We have repeatedly condemned Taliban policies and actions that restrict the rights of Afghan women and girls, including through UN Security Council and Human Rights Council resolutions. Officials have directly raised the decision to impose capital and corporal punishments for certain so-called 'crimes' with Taliban leaders, and called on them to reverse the decision and the other discriminatory policies that target women and girls. We will continue to work with the international community to press the Taliban to alter course.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4531", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Berwick-upon-Tweed"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Anne-Marie Trevelyan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-23T15:09:23.337Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "208"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Afghanistan: Women"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has made recent representations to the relevant authority in Afghanistan on the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan, in the context of the resumption of stoning in that country.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4623", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tonia Antoniazzi"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gower"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tonia Antoniazzi"} ], "uin" : "27154"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718479", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Women and Equalities"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718479/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation."} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4032", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stuart Andrew"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Pudsey"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Stuart Andrew"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-23T15:25:31.827Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "31"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Women and Equalities"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Women and Equalities"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Equality Act 2010"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what recent progress she has made on assessing proposals to amend the Equality Act 2010 to clarify the protected characteristic of sex.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4623", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tonia Antoniazzi"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gower"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tonia Antoniazzi"} ], "uin" : "26563"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1717545", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business and Trade"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1717545/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Royal Mail is legally obliged to deliver all addressed mail, including mail addressed \u2018To the Occupier\u2019 or \u2018The Homeowner\u2019. Royal Mail\u2019s \u2018door-to-door\u2019 service should stop unaddressed mailings delivered by Royal Mail, around a quarter of all such mail.<\/p>
<\/p>
The UK\u2019s data protection legislation sets out obligations on organisations processing personal data and provides individuals with certain rights in respect of their data, including the right to object to their personal data being processed for direct marketing purposes.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Government has also ensured the provision of consumer advice by providing funding for Citizens Advice, the independent consumer body, which provides free, independent and impartial advice on consumer issues and provides details of all the opt-out schemes available in relation to direct marketing on its website.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4474", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Thirsk and Malton"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kevin Hollinrake"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-21T16:36:30.703Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Direct Marketing"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of opt-out schemes for unsolicited mail through letterboxes; and whether her Department (a) is taking and (b) plans to take steps to (i) increase awareness of and (ii) strengthen existing schemes.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4623", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tonia Antoniazzi"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gower"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tonia Antoniazzi"} ], "uin" : "25898"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1702287", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department of Health and Social Care"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1702287/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The public health benefits of breastfeeding for child and maternal health are significant and well established. Research published in the British Medical Journal suggests that increasing breastfeeding rates, both in terms of duration and exclusivity, is likely to generate substantial cost savings to the National Health Service, although the actual amounts saved will depend on the extent of this increase.<\/p>
Through the Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme, we are investing £50 million to increase the range of specialist support, which is enabling more parents to access face-to-face and virtual support whenever they need it. One of the objectives of the programme is to improve the evidence base around the impact of breastfeeding interventions, and the specific combination of interventions that are effective in different circumstances. This is expected to strengthen the case for further, more widespread investment in the future.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-25T11:32:06.737Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "17"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Health and Social Care"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Health and Social Care"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Breastfeeding"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of increased rates of breastfeeding on cost savings for the NHS.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4623", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tonia Antoniazzi"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gower"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tonia Antoniazzi"} ], "uin" : "22611"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1701883", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1701883/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Our priority is to consider claims as efficiently and fairly as possible. This is best for claimants, but also reduces the number of people on asylum support, and in turn, the burden on taxpayers.\u202fThere may be circumstances which may delay the progression of a case, for example waiting for evidence that is of importance in deciding a claim, or a change in country situation requiring an update in country and policy information notes leading to a pause in deciding cases.<\/p>
<\/p>
In these circumstances, regular reviews are undertaken at appropriate intervals, dependant on the reason why the claim cannot be progressed. As soon as the reason why the claim cannot be progressed is lifted, consideration of the claim is continued.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4369", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tom Pursglove"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Corby"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Tom Pursglove"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-24T16:14:55.677Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Immigration: Applications"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he is aware of delays in casework decisions where further advice on policy is sought.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4623", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tonia Antoniazzi"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gower"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tonia Antoniazzi"} ], "uin" : "22352"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1701885", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1701885/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
On 4 April 2024 a change was made to the Immigration Rules to provide that:<\/p>
(a) Time spent in the UK during the Coronavirus extension concession grace period (1 August and 31 August 2020) would be considered as lawful presence where an applicant\u2019s permission expired immediately before the grace period; and<\/p>
(b) Overstaying in the UK when a person held an exceptional assurance concession would be disregarded during the period of grant of exceptional assurance.<\/p>
Following this Immigration Rules change, decisions on applications for settlement where the person spent time in the UK for a period covered by these concessions are now being prioritised. <\/em><\/p> Where cases fall outside service standards, the Home Office write to the applicant to inform them of this.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4369", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tom Pursglove"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Corby"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Tom Pursglove"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-24T16:16:49.047Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Immigration: Applications"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the (a) coronavirus extension concession and (b) exceptional assurance concession on the average length of decision periods for applications for indefinite leave to remain.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4623", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tonia Antoniazzi"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gower"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tonia Antoniazzi"}
], "uin" : "22353"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1713340", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1713340/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " EURO 2028 is a fantastic opportunity for the UK and Ireland to showcase world-class sport as hosts.<\/p> <\/p> The UK Government is continuing to work closely with the Department for Communities regarding the cost and delivery of Casement Park. We remain committed to ensuring EURO 2028 leaves a lasting legacy across the UK.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3977", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chris Heaton-Harris"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Daventry"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chris Heaton-Harris"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-24T13:12:12.447Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Casement Park: Regeneration"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the redevelopment of Casement Park.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4623", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tonia Antoniazzi"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gower"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tonia Antoniazzi"}
], "uin" : "902387"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1692443", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1692443/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " HMCTS is focused on increasing outputs to reduce overall timeliness on all types of applications, and the average mean length of time taken for a grant of probate, from submission, is 12.6 weeks in the last 12 months (October 2022 to September 2023) and following receipt of the documents required, is 10.8 weeks. The probate service received record levels of applications during 2022 and this has continued to grow, with higher levels of receipts during January to September 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.<\/p> <\/p> HMCTS has increased staffing levels, streamlined internal processes and continued to invest in further improving the digital service.<\/p> <\/p> As a result, the number of grants issued for recent months has been at record levels, with around 16,000 more grants issued than applications received during the last four months (September to December 2023), using more recent management information published by HMCTS (which does not go through the same level of quality assurance and analysis as the Family Court Statistics Quarterly).<\/p>