In March 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published an update to the energy efficiency standards in the Building Regulations: the Future Homes Standard (FHS).

Under this new standard, which will come into force from March 2027, all new homes will need to have excellent insulation, low carbon heating systems, and in most cases, solar panels to boost our energy security with clean, homegrown power. New homes built to these standards will be zero carbon ready, meaning they will become zero carbon once the national grid is fully decarbonised and will require no further retrofitting to meet net zero.

This government will not introduce quotas on the use of fossil fuel energy.

The Government is committed to reaching net zero by 2050 and is focused on delivering that commitment in a way that reduces costs for households, strengthens energy security, and supports economic growth across the whole of the UK.

The UK Government does not have a quota for the amount of finance that should flow to low-carbon investment, but since the government came to office more than £100 billion in clean energy investment announcements has been secured. Net zero is the economic and industrial opportunity of the 21st century, and economic modelling undertaken by the CBI suggests the UK's net zero economy generated £36.7 billion in gross value added in 2025 and supported 308,000 jobs directly, with a further £51.2 billion in gross value added and 520,000 jobs supported through supply chains

The UK government no longer provides new direct financial or promotional support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas, which includes support provided by UK Export Finance and British International Investment PLC, with limited circumstances set out in public guidance. The National Wealth Fund also does not invest in projects involving extraction, production, transportation, and refining crude oil, natural gas or thermal coal with very limited exemptions.

The cost of living is a top priority for this Government. That is why the Prime Minister announced a tax cut to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills for 6 months from October 1. This immediate action on electricity bills is expected to take around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap in October. This comes on top of the actions at last year’s Budget which removed an average of £150 of costs from household energy bills for the years to come, by moving 75% of the domestic costs of the Renewables Obligation to the Exchequer and ending the Energy Company Obligation. Without this action, the price cap would be significantly higher.

The Government introduced a temporary windfall tax, the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), on extraordinary profits from oil and gas companies in 2022. The EPL currently levies 38% tax on profits in addition to the 40% rate of tax in the permanent fiscal regime

The EPL will come to an end either on 31 March 2030 or earlier if the Energy Security Investment Mechanism (ESIM) triggers, and will be replaced by the permanent Oil and Gas Revenue Levy (OGRL) which will become a permanent feature of the tax system and operate only in times of high prices to ensure oil and gas companies continue to pay their fair share of tax.

The natural decline of North Sea oil and gas has seen more than 70,000 jobs lost in the last decade. New exploration licences will not reverse this trend. We published the North Sea Future Plan (November 2026), setting out how we will support supply chains, protect jobs and secure the next generation of good jobs.

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) published analysis in September 2025 comparing the emissions intensity of domestically produced gas with imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). This analysis is available on the NSTA’s website. In 2024, domestic gas production made up 43% of gross supply, LNG imports accounted for 14%, with the remainder coming from pipeline imports – principally from Norway.

While the UK produces natural gas, it does not produce LNG domestically; LNG is imported and regasified for use in the gas system.

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) published analysis in September 2025 comparing the emissions intensity of domestically produced gas with imported liquefied natural gas. This analysis is available on the NSTA’s website. In 2024, domestic gas production made up 43% of gross supply, LNG imports accounted for 14%, with the remainder coming from pipeline imports – principally from Norway.

North Sea oil and gas production is in natural decline, with a 75 per cent reduction in production occurring between 1999 and 2024.

While we will manage existing oil and gas fields for their lifespan, the government will not issue licences to explore new fields which would only make a marginal difference to overall production.

The UK became a net importer of energy over two decades ago in 2004.

Given the maturity of the basin, further licensing would not reverse its natural decline, nor change the UK’s status as a net importer of oil and gas.

The MoU provides a strong platform for deepening cooperation across the full breadth of our shared energy priorities – from power market reform and system flexibility to carbon capture, utilisation and storage –and creates space for structured exchanges on the UK’s experience transitioning away from coal, enabling both sides to share lessons and support an accelerated, orderly and affordable clean‑energy transition. There is no presumption that Memoranda of Understanding be made publicly available, a decision that varies from agreement to agreement; indeed, the previous government did not publish the first clean‑energy agreement signed with China in 2015.

The Government is introducing sustainable supply chain requirements in contracts and grants. The Procurement Act 2023, now in force, allows contracting authorities to exclude suppliers, helping prevent government contracts from being awarded to those who cannot meet ethical and industry-specific standards. The Overseas Business Risk Guidance highlights regional risks and urges companies to carry out strong due diligence. The Trade Strategy published last year launched a review of responsible business conduct policy.

The Warm Homes Plan is backing British manufacturing, with £140million of investment including through the Heat Pump Investment Accelerator to strengthen supply chains, drive innovation, support workforce training and create high-quality jobs across the UK.

The Government does not hold or publish data on the specific sources of polycrystalline silicon imported into the UK from China for use in solar panel manufacturing.

The Department for Education are procuring the solar panels for schools under the Solar Partnerships Scheme and have done so under the requirements set out by the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and UK procurement controls, as well as making use of Crown Commercial Service frameworks where appropriate.

As a publicly owned company, Great British Energy is expected to lead by example when adhering to the UK’s legislation and guidance on modern slavery, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Solar purchasing thus far has been undertaken by Devolved Governments, Other Government Departments, and relevant Mayoral Combined Authorities and the terms are commercially confidential. However, there have been clear expectations that they must comply with UK procurement rules, including requirements under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and Procurement Act 2023.

Great British Energy will lead the way in ethical supply chains by engaging with stakeholders to raise standards and explore alternatives to diversify high-risk supply chains.

The Government does not hold or publish data identifying which UK‑registered firms imported component parts for solar panels containing polycrystalline silicon from China, nor data on how many of these components may have originated from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

My Lords, the Government have consulted on how the new subscription rules will work under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act—this includes what happens when a consumer uses their cooling-off right to cancel—and are carefully reviewing responses from cultural and heritage organisations. My officials have engaged directly with sector representatives and will continue to do so to ensure that the final regulations reflect their concerns and support both consumer protection and organisational sustainability.

UK Sport publishes a full breakdown of funding to UK national governing bodies across all Olympic and Paralympic Games cycles.

Current funding awards for the Los Angeles 2028 cycle ( https://www.uksport.gov.uk/our-work/investing-in-sport/current-funding-awards ) can be found on UK Sport’s website as well as historical funding figures for the Rio, Tokyo and Paris Games ( https://www.uksport.gov.uk/our-work/investing-in-sport/historical-funding-figures ).

Based on these published allocations, UK Sport has invested approximately £1.25 billion directly into Olympic and Paralympic performance sports programmes since the Rio 2016 cycle.

We have always been clear that when it comes to women's sport, biology matters. We will continue to support sports to develop policies that protect fairness and safety, particularly when it is not possible to balance those factors with inclusion.

It is for each sport's National Governing Body to set their own policies for who can participate in domestic competitions, and it is for International Federations to determine the rules for their sports at the international level of competition.

This Government remains committed to working with UK Sport, the British Olympic Association, and the British Paralympic Association to ensure that UK athletes can compete under clear, fair, and legally robust international regulations.

Since a universal, one-time genetic test for all athletes in the female category across all Olympic and Paralympic sports is not yet set out or mandated, no estimate of the total cost has been made by the Government.

We have always been clear that when it comes to women's sport, biology matters. We will continue to support sports to develop policies that protect fairness and safety, particularly when it is not possible to balance those factors with inclusion.

It is for each sport's National Governing Body to set their own policies for who can participate in domestic competitions, and it is for International Federations to determine the rules for their sports at the international level of competition.

This Government remains committed to working with UK Sport, the British Olympic Association, and the British Paralympic Association to ensure that UK athletes can compete under clear, fair, and legally robust international regulations.

Since a universal, one-time genetic test for all athletes in the female category across all Olympic and Paralympic sports is not yet set out or mandated, no estimate of the total cost has been made by the Government.

We have always been clear that when it comes to women's sport, biology matters. We will continue to support sports to develop policies that protect fairness and safety, particularly when it is not possible to balance those factors with inclusion.

It is for each sport's National Governing Body to set their own policies for who can participate in domestic competitions, and it is for International Federations to determine the rules for their sports at the international level of competition.

This Government remains committed to working with UK Sport, the British Olympic Association, and the British Paralympic Association to ensure that UK athletes can compete under clear, fair, and legally robust international regulations.

Since a universal, one-time genetic test for all athletes in the female category across all Olympic and Paralympic sports is not yet set out or mandated, no estimate of the total cost has been made by the Government.

We are committed to tackling all types of fraud, including online ticket fraud, and holding those who profit from it to account.

As of 17 March 2025, as part of its enforcement of the Online Safety Act, Ofcom’s illegal harm duties are now in force. Ofcom will now start assessing platforms’ compliance with their new obligations under the Act and will launch enforcement action where they uncover concerns. This includes making sure that in-scope companies take proactive measures to stop fraudulent content appearing on their platforms, and remove fraudulent material quickly when they become aware of it. This includes criminals offering fake or fraudulent tickets via these platforms and services.

Furthermore, the Government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign is improving public messaging and making it easier for the public to recognise fraud and take steps to protect themselves, their family and friends.

We are committed to tackling all types of fraud, including online ticket fraud, and holding those who profit from it to account.

As of 17 March 2025, as part of its enforcement of the Online Safety Act, Ofcom’s illegal harm duties are now in force. Ofcom will now start assessing platforms’ compliance with their new obligations under the Act and will launch enforcement action where they uncover concerns. This includes making sure that in-scope companies take proactive measures to stop fraudulent content appearing on their platforms, and remove fraudulent material quickly when they become aware of it. This includes criminals offering fake or fraudulent tickets via these platforms and services.

Furthermore, the Government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign is improving public messaging and making it easier for the public to recognise fraud and take steps to protect themselves, their family and friends.

We are committed to tackling all types of fraud, including online ticket fraud, and holding those who profit from it to account.

As of 17 March 2025, as part of its enforcement of the Online Safety Act, Ofcom’s illegal harm duties are now in force. Ofcom will now start assessing platforms’ compliance with their new obligations under the Act and will launch enforcement action where they uncover concerns. This includes making sure that in-scope companies take proactive measures to stop fraudulent content appearing on their platforms, and remove fraudulent material quickly when they become aware of it. This includes criminals offering fake or fraudulent tickets via these platforms and services.

Furthermore, the Government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign is improving public messaging and making it easier for the public to recognise fraud and take steps to protect themselves, their family and friends.

This government is committed to putting fans back at the heart of live events. We have committed to introducing new protections for consumers on ticket resales, and launched a consultation on 10th January to seek views on potential options. The consultation closed on the 4th April, and the responses are being considered. The Government will respond later in the summer to set out next steps.

This government is committed to putting fans back at the heart of live events. We have committed to introducing new protections for consumers on ticket resales, and launched a consultation on 10th January to seek views on potential options. The consultation closed on the 4th April, and the responses are being considered. The Government will respond later in the summer to set out next steps.

My Lords, we are committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and supporting more children to access high-quality PE and sport. The new commitment, outlined by the Prime Minister as he wished the Lionesses good luck in their future tournament, is to create links between schools, local clubs and national governing bodies of sport to help deliver this. We are working with the school and sports sectors to design the partnerships. Further details, including funding, will be outlined in due course. Following a commercial process, we expect these partnerships to be in place from autumn 2026.

My Lords, it is for each sport’s domestic national governing body to set their own policies for who can participate in domestic competitions. We have always been clear that, when it comes to women’s sport, biology matters.

We will continue to support sports to develop policies that protect fairness and safety. Our sporting bodies also need to come up with approaches to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to take part in some capacity.

The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to improving outcomes and patient experience for children and young people with cancer and we are aware that the cost of travel is an important issue for many cancer patients and their families.

NHS England and the integrated care boards are currently responsible for commissioning and ensuring the healthcare needs of local communities are met, including providing support for travel. The National Health Service runs schemes in England to provide financial assistance for travel to a hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostics tests, when referred by a doctor or other primary healthcare professional. The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) provides financial assistance to patients in England who do not have a medical need for transport, but who require assistance with the costs of travelling to receive certain NHS services.

Patients who do not qualify for the HTCS and are on a low income may be able to claim the costs from the Department for Work and Pensions through Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment. The provision of disability benefits is also the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Department of Health and Social Care has not made a formal assessment of the cost to the NHS, and long-term health outcomes, of missed appointments by children and young people with cancer due to lack of support with travel costs. The Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce will explore a range of issues, including patient experience alongside clinical care, to identify improvements for children and young people with cancer and their families.

Young Lives vs Cancer is a valued stakeholder with a unique perspective on the issue of travel support for children and young people with cancer. We will continue to engage with Young Lives vs Cancer, as well as other children and young people cancer charity stakeholders as we progress this important work.

The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to improving outcomes and patient experience for children and young people with cancer and we are aware that the cost of travel is an important issue for many cancer patients and their families.

NHS England and the integrated care boards are currently responsible for commissioning and ensuring the healthcare needs of local communities are met, including providing support for travel. The National Health Service runs schemes in England to provide financial assistance for travel to a hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostics tests, when referred by a doctor or other primary healthcare professional. The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) provides financial assistance to patients in England who do not have a medical need for transport, but who require assistance with the costs of travelling to receive certain NHS services.

Patients who do not qualify for the HTCS and are on a low income may be able to claim the costs from the Department for Work and Pensions through Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment. The provision of disability benefits is also the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Department of Health and Social Care has not made a formal assessment of the cost to the NHS, and long-term health outcomes, of missed appointments by children and young people with cancer due to lack of support with travel costs. The Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce will explore a range of issues, including patient experience alongside clinical care, to identify improvements for children and young people with cancer and their families.

Young Lives vs Cancer is a valued stakeholder with a unique perspective on the issue of travel support for children and young people with cancer. We will continue to engage with Young Lives vs Cancer, as well as other children and young people cancer charity stakeholders as we progress this important work.

The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to improving outcomes and patient experience for children and young people with cancer and we are aware that the cost of travel is an important issue for many cancer patients and their families.

NHS England and the integrated care boards are currently responsible for commissioning and ensuring the healthcare needs of local communities are met, including providing support for travel. The National Health Service runs schemes in England to provide financial assistance for travel to a hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostics tests, when referred by a doctor or other primary healthcare professional. The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) provides financial assistance to patients in England who do not have a medical need for transport, but who require assistance with the costs of travelling to receive certain NHS services.

Patients who do not qualify for the HTCS and are on a low income may be able to claim the costs from the Department for Work and Pensions through Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment. The provision of disability benefits is also the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Department of Health and Social Care has not made a formal assessment of the cost to the NHS, and long-term health outcomes, of missed appointments by children and young people with cancer due to lack of support with travel costs. The Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce will explore a range of issues, including patient experience alongside clinical care, to identify improvements for children and young people with cancer and their families.

Young Lives vs Cancer is a valued stakeholder with a unique perspective on the issue of travel support for children and young people with cancer. We will continue to engage with Young Lives vs Cancer, as well as other children and young people cancer charity stakeholders as we progress this important work.

The invitees for the Summit were carefully selected by DBT, HM Treasury and No.10 from our list of strategic business and current and future investment deals in the UK. DBT will continue to engage with all businesses that want to invest in the UK.

The Government is fully committed to our elite sport system and enabling our athletes to achieve their potential and excel on the world stage. The Chancellor has confirmed that a multi-year investment will mean a total of £344 million is invested into UK Sport for Olympic and Paralympic success ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.

UK Sport made their funding decisions following a long and detailed investment process which included extensive discussion and consultation with each of the National Governing Bodies involved, and assessment against their investment principles.

UK Sport have made the following awards for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics:

Squash: £500,000

Baseball/Softball: £700,000

Flag Football: £500,000

Lacrosse: £700,000

T20 Cricket, as a sport with established alternative revenue streams, does not currently receive UK Sport funding.

Special advisers are bound by the provisions in the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers with regards to gifts and hospitality. Government departments publish details of hospitality received by special advisers in the course of their duties on a quarterly basis on GOV.UK.

Details of hospitality received in a ministerial capacity are published monthly by the Cabinet Office in the Register of Ministers’ Gifts and Hospitality on GOV.UK.

The Red Ensign was flown on Merchant Navy Day, the Saltire Flag was flown on St Andrew’s Day, and the St George’s Cross was flown for the UEFA European Football Championships final.

The Government has published a consultation on introducing new consumer protections on the resale of live events tickets. We are seeking responses on a range of proposals, including a price cap on resales and new requirements on resale platforms.

The consultation invites views about what the most suitable level would be for a price cap on ticket resales, ranging from the original price of a ticket to an uplift of up to 30% on that original price to cover admin costs. We will consider these views in determining the best route forward, once the consultation has concluded on 4th April.

Government departments have official photographers to support Government campaigns and communicate delivery of our Plan for Change.

It is entirely routine for Government departments, including the Prime Minister’s Office, to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, businesses, and other relevant groups.

Relevant meetings with external organisations are published on gov.uk as part of the government’s transparency agenda. This follows the same approach as has been the case under the previous administration.

Sports policy making is led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

In line with longstanding process, relevant meetings are declared in the Special Advisor transparency publications.

Ministers are personally responsible for their tax affairs.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, which is independent of Government, sets out what expenses MPs can claim for in support of their parliamentary duties and this applies to MPs who are also Ministers. In the House of Lords, unsalaried Ministers may choose to claim a non-taxable, flat rate daily allowance for each sitting day they attend the House of Lords which is intended for subsistence and travel only.

Guidance on gifts and hospitality are set out respectively in the Ministerial Code, Civil Service Code, and Special Adviser Code of Conduct. These are available on GOV.UK.

Ministers must also follow the Code of Conduct of their respective House of Parliament.

The Shadow Football Regulator is a transition team within DCMS that is working to set up a new Independent Football Regulator. Staff are currently located across DCMS’ sites in Manchester and London.

As of 19th December 2024, the Shadow Regulator comprises 38 Full Time Equivalent staff, 36 of which are at grades below senior civil service (SCS) level - as is usual practice regarding the civil servants we are unable to comment further on these appointments due to the risk of identifying the individuals who have been appointed.

The remaining two appointments are at SCS level. Of these, one returned to DCMS following a secondment to the Sports Ground Safety Authority. The other was recruited from an independent regulator.

A club’s ultimate owner is defined as the owner who has the highest degree of influence or control over the activities of the club.

A club can have more than one ultimate owner if those owners - all have the same degree of influence or control.

The definition of “significant influence or control” by owners will be set out in Secretary of State guidance, which will be published in due course.

This power is required so that in the case of any potential future changes to a football season and how it is calculated, the Secretary of State is able to quickly make corrective amendments to the definition.

This power is not about amending the industry’s definition of a season. The current definition of a football season within the Bill is accurate for the current situation. If the current situation were to change, the Secretary of State should have the ability to alter this definition to ensure the regime is still operational.

As has been reiterated throughout the Committee stage of the Football Governance Bill, it would not be appropriate to publish private correspondence with any stakeholders in the Library of the House.

The Football Governance Bill is the culmination of almost five years of work. During this time, there has been extensive engagement with key stakeholders by the department (which included regular meetings with the Premier League, where policy such as parachute payments were discussed) and by the Minister for Sport, whilst she was in Opposition.

Ahead of the introduction of the Football Governance Bill, DCMS Ministers met with Brentford, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Everton and parachute payments were discussed. A significant number of meetings also took place with the Premier League executive, who represent their members and have advocated on behalf of clubs. Similar meetings were also held with the EFL and National League executives and clubs.

The Secretary of State and Minister for Sport invited all clubs to meet on 23rd October where the Bill was again discussed.

As set out during the House of Lords Committee Stage debate on 18 December, UEFA raised no concerns about the backstop in its most recent meetings with DCMS and the Minister for Sport. The Department continues to engage with UEFA and other relevant stakeholders as the Bill progresses through Parliament.

The Government is committed to supporting the wine industry and ensuring the UK has a thriving and diverse economy to drive growth.

The Government published illustrative base fees in August 2024 to support industry with their readiness in advance of the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme being implemented from next year.

Producers can use these illustrative base fees to begin understanding their estimated pEPR costs. These are not the final fees; they are our initial estimate, based on the best evidence available. Government intends to publish refined figures for the illustrative base fees by the end of September 2024.

Final fee rates for the first year of EPR for packaging (2025/26) will be released in summer 2025, following the 1 April 2025 deadline to submit packaging totals supplied by registered producers for the preceding calendar year.

The pEPR will contribute to Government’s mission to transition Britain to a circular economy and will work alongside the wine industry to meet this aim.

A new duty structure for alcohol products was introduced in August 2023 by the previous Government.

HMRC plans to evaluate the impact of the new rates and structures three years after the changes took effect. This will allow time for HMRC to gather a broad range of data with which to evaluate the impacts.

The Chancellor and Exchequer Secretary regularly receive representations on the tax system from a wide range of stakeholders and welcome their views.

The current, temporary duty easement for wine is due to end on 1 February 2025.

The Chancellor and Exchequer Secretary regularly receive representations on the tax system from a wide range of stakeholders and welcome their views.

The current, temporary duty easement for wine is due to end on 1 February 2025.

The Chancellor and Exchequer Secretary regularly receive representations on the tax system from a wide range of stakeholders and welcome their views.

The current, temporary duty easement for wine is due to end on 1 February 2025.

This Government are concerned to see fans prevented from going to live events by vastly inflated prices. We will launch a consultation in the autumn on options for introducing new protections for fans buying tickets. We welcome the Competition and Markets Authority’s announcement that it has launched a formal investigation into Ticketmaster. As it is a live investigation it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specifics of that case, but I declare an interest as one of many people who spent a ridiculous number of hours in the queue, only to have the site crash when I got to the ticket selection page, and subsequently to be told I looked like a bot.

UK Sport’s change process is ongoing, but has been subject to a full and comprehensive consultation with staff.

The Government recognises that prevention will always be better, and cheaper, than a cure. Under our Health Mission, we will take preventative public health measures to tackle the biggest killers and support people to live longer, healthier lives. We have a bold ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children in our history – giving every child a healthy start in life.

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) was established as a group within the Department in 2021 following the closure of Public Health England. OHID’s role is to improve the nation’s health so that everyone can expect to live more of life in good health, and to reduce health inequalities.

Policies implemented to tackle obesity include the introduction of calorie labelling in large restaurants, cafes and takeaways, and the restriction on placement of less healthy food and drink in key selling locations in store and online.

To address obesity and promote healthy eating and physical activity, OHID has delivered behaviour change tools such as the NHS Weight Loss Plan app, Couch to 5k, Active 10, 10 Minute Shake Up, Start for Life and Healthy Steps email programmes through “Better Health” Campaigns. OHID delivered the Better Health rewards pilot, in Wolverhampton, to test whether financial incentives can be used to support people to make healthier choices in their diet and increase physical activity. With Sport England, OHID has delivered support and training to equip health care professionals to enable patients to move more to improve their physical and mental health.

National initiatives to improve mental health include the rollout of Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges across England, and the publication of a new five-year Suicide Prevention Strategy for England in September 2023.

The Government has launched several digital health schemes over the period requested.

The ‘Better Health’ behavioural support tools, apps, websites, and email programmes are freely available and aligned to policies. They include the NHS Weight Loss Plan, Couch to 5k, Active 10, and NHS Quit Smoking apps, as well as Start for Life, Healthy Steps, and Every Mind Matters email programmes. Data from these tools is routinely analysed and supported by bespoke evaluations, for example an evaluation of the Weight Loss Plan app by Leeds University indicated completers of the twelve-week plan lose an average of 5.8kg.

The Better Health Rewards pilot, which was run in 2023 in Wolverhampton, was designed to test whether financial incentives can be used to support people with their diet and physical activity behaviours. Participants downloaded an app, received a free wearable fitness tracker, and earnt points for completing diet and physical activity challenges which they could redeem for rewards. 28,858 people registered with the app and evaluation is still ongoing.

In April 2021, NHS England launched the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, which is a 12-week behaviour change programme for people living with obesity and hypertension, diabetes, or both. The Programme provides an effective and acceptable delivery method to support weight management on a national scale. Published Year 1 data demonstrates the Programme achieves clinically meaningful weight-loss of almost 4kg for those who complete the Programme. This outcome is not impacted significantly by participants’ socioeconomic status.

The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a behaviour change programme that aims to support people identified as being at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Over nine months, participants receive personalised support with practical tools and advice on healthy eating and lifestyle, increasing physical activity and weight management.

Since 2019 individuals referred to the programme choose between a face-to-face group-based service, a digital app-based service, and, if applicable, a tailored remote service for groups that experience health inequalities. Over 1.6 million referrals have been made since the programme started in 2016, and over 700,000 people have been supported on the programme, over 150,000 of which used the digital service. Independent evaluation shows that people who complete the programme reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 37%.

The UK government regularly discusses citizens' rights with French and other European counterparts.

Whilst the UK government would welcome any changes to visa systems that would benefit UK nationals, this is a matter for national governments and parliaments. We are not currently negotiating any reciprocal agreements.

We will continue to follow the passage of the French Immigration Bill closely and stand ready to inform British nationals of any changes which may affect them, should they become law.

The UK government regularly discusses citizens' rights with French and other European counterparts.

Whilst the UK government would welcome any changes to visa systems that would benefit UK nationals, this is a matter for national governments and parliaments. We are not currently negotiating any reciprocal agreements.

We will continue to follow the passage of the French Immigration Bill closely and stand ready to inform British nationals of any changes which may affect them, should they become law.

The Spanish Tourism Minister met with Foreign Office officials in November to discuss tourism. British tourists in Spain are treated as third country nationals under the EU's Schengen Borders Code. As such, they are able to travel visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period. UK travellers applying for visas to visit or stay in Spain for longer periods of time are processed according to Spanish domestic law, reflecting the UK's position as a non-EU Member State. Whilst the UK government would welcome any changes to visa systems that benefit UK nationals, this is a matter for national governments and parliaments. We are not currently negotiating any reciprocal agreements.

The UK's Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU confirms that both the UK and EU currently provide for visa-free travel for short-term visits for each other's nationals in accordance with their respective laws.

British citizens are treated as third country nationals under the Schengen Borders Code. As such, they are able to travel visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period. Stays beyond the EU's 90 in 180 days visa-free allocation is for individual Member States to decide and implement through domestic entry rules and visa arrangements for non-EU citizens.

Where competency lies for agreements between EU Member States and third countries is a matter between the European Commission and Member States.

The Government continues to engage regularly with the European Commission and EU Member States on a wide range of mobility-related issues.

Defra and the Welsh Government developed the Asian hornet contingency plan (copy attached) in response to the spread of Asian hornet across Europe and the associated impacts reported on honey bees and pollinators. The Contingency Plan details what actions will be taken when incursions of Asian hornet occur and has been regularly updated with the most recent version published in January 2023.

We have taken contingency action against all credible sightings of Asian hornet that have been reported in the UK since the first occurrence in 2016. Contingency action is delivered on the ground by the National Bee Unit (NBU) – part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency. As of 6^th September 2023, the NBU have located 37 Asian hornet nests which have been destroyed.

Genetic analyses of hornet and nest samples are done to determine relatedness and assess whether Asian hornets are established in England. Evidence from previous years suggested that all 13 Asian hornet nests found in the UK between 2016 and 2022 were separate incursions and there is nothing to suggest that Asian hornets are established in the UK. We have not seen any evidence which demonstrates that Asian hornets discovered in England this year were produced by queens that overwintered. More detailed analysis will be done over winter to assess this.

Raising awareness is a key aspect of the response. We ask anyone who thinks they may have spotted an Asian hornet to report it through the Asian hornet app or online. By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.

It is estimated that less than 20% of the honey sold in the UK is produced domestically. To date contingency action has been taken against incursions of Asian hornet into the UK since the first occurrence in 2016. From detailed analysis of all the Asian hornet nests found in the UK between 2016 and 2022 there is no evidence to suggest that Asian hornets are established in the UK. Therefore, the impact on UK honey production is thought to be minimal.

Nevertheless, we recognise that if Asian hornet were to become established in the UK, it is likely that there would be significant impacts on honey bees and wild pollinators. This is why we continue to take contingency action against all credible sightings of Asian hornet.

Pollinators are a priority for this government, and we are taking action alongside many partners to implement the National Pollinator Strategy’s provisions. The National Pollinator Strategy Action Plan was published in May 2022 and sets out more specifically how we will continue to act to fulfil the vision, aims and objectives of the Strategy over the period 2021-2024, including in relation to tackling the threats from non-native invasive species like the Asian hornet.

It is for domestic national governing bodies of individual sports to determine their own rules regarding the eligibility of athletes, including hyperandrogenous athletes, to compete in the UK.

Similarly, all sports which compete internationally must comply with their international federation rules at that level, with the rules determined by the relevant international federation.

On 17 July 2022, The department announced that it would be providing defibrillators to all state funded schools in England that did not already have them.

Deliveries to all eligible secondary schools have now been completed and, as of 27 June 2023, approximately 12,400 defibrillators have been delivered to over 9,965 eligible schools. All deliveries will be completed by the end of the academic year.

Defibrillators are designed so they can be used safely with no prior training. The devices provided have voice prompts to talk the user through the steps they need to take at the time of use. Users are prompted to follow the step-by-step instructions displayed on the device.

As part of the roll out, awareness videos have been provided showing how simple defibrillators are to use. The department is asking schools to share these videos in staff meetings and assemblies. This will ensure as many people as possible feel able to respond in an emergency situation.

To further support schools, the department has also updated its Automated External Defibrillator guidance, which includes practical information about defibrillators and links to additional support. The guidance is attached.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport recognises the importance of diverse leadership and works closely with our partners in the sector including our arm’s-length bodies Sport England and UK Sport, national governing bodies, and sporting organisations to tackle inequalities and prioritise diversity and inclusion at all levels of sport.

The Code for Sports Governance sets out the standards all sporting organisations must meet in return for public funding from either UK Sport or Sport England. The updated code has proved successful in setting clear expectations about good governance and diversity.

The Code has had a clear impact for funded bodies in driving greater diversity on their boards, helping female representation on the boards of partners complying with the Code rise to 44% since its introduction in 2021.

Numbers have also risen in relation to representation from people from Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse backgrounds, and from those with a declared disability, increasing respectively to 13% (from 4% in 2015) and 13% (from 3% in 2015), reflecting the progress and desire of the sector to make change.

Board composition and the wider governance of international federations is a matter for the individual organisations.

Supporting children and young people to take part in sport and physical activity is a key Government priority, so that everyone can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that exercise provides. We continue to work across Government and with Sport England to support children to meet the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines of getting 60 active minutes a day, and will shortly be publishing a new Sport Strategy with the aim of increasing physical activity among young people.

An important contribution to meeting these guidelines is ensuring that children get access to good quality physical education and school sport. The Department for Education encourages all schools to deliver at least two hours of PE a week, and will shortly be publishing a revised School Sport Activity Action Plan.

We have no such plans. The value of the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment is set in primary legislation: the Social Security (Additional Payments) Act 2023 (Social Security (Additional Payments) Act 2023 (legislation.gov.uk)).

I am pleased to say that the payments, worth an estimated total of £1.17bn once all payments have been made, started to be paid into the bank accounts of qualifying recipients from 20 June with over six million people expected to benefit. More than 6m disabled people have received a one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment. People receiving a qualifying benefit will be paid automatically by 4 July.

We estimate that nearly 60 per cent of individuals who receive an extra costs disability benefit will also receive the means-tested benefit Cost of Living Payments, worth up to £900. Over 85 per cent will receive either or both of the means-tested, and the £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment.

His Majesty’s Government is committed to supporting people at risk of loneliness and social isolation, including people with disabilities. Having strong social relationships play an important role in our physical and mental wellbeing, and sport has an incredible ability to reach into the places we live, reduce loneliness, and build a sense of pride and belonging.

HM Government’s Tackling Loneliness Strategy set out a number of measures we will take to support those at risk of loneliness and social isolation. This includes publishing our new sport strategy, which will make sport and physical activity a core part of everyone’s daily life with a focus on supporting under-represented groups, including people with disabilities, to be more active and to participate in sport. We will also consult on and publish a new Disability Action Plan in 2023, which will include participation in social and physical activities for people with disabilities as a priority.