Every parliamentary written question tabled by Andrew Rosindell this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1,381–1,400 of 1,607 · this parliament
Whether he plans to visit healthcare facilities in the (a) London Borough of Havering and (b) surrounding area in the next six months.
Ministers regularly consider visits across the country to see the impact of their policy areas. Any plans to visit specific locations will be notified to the relevant Members of Parliament in advance.
Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of Mexico's recent constitutional reforms on UK investments in the regional energy sector.
The UK Embassy in Mexico regularly engages with the Mexican Government to underline the importance of strong institutions, independent courts, and the rule of law. My Department has been following the regulatory reforms closely. We are aware of market reactions and maintain a dialogue with the Mexican Government at the highest levels about how these reforms may affect UK business. Mexico is a long-standing and valued trade partner for the UK and we are working to grow our two-way trade and investment.
What steps he is taking to improve primary care facilities in (a) Romford constituency and (b) the surrounding area.
The Government is committed to delivering a National Health Service that is fit for the future, and this means better utilising and expanding primary care infrastructure across the NHS estate. That is why we have set out our intention to fix the front door to the NHS and bring healthcare closer to home, and the local community.The North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) advised that two new primary care facilities have opened recently within the borough of Havering, specifically St George’s Hub and Wellbeing Centre and Raphael House, both of which are providing extensive health care facilities, including offering out of hours appointments.The North East London ICB is also engaging in a strategic review of NHS Property Service (NHSPS) and Community Health Partnership (CHP) assets in central Romford, to ensure that the healthcare infrastructure can meet the future demands of a growing and changing population. With new housing developments projected to increase the patient population by 28,000 by 2030, and additional population growth driven by demographic changes , the ICB notes that it is clear that demand for healthcare services will rise significantly beyond the impact of housing developments alone.To address this, the North East London ICB is conducting a comprehensive review of all NHSPS and CHP assets as part of the Central Romford Master Plan. This includes assessing the current utilisation of leased space, and working with stakeholders to reconfigure and maximise underutilised estates, identifying voids, and exploring redevelopment opportunities to ensure we future proof healthcare provisions within the area.
Whether his Department has made an assessment of the implications for (a) his policies and (b) bilateral trade relations of Argentina’s most recent debt repayments to international bondholders.
The UK Government continually monitors international economic developments and is aware of the domestic reforms that the Argentine government is undertaking and their most recent debt repayments. The UK is working with Argentina to strengthen our trade relationship – worth £2 billion in the 12 months to June 2024. In October 2024, the Secretary of State met his Argentine counterpart, the first ministerial meeting between trade ministers since 2019 and agreed to work together in areas such as services, customs, and education.
What support his Department is providing to people affected by seasonal flu in Romford constituency.
The Government is committed to protecting those at greatest risk from seasonal flu through vaccination, as guided by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.The flu vaccination programme continues until 31 March 2025, so there continues to be the opportunity for eligible people in Romford to come forward for vaccination, and NHS England London is continuing with the autumn and winter communications campaign to encourage those who are eligible and at-risk to receive vaccination. For school-aged children, the school-aged immunisation providers are currently running mop-up community clinics where children who missed the offer of vaccination at school can still be vaccinated. There are also opportunistic vaccinations of two- to three-year-olds via these clinics, as well as the offer of vaccination via general practice.NHS England has confirmed that all care homes in the London region have been visited to ensure they receive the offer of vaccination, and there has been a programme in place in each integrated care board to support housebound visits for those who cannot leave their own home.For those who have contracted flu or who are at high-risk of severe illness and/or complications if they were to contract flu, there is scope for general practices to prescribe anti-virals, based on a clinical assessment regarding need.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark on (a) Greenland and (b) the Faroe Islands since taking office.
The UK values its strong partnerships with all parts of the Kingdom of Denmark and engages accordingly. On 13 January, I held my second meeting with Greenland's Foreign Minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, in London, to discuss bilateral relations. This followed our first meeting at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland in October. I also met the Faroese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Høgni Hoydal, in October. FCDO Officials regularly engage with Danish, Faroese and Greenlandic counterparts to discuss bilateral cooperation.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support (a) wildlife sanctuaries and (b) nature reserves in Essex.
Essex has a total of 64 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, nine Special Protection Areas and seven National Nature Reserves, the majority of which protect the rich coastal habitats of the Essex estuaries. These include some of the country’s most important places for wildlife, particularly for large populations of over wintering wildfowl and wading birds. Working with farmers and landowners, Natural England plays an important role in ensuring these places continue to protect rare and special species. Along with many other organisations, Natural England is also working closely with Essex County Council to help create a Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This important plan will set out where we can best enhance natural habitats, which can also be enjoyed by the people of Essex.
What recent progress he has made on free-trade negotiations with the Swiss Confederation.
The fifth round of negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Switzerland took place in London between 14 and 18 October 2024. UK negotiators made good progress, working towards agreeing ambitious outcomes in key areas including services, investment and digital. Round 6 talks are expected to take place in Switzerland in early 2025. The Government will continue to work towards delivering outcomes in the FTA that secure economic growth for the UK and will update Parliament on the progress of discussions with Switzerland as they continue to develop.
Pursuant to the Answer of 14th October 2024 to Question 5918 on Department for Business and Trade: Canada, whether he plans to meet the Agent General of (a) Ontario, (b) Quebec and (c) Saskatchewan in the next six months.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has no plans to meet with the Agents General of Ontario, Quebec, or Saskatchewan in the next six months.Canada is a key ally and valued partner for the UK. Our trade relationship – worth £26.4 billion in the 12 months to June 2024 – is underpinned by regular engagement, including at the provincial level.In November 2024, I attended the 8th annual CPTPP ministerial meeting in Vancouver, during which I met with Canadian officials, business leaders and Indigenous communities to confirm our common interests in a future of shared security and economic growth.
Food and Rural Affairs, what (a) financial and (b) other support his Department is providing to Rainham Marshes.
Rainham Marshes is designated as part of the Inner Thames Marshes Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) of particular importance for breeding birds, wintering waders and wildfowl. The site also supports several priority habitats. There is currently a five-year Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement in place with the RSPB on Rainham Marshes. The agreement works towards maintaining favourable condition of the SSSI. Its objective is to maintain and enhance the wet grassland habitat for breeding and non-breeding birds and undertake management for other priority species. Natural England provides advice to RSPB as managers of the SSSI.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of reports of the detention and subsequent release of María Corina Machado; and what representations he has made to the Venezuelan government on the right to free political expression.
The reported arbitrary detention of Maria Corina Machado was unacceptable. The UK already strongly condemns the ongoing repression against civil society and members of the opposition in Venezuela. We regularly call this out in our public statements and we raised it recently at the UN Human Rights Council. We are confident the Venezuelan regime is aware of our position. Along with the UN and international allies, we remain deeply concerned about allegations of serious irregularities in the result of the July Presidential election. On 10 January, the same day that Maduro illegitimately asserted power once again, we sanctioned 15 new members of the regime responsible for undermining democracy and committing serious human rights violations.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) he and (b) the Minister of State (Europe, North America and Overseas Territories) has met the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark since taking office.
The Foreign Secretary and I have met the Danish Ambassador through our engagements with the European diplomatic community in London.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential geopolitical implications of the expansion of BRICS.
The Foreign Secretary made a speech on 9 January at the FCDO regarding the future of UK foreign policy, where he underlined that we are facing an increasingly volatile world. It remains important for us to understand geopolitical shifts, and ensure the UK remains able to navigate international geopolitics to deliver its domestic missions.Forging close partnerships with emerging powers and the Global South will be critical to progressing UK interests, including growth. The Foreign Secretary's speech made clear how the FCDO is taking this forward, including through showing respect, renewing partnerships, and new agreements, like those he recently launched with India, Indonesia, South Africa and Nigeria.
What steps she is taking with relevant authorities to help reduce the number of fatal car crashes in outer London boroughs.
Since the general election, the Department has begun work on a new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade. The Department will share more details in due course. Local government is the main delivery agent of road safety. The responsibility to implement, fund, deliver, promote and enforce local road safety initiatives remains with local authorities under the 1988 Road Traffic Act.
What steps she is taking with relevant authorities to help tackle drink driving in Romford constituency.
The Government takes road safety seriously, and we are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. The Department has begun work on a new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade. The Department will share more details in due course. The Government’s THINK! road safety campaign aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads. THINK! launched a major new drink driving campaign in November, which highlights the risks of drinking even a little before driving. The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed within Romford, and London boroughs, is the responsibility of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the Mayor of London, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced.
What recent steps he has taken help improve rates of early diagnosis of lung cancer.
The National Health Service is taking crucial steps to improve cancer outcomes across England, including for lung cancer. The Targeted Lung Health Check is a national NHS screening programme which is designed to identify cancers at an earlier stage with the goal of saving more lives. It will be available to 100% of the eligible population by 2030.Within the programme so far, detection at stage 1 and 2 stands at 75%, while outside the programme its 29%. When fully rolled out the Lung Cancer Screening Programme will detect approximately 9,000 cancers earlier each year and support the NHS Long Term Plan to detect more cancers earlier.
What steps she is taking with relevant authorities to help tackle dangerous driving in Romford constituency.
The Government takes road safety seriously, and we are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. The Department has begun work on a new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade. The Department will share more details in due course. The Government’s THINK! road safety campaign aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads. THINK! launched a major new drink driving campaign in November, which highlights the risks of drinking even a little before driving. The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed within Romford, and London boroughs, is the responsibility of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the Mayor of London, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced.
What steps he has taken to improve retention of officers in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army and (c) Royal Air Force.
The new Government’s work in improving retention and recruitment is part of a package of measures aimed to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve. We are modernising and refining our policies and processes to attract, and then retain the best possible talent, highlighting that Defence is a modern, forward-facing employer which offers a valuable and rewarding career. Our aim is to attract and recruit more, as well as maximise the number of applicants that successfully enter and remain in Armed Forces employment. The retention measures we have introduced and in development are aimed at the widest possible audience where possible, whether that be Officer or Enlisted ranks, unless directed towards protecting specific operational capabilities. As part of this inclusive approach to retention we have already awarded the largest Armed Forces pay increase in 22 years, providing appropriate financial recognition to all personnel and additionally supporting the retention of key skills. The Ministry of Defence and Ministers recognise the significant sacrifices that our military families make in serving our nation, and more retention-positive measures have been introduced. As part of this we have protected the integrity of the Continuity of Education Allowance; the Secretary of State for Defence directed that the cap on current rates be lifted to support the means of mitigating the disruption to Service children’s education, caused by Service commitments involving frequent moves of the family home. The recent repurchase of the SFA estate from Annington Homes will enable the Ministry of Defence the freedom to embark on a substantive programme of redevelopment and improvement of our housing estate to provide quality homes for Service Families.Furthermore, we have extended Wraparound Childcare to families serving overseas which will potentially save up to £3,400 annually for Service families.
With reference to the Institution of Civil Engineers' Roundtable Discussion on the Construction Playbook, published on 15 May 2024, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of aligning other initiatives with the Playbook.
Cabinet Office officials regularly engage with the ICE and other industry leading organisations, many of which are signatories to our ‘Compact with Industry’. The Construction Playbook is regularly refreshed in collaboration with industry and the public sector, ensuring it remains relevant and effective. The revised version of the Construction Playbook is expected to be published in Q2 2025. The Construction Playbook brings together best practice from across the public and private sectors. This includes highlighting the importance of a wide range of programmes and initiatives that the sector is taking forward. As part of any future iteration of the playbook, the Cabinet Office will review and assess the potential merits of highlighting or aligning any other initiatives that can drive value for the taxpayer.
What discussions he has had with the Institution of Civil Engineers on releasing a new edition of the Construction Playbook.
Cabinet Office officials regularly engage with the ICE and other industry leading organisations, many of which are signatories to our ‘Compact with Industry’. The Construction Playbook is regularly refreshed in collaboration with industry and the public sector, ensuring it remains relevant and effective. The revised version of the Construction Playbook is expected to be published in Q2 2025. The Construction Playbook brings together best practice from across the public and private sectors. This includes highlighting the importance of a wide range of programmes and initiatives that the sector is taking forward. As part of any future iteration of the playbook, the Cabinet Office will review and assess the potential merits of highlighting or aligning any other initiatives that can drive value for the taxpayer.