Tag: Jim Shannon

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-06-24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if he will discuss (a) solar energy and (b) other alternative energies with his Egyptian counterpart.

Gregory Barker

The UK Government engages with Egypt on a series of renewable technologies, including solar, through multilateral forms such at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). We also provide some technical assistance, through the World Bank, to help Egypt diversify their energy sources.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-07-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent steps he has taken in response to the discovery of horsemeat in other foods in 2013 to improve co-operation between Government departments on public health issues.

Jane Ellison

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) continues to develop its capability in relation to food fraud, in response to recommendations made in the reviews of the horsemeat incident, working closely with other Government Departments, enforcement agencies, local authorities and industry to detect and deter food fraud. The FSA is building an intelligence gathering network to increase the opportunity to capture and act on intelligence which may be indicative of future risks, as well as producing strategic and tactical assessments to share with relevant enforcement agencies, particularly through the Government Agency Intelligence Network.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-06-24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Iranian government about the imprisonment of Pastor Behnam Irani.

Hugh Robertson

We are aware of the arrest and imprisonment of Pastor Behnam Irani. We remain deeply concerned about the detention and treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. The UK’s non-resident Chargé d’Affaires raised the issue of freedom of religion with the Iranian authorities during his visit to Iran on 12 March.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-07-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps in co-operation with major retailers to prevent unhealthy food being marketed more favourably than healthier foods.

Jane Ellison

The Department has been leading a programme of voluntary action by industry to rebalance their advertising and promotion, including by offering the healthier option as a default so that their customers can choose to follow a healthy, balanced diet.

For example, major retailers such as Lidl and Tesco have committed to remove sweets and confectionery from all of their checkouts. The Department continues to encourage more partners to follow this example, and through programmes like Change4life promotes such action.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-06-24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Egyptian government on the Muslim Brotherhood.

Hugh Robertson

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed the Muslim Brotherhood with former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy on 14 May.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-07-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to co-ordinate with the devolved administrations to plan for the effects of an ageing population.

Norman Lamb

Health and care is generally a devolved issue for the devolved administrations. Nonetheless, the Department works with the devolved administrations on matters of mutual interest, including the effects of an ageing population.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-06-24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will discuss with his counterparts in Egypt and Libya lessening the threat along the borders of those countries caused by terrorist networks in Libya.

Hugh Robertson

The National Security Adviser visited Egypt on 10-11 June and Libya on 16 June, and discussed the situation on the Libyan-Egyptian border with the then Egyptian Foreign Minister Fahmy and Libyan PM Al Thinni. We will continue to discuss means to lessen the threat along Libya’s borders with the Government of Libya and those of neighbouring states.

The UK is providing direct support to strengthen Libya’s borders. We have a Border Security Adviser embedded with the Libyan Border Security HQ, and provide four UK experts to the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM), including the Deputy Head of Mission. The UK’s Defence Advisory Training Team provides advice and training to the Libyan Ministry of Defence and institutions, including the Border Security Force.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-07-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to put in place a media campaign to educate the public about alternatives to antibiotics.

Jane Ellison

The Department is working with other Government departments to coordinate implementation of the Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy including improving public and professional understanding and awareness.

Public Health England (PHE) is leading on work to improve public knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to antimicrobial resistance in collaboration with partners across the health and social care sector in England.

PHE is coordinating work on European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) for England. EAAD is a European initiative which takes place on 18 November each year and aims to promote prudent antibiotic use among professionals and the public.

PHE are also working with the Department to explore the potentional for additional targeted media work.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-06-24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will take steps to encourage more tourists to visit Egypt.

Hugh Robertson

The decision on whether to travel to Egypt, or any other country, is for each individual to make. The purpose of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice is to help individuals make an informed decision. We advise anyone considering visiting Egypt to read the FCO Travel Advice before travelling.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-07-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to support the establishment of charities that support people with learning disabilities working in communities throughout the UK.

Norman Lamb

Government departments do not establish charities, but do work with a wide range of organisations which are led by, represent or support disabled people, some of which are registered charities.

The Government is committed to enabling disabled people, including people with learning disabilities, to fulfil their potential and play a full role in society.

The Department for Work and Pensions is working with Mencap and the British Institute for Learning Disabilities to look at improving employment support for people with learning disabilities. Disabled People’s User Led Organisations (DPULOs) are run by and for disabled people. They have an important role in changing perceptions, giving disabled people a stronger voice, and providing peer support in areas such as social care, financial services, employment and volunteering. The Government is working to help strengthen existing disabled people’s user led organisations and help develop new ones. DPULOs in the United Kingdom have received funding for 178 projects from the DPULO programme; 13 of which are specifically for people with learning disabilities and a further 129 deal with a range of disabilities, including learning disabilities.

We will continue to work with all partners, including the voluntary sector, to change the culture and practice of services in order to improve the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities, including their employment.