Every parliamentary written question tabled by Blake Stephenson this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 801–820 of 1,536 · this parliament
Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a deterrent to reduce the numbers of migrants arriving in small boats.
I refer the Honourable Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (UIN HCWS406) made by the Home Secretary on 30 January 2025 on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of National Landscape status on (a) planning and (b) development of that land.
Natural England 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. As set out in the National Planning Policy Framework great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and National Landscapes which have the highest status of protection in relation to these issues. The scale and extent of development within all these designated areas should be limited, while development within their setting should be sensitively located and designed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the designated areas. When considering applications for development within National Landscapes, permission should be refused for major development other than in exceptional circumstances, and where it can be demonstrated that the development is in the public interest.
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, 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.
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.
Pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 46979 on Railways, what steps she plans to take to ensure that Great British Railways provides a more reliable system for passengers.
GBR will have the tools and operational independence it needs to plan and run the rail system on a long-term basis to deliver for passengers and freight. Most passengers will travel on GBR trains, running on GBR tracks, and working to a GBR timetable – all run by a single directing mind focused on delivering in the interests of users and providers of railway services, and the interests of the wider public. That will mean fewer delays and a simpler experience, which will provide a more reliable service for passengers.
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.
Pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 46979 on Railways, what steps she plans to take to ensure that Great British Railways will have a relentless focus on passengers.
GBR will have a statutory duty to run the railway in the interest of passengers. It will have the tools and operational independence it needs to plan and run the rail system on a long-term basis to meet the needs of current and future passengers.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to expand the Chilterns National Landscape area to cover the whole of the Chilterns Character Area in Bedfordshire.
Natural England has the statutory responsibility for identifying areas for new or extended National Landscape designations. Once the designation assessment has been completed, Natural England may submit a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who may confirm, refuse or amend it after considering relevant evidence.
Pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 46979 on Railways, what steps she plans to take to ensure that Great British Railways provides a more efficient system for passengers.
GBR will have the tools and operational independence it needs to plan and run the rail system on a long-term basis to deliver for passengers and freight. Most passengers will travel on GBR trains, running on GBR tracks, and working to a GBR timetable – all run by a single directing mind focused on delivering in the interests of users and providers of railway services, and the interests of the wider public. That will mean fewer delays and a simpler experience, which will provide a more efficient system for passengers.
Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled EA steps up dry weather prep after driest spring start since 1956, published on 7 May 2025, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway Park on managing drought in the East of England.
The Environment Agency (EA) are working closely with the Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway Park Trust, and other stakeholders including Water Resources East, to consider the benefits and opportunities for water management in the local area and across the East of England. Ongoing discussions are considering navigation, flood risk, biodiversity, and water resources. Through these partnership discussions the EA will be looking to maximise opportunities for improving the local management of water. Whilst we have seen a dry Spring the water situation in Bedfordshire is currently assessed as ‘normal’. Environment Agency teams are closely monitoring the situation, managing water availability with licensed abstractors and are on standby to respond to reports of environmental incidents.
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 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 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 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.
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, 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.
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.