Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to provide certainty to industry in relation to the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to maritime.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

In November, the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Authority published the main Authority Response to the 2024 consultation detailing how the UK ETS will expand to the maritime sector. This main Authority Response included final policy details ahead of implementation next year. The Authority is directly engaging with the sector to ensure the details are understood, including by hosting a webinar which will be an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions.

We are working closely with the sector as part of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Authority to ensure that maritime operators will be sufficiently prepared to join UK ETS from July next year.

The Environment Agency, who will regulate the majority of operators, are running a voluntary onboarding period from next month which will help the sector engage with the ETS ahead of July and give operators extra time to get familiar with how it works.

Additionally, the Authority will allow for ‘double-surrender’ for maritime operators for the first two scheme years, giving maritime operators extra time and further opportunity to familiarise themselves with UK ETS and the digital systems.

Guidance will be provided to address sector-specific requirements and support participants to meet their UK ETS obligations.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support the provision of onshore power supply for ports across the UK, including in Northern Ireland, in relation to onshore power supply for ferries and cruise ships.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Responsibility for electricity policy is transferred to the Northern Ireland Assembly under the provisions of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. However, on 25 March, Government published the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy and launched a call for evidence on Net Zero Ports, focusing on future energy demand and shore power. We are considering responses to the call for evidence.

In Great Britain, Government is working with Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator on reforms to accelerate grid connections, alongside using new powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to accelerate strategic demand projects. These steps should support power deployment for ports.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the impact of current fuel duty rates on the road freight and logistics sector; and whether her Department plans to bring forward measures to reduce transport costs.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

At Budget 2025, the Government announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut until the end of August 2026. Rates will then gradually return to previous levels. The planned increase in line with inflation for 2026-27 will not take place, with the government increasing fuel duty rates in line with RPI from April 2027. This will save the average van driver £100 next year compared to previous plans, and the average HGV driver more than £800.

The Government considers the impact of fuel duty on the economy, including households and businesses, with decisions on rates made at fiscal events.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the availability and effectiveness of rehabilitation support for individuals with a gambling addiction within the criminal justice system.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) co-commissioned an independent report to inform understanding of the prevalence of gambling harms among those in prison and on probation in the community: Report on Gambling Harms and the Criminal Justice System.

We are committed to rehabilitating those impacted by gambling and its harms, through a rehabilitative culture, positive relationships and pro-social staff. Together with this, HMPPS delivers a broad range of interventions to address individuals’ criminogenic risks and needs, including accredited offending behaviour programmes. In addition, the NHS provides support for individuals who are experiencing gambling addiction.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the prevalence of gambling-related harm among individuals within the criminal justice system; and what steps he is taking to improve screening and support for problem gambling in prisons and the probation services.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) co-commissioned an independent report to inform understanding of the prevalence of gambling harms among those in prison and on probation in the community: Report on Gambling Harms and the Criminal Justice System.

We are committed to rehabilitating those impacted by gambling and its harms, through a rehabilitative culture, positive relationships and pro-social staff. Together with this, HMPPS delivers a broad range of interventions to address individuals’ criminogenic risks and needs, including accredited offending behaviour programmes. In addition, the NHS provides support for individuals who are experiencing gambling addiction.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate she has made of the contribution of fuel duty to inflation and the cost of living; and whether she will review current rates in the context of wider price pressures.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Pump prices are at their lowest levels since 2021, before Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine led to soaring prices and the introduction of a temporary 5p cut in fuel duty. At Budget 2025, the Government therefore announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut until the end of August 2026. Rates will then gradually return to early 2022 levels. The planned increase in line with inflation for 2026-27 will not take place, with the government uprating fuel duty rates by RPI from April 2027. This will save the average car driver £49 next year compared to previous plans.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) set out the impact of policy measures on inflation in its Autumn Budget 2025 forecast, including fuel duty policy. The OBR forecast the fuel duty freeze extension will reduce CPI inflation by 0.13 percentage points in 2026/27.

The Chancellor asked departments to prioritise reducing inflation when developing policies for the Budget, ensuring decisions support stability and long-term growth. Considering all policies, including the impact of the fuel duty decision, the OBR expect Budget measures to reduce CPI inflation by 0.4 percentage points in 2026/27.

The Government considers the impact of fuel duty on the economy, including households and businesses, with decisions on rates made at fiscal events.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the Cameroon authorities concerning the recent kidnapping and detention of Christian clergy in the Northeast region.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK condemns the kidnappings of Catholic priests and others in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon, including 6 priests who have now been released. The UK Government monitors the human rights situation in Cameroon closely and discusses the issues in the Anglophone regions with a range of interlocutors, including at the highest levels of the Cameroonian Government. We continue to call for inclusive dialogue which addresses the root causes of the crisis and urge all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution. We also advocate for the protections of all vulnerable communities through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of current regulatory protections, such as age verification and advertising restrictions, in preventing gambling among young people.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

All gambling operators in the UK must comply with robust advertising codes, which are enforced by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) independently of Government. These codes apply across all advertising platforms, including broadcast, online and social media. The codes are regularly reviewed and updated and include a wide range of provisions designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm. DCMS regularly engages with the ASA to discuss these changes and the impact of the regulations.

In addition, all operators in the UK are required to comply with the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, which includes new provisions relating to direct marketing and socially responsible promotions and bonuses. The impact of these measures will be assessed in due course.

We are also working with colleagues across Government and other regulators to assess the effectiveness of age assurance tools on online platforms. We are considering a wide range of evidence to ensure children are best protected from gambling related harm.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks governing gambling advertising across broadcast, online, and social media platforms.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

All gambling operators in the UK must comply with robust advertising codes, which are enforced by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) independently of Government. These codes apply across all advertising platforms, including broadcast, online and social media. The codes are regularly reviewed and updated and include a wide range of provisions designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm. DCMS regularly engages with the ASA to discuss these changes and the impact of the regulations.

In addition, all operators in the UK are required to comply with the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, which includes new provisions relating to direct marketing and socially responsible promotions and bonuses. The impact of these measures will be assessed in due course.

We are also working with colleagues across Government and other regulators to assess the effectiveness of age assurance tools on online platforms. We are considering a wide range of evidence to ensure children are best protected from gambling related harm.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to require gambling operators and online platforms to provide greater transparency regarding how gambling advertisements are targeted and delivered to users.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The advertising codes that apply to all licensed gambling operators state that advertising must not be targeted at children or vulnerable people. The Government welcomes measures implemented by the Gambling Commission which have given customers greater control over the direct marketing they receive, and include further restrictions to make sure bonuses are constructed in a responsible way which does not encourage excessive or harmful gambling.

We will continue to explore whether more can be done to further raise standards in this area, particularly on online platforms.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what plans he has to restrict the export of scrap aluminium from the UK to address the challenge of scarce critical minerals identified in the Critical Mineral Strategy, published on the 22nd of November.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government recognises the importance of a domestic circular economy and the need for domestic supply of aluminium scrap to meet demand, whilst also ensuring the market remains fair and beneficial for all stakeholders. Government is aware of the various recommendations made by industry, including export controls, and we plan to listen to the perspective of all involved parties and to explore options to encourage growth.

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Found: Cotswolds) Blake Stephenson (Conservative; Mid Bedfordshire) John Whitby (Labour; Derbyshire Dales) Sammy Wilson

Found: Cotswolds) Blake Stephenson (Conservative; Mid Bedfordshire) John Whitby (Labour; Derbyshire Dales) Sammy Wilson

Found: Barry Gardiner; Chris Hinchliff; Martin Rhodes; Dr Roz Savage; Blake Stephenson; John Whitby; Sammy Wilson

Found: Barry Gardiner; Chris Hinchliff; Martin Rhodes; Dr Roz Savage; Blake Stephenson; John Whitby; Sammy Wilson

Found: Sarah Gibson; Alison Griffiths; Chris Hinchliff; Manuela Perteghella; Martin Rhodes; John Whitby; Sammy Wilson

Found: Davies; Barry Gardiner; Sarah Gibson; Chris Hinchliff; Martin Rhodes; Dr Roz Savage; John Whitby; Sammy Wilson

Found: Davies; Barry Gardiner; Sarah Gibson; Chris Hinchliff; Martin Rhodes; Dr Roz Savage; John Whitby; Sammy Wilson

Found: Davies; Barry Gardiner; Sarah Gibson; Chris Hinchliff; Martin Rhodes; Dr Roz Savage; John Whitby; Sammy Wilson