Written Statements

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Written Statements

Wednesday 21 October 2026

Post Office Redress

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for the Future of Work (Kate Dearden)]

The Horizon and Capture scandals caused profound harm to postmasters, many of whom suffered years of financial, personal and reputational damage through no fault of their own. The Government are determined to right these historic wrongs by completing their pledge to ensure that affected postmasters receive the redress they deserve.

When we came to office in 2024, we promised to ensure that postmasters would be compensated swiftly. We are doing so. Eighty-seven per cent of Horizon claims received have now been settled and we have paid over £1.7 billion to more than 14,000 claimants. Redress has now been agreed for nearly 90% of the group who worked with Sir Alan Bates to bring the original Horizon legal case.

Horizon Shortfall Scheme Fixed-sum Offer Appeals

In May, the Department announced that it would establish an independent process through which eligible postmasters who accepted the £75,000 Horizon shortfall scheme fixed-sum offer could seek permission to have their claim fully assessed through the Horizon shortfall scheme appeals process. I can now confirm that we expect to launch that process in November.

Claimants and their representatives will have four months from the date of launch—or from the date of receipt of their fixed-sum offer, whichever is later—to register for the process.

Claimants will be encouraged to seek funded legal support and are asked to provide a short, written narrative to explain why £75,000 undervalued their claim. That will be considered by an independent assessor who is independent of both the Government and the Post Office. Where permission to appeal is granted, the claim will be assessed in full through the Horizon shortfall scheme appeals process.

My Department has engaged extensively with the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board, claimant representatives and postmaster organisations on the design and practical implementation of the process.

Further guidance, including details of how eligible postmasters can register, will be published when the process launches.

Shortfall Independent Review

In May 2026, Sir Gary Hickinbottom, the independent senior lawyer for the Horizon shortfall scheme, published his review of fixed-sum offer cases where there was no—or very limited—available evidence of a Horizon-related shortfall. He recommended that, where Post Office considers there is insufficient evidence to make a fixed-sum offer, that decision should be independently reviewed before a claim is rejected. The Government and Post Office accepted this recommendation in full.

In response, the shortfall independent review will commence in late October. Eligible cases will be referred to an assessor independent of both Post Office and Government. This means no claimant will be refused HSS redress based on Post Office’s decision alone. Eligible claims will have an independent review of their case before any final decision is made to reject a claim.

Family Members Scheme

In July, we opened registration for the Horizon family members redress scheme, which allows applicants to submit information that will support the assessment of their applications once claims processing begins early next year.

A further announcement with more detail on how the scheme will operate will be made in due course.

Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme and Capture Submission Deadlines

Having made significant progress in delivering redress to claimants, the Government are now providing greater certainty about the next phase of the Horizon convictions redress scheme and the Capture redress scheme. Establishing submission deadlines is an important milestone in these schemes, providing clarity on the path ahead, while ensuring eligible individuals have sufficient time and support to submit a claim.

Accordingly:

The HCRS will close to new submissions from 31 July 2027. This will be three years since the launch of the scheme.

The Capture redress scheme will close to new applications from 31 March 2027, approximately 18 months after the scheme opened.

These deadlines reflect the differing nature and complexity of the application processes under each scheme. Claims submitted before the deadlines will continue to be progressed to conclusion.

Pre-Horizon Investigation

The Government have made substantial progress in delivering redress to those affected by the Horizon and Capture scandals. However, we remain committed to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in understanding the full extent of issues that may have affected postmasters.

In line with the recommendation of the Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee, we have begun the process of commissioning an independent investigation into accounting software that operated before Horizon. Consistent with our approach to the Capture software, an independent investigator will establish a fuller understanding of those software applications and their impact, providing Government with a robust evidence base to inform any future considerations.

We expect the investigation to report in spring 2027. I will keep the House updated as this work progresses.

Update on Restorative Justice and Next Steps

Financial redress is an essential part of addressing the harm caused by the Horizon and Capture scandals, but our response must go further. In April, the restorative justice programme moved from its pilot phase into full delivery and is available to postmasters and family members impacted by Horizon and Capture who wish to take part. It offers a voluntary, participant-led process, with careful preparation and independent practitioner support from the Restorative Justice Council throughout.

The first restorative meetings have now been completed and the programme is beginning to help repair the human harm that has been caused to postmasters and their families as a consequence of this terrible injustice, alongside the financial closure which we have already delivered for so many.

Today’s announcements mark an important milestone in the Government’s work to address the legacy of Horizon and Capture. While significant progress has been made, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that those affected receive the redress and support they deserve.

[HCWS397]

Antisemitism in Schools and Colleges

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Education (Lucy Powell)]

Today I am publishing the Government’s response to the independent review of antisemitism in schools and colleges in England, led by Sir David Bell.

Sir David’s review presents a stark and timely warning. It finds that antisemitism is a significant and growing problem in modern Britain, and that Jewish pupils, students and staff are increasingly experiencing its consequences. It concludes that antisemitism is a distinct form of racism that requires a clear and specific response, and that our schools and colleges have a critical role to play in challenging prejudice and preventing hatred from becoming normalised.

I am pleased to confirm that the Government have accepted all 27 of Sir David’s recommendations.

This represents a significant and long-term commitment to ensuring that every school and college is equipped to identify, challenge and prevent antisemitism. Jewish children, young people and staff should be able to learn and work in safety, free from prejudice, intimidation and discrimination. That must be a basic expectation in every education setting.

The Government’s response sets out our commitment to take forward measures to strengthen the education sector’s ability to tackle antisemitism. These include: encouraging schools and colleges to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism in schools and colleges; dedicated training for leaders and designated safeguarding leads; strengthened guidance, including on safeguarding, teachers’ standards and political impartiality; improved reporting and monitoring of antisemitic incidents; and enhanced support for schools and colleges dealing with complex cases.

The review and the Government’s response makes it clear that antisemitism is not an issue only for institutions serving Jewish communities; it is a challenge for the whole education system. Every school and college has a responsibility to recognise antisemitism, challenge it wherever it occurs and foster an inclusive environment.

Schools and colleges must be places where every child feels safe, respected and able to learn. Political expression must never become a vehicle for intimidation, discrimination or harassment, or prevent pupils from engaging with a balanced range of views. Schools must uphold their duties of political impartiality—they must not promote partisan political views, pupils must receive a balanced presentation of opposing viewpoints when political issues are raised, and staff members’ personal beliefs must never compromise a child’s education.

The Government’s response also makes it clear that criticism of the policies or actions of the Government of Israel is not, in itself, antisemitic. However, antisemitic tropes, conspiracy theories, collective blame of Jewish people, and hostility towards Jews must be recognised and challenged. Education professionals must be confident in understanding where legitimate political debate ends and antisemitism begins.

Implementation will now be our priority. Accepting the recommendations is only the beginning. Delivering lasting change requires sustained focus, accountability and partnership across the education sector.

I can therefore announce that the Government have established an implementation group, bringing together key stakeholders to drive delivery of the review’s recommendations, monitor progress and support effective implementation across schools and colleges.

To ensure that momentum is maintained, I have also asked Sir David Bell to undertake a one-year review of progress. This will provide an independent assessment of how effectively the recommendations are being implemented and identify where further action may be required.

Tackling antisemitism is a responsibility that must be taken seriously and acted upon by all. We will continue to assess progress, working closely with inspectorates and the wider sector, and we will keep under review whether further measures are necessary to ensure that the review’s recommendations are translated into meaningful and lasting change.

I am grateful to Sir David Bell for his thorough review and to all those who contributed evidence to it. The challenge he identifies is serious, but so too is the opportunity. By acting now, we can ensure that our schools and colleges remain places of learning, respect and safety for all, including our Jewish pupils, students and staff.

[HCWS400]

North Sea Oil and Gas

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)]

Today the North Sea Transition Authority has granted consent for production at the Jackdaw field. This follows agreement from the Secretary of State to the grant of consent. The project will start to supply gas to British homes and businesses from this winter.

It is expected to increase domestic gas production by around 6% at its peak, supporting the UK’s gas supply over its lifespan of up to 11 years, protecting hundreds of jobs and estimated to add billions to the UK economy. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Finch case in 2024, which means North Sea operators are now required to consider the impact of burning the extracted oil and gas in environmental impact assessments. Jackdaw gasfield is already licensed and this decision now allows the developer to start production.

[HCWS396]

Cosmetic Regulations Consultation

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)]

This Government are determined to address long-standing concerns around the safety of cosmetic procedures.

Last year we pledged to introduce further regulation of the sector, and we have now launched a public consultation on much-needed safeguards to improve standards. Under our proposals, only qualified healthcare professionals will be able to perform the highest-risk procedures, such as the liquid Brazilian butt lift, and the Care Quality Commission will have powers to take enforcement action against rogue practitioners.

Cosmetic procedures can be very positive experiences, and this industry is growing to meet demand as more and more people seek to take advantage of the increasing availability and affordability of an expanding range of treatments. We recognise that many practitioners in this area are well trained and provide a good, safe service. We also value the contribution that this fast-growing industry makes to the economy, and the employment opportunities that it provides.

However, as has been widely acknowledged, regulation has not kept pace with this expansion. For too long, unsafe practices have been left unchecked, and ill-qualified, unscrupulous individuals have undertaken invasive procedures, at great risk to the public and sometimes with tragic consequences.

Our draft regulations, informed by extensive engagement with expert stakeholders, would restrict the performance of all cosmetic surgery to doctors who are regulated to strict standards set by the General Medical Council and who work for CQC-regulated providers. In addition, high-risk non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing procedures would be restricted to specified groups of regulated healthcare professionals. To ensure the safety of young people, those under the age of 18 would be prohibited from receiving certain high-risk treatments when performed for cosmetic or wellbeing purposes.

These measures provide the public with reassurance that their chosen procedure meets robust regulatory standards.

This is part of a broader programme of reform in this area. We are also committed to introducing a local authority licensing scheme for lower-risk cosmetic procedures in the current Parliament, ensuring that practitioners are appropriately trained, insured, and working to safe standards.

[HCWS402]

Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Negotiations

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Mr James Frith)]

I would like to update the House regarding the ongoing negotiations of the Intergovernmental Working Group to secure an annexe to the World Health Organisation’s pandemic agreement on a new pathogen access and benefit sharing system.

This Government’s last update to the House was on 3 June —[Official Report, 3 June 2026; Vol. 786, c. 103WS.], following the decision by the World Health Assembly to extend the deadline for the IGWG to submit the final outcome of the negotiations to the 80th WHA, to be held in May 2027 or, if necessary, earlier at a special session of the WHA in 2026. Since then, the IGWG has held two further rounds of negotiations: a seventh meeting from 6 to 17 July and an eighth meeting from 14 to 18 September.

The seventh and eighth meetings of the IGWG made progress in clarifying some of the key conceptual issues that remain to be resolved in the negotiations. However, differences remain across several complex and highly technical issues. Discussions focused on the modalities of access to PABS materials and sequence information, governance, and the scope of the system. Some progress was also made on defining pathogens with pandemic potential and identifying which pathogens will be subject to sharing through the PABS system.

As set out in our October 2025 update—[Official Report, 22 October 2025; Vol. 773, c. 61WS.], the UK co-chaired the IGWG negotiations alongside Brazil from July 2025. The UK stepped back from this role in July 2026, and a new bureau co-chair is due to be elected in due course.

The next formal round of negotiations will take place from 2 to 13 November. The UK remains fully committed to working with member states to secure a PABS annexe that supports both UK and global public health and is firmly in the UK’s national interest, as well as the global interest.

[HCWS399]

State Threat Prevention and Investigation Measures: 20 June to 19 September 2026

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)]

Section 55(1) of the National Security Act 2023 requires the Secretary of State to report to Parliament as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of every relevant three-month period on the exercise of their STPIM powers under the Act during that period.

STPIMs were introduced through the 2023 Act and came into force on 20 December 2023. There have been no STPIM cases imposed to date.

[HCWS398]

Social Housing Bill: Commons Committee Stage Amendments

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)]

The Social Housing Bill will protect much-needed social housing stock, give affordable housing providers the clarity and confidence they need to build more social homes, and better protect tenants who are victims of domestic abuse by providing them with greater security and stability.

I have now tabled a group of Government amendments to further strengthen the Bill and advance its core objectives. Taken together, these amendments deliver on the commitments made during the Bill’s initial House of Lords stages and various announcements set out in my written ministerial statement of 12 October which is available at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2026-10-12/hcws363

Protecting existing social housing stock

After years of marginalisation, this Government have emphatically and unashamedly asserted the necessity and the value of social rented homes. They are a crucial national asset to be proud of, to invest in, to protect and to maintain.

At the heart of the Bill are comprehensive reforms to the right-to-buy scheme designed to protect much-needed social housing stock and thereby incentivise the building of more social rented homes.

The Bill also introduces a new requirement for private registered providers of social housing to notify councils and other private providers in their area before disposing of a home, in order to maximise opportunities to retain homes within the social housing sector.

In response to points made by peers during the Bill’s initial House of Lords stages, I have tabled an amendment that will extend the period that must elapse between the notification being made and any sale being completed from four to eight weeks. This will maximise opportunities for councils and other private providers to buy and retain social rented homes.

I have also tabled an amendment that will require private registered providers to include in their disposals notice information on the type of rent the home was previously let at. This will give councils and other private providers the information they need to consider whether to purchase a property and retain it as a social rented home.

We have also acted to enable local authorities to better protect rural social housing. In recognition of the severe challenges of replacing social housing stock in rural communities, the Bill already exempts properties located in designated rural areas from the right-to-buy scheme.

The amendments tabled will empower councils to designate eligible rural areas themselves where these areas meet specified criteria, thereby reducing the bureaucracy associated with the current designation process.

We will set out in regulations the criteria for rural areas and the process for self-designation. The long-established criteria—that areas should have a population density of no more than two persons per hectare and a population of 3,000 or fewer—will remain in place.

Strengthening protections for tenants

No one should be forced to remain in an unsafe situation because they fear becoming homeless, yet last year about 15,000 households in England had to find a new social home as a result of domestic abuse.

Existing legislation provides scant protection for social housing tenants who are victims of domestic abuse and who wish to remain in their current home without their abuser. Landlords can evict perpetrators, but only in cases where the victim has already left. That means that, all too often, victims are forced to choose between staying in danger or losing their home.

To ensure that victims of domestic abuse can access safe and secure housing, the Bill provides for stronger legal mechanisms to remove a perpetrator from a social housing tenancy and enable victims to stay in their home or move to alternative accommodation as a sole tenant.

I have now tabled amendments to bolster the revised discretionary grounds for possession under the Bill’s new domestic abuse provisions. Where a relevant protective order—a domestic abuse protection order or non-molestation order—is already in place, its existence will be sufficient for the court to determine whether it is reasonable to make a possession order, rather than requiring it to have been breached. This change will help streamline and accelerate the possession process and give greater confidence to landlords and victims when seeking possession.

The Bill already includes a new mechanism to facilitate the transfer of a joint tenancy into the sole name of the victim, where a victim wants to remain in the home as a sole tenant, and it already contains powers to enable the courts to make an order to provide the victim with suitable alternative accommodation, where it is not appropriate for the victim to remain in a home and the landlord has this accommodation available.

The amendments tabled will ensure that where the court makes an order, either on the basis that the joint tenant victim remains in the home as sole tenant or that they are to be provided with suitable alternative accommodation, the perpetrator’s interest in the joint tenancy will be brought to an end.

The right to manage gives local authority tenants a statutory route to take on responsibility for managing housing services through a tenant management organisation. The Government response to the Grenfell Tower inquiry, published in 2025, committed to reviewing oversight arrangements for delegated management organisations, including TMOs.

In the light of the findings of that review, which we have published today at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-housing-right-to-manage-review I have now tabled amendments to modernise the current RTM framework for social housing, to make it easier for social housing residents to take control of their housing services, and to strengthen oversight and accountability, including the creation of a court-backed intervention route for use in exceptional cases—for example, where there is a serious governance failure, misconduct or a risk to residents’ safety.

Tackling homelessness

In the national plan to end homelessness, published in December 2025 and available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-national-plan-to-end-homelessness the Government committed to considering levers to require social housing landlords to rehouse statutory homeless households referred by councils, where joint working is not operating effectively. Having done so, we have decided to legislate for the introduction of a new statutory power.

I have now tabled an amendment that will enable local authorities to refer homeless households to PRPs, requiring providers to offer accommodation to that household, unless they have good reason not to. This measure is designed to strengthen co-operation between local authorities and PRPs, and to ensure that allocations are used effectively to prevent homelessness.

The Secretary of State will set out through regulations what constitutes a reasonable period for responding to a referral and the circumstances in which a PRP may be regarded as having a good reason not to offer accommodation. We will work closely with the sector to develop these regulations.

In the national plan to end homelessness, we also committed to legislate for a duty to collaborate, which will compel public services to work together to prevent homelessness and support those who are at crisis point. I have now tabled amendments to provide for this duty, which will build on and replace the existing duty to refer by requiring specified bodies to take proactive steps to identify households at risk of homelessness, to assess their needs, and to work together, including with other key stakeholders, taking co-ordinated action to prevent homelessness or address it sooner.

Finally, UK armed forces veterans should not be prevented from accessing homelessness support simply because of a lack of local connection. I have now tabled an amendment to allow us to specify the circumstances in which a local housing authority may not refer a case to another authority. We will use this power to ensure that where those who have served our country seek homelessness assistance from a local authority, they will not be referred elsewhere simply because they lack a local connection, thereby allowing them to seek support wherever they present.

[HCWS401]