Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing Graduated Driving Licences for young people.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Whilst we are not considering Graduated Driving Licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads, and we are considering other measures to tackle this problem and protect young drivers.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes in the level of international student visa applications to UK universities in 2024 on the sector.

Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The latest Home Office data shows that there were 350,700 visa applications made by international students for a sponsored study visa between January and September 2024. This is 16% lower than between January and September 2023 when 417,000 sponsored study visas applications were made by international students.

There are many factors that influence international students when they choose to study abroad. These may include the range and quality of available courses, the visa rules that apply in countries they are considering and the appeal of living and studying in those countries.

The government recognises that international students enrich our university campuses, forge lifelong friendships with our domestic students and become global ambassadors for the UK, as well as making a significant economic contribution to the higher education (HE) sector and our country as a whole. It is for these reasons that the government offers international students the opportunity to remain in the UK on a graduate visa for two to three years after their studies come to an end.

The department will continue to monitor available data and engage closely with the HE sector to assess the level of international student admissions to UK universities in the 2024/25 academic year.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the causes of changes in the level of international student visa applications to UK universities in 2024.

Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The latest Home Office data shows that there were 350,700 visa applications made by international students for a sponsored study visa between January and September 2024. This is 16% lower than between January and September 2023 when 417,000 sponsored study visas applications were made by international students.

There are many factors that influence international students when they choose to study abroad. These may include the range and quality of available courses, the visa rules that apply in countries they are considering and the appeal of living and studying in those countries.

The government recognises that international students enrich our university campuses, forge lifelong friendships with our domestic students and become global ambassadors for the UK, as well as making a significant economic contribution to the higher education (HE) sector and our country as a whole. It is for these reasons that the government offers international students the opportunity to remain in the UK on a graduate visa for two to three years after their studies come to an end.

The department will continue to monitor available data and engage closely with the HE sector to assess the level of international student admissions to UK universities in the 2024/25 academic year.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what her planned timetable is for publishing proposals on regulating large scale commercial prize draws.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Large scale commercial prize draws are a significant and growing market. Whilst not regulated as a gambling product under the Gambling Act, we want people who participate in large scale commercial prize draws to be confident that proportionate protections are in place. The department is grateful for the voluntary action taken so far by the sector to act transparently and apply player protection measures. We want to ensure high standards in this area and the Minister for Gambling will be meeting the sector to discuss this work.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had recent representations on the potential merits of zero-rating society lotteries under any future statutory levy on gambling operators.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

As set out in the Government’s response to the consultation on the statutory levy, we will introduce a statutory levy charged to all licensed gambling operators. Society lotteries will be charged the levy at the lowest rate of 0.1%, in recognition of the low rates of harm associated with participation in society lotteries and the important benefits they bring to good cause fundraising. The Gambling Act 2005 is clear that all licensees are in scope of the levy, but to minimise disruption this 0.1% will be charged as a proportion of proceeds retained after good causes.

Celebrating the service of local councillors

175th anniversary of St Mary Immaculate Church

Colin S Macleod's 1000-mile swim

50 years of the St Albans and District Talking Newspaper

SCIAF's Real Gifts Campaign 2024

University of St Andrews cost of living and sustainability initiatives

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Cadbury (Chair); Steff Aquarone; Dr Scott Arthur; Catherine

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Cadbury (Chair); Steff Aquarone; Dr Scott Arthur; Catherine

Submit Evidence (by 17 Jan 2025)

Buses are England’s most widely used form of public transport. However, in many parts of the country, both service provision and passenger numbers are in decline. The Transport Committee will examine the role of bus services in connecting rural communities with nearby towns and suburban areas.

Submit Evidence (by 21 Jan 2025)

Street works are works carried out by utility companies to install, repair or maintain their services, which involve digging up roads or pavements. (These are distinct from works being done to the road itself). Although necessary to provide utility services, street works can be disruptive to road and pavement users and can affect surface quality in the long term.

Submit Evidence (by 7 Feb 2025)

The Transport Committee is examining investment pipelines for the railway.