Session 2020-21 Wednesday No. 21 23 June 2021

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

HOUSE OF LORDS

WRITTEN STATEMENTS AND WRITTEN ANSWERS

Written Statements ...... 1 Written Answers ...... 3

[I] indicates that the member concerned has a relevant registered interest. The full register of interests can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/standards-and-interests/register-of-lords-interests/ Members who want a printed copy of Written Answers and Written Statements should notify the Printed Paper Office. This printed edition is a reproduction of the original text of Answers and Statements, which can be found on the internet at http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers/. Ministers and others who make Statements or answer Questions are referred to only by name, not their ministerial or other title. The current list of ministerial and other responsibilities is as follows.

Minister Responsibilities Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal Earl Howe Deputy Leader of the House of Lords Lord Agnew of Oulton Minister of State, Treasury and Cabinet Office Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Lord Ashton of Hyde Chief Whip Baroness Barran Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Lord Benyon Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Baroness Berridge Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Department for International Trade Lord Bethell Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Whip Waldrist Lord Callanan Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Earl of Courtown Deputy Chief Whip Lord Frost Minister of State, Cabinet Office Baroness Goldie Minister of State, Ministry of Defence Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Lord Greenhalgh Minister of State, Home Office and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Lord Grimstone of Boscobel Minister of State, Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Department for International Trade Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay Whip Baroness Penn Whip Baroness Scott of Bybrook Whip Baroness Stedman-Scott Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions Lord Stewart of Dirleton Advocate-General for Scotland Lord True Minister of State, Cabinet Office Baroness Vere of Norbiton Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport Baroness Williams of Trafford Minister of State, Home Office Lord Wolfson of Tredegar Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice Viscount Younger of Leckie Whip

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Written Statements 23 June 2021 Page 1

Written Statements Condition Improvement Fund Update [HLWS111] Wednesday, 23 June 2021 Baroness Berridge: My Right Honourable Friend the Secretary of State for Education has made the following Broadcasting Policy Written Ministerial Statement: Today, I am announcing the allocation of almost £483 [HLWS108] million for 1,466 Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) Baroness Barran: My Right Honourable Friend the projects across 1,199 academies, sixth-form colleges and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, voluntary aided schools to maintain and improve the The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP, has made the condition of the education estate. following Statement: This funding is provided to ensure schools have well Today, we are announcing our intention to publish a maintained facilities and give students safe environments Broadcasting White Paper in the Autumn. In order to that support a high-quality education. Many of the inform the White Paper, we will consult on the future of projects funded by CIF will lead to more energy efficient Channel 4 and on regulating video-on-demand services. buildings and will reduce energy bills for schools. Since We believe that the need for public service broadcasting March 2015 CIF has delivered 8,018 projects and (PSB) remains as strong as ever and it is therefore continues to deliver 1,571 projects across the school necessary to bring the UK’s broadcasting framework into estate with essential maintenance projects. the 21st century. Details of today’s announcement are being sent to all The forthcoming White Paper will look ahead to the CIF applicants and a list of successful projects will be challenges of tomorrow, ensuring the UK’s broadcasting published on GOV.UK. Copies will be placed in the system is dynamic, relevant and can continue to meet the House Library. needs of UK audiences in the future. This will include The Statement includes the following attached material: proposals on prominence, to ensure that high quality public service content is made easily accessible to UK Condition Improvement Fund 2021-22 outcome audiences across online platforms. The White Paper will [Condition_improvement_fund_2021_to_2022_outcome.xlsx] also be influenced by Ofcom’s ongoing PSB review, the The material can be viewed online at: Government’s own strategic PSB review, as well as the http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written- recommendations of the Digital Radio and Audio Review questions-answers-statements/written- which will report this summer. statement/Lords/2021-06-23/HLWS111/. This summer we will launch a consultation on the future success and sustainability of Channel 4. Nuclear Power Station Decommissioning Since its inception almost 40 years ago, Channel 4 has delivered on its remit, aims and objectives, and has done [HLWS110] an excellent job in managing the uncertainty in the market Lord Callanan: My Right Honourable friend the UK over recent years. International Champion on Adaptation and Resilience for However, Channel 4’s current ownership model and the COP26 Presidency and Minister of State (Minister for remit places material restrictions on its ability to keep Business, Energy and Clean Growth) (Anne-Marie pace with the challenges posed by the fast-evolving media Trevelyan) has today made the following statement: landscape. The Government is today entering into a new set of Now is the time to proceed on the basis that an arrangements to deliver safe, lower cost and more alternative ownership model (but one where it keeps a efficient decommissioning of the UK’s operating nuclear public service remit) may be better for the broadcaster power stations, once they stop generating power. and better for the country. Those nuclear power stations are all owned and We will also launch a consultation on the regulation of operated by EDF, and the new arrangements have been video-on-demand services. Services such as Netflix, ITV negotiated by the Government to provide significant cost Hub or Amazon Prime Video provide huge value to UK savings for the taxpayer, with the potential to achieve audiences, and in many cases significant, and growing, upward of £1bn of savings without compromising on contributions to the UK economy. However, they are also safety and security. They will also provide the services that are regulated far less robustly than traditional Government with enhanced oversight of the broadcast television stations, particularly in relation to the decommissioning costs. regulation of content standards and audience protection, The new commercial arrangements relate to the fleet of and some services are not regulated in the UK at all. seven Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) stations So this summer we will consult on whether it’s time to (Hunterston B, Hinkley Point B, Dungeness B, set the same basic rules for video-on-demand services as Hartlepool, Heysham 1, Heysham 2 and Torness). EDF we do for traditional broadcasters. last year announced the end of generation of Hunterston B Page 2 23 June 2021 Written Statements and Hinkley Point B in 2022 and recently, Dungeness B efficiencies and identify and realise cost savings across with immediate effect. The other four are all scheduled to the AGR decommissioning programme. close on a rolling basis by 2030. Under previous arrangements, EDF was responsible for The new arrangements do not relate to the Sizewell B the full defueling and deconstruction of the AGR stations, station, which is of a different technology (Pressurised using funding provided by the Nuclear Liabilities Fund Water Reactor) and is due to continue operating until at (NLF), a segregated fund managed by trustees and least 2035. The new arrangements also do not cover the underwritten by Government. EDF’s AGR defueling and Hinkley Point C station, which is currently under decommissioning work will continue to be funded by the construction. NLF. Once a nuclear station closes the nuclear fuel from that To facilitate these revised arrangements, Designation station must first be removed (defueling) before it can be Directions have been laid in Westminster and jointly with prepared for deconstruction. Then, following Scottish Ministers in Holyrood (for Scottish Stations) deconstruction, the site can be remediated. which provide the appropriate vires for the NDA to undertake their pre-transfer work and obligations on these The new arrangements we have negotiated will stations. incentivise EDF to achieve the defueling of the AGR I will deposit the Designation Directions in the libraries stations in a cost-effective and timely manner and include of the House and further details are available on the real risk share. EDF Energy have agreed to up to a total of GOV.UK website. £100m in charges for underperformance in return for the potential to earn up to a total £100m for good performance across the AGR fleet. Summits, Conferences or Events: Defence Contribution Shortly after EDF has completed the defueling activity, and subject to regulatory approval, the ownership of the [HLWS109] AGR stations will transfer to the Nuclear Baroness Goldie: My hon. Friend the Minister for the Decommissioning Authority (NDA), on a station-by- Armed Forces (James Heappey MP) has made the station basis, to prepare for and manage the long-term following Written Ministerial Statement: decommissioning. The NDA will deliver this mission A new order has been made under section 56(1B) of the alongside their ongoing mission to decommission the Reserve Forces Act 1996 to enable reservists to be called first-generation Magnox nuclear power stations. This will into permanent service to support HM Forces in allow the NDA to employ their unique expertise and connection with military operations in support of experience of nuclear decommissioning and seek summits, conferences or events. synergies with their wider mission to achieve savings for the taxpayer. The Ministry of Defence is regularly tasked to support summits, conferences or events. As part of this support, These new arrangements will harness the best of both Reserve Forces will be on standby, as part of a Whole organisations: EDF’s in defueling as an extension of its Force approach with Regular Forces, to deliver a range of operational activity; NDA’s in decommissioning as the Defence outputs such as (but not limited to) the nation’s civil nuclear decommissioning authority – in reinforcement of Regular units, provision of specialist order to deliver best value for the taxpayer, whilst knowledge, skills and experience, and support to Partners maintaining strong regulatory oversight on, safety, Across Government. security, environmental and health matters. The order shall take effect from the day on which it is The NDA and EDF will cooperate to help ensure a made and shall cease to have effect 12 months from the seamless transfer of the AGR sites and to enable date on which it is made.

Written Answers 23 June 2021 Page 3

refugee accommodation at Napier Barracks; and what Written Answers assessment they made of the living conditions there. [HL916] Wednesday, 23 June 2021 Baroness Williams of Trafford: There is a weekly Agricultural Products: Northern Ireland home office presence at Napier Barracks, with senior civil servants regularly visiting the site, most recently on 2 Asked by Lord Hay of Ballyore June. Significant improvements to conditions at Napier To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their most have been recognised. recent assessment of the proportion of goods Ministers Foster and Philp have visited Napier consignments from the rest of the United Kingdom to Barracks. Northern Ireland that contain agri-food products. [HL943] Bacanora Lithium: Takeovers Lord Benyon: In 2018, external purchases of all goods Asked by Lord Lee of Trafford (including agrifood) into Northern Ireland totalled approximately £17 billion. Of that total, £10.4 billion To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment (approximately 60%) came from Great Britain. they have made of the potential consequences of a At present, the Government estimates that agrifood takeover of Bacanora Lithium by Ganfeng Lithium; and trade from Great Britain to Northern Ireland totals in particular, whether such a takeover could restrict the approximately £2.5–£3.4 billion per annum. UK's access to lithium supplies. [HL1006] These two metrics cannot be directly compared, but the Lord Callanan: Mergers and takeovers are primarily Government believes that by value, the proportion of commercial matters for the parties involved. The goods consignments from the rest of the United Kingdom Government has powers under the Enterprise Act 2002 to to Northern Ireland that contain agri-food products could intervene in transactions which raise national security range from approximately one quarter to one third. concerns. The Government has recently strengthened those powers through the National Security and Asylum: Napier Barracks Investment Act 2021. The Government is aware of this proposed transaction Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno and is monitoring developments closely. To ask Her Majesty's Government what The Government recognises the strategic importance of assessment they have made of (1) whether the outbreak securing the UK’s access to lithium supplies and is of COVID-19 at Napier Barracks is now over, and (2) supporting the domestic extraction of critical “rare earth” the safety of Napier Barracks for new arrivals of asylum materials, including lithium. For example, we are part seekers. [HL888] funding Cornish Lithium and Geothermal Engineering to Lord Greenhalgh: There is currently nobody housed at build a zero carbon, lithium extraction pilot plant at an Napier Barracks who has tested positive for COVID 19. existing site in Cornwall through the Government’s Get The previous outbreak was declared over on 6 March Building Fund. 2021. We have sought Public Health England advice on how Conditions of Employment we can make best use of this accommodation, working Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick within the constraints of the configuration, whilst minimising risks from COVID-19. To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment We are using dormitories as shared rooms, but limiting they have made, if any, of the case for a ‘Right to occupancy ensuring a minimum distance between beds of Disconnect’; and if they have made such an assessment, at least 2 metres. This is complemented by a range of what the impact of such a right would be on employee additional safety measures including increased cleaning of mental health. [HL976] surfaces, availability of hand sanitisers, a track and trace Lord Callanan: The Government is considering the system, three weekly lateral flow tests for residents and business practices, opportunities and risks associated with staff and lateral flow tests on arrival for visitors. We also home and “hybrid” working, as some employers choose communicate with residents around COVID-19 control to embed these new ways of working into organisational measures. business models more permanently. My Hon. Friend the We continue to work with health and public health Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour bodies to ensure an acceptable level of risk in relation to Markets has reconvened the Flexible Working Taskforce Covid-19. – a partnership across business groups, trade unions, charities, and government departments – to help inform Asked by Lord Boateng the Government’s thinking and support employers as we To ask Her Majesty's Government when any (1) navigate the impact of Covid-19 on future ways of minister, or (2) senior civil servant, last visited the working. Page 4 23 June 2021 Written Answers

The Taskforce has been asked to help take forward the an increased presence in the Indo-Pacific region where best of what we have learned through the pandemic about four new Posts have opened since 2018. more flexible ways of working as the economy starts to fully open up. Ebrahim Raisi The Taskforce will provide wider advice on best Asked by Baroness Eaton practice, so that employers are better able to support all forms of flexible working – whether the flexibility relates To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment to the amount, timing or location of work. As part of this they have made of the human rights record of the advice, the Taskforce will consider the issues associated Iranian presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi. [HL936] with an employee’s ability to disconnect from work when Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Iran is a Human working remotely and the related mental health Rights Priority Country for the FCDO. We consistently considerations. monitor the human rights situation there, and call on President-elect Raisi to set Iran on a different course. He Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme must commit to improving human rights and to release British nationals arbitrarily detained there. Our Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick assessment is that the Iranian authorities have suppressed To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they protests through lethal violence, while arbitrary detention have to increase the terms of the Coronavirus Job and mistreatment in prison prevails, and access to justice Retention Scheme in the event that COVID-19 remains constrained. We regularly raise human rights restrictions last beyond the 21 June. [HL1089] with the Iranians at all levels and take action with the international community to press Iran to improve its poor Lord Agnew of Oulton: On Monday 14 June, the record. For example, in September 2020, the United Prime Minister set out why a short four-week delay to the Kingdom, France and Germany summoned Iranian roadmap is necessary. Employers will not be asked to ambassadors and delivered a joint letter that expressed our make contributions to wages for hours worked through deep concern at the grave human rights violations the CJRS until 1 July 2021, as announced at Spring occurring inside Iran. Budget when the scheme was extended to the end of September. Environment: Crime This is the same approach the Government successfully introduced last summer, where comparable restrictions Asked by Baroness Whitaker were in place. It is therefore right to continue with the To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they existing timetable to reintroduce a small employer support the addition of the crime of ecocide to the treaty contribution, in order to strike the right balance between governing the International Criminal Court. [HL981] supporting the economy as it opens up, continuing to provide support and protect incomes, and ensuring Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The incentives are in place to get people back to work as International Criminal Court can play an important role in demand returns. global efforts to end impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern, by holding perpetrators to At March Budget 2021, the Government deliberately account and achieving justice for victims. However, there went long and erred on the side of generosity; specifically are currently no plans to amend the Rome Statute to to accommodate short delays to the roadmap, such as this. include ecocide. Most of the Government schemes do not end until September or after, in order to provide continuity and certainty for businesses and families. Fuels: Smuggling Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont Diplomatic Service To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the amount of illegal fuel that has Asked by The Lord Bishop of Southwark been smuggled into the United Kingdom from the To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to their Republic of Ireland in each of the last five years. Global Britain in a Competitive Age: the Integrated [HL927] Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Lord Agnew of Oulton: Cross-border cooperation is a Policy (CP403), published on 16 March, what plans key element of HMRC’s operational response to fuel they have to increase the UK's (1) diplomatic presence, fraud and we will continue to collaborate with Ireland and and (2) other infrastructure, around the globe. [HL971] others to ensure we are well placed to respond quickly Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: As outlined in and decisively to detect and prevent this type of illegal the Integrated Review, effective diplomacy is a critical activity. This co-operation, as well as a multi-agency tool in the UK's ability to deliver for British citizens in the approach, has driven down the assessed tax gap for the world. Our diplomatic network of 283 officially illicit fuel market share in Northern Ireland from 19% in designated Posts in 180 countries and territories includes 2005-06, to a low of 6% in the latest figures published for Written Answers 23 June 2021 Page 5

2018-19. Similarly, in that period, the assessed tax gap for scheme on HS2 Phase One at Wendover following illicit fuel for Great Britain has reduced from 5% to 1%. recent discussions with local authorities and stakeholder Published Tax Gap assessments for illicit fuel have either groups. [HL919] reduced or remained static for the last five years. Baroness Vere of Norbiton: HS2 Ltd continues to work within the powers of the High Speed Rail (London – Government Departments: LGBT People West Midlands) Act 2017 and the mitigations specified within it, which were subject to extensive Parliamentary Asked by Lord Black of Brentwood scrutiny in respect of all areas in Phase One. To ask Her Majesty's Government which government The approach used for Environmental Impact departments are participating in Stonewall's Diversity Assessment and Environmental Assessment is to use Champions Programme; how much they are spending worst case scenarios. The HS2 Environmental Minimum on the Programme; whether any government Requirements are then in place to allow effective departments are making payments to Stonewall for measures to be developed and implemented to further other initiatives; and if so, how much is each reduce impacts. department spending. [HL710] Detailed design work is ongoing, and indicative mitigation proposals are subject to approvals through Lord True: The information requested is not held schedule 17 of the High Speed Rail (London – West centrally. The Government supports inclusive workplaces Midlands) Act 2017. They are made public through this and, as has been the case for many years, departments process. Earlier this year, the Wendover Dean Viaduct work with a variety of external schemes. was the subject of the first such application made and was approved in May 2021, and indicative mitigation High Speed 2 Railway Line: Wendover proposals for the remainder of works in Wendover will follow in future applications. At Wendover Dean Viaduct, Asked by Baroness Bowles of Berkhamsted optimisation of the viaduct design since the hybrid Bill To ask Her Majesty's Government what has led to an environmentally significant reduction in recent assessment they have made of (1) progress, and forecast noise levels which has removed a significant (2) construction costs, of the current consented HS2 effect reported in the Environmental Statement. Phase One scheme at Wendover. [HL917] Asked by Baroness Bowles of Berkhamsted Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government assesses To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent HS2 Ltd progress in delivering the Phase One railway, assessment has been made of the effect of HS2 Phase including the section at Wendover, on a monthly basis. One construction and operation at Wendover on (1) The delivery of the new railway in the Wendover area, local transport infrastructure, (2) permitted noise levels, and across the Phase One route, remains within both the (3) air quality, and (4) the Site of Special Scientific budget and schedule estimates provided at the point of Interest at Weston Turville Reservoir. [HL920] Notice to Proceed in April 2020, following the reset of the project in February 2020. More detailed cost and schedule Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Information, reports, and information can be found in the HS2 Minister’s last six- studies which monitor the environmental effects of monthly update to Parliament published on 23 March constructing HS2 are published online and updated 2021. monthly and annually. They include reports on air quality, dust, noise and vibration. The Phase One Environmental Asked by Baroness Bowles of Berkhamsted Statement as published reports the likely significant To ask Her Majesty's Government whether effects (as a likely worst case) of the broad range of new alternative noise and environmental mitigation environmental impacts along the route of the new railway solutions at Wendover on HS2 Phase One will be on Wendover. considered by HS2 Ltd and EKFB. [HL918] Asked by Baroness Bowles of Berkhamsted Baroness Vere of Norbiton: HS2 civils contractor To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent EKFB is undertaking the detailed design of noise and actions have been taken by HS2 Ltd and contractors environmental mitigation. HS2 Ltd and EKFB continue to EKFB to ensure that they satisfy legal obligations to engage with those affected by the works to understand consider all reasonable and practical alternatives to and engage with their concerns. They are currently mitigate the impact of the HS2 Phase One route at developing the detailed design following the best practice Wendover. [HL921] approaches agreed with Qualifying Authorities set out in HS2 Planning Forum Notes. Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There are no legal obligations on HS2 Ltd to consider alternative proposals Asked by Baroness Bowles of Berkhamsted from third parties following Royal Assent. To ask Her Majesty's Government what alternative The Phase One scheme was extensively discussed and noise and environmental mitigation proposals have scrutinised in both Houses, and during the committee been agreed by HS2 Ltd and EKFB to the consented stage of the Bill process, before the High Speed Rail Page 6 23 June 2021 Written Answers

(London – West Midlands) Act 2017 received Royal Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett Assent. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they However, HS2 Ltd and EKFB continue to engage with intend to provide access to the records to any child to those affected by the works are currently developing the whom section 10A of the British Nationality Act, to be detailed design following the best practice approaches inserted on 1 July 2021, relates to; and what other steps agreed with Qualifying Authorities as set out in HS2 they will take to ensure that a child is able to confirm Planning Forum Notes. their British citizenship acquired under this section, whether during childhood or adulthood. [HL959] Higher Education: Finance Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett Asked by The Earl of Clancarty To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the provide access to the records relating to section 10A of answer by Baroness Berridge on 7 June (HL Deb, col the British Nationality Act 1981, to be added on 1 July 1185) that "the Office for Students has just consulted on 2021, to the parent, local authority or other guardian the request to reprioritise the strategic priorities grant", with responsibility for the child. [HL960] what are these renewed strategic priorities; and to what Baroness Williams of Trafford: The British level of education it is intended that these strategic Nationality Act 1981 (Immigration Rules Appendix EU) priorities will apply. [HL932] (Amendment) Regulations 2021 will be an important Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: The Strategic means by which we protect the nationality rights of Priorities Grant plays an important role in supporting children who might otherwise be adversely affected in higher education providers and students to develop the consequence of, or in connection with, the ending of free skills and knowledge needed locally, regionally, and movement. nationally to support the economy. We will publish their introduction and operation using The grant is supplied by the government on an annual our usual methods such as gov.uk, but will also ask those basis to support higher education providers’ ongoing who have been dealing with the EU Settlement Scheme teaching and related activities where income from tuition more generally to raise awareness through the fees alone do not meet the cost of provision. stakeholders they already engage with, including Local Authorities. The government has asked the Office for Students to We anticipate many children who need to benefit from reform the Strategic Priorities Grant for 2021–22. These the provision will already have access to the requisite reforms apply to higher education funding and include the information to establish their nationality, not least as reallocation of high-cost subject funding towards the much of it will have been supplied by their parent as part provision of high-cost subjects which support the NHS of the EU Settlement Scheme application. Nonetheless, and wider healthcare policy, high-cost science, where there are evidence gaps, we are establishing technology, and engineering subjects, and subjects processes to assist any applicants, and ideally without the meeting specific labour market needs, as well as the need to ask for further information from the child or their removal of the London weighting element of the grant. parent. This includes the EUSS record itself given its We have also asked the Office for Students to invest an importance to the operation of these provisions. additional £10 million in our world-leading specialist We anticipate many children who need to benefit from providers, many of which specialise in arts provision. We the provision will already have access to the requisite want to ensure that our specialist providers receive information to establish their nationality, not least as additional support, and that grant funding is used to much of it will have been supplied by their parent as part support students effectively. of the EU Settlement Scheme application. Nonetheless, The Office for Students has now publicly consulted on where there are evidence gaps, we are establishing these proposals, and responses from universities, students, processes to assist any applicants, and ideally without the and others will be considered before any final decisions need to ask for further information from the child or their on allocations are made. parent. This includes the EUSS record itself given its importance to the operation of these provisions. Immigration: EU Nationals Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett To ask Her Majesty's Government what records they will maintain relating to the timing of applications for To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to section settled status, particularly of individuals applying 10A of the British Nationality Act 1981, to be inserted before 1 July but whose applications are granted on or on 1 July 2021, what information will be provided to after that date. [HL958] EU citizens who settle in the UK on or after 1 July 2021 regarding the effect of that section and its application to Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office any child born of such citizens while in the UK. records the date on which all applications to the EUSS are [HL957] received and concluded. Written Answers 23 June 2021 Page 7

Our aim is to process all applications to the EU advertising to minimise these types of financial harm, and Settlement Scheme as expeditiously as possible. to ensure they can be effectively enforced. Complete applications are usually processed in around More information about the Programme can be found five working days. here: More information about processing times for https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online- applications under the scheme is available here: advertising-call-for-evidence/online-advertising-call-for- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu- evidence. settlement-scheme-application-processing-times/eu- settlement-scheme-pilot-current-expected-processing- Israel: Arrests times-for-applications. Asked by Baroness Sheehan The latest published information shows the total To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment number of concluded applications to the EU Settlement they have made of reports that Israel undertook a mass scheme was 5.27 million up to 31 May 2021. arrest of Palestinian citizens of Israel on 24 May. The latest figures can be found on the Home Office’s [HL970] ‘EU Settlement Scheme statistics’ web page available at: Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We have a EU Settlement Scheme statistics - GOV.UK regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the (www.gov.uk). occupied territories. We also reiterate our view, in line Applications concluded by month and decision type are with international law, that administrative detention published in the detailed quarterly release – EU should be used only when security makes this absolutely Settlement Scheme quarterly statistics, March 2021 - necessary rather than as routine practice and as a GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). preventive rather than a punitive measure. In instances where there have been accusations of Internet: Fraud excessive use of force, we continue to urge Israel to ensure that its investigations are transparent, swift and Asked by Baroness Manzoor comprehensive. We also continue to stress the importance To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate taking to ensure that tech companies providing protection to the Palestinian civilian population. advertising space for financial products do not host advertisements from rogue or scam operators, in order Land Mines: Bomb Disposal to ensure that consumers are protected. [HL1176] Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley Asked by Baroness Manzoor To ask Her Majesty's Government to which countries To ask Her Majesty's Government whether tech they have provided (1) advice, and (2) support, on companies hosting advertisements for financial landmine clearance programmes. [HL953] products from rogue or scam operators are responsible Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Since 2018 we for those advertisements; and what plans they have to have funded programmes to clear landmines and other ensure that such companies are held accountable for explosive hazards in Afghanistan, Angola, Azerbaijan, any such advertisements. [HL1177] Cambodia, Colombia, Georgia, (Abkhazia), Iraq, Laos, Baroness Barran: The Government takes fraud very Lebanon, Libya, Myanmar, Occupied Palestinian seriously. We continue to work closely with industry to Territories, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, close down the vulnerabilities that fraudsters exploit and Syria, Ukraine, Vietnam, Yemen and Zimbabwe. In most ensure members of the public have the information they countries these programmes include capacity need to spot a scam and stand up to fraudsters. development for national authorities to help them manage My department continues to work closely with other contamination and education for populations to help keep government departments, including the Home Office as them safe. In November 2020 the UK successfully the government department responsible for tackling fraud, fulfilled its own obligation under the Anti-Personnel Mine to develop a coherent approach to online advertising that Ban Convention with the completion of the Falklands supports competition and protects consumers. We are Demining Programme. working with industry, regulators and consumer groups to understand the specific harms that are being linked to Middle East: Peace Negotiations advertising, including online fraud and scams. Asked by Baroness Eaton Following a call for evidence in 2020, the Online Advertising Programme will launch a public consultation To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they later this year to examine how best to strengthen have taken to ensure issues affecting the wider middle standards around the placement and content of online east region, including the involvement of Iran in Page 8 23 June 2021 Written Answers

regional conflicts, are included in discussions on the Overseas Aid Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. [HL937] Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Our immediate priority is to bring an end to Iran's continued systematic To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they non-compliance with its JCPoA nuclear commitments. To have to restore the level of Official Development that end, we are currently engaged in talks in Vienna with Assistance to 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income. other JCPoA participants and the US aimed at returning [HL946] the US to the deal, bringing Iran back into full compliance Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government is with its commitments and restoring the benefits of the committed to returning to spending 0.7 per cent of GNI deal for all. on official development assistance when the fiscal A restored and fully implemented JCPoA could provide situation allows. The economic situation is difficult to the confidence to further address regional and security predict therefore we are monitoring the situation. But the concerns. As such, we welcome and support President PM, Chancellor and the Foreign Secretary are all in Biden's commitment to not just return to the deal, but to agreement that they want the UK to return to 0.7 as soon strengthen and extend it. A substantive effort is required as the situation allows. This is reflected in the Integrated to improve regional security and Iran's role in Review. destabilising the region needs to be addressed. Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Multinational Companies: Taxation they have made of the impact on the international reputation of the UK of their decision to reduce Official Asked by The Lord Bishop of St Albans Development Assistance to 0.5 per cent of Gross To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the National Income. [HL947] recent G7 global taxation agreement, what plans they Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains a have to require (1) public country-by-country reporting development superpower. We will spend £10 billion on for UK based multinationals, and (2) enhanced tax ODA in 2021. That means, this year (2021) the UK will reporting, to increase transparency and better ascertain be the third largest ODA donor in the G7 as a percentage the tax liabilities of UK multinationals. [HL1023] of GNI, based on OECD 2020 data, and will spend a Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government is delighted greater percentage of our GNI on ODA than the US, to have secured G7 backing for the two-pillar solution Japan, Canada or Italy. Of the countries that also meet the being developed by the OECD to reform the international NATO 2% target, as a percentage of GNI the UK will be tax framework and the Government’s focus is on reaching the most generous aid spender. Collectively, across aid final agreement with the G20 and OECD Inclusive and defence, the UK will spend £56 billion in 21-22. Even Framework. A final agreement, when implemented, at 0.5% GNI, the UK's 2021 spend is above the would help deal with the root of concerns about the preliminary 2020 average of OECD Development taxation of multinationals, both as to where these Assistance Committee member states - at just 0.41%. corporations are taxed and as to the level at which they Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham pay tax. To ask Her Majesty's Government what As part of the Finance Act 2016, large corporations and representations they have received from other multinational enterprises are already required to publish a governments in relation to their decision to cut Official tax strategy document, which outlines the company’s Development Assistance to 0.5 per cent of Gross attitude towards tax planning and its approach towards its National Income. [HL948] dealings with HMRC. The Government has also led on implementing Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have been international standards in tax transparency, including the discussing the UK's ODA decision and commitments with Common Reporting Standard and Country-by-Country our development donor partners. The UK remains a development superpower. We will spend £10 billion on Reporting, which ensure tax authorities have the ODA in 2021. information they need to identify and challenge avoidance. That means, this year (2021) the UK will be the third largest ODA donor in the G7 as a percentage of GNI, The Government considers that public country-by- based on OECD 2020 data, and will spend a greater country reporting needs to be implemented on a broad percentage of our GNI on ODA than the US, Japan, multilateral basis with wide international support if it is to Canada or Italy. Of the countries that also meet the be effective. Implementing it without wide international NATO 2% target, as a percentage of GNI the UK will be support would distort decisions on where companies the most generous aid spender. Collectively, across aid decide to locate. and defence, the UK will spend £56 billion in 21-22. Even Written Answers 23 June 2021 Page 9 at 0.5% GNI, the UK's 2021 spend is above the Police Custody: Mental Illness preliminary 2020 average of OECD Development Assistance Committee member states - at just 0.41%. Asked by Lord Browne of Belmont To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment Overseas Visitors: Children they have made of the number of forensic beds available for people with mental health conditions held Asked by Lord Coaker in police custody. [HL924] To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Baroness Williams of Trafford: Police custody children visited the United Kingdom on school visits healthcare services provide care to detainees to support using identity cards in the last year for which figures their physical and mental health needs. These services do are available. [HL933] not extend to the provision of forensic beds within police Baroness Williams of Trafford: We do not record custody. specific details of the number of children who have The forensic, or secure, mental health estate provides travelled to the UK on national identity cards for the inpatient hospital services to people with severe mental purpose of school visits. illness who need specialist care. Patients may be referred by a psychiatrist to these Pakistan: Ahmadiyya services, or they may be placed there following a court Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool conviction, or they may be transferred there from a prison. People in police custody may be assessed and To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have detained under the Mental Health Act, in some cases the raised the attack on an Ahmadi Muslim burial by an referral may be to a secure service. armed group in Sheikhupura District in Pakistan with the government of Pakistan; if not, whether they plan to Prisoners’ Release: Females do so; and whether they will place the details of any response in the Library of the House. [HL829] Asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are remains deeply concerned by reports of discrimination taking to ensure that no female prisoner is released from and violence against religious communities in Pakistan, prison to homelessness. [HL930] including against the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. We Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: We are committed to continue to urge the government of Pakistan at senior doing all we can to address the issues around female levels to guarantee the fundamental rights of all its offending. It is vital that we do so to better protect the citizens, regardless of their religion or belief. public and deliver more effective rehabilitation. This As Minister of State for South Asia, I intend to raise our includes supporting women when they are leaving prison. concerns about the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims with In June 2018, the Government published the Female senior Pakistani government representatives during my Offender Strategy. This set out a programme of work to visit to Pakistan this month. This engagement will build improve outcomes for female offenders and make society on my discussion of recent murders of Ahmadi Muslims safer by tackling the underlying causes of offending and with Pakistan's Special Representative for Religious reoffending. Its publication was the start of a new and Harmony, Tahir Ashrafi, on 23 March. The Special significant programme of work to deliver better outcomes Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Fiona Bruce, for female offenders that will take some years to deliver. also met with the International Human Rights Committee We recognise the important role that the women’s on 12 April in order to understand their concerns about community services play in supporting female offenders. the issues facing the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in We have invested some £7m in the sector since 2018 and Pakistan. announced a further £2.5m funding on 11 June 2021. Palestinian Authority As part of our commitment to tackling the issues female offenders face, we have a Reducing Re-offending lead Asked by Baroness Deech specifically for the Women’s Estate which allows us to make sure that we are focused on the outcomes To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the value specifically from within the women’s prisons. As part of of the UK contribution to the Palestinian Authority in our commitment to eliminate rough sleeping, we are the last 12 months; and what assessment they have working across Government with the Ministry of made of the sources of funds for the Palestinian Housing, Communities and Local Government Authority Martyrs’ Fund. [HL935] (MHCLG), Welsh Government and Other Government Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: In financial year Departments, to address the barriers offenders face in 2020/21 we provided £20m in funding to the Palestinian securing suitable accommodation. Authority to support the salaries of education workers in We are investing more than £20m in supporting prison the West Bank. No UK aid is used for the Martyrs Fund leavers at risk of homelessness into temporary directly or indirectly. Page 10 23 June 2021 Written Answers accommodation. Individuals released from prison will be Summer. It will be in operation during the next financial provided up to 12 weeks of temporary accommodation year 2021-22, with a view to scaling up and rolling out and will be supported into long-term settled nationally. accommodation before the end of that 12-week period. The service will take account of the needs of women, Initially launching in five national probation regions, the including those with complex needs and accommodation service will support around 3,000 offenders in its first provision will be dedicated to single gender usage as year and will be commencing in Summer. It will be in required. Community Probation Practitioners, working operation during the next financial year 2021-22, with a together with local partners, will be responsible for view to scaling up and rolling out nationally, though the ensuring that vulnerable female prison leavers receive Spending Review 2021 will set out the approach for appropriate support and are provided with housing future years. beyond the 12 weeks emergency accommodation. The service will take account of the needs of women, HMPPS will work in conjunction with MHCLG’s including those with complex needs and accommodation announced funding to support both male and female provision will be dedicated to single gender usage as prison leavers at risk of homelessness into private rental required. Community Offender Managers, working tenancies. Funded schemes to support women will be together with local partners, will be responsible for developed to recognise their specific needs and will be ensuring that vulnerable female prison leavers with part of plans to secure settled accommodation by the end complex needs receive appropriate support and are of the 12 weeks temporary accommodation provided by provided with housing beyond the 12 weeks emergency HMPPS. accommodation. In 2020, Hestia Battersea was changed from a male to We are introducing and testing a new specialist housing female Approved Premises to give better geographic advisor role in twenty prisons, including within the spread of AP provision for women, becoming the first AP female estate. The new role will seek to strengthen links for women in London since 2008. between prisons, through the gate teams and local In addition, Eden House, the first new AP in over thirty authorities to improve accommodation outcomes for those years, will open in this month supporting female at risk of homelessness. Subject to evaluation, the offenders. intention is to scale up and roll-out nationally across all resettlement prisons. Asked by Baroness Goudie In 2020, Hestia Battersea was changed from a male to To ask Her Majesty's Government how they will female Approved Premises to give better geographic ensure women prison leavers supported by the Ministry spread of AP provision for women, becoming the first AP of Justice’s temporary accommodation service are for women in London since 2008. supported into permanent accommodation. [HL940] In addition, Eden House, the first new AP in over thirty Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: We are investing more years, will open in this month supporting female than £20m in supporting prison leavers at risk of offenders. homelessness into temporary accommodation. Individuals Following a comprehensive review, the ‘Subsistence released from prison will be provided up to 12 weeks of Payment’ (currently known as the Discharge Grant) will temporary accommodation and will be supported into be uprated from £46 to £76 to reflect increases in the long-term settled accommodation before the end of that UK’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI). This is planned to 12-week period. Initially launching in five national come into effect during Summer 2021. Going forward, the probation regions, the service will support around 3,000 Subsistence Payment will be increased year on year in offenders in its first year and will be commencing this line with the CPI until 2024/25. Summer. It will be in operation during the next financial Asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem year 2021-22, with a view to scaling up and rolling out nationally. To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they The service will take account of the needs of women, have to ensure that female prisoners who have left including those with complex needs and accommodation prison and are being supported by the temporary provision will be dedicated to single gender usage as accommodation service are assisted into permanent required. Community Probation Practitioners, working accommodation. [HL931] together with local partners, will be responsible for Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: We are investing more ensuring that vulnerable female prison leavers receive than £20m in supporting prison leavers at risk of appropriate support and are provided with housing homelessness into temporary accommodation. Individuals beyond the 12 weeks emergency accommodation. released from prison will be provided up to 12 weeks of HMPPS will work in conjunction with MHCLG’s temporary accommodation and will be supported into announced funding to support both male and female long-term settled accommodation before the end of that prison leavers at risk of homelessness into private rental 12-week period. Initially launching in five national tenancies. Funded schemes to support women will be probation regions, the service will support around 3,000 developed to recognise their specific needs and will be offenders in its first year and will be commencing this part of plans to secure settled accommodation by the end Written Answers 23 June 2021 Page 11

of the 12 weeks temporary accommodation provided by expiry of their tariff period in each of the last five years. HMPPS. [HL922] In 2020, Hestia Battersea was changed from a male to Asked by Lord Bradley female Approved Premises to give better geographic spread of AP provision for women, becoming the first AP To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people for women in London since 2008. in prison serving an Imprisonment for Public Protection sentence (1) enrolled on, and (2) completed, an In addition, Eden House, the first new AP in over thirty offending behaviour course after the expiry of their years, will open in this month supporting female tariff period in each of the last five years. [HL923] offenders. Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: We have responded to Asked by Lord Woolf your request in line with the statistical definition of To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they offending behaviour programmes (OBP) used in the have to ensure women prison leavers in accommodation HMPPS Annual Digest and HMPPS Offender Equality provided through the temporary accommodation Report. Therefore, Sexual Offender Treatment scheme of the Ministry of Justice are assisted into Programmes and Substance Misuse Programmes have permanent accommodation. [HL983] been excluded. Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: We are investing more National data on all prisoner enrolments (starts) and than £20m in supporting prison leavers at risk of completions in prison-delivered accredited OBPs are homelessness into temporary accommodation. Individuals collected and published annually. released from prison will be provided up to 12 weeks of The latest available statistics are from April 2019 to temporary accommodation and will be supported into March 2020 and were published this month. This data will long-term settled accommodation before the end of that include some individuals who may have attended more 12-week period. Initially launching in five national than one accredited programme over time. The available probation regions, the service will support around 3,000 national data does not provide further break-down by offenders in its first year and will be commencing this those currently in custody or by sentence type to be able Summer. It will be in operation during the next financial to identify who accessed a programme after the expiry of year 2021-22, with a view to scaling up and rolling out their tariff period. However, data-gathering and further nationally. analysis has been able to provide some of the information requested in line with the statistical definition which are The service will take account of the needs of women, primarily for general, domestic violence and violence including those with complex needs and accommodation related offending behaviour programmes. The accredited provision will be dedicated to single gender usage as programmes data was matched with the National required. Community Probation Practitioners, working together with local partners, will be responsible for Offender Management Information System to obtain data ensuring that vulnerable female prison leavers receive on tariff expiry and this process achieved a 90% match rate of records between the two sources. appropriate support and are provided with housing beyond the 12 weeks emergency accommodation. The table attached provides the number of indeterminate sentenced prisoners serving a life sentence, HMPPS will work in conjunction with MHCLG’s and those serving an Imprisonment for Public Protection announced funding to support both male and female (IPP) sentence who (a) enrolled on and (b) completed a prison leavers at risk of homelessness into private rental general or violence offending behaviour course after the tenancies. Funded schemes to support women will be expiry of their tariff. developed to recognise their specific needs and will be part of plans to secure settled accommodation by the end The Government’s primary responsibility is to protect of the 12 weeks temporary accommodation provided by the public. Accredited programmes aim to protect the HMPPS. public and reduce reoffending and are part of a range of rehabilitation and risk reduction opportunities available. In 2020, Hestia Battersea was changed from a male to In recent years, there has been a reinvestment from female Approved Premises to give better geographic shorter, moderate intensity programmes in favour of spread of AP provision for women, becoming the first AP longer, higher intensity programmes. HM Prison and for women in London since 2008. Probation Service remains committed to supporting the In addition, Eden House, the first new AP in over thirty progression of those serving IPP and life sentences in years, will open in this month supporting female custody, so that the Parole Board may direct their release, offenders. or as the case may be, re-release, as soon as it is safe to do so. Prisoners: Rehabilitation The Answer includes the following attached material:

Asked by Lord Bradley Table [HL 922 923_UPDATED FINAL.xlsx] To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people The material can be viewed online at: in prison serving a life sentence (1) enrolled on, and (2) http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- completed, an offending behaviour course after the answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2021-06-09/HL922 Page 12 23 June 2021 Written Answers

Schools: Mental Health Services Seas and Oceans: Pollution Control Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures taking to ensure that mental health first aid training is they are taking to reduce ocean pollution. [HL950] rolled out in primary school settings. [HL974] Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK Baroness Berridge: We recognise how important it is Government is committed to leading efforts to protect the to equip education staff with the skills and tools that they marine environment from all human-induced stressors. need to understand and respond to the mental health needs Marine litter is one of the greatest environmental of their students. We remain committed to ensuring challenges we face with 80% of marine plastic litter school staff, pupils and all education settings, including originating from land-based sources, and predictions of a primary schools, can access the wellbeing and mental threefold increase in the amount of plastics in the ocean health support they need in response to the COVID-19 between 2015 and 2025. outbreak. Domestically, assessments in the UK Marine Strategy We have made sure that schools have access to a range Part One (published in October 2019) show that Good of training over the last year so that teachers understand Environmental Status for contaminants in UK waters has the issues that pupils are facing as a result of the COVID- largely been achieved, though not yet for marine litter. 19 outbreak and how to support their pupils. In particular, The UK Marine Strategy Part Three (published in our Wellbeing for Education Return programme December 2015) sets out the comprehensive list of actions supported over 15,000 schools and colleges by funding that the UK Government is taking to reduce contaminant expert advisers in every local authority, to give access to concentrations in the marine environment to acceptable free training, support and resources for education staff. levels. Existing measures include various pollution We are committed to supporting all schools to deliver reduction requirements for emissions and discharges from Relationships, Sex and Health Education, which includes industry, and measures for coastal waters that are set out a range of specific teaching requirements on mental health in the River Basin Management Plans. We intend to and wellbeing. We prioritised the publication of the publish an update to Part Three this year, outlining the mental wellbeing teacher training module in July last year programme of measures that will continue to move us to help improve the confidence of subject leads and towards Good Environmental Status in our seas. teachers in delivering mental wellbeing as part of the new Our 25 Year Environment Plan also establishes our curriculum and to plan lessons to help their pupils with target of reducing all forms of marine plastic pollution recovery. where possible, with our Resources and Waste Strategy Earlier this year, we convened a Mental Health in setting out how we will achieve this. The Strategy Education Action Group. Through this group, we are includes a commitment to review and consult on measures working to build on what we are already doing to help such as Extended Producer Responsibility for fishing gear education settings put in place the right support for by 2022. children and young people’s mental wellbeing at this Given the trans-boundary nature of the marine critical time. This is being backed by the Youth Mental environment, we work closely with other countries to Health Ambassador, Dr Alex George. tackle pollution, for example through the OSPAR We recently announced more than £17 million to build Convention. The UK also contributes to and implements on mental health support already available in education the obligations of several global initiatives, including the settings, with up to 7,800 schools and colleges in England London Protocol and the London Convention, to protect offered funding worth £9.5 million to train a senior the marine environment from mercury, persistent organic mental health lead from their staff in the next academic pollutants, hazardous wastes, hazardous chemicals, year. This is part of the government’s commitment to pesticides and marine litter. offer this training to all state schools and colleges by In 2018, the UK and Vanuatu launched the 2025. The training will equip senior mental health leads Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, a Blue Charter with the knowledge to develop or introduce a holistic Action Group, now comprising 34 countries, each approach to wellbeing and mental health in their setting pledging action on plastic pollution. To support this work, and to implement effective processes for ensuring that the UK has committed up to £70 million to tackle plastics pupils and students with mental health problems receive pollution entering our ocean. This includes boosting appropriate support. As part of this recent announcement, global research, supporting developing countries to we also provided £7 million in additional funding for address ambitions under the Commonwealth Clean Ocean local authorities to deliver the Wellbeing for Education Alliance, as well as testing and finding alternative ways in Recovery programme, which builds on Wellbeing for which plastics can be reduced, reused or recycled and Education Return to provide local expert advice to making efforts to transition to more sustainable forms of schools with navigating local support to find the right manufacturing. support for their pupils.

Written Answers 23 June 2021 Page 13

The UK has also launched a £500 million Blue Planet Sri Lanka: Politics and Government Fund, financed from Official Development Assistance, to help eligible countries protect their marine resources from Asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley key human-generated threats including climate change, To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their latest marine pollution such as marine litter, overfishing and assessment of the (1) economic, and (2) political, biodiversity loss. situation in Sri Lanka. [HL954] Due to the scale of the marine litter challenge, the UK Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK government believes it is also time to start negotiations on a new monitors economic and political developments in Sri global agreement on marine litter and microplastics at the Lanka very closely, including through the British High United Nations Environment Assembly. This would build Commission in Colombo. As for many countries, the on the important work we are doing to tackle marine litter pandemic has affected Sri Lanka's rate of economic both domestically and internationally and support our growth and level of debt. The UK has underlined the commitments to eliminate plastic entering the ocean. importance of an inclusive economic response including for marginalised groups and those most affected by the Self-employed: Coronavirus impacts of the pandemic. The political and human rights situation in Sri Lanka Asked by Lord Hay of Ballyore remains concerning, including measures which extend To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they executive control over independent institutions and the have taken in the last three months to support self- judiciary, pressure on civil society, continued employed people who have been affected by the militarisation of civilian functions, and increased COVID-19 pandemic. [HL942] marginalisation of minorities. On 23 March the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a new Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government announced resolution, 46/1, led by the UK alongside our partners in at Budget 2021 that the Self-Employment Income Support the Core Group on Sri Lanka. This resolution provides a Scheme (SEISS) will continue until September, with a continued framework for international engagement on fourth and a final fifth grant. This provides certainty to human rights in Sri Lanka, and highlights serious business as the economy reopens and means the SEISS concerns about the situation, including those detailed in will continue to be one of the most generous schemes for the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for the self-employed in the world. Human Rights (OHCHR). It calls on the government of The fourth SEISS grant was available to claim from late Sri Lanka to make progress on accountability and human April to 1 June, and was worth 80% of average trading rights, and stresses the importance of a comprehensive profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three accountability process for all violations and abuses months’ worth of annual profits, and capped at £7,500 in committed in Sri Lanka. total. Minister for South Asia Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon has The fifth and final SEISS grant, covering May to raised the importance of human rights, accountability and September, will include a turnover test in order to ensure reconciliation with Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister and the that the most generous support is targeted at those who Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK in January and need it most. This will determine whether individuals can May respectively. The UK government will continue to continue to receive a grant worth 80% of three months’ engage with the government of Sri Lanka on our human average trading profits, capped at £7,500 or a 30% grant, rights concerns. capped at £2,850. Further, the SEISS is just one element of a substantial Tax Allowances package of support for the self-employed. At Budget, the Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno temporary £20 per week increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance was extended for six months, and the To ask Her Majesty's Government what potential tax Government also extended the suspension of the incentives they have (1) discussed, and (2) Minimum Income Floor for three months, to the end of implemented, in support of the news publishing July 2021, so that where self-employed claimants' industry. [HL968] earnings have fallen significantly, their Universal Credit Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government recognises award can continue to take into account their lower the important role that media organisations, including the earnings. In addition to this, they may also have access to news publishing industry, play at a national and local other elements of the package, including Restart Grants, level. In order to support them, the Government extended the Recovery Loan scheme, business rates relief, and the £1,500 business rates discount on local newspaper other business support schemes. office space in England until 31 March 2025.

Page 14 23 June 2021 Written Answers

On 1 May 2020, the Government extended the zero rate more broadly, or if there is a genuine and substantial risk of VAT to e-publications to support literacy and reading of them ending up there. Traders are able to declare goods and make it clear that e-books, e-newspapers, e- ‘not at risk’ and therefore face no duty if their goods are magazines and academic e-journals are entitled to the for sale to, or final use by, end consumers located in the same VAT treatment as their physical counterparts. UK that are brought into Northern Ireland by a trader Originally due to be implemented in December 2020, the authorised under the UK Trader Scheme. introduction of the zero rate was brought forward as a The Government has also made full use of provisions in boost for readers and publishers during the coronavirus the Protocol to waive tariffs on goods moving from Great outbreak. Britain to Northern Ireland, even where they are classified The Government keeps all tax policy under review and as ‘at risk’ of entering the EU market. In addition, the regularly receives proposals for sector-specific tax reliefs. Government will establish a reimbursement scheme for goods that attract a tariff, but which can subsequently be Tourism and Travel: Coronavirus shown to have remained in the UK customs territory. In order to help traders moving goods, the Government Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick has also provided £270 million to support businesses To ask Her Majesty's Government what trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland additional financial support they plan to offer to the through the Trader Support Service. More than 39,000 travel and tourism industry because of the decline of traders have registered for this free to use service which business in that sector. [HL975] provides education for traders and can complete customs declarations on their behalf. Lord Agnew of Oulton: In England, the travel and tourism sector can benefit from the £5 billion package of grant support announced at Budget. This includes Restart UK Relations with EU: Select Committees Grants worth up to £6,000 if classified as non-essential Asked by Lord Balfe retail or up to £18,000 if classified as a leisure or accommodation business. To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what assessment the Liaison Committee has made of the case for This package of support also includes the £425 million top-up to the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) which establishing a committee for the purposes of preparing a has already provided Local Authorities (LAs) with £1.6 submission to the Conference on the Future of Europe. billion. This funding is at the LAs’ discretion and is [HL910] intended to support businesses which are not eligible for Lord Gardiner of Kimble: In December 2020 the Restart Grants, but which are nonetheless experiencing a Liaison Committee published the final recommendations severe impact on their business. from its extensive review of investigative and scrutiny The Government continues to review all the economic committee activity. These recommendations were agreed support schemes, including grant support, as the public by the House on 13 January 2021 and a number of new health response evolves. sessional committees were subsequently appointed on 14 April. These include a Select Committee on European These grants scheme come as part of a wide-ranging Affairs, with orders of reference which include package of support which the travel and tourism sector consideration of matters relating to the United Kingdom’s also stand to benefit from. This includes extensions to the furlough scheme; extensions to the COVID-19 loan relationship with the European Union and European schemes; a business rates holiday; mortgage holidays; Economic Area. There are no current plans to recommend the appointment of further committees to consider enhanced Time to Pay for taxes; and an extension to the relations with the European Union. reduced rate of VAT for businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Universal Credit: Training UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick Asked by Lord Hay of Ballyore To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their most taking to ensure that all individuals on Universal Credit recent assessment of the total cost to UK businesses of are able to participate in learning and training courses. EU tariffs being applied on goods entering Northern [HL977] Ireland from elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Baroness Stedman-Scott: The Department for Work & [HL941] Pensions (DWP) recognises that claimants may need to Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Northern Ireland Protocol retrain or upskill to meet the changing needs of the labour is clear that Northern Ireland is fully part of the UK’s market. The Department is continuing to implement the customs territory. As such, there should be no tariffs on Plan for Jobs, which is focused on providing a skills and internal UK trade and tariffs should only be charged if employment offer, allowing people to adapt and pivot into goods are destined for Ireland or the EU Single Market the job roles that employers need to fill. Written Answers 23 June 2021 Page 15

Our extensive Work Coach network engages with Asked by Lord Austin of Dudley claimants on the basis of their individual need to support To ask Her Majesty's Government what partnerships access to a comprehensive range of skills support, which their diplomatic missions (1) have at present, or (2) includes: Apprenticeships, vocational and basic skills have had in the past, with the Universal Rights Group training, careers advice and Sector-based Work Academy non-governmental organisation based in Geneva, Programmes (SWAPs). Switzerland. [HL908] The Department has recently launched the DWP Train and Progress initiative with the aim of improving Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The United Kingdom alignment between our Government’s employment and Mission in Geneva regularly engages with a wide range of skills support offer for Universal Credit (UC) claimants. civil society organisations, including the Universal Rights Group, to help advance its work at the UN Human Rights This initiative builds more flexibility into the UC Council. The UK Mission participates in the annual system for claimants to participate in longer spells of full human rights "Glion Dialogue" which is hosted by the time, work-related training where that is required. Our Swiss Government in partnership with the Universal aim is to ensure people gain the skills and qualifications Rights Group and attended by a diverse group of states needed to progress into work and onto better-paid work. and civil society organisations. As a key part of DWP Train and Progress we have enhanced the links between Jobcentres and the careers Uyghur Tribunal services to support skills triage, signposting to career conversations with all claimants, particularly the most Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool disadvantaged, building on existing ways of joint To ask Her Majesty's Government whether a working. representative of the Foreign, Commonwealth and DWP’s Train and Progress campaign, to better align the Development Office attended proceedings of the employment and skills support offer, has been further Uyghur Tribunal in London on (1) 4 June, and (2) 7 enhanced by an increase in the amount of time UC June; what assessment they have made of testimonies of claimants can take part in full-time training to 12 weeks - witnesses to the Tribunal; whether they have asked to up from the current 8 weeks - helping them gain the skills meet with (a) the Tribunal Chair Sir Geoffrey Nice, and and qualifications needed for good jobs. UC claimants (b) other members of the Tribunal, to discuss their will be able to train full time for up to 16 weeks in areas preliminary findings; and if not, whether they plan to do where Skills Boot camps exist. so. [HL906] Universal Rights Group Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We have serious concerns about gross violations of human rights occurring Asked by Lord Austin of Dudley in Xinjiang and welcome any work that is rigorous, balanced and raises awareness of the situation faced by To ask Her Majesty's Government what projects their Uyghurs and other minorities in China. We are following diplomatic missions have funded for the Universal the work of the Uyghur Tribunal and remain in contact Rights Group non-governmental organisation based in with Sir Geoffrey Nice. We will study any resulting report Geneva, Switzerland; and how much funding has been carefully. approved. [HL907] Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: HM Government have Vacancies provided funding to the Universal Rights Group for a number of projects: Asked by The Marquess of Lothian • In 2013-14 we funded URG £60,000 to support the To ask Her Majesty's Government how many job implementation of Human Rights Council resolution vacancies there are in England; what assessment they 16/18 on combating religious intolerance. have made as to whether there are sufficient workers available to fill those vacancies, particularly in the (1) • In 2016-17, £30,250 and in 2017-18 £22,100, to IT and computing, and (2) hospitality, sectors; and what support projects on corruption and SDG16 on plans they have to address any skills gaps. [HL1011] "Leveraging the UN human rights system to contribute to the global fight against corruption and the realisation Lord Callanan: The Government actively monitors the of Sustainable Development Goal 16" UK labour market. The latest ONS statistics suggest that, between March and May 2021, there were 758,000 • In 2018-19 25,043 CHF for a project to support a vacancies in the economy, only 27,000 below the pre- more diverse membership of the Human Rights Council pandemic level. , through engagement with small island developing states and least developed countries We are actively supporting the hospitality sector on its road to recovery. We are offering generous incentives to No funding has been provided to Universal Rights employers to recruit staff, with hundreds of young people Group in the last 2 years.

Page 16 23 June 2021 Written Answers starting work every day through the Kickstart Scheme. (1.9m) or Financial Services (1.2m) and the sector We are providing employers with a hiring incentive for accounts for 9% of the UK’s workforce. each new apprentice they hire and have increased the The 10 Tech Priorities, launched by the Department for payment to £3,000 for each newly hired apprentice of any Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in March, age, helping more people to kick start or upskill their includes ‘’building a tech savvy nation’’. Our career across a broad range of industries. We are also apprenticeships and digital bootcamps will help set people investing £126 million in additional support to help create up for highly skilled, highly paid roles of the future. 40,000 more traineeships in England, funding high- Encouraging many more skilled people to enter digital quality work placements and training for 16-24-year olds roles is vital if the UK is to have the digital skills it in 2021-22. requires. In order to coordinate industry support for the The digital transformation is driving rises in the number teaching of computing in English schools, DCMS created of tech and digital jobs advertised, providing an the Digital Skills Partnership Schools group. In order to opportunity to get people into good quality work. raise the awareness of interesting digital roles and routes According to Adzuna estimates, there were 132,000 tech into them, the Digital Skills Partnership Schools Group is job vacancies in the UK in May, making up 12% of all working with industry to test how best to do this. The open vacancies. There are nearly three million jobs in the pilot, funded by DCMS, is being run by the South West digital tech economy, more than either Construction Local Digital Skills Partnership.

Index to Statements and Answers

Written Statements ...... 1 Tax Allowances ...... 13 Broadcasting Policy ...... 1 Tourism and Travel: Coronavirus ...... 14 Condition Improvement Fund Update ...... 1 UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland ...... 14 Nuclear Power Station Decommissioning ...... 1 UK Relations with EU: Select Committees ...... 14 Summits, Conferences or Events: Defence Universal Credit: Training ...... 14 Contribution ...... 2 Universal Rights Group ...... 15 Written Answers ...... 3 Uyghur Tribunal ...... 15 Agricultural Products: Northern Ireland ...... 3 Vacancies ...... 15 Asylum: Napier Barracks ...... 3 Bacanora Lithium: Takeovers ...... 3 Conditions of Employment ...... 3 Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ...... 4 Diplomatic Service ...... 4 Ebrahim Raisi ...... 4 Environment: Crime ...... 4 Fuels: Smuggling ...... 4 Government Departments: LGBT People ...... 5 High Speed 2 Railway Line: Wendover ...... 5 Higher Education: Finance ...... 6 Immigration: EU Nationals ...... 6 Internet: Fraud ...... 7 Israel: Arrests ...... 7 Land Mines: Bomb Disposal ...... 7 Middle East: Peace Negotiations ...... 7 Multinational Companies: Taxation ...... 8 Overseas Aid ...... 8 Overseas Visitors: Children ...... 9 Pakistan: Ahmadiyya ...... 9 Palestinian Authority ...... 9 Police Custody: Mental Illness ...... 9 Prisoners’ Release: Females ...... 9 Prisoners: Rehabilitation ...... 11 Schools: Mental Health Services ...... 12 Seas and Oceans: Pollution Control ...... 12 Self-employed: Coronavirus ...... 13 Sri Lanka: Politics and Government ...... 13