While deep sea mining is not currently undertaken in international waters, Ministers recognise the growing pressure to extract deep-sea resources and are concerned about the potential impacts of mining activities on the fragile marine environment.
This is a highly emotive issue and I appreciate the depth of your concerns for the welfare of our animals and wildlife.
The Hunting Act 2004 makes it an offence to hunt a wild mammal with dogs except where it is carried out in accordance with the exemptions in the Act.
Business rates are charged on most non-domestic properties, like shops, offices, pubs or holiday lets. Your local council will send you a business rates bill in February or March each year for the following tax year.
Rates are calculated on the ‘rateable value’ of the property.
I would like to assure you that I fully recognise that the theft of a much-loved pet can have a huge impact on both pets and families. In 2021, the Government set up the Pet Theft Taskforce to investigate concerns about a perceived increase in pet theft.
In England, decisions about local NHS fertility services are determined locally, taking account of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) fertility guidelines.
The general expectation of the Government is that migrants coming into the UK should be able to maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds.
I firmly support the Government's commitment to see mental health treated on a par with physical health, which is why I welcomed the consultation on changes to the MHA that took place in 2021 and the publication of the draft Mental Health Bill in 2022.
The draft Mental Health Bill will alter t
There is no doubt that communities are key to decarbonising the UK economy, and I am glad that the Government is supportive of community energy.
Community energy projects can have real benefits for the communities in which they are based, and I welcome that the Government is keen to ensu
