Asked by: Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West and Islwyn)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is taking steps to increase expertise on domestic semiconductor production in his Department.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Defence Industrial Strategy sets out our approach to investing in and onshoring the necessary industrial capabilities for sovereign national security and to boost UK economic growth. It recognises semiconductors as a priority sub-sector critical to modern military platforms and UK defence manufacturing. The Ministry of Defence is therefore focused on ensuring secure, resilient access to these technologies to support national security.
For sensitive and classified applications, Defence requires an assured and trusted supply, including specialised compound semiconductors, where UK-based capability can be essential. An example of this Government’s commitment to action can be seen in its acquisition of Octric Semiconductors in September 2024.
The Department is also strengthening its expertise through a dedicated Category Management approach to semiconductors, improving demand signalling, market intelligence and risk management. This work is supported by close engagement with the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, the Department for Business and Trade, the Semiconductor Advisory Panel, industry and international partners, alongside ongoing analytical work, development of a Defence semiconductor strategy, and targeted investment in skills and capability.
Asked by: Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West and Islwyn)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the significance of sovereign semiconductor manufacturing capacity to (a) UK defence manufacturing and (b) UK national security and resilience.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Defence Industrial Strategy sets out our approach to investing in and onshoring the necessary industrial capabilities for sovereign national security and to boost UK economic growth. It recognises semiconductors as a priority sub-sector critical to modern military platforms and UK defence manufacturing. The Ministry of Defence is therefore focused on ensuring secure, resilient access to these technologies to support national security.
For sensitive and classified applications, Defence requires an assured and trusted supply, including specialised compound semiconductors, where UK-based capability can be essential. An example of this Government’s commitment to action can be seen in its acquisition of Octric Semiconductors in September 2024.
The Department is also strengthening its expertise through a dedicated Category Management approach to semiconductors, improving demand signalling, market intelligence and risk management. This work is supported by close engagement with the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, the Department for Business and Trade, the Semiconductor Advisory Panel, industry and international partners, alongside ongoing analytical work, development of a Defence semiconductor strategy, and targeted investment in skills and capability.
Asked by: Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West and Islwyn)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she intends to consult on a draft ban on the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs.
Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, on 20 May 2026 to PQ UIN 613.
Asked by: Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West and Islwyn)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to guidance entitled Research and testing using animals: licences and compliance published by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) in 2013, whether she plans to update included policies on the naming of products and substances in project licences for batch quality control and regulatory toxicology in light of the a) replacing animals in science strategy and b) updated guidance issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The published policies and guidance entitled 'Research and testing using animals: licences and compliance, published by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) in 2013 remain in place. ASRU keeps guidance under review. ASRU will consider any implications of the Replacing animals in science strategy and relevant guidance issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency as part of that process.
The Government is committed to the effective delivery of the strategy and is undertaking regular governance and engagement activity across departments and with wider stakeholders to assure effective system-wide delivery.
Asked by: Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West and Islwyn)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to guidance entitled Research and testing using animals: licences and compliance published by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) in 2013, whether such policies on on the naming of a) products and b) substances in project licences for i) batch quality control and ii) regulatory toxicology remain in place.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The published policies and guidance entitled 'Research and testing using animals: licences and compliance, published by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) in 2013 remain in place. ASRU keeps guidance under review. ASRU will consider any implications of the Replacing animals in science strategy and relevant guidance issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency as part of that process.
The Government is committed to the effective delivery of the strategy and is undertaking regular governance and engagement activity across departments and with wider stakeholders to assure effective system-wide delivery.
Asked by: Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West and Islwyn)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she will bring forward legislation to ban the use of enriched cages for laying hens.
Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
A UK-wide consultation on laying hen cage reform was launched on 12 January 2026 and closed on 9 March 2026. The Government is carefully analysing the consultation responses, and the next steps will be announced when the analysis is completed.
Asked by: Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West and Islwyn)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on congestion (a) around the Brynglas tunnel and (b) other parts of the M4 around Newport.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Responsibility for the M4 around Newport, including the Brynglas Tunnels, is devolved to the Welsh Government.