We regularly engage with Indian Union and State Government Ministers and officials on a range of human rights matters and raise issues where appropriate. On 27 September, officials from the British High Commission in New Delhi raised the National Register of Citizens in Assam, including the future status of those excluded from the register, with the Assam State Minister for Health and Finance. We await further details of what next steps the Government of India will take.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4210", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T13:20:54.1Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-09-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "India: Nationality"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of India about those people in Assam liable to become stateless as a result of the recent update to the National Register of Citizens; and whether they plan to recommend that it is a matter in which the Commonwealth could mediate.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/2018", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Hylton"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Hylton"} ], "uin" : "HL17916"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146966", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146966/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Ministry of Defence continually assesses the risk to the UK's interests across the world, including in the Gulf. UK force levels are kept under review to ensure the UK is able to deter and, if required, counter threats to the UK or/and our allies. The UK has joined the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in the Gulf and deployed additional resource to ensure maritime security is upheld and the free flow of trade is safeguarded. The UK remains focussed on de-escalation. Meanwhile, the UK maintains a steady tempo of exercises and short-term training with our regional partners, demonstrating our commitment to regional stability.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4306", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Goldie"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Goldie"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T14:08:19.023Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-09-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Persian Gulf: Armed Conflict"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk of an accidental outbreak of hostilities in the Gulf region; and what plans they have to make military enhancements to UK forces in that region in response to any such risk.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3834", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord West of Spithead"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord West of Spithead"} ], "uin" : "HL17940"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146969", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146969/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The apprenticeship levy is an important part of the changes to raise apprenticeship quality, creating long-term and sustainable investment in training. Our reforms have put employers in the driving seat, giving them the opportunity to develop apprenticeship standards across all levels to give apprentices the skills that businesses really need.<\/p>
While starts at level 2 have declined, we have seen a significant upward shift toward apprenticeship starts at higher levels. For example, we have seen starts at higher levels (4 and above) increase by 68% compared to the same point last year. In addition, the level 3 share of the apprenticeships programme shifted upwards, which shows a healthier balance across all levels, helping people progress to highly-skilled occupations.<\/p>
We will continue to work closely with employers to help them take advantage of our apprenticeship reforms and to invest in the long-term skills needs of their business. We meet regularly with business groups and individual employers to understand the impact of our changes and we use this feedback to help improve the system. For example, in April this year we increased the amount that levy-paying employers can transfer to other employers from 10% to 25%.<\/p>
Our apprenticeships campaign, Fire It Up, is also working to increase the number of high-quality apprenticeships, by changing the way people think about apprenticeships, demonstrating that they are an aspirational choice.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4689", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Agnew of Oulton"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Agnew of Oulton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T12:44:39.477Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-09-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Apprentices: Taxation"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy on the (1) provision, and (2) uptake, of lower-level apprenticeship qualifications; and what steps they are taking to address any issues identified with the (a) provision, and (b) uptake, of such qualifications.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4256", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Winchester"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Winchester"} ], "uin" : "HL17943"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146974", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146974/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies (NRR) is the public-facing version of the National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA), a classified assessment of the key risks that could potentially damage the safety or security of the UK or our interests, both domestically and overseas, in the next two years.<\/p>
Both the malicious and non-malicious risks included in the NSRA are based on reasonable worst case scenarios informed by the expertise of government departments, academia, private sector and the wider scientific community. The risks are assessed on a) how likely it is that the risk will occur in the next two years and b) the breadth and scale of expected impacts across a number of dimensions were the scenario to occur. Such scenarios are not designed to predict what might happen in the future, but should illustrate the types of capabilities that need to be developed to prepare for, respond to and recover from, civil emergencies.<\/p>
If a risk satisfies the definition of a \u2018civil emergency\u2019 as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and exceeds pre-defined thresholds for likelihood and impact, then it will be included in the NSRA. Where sensitivities permit, the NRR will then communicate this risk information to the wider public via its publication on gov.uk.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4441", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Oliver Dowden"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hertsmere"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Oliver Dowden"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T14:03:33.977Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-09-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Emergencies: Risk Assessment"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how events are assessed for level of risk for the purposes of inclusion on the National Risk Register.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4048", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Caroline Nokes"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Romsey and Southampton North"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Caroline Nokes"} ], "uin" : "292205"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146975", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146975/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government is committed to scrapping the arbitrary rule preventing British citizens who have lived abroad for more than 15 years from participating in UK parliamentary elections.<\/p>
That is why we supported Glyn Davies\u2019 Private Members\u2019 Bill on overseas electors. We were therefore disappointed the Bill did not progress through its Report stage in the Commons on 22 March 2019. Nevertheless, the Government remains committed to implementing votes for life.<\/p>
Changes to the franchise require Parliamentary approval and have to be made significantly in advance of elections, to enable administrators to implement the change and to ensure citizens are aware of the change to their rights.<\/p>
We will make an announcement on our intentions in due course.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4451", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kevin Foster"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Torbay"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kevin Foster"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-03T14:24:52.777Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-09-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Voting Rights: British Nationals Abroad"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to bring forward legislative proposals on votes for life for British citizens living abroad.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4048", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Caroline Nokes"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Romsey and Southampton North"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Caroline Nokes"} ], "uin" : "292206"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146976", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146976/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The contract to administer the statutory Adoption Register came to an end in March 2019. Since the Register stopped operating, the government has not received any feedback to suggest local authorities and adoption agencies are having difficulties in matching children because the statutory register has closed. The department continues to monitor matching of children with families and robust action will be taken if this changes.<\/p>
<\/p>
As we set out on 18 June, we want to improve information and systems across fostering and adoption sectors. We are exploring the feasibility of introducing a system that can bring data together to support better communication and present it in one place that is user-friendly. We are working with the sector and software providers to test the best digital infrastructure to support adoption and fostering.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4530", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Michelle Donelan"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chippenham"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michelle Donelan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "292282"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T06:29:59.727Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-09-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Adoption: Registration"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the decision by the House of Lords on 18 June 2019, whether his Department plans to reinstate and extend the contract with the Thomas Coram Foundation for the administration of a statutory Adoption Register.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4656", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Layla Moran"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Oxford West and Abingdon"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Layla Moran"} ], "uin" : "292281"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146977", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146977/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The contract to administer the statutory Adoption Register came to an end in March 2019. Since the Register stopped operating, the government has not received any feedback to suggest local authorities and adoption agencies are having difficulties in matching children because the statutory register has closed. The department continues to monitor matching of children with families and robust action will be taken if this changes.<\/p>
<\/p>
As we set out on 18 June, we want to improve information and systems across fostering and adoption sectors. We are exploring the feasibility of introducing a system that can bring data together to support better communication and present it in one place that is user-friendly. We are working with the sector and software providers to test the best digital infrastructure to support adoption and fostering.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4530", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Michelle Donelan"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chippenham"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michelle Donelan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "292281"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T06:29:59.77Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-09-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Adoption"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department plans to introduce a statutory register of children who have not found adoptive parents within three months.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4656", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Layla Moran"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Oxford West and Abingdon"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Layla Moran"} ], "uin" : "292282"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146978", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146978/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government recognises the need to increase ambition and step up the pace of progress to ensure that all transport sector modes, including freight, play their part in delivering net zero emissions by 2050. We are investing nearly £1.5bn between April 2015 and March 2021 to support the uptake of ultra low emission vehicles, including HGVs. The funding includes the Plug-in Van Grant that provides £20,000 off the price of the first 200 large vans (3.5t+) or trucks, our £22m Future Fuels for Flight and Freight Competition, our ten-year trial of longer semi-trailers, the £11m Low Carbon Truck and Refuelling Infrastructure Trial and the £20m Low Emission Freight Trial. We have agreed an industry-wide voluntary target for reducing HGV greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2025, from 2015 levels and are collaborating with and support industry in achieving this goal.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4020", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for George Freeman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Norfolk"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "George Freeman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-08T09:31:56.377Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-09-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Large Goods Vehicles: Carbon Emissions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to develop a strategy for the introduction of low-carbon heavy goods vehicles.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4656", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Layla Moran"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Oxford West and Abingdon"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Layla Moran"} ], "uin" : "292283"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146979", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1146979/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "