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1661859
registered interest false remove filter
date less than 2023-09-19more like thismore than 2023-09-19
answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept id 13 more like this
answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
hansard heading Furs: Imports more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to (a) monitor and (b) restrict as necessary fur imports from European countries, in the context of outbreaks of avian flu in Europe. more like this
tabling member constituency Clacton more like this
tabling member printed
Giles Watling more like this
uin 200399 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2023-10-16more like thismore than 2023-10-16
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">Further details will be provided ahead of the tabling of the legislation later this year. Dog owners do not need to take any action at this stage.</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">While fur cannot be farmed in this country, and some fur from particular species is prohibited from import and sale, it is still possible to import and sell other types of fur from abroad. It is also possible to re-export fur and fur products that have been imported. </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">We have committed to explore potential action in relation to animal fur, as set out in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare, and have since conducted a Call for Evidence on the fur sector. We are continuing to build our evidence base on the fur sector, which will be used to inform any future action on the fur trade. However, currently we are not seeking to restrict fur imports based on avian influenza. </ins></p> more like this
answering member constituency Copeland more like this
answering member printed Trudy Harrison more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-10-16T16:13:10.083Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-16T16:13:10.083Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2023-10-18T15:30:59.94Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-18T15:30:59.94Z
answering member
4593
label Biography information for Trudy Harrison more like this
previous answer version
97782
answering member constituency Copeland more like this
answering member printed Trudy Harrison more like this
answering member
4593
label Biography information for Trudy Harrison more like this
tabling member
4677
label Biography information for Giles Watling more like this
1661971
registered interest false remove filter
date less than 2023-09-19more like thismore than 2023-09-19
answering body
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept id 208 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept sort name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
hansard heading Azerbaijan: Crimes against Humanity more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure Azerbaijan’s compliance with international law on prevention of atrocity crimes. more like this
tabling member constituency Ross, Skye and Lochaber more like this
tabling member printed
Ian Blackford more like this
uin 200481 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2023-10-19more like thismore than 2023-10-19
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">The UK believes that those who commit atrocities, both during armed conflict and in peacetime, must be held accountable, and calls on all states and non-state actors engaged in armed conflict to respect and comply with international humanitarian law. Where credible allegations of atrocities are made, we urge Azerbaijan's Government to comply with its international obligations.</del></p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial">The UK believes that those who commit atrocities in armed conflicts need to be held accountable. We call on states and non-state actors engaged in armed conflict to respect international humanitarian law, and to act in accordance with their obligations under it. In the case of Azerbaijani military action in Nagorno-Karabakh in September, the UK was vocal in calling for an end to the conflict, the protection of civilians and for immediate humanitarian access. The UN and other international actors have subsequently been granted access to the region.</ins></p>
answering member constituency Aldershot more like this
answering member printed Leo Docherty more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-10-19T09:15:56.8Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-19T09:15:56.8Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2023-10-19T14:22:10.587Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-19T14:22:10.587Z
answering member
4600
label Biography information for Leo Docherty more like this
previous answer version
98408
answering member constituency Aldershot more like this
answering member printed Leo Docherty more like this
answering member
4600
label Biography information for Leo Docherty more like this
tabling member
4390
label Biography information for Ian Blackford more like this
1661977
registered interest false remove filter
date less than 2023-09-19more like thismore than 2023-09-19
answering body
Home Office more like this
answering dept id 1 more like this
answering dept short name Home Office more like this
answering dept sort name Home Office more like this
hansard heading Refugees: Afghanistan more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Afghan refugees who were not made offers of alternative housing were made homeless following the closure of hotel accommodation in each local authority in Wales. more like this
tabling member constituency Cardiff South and Penarth more like this
tabling member printed
Stephen Doughty more like this
uin 200486 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2023-10-17more like thismore than 2023-10-17
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">All 55 hotels being used to house around 8,000 Afghans at the end of March were no longer being used as bridging accommodation by 31 August.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">It is vital that those arriving have somewhere suitable to stay once they are in the UK. We are developing plans across government to support the remainder of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) and ARAP cohorts into settled accommodation in the UK.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">Asylum seekers are allowed to work in the UK if their claim has been outstanding for 12 months or more, through no fault of their own. Those permitted to work are restricted to jobs on the Shortage Occupation List.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">It is important that our policy approach distinguishes between those who need protection and those seeking to work here who can apply for a work visa under the Immigration Rules. Asylum seekers do not need to make perilous journeys in order to seek employment in the United Kingdom. There are various safe and legal routes for those seeking to work in the UK under the Points Based System.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">We will only facilitate ARAP third country arrivals where suitable accommodation can be secured ahead of arrival, including where individuals can be supported to arrange accommodation themselves.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">The monitoring of Homelessness duties owed to this cohort is the responsibility of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">DLUHC has been gathering survey data from local authorities in England on homelessness duties owed to Afghans leaving bridging accommodation. This data has been published in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/homelessness-management-information-afghan-nationals-england" target="_blank">Homelessness management information – Afghan nationals: England</a>.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">In summary the total number of Afghan households in this cohort in temporary accommodation under a homelessness duty in England as of 31 August was 188.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">This is based on a voluntary survey to local authorities in England with a 74% response rate, of which 35% of local authorities had reported owing homelessness duties to Afghan households leaving bridging accommodation.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">DLUHC will continue to monitor homelessness duties to this cohort going forwards and the Home Office will continue to publish statistics on resettlement schemes in the usual way.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">The information requested for each local authority in Wales is not currently available. The following operational data published by the Home Office may be of interest: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghan-resettlement-programme-operational-data/afghan-bridging-hotel-exit-operational-data" target="_blank">Afghan bridging hotel exit operational data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</a></del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">All 55 hotels being used to house around 8,000 Afghans at the end of March were no longer being used as bridging accommodation by 31 August.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The UK Government has granted all Afghans relocated through safe and legal routes with Indefinite Leave to Remain, including the immediate right to work, alongside access to the benefits system and vital health, education, and employment support.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">On top of this the Government made available £35m of new funding to enable Local Authorities to provide increased support for Afghan households to move from hotels into settled accommodation.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The monitoring of Homelessness duties owed to this cohort is the responsibility of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">DLUHC has been gathering survey data from local authorities in England on homelessness duties owed to Afghans leaving bridging accommodation. This data has been published in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/homelessness-management-information-afghan-nationals-england" target="_blank">Homelessness management information – Afghan nationals: England</a>.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">In summary the total number of Afghan households in this cohort in temporary accommodation under a homelessness duty in England as of 31 August was 188.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">This is based on a voluntary survey to local authorities in England with a 74% response rate, of which 35% of local authorities had reported owing homelessness duties to Afghan households leaving bridging accommodation.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">DLUHC will continue to monitor homelessness duties to this cohort going forwards and the Home Office will continue to publish statistics on resettlement schemes in the usual way.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The information requested for each local authority in Wales is not currently available. The following operational data published by the Home Office may be of interest: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghan-resettlement-programme-operational-data/afghan-bridging-hotel-exit-operational-data" target="_blank">Afghan bridging hotel exit operational data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</a></ins></p>
answering member constituency Newark more like this
answering member printed Robert Jenrick more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-10-17T15:28:46.74Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-17T15:28:46.74Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2023-10-18T08:39:05.76Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-18T08:39:05.76Z
answering member
4320
label Biography information for Robert Jenrick more like this
previous answer version
97972
answering member constituency Newark more like this
answering member printed Robert Jenrick more like this
answering member
4320
label Biography information for Robert Jenrick more like this
tabling member
4264
label Biography information for Stephen Doughty more like this
1662129
registered interest false remove filter
date less than 2023-09-19more like thismore than 2023-09-19
answering body
Home Office more like this
answering dept id 1 more like this
answering dept short name Home Office more like this
answering dept sort name Home Office more like this
hansard heading Manston Asylum Processing Centre: Paintings more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether new (a) contractors and (b) materials were used to paint over the mural at the Manston Immigration Centre. more like this
tabling member constituency Barnsley East more like this
tabling member printed
Stephanie Peacock more like this
uin 200571 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2023-10-26more like thismore than 2023-10-26
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.</del></p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial">Existing contractors based onsite carried out the work. There was no cost to the taxpayer.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial"> </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">Whilst the murals have been removed, other features at the facility include larger and softer interview rooms, an outside space, prayer rooms, a larger reception area and improved security measures to ensure the safety of those on site. The KIU is a bespoke building that was opened in 2022 designed to meet the needs of unaccompanied minors, with increased capacity allowing more children to be seen and their requirements identified as swiftly as possible.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial"> </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">It should be noted that very few under-13s pass through the Kent Intake Unit and these children are prioritised to be moved to Kent County Council care at the earliest opportunity. The overwhelming majority of unaccompanied children who passed through the location last year were largely teenagers. The Home Office has worked closely with Local Authorities, including increase funding, to expedite the transfer time so that unaccompanied minors reach local authorities as soon as possible. </ins></p>
answering member constituency Newark more like this
answering member printed Robert Jenrick more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-10-26T11:09:44.893Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-26T11:09:44.893Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2023-10-26T11:44:54.107Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-26T11:44:54.107Z
answering member
4320
label Biography information for Robert Jenrick more like this
previous answer version
104500
answering member constituency Newark more like this
answering member printed Robert Jenrick more like this
answering member
4320
label Biography information for Robert Jenrick more like this
tabling member
4607
label Biography information for Stephanie Peacock more like this
1660969
registered interest false remove filter
date less than 2023-09-15more like thismore than 2023-09-15
answering body
Home Office more like this
answering dept id 1 more like this
answering dept short name Home Office more like this
answering dept sort name Home Office more like this
hansard heading Immigration Removal Centres: Domestic Visits more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Minister for Immigration has visited an immigration detention centre since 20 July 2023. more like this
tabling member constituency Barnsley East more like this
tabling member printed
Stephanie Peacock more like this
uin 199812 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2023-09-25more like thismore than 2023-09-25
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">The Minister for Immigration conducts visits, and host meetings, on the whole spectrum of Immigration business regularly.Information on Ministers’ meetings is released quarterly as part of Government transparency and accountability data and is available at: Home Office: ministerial gifts, hospitality, travel and meetings, January to March 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The Minister for Immigration conducts visits, and host meetings, on the whole spectrum of Immigration business regularly.Information on Ministers’ meetings is released quarterly as part of Government transparency and accountability data and is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings-january-to-march-2023" target="_blank">Home Office: ministerial gifts, hospitality, travel and meetings, January to March 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</a></ins></p> more like this
answering member constituency Newark more like this
answering member printed Robert Jenrick more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-09-25T14:45:27.687Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-25T14:45:27.687Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2023-10-16T13:42:31.18Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-16T13:42:31.18Z
answering member
4320
label Biography information for Robert Jenrick more like this
previous answer version
96792
answering member constituency Newark more like this
answering member printed Robert Jenrick more like this
answering member
4320
label Biography information for Robert Jenrick more like this
tabling member
4607
label Biography information for Stephanie Peacock more like this
1660899
registered interest false remove filter
date less than 2023-09-14more like thismore than 2023-09-14
answering body
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept id 208 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept sort name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
hansard heading Diplomatic Service more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government how many countries have diplomatic representation in the UK. more like this
tabling member printed
Baroness Kennedy of Cradley more like this
uin HL10183 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2023-09-29more like thismore than 2023-09-29
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">The UK has diplomatic representation present in 160 countries recognised by the UK Government. This number periodically changes for political and operational reasons. It excludes countries in which we have closed or temporarily suspended a Post in country, which may operate elsewhere. The UK also has representation present in 15 territories, which includes 12 UK Overseas Territories.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) publishes a full list of locations in which the UK has a diplomatic presence on GOV.UK at www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-foreign-office-posts. This list is regularly updated.</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office publishes details of foreign embassies, high commissions and consulates in the UK on GOV.UK at www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">This page includes the London Diplomatic List (LDL), which contains details of all embassies and high commissions, as well as the names of heads of mission and other diplomatic agents appointed in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The LDL lists 171 diplomatic missions with their permanent seat in the UK; and 17 non-resident diplomatic missions.</ins></p>
answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-09-29T09:34:19.89Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-29T09:34:19.89Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2023-09-29T10:03:28.637Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-29T10:03:28.637Z
answering member
4210
label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon more like this
previous answer version
97179
answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon more like this
answering member
4210
label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon more like this
tabling member
4303
label Biography information for Baroness Kennedy of Cradley more like this
1660905
registered interest false remove filter
date less than 2023-09-14more like thismore than 2023-09-14
answering body
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept id 208 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept sort name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
hansard heading Libya: Floods more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking, together with international partners, to assist with (1) international aid, and (2) rescue efforts, in Libya following the flooding in that country on 10 September; and what steps they are taking to help to reduce the threat of disease from contaminated water. more like this
tabling member printed
The Marquess of Lothian more like this
uin HL10189 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2023-09-28more like thismore than 2023-09-28
answer text <p>The UK is monitoring the <del class="ministerial">the</del> scale of flooding in eastern Libya following Storm Daniel and is committed to working with partners to deliver aid in support of the Libyan people. The UK is providing support in response to both the floods in Libya and the earthquake in Morocco, having allocated a package worth up to £10 million. Flights carrying UK-funded aid to Libya have so far delivered relief items including emergency shelter for up to 14,400 people, and over 800 portable solar lanterns. The UK is also providing water filters and hygiene kits that can reduce the threat of disease from contaminated water for up to 10,500 people. The UK is also supporting the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund and Education Cannot Wait programme, both of which have contributed to emergency responses in Libya. <del class="ministerial">The Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon,</del> <ins class="ministerial">I</ins> spoke with Chairman of Libya's Presidential Council Mohamed al-Mnefi on 13 September to convey his condolences and the UK's commitment to supporting Libya in the aftermath of this tragedy. <del class="ministerial">Lord Ahmad</del> <ins class="ministerial">I</ins> also spoke to UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, to discuss the international response to the crises in Morocco and Libya along with humanitarian coordination.</p>
answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-09-28T15:36:52.093Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-28T15:36:52.093Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2023-09-29T10:02:28.637Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-29T10:02:28.637Z
answering member
4210
label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon more like this
previous answer version
97170
answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon more like this
answering member
4210
label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon more like this
tabling member
259
label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian more like this
1659063
registered interest false remove filter
date less than 2023-09-07more like thismore than 2023-09-07
answering body
Ministry of Defence more like this
answering dept id 11 more like this
answering dept short name Defence more like this
answering dept sort name Defence more like this
hansard heading Ministry of Defence: Compensation more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 122 of his Department’s annual report and accounts for 2022-23, how many of the special payments reported for financial year 2022-23 were made to (a) service personnel and (b) other individuals affected by defence activities. more like this
tabling member constituency Islington South and Finsbury more like this
tabling member printed
Emily Thornberry more like this
uin 198317 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2023-09-15more like thismore than 2023-09-15
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">The majority of the 4,609 special payments disclosed relate to common law compensation claims (3,865). An analysis of this data is provided below;</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">· 2,307 payments to Service personnel</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">· 1,558 payments to Others</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">It should be noted that this analysis reflects the volume of payments made and that individuals may receive more than one compensation payment depending on the settlement reached.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">The remaining volume will include payments made in settlement of contractual disputes where it has been judged that this represents the best value for money course of action for the Department. Two of these payments are separately disclosed in the ARAc table as they exceed the &gt;£300,000 threshold for more detailed reporting (specifically MSI Instruments (£959,000) and Land Remediation Payment (£321,000)).</del><ins class="ministerial">The majority of the 4,609 special payments totalling £114.53 million disclosed relate to common law compensation claims (£111.20 million). An analysis of this data is provided below;</ins></p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial">· 2,307 payments equating to £78 million to service personnel</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">· 1,558 payments equating to £33 million to others</ins></p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial">It should be noted that this analysis reflects the volume of payments made and that individuals may receive more than one compensation payment depending on the settlement reached.</ins></p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial">The remaining value will include payments made in settlement of contractual disputes where it has been judged that this represents the best value for money course of action for the Department. Two of these payments are separately disclosed in the table as they exceed the &gt;£300,000 threshold for more detailed reporting (specifically MSI Instruments (£959,000) and Land Remediation Payment (£321,000).</ins></p>
answering member constituency South West Wiltshire more like this
answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-09-15T10:42:02.97Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-15T10:42:02.97Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2023-09-15T13:45:07.45Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-15T13:45:07.45Z
answering member
1466
label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison more like this
previous answer version
94749
answering member constituency South West Wiltshire more like this
answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison more like this
answering member
1466
label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison more like this
tabling member
1536
label Biography information for Emily Thornberry more like this
1658153
registered interest false remove filter
date less than 2023-09-05more like thismore than 2023-09-05
answering body
Department for Education more like this
answering dept id 60 more like this
answering dept short name Education more like this
answering dept sort name Education more like this
hansard heading Nurseries: Buildings more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has plans to assess maintained nurseries for risks associated with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. more like this
tabling member constituency York Central more like this
tabling member printed
Rachael Maskell more like this
uin 197808 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2023-09-19more like thismore than 2023-09-19
answer text <p><ins class="ministerial">Nothing is more important than the safety of children and staff, and it has always been the case that where the Department is made aware a building may pose an immediate risk, immediate action is taken. The Department knows how important it is for young people to be in classrooms with their friends and teachers, but their safety must come first. </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The Department has been talking to schools about the potential risks of RAAC since 2018 when it first published a warning note with the Local Government Association. The Office of Government Property wrote to all Government Property Leaders in 2019, and again in September 2022, highlighting safety alerts on RAAC and signposting guidance on identification and remediation. The Government also created a cross-Government working group on RAAC this year to collectively address the issue. Since then, Departments have been surveying properties and depending on the assessment of the RAAC, decided to either continue or monitor the structure, reinforce it, or replace it. This is in line with the approach recommended by the Institution of Structural Engineers. </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The Department discovered details of three new cases over the summer, where RAAC that would have been graded as non-critical had failed. The first of these was in a commercial setting. The second was in a school in a different educational jurisdiction. It was right to carefully consider the cases and scrutinise the technical details from these. Departmental technical officials were able to investigate the situation in one case where the plank that had failed was fully intact as it was resting on a steel beam after it failed. They concluded that it would previously been rated non-critical. Ministers were carefully considering the first two cases and advice from officials when a third failure of a panel occurred, at a school in late August. The Department’s technical officials also visited this school to investigate the failure.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">In light of all three cases, it was right to make the difficult decision to change our guidance for education settings and take a more cautious approach within the education estate in England. </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">Following careful analysis of these recent cases, a precautionary and proactive step has been taken to change the approach to RAAC in education settings ahead of the start of the academic year, as outlined in our guidance. </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">Maintained nursery schools are treated the same as schools and FE colleges. In 2022, the Department’s questionnaire to all responsible bodies, including those who run maintained nursery schools, asked them to provide information on RAAC.</ins></p><p><del class="ministerial">The UK higher education (HE) system is amongst the best in the world. Attracting the brightest students internationally is good for our universities and delivers growth at home.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">Domestic students continue to make up the vast majority of overall undergraduate students within UK universities. The proportion of international acceptances on results day this year was 12.3%, having been 14.7% at the same point in 2019.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">This year on A level and T level Results Day, 186,710 English-domiciled 18-year-olds were accepted to HE providers in England compared to 162,680 in 2019.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access a world class education remains a top priority and is fundamental to the department’s ambition to level-up skills, growth, and economic opportunity across the country.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">As autonomous bodies independent from the government, universities are responsible for their own recruitment decisions. Most universities have separate home and international student recruitment targets, set before the admissions cycle even begins. Universities plan their student numbers very carefully, not least because there are important implications for the provision of student support and wellbeing services, accommodation, and everything else needed to deliver the best student experience.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">The department and I regularly engage with the HE sector to support policy making and delivery and did so throughout the 2023 cycle.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">Most recently, on 7 September 2023, I attended the Universities UK annual conference and discussed how the government is supporting universities to maximise their immense economic and social impact. Key topics discussed included degree apprenticeships, the Lifelong Loan Entitlement and Horizon.</del></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton more like this
answering member printed Nick Gibb more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-09-19T15:09:59.027Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-19T15:09:59.027Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2023-10-16T13:42:11.747Zmore like thismore than 2023-10-16T13:42:11.747Z
answering member
111
label Biography information for Nick Gibb more like this
previous answer version
95935
answering member constituency Harlow more like this
answering member printed Robert Halfon more like this
answering member 3985
tabling member
4471
label Biography information for Rachael Maskell more like this
1658191
registered interest false remove filter
date less than 2023-09-05more like thismore than 2023-09-05
answering body
Ministry of Defence more like this
answering dept id 11 more like this
answering dept short name Defence more like this
answering dept sort name Defence more like this
hansard heading Challenger Tanks more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the cost of the Challenger 3 upgrade programme; what the definition is of initial operating capability for Challenger 3; and what the planned date is for that initial operating capability. more like this
tabling member constituency Rayleigh and Wickford more like this
tabling member printed
Mr Mark Francois more like this
uin 197700 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2023-09-11more like thismore than 2023-09-11
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">To ensure I can provide as much detail as possible, I will write to the right hon. Member with the detail requested once it has been collated and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House. </del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">We do not routinely release forecast figures regarding the resource and capital expenditure of our major projects. Portfolio data is published annually in support of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) Annual Report which includes a budget baseline and the latest HM Treasury approved estimates in respect of whole life costs. The current report is available here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infrastructure-and-projects-authority-annual-report-2022-23" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications//infrastructure-and-projects-authority-annual-report-2022-23</a></ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial"> Initial Operating Capability is defined as a single squadron of Main Battle Tanks with trained crews and is planned to be achieved in 2027.</ins></p>
answering member constituency South Suffolk more like this
answering member printed James Cartlidge more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-09-11T16:46:20.557Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-11T16:46:20.557Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2023-09-12T13:04:29.57Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-12T13:04:29.57Z
answering member
4519
label Biography information for James Cartlidge more like this
previous answer version
93597
answering member constituency South Suffolk more like this
answering member printed James Cartlidge more like this
answering member
4519
label Biography information for James Cartlidge more like this
tabling member
1444
label Biography information for Mr Mark Francois more like this