Every parliamentary written question tabled by Blake Stephenson this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 741–760 of 1,468 · this parliament
Pursuant to the Answer to Question 49562 on Railways, if she will publish the rail demand scenarios for Thameslink she has modelled.
The Department undertakes a range of detailed forecasts for the rail network under different scenarios and these are used for both financial planning and business case analysis. We do not routinely publish route or train operating company level forecasts.
If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the new NaFRA flood zone data, published on 25 March 2025 on plans for an East West Rail station at Tempsford.
The new flood risk assessment (NaFRA) published by the Environment Agency in March 2025 is an improved service which now includes surface water data. EWR Co. is already considering the new NaFRA flood zone data in the development of all its plans, including at the new Tempsford Station. This data will be built on where needed, with more detailed bespoke models to ensure proposals appropriately manage flood risk to new infrastructure and surrounding communities.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the trends in capital investment in the farming sector ahead of the implementation of reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief.
Data on farm investment income is available in the table 5 series of Farm Accounts in England – these tables show data for 2022/23 and 2023/24. The Farm Business Survey is currently collecting the 2024/25 data.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to the designation of National Landscapes on nature recovery in Mid Bedfordshire.
Natural England (NE) has the statutory responsibility for identifying areas for new or extended National Landscape designations. As part of this, they undertake evidence-based assessments to consider the potential impact of any proposed changes. This assessment includes consideration of the contribution of wildlife to the natural beauty of the area and if the designation of a National Landscape is desirable in order to conserve and enhance the area’s natural beauty. Given budgetary constraints, NE has made the decision to stop work on some of the planned National Landscapes programme – including the Chilterns boundary review. Natural England are considering how the evidence base which has been gathered so far through their designation work can best be shared and used. The existing boundary for the Chilterns National Landscape is unaffected and remains in place.
If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of long waiting times for driving tests on social and economic mobility of young people in (a) Mid Bedfordshire and (b) other rural areas.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain. As acknowledged in the announcement regarding these measures, DVSA understands the potential impact high waiting times have on learner drivers, including younger drivers, and the importance of helping learners pass quickly. Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK. From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres that serve customers in Mid Bedfordshire, DVSA has recruited three new driving examiners (DE). DVSA will continue to recruit in the area and has begun its next recruitment campaign. Once the campaign has closed, DVSA will make offers to successful applicants. DVSA is committed to providing its customers, including those in rural areas, with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of withdrawing the UK from the Aarhus Convention to enable damages to be sought from people who bring frivolous judicial reviews relating to road infrastructure projects.
The Government remains committed to protecting access to justice in environmental cases, while supporting the timely delivery of infrastructure projects under the Government’s Growth Mission. The issue of cost caps relating to Judicial Review in the planning context was considered by Lord Banner in his independent review published in October 2024. He did not recommend any change to the default cost caps in Aarhus cases. Judges already have the power to vary costs caps upwards or downwards according to the particular circumstances in a case. The MoJ published a call for evidence on Lord Banner’s recommendations on 28 October 2024, alongside the publication of his report by MHCLG. The call for evidence closed on 30 December. Some of Lord Banner’s recommendations have been taken into the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and will tighten the judicial review process to cut delays for major infrastructure projects and look to strike the right balance between improving efficiency and ensuring access to justice. The change will only allow one attempt at legal challenge, instead of three, for meritless claims and two for other claims. These changes will prevent meritless claims from holding up projects by exhausting the appeals process and will ensure legitimate legal challenges are heard promptly.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Government keeps the list of proscribed organisations under close review, as we seek to protect the UK from the threats that we face. However, as a matter of longstanding policy we do not comment on whether or not an organisation is being considered for proscription.We will continue to consider the full range of tools and powers available to tackle the threats that we face from Iran. That is why the whole of the Iranian state - including the IRGC and MOIS - will be placed on the Enhanced Tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme which will go live on 1 July.On 19 May, the Home Secretary announced that we will be taking forward Jonathan Hall KC’s recommendations in his review of State Threats legislation, including the creation of a new State Threats Proscription-like Tool. We will bring forward legislation as soon as Parliamentary time allows.
If her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing (a) mandatory and (b) routine reporting on the number of animals that are bred and not used in scientific testing every five years.
The Home Office is presently reviewing the collection and publication of additional statistics on animals that were bred but not used in scientific procedures.
If she will direct Great British Railways to promote local tourism (a) on trains and (b) at stations.
The Government recognises the importance of tourism to the national economy. Domestic tourism was one of the drivers of the expansion of the railway, bringing people to new destinations outside of their regions for the first time. The railway currently promotes tourism destinations extensively through its marketing, and we are confident that will continue under Great British Railways (GBR). Ahead of the establishment of GBR, Railway 200 is celebrating the UK’s rich rail heritage through a year-long programme of events. With many events across the country, the campaign is encouraging people to explore the country by train, supporting local tourism, boosting regional economies, and highlighting the enduring role of rail in connecting communities across Britain.
Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding his Department has provided to the programme to designate and expand national landscapes.
Defra provided direct funding of £1.1 million per annum for years 2022/23 - 2024/25 to accelerate Natural England's work on designations. As well as the programme to consider designating and expanding National Landscapes, Natural England used this funding on wider work relating to landscape designations and alternatives.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of naming the new station Wixams for Universal once the Universal UK theme park opens.
While the Department for Transport does not directly determine station names, it recognises the importance of names reflecting local identity and supporting wider community and economic objectives. Any proposals for naming will be considered by the rail industry (including consultation with local stakeholders) in due course.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to enable the completion of work that has started following the announcement of the decision to reduce funding to Natural England's programme to designate and expand national landscapes.
Natural England have the statutory responsibility for identifying areas for new National Landscape designations. For year 2025/26 the direct funding for this work was not continued. Natural England is using baseline budget to fund a reduced programme of landscape designation work.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the introduction of the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System on economic growth; and when the regulatory framework for that system will be finalised.
In May 2025, the government delivered legislation to establish the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System (PISCES). An impact assessment was published alongside it. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published their rules underpinning PISCES on 10 June 2025. This finalises the regulatory framework. Those wishing to operate a PISCES platform can now apply to the FCA.
Pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2025 to Question 32505 on Winter Fuel Payment, whether her Department measures the potential impact of its policies on consumer spending.
HM Treasury does not prepare forecasts for the UK economy. These forecasts, including assessments of the impact of policy decisions on UK household consumption, are the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The OBR does not typically publish estimates of the impact of individual policies on household consumption. Instead, the net effect of the government’s policy package is assessed by the OBR. HM Treasury considers household consumption and retail sales data published by the Official for National Statistics as part of its ongoing monitoring of the economy. According to the ONS’s First Quarterly estimate, UK household consumption grew by 0.2% in Q1 2025.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of naming the East-West Rail station Stewartby for Universal once the Universal UK theme park opens.
Between November 2024 and January 2025 EWR Co. held a non-statutory consultation where they presented options for stations and services on the Marston Vale Line between Bletchley and Bedford; feedback from this is currently being considered. No decisions have been taken on names for potential stations on East West Rail at the current time.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the report entitled Brewing Communities: How we can create new towns that foster successful pubs, high-streets and flourishing neighbourhoods, published on 17 January 2025.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers to Question UIN 35940 on 13 March 2025, Question UIN 42674 on 7 April 2025, and Question UIN 36088 on 14 March 2025.
What assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of industrial energy prices in (a) France, (b) Germany and (c) the USA.
Our Clean Power 2030 target is the key to long-term sustainable price reductions with homegrown clean energy the best way to protect billpayers and boost Britain's energy independence. We are also already bringing electricity costs for key UK industries closer in line with other major economies through the British Industry Supercharger. This fully exempts eligible firms from certain costs linked to renewable energy policies, particularly those exposed to the high cost of electricity saving businesses £5 billion over the next ten years.
Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Bureaucratic burden lifted to speed up building in growth agenda, published on 10 March 2025, when she plans to publish the consultation on the removal of statutory consultees in the planning system.
As per the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 10 March 2025 (HCWS510), we intend to consult shortly on reform of the statutory consultee system. A publication date is yet to be confirmed.
Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to require new town masterplans to include designated sites for future pubs.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers to Question UIN 35940 on 13 March 2025, Question UIN 42674 on 7 April 2025, and Question UIN 36088 on 14 March 2025.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of pubs on (a) community cohesion and (b) reducing loneliness in new towns.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers to Question UIN 35940 on 13 March 2025, Question UIN 42674 on 7 April 2025, and Question UIN 36088 on 14 March 2025.