Mark Jenkinson

The Government’s critical mineral strategy, to be published this year, will focus on a resilient, long term supply chain for critical minerals, addressing both domestic and international opportunities. The Government is also establishing a Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre to provide robust, dynamic analysis on stocks and flows.

It is for each individual Department to decide when they collect data including data on sex.

The Office for Statistics Regulation provides draft guidance on collecting and reporting data on sex in official statistics. The Office for National Statistics also has guidance in the pipeline on harmonised standards on sex and gender data collection for public bodies.

Since launching negotiations between the United Kingdom and Israel last summer for an upgraded, innovation-focused Free Trade Agreement (FTA) we held a first round of negotiations in September 2022 and held technical discussions on the financial services chapter in January this year. The Secretary of State since travelled to Israel in March to meet with the Israeli Economy Minister to evaluate progress towards a modern, ambitious agreement.

We are working towards hosting Round Two of negotiations with Israel in spring this year.

The Department does not intend to make any estimate of the impact of importing coking coal by ship on carbon emissions.

The Infrastructure Act 2015 set out provisions for ‘associated hydraulic fracturing’ where it is defined as hydraulic fracturing of shale or strata encased in shale for the purposes of searching for or extracting petroleum or natural gas. The presumption against issuing any further Hydraulic Fracturing Consents on the basis of potential seismic events should therefore have no impact on sourcing geothermal energy or the exploration for lithium and other minerals.

The control and mitigation of induced seismicity for deep geothermal projects is based on the British Standard BS 6472-2 (BSI, 2008), which defines limits for acceptable levels of ground vibrations caused by blasting and quarrying, and other local planning authority guidelines for blasting, quarrying, and mining. These thresholds are defined in terms of measured ground velocity rather than seismicity.

The Infrastructure Act 2015 set out provisions for ‘associated hydraulic fracturing’ where it is defined as hydraulic fracturing of shale or strata encased in shale for the purposes of searching for or extracting petroleum or natural gas. The presumption against issuing any further Hydraulic Fracturing Consents on the basis of potential seismic events should therefore have no impact on sourcing geothermal energy or the exploration for lithium and other minerals.

The control and mitigation of induced seismicity for deep geothermal projects is based on the British Standard BS 6472-2 (BSI, 2008), which defines limits for acceptable levels of ground vibrations caused by blasting and quarrying, and other local planning authority guidelines for blasting, quarrying, and mining. These thresholds are defined in terms of measured ground velocity rather than seismicity.

Ofgem has recently consulted on three areas of reform through its Access and Forward-looking Charges Review. First, it is proposing to reduce or remove the contribution to distribution network reinforcement costs paid by connecting customers. This would support the roll-out of low carbon technologies, including by further incentivising network companies to ensure that new connections can be accommodated on the network. Second, Ofgem is proposing to improve the definition and choice of rights that users have to access the distribution network, with the aim of supporting more efficient use and development of network capacity. Third, Ofgem is minded to remove a difference in charging arrangements between large and small generators, by extending transmission charges to small distributed generation.

Ofgem has published a draft impact assessment to support its proposals, which includes consideration of implications for investment decisions and constraint management. It is available at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/access-and-forward-looking-charges-significant-code-review-consultation-minded-positions. My Department is continuing to engage as Ofgem progresses the review, to understand how any decisions can help support delivery of a secure, net zero energy system at lowest cost to consumers.

Ofgem has recently consulted on three areas of reform through its Access and Forward-looking Charges Review. First, it is proposing to reduce or remove the contribution to distribution network reinforcement costs paid by connecting customers. This would support the roll-out of low carbon technologies, including by further incentivising network companies to ensure that new connections can be accommodated on the network. Second, Ofgem is proposing to improve the definition and choice of rights that users have to access the distribution network, with the aim of supporting more efficient use and development of network capacity. Third, Ofgem is minded to remove a difference in charging arrangements between large and small generators, by extending transmission charges to small distributed generation.

Ofgem has published a draft impact assessment to support its proposals, which includes consideration of implications for investment decisions and constraint management. It is available at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/access-and-forward-looking-charges-significant-code-review-consultation-minded-positions. My Department is continuing to engage as Ofgem progresses the review, to understand how any decisions can help support delivery of a secure, net zero energy system at lowest cost to consumers.

The Government previously committed to assess potential preform of the retail energy market as we transition to net zero. The Net Zero Strategy is clear that the energy retail market must be sustainable and resilient and protect consumers in the transition to net zero. The Government will work with Ofgem to identify the reforms needed to build a resilient market

The Government and Ofgem ensure the customers of companies who exit the market have their credit balances protected and continuity of supply – through a Supplier of Last Resort process.

The Department knows that issues around gender can be sensitive for schools. The Department expects schools to prioritise individual pupils’ wellbeing in these matters. Schools are responsible for making decisions in line with their legal duties, but the circumstances of each case will differ, and the Department cannot comment on individual cases.

The current service specification for the Gender Identity Development Service states that referrals can be made by staff in schools and colleges. NHSE are currently consulting on a new interim service specification, and one of the proposed changes is that referrals may be made by GPs and NHS professionals only.

The Department is currently engaging with a range of stakeholders to develop guidance for schools, including the Department of Health and Social Care and NHSE. The Department will also consider the outcomes of Dr Cass’s independent review, so that its guidance is aligned with policy across Government to ensure children and young people get the best possible support. The Department will be undertaking a full public consultation on the draft guidance before publishing in 2023.

Currently, National Health Service England’s (NHSE’s) policy permits the Gender Identity Development Service to accept referrals from education professionals, as well as health and social care professionals. It is for schools to make decisions on these matters on a case-by-case basis, within the NHSE's guidelines.

NHSE is currently consulting on a new interim service specification for children’s gender identity services, which proposes to change the referral pathway so only GPs and healthcare professionals can make referrals to these specialist services. The consultation closes on 4 December 2022. Further details are available here: https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/specialised-commissioning/gender-dysphoria-services/.

The Department knows that issues around gender can be sensitive and complex for schools to navigate, which is why we are developing guidance to help schools to support pupils.

To develop the content of the guidance, Departmental officials are engaging with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHSE and will be undertaking a public consultation on the draft guidance before publishing in 2023.

Currently, National Health Service England’s (NHSE’s) policy permits the Gender Identity Development Service to accept referrals from education professionals, as well as health and social care professionals. It is for schools to make decisions on these matters on a case-by-case basis, within the NHSE's guidelines.

NHSE is currently consulting on a new interim service specification for children’s gender identity services, which proposes to change the referral pathway so only GPs and healthcare professionals can make referrals to these specialist services. The consultation closes on 4 December 2022. Further details are available here: https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/specialised-commissioning/gender-dysphoria-services/.

The Department knows that issues around gender can be sensitive and complex for schools to navigate, which is why we are developing guidance to help schools to support pupils.

To develop the content of the guidance, Departmental officials are engaging with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHSE and will be undertaking a public consultation on the draft guidance before publishing in 2023.

I refer my hon. Friend, the Member for Workington, to the answer I gave on 21 June 2021 to Question 10325.

Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) is statutory guidance that all schools and colleges must have regard to when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Following Government consultation, this guidance has recently been strengthened to provide schools and colleges with even more detailed advice. Details are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2.

KCSIE sets out that all concerns, discussions and decisions made, and the reasons for those decisions, should be recorded in writing. Information should be kept confidential and stored securely. It is good practice to keep concerns and referrals in a separate child protection file for each child. Records should include a clear and comprehensive summary of the concern, details of how the concern was followed up and resolved, and a note of any action taken, decisions reached and the outcome. The designated safeguarding lead is responsible for the maintenance and transfer of child protection files.

KCSIE is clear that where children leave a school or college, including in-year transfers, the designated safeguarding lead should ensure that their child protection file is transferred to the new school or college as soon as possible, and within five days for an in-year transfer or within the first five days of the start of a new term. This should be transferred separately from the main pupil file, ensuring secure transit, and confirmation of receipt should be obtained. In addition to the child protection file, the designated safeguarding lead should also consider whether it would be appropriate to share any additional information with the new school or college in advance of a child leaving, to help them put in place the right support to safeguard the child.

I can confirm that the Department has assessed that the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) for the A595 Strategic Improvements (Bothel) scheme is 0.91, meaning the scheme represents poor value for money. This means it would return less than £1 of benefits for every £1 of taxpayers money invested.

As of 22^nd April, there has been over 195,000 jobs approved by the Department of Work and Pension’s Kickstart scheme.

Although care is taken when processing and analysing Kickstart applications, referrals and starts, the data collected might be subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system which has been developed quickly. The management information presented here has not been subjected to the usual standard of quality assurance associated with official statistics, but is provided in the interests of transparency.

As of the 22^nd April 2021, over 93,000 jobs have been made available for young people to apply to through the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Kickstart Scheme. This includes approximately 16,600* jobs started by young people. There have been over 195,000 jobs approved by the scheme.

More than 260 young people, on average, have started a Kickstart job every day for the last six weeks**.

The tables below show these figures split by region and sector, the data presented has been rounded according to DWP statistical rounding convention. Although care is taken when processing and analysing Kickstart applications, referrals and starts, the data collected might be subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system which has been developed quickly. The management information presented here has not been subjected to the usual standard of quality assurance associated with official statistics, but is provided in the interests of transparency.

*Around 1,000 of the Kickstart jobs started have been provided without government funding.

** This is based on the number of young people starting in Kickstart jobs from 11^th March 2021 to 22^nd April 2021.

The CMS has not made any estimate of the number of non-resident parents whose income has been reduced by 20% under the Government’s furlough scheme.

The Government recognises that the income of many separated parents has been affected by the public health emergency. Parents should continue to financially support their children by paying their child maintenance. At the same time, liabilities should remain affordable for paying parents at a time of substantial and rapid fluctuation in incomes.

The scheme is designed so that liabilities remain consistent over the year, with limited changes. The calculation is reviewed annually, and generally only changes during the year if a parents’ income increases or decreases by at least 25 per cent. This balances consistency for children with support for parents experiencing a reduction in income.

No assessment has been made.

In response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, temporary changes to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) were introduced to ensure we could continue to deliver our priorities in supporting separated parents while also supporting wider efforts across the Department to provide financial support to more people. The CMS has now reinstated a full service.

The number of properties that will be supplied by fluoridated water when Williamsgate is operational, under the varied 1968 agreement, is estimated to be 33,884. The number of properties supplied under the 1968 agreement on 30 June 2022 is estimated to be 33,884.

By 31 October 2022, United Utilities had begun to transition the area supplied by Quarry Hill water treatment works onto the new supply from Williamsgate water treatment works.

The area served by the outlet main leaving Williamsgate water treatment works is the same as the area that was supplied by Quarry Hill water treatment works. The estimated number of properties covered by this area is 8,354. The number of properties that were supplied by Quarry Hill water treatment works before the transition was an estimated 8,354 properties.

The estimated capital cost of the Williamsgate fluoridation plant is £962,252 and the estimated revenue cost is £171,414, both of which include VAT.

The Government has not held discussions with the World Health Organisation regarding the United Kingdom’s position on the conference in question.

All papers, decisions made at the conference, and attendance lists are available at the following link:

https://fctc.who.int/who-fctc/governance/conference-of-the-parties/tenth-session-of-the-conference-of-the-parties

Observers can apply to attend the proceedings.

The Government has not held discussions with the World Health Organisation regarding the United Kingdom’s position on the conference in question.

All papers, decisions made at the conference, and attendance lists are available at the following link:

https://fctc.who.int/who-fctc/governance/conference-of-the-parties/tenth-session-of-the-conference-of-the-parties

Observers can apply to attend the proceedings.

On Wednesday 29 March, The Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon met with Mattie Heaven to discuss the welfare of her husband, Mr Beheshti, and his call for the UK Government to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Lord Ahmad made clear that the UK Government is taking the threats of the Iranian regime, including the IRGC, seriously and highlighted the actions the UK Government is taking to respond robustly to these threats.

The list of proscribed organisations is kept under careful review, but we do not routinely comment on whether an organisation is or is not under consideration for proscription. The UK maintains sanctions on over 300 Iranian individuals and entities including in relation to human rights violations, counter-proliferation, regional activity and support to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. That includes sanctioning the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in its entirety.

The UK has identified and raised the issue of Iran's deplorable support for the Russian military campaign in Ukraine repeatedly, including at the UN Security Council on 19 October and 19 December 2022. Regardless of the method of transport, the provision of these drones is in violation of UN Security Council resolution 2231. On 20 October and 13 December, the UK adopted new sanctions alongside the EU against Iranian individuals and entities involved in these transfers. We will continue to identify Iran's malign activity and hold the regime to account through our words and our actions.

We continue to closely monitor the security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The UK continues to provide the Palestinian Authority (PA) with professional support in helping develop its security institutions. This provision includes training and other technical assistance to the PA Ministry of Interior and PA Security Forces (PASF), to support the development of capable, responsible security forces that respect human rights and are accountable to the Palestinian people.

It is the longstanding policy of successive British Governments that we do not comment on intelligence matters. The UK Government closely follows the security situation in Iran and maintains a regular dialogue with international counterparts on this.

The UK condemns Iranian support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has made this directly clear to Iran. Iran's supply of drones is in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. The supply of ballistic missiles to Russia would be a significant escalation. On 20 October new UK sanctions targeted Iranian individuals and businesses responsible for supplying Russia with drones. We are working with France and Germany to support a UN investigation into the Iranian transfers, and we will continue to work with the international community to hold Iran and Russia to account.