Robin Swann

Consumers experiencing issues with Ford wet belt engines should contact Ford or the retailer directly to resolve the issue. Consumers can also contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 for advice. If consumers are unable to resolve issues directly, the Motor Ombudsman, which is independent of government, can investigate and seek a resolution.

The Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA) has and continues to investigate issues with Ford wet belt engines, including where raised directly by owners. The DVSA will continue to engage with Ford to better understand the reasons for failure and have the power to require Ford to take safety recall action if evidence suggests it is necessary.

The Secretary of State and the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland recently discussed the shared priority of improving water quality in the UK. There was agreement to collaborate further by enhancing joint scientific research and exchanging best practice methods to tackle pollution of culturally and economically important water bodies such as Lough Neagh.

The Government has announced funding to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) for a further 6 months, from 1 October 2024 until 31 March 2025.

An additional £500 million will be provided to enable the extension of the HSF, including funding for the Devolved Governments through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion, as usual.

The Household Support Fund operates in England only. It is for the Devolved Governments to allocate their funding in devolved areas as they see fit.

Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. In relation to the Windsor Framework, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland also regularly engages with businesses including meeting with industry representatives in Belfast in late August.

The Government’s key focus is to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements for the movement of goods under the Windsor Framework. Officials have regularly engaged business representative organisations and businesses on the technical delivery elements of the changes. This includes a workshop group with the haulage industry which has covered a range of topics in relation to the specific challenges faced by hauliers.

As per the answer to Question 3923, the Government has carried out extensive engagement with businesses on a regular basis (including freight operators, parcel carriers and other businesses) since the Windsor framework was agreed in February 2023. This has included detailed technical discussion on moving parcels from Great Britain to Northern Ireland in a manner that provides continuity for businesses. The Government continues to provide focused technical and delivery support to ensure a smooth transition to the new Windsor Framework arrangements.

As per the answer to Question 3923, the Government has carried out extensive engagement with businesses on a regular basis (including freight operators, parcel carriers and other businesses) since the Windsor framework was agreed in February 2023. This has included detailed technical discussion on moving parcels from Great Britain to Northern Ireland in a manner that provides continuity for businesses. The Government continues to provide focused technical and delivery support to ensure a smooth transition to the new Windsor Framework arrangements.

The government continues to engage extensively with traders and hauliers to build readiness for the implementation of the new arrangements under the Windsor Framework.

Guidance on gov.uk is consistently updated in line with any new requirements coming into effect. Specific guidance for traders and hauliers on the UK Internal Market Scheme can be found on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-authorisation-for-the-uk-internal-market-scheme-if-you-bring-goods-into-northern-ireland.

And guidance on the requirements for GVMS can be found on gov.uk here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-how-to-move-goods-through-ports-that-use-the-goods-vehicle-movement-service.

The Government has engaged extensively with businesses and parcel carriers to implement the changes agreed under the Windsor Framework for parcel movements and will continue to do so.

EES is a European Union initiative due to be introduced in the autumn of this year that applies to non-EU travellers visiting countries forming part of the Schengen area. As neither the Republic of Ireland nor Northern Ireland form part of the Schengen area, EES will not apply.

The Ministry of Defence is currently in discussion with legal counsel on the implications of the judgment and the possibility of appealing.

I became aware on 5 September that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland had accepted the resignation of the Commissioner. We are committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland through the Veterans Welfare Service NI and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

I became aware on 5 September that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland had accepted the resignation of the Commissioner. We are committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland through the Veterans Welfare Service NI and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

We will set out next steps for the appointment of a new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner in due course.

The Winter Fuel Payment is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and its delivery and the eligibility criteria are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Department for Communities.

The Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for balancing its own budget. The Executive has made a decision to maintain parity with the UK Government by requiring receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment to be means tested.