Every parliamentary written question tabled by John Lamont this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 41–60 of 124 · this parliament
What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on supporting the victims of cross-border grooming gangs.
This Government is committed to working closely with the Scottish Government to strengthen protections for victims of cross-border grooming gangs.We have accepted all 12 recommendations of Baroness Casey’s report, ensuring a comprehensive, victim focused response to tackling group-based child sexual exploitation.
What steps he is taking to support employment in the defence sector in Scotland.
We are developing the Defence Growth Deal for Scotland which will drive innovation, deliver support to businesses, boost local employment and ensure long-term sustainable growth. Initiatives like the Defence Skills Passport and Destination Defence will make it easier for people in Scotland to access skilled employment in the defence sector.
How much of the £625 million allocated for compensating Equitable Life with-profits annuity holders has been spent up to and including 2024-25; and how much was originally forecast to be spent on a (a) cash and (b) discounted basis.
The Conservative and Liberal Democrat Coalition Government allocated £1.5 billion to the Equitable Life Payment Scheme. Before it ceased operations in 2016, the Scheme had issued £1.12 billion in tax-free payments to nearly 933,000 policyholders. The remainder of the £1.5 billion has been set aside for future payments to the With-Profits Annuitants. Further information is available in the Final Report on the Scheme. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equitable-life-payment-scheme-final-report). The total value of payments made by the Scheme stood at £1.35 bn as of 30 May 2025, and the Scheme is on track to pay out the remainder. Annual annuity payments to the over 17,000 eligible WPAs amounted to £20m in 2025.
What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help prevent the overdevelopment of electricity infrastructure in rural communities in Scotland.
Energy infrastructure projects go through the proper planning process, which involves consulting communities. Every wind turbine, solar panel and pylon built protects us from future energy shocks. Installing new electricity infrastructure can mean having to make difficult decisions. But we should not lose sight of the fact that it’s the poorest in our society who are paying the price for expensive energy. We are also looking at options for how communities can benefit from energy developments.
What steps is his Department is taking to ensure brain tumour patients have timely access to whole genome sequencing.
Genomic testing is delivered through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service via seven regional NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs (NHS GLHs). Testing follows the National Genomic Test Directory, which includes whole genome sequencing (WGS) for neurological tumours, including primary brain cancers. NHS England has produced national sample handling guidance for WGS of solid tumours, including brain tumours, to maintain DNA quality and improve access to WGS by standardising the collection, processing, and transport of samples. Approaches to the handling of fresh tissue have also been reviewed to speed up processes. In 2025/26, NHS England is continuing its Cancer Genomics Improvement Programme to deliver quality improvement initiatives, education, local engagement, and the establishment of Cellular Pathology Genomic Centres to streamline cancer genomics pathways and accelerate genomic testing. These approaches are addressing variability and ensuring equitable regional access to WGS for brain tumour patients. NHS England monitors performance through Patient Level Contract Monitoring data and works with NHS GLHs to address variation and drive improvements.
What steps his Department is taking to support the continued availability of British natural stone for heritage restoration projects.
The Department for Business and Trade does not offer any specific support for British natural stone for heritage restoration projects.The Department for Culture, Media and Sport supports heritage restoration projects with several grant schemes, including those covering VAT for repairs through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and the Memorial Grant Scheme. Additional funds, such as the Heritage At Risk Capital Fund and the Heritage Revival Fund, provide financial support in England for repairing endangered heritage sites and repurposing neglected historic buildings for community and economic benefit.
Communities and Local Government, whether the Government plans to ensure that local authorities recognise natural stone as a low-carbon material in planning guidance and local plan development.
National design guidance, which supports the National Planning Policy Framework, states that well-designed places should be responsive to local history, culture and heritage. The guidance highlights the role of resources, including the careful selection of materials and construction techniques, to minimise any environmental impacts. A local design code can introduce requirements on the use of materials for new development, if appropriate.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of (a) international trade practices and (b) foreign subsidies on the competitiveness of UK natural stone SMEs.
The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) is the UK’s investigatory body that exists to defend the UK against unfair international trade practices, including foreign subsidies. I encourage UK industry to engage directly with the TRA if they believe they are being injured by unfair trading practices as it will be for the TRA to decide whether evidentiary thresholds to initiate a trade remedies investigation are met. The Department remains vigilant to any reports of potential injury to industries from unfair trading practices and regularly engages with the natural stone sector.
Whether she plans to review (a) tax and (b) energy cost burdens facing small quarrying businesses in rural constituencies.
The government keeps all tax under review as part of the policy making process. The government is bearing down on business energy prices more widely by reducing Great Britain’s reliance on volatile international gas prices, and through a new framework to scrutinise energy levies, ensuring they are affordable and value-for-money.
Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the BBC on the level of legal fees that may be incurred in connection with the dispute with President Trump.
This is a matter for the BBC, whose lawyers are now dealing with the issue. The BBC is independent of the UK government and so it is a matter for them and the US President.
Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the BBC on legal fees incurred in connection with President Trump.
This is a matter for the BBC, whose lawyers are now dealing with the issue. The BBC is independent of the UK government and so it is a matter for them and the US President.
What (a) discussions and (b) meetings officials in his Department have had with Xi Engineering on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) engages with Xi Engineering through the Eskdalemuir Working Group (EWG), chaired by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, which includes the MOD, Scottish Government, local planning authorities and the wind industry.
What (a) discussions and (b) meetings officials in his Department have had with the Eskdalemuir Working Group on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array.
The Eskdalemuir Working Group (EWG) members include the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Scottish Government, and representatives from local planning authorities and the wind industry. The EWG meets regularly, with the last meeting taking place on 3 September 2025.
What steps he is taking to ensure that national security is prioritised in discussions on the future of the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to safeguarding the Eskdalemuir Seismic Array, recognising its critical role in national and global security. MOD officials regularly engage with the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Scottish Government to ensure that the Array’s capabilities are not affected by future wind energy deployment in the 50km zone of interest. As a member of the DESNZ-chaired Eskdalemuir Working Group, the MOD continues to advocate for the protection of the Array, with all stakeholders aligned on its importance and the need for its safeguarding.
Whether the Eskdalemuir Working Group will prioritise (a) the maintenance of national security and (b) international defence obligations when considering any new (i) regime and (ii) methodology for measuring seismic interference within the safety zone around the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array.
We recognise and are aware of the interference that onshore wind turbines can cause to seismological monitoring stations, and the subsequent safeguarding concerns that operators of seismological arrays can have. We are working closely with the Ministry of Defence to bring forward a resolution to this issue, via the Eskdalemuir Working Group. We are clear that the Eskdalemuir Seismic Array is a key piece of defence infrastructure that is part of international monitoring networks and that any updated approach to managing onshore wind deployment near the Array will not compromise its detection capabilities.
What (a) discussions and (b) meetings officials in his Department have had with Xi Engineering on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array.
We recognise and are aware of the interference that onshore wind turbines can cause to seismological monitoring stations, and the subsequent safeguarding concerns that operators of seismological arrays can have. The Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy, published in July 2025, prioritised bringing forward a resolution to this issue. We have and continue to work closely with the Scottish Government, the Ministry of Defence, Wind Industry representatives and Xi Engineering to deliver on this commitment
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array.
The UK Government sees onshore wind as a key part of our clean energy ambitions. However, we are aware of the interference that onshore wind turbines can cause to seismological arrays, such as the one at Eskdalemuir, and the subsequent security concerns that this can create. A key commitment of the UK Government’s Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy, published in July 2025, was to prioritise bringing forward a resolution to this issue. The UK Government has committed to consult on an updated methodology and guidance for the management of seismic interference, and we will also update the policy and regulations to ensure effective delivery. This consultation, which we intend to publish by the end of 2025, will also include consideration of whether legislation is required. The UK Government is currently working closely with the Scottish Government and Wind Industry developers and supply chain companies to deliver these commitments, via the Eskdalemuir Working Group.
What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array.
The UK Government sees onshore wind as a key part of our clean energy ambitions. However, we are aware of the interference that onshore wind turbines can cause to seismological arrays, such as the one at Eskdalemuir, and the subsequent security concerns that this can create. A key commitment of the UK Government’s Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy, published in July 2025, was to prioritise bringing forward a resolution to this issue. The UK Government has committed to consult on an updated methodology and guidance for the management of seismic interference, and we will also update the policy and regulations to ensure effective delivery. This consultation, which we intend to publish by the end of 2025, will also include consideration of whether legislation is required. The UK Government is currently working closely with the Scottish Government and Wind Industry developers and supply chain companies to deliver these commitments, via the Eskdalemuir Working Group.
Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has with the Secretary of State for Defence on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array, in the context of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ministry of Defence, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) have worked closely together on how best to unlock the development of up to 3 gigawatts of further onshore wind capability in the Eskdalemuir area. This would contribute up to £2 billion of investment in UK based companies. Options to unlock this capacity – including through regulations pursuant to powers granted by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill – are subject to joint consultation due to be launched by the DESNZ and the Scottish Government.
What discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on strengthening the Union.
I have regular discussions with the Welsh Government on how our two governments are delivering, investing in Wales’s future and strengthening our union.Through a record budget settlement for the Welsh Government, alongside our investment into Welsh rail, Growth Deals, Investment Zones, Freeports, Pride in Place Funds and our Defence Growth Deal for Wales – we are working together to improve public services, support communities, drive jobs, and deliver economic growth.