Winter Preparedness 2022-12-08
2022-12-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the need to ensure effective delivery of key services over winter.
What steps his Department is taking to support the operation of public services during the winter months?
The Cabinet Office has well-established processes underpinned by comprehensive risk assessments and contingency plans for industrial action and severe weather. The national resilience framework will be the first iteration of a new strategic approach, strengthening systems and capabilities for UK resilience.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the UK's power supply resilience, especially in anticipation of freezing temperatures.
Will the Minister urgently explain to my vulnerable constituents what they should do to remain safe and warm in the event of a power blackout during freezing cold temperatures?
The hon. Gentleman's concerns are noted. The Cabinet Office is monitoring the situation closely. In case of a very exceptional circumstance, the Government has strong confidence in the resilience of UK power networks.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing specific advice for constituents during blackouts was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is raised to understand the role of Cabinet Office in winter planning coordination.
What is the role of the Cabinet Office in ensuring that Government Departments are properly co-ordinated, in both their communications and their actions, with local resilience forums and local authorities?
My hon. Friend is right that this is central to the Cabinet Office's role. We continually watch for risks, support Departments with contingency plans, and work closely with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to share intelligence on those risks.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The question stems from the delay in publishing the national resilience strategy promised after the integrated review and summer ministerial changes.
Can he tell us when to expect this very important strategy?
The framework is receiving cross-Government agreement and I hope to publish it shortly. We have completed three out of seven initial deliverables, with a UK resilience forum meeting scheduled early in the new year.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by concerns about energy resilience amid the arrival of winter.
Can the Minister tell me what his Department is actually doing to ensure that families will not be without power this winter? What advice will the Government be issuing to people, should the worst happen?
We continually test our plans. The Business Secretary and I are confident in power networks. Over £50 billion of support has been provided to control energy bills this winter, highlighting the benefits of a United Kingdom approach over an independent Scotland's.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing specific advice or actions for ensuring families do not go without power was deflected by discussing the benefits of UK unity.
Discussing Strengths Of Uk Unity
Response accuracy