Wera Hobhouse Portrait

Wera Hobhouse

Liberal Democrat - Bath

11,218 (23.3%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 8th June 2017


Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change)
11th Jul 2022 - 18th Sep 2024
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Transport)
11th Jul 2022 - 18th Sep 2024
Liberal Democrat Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
7th Sep 2020 - 30th May 2024
Licensing Hours Extensions Bill
7th Feb 2024 - 30th May 2024
Restoration and Renewal Programme Board
7th Feb 2023 - 30th May 2024
Prison Media Bill
15th May 2024 - 22nd May 2024
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill
28th Feb 2024 - 6th Mar 2024
Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill
16th Nov 2022 - 23rd Nov 2022
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Justice)
7th Sep 2020 - 10th Jul 2022
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Women and Equalities)
7th Sep 2020 - 10th Jul 2022
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Energy)
6th Jan 2020 - 7th Sep 2020
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Environment and Climate Change)
7th Feb 2019 - 7th Sep 2020
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Transport)
21st Aug 2019 - 6th Jan 2020
Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Committee on Exiting the European Union
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Justice)
7th Feb 2019 - 21st Aug 2019
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
16th Jun 2017 - 8th Feb 2019


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Wera Hobhouse has voted in 43 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Wera Hobhouse Division Votes

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.

Sparring Partners
Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op))
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(12 debate interactions)
Ed Miliband (Labour)
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
(8 debate interactions)
Louise Haigh (Labour)
(8 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department of Health and Social Care
(13 debate contributions)
Department for Transport
(12 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(11 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Great British Energy Bill 2024-26
(5,841 words contributed)
Finance Bill 2024-26
(979 words contributed)
Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2024-26
(584 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Wera Hobhouse's debates

Bath 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).

Wera Hobhouse has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Wera Hobhouse

29th October 2024
Wera Hobhouse signed this EDM on Thursday 19th December 2024

Israeli Knesset decision to ban UNRWA

Tabled by: Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat - Bicester and Woodstock)
That this House expresses its deep concern at the Israeli Knesset’s vote to ban UNRWA; notes that this comes at a desperate moment in Gaza with a senior UN humanitarian official warning that the entire population of north Gaza is at risk of dying; further notes that, given the critical …
58 signatures
(Most recent: 19 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 42
Independent: 4
Plaid Cymru: 4
Green Party: 3
Scottish National Party: 2
Labour: 2
Alliance: 1
17th December 2024
Wera Hobhouse signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 18th December 2024

Democratic violations and violence in Georgia

Tabled by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes)
That this House condemns the escalating violence and democratic backsliding in Georgia, including the disproportionate use of force by Georgian authorities against peaceful protesters, journalists, and opposition figures; expresses concern at the arbitrary detentions of civilians, suppression of peaceful assembly, and anti-democratic actions; notes with concern the Georgian Government’s disregard …
16 signatures
(Most recent: 19 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 15
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Wera Hobhouse's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Wera Hobhouse, 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.


Wera Hobhouse has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Wera Hobhouse

Tuesday 15th October 2024

12 Bills introduced by Wera Hobhouse


Parallel Parliament Note:

The substantive text of this bill was re-introduced by the Government as the Voyeurism Offences Act which received Royal Assent during the 2017-2019 Parliament.

A Bill to make certain acts of voyeurism an offence.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 6th March 2018

A Bill to make provision in relation to the duties of employers and the protection of workers under the Equality Act 2010

This Bill received Royal Assent on 26th October 2023 and was enacted into law.


The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to raise the age of criminal responsibility

Lords Completed
Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Monday 17th June 2019

A Bill to establish an independent review of rape conviction rates and of the effects on the victims of rape; and to require the Secretary of State to act on the recommendations of the review.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to make motivation by misogyny an aggravating factor in criminal sentencing; to require police forces to record hate crimes motivated by misogyny; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to prohibit sexual orientation and gender identity conversion therapy; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to review the current arrangements for breast cancer screening, including the potential merits of reducing the minimum age at which women are invited for regular breast cancer screening and of increasing the use of automated breast ultrasound; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 10th December 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 7th March 2025
Order Paper number: 15
(Unlikely to be Debated - would require unanimous consent to progress)

A Bill to prohibit the installation of new pre-payment meters for domestic energy customers before 31 March 2023; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 7th December 2022

A Bill to amend the Equality Act 2010 to permit political parties to use all-ethnic-minority shortlists for the selection of election candidates.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 14th October 2020

A Bill to make motivation by misogyny an aggravating factor in criminal sentencing; to require police forces to record hate crimes motivated by misogyny; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 9th March 2020

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to increase penalties for stationary vehicle idling offences; to grant local authorities increased powers to issue such penalties; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 5th June 2019

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require routine six week National Health Service check-ups for new mothers to include mental health assessments and advice; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Thursday 7th March 2019

26 Bills co-sponsored by Wera Hobhouse

Schools (Mental Health Professionals) (No. 2) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Munira Wilson (LD)

Shared Parental Leave and Pay (Bereavement) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Darren Henry (Con)

Primary care services (report) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Daisy Cooper (LD)

Carers and Care Workers Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Helen Morgan (LD)

Bullying and respect at work Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Rachael Maskell (LAB)

Fire and Building Safety (Public Inquiry) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Daisy Cooper (LD)

Recognition of Armenian Genocide Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tim Loughton (Con)

Sewage Discharges Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tim Farron (LD)

Digitally Altered Body Images Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Luke Evans (Con)

Decarbonisation and Economic Strategy Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Caroline Lucas (Green)

Wellbeing of Future Generations (No. 2) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Caroline Lucas (Green)

School Toilets (Access During Lessons) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Layla Moran (LD)

School Breakfast Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Emma Lewell-Buck (Lab)

Environment (Regulation) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Tim Farron (LD)

Digitally Altered Body Images Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Luke Evans (Con)

Local Electricity Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Peter Aldous (Con)

Hong Kong Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)

International Development (Women’s Sanitary Products) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Wendy Chamberlain (LD)

Clean Air (No. 3) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Geraint Davies (Ind)

Prime Minister (Confidence) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Tom Brake (LD)

Charity Trustees (Time Off for Duties) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Susan Elan Jones (Lab)

Gender-based Pricing (Prohibition) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christine Jardine (LD)

House of Peers Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christine Jardine (LD)

Bus Drivers (Working Hours on Local Routes) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Matt Western (Lab)

Homelessness (End of Life Care) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Ed Davey (LD)

Vagrancy (Repeal) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Layla Moran (LD)


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Solicitor General, what the cost to her Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment in that period; and how much each Minister received.

Details of ministerial severance payments are published in the HM Procurator General and Treasury Solicitor Annual Report and Accounts. These can be found here: Transparency andfreedom of information releases - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

I confirm that over the period 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024, the following payments were made:

The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP – £23,612 (February 2020)

The Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC – £14,490 (August 2022)

Edward Timpson CBE KC – £14,490 (October 2022)

The Rt Hon Sir Michael Ellis KC – £23,612 (November 2022)

Information on any payments from 31 May 2024 will be released in due course.

All severance payments were made under the Ministerial and other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991, which provides for severance payments to ministers who cease to hold office and are not re-appointed to government within three weeks. This reflects the lack of any notice period when ministers leave government.

Sarah Sackman
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to his Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

The department publishes details of all ministerial remuneration including compensation for loss of office in its Annual Reports and Accounts.

The information can be viewed on gov.uk at this address: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cabinet-office-annual-reports-and-accounts

The Cabinet Office has published Annual Reports and Accounts for periods up to and including the financial year 2022/23. The 2023/2024 Annual Report and Account is due to be published in the Autumn. Information related to the financial year 2024/25 will be published after that year has closed.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
11th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps ensure that the intellectual property chapter in a free trade agreement with India includes commitments to the (a) UN Sustainable Development Goals, (b) International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and (c) UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas.

Following a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister on 18 November, the Prime Minister announced that UK-India trade talks will relaunch in the new year.

While we do not comment on the details of negotiations, work is underway across government to prepare for negotiations with India and to seek a deal that delivers for the UK and supports economic growth.

Our trade programme, including talks with India, is driven by stakeholder engagement and seeks to support the high existing standards within our own domestic Intellectual Property Regime and as agreed in international fora.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the paragraph 52 of the Second Special Report of the Environmental Audit Committee of Session 2019 on Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life: Government Response to the Committee’s Twentieth Report of Session 2017-19, HC160, published on 30 October 2019, what recent progress his Department has made on developing revised regulations to replace the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988; and if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the consultation conducted by the Office for Product Safety and Standards entitled, Smarter Regulation: Fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture on proposals for a new approach to the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture, which closed on 24 October 2023.

Following the formation of the Government in July, the Department for Business and Trade is considering next steps for this important issue, including reviewing the evidence gathered from the 2023 consultation, Smarter Regulation: Fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture. The recommendations of the Environmental Audit Committee following the inquiry Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life formed part of the evidence base informing the consultation proposals. The Government will engage with consumer organisations, businesses, and other interested groups and provide updates in due course.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what the cost to his Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

Under the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991, eligible Ministers who leave office are entitled to a one-off payment equivalent to one quarter of their annual salary at the point at which they leave Government.

Details of such payments are published in the departmental annual reports and accounts, and ministerial salaries are published on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministerial-salary-data

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
29th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how he plans to encourage investment in (a) chemical recycling and (b) other green technologies.

The UK is committed to a circular economy which will keep resources in use as long as possible, extracting maximum value, minimizing waste and promoting resource efficiency. Policies such as the UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax help support innovation, growth and jobs in the waste management and the recycling sectors, including within chemical recycling.

The UK supports investment into green technologies through competitive research and innovation-based incentives such as R&D tax credits, innovation funding and incentives.

DBT will use its investment services to support Great British Energy to seek investment into new technologies to speed up and scale their deployment.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether intellectual property provisions on plant genetic resources are being negotiated under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

Boosting trade abroad is essential to deliver a strong economy at home. That is why we are committed to negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with India, which is projected to be the world’s third largest economy by 2027.

It is the department’s established practice to not comment on the details of live negotiations. We will commence negotiations as soon as possible to secure an agreement that creates new opportunities for businesses, supports jobs across the United Kingdom, and delivers growth.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has for increased (a) funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and (b) support for additional low-carbon heating technologies.

On 21 November the Government announced £30 million of additional budget for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for this financial year in response to increased uptake to the scheme. It was also confirmed that the scheme budget for the next financial year will be almost doubled to £295 million. Budgets for subsequent years will be confirmed in the second phase of the Spending Review.

The Government has also announced support for social housing and lower income households through the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and Warm Homes: Local Grant which includes support for low carbon heating.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of adding carbon capture, utilisation and storage costs onto household bills.

We have created several business models to fund CCUS projects, designed to ensure value for money whilst providing long term sight of revenue streams for investors. CCUS will be funded by a mixture of exchequer and levy sources, the exact split to be determined in due course. Negotiations with projects are ongoing and therefore commercially confidential. Final awards will be published on the UK subsidy database. We will continue to learn from the first clusters as they approach Final Investment Decisions and apply these lessons to further development of CCUS to ensure that it delivers value for money.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many civil servants in his Department are working on (a) demand flexibility, (b) Great British Energy, (c) hydrogen, (d) carbon capture and storage, (e) nuclear energy, (f) the review of electricity market arrangements, (g) heat electrification and (h) biomass.

The Department has around 4500 full time equivalents (FTE) working across multiple policy areas and programmes. These include demand flexibility, Great British Energy, Carbon capture, utilisation and storage, hydrogen, nuclear, the review of electricity market arrangements, heat electrification and biomass, amongst others. The Department’s resourcing is recorded and aligned to its organisation structure, rather than to portfolios. This means we are unable to provide a detailed breakdown for each of the areas mentioned.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to allow large-scale development consent order solar projects to bid for future Contracts for Difference auctions.

Solar projects over 5MW were eligible to apply for Allocation Round 6. The Government is committed to accelerating solar deployment to meet clean power 2030 and reviews the Contracts for Difference scheme before every round to ensure it continues to deliver this and other objectives. We will confirm details for Allocation Round 7, including eligibility, in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) restoring a three-year window for solar photovoltaics and (b) allowing solar Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects to bid in future Contracts for Difference auctions.

Solar projects over 5MW were eligible to apply for Allocation Round 6. The Government is committed to accelerating solar deployment to meet clean power 2030 and reviews the Contracts for Difference scheme before every round to ensure it continues to deliver this and other objectives. We will confirm details for Allocation Round 7, including eligibility, in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the (a) potential implications for his policies and (b) the Government's net zero strategy of discussions by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on determining its methodology for calculating bioenergy with carbon capture and storage emissions including imported biomass.

An assessment is made on the potential implications of any policy by the civil service and is provided to ministers to allow an informed decision to be made. The 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories provide a methodology for the reporting of emissions from bioenergy with carbon capture and storage that the UK is intending to follow once the technology is operating at sufficient scale.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his Department's timetable is for making a decision on how much funding the Government will make available for bioenergy carbon capture and storage technology.

Following the announcement in October 2024 of funding for the initial Track 1 cluster configurations, further funding decisions for continued CCUS deployment will be taken as part of the Spending Review concluding in late Spring 2025.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 18 September 2024 to Question 5089 on Great British Nuclear: Recruitment, for what reason his Department is unable to provide a list of (a) the 16 organisations from which personnel have been seconded to Great British Nuclear and (b) the number of personnel supplied by each organisation.

The Department is unable to share information potentially sensitive to individuals working within GBN. GBN has grown rapidly as an organisation with permanent recruitment underway.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of recognising book and claim as a form of corporate emissions reporting.

Large or listed UK companies are required to disclose specified emissions under the regulations which underpin Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting. Currently, Government is considering the International Sustainability Standards Board reporting requirements which do not prohibit the use of book and claim for emissions, subject to transparent reporting and verification. DESNZ is also reviewing the Environmental Reporting Guidance which includes guidance on reporting renewable energy where Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin are used alongside physical purchase of energy, as well as use of carbon offsets. However, there are no plans to conduct a specific assessment of the merits of book and claim at the present time.

Kerry McCarthy
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it his policy to strengthen the biomass sustainability auditing regime before any new Contracts for Difference are awarded.

The 2023 Biomass Strategy contained a commitment to consult on developing and implementing a cross-sector sustainability framework to enable greater consistency across sectors. Next steps on this will be announced in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 6413 on Sizewell C Power Station: Finance, for what reason disclosure of the proportions of capital allocated by Sizewell C Ltd is considered commercially sensitive; and whether his Department holds that information.

Sizewell C’s spending plans are agreed by shareholders, including Government. The public disclosure of detailed spending plans whilst the project is engaged in live commercial negotiations could have a negative impact on the project’s negotiating position and undermine the project’s value for money.

Sizewell C Ltd publishes an annual report and accounts, which are available to view at Companies House. This sets out expenditure and income for each financial year.

The Department also includes information about amounts invested into the project via its annual report and accounts, which are published and laid before Parliament.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to take steps to provide financial support to the homes that his Department considers to be too expensive or difficult to install a heat pump into.

The Government recognises that heat pumps may not be feasible in a small number of properties, and these homes will require alternative low-carbon heating solutions to help them decarbonise.

The Government is committed to incentivising properties to transition to cleaner, affordable heating and our Warm Homes Plan will offer grants and low interest loans to support investment in insulation, low carbon heating and other home improvements to cut bills.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 2 September 2024 to Question 2122 and of 10 September 2024 to Question 5089 on Great British Nuclear: Recruitment, from what organisations how many personnel have been (a) seconded and (b) recruited to Great British Nuclear.

GBN has grown rapidly as an organisation to deliver on its mission and now has over 100 personnel working for it, including 51 staff seconded from 16 organisations. GBN has permanent recruitment underway, and all roles are advertised, with applications welcomed from candidates from all backgrounds and organisations.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to extend support for landfill gas to energy operators beyond 2027.

Government is aware that support under the Renewables Obligation Scheme, including some that landfill gas generators hold, concludes from 2027 onwards. We are speaking with a variety of generators to understand the impact that the conclusion of support will have on their future operations. This will inform considerations about whether further support is required.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take legislative steps to ban the routine (a) flaring and (b) venting of oil and gas by 2030.

The UK has committed to the World Bank’s ‘Zero Routine Flaring by 2030’ Initiative, and has additionally committed to end routine venting by 2030. In the North Sea Transition Deal the UK industry committed to accelerate compliance ahead of 2030.

With support from Government, industry is on track to meet these ambitious targets.

According to the North Sea Transition Authority, flaring reduced by 49% between 2018 and 2023, and methane emissions fell by more than 50% in the same period.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much and what proportion of the funding that his Department has allocated to the proposed new nuclear plant at Sizewell C has been allocated for (a) land clearance, (b) other site preparation, (c) essential forgings and (d) other components for reactors.

Specific details of the project’s spending plans are commercially sensitive – and budget allocations for different elements of work are set by the company, Sizewell C Limited. As majority shareholders in the project, government has previously committed to invest £2.5 billion in the project’s development and recently strengthened this with a further subsidy scheme of up to £5.5 billion to provide certainty and ensure the project has access to the necessary financial support to remain on schedule.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of flexible energy systems on consumers.

The transition to a smarter energy system can bring benefits for many consumers. This was a key factor in a call for evidence carried out earlier this year on the future of default tariffs in a more flexible market https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/default-energy-tariffs-for-households-call-for-evidence

DESNZ and Ofgem will continue to work closely to ensure that consumers can benefit from a more flexible energy system whilst being protected from unfair or inefficient pricing.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the National Energy System Operator (NESO) integrates demand side flexibility into its market design.

NESO's role is set out in legislation and licences and is regulated by Ofgem. It has a statutory duty to have regard to the Strategy and Policy Statement, which was issued earlier this year and sets out the government’s intention for NESO to consider ‘opportunities to shift and manage demand through smart solutions, such as electricity or hydrogen storage, demand side response and low carbon generation.’

Demand side flexibility has a key role to play in delivering clean power by 2030 and making Britain a clean energy superpower. Such opportunities will include the potential to further integrate demand side response through changes to the design and operation of the markets that NESO operates.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for public expenditure of the provision of a further £5.5 billion for additional development support for the proposed new nuclear power plant Sizewell C in (a) the current fiscal year and (b) each of the next four fiscal years.

While working towards a final investment decision on Sizewell C, we have established a new subsidy scheme of up to £5.5 billion to ensure the government can provide the project with the necessary financial support to remain on track. Decisions about providing investment and support under the scheme will be made in due course and will be subject to the relevant government approval processes, including where appropriate the upcoming Spending Review.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to his Answer of 2 September 2024 to Question 2122 on Great British Nuclear: Recruitment, if he will list (a) the organisations from which personnel have been seconded to Great British Nuclear and (b) the number of personnel recruited from each.

GBN has grown rapidly as an organisation to deliver on its mission and now has over 100 personnel working for it, including those seconded from a range of organisations. Permanent recruitment for the Executive Team is actively underway and this will be followed by recruitment for the rest of the organisation.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to respond to the consultation entitled Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales, which closed on 8 January 2021; and whether he plans to increase the minimum energy efficiency standards required for (a) rented and (b) leased non-residential buildings.

We will require private landlords to make improvements to their properties by 2030. Ensuring warmer, healthier private rented homes will lift many families out of fuel poverty and reduce energy bills. We will consider the evidence gathered as part of the 2020 consultation as we design the policy around increased Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

The Government is committed to decarbonising non domestic buildings and is exploring the most appropriate way to do so, including through Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards where evidence gathered as part of the 2019 and 2021 consultations will continue to inform policy development.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the cost to his Department was of Ministerial severance payments during each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero was created following a Machinery of Government change and the payroll entries were split from other Government Departments in September 2023. From the creation of the separate ledger for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero until 30 May 2024, there were no Ministerial severance payments made.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many full-time permanent staff he (a) plans to recruit and (b) has recruited for Great British Nuclear; and what his planned timeline is for completing this recruitment.

GBN has grown rapidly as an organisation to deliver on its mission and now has well over 100 personnel working for it ahead of permanent recruitment to help drive forward the nuclear programme. Permanent recruitment for the Executive Team is actively underway and this will be followed by recruitment for the rest of the organisation.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the cost to his Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

The details of any ministerial severance payments can be found in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts.

The 2023/2024 Annual Report and Accounts for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology are to be published in due course.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the cost to her Department was of Ministerial severance payments during each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

Under the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991, eligible Ministers who leave office are entitled to a one off payment equivalent to one quarter of their annual salary at the point at which they leave the government.

This applies only where a Minister is under 65 and is not appointed to a ministerial office within three weeks of leaving government.

Individuals may waive the payment to which they are entitled. That is a matter for their personal discretion, but this approach has been taken in the past.

Details of such payments are published in departmental annual reports and accounts, and ministerial salaries are published on GOV.UK. Future disclosures for 2023/24 will be published in due course.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
16th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to Ofsted's report entitled Review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges, published on 10 June 2021, what discussions her Department has had with Ofsted on the extent to which it has implemented the recommendations under actions for the inspectorates.

The department has regular discussions with Ofsted on a wide range of aspects, including its approaches to inspection and the safeguarding of children and young people. On the specific matter of Ofsted’s implementation of the actions set out in its report, I have asked His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver to write to the hon. Member directly and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the cost to her Department was of Ministerial severance payments during each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

The provision of severance payments for Ministers is set out in legislation.

Details of the severance payments made to ministers when leaving office are published in the Departments’ Annual Reports and Accounts.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
30th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure the enforcement of the single-use plastics ban.

The Government recognises farmers’ concerns about imports produced using methods not permitted in the UK. We have been clear that we will use our Trade Strategy to promote the highest food production standards.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
7th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had discussions with His Majesty's Treasury on the Government's response to the consultation on Plastic Packaging Tax - chemical recycling and adoption of a mass balance approach, published on 18 July 2023.

Yes. Officials in Defra work closely with HM Treasury colleagues. We are aware that the Treasury has committed to publishing a response to the consultation before the end of this year.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the merits of introducing mandatory food waste reporting.

The previous Government held a consultation wherein stakeholders were asked about their views on the scope of any reporting requirements. It can be found at Improved food waste reporting by large food businesses in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Waste and Resources programme (WRAP) led voluntary Food Waste Reduction Roadmap supports business to target, measure and specifically act on reducing food waste. The roadmap includes guidance and templates for reporting developed by industry in collaboration with WRAP and the Institute of Grocery distribution (IGD) with funding from DEFRA. WRAP regularly reports on the progress of the roadmap and works closely with businesses to quality assure reported data and ensure that it is fit for purpose.

Ministers will consider any mandatory food waste reporting requirements in due course.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to support the application of the food and drink waste hierarchy for surplus food.

The Department will hold discussion with the supply chain on a range of issues including how to prevent waste.

We remain committed to the programme of work led by The Waste and Resources Programme (WRAP) to drive down surplus and waste across the supply chain, with the aim to halve food waste by 2030.

The guidance Food and drink waste hierarchy: deal with surplus and waste - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) offers tools and advice to food businesses.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce food waste; and what discussions he has had with industry representatives on the best way to tackle the issue.

The Department will hold discussion with the supply chain on a range of issues including how to prevent waste.

We remain committed to the programme of work led by The Waste and Resources Programme (WRAP) to drive down surplus and waste across the supply chain, with the aim to halve food waste by 2030.

The guidance Food and drink waste hierarchy: deal with surplus and waste - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) offers tools and advice to food businesses.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that food waste reporting requirements on businesses are (a) effective and (b) not overly burdensome.

The previous Government held a consultation wherein stakeholders were asked about their views on the scope of any reporting requirements. It can be found at Improved food waste reporting by large food businesses in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Waste and Resources programme (WRAP) led voluntary Food Waste Reduction Roadmap supports business to target, measure and specifically act on reducing food waste. The roadmap includes guidance and templates for reporting developed by industry in collaboration with WRAP and the Institute of Grocery distribution (IGD) with funding from DEFRA. WRAP regularly reports on the progress of the roadmap and works closely with businesses to quality assure reported data and ensure that it is fit for purpose.

Ministers will consider any mandatory food waste reporting requirements in due course.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the cost to his Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

The details of any ministerial severance payments can be found in our Annual Report & Accounts.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
29th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to use chemical recycling as part of his Department’s roadmap to a zero waste economy.

Chemical recycling technologies have a role to play together with mechanical recycling in helping us transition towards a circular economy by supporting the reduction in virgin plastic stock used in production.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to introduce mandatory food waste reporting.

The Government is committed to setting a clear roadmap to a circular economy – a future where our resources are used as efficiently and productively as possible for as long as possible, and waste is reduced. The ministerial team are reviewing policies to address the challenges associated with tackling food waste in the supply chain, and these will be announced in the usual way.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether it is his policy to introduce mandatory food waste reporting for large businesses.

The Government is committed to setting a clear roadmap to a circular economy – a future where our resources are used as efficiently and productively as possible for as long as possible, and waste is reduced. As a ministerial team, we are reviewing policies to address the challenges associated with tackling food waste in the supply chain, and these will be announced in the usual way.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the cost to her Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

Since 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024 the cost of ministerial severance payments are as follows:

19 December 2019 – 31 December 2019: nil

1 January 2020 – 31 December 2020: nil

1 January 2021 – 31 December 2021: nil

1 January 2022 – 31 December 2022: £41,575

1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023: £7,920

1 January 2024 – 30 May 2024: nil

The following Ministers received a severance payment of the following value:

Grant Shapps MP received a compensation payment of £16,876 when he left Government on 6 September 2022.

Karl McCartney MP received a compensation payment of £5,593 when he left Government on 7 September 2022.

Robert Courts MP received a compensation payment of £5,593 when he left Government on 18 September 2022.

Kevin Foster MP received a compensation payment of £7,920 when he left Government on 25 October 2022.

Katherine Fletcher MP received a compensation payment of £5,593 when she left Government on 26 October 2022.

Jesse Norman MP received a compensation payment of £7,920 when he left Government on 13 November 2023.

Mike Kane
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on those no longer eligible for that payment.

This Government is committed to pensioners – everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement.

Given the substantial pressures faced by the public finances this year and next, the government has had to make hard choices to bring the public finances back under control.

Winter Fuel Payments will continue to be paid to pensioner households with someone receiving Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits. They will continue to be worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged 80 and over.

We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit, and we urge those people to apply. This will passport them to receive Winter Fuel Payment alongside other benefits – hundreds of pounds that could really help them. We will ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need.

Over the next five years we expect over 12 million pensioners are likely to see their State Pensions increase by thousands of pounds as a result of our commitment to the Triple Lock. Protecting the Triple Lock even in the current economic climate shows our steadfast commitment to pensioners.

We are also providing support through our Warm Homes Plan which pensioners will benefit from. This will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating – upgrading millions of homes over this Parliament. Our long-term plan will protect billpayers permanently, reduce fuel poverty, and get the UK back on track to meet our climate goals.

The Household Support Fund is also being extended 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 Administrations through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans she has to increase the take-up of pension credit.

The Government is determined to ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need.

As part of the current Pension Credit Week of Action, we have joined forces with national charities, broadcasters and local authorities to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and make a claim.

From 16 September, we will be running a national marketing campaign on a range of channels. The campaign will target potential pension-age customers, as well as friends and family who can encourage and support them to apply.

Our future campaign messaging will also focus on encouraging pensioners to apply for Pension Credit before the 21 December 2024, which is the last date for making a successful backdated claim for Pension Credit in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.

We will work with external partners, local authorities and the Devolved Governments to boost the take-up of Pension Credit.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the cost to her Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

The details of severance payments made to former ministers can be found in our Annual Report & Accounts.

Information for the 2024/25 financial year will be published in due course.

Andrew Western
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)