Tag: Calum Kerr

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2016-07-12.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Venezuelan counterpart on reports of detention without charge, arbitrary detentions, the excessive use of force by security forces and other human rights violations in that country.

Sir Alan Duncan

The Government shares the concern of the international community regarding the deteriorating political situation in Venezuela. The then Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), conveyed his concerns at the detention of prominent political opposition figures, and human rights more generally, directly to the Venezuelan Foreign Minister and Deputy Foreign Minister at bilateral meetings held in London during 2015. He has also discussed Venezuela extensively with counterparts from across the region.

Since 2012, we have funded 22 human rights and democracy projects in Venezuela, with both Government and Non-Government Organisations. These projects have varied from protecting the rights of indigenous people to supporting political dialogue and reconciliation and the promotion of electoral reform.

Venezuela was designated a Foreign and Commonwealth Office Human Rights Priority Country for 2016/2017 in April. This status will allow us to further expand our work on human rights and democracy in the country, including project work with local communities.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2016-07-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will postpone the reorganisation of UK Science Research Councils until the UK has renegotiated its relationship with the EU.

Joseph Johnson

The Government will continue taking forward the important legislation that was set before Parliament in the Queen’s Speech, including the Higher Education and Research Bill. This includes the formation of the new body UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Now, more than ever, we need a strong and unified voice to represent the interests of UK research and innovation across Europe and around the world which UKRI will provide.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2016-07-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of UK negotiations with the EU resulting from the outcome of the referendum on the planned reorganisation of UK Science Research Councils proposed by Sir Paul Nurse.

Joseph Johnson

The Government will continue taking forward the important legislation that was set before Parliament in the Queen’s Speech, including the Higher Education and Research Bill. This includes the formation of the new body UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Now, more than ever, we need a strong and unified voice to represent the interests of UK research and innovation across Europe and around the world which UKRI will provide.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2016-07-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he plans to take to protect UK science from the effect of uncertainty about access to European Research Council grants.

Joseph Johnson

The UK’s decision to leave the EU has no immediate effect on the right of researchers to apply or to participate in Horizon 2020 as the UK is still an EU member state. UK participants can continue to apply to the programme in the usual way. The Commission has made a public statement on its website to this effect. The future of UK access to European research and innovation funding will be determined as part of wider discussions with the EU.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2016-07-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the outcome of the referendum on UK membership of the EU, if he will take steps to help the UK retain its leading scientists and engineers.

Joseph Johnson

The UK has a long established system that supports, and therefore attracts, the brightest minds, at all stages of their careers. We fund excellent research wherever it is found, and ensure there is the freedom to tackle important scientific questions. The Government is committed to maintaining and enhancing the strength of our research base, which is why at the Spending Review we committed to protect the science budget in real terms from its 2015/16 level of £4.7 billion per annum.

The Government has said that there will be no immediate changes in circumstances for EU citizens working or studying in the UK – this includes scientists and engineers.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2016-07-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she will take to protect businesses in the digital sector as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

Matt Hancock

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with all of our sectors to make sure they have a voice as we prepare for negotiations to exit the European Union. We will continue to have regular engagement with organisations from across the digital sector to make sure their views and concerns are represented fully in our preparations for exit negotiations.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2016-07-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the outcome of the EU referendum on the UK’s participation in the Digital Single Market.

Margot James

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has not made such an assessment. The UK remains a member of the EU and will continue to play an active role in the development of the Digital Single Market until the formal and legal process of leaving the European Union has been finalised.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2016-07-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if her Department will make it its policy to launch commercial 5G services in at least one city by 2020.

Matt Hancock

We are sponsoring the Future Communications Challenge Group (FCCG) of senior academics, industry experts and funders, chaired by the President of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, which is considering how we should drive forward our commitment to ensure that UK has a leading role in 5G development.

In parallel the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) is conducting a study, launched in Budget 2016, into how UK can achieve early deployment of 5G networks.

Both of these will report by the end of the year and the results will feed into a comprehensive 5G strategy for the UK, to be published in 2017.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2015-12-15.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate his Department has made of the contribution of the horseracing industry to the economy in Scotland.

Tracey Crouch

A 2013 report from Deloitte for the British Horseracing Authority estimated that British racing has a Great Britain wide economic impact of £3.45 billion. Lastyear a public consultation on the potential structure and operation of the Horserace Betting Right was held, inviting views from across Great Britain. To inform our work to replace the current levy system and require offshore operators to make a fair financial contribution to racing alongside those based in Great Britain, I have commissioned an independent economic analysis of the costs and funding of racing. This will draw on information provided by betting and racing.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2016-07-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if her Department will establish a 5G venture fund for 5G technology start-ups.

Matt Hancock

We are sponsoring the Future Communications Challenge Group (FCCG) of senior academics, industry experts and funders, chaired by the President of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, which is considering how we should drive forward our commitment to ensure that UK has a leading role in 5G development.

In parallel the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) is conducting a study, launched in Budget 2016, into how UK can achieve early deployment of 5G networks.

Both of these will report by the end of the year and the results will feed into a comprehensive 5G strategy for the UK, to be published in 2017.