Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on whether anyone that has been removed from the UK in 2026 has subsequently re-entered the country via small boat.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

This specific information is not currently available from published statistics, and the relevant date could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

Statistics on daily small boat arrivals to the UK are published at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/migrants-detected-crossing-the-english-channel-in-small-boats and information and statistics on returns can be read at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-system-statistics-year-ending-december-2025/how-many-people-are-returned-from-the-uk.

These show a 21% increase in enforced returns and a 23% increase in asylum‑related returns in 2025 compared with the previous year. Individuals who subsequently attempt to re-enter the UK illegally will be subject to enforcement action in line with existing immigration laws and their case will be considered for expediated return.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many individuals arrived from Afghanistan to the UK between 25 October 2022 and 6 December 2023.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office publishes data on resettlement as part of the Immigration System Statistics quarterly release. Data on refugees resettled under the Afghan Resettlement Program is published in table Res_D02 of the resettlement detailed datasets. The latest data is available up to the end of December 2025.The latest data is available up to the end of December 2025.

The Immigration system statistics release also includes data on grants of entry clearance visas and arrivals by illegal entry routes.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her polices of reports that religious centres in the UK are being used to (a) promote and (b) support the activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Ministers and officials regularly meet with the Charity Commission to discuss a range of issues relating to the regulation of charities.

The Charity Commission is alive to the risks of state threats to the charity sector and works with other agencies to protect the sector from the risks of being exploited. The Charity Commission has consistently been clear that it will respond robustly where there proves to have been wrongdoing.

We work closely with a range of partners to tackle malign state-backed influence in our society. Where there is clear evidence that Iranian-linked or aligned organisations are undertaking unacceptable activity, the Government will respond accordingly.

We continue to take strong action and hold the Iranian regime to account. This includes placing Iran – including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) – on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme to bolster our oversight of Iran’s influence activities. The UK has already also imposed more than 550 sanctions on Iranian individuals and organisations. This includes the IRGC in its entirety. Most recently, this month we sanctioned prolific IRGC members for their role in recent brutality against protestors.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to close illicit (a) mini‑marts, (b) barbers, (c) vape shops and (d) other similar outlets.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Government is committed to working with partners to tackle high street illegality from businesses such as mini marts, barbers, vape shops and similar outlets.

Building on recent operational activity (Operation MACHINIZE), led by the National Crime Agency in conjunction with National Police Chief’s Council, in the 2025 Autumn Budget, the Government allocated £10 million per year for three years to tackle high street illegality. This funding includes the creation of the High Streets Illegality Taskforce, enhancements to Trading Standards capabilities and support for at least 45 additional law enforcement officers.

Hosted by the Home Office, the cross-government Taskforce is now operational and is working to develop a strategic long-term policy response to money laundering and associated illegality on UK high streets, including other forms of economic crime, tax evasion, and illegal working, tackling the systemic vulnerabilities that criminals exploit.

More broadly, following the completion of Economic Crime Plan 2 in March 2026, we expect to publish a new Economic Crime Plan in 2026. Developed jointly with HMT and in partnership with the private sector, the Plan will set a clear direction for strengthening the UK’s approach to tackling money laundering and boosting asset recovery.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had discussions with the Charity Commission on the potential use of religious charities by networks aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Ministers and officials regularly meet with the Charity Commission to discuss a range of issues relating to the regulation of charities.

The Charity Commission is alive to the risks of state threats to the charity sector and works with other agencies to protect the sector from the risks of being exploited. The Charity Commission has consistently been clear that it will respond robustly where there proves to have been wrongdoing.

We work closely with a range of partners to tackle malign state-backed influence in our society. Where there is clear evidence that Iranian-linked or aligned organisations are undertaking unacceptable activity, the Government will respond accordingly.

We continue to take strong action and hold the Iranian regime to account. This includes placing Iran – including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) – on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme to bolster our oversight of Iran’s influence activities. The UK has already also imposed more than 550 sanctions on Iranian individuals and organisations. This includes the IRGC in its entirety. Most recently, this month we sanctioned prolific IRGC members for their role in recent brutality against protestors.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will develop a transnational repression framework to enable the police to recognise and tackle transnational repression.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Defending Democracy Taskforce’s review into transnational repression (TNR), which concluded in May 2025, has found that the UK already has appropriate tools and system‑wide safeguards in place to robustly counter this threat. The review also sets a clear strategic direction which is improving the Government’s response to TNR.

The review found that the Police have mature mechanisms to detect, assess and respond to threats from foreign states, with the ability to escalate potential TNR cases to Counter Terrorism Policing specialists. Building on the findings of the review, we have since strengthened our response further by rolling out training across all 45 territorial police forces, including upskilling of 999 call handlers, to improve frontline identification and response to state-directed threats.

We will continue working with the police to strengthen awareness, confidence and capability, while keeping our response proportionate, effective and focused on protecting those most at risk. Anyone who believes they are a victim of state-directed activity should report incidents or suspicious activity to the police via 101, at a local police station, or 999 in emergencies.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many project licence applications involving the use of dogs under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 have been refused in each of the last five years on the grounds that a scientifically satisfactory non-animal alternative method was available.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Home Office regulates the use of animals in science under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). All project licence applications must comply with the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs), ensuring that animals may only be used when no validated non-animal alternative exists, the number of animals is minimised, and any potential harms are minimised.

In the last five years, the Home Office has not refused any licences involving dogs on the grounds that a scientifically satisfactory non-animal alternative method was available. The number of formal refusals is not, however, a meaningful indicator of either application of non-animal alternatives or regulatory rigour.

This is because all applications go through multiple review stages before reaching the Regulator, and guidance is available to assist applicants in preparing submissions that meet all legal requirements. All establishments licensed to use animals must have an Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB), which reviews proposals before they are submitted to the Regulator.

Therefore, in general, applications where alternatives are available will not be progressed or will be failed at this stage by the establishment. Applications received by the Regulator are subject to detailed scrutiny, including requests for clarification or amendment where required. Applicants may revise or withdraw an application in response to feedback. Only applications that fully meet the requirements of the legislation proceed to licensing.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress her Department is making on the cross‑government taskforce to tackle organised crime and money laundering on high streets.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Government is committed to working with partners to tackle high street illegality from businesses such as mini marts, barbers, vape shops and similar outlets.

Building on recent operational activity (Operation MACHINIZE), led by the National Crime Agency in conjunction with National Police Chief’s Council, in the 2025 Autumn Budget, the Government allocated £10 million per year for three years to tackle high street illegality. This funding includes the creation of the High Streets Illegality Taskforce, enhancements to Trading Standards capabilities and support for at least 45 additional law enforcement officers.

Hosted by the Home Office, the cross-government Taskforce is now operational and is working to develop a strategic long-term policy response to money laundering and associated illegality on UK high streets, including other forms of economic crime, tax evasion, and illegal working, tackling the systemic vulnerabilities that criminals exploit.

More broadly, following the completion of Economic Crime Plan 2 in March 2026, we expect to publish a new Economic Crime Plan in 2026. Developed jointly with HMT and in partnership with the private sector, the Plan will set a clear direction for strengthening the UK’s approach to tackling money laundering and boosting asset recovery.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle high‑street money laundering.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Government is committed to working with partners to tackle high street illegality from businesses such as mini marts, barbers, vape shops and similar outlets.

Building on recent operational activity (Operation MACHINIZE), led by the National Crime Agency in conjunction with National Police Chief’s Council, in the 2025 Autumn Budget, the Government allocated £10 million per year for three years to tackle high street illegality. This funding includes the creation of the High Streets Illegality Taskforce, enhancements to Trading Standards capabilities and support for at least 45 additional law enforcement officers.

Hosted by the Home Office, the cross-government Taskforce is now operational and is working to develop a strategic long-term policy response to money laundering and associated illegality on UK high streets, including other forms of economic crime, tax evasion, and illegal working, tackling the systemic vulnerabilities that criminals exploit.

More broadly, following the completion of Economic Crime Plan 2 in March 2026, we expect to publish a new Economic Crime Plan in 2026. Developed jointly with HMT and in partnership with the private sector, the Plan will set a clear direction for strengthening the UK’s approach to tackling money laundering and boosting asset recovery.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the document entitled Government’s Principles of Engagement, published on 14 March 2024, remains active; and whether those principles should guide engagement with stakeholders and the public during government consultations.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Government Principles of Engagement was published under the 2022 to 2024 Conservative government. Responsibility for decisions and due diligence around who departments engage with sits with those departments and the appropriate policy areas.

It is for individual government departments to decide to use these principles, or their own due diligence processes around engagement.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle cyber crime targeting older people in Sutton Coldfield constituency.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Home Office directly funds a national to local network of specialist officers trained to investigate cyber crime and support local communities. This network includes funding, in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner, for a Local Cyber Crime Unit (LCCU) in West Midlands Police force.

The LCCU force PROTECT Officers provide localised support and advice to help individuals to improve their cyber security. Their work involves regularly delivering events for community, charity and faith groups with specific engagement with the elderly, including sessions on raising awareness on cyber crime and fraud, such as how to create strong passwords, how to spot phishing emails and fraudulent calls.

The Home Office also funds the Regional Cyber Crime Units (RCCUs) across England and Wales who are set up tackle cyber crime and the harm it causes citizens in the UK. Officers in the West Midlands RCCU work with local authorities and the NHS to train partners to spot the signs of people who may have been impacted by, or be a victim of, cyber crime.

Additionally, the City of London police and the National Cyber Security Centre co-ordinate campaigns that aim to target vulnerable people on how to protect themselves from both cyber crime and fraud, which has included work with AgeUK to help educate and support older people to stay secure online.

This government takes cyber crime extremely seriously and will continue to take the necessary steps to protect the public and support victims.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to introduce a new mechanism to restrict the activities of extreme criminal protest groups.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

This government is committed to ensuring the police have the powers they need to proportionately manage extreme criminal protests while safeguarding the rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

An independent review of public order and hate crime legislation is underway to assess whether current laws remain fit for purpose in light of evolving protest tactics, community impacts, and the need to protect democratic processes. The review is being led by Lord Ken Macdonald of River Glaven KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions and one of the UK’s most respected legal authorities. His independence and expertise will ensure a rigorous and impartial review.

The review is expected to report in Spring 2026.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people in England and Wales would have a previous caution or conviction disclosed in a standard DBS check.

Answered by Jess Phillips - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) does not hold information about how many people overall in England and Wales have a previous caution or conviction nor the specific nature of those offences which would determine whether they would be disclosed on Standard DBS checks.

Only upon receipt of an eligible DBS application does the DBS access an extract of the Police National Computer (PNC) and establish whether conviction or caution information is relevant and requires disclosure in line with the relevant rules on disclosure.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of (a) basic, (b) standard, and (c) enhanced checks undertaken by the DBS in England and Wales are undertaken on individuals from an ethnic minority background.

Answered by Jess Phillips - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) does not collect ethnicity information as part of its checks application process.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of combining section 1 and 2 licenses on public safety.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government is intending to consult on strengthening shotgun controls in due course. The Government response to the 2023 firearms licensing consultation, published in February 2025, included a commitment to having a consultation on strengthening the licensing controls on shotguns, in the interests of public safety.

We will also provide an impact assessment in relation to any changes that we bring forward after the consultation, in the normal way.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to (a) reopen the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme and (b) introduce a similar scheme for all faiths.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Protecting the right of all faith communities to worship in peace and without fear is fundamental. That is why record funding of up to £5 million is available for physical protective security measures through the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme in 2026/27.

The next application window for this scheme will open later this year. Sites of all faiths, except Jewish and Muslim, are already eligible for this scheme. Mosques, synagogues and their associated faith community centres and schools can receive protective security through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme and the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant – more information on the Home Office schemes can be found on GOV.uk.

Additionally, the Home Office has launched a brand-new scheme, Faith Security Training (FST), to better protect faith communities in England and Wales.

FST, developed in partnership with policing and faith representatives, is a free scheme designed to help faith communities strengthen their security awareness and preparedness.

I would encourage faith communities looking to improve the security of their places of worship to attend the training.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to establish a pathway to (a) settled status and (b) Indefinite Leave to Remain for Ukrainians who wish to remain in the UK.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Ukraine Permission Extension scheme (UPE) reflects a generous and meaningful commitment to support those displaced by the conflict.

On 24 February, the Government confirmed in Parliament that the UPE scheme would be extended for an additional 24 months to enable those eligible to obtain a further period of permission. The Government also announced that anyone applying for permission under UPE will be able do so within the final 90 days of their current permission rather than the current 28-day period. This will provide greater flexibility and assurance, allowing applicants to secure their future in the UK with confidence and ease.

The UK Government has always been clear that our offer of temporary sanctuary under the Ukraine Schemes is not a pathway to settled status and does not lead to indefinite leave to remain in the UK. This respects the Ukrainian Government’s strong desire for the future return of its citizens when it is safe to do so. However, the Government recognises the importance of providing long-term certainty for Ukrainians living in the UK. We are committed to setting out the future arrangements clearly, and a further statement outlining the long-term position will be issued later this year.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what transitional arrangements will be available for Ukrainian families with children approaching the age threshold for private life applications.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Ukrainian families with children who are in the United Kingdom under any of the Ukraine schemes can apply to switch onto another immigration route within the Immigration Rules, including the Private Life route.

Applicants must ensure that they meet the requirements of the immigration category to which they intend to switch.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many staff within her Department are reliant on a visa for employment.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

As of 01 March 2026, the Home Office had 186 employees with a visa type which allows them time limited right to work in the UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many visas were issued to Russian citizens in each of the last three years.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office publishes data on entry clearance visas by nationality in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on the outcomes of visa applications are published in table ‘Vis_D02’ of the detailed entry clearance visas dataset. Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. The latest data is from January 2005 up to the end of December 2025.

Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar’.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of retrospective changes to settlement requirements on health care workers and the wider health care system.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026. Contributions will now be analysed, and the findings will support the development of the final model.

Economic and equality impact assessments will be conducted on the final model and published in due course.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Border Force employees were routinely employed at (a) Belfast, (b) Larne, (c) Foyle, and (d) Warrenpoint ports during 2025.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

It is longstanding Home Office policy to not disclose port‑specific staffing information, as to do so could prejudice our law enforcement capabilities. Border Force operates a flexible resourcing model, regularly assessing operational needs and deploying staff dynamically in response to passenger volumes and security requirements.

As part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements, the UK does not operate routine immigration controls on individuals arriving in the UK by air or sea from within the CTA, and no immigration checks are undertaken at the land border with Ireland. The UK does, however, operate intelligence‑led operational activity on CTA routes—away from the land border. If an individual is suspected to be unlawfully in the UK, their biometrics may be checked in order to ascertain their identity and status.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the extension of settlement routes for those on family visas from 6 to 10 years in 2012 on the number of people leaving (a) voluntarily and (b) through enforced removals.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Proposals for introducing an earned settlement model, as set out in the Command Paper “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” (CP1448), were subject to a public consultation, which opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026.

The responses to the consultation are being reviewed and analysed. Implementation of the final earned settlement arrangements will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress has she made in maturing the eVisa programme.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

eVisas were introduced in 2018 and are replacing physical evidence of immigration status such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) and vignettes.

The Minister for Migration and Citizenship provided an update on the transition to a digital immigration system, which included progress made in the latest transition phase of the rollout of eVisas, in his statement made on 25 February 2026: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.

There are now over 10 million eVisa holders, including approximately 6 million EUSS status holders. Over 5 million online (UKVI) accounts were created between March 2024 and January 2026, enabling people to access their eVisa.

The transition to eVisas is being carefully delivered in phases, with the latest significant milestone reached on 25 February 2026, from when successful applicants for visit visas will receive an eVisa instead of a vignette, as set out in the Minister’s statement. Vignettes for most other routes have already been phased out.

By the end of 2026, the Government intends to stop issuing all physical visa vignette stickers in passports, with all successful visa applicants receiving an eVisa.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many individuals holding pre settled status work in the health and social care sector.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office does not hold data on the occupations of people granted pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps have been taken to ensure adequate levels of awareness of rule changes for dual nationals being implemented on 25th February 2026.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

We have included information for dual citizens in our electronic travel authorisation (ETA) communications campaign since 2023. Public information strongly advising dual citizens to travel with a valid UK passport or certificate of entitlement (CoE) has been available since October 2024, including official guidance on GOV.UK. In November 2025, we announced the enforcement of ETA from 25 February 2026, which included information about the requirement for dual citizens: No permission, no travel: UK set to enforce ETA scheme - GOV.UK. We provide explicit written and spoken guidance to people who naturalise or register as British citizens, including through their application and at citizenship ceremonies, and since the start of the year we have also emailed people who have registered or naturalised in the last 10 years where we hold useable contact details. This supplements our wider updates via GOV.UK, engagement, promotion via Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) networks, and media engagement in the week that carrier enforcement commenced.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance will be issued to local authorities, employers, universities and support organisations on the 24 month extension of the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Government will update the relevant GOV.UK pages to reflect the 24‑month extension of the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme once the necessary changes to the Immigration Rules are in force. GOV.UK will remain the single authoritative source of information for applicants and stakeholders and updates will be published ahead of the first cohort of UPE permissions expiring.

These updates will ensure that local authorities, employers, education providers and support organisations have access to the latest information on eligibility, the extended 90‑day application window, and evidencing rights. We will keep Local authorities up to date through the existing Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Schemes communication channels.

Individuals granted permission under the extended UPE scheme will continue to have the same entitlements to work, benefits, healthcare and education as under the existing Ukraine schemes.

The Department for Education has confirmed that students with permission under the Ukraine Schemes - including those who receive an extension under the UPE arrangements remain eligible for home‑fee status and student support where they meet the standard residence requirements.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of paragraph HK 23.5 of the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa route on applicants who hold permission as BN(O) Adult Dependent Relatives due to (a) having been born after 1 July 1997 and (b) having applied before 30 November 2022; and if she will take steps to amend the Immigration Rules to allow those individuals to switch into the mainstream BN(O) route and therefore be able to apply to (i) extend their visa if necessary and (ii) apply for indefinite leave to remain in their own right.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

We currently have no plans to allow those granted as an Adult Dependent Relative on the BN(O) route to switch within the route, but we keep all Immigration Rules and policies under review.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will provide further information on long-term arrangements for (a) settlement, (b) a longer-term temporary route and (c) switching into other immigration routes for Ukrainians in the UK.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Ukraine Schemes reflect a generous and meaningful commitment to support those displaced by the conflict. Since the full‑scale invasion began, the UK has provided sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their family members.

The Government has been clear from the outset that the Ukraine Schemes are temporary humanitarian routes and do not provide a direct pathway to settlement. This reflects the Ukrainian Government’s strong desire for their citizens to be able to return home when it is safe to do so, in order to contribute to Ukraine’s future recovery. Time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application.

On 24 February, the Government confirmed in Parliament that the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme will be extended for a further 24 months. This provides longer-term temporary certainty for Ukrainians in the UK, meaning they may benefit from up to 3.5 years’ permission under UPE, in addition to any time already granted under the Ukraine Schemes. This extension reaffirms the UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting those displaced by the conflict.

To support a smoother application process, applicants will also be able to apply for further permission within the final 90 days of their current leave, rather than the previous 28‑day period. This will provide greater flexibility and assurance, allowing applicants to secure their future in the UK with confidence and ease.

Ukrainians in the UK under any of the Ukraine Schemes may apply to switch into other immigration routes for which they meet the eligibility and suitability requirements, including work, study, family and private life routes.

The Government will update the relevant GOV.UK pages in due course to reflect the 24‑month extension of the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme. The Immigration Rules and caseworker guidance will be updated in line with the changes as they come into effect.

The Government recognises the importance of providing long‑term certainty for Ukrainians living in the UK beyond the lifetime of UPE. Work is underway across Government on future arrangements, and a further statement setting out the long‑term position will be issued later this year.

The Government continues to keep the Ukraine Schemes and the evolving situation in Ukraine under close and active review.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to publish further information on long-term steps to help support people using the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Ukraine Schemes reflect a generous and meaningful commitment to support those displaced by the conflict. Since the full‑scale invasion began, the UK has provided sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their family members.

The Government has been clear from the outset that the Ukraine Schemes are temporary humanitarian routes and do not provide a direct pathway to settlement. This reflects the Ukrainian Government’s strong desire for their citizens to be able to return home when it is safe to do so, in order to contribute to Ukraine’s future recovery. Time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application.

On 24 February, the Government confirmed in Parliament that the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme will be extended for a further 24 months. This provides longer-term temporary certainty for Ukrainians in the UK, meaning they may benefit from up to 3.5 years’ permission under UPE, in addition to any time already granted under the Ukraine Schemes. This extension reaffirms the UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting those displaced by the conflict.

To support a smoother application process, applicants will also be able to apply for further permission within the final 90 days of their current leave, rather than the previous 28‑day period. This will provide greater flexibility and assurance, allowing applicants to secure their future in the UK with confidence and ease.

Ukrainians in the UK under any of the Ukraine Schemes may apply to switch into other immigration routes for which they meet the eligibility and suitability requirements, including work, study, family and private life routes.

The Government will update the relevant GOV.UK pages in due course to reflect the 24‑month extension of the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme. The Immigration Rules and caseworker guidance will be updated in line with the changes as they come into effect.

The Government recognises the importance of providing long‑term certainty for Ukrainians living in the UK beyond the lifetime of UPE. Work is underway across Government on future arrangements, and a further statement setting out the long‑term position will be issued later this year.

The Government continues to keep the Ukraine Schemes and the evolving situation in Ukraine under close and active review.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress her Department has made on creating a public reporting line for illicit high‑street businesses.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The High Streets Illegality Taskforce is working to develop a strategic long-term policy response to money laundering and associated illegality on UK high streets, including other forms of economic crime, tax evasion, and illegal working, tackling the systemic vulnerabilities that criminals exploit. As part of this work, the Taskforce will consider mechanisms to support effective information flows.

The public can report concerns about illicit high street businesses to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555 111.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes on the importation of illegal drugs into the UK.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

We assess the recent death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes to have limited potential impact on the importation of illegal drugs into the UK.

However, we continue to monitor for potential changes in drug supply, including the potential impact of the related civil unrest in Mexico.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the extension of settlement routes for those on family visas from 6 to 10 years in 2012 on the number of illegal migrants arriving in the UK.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Proposals for introducing an earned settlement model, as set out in the Command Paper “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” (CP1448), were subject to a public consultation, which opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026.

The responses to the consultation are being reviewed and analysed. Implementation of the final earned settlement arrangements will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of excluding Ukraine schemes from counting towards settlement on Ukrainian nationals in the UK.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Ukraine Schemes reflect a generous and meaningful commitment to support those displaced by the conflict. Since the full‑scale invasion began, the UK has provided sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their family members.

The Government has been clear from the outset that the Ukraine Schemes are temporary humanitarian routes and do not provide a direct pathway to settlement. This reflects the Ukrainian Government’s strong desire for their citizens to be able to return home when it is safe to do so, in order to contribute to Ukraine’s future recovery. Time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application.

On 24 February, the Government confirmed in Parliament that the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme will be extended for a further 24 months. This provides longer-term temporary certainty for Ukrainians in the UK, meaning they may benefit from up to 3.5 years’ permission under UPE, in addition to any time already granted under the Ukraine Schemes. This extension reaffirms the UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting those displaced by the conflict.

To support a smoother application process, applicants will also be able to apply for further permission within the final 90 days of their current leave, rather than the previous 28‑day period. This will provide greater flexibility and assurance, allowing applicants to secure their future in the UK with confidence and ease.

Ukrainians in the UK under any of the Ukraine Schemes may apply to switch into other immigration routes for which they meet the eligibility and suitability requirements, including work, study, family and private life routes.

The Government will update the relevant GOV.UK pages in due course to reflect the 24‑month extension of the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme. The Immigration Rules and caseworker guidance will be updated in line with the changes as they come into effect.

The Government recognises the importance of providing long‑term certainty for Ukrainians living in the UK beyond the lifetime of UPE. Work is underway across Government on future arrangements, and a further statement setting out the long‑term position will be issued later this year.

The Government continues to keep the Ukraine Schemes and the evolving situation in Ukraine under close and active review.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applications have been made to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme for children born in the UK to Ukrainian national parents; and what the approval rate has been.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Data on the number of Ukraine Permission Extension visa applications for children born in the UK does not form part of our data sets and is not published.

Obtaining the specific information requested would involve collating and verifying information and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to communicate with Ukraine Permission Extension holders on applying before their permission expires; and how many people have been contacted by (a) email, (b) SMS and (c) post.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The onus is on the applicant to ensure they know the conditions attached to their leave and that they know when to reapply for an extension of that leave. All that information is available on our website and their eVisa.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applications to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme are awaiting a decision.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The data for Ukraine Permission Extension visa applications awaiting a decision can be found on the ‘Visa, Status and Immigration Data table on the following page of Gov.UK Migration transparency data - GOV.UK

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of withdrawing the visa concession for temporary employment as shearers on the welfare of (i) sheep and (ii) alpacas.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

We understand the importance of safe and timely shearing to protect animal welfare. The sheep shearing concession had been operating for 14 years and closed after the 2025 shearing season as it is reasonable to expect that over this period a long-term sustainable solution had been found to identify this workforce gap.

The Government expects the sector to meet these needs through the domestic workforce and individuals with existing general work rights, such as dependants or Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders, who are free to take up work as a sheep or alpaca shearer subject to the relevant visa restrictions.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she made when considering the changes proposed in the Immigration White Paper of the economic contribution of business holders who entered the country on the European Communities Association Agreement route.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Following the end of the EU exit transition period on 31 December 2020, the UK is no longer obliged to provide preferential treatment to Turkish nationals on the basis of the European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA).

The earned settlement model, proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’ (CP 1448), was consulted on between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026. We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any potential exemptions or transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement. Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly. It will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

In the meantime, Appendix ECAA: Extension of Stay and Appendix ECAA Settlement will continue to apply.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether an impact assessment been completed on the potential impact of the changes from the Immigration White Paper on individuals who entered the UK under the European Communities Association Agreement route.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Following the end of the EU exit transition period on 31 December 2020, the UK is no longer obliged to provide preferential treatment to Turkish nationals on the basis of the European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA).

The earned settlement model, proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’ (CP 1448), was consulted on between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026. We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any potential exemptions or transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement. Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly. It will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

In the meantime, Appendix ECAA: Extension of Stay and Appendix ECAA Settlement will continue to apply.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 64 of the Police reform white paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, CP1489, how she plans to ensure that other policing bodies respond to HMICFRS recommendations.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Secretary announced her plans to introduce a local intervention model and new powers for His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to intervene in failing forces in the police reform White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing”, which was published on 26 January.

Under this local intervention model, intervention leads may be appointed to take responsibility for turning around failing forces, providing focused leadership and oversight where local arrangements have failed. This approach has been used successfully in sectors such as local government, health and education to drive rapid improvement and restore public confidence.

In addition, new powers will be introduced to strengthen HMICFRS’ ability to intervene in failing forces and ensure that other policing bodies respond to its recommendations.

We intend to bring forward legislation to introduce both the local intervention model and the new HMICFRS powers when Parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 64 of the Police reform white paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, CP1489, when she plans to give HMICFRS new powers to intervene in failing forces.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Secretary announced her plans to introduce a local intervention model and new powers for His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to intervene in failing forces in the police reform White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing”, which was published on 26 January.

Under this local intervention model, intervention leads may be appointed to take responsibility for turning around failing forces, providing focused leadership and oversight where local arrangements have failed. This approach has been used successfully in sectors such as local government, health and education to drive rapid improvement and restore public confidence.

In addition, new powers will be introduced to strengthen HMICFRS’ ability to intervene in failing forces and ensure that other policing bodies respond to its recommendations.

We intend to bring forward legislation to introduce both the local intervention model and the new HMICFRS powers when Parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 65 of the Police reform white paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, CP1489, when she plans to introduce a local intervention model to policing.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Secretary announced her plans to introduce a local intervention model and new powers for His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to intervene in failing forces in the police reform White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing”, which was published on 26 January.

Under this local intervention model, intervention leads may be appointed to take responsibility for turning around failing forces, providing focused leadership and oversight where local arrangements have failed. This approach has been used successfully in sectors such as local government, health and education to drive rapid improvement and restore public confidence.

In addition, new powers will be introduced to strengthen HMICFRS’ ability to intervene in failing forces and ensure that other policing bodies respond to its recommendations.

We intend to bring forward legislation to introduce both the local intervention model and the new HMICFRS powers when Parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of recent trends in Special Constabulary numbers on diversity and representation within the wider police workforce.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Police forces that reflect the communities they serve are crucial to tackling crime in a modern diverse society. The police have and continue to work hard to improve equality and diversity and the workforce is more representative than ever before.

The Special Constabulary is more ethnically diverse than other parts of the police workforce. As at 31 March 2025, 13% of Specials belong to a Black, Asian, Mixed or Other ethnic group, compared with 8.5% of officers. However, this is still lower than the general population, where 18% of people identify as belonging to a Black, Asian, Mixed or Other ethnic group.

As at 31 March 2025, 25% of special constables were female, compared to 36% of regular officers. We will continue to work with policing partners to improve representation.

The Government’s Police Reform White Paper acknowledges that volunteers bring fresh perspectives, skills and increased diversity into policing and outlines our ambition to grow the number of special constables. This includes working closely with policing to identify ways to improve and streamline recruitment processes and learning from other volunteering models to inform the continued development of police volunteering.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of youth scrutiny panels in improving trust and accountability in the use of stop and search powers; what data her Department has collected on changes in the level of disproportionality following the introduction of such panels; and whether she will publish comparative data across police force areas.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Stop and search is a vital tool for tackling crime, but it must be used fairly and effectively. Trust and accountability in its use are crucial, and the government recognises that youth scrutiny panels can play a positive role in strengthening confidence and transparency.

The Home Office does not collect national level data on how youth scrutiny panels affect disproportionality in stop and search.

However, the Department does publish significant data annually on ethnic disparity rates in stop and search. Black individuals remain 3.8 times more likely to be stopped and searched than White individuals. The government continues to consider a range of tools and approaches that could support further reductions in disproportionality, including the role of youth scrutiny panels.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the oral evidence to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on 3 June 2025, HC 523, what steps her Department has taken with mobile operating system providers to prevent stolen devices from accessing cloud services internationally.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Mobile phone theft causes significant distress to victims and fuels wider criminality, and the Government is determined to reduce it. We recognise the important role that technical solutions, such as options aimed at preventing stolen devices from accessing cloud services, can play in reducing the market value of a stolen device.

The Metropolitan Police Service is currently leading collaboration with technology partners, including mobile operating system providers, to explore the quickest and most effective ways of achieving this. The Home Office is supporting this important collaboration between law enforcement and technology partners.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she will publish the material her Department disclosed to the courts and the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation on Palestine Action.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The material relied upon by the Court in its decision making is referenced throughout the judgment which is publicly available. R (Ammori) v SSHD OPEN Judgment (final)

The open material referred to during the proceedings can be requested from the court in accordance with the Civil Rules on Court documents. PART 5 – COURT DOCUMENTS – Civil Procedure Rules – Justice UK. Any material submitted in closed proceedings is protected by the Justice and Security Act 2013 and will not be disclosed for reasons of national security.

The Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation has access to secret and sensitive national security information in order to carry out his role. He routinely publishes his findings in reports that are available on his website: https://terrorismlegislationreviewer.independent.gov.uk/

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many extradition requests have been a) received and b) accepted, from Category 2 Type B countries since 5th July 2024.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Between 5^th July 2024 until today’s date UK Central Authority (UKCA) in the Home Office received 64 extradition requests from Category 2 Type B countries.

We have understood your request in relation to having been ‘accepted’ as how many cases have been certified under s70 of the Extradition Act 2003 (the ‘Act’). Of the 64 requests received, 56 have been certified to date. Once a request has been certified it is sent to the courts, after which the request is subjected to a largely judicial process.

Please note that all figures are from local management information and have not been quality assured to the level of published National Statistics. As such they should be treated as provisional and therefore subject to change.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of child criminal exploitation on the number of missing children cases; and what steps her Department is taking to improve early intervention.

Answered by Jess Phillips - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to ensuring a robust multiagency response to missing people, including children, and safeguarding them from harm. We recognise that missing episodes, however brief, can often be a red flag for a number of harms including child sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation.

We are determined to work together across government, including with the police and other safeguarding partners, to improve the whole system response to missing individuals and their families. We are introducing a new offence of child criminal exploitation in the Crime and Policing Bill to go after the gangs who are luring young people into violence and crime.

As part of this legislation, we are also delivering new civil preventative orders which will disrupt and prevent child criminal exploitation from occurring or re-occurring. We are also funding the Children’s Society to deliver the Prevention Programme to work with professionals within the private, statutory and third sectors, as well as the general public, to raise awareness and upskills staff to better respond to, disrupt and prevent multiple forms of child exploitation

Each missing child case represents both a vulnerable young person at risk and a family in crisis, often with complex underlying causes that need to be understood and addressed. We are working to support the NPCC and its rollout of its ‘Children who go Missing from Care’ Framework as another vital tool when tackling head-on the underlying vulnerabilities in children that often lead to missing episodes and further strengthening frontline response

The Home Office does not hold information on the average length of time taken is for police forces to find children reported as missing, given the complexities and care different cases require. Where there is a case of a child going missing internationally, the police are able to work with international partners to investigate, including where cases are raised under the Hague Convention.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what arrangements are in place between UK police forces and international partners to assist in locating missing children who may have been taken abroad.

Answered by Jess Phillips - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to ensuring a robust multiagency response to missing people, including children, and safeguarding them from harm. We recognise that missing episodes, however brief, can often be a red flag for a number of harms including child sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation.

We are determined to work together across government, including with the police and other safeguarding partners, to improve the whole system response to missing individuals and their families. We are introducing a new offence of child criminal exploitation in the Crime and Policing Bill to go after the gangs who are luring young people into violence and crime.

As part of this legislation, we are also delivering new civil preventative orders which will disrupt and prevent child criminal exploitation from occurring or re-occurring. We are also funding the Children’s Society to deliver the Prevention Programme to work with professionals within the private, statutory and third sectors, as well as the general public, to raise awareness and upskills staff to better respond to, disrupt and prevent multiple forms of child exploitation

Each missing child case represents both a vulnerable young person at risk and a family in crisis, often with complex underlying causes that need to be understood and addressed. We are working to support the NPCC and its rollout of its ‘Children who go Missing from Care’ Framework as another vital tool when tackling head-on the underlying vulnerabilities in children that often lead to missing episodes and further strengthening frontline response

The Home Office does not hold information on the average length of time taken is for police forces to find children reported as missing, given the complexities and care different cases require. Where there is a case of a child going missing internationally, the police are able to work with international partners to investigate, including where cases are raised under the Hague Convention.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average length of time taken is for police forces to find children reported as missing.

Answered by Jess Phillips - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to ensuring a robust multiagency response to missing people, including children, and safeguarding them from harm. We recognise that missing episodes, however brief, can often be a red flag for a number of harms including child sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation.

We are determined to work together across government, including with the police and other safeguarding partners, to improve the whole system response to missing individuals and their families. We are introducing a new offence of child criminal exploitation in the Crime and Policing Bill to go after the gangs who are luring young people into violence and crime.

As part of this legislation, we are also delivering new civil preventative orders which will disrupt and prevent child criminal exploitation from occurring or re-occurring. We are also funding the Children’s Society to deliver the Prevention Programme to work with professionals within the private, statutory and third sectors, as well as the general public, to raise awareness and upskills staff to better respond to, disrupt and prevent multiple forms of child exploitation

Each missing child case represents both a vulnerable young person at risk and a family in crisis, often with complex underlying causes that need to be understood and addressed. We are working to support the NPCC and its rollout of its ‘Children who go Missing from Care’ Framework as another vital tool when tackling head-on the underlying vulnerabilities in children that often lead to missing episodes and further strengthening frontline response

The Home Office does not hold information on the average length of time taken is for police forces to find children reported as missing, given the complexities and care different cases require. Where there is a case of a child going missing internationally, the police are able to work with international partners to investigate, including where cases are raised under the Hague Convention.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her comments to the BBC on 11 August 2025, whether her Department presented information to the courts during legal proceedings relating to the proscription of Palestine Action on people who are objecting to that proscription because they don't know the full nature of the organisation as a result of court restrictions on reporting while serious prosecutions are under way; and if she will publish this information.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The material relied upon by the Court in its decision making is referenced throughout the judgment which is publicly available here: R (Ammori) v SSHD OPEN Judgment (final)

The open material referred to during the proceedings can be requested from the court in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules on Court documents see: PART 5 – COURT DOCUMENTS – Civil Procedure Rules – Justice UK. Any material submitted in closed proceedings is protected by the Justice and Security Act 2013 and will not be disclosed for reasons of national security. It would not be appropriate to comment further during ongoing legal proceedings.

The Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation has access to secret and sensitive national security information in order to carry out his role. He routinely publishes his findings in reports that are available on his website: https://terrorismlegislationreviewer.independent.gov.uk/

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she made of the potential merits of raising the threat level following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The UK National Threat Level is subject to continuous review and assessment, of which the threat to the UK from all forms of terrorism is currently assessed as SUBSTANTIAL. It is not for the Home Secretary to set the UK National Threat Level. Instead, this is done independently of Government by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), ensuring it accurately reflects the threat of a terrorist attack in the UK.

Separate to the UK National Threat Level, the threat from Iran, and other states, is kept under constant review and we take protection of individuals’ rights, freedoms, and safety in the UK very seriously.

Any attempt by a foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated. Since the start of 2022, the UK has responded to over 20 Iran-backed plots presenting potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents. The Government’s top priority is our national security, and we will continue to use all appropriate tools at our disposal to protect the UK, and its people, from the threats we face.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent progress the Commission for Countering Extremism has made on tackling extremism.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Commission is a non-statutory expert committee of the Home Office, set up to help the Government to understand the scale of extremism in the UK and the wider harms associated with it, beyond radicalisation into terrorism.

The Commission for Countering Extremism has played a key role in the Government’s approach to counter-extremism by providing external challenge and plays a vital role in providing advice to the Government on how to address the challenge posed by extremism and harness innovative thinking around critical issues. It is vital that the Government hears from a range of independent voices that can advise, criticise, and review work on such a crucial issue.

Robin Simcox was appointed as Interim Commissioner for the Commission for Countering Extremism in March 2021. He was appointed as the substantive Commissioner for Countering Extremism in July 2022, for a three-year term. As is usual when public appointments come to an end, Ministers are considering next steps and will update in due course.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the risk to public safety arising from the publication of sensitive information relating to the physical security of properties on local authority planning registers.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to UIN 106884 on 27 January 2026 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department provides funding for (a) police protection and (b) transport for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on protective security arrangements, including funding, as doing so could compromise their integrity and individuals' security.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Royal Protection Officers were assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from 2001 until 2026.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on protective security arrangements, including funding, as doing so could compromise their integrity and individuals' security.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of Report Fraud.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Home Office regularly reviews the performance of Report Fraud to ensure the service is delivering improved outcomes for victims and strengthening the national response to fraud. The new service offers better management information to track and monitor service performance and a new performance dashboard to monitor outcomes and identify emerging fraud threats.

Recent data from the service shows that in December 2025 alone, eleven thousand more calls were answered compared to December 2024.

Furthermore, cases sent to police forces in January 2026 were at a higher level than January 2025. However, data is not yet available on the proportion of these cases sent to forces that are being taken forward by forces for investigation.

Since Report Fraud has gone live in December 2025, the service has been able to assist victims in recovering £1.8 million. Data from Report Fraud in January 2026 alone shows victims had a call satisfaction of 92%, Webchat satisfaction of 100%, and chatbot satisfaction of 90%.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, how many (a) public engagements and (b) private meetings Ministers in their Department have undertaken related to the national conversation on defence and security.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Home Office Ministers have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience, and associated public communications.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack. The Home Office is actively supporting this work.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the UK-UAE Illicit Finance Partnership Agreement.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The UK–UAE Illicit Finance Partnership is overseen at Ministerial level, including through an annual Illicit Finance Ministerial Dialogue which reviews effectiveness.

The UK-UAE Illicit Finance Dialogue in September 2025 was successful in reaffirming both countries' commitment to tackling illicit finance flows, strengthening joint efforts across operational, policy, and strategic outcomes in the Partnership.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to help ensure fraud offences affecting small businesses are properly investigated in Surrey Heath constituency.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Fraud is a serious and growing threat to businesses, including small businesses, and the Government is committed to ensuring that fraud offences are properly investigated and prevented.

The Government has taken steps to ensure that Fraud is reflected in local policing priorities. This includes improving reporting through the new Report Fraud service and strengthening law enforcement capability through the National Fraud Squad.

Police forces in England and Wales will now be assessed on an ongoing basis on their fraud response as part of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy Framework.

The national Stop! Think Fraud campaign, provides practical advice to help people and businesses protect themselves. In addition, we have published a dedicated checklist for small businesses to help small firms reduce their exposure to fraud.

Fraud often begins with a cyber-attack. The Government funds a network of regional Cyber Resilience Centres across England and Wales, which provide trusted, tailored advice and support to businesses.

The Government will soon publish a new Fraud Strategy which will outline further measures to tackle fraud against business.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2026 to Question 107774, if she will publish the specialist advice provided by the National Protective Security Authority and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office on Hostile Vehicle Mitigation.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Comprehensive advice and guidance relating to Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) is freely available online. It can be accessed via the ProtectUK platform (https://www.protectuk.police.uk/hostile-vehicle-mitigation-hvm) or via the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) website https://www.npsa.gov.uk/specialised-guidance/hostile-vehicle-mitigation-hvm

These pages provide information and guidance regarding vehicle borne threats, the wide range of HVM measures available, and provide detailed information regarding operational and technical considerations to reduce vulnerability from vehicle borne threats.

The NPSA website also provides signposting to a suite of HVM products and counter-measures and is kept up to date with best practice advice regarding their deployments and integration into wider protective security considerations.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 44 of the Police reform white paper “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” (CP1489), what is the earliest date by which she plans to stand up a delivery programme equipped to deliver the full suite of mergers by the end of the next Parliament.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

We will imminently launch an Independent Review of Police Structures, which will make recommendations on the optimum number and configuration of police forces across England and Wales and the best approach to implementation.

The Government will subsequently set out its response to the recommendations and identify a pathway for implementing the new force structures, including any opportunities to deliver mergers this Parliament.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the number of volunteer groups that patrol local streets.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government is delivering our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, putting 13,000 additional police personnel into neighbourhood roles, ensuring everyone has a named and contactable officer, enquiries are responded to within 72 hours and officers are conducting visible patrols.

The Government’s Police Reform White Paper announced the most significant reforms to policing in 200 years. We have committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables. We will do this by working with policing to attract new special constables, improving and streamlining the recruitment process and better integrating special constables into wider policing. We would encourage anyone who wishes to give back to their community and support local policing to consider formally volunteering with the police.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had recent discussions with Dorset Police on trends in the number of volunteer groups that patrol local streets.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government is delivering our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, putting 13,000 additional police personnel into neighbourhood roles, ensuring everyone has a named and contactable officer, enquiries are responded to within 72 hours and officers are conducting visible patrols.

The Government’s Police Reform White Paper announced the most significant reforms to policing in 200 years. We have committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables. We will do this by working with policing to attract new special constables, improving and streamlining the recruitment process and better integrating special constables into wider policing. We would encourage anyone who wishes to give back to their community and support local policing to consider formally volunteering with the police.

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Found: In addition to finding in my favour against The Home Office, the PHSO’s own, then named, “Review and

Found: The Home Office agreed to look again at 10 cases we asked it to reconsider and awarded over £400,000

Found: In addition to finding in my favour against The Home Office, the PHSO’s own, then named, “Review and

Found: The Home Office, and The Home Office Oral Evidence

Found: I know I have said this rather often today, but this is a Home Office lead responsibility, rather than

Found: the retail sector HC 355 8th Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage HC 351 7th Asylum accommodation: Home Office

Found: In the light of previous errors and failings (such as the Windrush scandal), is the Home Office capable

Found: In many such cases, the Home Office has subsequently granted further permissions to stay over a number

Found: Arrangements-there are no page numbers) In `AFPTS Annex B- Consultation Questions` it says,`The Home Office

Found: Arrangements-there are no page numbers) In `AFPTS Annex B- Consultation Questions` it says, `The Home Office

Found: Additional Home Office funding supports a new police assessment team to improve intelligence gathering

Found: Additional Home Office funding supports a new police assessment team to improve intelligence gathering

Found: reported to the House for publication: Anonymised (SCS0040) Dr Sofia Collignon (SCS0041) Home Office

Found: There will also be a bureaucratic and financial nightmare for the Home Office with more frequent checks

Found: This means that I have lived experiences of the Home Office processes both for EU nationals and non-EU

Found: , 2025a; Home Office, 2025b; Home Office, 2025c).

Found: impede integration, cause various other problems for migrants, and increase pressure on the UK Home Office

Found: 1.1The Home Office White Paper “Restoring control over the immigration system”, published in May 2025

Found: is to be understood as a synonym for the acquisition of indefinite leave by an individual.10 7 Home Office

Found: Trafficking Guardianship (ICTG) service in Wales & in two-thirds of England on behalf of the Home Office

Found: Regarding the cost of citizenship, the present Home Office Fees should be levelled to the monthly minimum

Found: Transparency of administrative statistics and contemporaneous awareness During 2021–2024, the Home Office

Found: , A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’). 3 Home Office, A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, p. 6. 4 Home Office

Found: The UK Home Office (HO) does not collect ethnicity data for EUSS applicants and records only nationality

Found: her employer suspended her for 3 months without pay, and her supervisor advised her that the Home Office

Found: Additional Home Office funding supports a new police assessment team to improve intelligence gathering

Found: Additional Home Office funding supports a new police assessment team to improve intelligence gathering

Found: We did a piece of work for the Home Office on this.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2026, to Question 108681, on Chinese Embassy: Planning Permission, if he will list each developer or applicant that has been given clarification meetings or pre-application engagement since July 2024.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Since July 2024, officials have undertaken pre-application engagement with:

• a Cross-Whitehall Group that included the Department for Transport, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and HM Revenue & Customs,
• the Home Office, and
• the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

Engagement in these instances related to prospective Crown or Urgent Crown applications, and carried out in accordance with planning propriety guidance.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to the Freedom from violence and abuse volume 2: action plan, published on 18 December 2025, what is the timetable for the cross-departmental team's examination of the recommendations of Baroness Bertin's Independent Pornography Review.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

To address the recommendations of Baroness Bertin’s Review, in December 2025 government announced through the ‘Freedom from Violence and Abuse’ strategy, the creation of a cross-government joint team, to rigorously examine the evidence to inform the government’s approach to pornography policy. The team began work in December 2025, and is formed of the Home Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Ministry of Justice and Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reasons mandatory training for deer management was adopted, in the context of it not being required for other types of game and pest management.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Deer Impacts Policy Statement does not state that mandatory training is required for deer managers.

It outlines that Defra will work with the Home Office and National Police Chief’s Council to explore whether the Guide on Firearms Licensing Law could be amended to encourage police forces to consider requiring that those seeking to use relevant firearms to shoot deer are first able to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in doing so.

It also outlines that Defra will continue to support the England and Wales Best Practice Guides and make funding available for appropriate training, particularly in the case of those seeking to grant support for lethal control of deer.

Demonstration of a minimum level of competence can ensure the safe, humane and effective management of deer, especially by new entrants to the sector. This includes the ability to identify deer species, understand their biology, and ensure that shots are correctly placed, benefiting deer welfare and quality wild venison production. Public safety must also be considered. It can also can ensure an understanding of legislation.

The Deer Act 1991 (as amended) governs the time of year (and day) when deer can be lethally controlled and also the firearm/ammunition combination that must be used to achieve this. Where licensing is required to permit activities that would otherwise be prohibited such as night shooting, minimum thresholds with regard to the experience and competencies of those applying are required to ensure humane, effective and safe deer control.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what mandatory training is required for deer managers in order to adhere to the Deer Impacts Policy Statement.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Deer Impacts Policy Statement does not state that mandatory training is required for deer managers.

It outlines that Defra will work with the Home Office and National Police Chief’s Council to explore whether the Guide on Firearms Licensing Law could be amended to encourage police forces to consider requiring that those seeking to use relevant firearms to shoot deer are first able to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in doing so.

It also outlines that Defra will continue to support the England and Wales Best Practice Guides and make funding available for appropriate training, particularly in the case of those seeking to grant support for lethal control of deer.

Demonstration of a minimum level of competence can ensure the safe, humane and effective management of deer, especially by new entrants to the sector. This includes the ability to identify deer species, understand their biology, and ensure that shots are correctly placed, benefiting deer welfare and quality wild venison production. Public safety must also be considered. It can also can ensure an understanding of legislation.

The Deer Act 1991 (as amended) governs the time of year (and day) when deer can be lethally controlled and also the firearm/ammunition combination that must be used to achieve this. Where licensing is required to permit activities that would otherwise be prohibited such as night shooting, minimum thresholds with regard to the experience and competencies of those applying are required to ensure humane, effective and safe deer control.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her department is taking to ensure telecommunications providers take responsibility for preventing scam calling.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Tackling fraud is a priority for this Government. We are working closely with industry, and on 5 November 2025 published the second Telecommunications Fraud Sector Charter. This includes actions to help strengthen trust in voice communications particularly the spoofing of UK numbers and by improving security, traceability and reliability of calls.

On 9 March, the Home Office published its new Fraud Strategy which sets out how the Government will work with all partners, including law enforcement and industry, to make the UK a much harder place for criminals to operate. As part of the Strategy, we are establishing a new Online Crime Centre. From April 2026 the police, GCHQ, banks, telecommunications and tech firms will work in one place to drive the response to online fraud.

Government also works closely with Ofcom, the independent regulator, who have a duty to protect consumers and to ensure that UK numbers are not misused. Ofcom has made several changes in recent years to help reduce scams, including since January 2025 Ofcom has required operators to block scam calls from abroad which present as a UK numbers.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many people have contacted her Department, including for consular assistance, because they or their family members are unable to travel to the UK following the changes to immigration rules for dual nationals that came into effect on 25 February 2025.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Immigration rules are a matter for the Home Office. Our records show that Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Consular Contact Centre have passed 6,097 enquiries related to these changes to the Home Office since September 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to review the annual cap of 1,350 Commonwealth recruits, in light of continued high demand from eligible applicants across the Commonwealth.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service.

The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review.

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens.

There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs.

Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the application windows for Commonwealth citizens seeking to join the Armed Forces are closed in some services; and when those windows will reopen.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service.

The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review.

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens.

There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs.

Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to encourage and support Commonwealth citizens to join the Armed Forces.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service.

The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review.

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens.

There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs.

Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to review eligibility and residency requirements for Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces, particularly in relation to security vetting and immigration conditions.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service.

The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review.

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens.

There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs.

Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of temporary recruitment pauses for Commonwealth citizens on staffing levels in the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service.

The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review.

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens.

There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs.

Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 28 January 2026 to Questions 107021 on Housing: Asylum, if he will publish any prospectus and bidding document given to local authorities in relation to the new asylum accommodation programmes and associated pilots.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Details of the MHCLG asylum accommodation programme have not yet been finalised and no prospectus has been provided to local authorities.

The MHCLG fund is distinct from Home Office-led reforms to the asylum estate.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many staff in his Department are reliant on a visa for employment.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

There are 70 members of staff in the Department that hold a visa which permits them to work in the United Kingdom.

This figure includes staff on work and other visa routes. It does not include individuals granted pre or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

All staff are required to demonstrate a valid right to work in accordance with Home Office requirements.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the estimated number of miscarriages, (2) the estimated number of stillbirths, (3) the number of police investigations relating to miscarriages, and (4) the number of police investigations relating to stillbirths, for each of the last 10 years for which data are available.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Research estimates that 15.3% of recognised pregnancies end in miscarriage, a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks completed gestation, which is the equivalent to approximately 100,000 miscarriages in England each year. However, due to lack of data on the earliest losses, the true figure could be higher.

Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK (MBRRACE-UK) perinatal mortality surveillance reports the number of stillbirths, babies delivered at or after 24 completed weeks’ gestational age showing no signs of life, irrespective of when the death occurred, and excluding terminations of pregnancy. The following table shows stillbirth numbers in England from 2014 to 2023 inclusive:

The Home Office does not collect information centrally on police investigations into miscarriages or stillbirths. However, the Home Office does collect and publish figures on the number of criminal offences of ‘procuring illegal abortion’ and ‘intentional destruction of a viable unborn child’ recorded by police in England and Wales. However, it is neither possible to identify what prompted an investigation that led to a crime being recorded, nor the number of investigations that resulted in a decision not to record a crime.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of online safety and content moderation standards on social media platforms, including Snapchat and TikTok, particularly in relation to violent content.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Online Safety Act requires companies to tackle illegal content, including content inciting violence. They must also protect children from certain forms of legal violent content, including content depicting or encouraging serious violence. Ofcom has robust enforcement powers to ensure platforms comply with these duties.

My department is working with Ofcom and the Home Office to monitor how often violent and illegal content is encountered across all major social media platforms, and the impact this has on users, especially children. We are keeping our online safety regime under constant review and we will act where evidence shows further intervention is necessary.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will consider proscribing the IRGC.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Decisions on proscription are a matter for the Home Office.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the forthcoming review of pornography regulation will consider any inconsistencies between online and offline regulation in restricting children’s access to sexually explicit material.

Answered by Alex Davies-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

On 9 December 2025, during the House of Lords Committee Stage debate on the Crime and Policing Bill, the Government announced that it would accept, in part, one of the recommendations from Baroness Bertin’s Independent Review on Pornography, namely recommendation 24 which says:

‘The current criminal justice response is ineffective in tackling illegal pornography online. Government should conduct its own legislative review of this regime to ensure that legislation and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance is fit-for-purpose in tackling illegal pornography in the online world.’

The Government will be reviewing the criminal law relating to pornography, which will give an opportunity to look at the criminal law in this area holistically and consider whether it is fit for purpose in an ever-developing online world. We have accepted in part because the Government cannot accept the recommendation to review CPS guidance. As the CPS is independent, whether to conduct a review of guidance would be a matter for them to decide.

The review will be conducted by the Ministry of Justice. As the review is focused on the criminal law on pornography, it will not appraise the effectiveness of age-verification, age-assurance methods or regulation, which are outside of the scope of the criminal legislation the Ministry of Justice will be reviewing. A Joint Team has been set up, across the Home Office, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to rigorously examine the evidence to address the issues from the Pornography Review. It will examine the evidence to inform the Government’s approach to pornography policy.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the forthcoming review of the criminal law relating to pornography will assess the effectiveness of current a) age-verification and b) age-assurance measures in preventing children from accessing online pornography.

Answered by Alex Davies-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

On 9 December 2025, during the House of Lords Committee Stage debate on the Crime and Policing Bill, the Government announced that it would accept, in part, one of the recommendations from Baroness Bertin’s Independent Review on Pornography, namely recommendation 24 which says:

‘The current criminal justice response is ineffective in tackling illegal pornography online. Government should conduct its own legislative review of this regime to ensure that legislation and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance is fit-for-purpose in tackling illegal pornography in the online world.’

The Government will be reviewing the criminal law relating to pornography, which will give an opportunity to look at the criminal law in this area holistically and consider whether it is fit for purpose in an ever-developing online world. We have accepted in part because the Government cannot accept the recommendation to review CPS guidance. As the CPS is independent, whether to conduct a review of guidance would be a matter for them to decide.

The review will be conducted by the Ministry of Justice. As the review is focused on the criminal law on pornography, it will not appraise the effectiveness of age-verification, age-assurance methods or regulation, which are outside of the scope of the criminal legislation the Ministry of Justice will be reviewing. A Joint Team has been set up, across the Home Office, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to rigorously examine the evidence to address the issues from the Pornography Review. It will examine the evidence to inform the Government’s approach to pornography policy.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when his Department expects to publish the review of pornography regulation announced in the House of Lords on 10 December 2025.

Answered by Alex Davies-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

On 9 December 2025, during the House of Lords Committee Stage debate on the Crime and Policing Bill, the Government announced that it would accept, in part, one of the recommendations from Baroness Bertin’s Independent Review on Pornography, namely recommendation 24 which says:

‘The current criminal justice response is ineffective in tackling illegal pornography online. Government should conduct its own legislative review of this regime to ensure that legislation and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance is fit-for-purpose in tackling illegal pornography in the online world.’

The Government will be reviewing the criminal law relating to pornography, which will give an opportunity to look at the criminal law in this area holistically and consider whether it is fit for purpose in an ever-developing online world. We have accepted in part because the Government cannot accept the recommendation to review CPS guidance. As the CPS is independent, whether to conduct a review of guidance would be a matter for them to decide.

The review will be conducted by the Ministry of Justice. As the review is focused on the criminal law on pornography, it will not appraise the effectiveness of age-verification, age-assurance methods or regulation, which are outside of the scope of the criminal legislation the Ministry of Justice will be reviewing. A Joint Team has been set up, across the Home Office, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to rigorously examine the evidence to address the issues from the Pornography Review. It will examine the evidence to inform the Government’s approach to pornography policy.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a) enhanced lighting and b) CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of freight crimes reported in the last 12 months occurred at secure lorry parks.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the availability of secure lorry parks on freight crime levels.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of freight crime over the last five years.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to Answer of 26 February 2026 to Question 115137, how many new secure HGV parking spaces have been delivered in each region of England since 2022.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent data her Department holds on levels of freight crime affecting HGV drivers.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not assessed the impact of secure lorry parking or enhanced lighting and CCTV at lorry parks on levels of freight crime.

The 2022 survey of HGV parking in England identified a lack of security measures and secure parking as a priority for drivers. This informed the design of the Lorry Parking and Driver Welfare Match Funding Grant Scheme which included funding for security measures such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. A new National Lorry Parking Survey is currently underway to provide up to date evidence on the availability, security and quality of lorry parking in England and by region.

Transport Focus published a survey of HGV drivers in December 2025 which found that visible security measures are a priority for drivers and support both vehicle security and driver welfare.

Crime recording is a matter for the Home Office. Police‑recorded crime data does not separately identify freight crime or its location, therefore no assessment can be done on the number of incidents at secure lorry parks or analysis of trends over time. However, a Home Office pilot of a flag to improve the identification of freight‑related offences is underway with a small number of police forces.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), publish data on HGV and cargo related crime notifications received from police forces and members as follows:

DfT officials have worked with NaVCIS to identify areas of high HGV and cargo related crimes. This unpublished analysis is supporting future policy development.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to strengthen the regulatory powers of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to tackle (a) number plate cloning and (b) the use of ghost plates.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the decentralised number plate supplier registration model on the effective operation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has held with the Home Office on a whole-system review of vehicle registration mark security to address organised crime.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has assessed the potential merits of updating legislation to help ensure the vehicle registration system remains adequate and compatible with contemporary digital technology.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential for a self-funding regulatory model for number plate suppliers to increase the frequency of enforcement audits.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the current number plate supplier registration framework in providing sufficient audit capability to prevent misuse.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the current fee structure for number plate supplier registration in providing resources for enforcement activity.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are considering options to ensure a more robust and auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) process which would enable more stringent checks on suppliers. This includes consideration of the relevant legislation, fees, structure, resources and funding to help ensure sufficient auditing capability.

The DVLA is also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other government departments to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime. This includes options for making number plates more secure. The Department and the DVLA acknowledge the impact illegal number plates have on law enforcement and the effectiveness of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

The Home Office is responsible for the national ANPR service and issues guidance on its use as part of the national ANPR standards for policing and law enforcement. Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the impacts on ANPR operations.

The Government published its Road Safety Strategy on 7 January, setting out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department has published a consultation which seeks views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect/altered/false number plate. Further consideration to potential changes will be given following the consultation.

The DVLA continually seeks opportunities to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to innovate and enhance its digital services. The DVLA is currently consider the requirement for legislative amendments which may be needed to facilitate updates and improvements to vehicle services.

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