Every parliamentary written question tabled by Claire Hughes this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–10 of 10 · this parliament
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he will take to help (a) support a ceasefire in Gaza and (b) enable the delivery of aid to (i) people and (ii) children at risk of starvation.
I refer my Hon Friend to the statement made to the House by the former Foreign Secretary on 1 September.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken to improve biodiversity.
Improving biodiversity is crucial and we have a set of statutory nature targets, which we will deliver through a range of mechanisms, all underpinned by the £7 billion nature budget. We have recently had the landmark moment for conservation when we enabled the wild reintroduction of beavers in a managed way. The upcoming Environmental Improvement Plan will set out key priorities to enhance the natural environment.
Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Welsh government on the cessation of the sale of horticultural peat.
The Secretary of State discussed this matter with Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, at the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on 23 June.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 55674 on Palestinians: Recognition of States, what steps he is taking to advance the recognition of the State of Palestine.
The UK's commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. The Prime Minister spoke to President Abbas on 29 July to condemn the suffering in Gaza, reiterate that Hamas must play no role in Gaza, and outline the UK's commitment to recognising the State of Palestine before the United Nations General Assembly in September unless Israel changes its course. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood. Our approach to recognition forms part of a wider plan for peace to end the horrific suffering and re-establish a pathway to a Two-State Solution. We aim to create the conditions for a lasting peace in Gaza, as the basis for a wider process to find a long-term political solution in the Middle East. The UK also welcomed Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohamad Mustafa to London in April. During the visit, we announced a package of £101 million which included support for governance reforms in the PA and signed a UK-PA MoU on Strategic Cooperation.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken to help protect communities vulnerable to flooding.
This Government knows and understands how devastating the impact of flooding is to communities and so we are committed to protecting homes and businesses around the country. Just this week, we announced the largest flooding programme in history. As part of our landmark Infrastructure Strategy, we have committed a record £7.9 billion over ten years to protect hundreds of thousands of homes, small businesses, and vital infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding.
What recent discussions his Department has had with the Welsh Government on making baby loss certificates available in Wales.
The Department and their Welsh counterparts have discussed the possibility of the Baby Loss Certificate scheme becoming available in Wales. As healthcare in Wales is the responsibility of the Welsh administration, Welsh officials are leading on this piece of work.
What steps she is taking through the pensions system to increase economic growth.
We are now in the final phase of the Pensions Investment Review, and I look forward to publishing its final report in the coming months. Our reforms, to Defined Contribution schemes and the Local Government Pension Scheme, will create fewer, larger pension funds with greater ability to invest in productive assets, supporting better returns for savers and higher growth for the UK.
What information her Department holds on the number of the countries that teach GCE A-Level qualifications in state schools or their equivalent.
The department does not hold information on the number of countries that teach A level qualifications in state schools or their equivalent. There are examples of countries which have developed an A level offer. For example, Singapore delivers the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A level. International A levels are also offered in many countries worldwide. Ofqual publishes a range of information about exported qualifications. The latest information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/annual-qualifications-market-report-academic-year-2022-to-2023/annual-qualifications-market-report-2022-to-2023-academic-year#in-focus-international-market. However, this report does not include information on the number of countries that teach A level qualifications in state schools or their equivalent. Ofqual’s data does also not include unregulated qualifications, such as International A levels.
What discussions he has had with counterparts in the Welsh Government on making baby loss certificates available in Wales.
Healthcare in Wales is the responsibility of the Welsh Government. The Department is in discussions with our Welsh counterparts regarding the possibility of extending the Baby Loss Certificate service to Wales.
What steps is she taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle veteran homelessness in Wales.
This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country. The Minister for Veterans and People is working across Government to ensure veterans across the UK have access to the support they need on housing, as well as health, employment and other areas.As housing is a devolved matter, we are working with the Welsh Government and the other Devolved Governments to tackle the shared challenge of homelessness.This Government has financed the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme, which funds wrap-around support in units of supported housing. Since its inception in July 2023, it has awarded £1,380,214 to providers offering services in Wales.Veterans in need of housing support can contact their local council or Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway to connect veterans with help and support. This system provides housing guidance and assistance to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the UK. As of 19 January 2025, over 3,069 referrals have been made and nearly 870 veterans have been supported into housing.