Written questions by Stephenson.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the definition of honey included in the 2015 Honey England Regulations.

The Honey (England) Regulations 2015 lay down detailed specifications for honey in terms of its composition and quality criteria. One of the aims of these is to protect the use of the reserved description “honey” by setting a minimum expected compositional standard for our market, in order to protect consumers, instil consumer confidence that the honey is what it says it is, create a level playing field for industry, and prevent misleading and fraudulent practices on our market. Defra periodically reviews food compositional standards legislation to ensure regulations remain fit for purpose. A post-implementation review of the Honey (England) Regulations 2015 in 2021 found that the policy objectives stated in the regulations have been fully realised. As a result of the review, the definition of honey as a reserved description, the description of different types of honey, and the listing of its minimum compositional standards have remained in place.

Pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 43285 on Schools: Solar Power, whether any schools in Bedfordshire are on the long list.

​​Pursuant to my answer of 10 April 2025, work is still progressing on finalising the long and short lists of projects in the East of England region to participate in this first year of the Great British Energy Solar Partnership programme. The department hopes to have finalised the selection before the summer break. ​In the interim, we are providing support for all schools and colleges to start on their journey towards net zero via our new online sustainability support for education platform and our climate ambassador programme. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sustainability-leadership-and-climate-action-plans-in-education.Where schools are considering the purchase of solar panels or other sustainable systems, our ‘Get help for buying’ service provides support to ensure that schemes procured are of high quality and value to the sector. More information can be found here: https://gethelpbuyingforschools.campaign.gov.uk/.​Details of other government funding available to public bodies for sustainability can also be found at this website, prepared by the Crown Commercial Service: https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/social-value/carbon-net-zero/funding-and-grants.

If she will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of judicial reviews in relation to road infrastructure projects in the East of England in the 2023-24 financial year.

The total cost to the public purse (National Highways and Department for Transport) of judicial reviews in relation to road infrastructure projects on the strategic road network in the East of England during the 2023-24 financial year is estimated to be approximately £351,700.

What steps he is taking to support growth in the UK steel industry.

Steel is one of the Government’s top priorities. We are continuing to develop our upcoming steel strategy which will articulate what is needed to create a competitive business environment in the UK with the aim of attracting new private investment.We remain committed to providing up to £2.5bn for the steel sector, which will be delivered though the National Wealth Fund and other routes. We are developing our thinking on how this funding will be aligned with the steel strategy.The National Wealth Fund is operationally independent, and financing is already accessible to projects that meet the investment principles.

What steps he is taking to increase (a) support for and (b) resilience of the vehicle manufacturing industry.

The Budget committed over £2 billion of funding support to 2030 to unlock capital investment in zero emission vehicle manufacturing and supply chains. This funding will ensure the resilience of the sector and boost competitiveness. We’ve also listened to business on regulations, and the changes announced by the Prime Minister on 7 April introduced significant extra flexibility into the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. And we continue to open up markets - and have protected British carmakers jobs - as our new deal with India and our landmark deal with the US clearly demonstrate.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate on automotive manufacturers in the context of Stellantis closing its Luton plant.

Stellantis’ decision to close its diesel van plant in Luton was a commercial decision taken as part of its response to wider challenges. Regrettably, despite active engagement from Government, we were unable to reverse the company’s decision. My Department has regular engagement with automotive manufacturers around the transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). Having heard from industry and other stakeholders, in April the Government announced changes to the ZEV Mandate by significantly increasing flexibilities for manufacturers up to 2030. This allows them to comply with requirements in the way most suitable to their business and consumer demand, avoid fines and not need to buy credits from competitors.

What steps she is taking to support schools to meet the change in the level of demand for SEND provision in Mid Bedfordshire constituency.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.The department is providing an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year, following the Autumn Budget 2024. This brings total high needs funding for children and young people with complex SEND to over £12 billion. Of that total, Central Bedfordshire Council is being allocated over £49 million through the high needs funding block of the dedicated schools grant (DSG), an increase of £4 million on their 2024/25 DSG high needs block, calculated using the high needs national funding formula.Local authorities allocate their high needs funding to support schools in making suitable provision for the increasing number of pupils identified as having more complex SEND.The department has also announced High Needs Provision Capital Allocations for financial year 2025/26, totalling £740 million, of which Central Bedfordshire has been allocated £4.4 million. The department is encouraging local authorities to use this funding to adapt mainstream schools for pupils with SEND, creating new special units or resourced provision, as well as to create new places in special schools.The department wants more children to receive the support they need to thrive in their local mainstream school and we want to restore parents’ trust that their child will get the support they need without having to travel a long way to access a specialist placement.

Whether she will make an assessment of the potential impact of her Department’s policies on organised immigration crime on trends in the number of migrants that have arrived in small boats since 1 January 2025.

The Border Security Command (BSC) continues to focus on tackling the organised immigration crime gangs that are facilitating small boat crossings, working with domestic partners such as the National Crime Agency, and overseas counterparts in a range of countries, to dismantle the gangs and disrupt their supply chains. This work has already led to a number of widely publicised raids and arrests, as well as agreements with France, Germany, Italy, Iraq and other key partners which will increase enforcement activity and cooperation further over the coming months.The Home Office will shortly publish an official statistical note analysing the impact of weather conditions in the Channel on the level of small boat arrivals in recent years, including since 1 January 2025. That analysis will reinforce the commitment of this Government to tackle the smuggling gangs at every level, and disrupt their ability to exploit good weather conditions in future to undermine our border security.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Cuts to red tape to make great British staycations cheaper published on 7 April 2025, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed reforms on the economy in Bedfordshire.

The domestic tourism sector is of great value to the UK. It provides meaningful employment and supports holiday makers to explore and enjoy the UK’s diverse and plentiful attractions.By removing obstacles and red tape that unnecessarily hinder businesses, especially smaller firms, the proposed reforms seek to open-up the sector to offer consumers better choice and better value options.The proposals will support business collaboration and innovation across all areas of the UK. An Impact Assessment will be published as part of the process.We encourage comment on the consultation ahead of its close on 30 June 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to make businesses aware of the ban on unlicensed use of glue traps in the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022.

The Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 bans glue trap use in England in all but the most exceptional, licensable circumstances. It came into force in 2024. Nothing in the law prevents sale of glue traps in England. However, only pest controllers with a licence can legally use them for rodent control. Widespread media coverage in 2022 and 2024 alerted businesses to the change in legislation in England and on-going stakeholder engagement has helped ensure pest controllers acting for businesses are cognisant of the situation. The British Independent Retailers Association has also published advice for retailers to prevent glue traps from being sold for illegal use and we know of market-leading suppliers and retailers having withdrawn them from sale.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of importing coking coal on the environment.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to the hon Member for Basildon and Billericay on 22 October 2024 to Question UIN 9066.

When he expects the MoD to source replacement Challenger 2 tanks.

There are no current plans to source replacement Challenger 2 tanks. Through the Armour Main Battle Tank (Armour MBT) programme, the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank will upgrade and replace 148 Challenger 2 platforms from 2027.

What estimate he has made of how much of his Department's budget will be spent on installing electric vehicle chargers on MoD sites in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.

Information on the amount spent on installing electric vehicle chargers on Ministry of Defence sites is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

When he expects the ordered H-47(ER) helicopters to be delivered.

Construction of the first two Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) aircraft has commenced in Philadelphia, with the first aircraft due to be delivered in 2027.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the number of honeybees in April (a) 2024 and (b) 2025.

There is currently no compulsory registration system for bees and beekeeping in the UK, so it is difficult to provide exact figures for honey bee populations. Beekeepers are however encouraged to voluntarily register on the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit (NBU) BeeBase website where they can record their details. The figures from BeeBase can be used to provide a useful indication of the number of managed colonies in the UK. An Annual Hive Count is carried out where beekeepers are asked to update their BeeBase records. Information about numbers and location of hives is important for Bee Inspectors in terms of preparing and planning for outbreaks of disease and exotic pests.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help encourage the resumption of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

We urge all parties to return urgently to talks, implement the ceasefire agreement in full and work towards a permanent peace. More bloodshed is in no-one's interest. Our priority is urging all parties to return urgently to dialogue and to ensuring a ceasefire is implemented in full. It is only a political horizon towards a two-state solution that can ensure the long-term peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis. We are fully committed to playing our full diplomatic role. Since the hostilities resumed, the Foreign Secretary has spoken to Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, EU High Representative Kallas and the UN emergency relief co-ordinator, Tom Fletcher. On 15 April, the Foreign Secretary spoke to his Israel counterpart Gideon Sa'ar, and on 28 April met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's marketing campaign on heat pumps; and what the total cost was of (a) that campaign and (b) the associated photo shoot at Muncaster Castle.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero intends to publish information on campaign spend within the DESNZ annual report and accounts 2024 to 2025, which is expected to be published later this year on GOV.UK. We will conduct a full evaluation of the Department’s activities to promote heat pumps and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in due course. Control of advertising, marketing and communications (AMC) expenditure ensures that, where taxpayer money is being spent on government communications, it is cost-effective, coordinated and reflects functional standards and professional best practices.

Media and Sport, with reference to the press release entitled Cuts to red tape to make great British staycations cheaper published on 7 April 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential role of Local Visitor Economy Partnerships in creating local tourism packages.

Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) have an important role to play in supporting the development of local tourism products and packages that meet the needs of visitors and benefit local communities. As business-led and strategically coordinated partnerships, LVEPs are well placed to bring together local stakeholders, such as accommodation providers, attractions, transport operators, and cultural venues to create compelling, joined-up visitor offers.As part of our Plan for Change, the Government’s reforms announced on 7 April 2025 aim to make it easier for domestic visitors to access high quality ‘staycation’ experiences. These measures complement the work of LVEPs, which are supported by DCMS and VisitEngland, to strengthen destination management, encourage innovation, and drive year-round visitor demand.Through the LVEP programme, DCMS and VisitEngland will continue to support local areas to develop coordinated visitor experiences that reflect local distinctiveness and deliver economic and social benefits for communities.

Communities and Local Government, whether councils can account for costs of planning appeals when calculating the level of planning fees in the context of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill contains a measure which would allow local planning authorities to set their own planning fees. The process for setting these fees will be set out in regulations. We will also publish guidance on the costs that may be considered when calculating planning fees.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of reducing VAT on US firms exporting to the UK.

In line with international guidelines, VAT is charged equally on goods and services consumed in the UK whether they are produced domestically or imported. VAT is ultimately paid by the final consumer, similar to US sales taxes. Businesses in the supply chain can typically reclaim the VAT they pay, including import VAT.