Every parliamentary written question tabled by Susan Murray this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–20 of 144 · this parliament
What assessment the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has made of the potential impact of the new online medical services portal on people with medical conditions who are digitally excluded; and what alternative support is available to those unable to use online services.
Awaiting answer.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to publish updates on the impact of recent conflict between the United States and Iran on UK food security, including food supply disruption and consumer food prices; and whether he will place any such updates in the Library.
Awaiting answer.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure that patients who need to follow medically prescribed diets and are experiencing food insecurity receive appropriate support; and whether he will commit to producing national guidance, developed in conjunction with registered dietetic professionals.
Awaiting answer.
What timetable she has set for completing, and publishing the outcome of, the assessment of options for targeted reductions to agri-food import tariffs intended to reduce food prices for consumers, announced on 24 March 2026.
Awaiting answer.
Whether he plans to provide additional financial support to low-income women experiencing food insecurity during pregnancy and the postnatal period, beyond existing maternity and low-income support schemes.
Awaiting answer.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Saudi Arabian Government on the detention of Ahmed al-Doush; when his case was last raised at ministerial level; and what further steps he is taking to secure his release and ensure regular consular access.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 2 April in response to Question 122993
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations she has made to his Iranian counterpart on the detention of Lindsay and Craig Foreman; when their case was last raised at ministerial level; and what further steps he is taking to help secure their release and ensure regular consular access.
Craig and Lindsay Foreman's welfare remains a priority for Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) ministers and officials. The Foreign Secretary raised the case with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi on 8 May and we are continuing to support the couple and their family as best we can in the current circumstances, as we also will any other British nationals detained in Iran who request our help. A specialist team from the FCDO is in frequent contact with members of Craig and Lindsay's family, providing regular updates and advice.
Whether the DVLA plans to further digitalise the renewal process for driving licences for people with medical conditions.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) launched a new online medical services portal on 31 March. This allows the majority of customers to notify and apply online through the DVLA’s driver and vehicles account. In time, this will also allow customers to track their applications in a way they have not been able to previously. Details on how to sign up for an account can be found at www.gov.uk/driver-vehicles-account. The new digital online medical services portal covers around 1,600 medical conditions. Further enhancements for customers applying for a provisional licence and those renewing at the age of 70 or over will be made later this summer.
What plans his Department has to publish Great British Energy – Nuclear’s assessment of Scotland’s potential for new nuclear power.
It has not proved possible to respond to my hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation.
Media and Sport, what discussions she had with the Scottish Government prior to the closure of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
I refer the Honourable member to my answer of WPQ 120123.
Whether he plans to review the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to protect consumers from losing access to paid-for digital content when support for (a) devices and (b) platforms is withdrawn.
The department currently has no plans to review the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA).Under the CRA, goods or digital content must be of satisfactory quality, fit for a particular purpose and as described by the seller. A trader can upgrade, fix, enhance and improve the features of, or add new features to, digital content so long as it continues to match any description given by the trader. It must also continue to conform with any pre-contract information as to main characteristics, functionality, and compatibility provided by the trader.
If he will publish Great British Energy-Nuclear’s assessment of Scotland’s potential for new nuclear power.
Ministers have asked GBE-N to assess Scotland’s potential for new nuclear power, including around areas that have previously hosted nuclear stations, such as Torness and Hunterston. Scotland has made a significant contribution to British nuclear power and, having previously hosted nuclear power stations, we expect that areas of Scotland will have positive attributes for new nuclear.Whilst the government is not in a position to share outcomes of GBE-N’s assessment, it remains open to discussions with the Scottish Government on deploying new nuclear technologies in Scotland.
When they will respond to the correspondance dated 10/02/2026 regarding the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
I can confirm that your letter to Rt Hon Anna Turley MP, dated 10 February 2026, has been passed to me as the Minister responsible for this policy, and I have replied to your letter. Please accept my apologies for the delay. The Government is committed to transparency and accountability, including through clear and timely responses to correspondence.
What steps his Department is taking to support the pottery and ceramics sector with industrial energy costs.
The Government is aware of the pressure of high industrial energy costs on the ceramics industry, including the pottery sector. A small number of electricity-intensive ceramics businesses, including in the technical, advanced, and brick sectors, will benefit from the recent uplift to the Network Charging Compensation Scheme. Some advanced and technical ceramics businesses will benefit from future eligibility within the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. Department for Business and Trade officials regularly engage with ceramics businesses and the sector’s main trade association, Ceramics UK, to explore how other ceramics sectors can be supported.
How many bridging loans have been provided to pensioners affected by delays since Capita took over administration of civil service pension administration; and what is the total value of bridging loans provided.
The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve. Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Capita prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. The same position was reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March. Capita has made lump sum payments to 8,979 members, the majority of whom have retired but are not yet receiving their pension, and are on track to bring these members into regular pension payments by the end of April. To provide immediate financial support to those who may need it, including those who have been dismissed with compensation, arrangements are in place for interest-free bridging loans typically up to £5,000 or £10,000 in exceptional cases to most recent retirees facing payment delays. This is alongside interim lump sum payments being made to provide immediate funds to retiring members. The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on time. To mitigate member hardship, employers have issued £6.4 million in Transitional Support Loans to 1,225 members. The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates
What minimum service levels apply to Capita’s telephone helpline for Civil Service Pension Scheme members.
The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve. Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Capita prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. The same position was reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March. The Cabinet Office has mandated Capita that they must restore service levels by the end of June 2026. We are using every commercial lever at our disposal, including withholding payments for deliverables that have not been met. We also reserve the right to take further formal action to ensure the service returns to the required standards. In the week commencing 20 March 2026, the average wait time was 2 minutes and 3 seconds, with 70% of calls answered in less than 30 seconds. Improvements are still to be made to ensure calls are answered as per the agreed contractual rate. Capita has made lump sum payments to 10,147 members, the majority of whom have retired but are not yet receiving their pension, and are on track to bring these members into regular pension payments by the end of April. To provide immediate financial support to those who may need it, arrangements are in place for interest-free bridging loans typically up to £5,000 or £10,000 in exceptional cases to most recent retirees facing payment delays. This is alongside interim lump sum payments being made to provide immediate funds to retiring members. The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on time. The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates
What contractual minimum service levels Capita is required to meet in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme; what penalties apply when those standards are missed; and how often such penalties have been applied in the last 12 months.
The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve. Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Capita prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. The same position was reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March. The Cabinet Office has mandated Capita that they must restore service levels by the end of June 2026. We are using every commercial lever at our disposal, including withholding payments for deliverables that have not been met. We also reserve the right to take further formal action to ensure the service returns to the required standards. In the week commencing 20 March 2026, the average wait time was 2 minutes and 3 seconds, with 70% of calls answered in less than 30 seconds. Improvements are still to be made to ensure calls are answered as per the agreed contractual rate. Capita has made lump sum payments to 10,147 members, the majority of whom have retired but are not yet receiving their pension, and are on track to bring these members into regular pension payments by the end of April. To provide immediate financial support to those who may need it, arrangements are in place for interest-free bridging loans typically up to £5,000 or £10,000 in exceptional cases to most recent retirees facing payment delays. This is alongside interim lump sum payments being made to provide immediate funds to retiring members. The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on time. The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates
With reference to the Answer of 27 March 2026 to Question 122950 on Small Businesses: Coronavirus, whether he plans to publish a Scotland-specific assessment of the adequacy of financial support available to people in Scotland who lost their businesses during the covid-19 pandemic, including support delivered through UK Government-backed schemes.
Administration of Covid-19 grants was devolved in Scotland. A Scotland-specific report would therefore be a matter for the Scottish Government.
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of financial support available to people who lost their businesses during the covid-19 pandemic.
DBT published an evaluation report of the impact of the Covid-19 Business Support Grant Schemes in England and the British Business Bank has published a three year evaluation of the Covid-19 Loan Guarantee Schemes. These can be found at Evaluation of the Local Authority COVID-19 Business Support Grant Schemes and Evaluation of the COVID-19 Loan Guarantee Schemes (Year 3 Report) | British Business Bank
Whether she is considering additional financial support for people who lost their businesses during the covid-19 pandemic.
The Government recognises the profound impact which the Covid-19 pandemic had on individuals and businesses across the country. While the pandemic may have receded, the challenges for many small businesses still persist. This is why the Government published the Small Business Plan in July 2025, delivering the most comprehensive package of SME support in a generation, including legislating to end late payments, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting exporters, and investing in skills.