Martin Vickers
Conservative - Brigg and Immingham
3,243 (7.6%) majority - 2024 General ElectionFirst elected: 6th May 2010
Select Committees
Backbench Business Committee (since December 2024)Panel of Chairs (since July 2024)
Ecclesiastical Committee (since November 2024)
6 APPG Officer Positions (as of 20 Oct 2025)
Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Kosovo and Albania, Poland, Rail, Steel and Metals-Related Industries24 APPG Memberships
Falkland Islands, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Cyprus, Australia and New Zealand (ANZAC) and the Pacific Islands, Commonwealth, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, Heritage Rail, Autism, Care-Experienced Children and Young People, Christians in Parliament, Energy Studies, Fair Banking, Faith and Society, Freight and Logistics, Grief Support and the Impact of Death on Society, Infrastructure, Nuclear Energy, Prostate Cancer, Serbia, Sepsis, Pro-Life, Baby Loss59 Former APPG Officer Positions
Albania, Australia and New Zealand, Azerbaijan, Battlefields and Commonwealth War Graves, BBC, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, British Bioethanol, Caribbean, Central America, Community Development, Community Development in Europe, Croatia, Downstream Energy and Fuels, East Coast Main Line, Economic Development, Fair Fuel for Motorists and Hauliers, Fair Fuel for UK Motorists and UK Hauliers, Faroe Islands, Fisheries, Flags and Heraldry, Football, Football Club, Freeports, Heritage Rail, Iceland, Isle of Man (Manx), Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lithuania, Local Government, Macedonia, Maldives, Mayflower 400, Mayflower Pilgrims, Medicines and Medical Devices, Midlands Engine, Montenegro, Morocco, Norfolk Island, North Macedonia, Oil Refining Sector, Pro-Life, Rail in the North, Religion in the Media, Retail Crime, Retail Crime, Safe and Sustainable High Streets, River Thames, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scottish Power Cashback Mis-selling, Serbia, Taiwan, Transport Across the North, University of Hull, Uzbekistan, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Northern LincolnshireDivision Voting information
Martin Vickers voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 23 Conservative Aye votes vs 35 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 415 Noes - 47
Martin Vickers voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 24 Conservative Aye votes vs 31 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 366 Noes - 41
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.
Department Debates
(29 debate contributions)
(24 debate contributions)
(20 debate contributions)
(19 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(848 words contributed)
(61 words contributed)
(53 words contributed)
Brigg and Immingham Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
of 89,448 signatures (0.33%)
of 60,141 signatures (0.32%)
of 86,121 signatures (0.27%)
of 182,708 signatures (0.26%)
of 1,032,873 signatures (0.23%)
of 2,951,371 signatures (0.18%)
of 1,032,873 signatures (0.23%)
of 634,946 signatures (0.21%)
of 258,847 signatures (0.21%)
of 182,708 signatures (0.26%)
Petition Closed
Decriminalise Abortion
Gov Responded - 23 Dec 2024 Debated on - 2 Jun 2025 View Martin Vickers's petition debate contributionsclosed 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I am calling on the UK government to remove abortion from criminal law so that no pregnant person can be criminalised for procuring their own abortion.
Petition Closed
Don't apply VAT to independent school fees, or remove business rates relief.
Gov Responded - 20 Dec 2024 Debated on - 3 Mar 2025 View Martin Vickers's petition debate contributionsclosed 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Prevent independent schools from having to pay VAT on fees and incurring business rates as a result of new legislation.
Latest EDMs signed by Martin Vickers
Buying community energy locally
Tabled by: Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)That this House recognises the many social, economic and environmental benefits that community energy schemes create; notes that the number of such schemes would grow greatly if they were enabled to sell their clean power directly to households and businesses in their communities; welcomes the Minister for Energy Security and …
(Most recent: 20 Nov 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 20
Liberal Democrat: 19
Scottish National Party: 6
Green Party: 4
Plaid Cymru: 4
Conservative: 4
Independent: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Scientific hearing on animal experiments
Tabled by: John McDonnell (Labour - Hayes and Harlington)That this House applauds the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, enshrining in law the ability of animals to experience joy and feel suffering and pain; notes the science-based campaign For Life On Earth, with its Beagle Ambassador, rescued laboratory dog Betsy; is shocked to see the continuing harrowing exposés that …
(Most recent: 19 Nov 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 23
Liberal Democrat: 22
Green Party: 4
Scottish National Party: 4
Plaid Cymru: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Independent: 2
Conservative: 2
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Your Party: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Martin Vickers, 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.
1 Urgent Question tabled by Martin Vickers
Martin Vickers has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
2 Bills introduced by Martin Vickers
A Bill to make provision about the access to education, school admissions and support for special educational needs, with particular reference to children diagnosed with autism; and for connected purposes
A Bill to allow objectors to appeal against the granting of planning permission in certain circumstances; to make provision about binding local referendums; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 13th January 2015
17 Bills co-sponsored by Martin Vickers
Terminal Illness (Relief of Pain) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Edward Leigh (Con)
Pavement Parking Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Marsha De Cordova (Lab)
Higher Education (Student Finance and Skills Shortages) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Lia Nici (Con)
Child Sexual Abuse Material (Digital Devices) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Pauline Latham (Con)
Planning (Proper Maintenance of Land) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Jonathan Gullis (Con)
Crime (Impact Statements) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Melanie Onn (Lab)
Student Loans (Debt Interest) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christopher Chope (Con)
Public Sector Exit Payments (Limitation) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christopher Chope (Con)
Voter Registration Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christopher Chope (Con)
BBC Licence Fee (Civil Penalty) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christopher Chope (Con)
Benefits and Public Services (Restriction) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christopher Chope (Con)
Hospital Car Parking Charges (Abolition) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Robert Halfon (Con)
Local Authorities (Removal of Council Tax Restrictions) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christopher Chope (Con)
Vehicle Fuel (Publication of Tax Information) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Peter Aldous (Con)
Representation of the People (Voter Proof of Identity) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Chris Green (Con)
Farm Produce (Labelling Requirements) Bill 2015-16
Sponsor - Anne Main (Con)
Harbour, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 (Amendment) Bill 2015-16
Sponsor - Lord Mackinlay of Richborough (Con)
Latest 44 Written Questions
(View all written questions)The Government regularly engages with European nations, including Norway, and with international partners on developments in the carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) industry, but has not specifically discussed access to the Northern Lights project.
The UK has one of the largest potential CO2 storage capacities in Europe. We have an opportunity to offer CO2 storage services to neighbouring countries, providing new growth opportunities and supporting regional decarbonisation.
The UK has applied a 2009 Amendment to the London Protocol allowing us to enter into bilateral agreements or arrangements with third countries for cross-border transport of CO2 for permanent geological storage.
Minister of State (Home Office)
In 2023, imports via interconnectors provided 10.2% of gross UK electricity supply, highlighting the key role that they already play. Imports via interconnectors can provide access to lower-cost electricity for GB consumers, reduce the need to dispatch higher carbon domestic generation during peak times, and enhance our security of supply. We expect interconnectors to continue to be an important component of our future decarbonised electricity system.
Ofgem are responsible for taking regulatory decisions for new interconnector projects. Their draft analysis for projects being assessed as part of the current regulatory window can be found at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/policy-and-regulatory-programmes/interconnectors
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Government supports multiple hydrogen production pathways that meet our Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard and funding eligibility criteria. These are reviewed regularly.
The Energy Act 2023 enables support for hydrogen production via Government funding or a levy. We will provide an update on the funding arrangements for the hydrogen programme in due course. Funding decisions will take into account affordability and value for money.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Department recognises the wider benefits that can be provided by open access operators in the right circumstances, including increased competition which we have seen on the East Coast Main Line.
We welcome the publication of Passenger Rail Usage statistics published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) on 20 March 2025. We continually monitor statistics published by the ORR and take account of them in our decision making where appropriate.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Network Rail regularly assesses its portfolio for opportunities and has active pipelines of existing sites that could be identified for residential development. Network Rail’s Regional and Group Property teams work closely together to identify sites to develop; this will be a key priority of Network Rail’s property company which was announced as part of the International Investment Summit.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Whilst the Department recognises the wider benefits that can be provided by open access operators in the right circumstances, the Department has not carried out such assessments. Access to the rail network is currently a matter for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in its role as independent regulator for the rail industry, who use the industry standard model to assess the impact of open access.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Network Rail’s present commercial vacancy rate is 3.2%, across the 20 stations managed by Network Rail.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Network Rail’s retail income in 2018/19 was £135.7m and in 2022/23 it was £107.3m.
Network Rail's retail income is for the 20 stations that Network Rail manage, the other retail income from the remaining stations goes to the Train Operating Company responsible for managing each one.
In 22/23 passenger numbers were gradually recovering but revenue continued to be impacted by changing passenger numbers post-pandemic.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Whilst we have not carried out such assessments, the Department considers the likely impacts of all open access applications on a case by case basis in line with the standard industry process. This includes assessing the financial, operational and performance impacts of individual applications.
Open access can provide benefits such as improved connectivity and choice for passengers but can also increase costs to taxpayers by abstracting revenue from government-contracted services. It can also create additional pressures on an already constrained network and negatively impact overall performance. That is why the Department makes assessments on a case-by-case basis and only provides support where benefits outweigh costs to taxpayers and impacts to the efficient operation of the network. Access to the rail network, however, is ultimately a decision for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in its role as independent regulator for the rail industry.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
LNER services have a high rate of seat utilisation which is comparable to or better than other inter-city long distance franchised operators. However, seat utilisation varies throughout the day as LNER make effective use of track capacity by running longer trains which delivers more capacity during the peaks, which can lead to excess capacity on return legs where demand may be lower. Timetable obligations and fixed train sets means that there is sufficient capacity to meet demand, though is not possible to alter capacity in these quieter times to improve seat utilisation rates on these services.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Department continues to work with the rail industry to ensure the design of timetable meets stakeholders needs and makes effective use of infrastructure. If an Open Access operator wishes to compete with a contracted operator, such as LNER, it is free to apply to the ORR to do so, and ORR will assess the benefits and wider impacts to passengers and to taxpayers and decide upon the application in its role as independent regulator for the rail industry.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Department regularly monitors levels of passenger demand on LNER services which help inform timetable planning decisions on the East Coast Mainline. Network capacity is a matter for Network Rail to assess according to their criteria.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Department regularly monitors levels of passenger demand on LNER services which help inform timetable planning decisions on the East Coast Mainline. Network capacity is a matter for Network Rail to assess according to their criteria.
The Secretary of State has not discussed awarding LNER services to Open Access operators with Network Rail, and has no plans to do so, but does continue to engage with Network Rail and the ORR on submitted Open Access applications in line with standard industry processes.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government is currently reviewing the position it has inherited on rail infrastructure and will consider how we address power supply issues. We will set out our plans in due course.
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
LNER’s subsidy forecasts for 2024/25 and 2025/26 are commercially sensitive. Details of LNER’s accounts from previous years can be found in the published statutory accounts.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Privately owned and run open access operators can play a significant role in supporting UK train manufacturers, assemblers and their UK supply chains and are an important source of potential orders, both for new and cascaded rolling stock. It remains a matter for each operator to decide when and how to source its own rolling stock.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
On all aspects of population and targeted screening, Ministers are advised by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). A recommendation by the UK NSC on newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is expected following the conclusion of an in-service evaluation (ISE), which is needed to answer several outstanding questions related to the implementation of a screening programme for SMA.
The UK NSC recommended an ISE of newborn blood spot screening for SMA in National Health Services in 2023. Since then, SMA Newborn Screening ISE Partnership Board was set up to plan and develop work to shape the ISE. This includes planning for newborn laboratories to be able to screen blood spot samples for SMA.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research’s Health Technology Assessment Programme is running a tender process to appoint researchers for the ISE which is a necessary step before the ISE can be rolled out.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
On all aspects of population and targeted screening, Ministers are advised by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). A recommendation by the UK NSC on newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is expected following the conclusion of an in-service evaluation (ISE), which is needed to answer several outstanding questions related to the implementation of a screening programme for SMA.
The UK NSC recommended an ISE of newborn blood spot screening for SMA in National Health Services in 2023. Since then, SMA Newborn Screening ISE Partnership Board was set up to plan and develop work to shape the ISE. This includes planning for newborn laboratories to be able to screen blood spot samples for SMA.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research’s Health Technology Assessment Programme is running a tender process to appoint researchers for the ISE which is a necessary step before the ISE can be rolled out.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB) must commission. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications. The statutory guidance states that ICBs, including the Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB, the Surrey Heartlands ICB, and the Frimley ICB, must work to ensure that there is sufficient provision of care services to meet the needs of their local populations.
NHS England has also developed a palliative care and end of life care dashboard. The dashboard helps commissioners understand the palliative care and end of life care needs of their local population, including the ability to filter the available information, such as by deprivation or ethnicity, enabling ICBs to put plans in place to address and track the improvement of health inequalities, and ensure that funding is distributed fairly, based on prevalence.
The Department and NHS England are currently working at pace to develop plans on how best to improve the access, quality, and sustainability of all-age palliative care and end of life care in line with the 10-Year Health Plan.
Additionally, through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the Department has invested £3 million in a Policy Research Unit in Palliative and End of Life Care. This unit is building the evidence base on palliative care and end of life care, with a specific focus on inequalities.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB) must commission. This promotes a more consistent national approach and supports commissioners in prioritising palliative care and end of life care. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications.
The statutory guidance states that ICBs must work to ensure that there is sufficient provision of care services to meet the needs of their local populations, which can include hospice services, available within the ICB catchment. There are no current plans to update the statutory guidance.
The ICBs are expected to follow the statutory guidance in exercising their functions and must pay due regard to it in the planning, commissioning, and delivery of palliative care and end of life care services.
Additionally, NHS England has a legal duty to annually assess the performance of each ICB in respect of each financial year and to publish a summary of its findings. This assessment must assess how well the ICB has discharged its functions.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The mental health of all National Health Service staff is a high priority, including ambulance staff as responders to emergency incidents. At a national level ambulance staff have access to the SHOUT helpline for crisis support alongside the Practitioner Health service for more complex mental health wellbeing support, including trauma and addiction. Additionally, ambulance trusts and the Association of Ambulance Trust Chief Executives have worked closely with NHS England to develop an ambulance sector specific suicide prevention pathway to provide immediate, 24/7 support for staff experiencing suicidal ideation.
Significant work is also underway to strengthen the quality and consistency of suicide training across the health system. NHS England published Staying Safe from Suicide: Best Practice Guidance for Safety Assessment, Formulation and Management, to support the Government’s work to reduce suicide and improve mental health services. Further information on this guidance is available at the following link:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/staying-safe-from-suicide/
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline, Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management, sets out best practice for healthcare professionals in the care, treatment, and support of people who suffer from headaches, including migraine. It aims to improve the recognition and management of headaches and migraine.
NICE updated its guideline in June 2025. Updates included a change to the strength of recommendations on treatments for migraine prevention to better reflect the balance between their benefits and harms, and incorporation of relevant technology appraisal guidance for treating and preventing migraine with or without aura.
At the national level, there are several initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with migraine, including the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme for Neurology and the RightCare Headache and Migraine Toolkit. The GIRFT programme published a National Speciality Report, which makes several recommendations in relation to improving recognition and diagnosis of migraine by general practitioners. Additionally, the RightCare Toolkit sets out key priorities for improving care for patients with migraine, which includes correct identification and diagnosis of headache disorders.
The Royal College of General Practitioners has developed two e-learning modules about migraine and cluster headaches, which aim to raise awareness amongst primary care clinicians about the different types of migraine and their associated symptoms, and how to differentiate.
Over the last four years, a new class of drugs, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors, has been made available on the National Health Service for the prevention and treatment of episodic and chronic migraines. On 15 May 2024, Atogepant became the latest CGRP inhibitor recommended by NICE for use as a preventive medication for the treatment of migraine.
A key priority for the Government is to cut waiting lists, including for patients with migraine. We have committed to achieving the NHS Constitutional standard that 92% of patients should wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029, including in neurology services. We have reduced the elective waiting list by over 206,000 since July 2024. Between July 2024 and June 2025, we have delivered 5.2 million additional appointments, many of which will have been for patients with migraine.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
NHS England publishes data on hospital admissions and related diagnosis information, including finished admission episodes due to migraines. The total number of hospital admissions due to migraines in the 2024/25 financial year was 39,207. The data is available at the following link:
At the national level, there are a number of initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with migraine, including the Getting It Right First Time programme for neurology and the RightCare Headache and Migraine Toolkit.
The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan includes a focus on expanding access to urgent care services at home and in the community as part of our new Neighbourhood Health model, to reduce demand into urgent and emergency care.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
At the national level, there are a number of initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with migraine, including those in Lincolnshire, such as the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme for Neurology and the RightCare Headache and Migraine Toolkit. The GIRFT programme published a National Speciality Report, which makes several recommendations in relation to improving recognition and diagnosis of migraine by general practitioners. Additionally, the RightCare Toolkit sets out key priorities for improving care for patients with migraine, including those in Lincolnshire, which includes correct identification and diagnosis of headache disorders.
The Royal College of General Practitioners has developed two e-learning modules about migraine and cluster headaches, which aim to raise awareness amongst primary care clinicians about the different types of migraine and their associated symptoms, and how to differentiate.
NHS England has also established a Neurology Transformation Programme, a multi-year, clinically led programme, which has developed a new model of integrated care for neurology services, to support integrated care boards to deliver the right service, at the right time for all neurology patients, including for those with migraine.
There are a number of policies outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan which have the potential to have a very positive impact on care for patients with migraine. More tests and scans delivered in the community, better joint working between services, and greater use of technology will all support people to manage their long-term conditions, including migraine, closer to home.
As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, the NHS App will be enhanced to allow patients to manage appointments, medications, and view or create their own care plans. Patients will be able to manage their care in one place, giving them direct access and preference over the services they need. The My Medicines section will enable patients to manage their prescriptions, and the My Health section will enable patients to monitor their symptoms and bring all their data into one place. Patients will be able to self-refer to services where clinically appropriate through the My Specialist section on the NHS App. This will accelerate their access to treatment and support.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government is committed to providing high-quality care and support to people with all types of health conditions, including restless legs syndrome (RLS) and rare health conditions, to ensure that they live independent and healthier lives for longer. This means having access to the latest services and treatments, as well as supporting their families and unpaid carers.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence publishes clinical knowledge summaries (CKS) as a source of supporting information mainly for National Health Service staff working in primary care. The CKS on the diagnosis and clinical management of RLS was updated in February 2025 and is available at the following link:
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/restless-legs-syndrome/
General practitioners are supported on RLS by neurology referral or specialist Advice and Guidance. This includes 27 specialised neurological treatment centres across the NHS in England, which provide access to neurological multidisciplinary teams to ensure that patients with RLS can receive specialised treatment and support, according to their needs.
The UK Rare Diseases Framework sets out four priorities collaboratively developed with the rare disease community, and these include: helping patients get a final diagnosis faster; increasing awareness of rare diseases among healthcare professionals; better coordination of care; and improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. We remain committed to delivering under the framework, and published the annual England Action Plan in February 2025. The framework, published in January 2021, is available from the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-rare-diseases-framework
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
We share the concerns of both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities over the missing persons following the events of 1974. We support the crucial work being undertaken by the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) by enabling them to work from a British-owned site in the Buffer Zone at minimal cost. Their work is crucial in bringing closure for the many families affected.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK actively supports peace and stability in Cyprus as a leading troop contributor to United Nations Peacekeeping Force In Cyprus (UNFICYP) and through our support for the UN-led process to reach a comprehensive Cyprus Settlement. We believe this remains the best route to addressing the difficult issues of the status quo. In January, as penholder, we drafted United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2723 which strongly encouraged the parties to engage and consider new military confidence building measures. We do not routinely comment on the activities of non-UK personnel.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK remains committed to supporting the UN efforts to reach a Cyprus Settlement and we are actively engaging all parties to encourage the flexibility needed to return to talks. In addition, we support a range of confidence building measures in Cyprus to promote engagement between the communities. We also continue to contribute to peace and stability in Cyprus through our deployment of military personnel to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is committed to supporting UN efforts to reach a Cyprus Settlement within the existing parameters of a Bi-zonal, Bi-communal Federation with political equality. We engage all parties in support of this. I raised this with my Turkish counterpart on 12 July. His Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey most recently discussed Cyprus with Turkish counterparts on 19 September. I also met with the Turkish Ambassador to the UK on 9 October when we also discussed the Cyprus Issue.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK supports the numerous United Nations Security Council Resolutions covering the issue of Varosha, Famagusta, alongside the related 2021 UNSC Statement. Property remains one of the most complex issues of the status quo in Cyprus. Ultimately, the most effective way to resolve these issues is through the UN-led process to reach a just and lasting Cyprus Settlement. The UK regularly engages all parties to support this.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, including those on the high street, from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government intends to fund this by introducing a higher multiplier on all properties with a rateable value (RV) of £500,000 and above.
The Government will confirm the rates for the new multipliers at Budget 2025, taking account of the outcomes of the 2026 revaluation as well as the broader economic and fiscal context.
Tax policy and legislation is not subject to the Better Regulation Framework Guidance which requires an Impact Assessment to accompany policy decisions. Nevertheless, when the new multipliers are set at Budget 2025 – to take effect in the 2026-27 billing year – HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, including those on the high street, from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government intends to fund this by introducing a higher multiplier on all properties with a rateable value (RV) of £500,000 and above.
The Government will confirm the rates for the new multipliers at Budget 2025, taking account of the outcomes of the 2026 revaluation as well as the broader economic and fiscal context.
Tax policy and legislation is not subject to the Better Regulation Framework Guidance which requires an Impact Assessment to accompany policy decisions. Nevertheless, when the new multipliers are set at Budget 2025 – to take effect in the 2026-27 billing year – HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Government published the ‘Transforming Business Rates’ Discussion Paper at Budget setting out priority areas for reform. This paper invites industry to help co-design a fairer business rates system that supports investment and is fit for the 21st century. Further information regarding the Discussion Paper can be found at: Transforming business rates - GOV.UK.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, including those on the high street, from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government intends to fund this by introducing a higher multiplier on all properties with a rateable value (RV) of £500,000 and above.
The Government will confirm the rates for the new multipliers at Budget 2025, taking account of the outcomes of the 2026 revaluation as well as the broader economic and fiscal context.
Tax policy and legislation is not subject to the Better Regulation Framework Guidance which requires an Impact Assessment to accompany policy decisions. Nevertheless, when the new multipliers are set at Budget 2025 – to take effect in the 2026-27 billing year – HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Government published the ‘Transforming Business Rates’ Discussion Paper at Budget setting out priority areas for reform. This paper invites industry to help co-design a fairer business rates system that supports investment and is fit for the 21st century. Further information regarding the Discussion Paper can be found at: Transforming business rates - GOV.UK.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Government has been clear that the health and wellbeing of our police is a priority and that those who have faced suicide-related incidents in the line of duty receive the support they need to recover and continue serving.
We continue to fund the National Police Wellbeing Service, which has developed an evidenced-based trauma support model which is now available to forces. The Service has also introduced a Trauma Tracker tool to help forces better understand exposure to traumatic incidents and ensure timely support for officers and staff.
Chief Constables have a responsibility to manage their workforce effectively and this includes ensuring appropriate training provision for all officers and staff and ensuring their wellbeing.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office does not collect data from police on calls about suicidal ideation or where an apparent suicide is in progress and has no current plans to do so.
The College of Policing sets the professional standards for police in England and Wales. The College’s core guidance includes the initial training for officers under the Policing Education Qualifications Framework which incorporates autism, learning disabilities, mental health and vulnerabilities. Through this, officers are taught to assess vulnerability and amend their approaches as required.
The College further promotes the need for frameworks to assess vulnerability, to aid in consistent identification, support decision making, and to trigger appropriate safeguarding action. Such principles and practices are set out in a number of college products, including the Detention and Custody Authorised Professional Practice (APP) and the Mental Health APP which has guidance on suicide prevention and bereavement response.
Policing is operationally independent, and it is a matter for the chief constables of each force to decide which additional training their officers should undertake.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office does not collect data from police on calls about suicidal ideation or where an apparent suicide is in progress and has no current plans to do so.
The College of Policing sets the professional standards for police in England and Wales. The College’s core guidance includes the initial training for officers under the Policing Education Qualifications Framework which incorporates autism, learning disabilities, mental health and vulnerabilities. Through this, officers are taught to assess vulnerability and amend their approaches as required.
The College further promotes the need for frameworks to assess vulnerability, to aid in consistent identification, support decision making, and to trigger appropriate safeguarding action. Such principles and practices are set out in a number of college products, including the Detention and Custody Authorised Professional Practice (APP) and the Mental Health APP which has guidance on suicide prevention and bereavement response.
Policing is operationally independent, and it is a matter for the chief constables of each force to decide which additional training their officers should undertake.
Minister of State (Home Office)
2 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Questions
(View all Martin Vickers's MHCLG questions)The health and wellbeing of firefighters is of the utmost importance. The Government recognises the risks that firefighters face and is grateful to them for their bravery.
As the employer of fire and rescue service personnel, Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) are ultimately responsible for the health and wellbeing of firefighters. The government-issued National Framework directs that all FRAs should have a people strategy which sets out the mental and physical health and wellbeing support available to firefighters.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) supports good mental health in fire and rescue services as one aspect of its Health and Wellbeing Framework. They are currently consulting on a suicide prevention tool kit for the fire and rescue service workforce, supported through the NFCC grant provided by Government.
National organisations such as the Fire Fighters Charity and Mind also offer valuable support to individuals and services. Their resources can assist FRAs in developing local approaches to managing mental health risks and promoting the wellbeing of their workforce.
The health and wellbeing support provided by Fire and Rescue Services is considered by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services in the course of their inspections.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The health and wellbeing of firefighters is of the utmost importance. The Government recognises the risks that firefighters face and is grateful to them for their bravery.
As the employer of fire and rescue service personnel, Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) are ultimately responsible for the health and wellbeing of firefighters. The government-issued National Framework directs that all FRAs should have a people strategy which sets out the mental and physical health and wellbeing support available to firefighters.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) supports good mental health in fire and rescue services as one aspect of its Health and Wellbeing Framework. They are currently consulting on a suicide prevention tool kit for the fire and rescue service workforce, supported through the NFCC grant provided by Government.
National organisations such as the Fire Fighters Charity and Mind also offer valuable support to individuals and services. Their resources can assist FRAs in developing local approaches to managing mental health risks and promoting the wellbeing of their workforce.
The health and wellbeing support provided by Fire and Rescue Services is considered by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services in the course of their inspections.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)