career progression routes and fair pay rates for support staff. This reform will ensure that schools can recruit and retain the staff needed to deliver high quality, inclusive education and drive high and rising standards, so that every child has the best life chances.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
9th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of charging VAT on independent school fees on local authority costings to support displaced former private school children with special education needs.

This government is committed to ending the VAT exemption that private schools enjoy and will confirm the introduction of these changes at the Budget on 30 October. The Office for Budget Responsibility will also certify the government’s costings for these measures at that time. The right time to discuss any funding for state funded schools is at the Spending Review.

Children with Education, Health and Care plans that provide a necessary local authority funded place at a private school will not be impacted by this policy. This is because local authorities can reclaim VAT on service expenditure through existing routes.

Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) assumes a net gain to the public finances of £1.3 to 1.5 billion per year in the medium to long run as a result of removing tax exemptions from private schools. This would allow for about a 2% increase in state school spending in England. This analysis can be found here: https://ifs.org.uk/publications/tax-private-school-fees-and-state-school-spending.

The IFS report also projects that transfers from the private to the state-sector will be low at equivalent to less than 1% of state funded places.

The department regularly speaks to local authorities about all local pupil place planning pressures.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
9th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions she has had with local educational authorities on the potential costs of supporting displaced former private school children with special educational needs.

This government is committed to ending the VAT exemption that private schools enjoy and will confirm the introduction of these changes at the Budget on 30 October. The Office for Budget Responsibility will also certify the government’s costings for these measures at that time. The right time to discuss any funding for state funded schools is at the Spending Review.

Children with Education, Health and Care plans that provide a necessary local authority funded place at a private school will not be impacted by this policy. This is because local authorities can reclaim VAT on service expenditure through existing routes.

Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) assumes a net gain to the public finances of £1.3 to 1.5 billion per year in the medium to long run as a result of removing tax exemptions from private schools. This would allow for about a 2% increase in state school spending in England. This analysis can be found here: https://ifs.org.uk/publications/tax-private-school-fees-and-state-school-spending.

The IFS report also projects that transfers from the private to the state-sector will be low at equivalent to less than 1% of state funded places.

The department regularly speaks to local authorities about all local pupil place planning pressures.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
11th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will (a) undertake a review of the recording of dog on dog attacks by police forces and (b) make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing guidance to ensure consistency of reporting of those attacks.

Defra is working with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to help prevent attacks by encouraging responsible dog ownership, to ensure dog control issues are addressed before they escalate and to make sure the full force of the law is applied. As part of this work, we will continue to consider how we can improve data collection and recording on dog attacks so that we are in a better position to take action.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of police force reporting of dog on dog attacks.

Defra is working with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to help prevent attacks by encouraging responsible dog ownership, to ensure dog control issues are addressed before they escalate and to make sure the full force of the law is applied. As part of this work, we will continue to consider how we can improve data collection and recording on dog attacks so that we are in a better position to take action.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of temporarily closing the Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes to new applications on farmers.

The Government’s commitment to British farmers, including family farms, remains steadfast. We will always champion British farming to boost rural economic growth, strengthen food security and improve the environment.

In the Budget announced last month, the Government committed £5 billion to the farming budget over two years, including more money than ever for sustainable food production: £1.8 billion for environmental land management schemes in 2025/26. This enables us to keep momentum on the path to a more resilient and sustainable farming sector.

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is open to farmers so they make their businesses more sustainable and resilient. We will continue to optimise it and our other farming schemes, so they work efficiently for all farmers, food security and the environment, especially for those that are too often ignored such as small, grassland, upland and tenanted farms.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
20th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will issue updated guidance on household recycling collections.

Simpler Recycling will mean that people across England will be able to recycle the same materials at home, work or school, ending the confusion over what can or cannot be recycled in different parts of the country.

Ministers are currently reviewing final Simpler Recycling policy decisions, including guidance on the approach to collections, and we hope to provide further certainty and clarity to stakeholders as soon as possible.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 November to Question 12597 on Agriculture: Subsidies, if he will (a) meet with UK fruit and vegetable growers and (b) provide a communication portal for the submission of views about future financial aid schemes for the sector.

The Government appreciates and values the vital work of our fruit and vegetable growers and recognises their important role in maintaining a secure supply of home – grown fresh produce.

As part of our mission-driven Government, and in partnership with the sector, the Department is considering how we can achieve our ambitious, measurable and long-term goals for the sector, including how to recognise the sector’s diversity and specialist needs.

Defra meets regularly with growers to discuss a range of issues. These discussions help inform future policy development and help us understand what support the sector needs to help it thrive.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
18th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 November 2024 to Question 12597 on Agriculture: Subsidies, what steps his Department is taking to consult (a) fruit and (b) vegetable growers on future financial aid schemes for the sector.

The Government appreciates and values the vital work of our fruit and vegetable growers and recognises their important role in maintaining a secure supply of home – grown fresh produce.

As part of our mission-driven Government, and in partnership with the sector, the Department is considering how we can achieve our ambitious, measurable and long-term goals for the sector, including how to recognise the sector’s diversity and specialist needs.

Defra meets regularly with growers to discuss a range of issues. These discussions help inform future policy development and help us understand what support the sector needs to help it thrive.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his planned timetable is for setting out further grants through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

We are looking carefully at how to position further investment including grants as part of the Spending Review process. Eligible cattle, sheep and pig farmers can still apply for a funded vet visit to improve their animals’ health and welfare.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway in encouraging cage free systems of farming.

We are firmly committed to maintaining and improving animal welfare and want to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards. The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway has made grants available to improve the health and welfare of livestock. The grants have been codesigned with farmers, academics, vets and industry representatives.  We continue to work with the industry on how the Pathway can encourage cage free systems of farming.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to tackle puppy smuggling.

This Government was elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation. As outlined in our manifesto we will end puppy smuggling.

We are considering the most effective ways to deliver our commitments and will be setting out next steps in due course.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to extend the Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Aid Scheme after 2025.

The Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme is an EU legacy scheme and legislation in place which will close it on the 31 of December 2025. The Government has committed to championing British farming, whilst protecting the environment, and is currently considering the best way to support our farming sectors in the future, including horticulture.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
12th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the transparency in food labelling for British (a) food and (b) drink.

The UK maintains high standards on the information that is provided on food labels, whether that be mandatory or voluntary, so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy.

All food and drink sold on the UK market must comply with food labelling rules. The fundamental principle of food labelling rules is that information provided to the consumer must not mislead and must enable the safe use of food.

Country of origin information is required for fresh and frozen meat of beef cattle, sheep, goat, pigs and poultry, as well as uncut fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, olive oil, wine and some fish products. Buying food locally and supporting their local food economy is important to many consumers and where any label indicates that a food is produced locally, this must not be misleading to a consumer.

A public consultation on fairer food labelling was undertaken between March and May 2024 by the previous Government. This sought views on proposals to improve and extend current mandatory method of production labelling. We are now carefully considering all responses before deciding on next steps and will publish a response to this consultation in due course.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of ensuring a structurally-robust canal network on levels of biodiversity in communities.

The Government recognises that inland waterways provide many public benefits, including health and wellbeing effects, leisure and recreation uses, and industrial heritage attractions. They are also important for the natural environment by providing green corridors along which biodiversity can flourish, and contribute to the growth of local economies, via domestic tourism and facilitating active transport links. These were assessed as part of the Government’s review in 2021/22 of the current Canal and River Trust Grant. Officials also meet regularly with the Trust to discuss a range of issues.

As an independent charity the Trust is responsible for managing operational matters relating to individual canals, and the Government does not have a role in that. When the Trust was set up in 2012, the Government provided it with a 15-year grant (2012-2027) currently worth £740 million, which at £52.6 million a year represents 20-25% of its annual income. At the same time the Government also provided the Trust with a permanent endowment fund now worth over £1 billion that generates a further quarter of its income. The Government has reconfirmed its provision of a substantial new 10-year grant worth £401 million between 2027 and 2037, which reflects the importance it places on our waterways. It will bring the total amount of Government support for the Trust since 2012 to around £1.14 billion.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of ensuring a structurally-robust canal network on levels of active travel in communities.

The Government recognises that inland waterways provide many public benefits, including health and wellbeing effects, leisure and recreation uses, and industrial heritage attractions. They are also important for the natural environment by providing green corridors along which biodiversity can flourish, and contribute to the growth of local economies, via domestic tourism and facilitating active transport links. These were assessed as part of the Government’s review in 2021/22 of the current Canal and River Trust Grant. Officials also meet regularly with the Trust to discuss a range of issues.

As an independent charity the Trust is responsible for managing operational matters relating to individual canals, and the Government does not have a role in that. When the Trust was set up in 2012, the Government provided it with a 15-year grant (2012-2027) currently worth £740 million, which at £52.6 million a year represents 20-25% of its annual income. At the same time the Government also provided the Trust with a permanent endowment fund now worth over £1 billion that generates a further quarter of its income. The Government has reconfirmed its provision of a substantial new 10-year grant worth £401 million between 2027 and 2037, which reflects the importance it places on our waterways. It will bring the total amount of Government support for the Trust since 2012 to around £1.14 billion.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Canal and River Trust on ensuring the long-term resilience of canal infrastructure in (a) the Midlands and (b) Leicestershire.

The Government recognises that inland waterways provide many public benefits, including health and wellbeing effects, leisure and recreation uses, and industrial heritage attractions. They are also important for the natural environment by providing green corridors along which biodiversity can flourish, and contribute to the growth of local economies, via domestic tourism and facilitating active transport links. These were assessed as part of the Government’s review in 2021/22 of the current Canal and River Trust Grant. Officials also meet regularly with the Trust to discuss a range of issues.

As an independent charity the Trust is responsible for managing operational matters relating to individual canals, and the Government does not have a role in that. When the Trust was set up in 2012, the Government provided it with a 15-year grant (2012-2027) currently worth £740 million, which at £52.6 million a year represents 20-25% of its annual income. At the same time the Government also provided the Trust with a permanent endowment fund now worth over £1 billion that generates a further quarter of its income. The Government has reconfirmed its provision of a substantial new 10-year grant worth £401 million between 2027 and 2037, which reflects the importance it places on our waterways. It will bring the total amount of Government support for the Trust since 2012 to around £1.14 billion.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to support the long-term resilience of canal infrastructure in (a) the Midlands and (b) Leicestershire.

The Government recognises that inland waterways provide many public benefits, including health and wellbeing effects, leisure and recreation uses, and industrial heritage attractions. They are also important for the natural environment by providing green corridors along which biodiversity can flourish, and contribute to the growth of local economies, via domestic tourism and facilitating active transport links. These were assessed as part of the Government’s review in 2021/22 of the current Canal and River Trust Grant. Officials also meet regularly with the Trust to discuss a range of issues.

As an independent charity the Trust is responsible for managing operational matters relating to individual canals, and the Government does not have a role in that. When the Trust was set up in 2012, the Government provided it with a 15-year grant (2012-2027) currently worth £740 million, which at £52.6 million a year represents 20-25% of its annual income. At the same time the Government also provided the Trust with a permanent endowment fund now worth over £1 billion that generates a further quarter of its income. The Government has reconfirmed its provision of a substantial new 10-year grant worth £401 million between 2027 and 2037, which reflects the importance it places on our waterways. It will bring the total amount of Government support for the Trust since 2012 to around £1.14 billion.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
8th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she plans to take to ensure that (a) rising mobilisation, (b) due diligence and (c) general programme delivery costs are (i) monitored and (ii) restrained during the transfer of train operator services to public ownership; and whether she plans to publish those costs.

In line with established Departmental arrangements, a robust governance framework and spending controls have been put in place for the Public Ownership Programme. The Programme will also be included in the Government Major Projects Portfolio.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
8th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answers of 9 December 2024 to Question 17895 on South Western Railway: Nationalisation, Question 17896 on C2C: Nationalisation and Question 17897 on Abellio Greater Anglia: Nationalisation, what the evidential basis is for the expectation that transfer costs will be less than the fees provided to private operators.

Based on previous mobilisations undertaken by the Department and DfT Operator (DfTO), we have an understanding of the base level costs associated with transfer from a private sector operator to public ownership. For example, as set out in the Explanatory Note to the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024, mobilisation and due diligence costs are estimated at £1m to £1.5m per transaction. However, the exact costs of each transfer cannot be determined until engagement with each operator has commenced.

For comparison, savings in fees no longer payable to private operators are expected to be between £110m and £150m per annum, once all services have transferred into public ownership from the ten current private-sector operators.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
8th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to resolve the strike action by the RMT on Avanti West Coast.

The Secretary of State expects the operator and RMT to do everything they can to avoid further industrial action, and to minimise disruption to passengers in the meantime.

As part of our plans to reform the railways, we are determined to move towards a seven-day working week and end the overreliance on rest day working, giving passengers the certainty and reliability they deserve.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)