Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason the funding for Bedfordshire Police’s pilot scheme with Palantir, Project Nectar, was ended.

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

Project Nectar was a pilot that explored the use of advanced data federation and analytics technologies to support operational policing. Bedfordshire Police has publicly reported that, during the trial, the platform reduced the time taken to complete certain safeguarding processes, including Clare's Law checks and referrals relating to at-risk children. As a result of these benefits, Bedfordshire Police continue to invest both locally and regionally in this technology.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many dogs alleged to be prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 were in kennels awaiting (a) assessment and (b) court determination at the last date for which information is available; and what the average daily cost to the public purse is per dog.

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

Kennelling arrangements and associated costs are matters for individual police forces who may collect this data.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of the Metropolitan Police Service’s procedures for investigating allegations of rape and serious sexual offences where investigations remain ongoing for more than (a) 12 months, (b) 24 months and (c) 36 months.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance is issued to police forces on notifying victims of rape and serious sexual offences when a suspect’s pre-charge bail conditions (a) expire, (b) are varied and (c) are removed; and what mechanisms are in place to monitor compliance with that guidance.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what mechanisms are in place to identify and investigate cases in which police failures to progress investigations have contributed to substantial delays in decisions on whether to prosecute allegations of rape and serious sexual offences.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of police procedures for investigating allegations involving both rape and other serious sexual offences; and what steps are being taken to ensure that such cases are appropriately prioritised.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance is issued to police forces on maintaining accurate audit trails of (a) evidence submissions to the Crown Prosecution Service, (b) supervisory decisions, (c) case progression and (d) communications with victims in rape and serious sexual offence investigations.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that victims of rape and serious sexual offences receive timely and accurate updates on the progress of police investigations, including where cases are awaiting decisions from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to help ensure that victims of rape and serious sexual offences can obtain personal data held by police forces relating to the handling of their investigations within statutory time limits.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of safeguarding arrangements for victims of rape and serious sexual offences where suspects are released under investigation without bail conditions.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what was the longest processing time for an asylum claim in the last five years.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the 'Immigration System Statistics' and the ‘Migration Transparency Data’ releases.

Data on the number of asylum claims awaiting an initial decision by duration is published in table Asy_D03 of the ‘Asylum claims and decisions detailed datasets’ and data on the percentage of applications processed within 6 months is published in table ASY_01 of the ‘Immigration and Protection data’. For further information on the data, see the notes pages of the tables. As at 30 June 2026, 11,014 people had been awaiting an initial decision for over a year.

Data on longest processing times is not published. Official statistics published by the Home Office are kept under review in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics, taking into account a number of factors including user needs, the resources required to compile the statistics, as well as quality and availability of data.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 9 October 2026 to Question 22075 on Asylum: Finance, whether empty homes will be used and re-purposed to provide asylum accommodation for this programme.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office is working across government to explore innovative models of asylum accommodation that achieve value for money and support asylum system reform and further detail will be provided in due course. New council housing will not be used by asylum seekers under any circumstances.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to lay the changes to the Immigration Rules setting out how sponsor human rights claims are to be made; and whether they will be laid before the Report stage of the Immigration and Asylum Bill.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The changes to the Immigration Rules which will set out the procedural requirements for sponsor human rights claims will not be laid before Report Stage of the Immigration and Asylum Bill.

We will set out our plan for laying the relevant Immigration Rules in due course.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many times in 2025 she gave consent under section 85(5) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 for the Tribunal to consider a new matter in an appeal.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

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

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her department will list the waiting times for asylum decisions to be made, from longest to shortest, in the past two years.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the 'Immigration System Statistics' and the ‘Migration Transparency Data’ releases.

Data on the number of asylum claims awaiting an initial decision by duration is published in table Asy_D03 of the ‘Asylum claims and decisions detailed datasets’ and data on the percentage of applications processed within 6 months is published in table ASY_01 of the ‘Immigration and Protection data’. For further information on the data, see the notes pages of the tables.

Data on waiting times from longest to shortest is not published. Official statistics published by the Home Office are kept under review in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics, taking into account a number of factors including user needs, the resources required to compile the statistics, as well as quality and availability of data.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department during the debate on MOD Bicester and Illegal Migrants on 14 October 2026, whether the environmental impact assessment referred to was a full environmental impact assessment; and if she will publish that assessment.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The assessment referred to was an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening exercise, rather than a full Environmental Impact Assessment.

On 26 August 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government issued a screening direction under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, determining that the proposed development is not an EIA development. A full Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Statement were therefore not required.

The screening direction and supporting information has been published as part of the planning process.

No final decision has been taken on the future use of MOD Bicester Site A.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Technical Specialists continue to review asylum cases before decision in cases where an Asylum Case Summarisation summary has been produced.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

Our processes are underpinned by a robust framework of safeguards and quality checks, ensuring that claims are properly considered, decisions are sound, and protection is granted to those who genuinely need it.

Technical Specialists carry out quality assurance dip sampling on asylum decisions monthly. If an Asylum Case Summary has been produced, Technical Specialists would read the summary, along with all other documents used in the consideration of the claim.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many grants of leave were made on the basis of Article 3 of the ECHR on medical grounds in each of the last three years; and what assessment she has made of the potential effect of Part 2 of the Immigration and Asylum Bill on the number of Article 3 claims.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office does not publish data on the number of grants of leave made on the basis of Article 3 of the ECHR. It may be raised in a range of applications, including protection claims or human rights claims.

Article 3 of the ECHR prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It is an absolute right, meaning it cannot be balanced against the public interest, national security concerns, criminality or immigration control objectives.

Article 8, relating to family and private life, addresses a different Convention right. It is a qualified right and is therefore subject to different legal thresholds. The reforms in Part 2 in the Immigration and Asylum Bill will strengthen the public interest test under Article 8.

They do not lower the extremely high threshold that must be met to engage Article 3 nor translate to the same considerations under Article 3. As a result, we do not expect the Article 8 reforms to generate a corresponding impact increase in successful Article 3 claims

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that Applications for Refugee Reunion are receiving a decision within 12 months.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

This Government recognises the importance of family unity but we also have a responsibility to ensure that family migration is fair, controlled and sustainable.

Appendix Family Reunion remained open to applications until 15:00 on 4 September 2025, at which point the suspension took effect. Thereafter, applicants had 240 days to attend a Visa Application Centre to enrol their biometrics and complete their applications for consideration. Accordingly, applications under the route continued to be received for consideration until 2 May 2026.

GOV.UK notes that applications should be decided within 12 months, although this timescale will have commenced from whenever biometrics were enrolled.

Consideration of outstanding applications, including those subject to appeal, will continue in accordance with the rules in force prior to the suspension taking effect. Priority for consideration is accorded to all Appendix Family Reunion applications submitted by unaccompanied children under the age of 18.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish the amount her Department has spent on Ministry of Defence accommodation in the last five years, listed by year.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

Asylum support spend on all accommodation, including ex-military large sites, is included within the Home Office’s published Annual Report and Accounts. As part of a Government Major Programme, the costs of asylum accommodation are also included in regular updates alongside all other Government Major Programmes.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum interviews were postponed on medical grounds in 2025-26.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The information requested is not held in a reportable format and could only be obtained through examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to release the data referenced in and arising from the Information Commissioner Office’s ruling on 6 January (IC-373043-K8S7) on foreign national offenders and their deportation status.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

In response to the Information Commissioner’s Office ruling of 6 January (IC-373043-K8S7), a fresh response providing the data originally requested was released to the requester on 5 February 2026 under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Hanson of Flint on 8 July (HL Deb col 205), what progress they have made in discussions with the government of Pakistan; and what options are under review in respect of visa issuance.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Government continues to engage closely with the Government of Pakistan on migration matters, including those of interest to the wider public. We are clear that those with no right to remain in the United Kingdom should be returned, and we will continue to work with international partners to achieve this.

Regarding Visa Issuance, the Government keeps all appropriate options under review and will take action where necessary. Decisions on the operation of the visa system are taken in accordance with the Immigration Rules and applicable legal framework.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce domestic violence with knives.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

'Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls', sets out a range of commitments to tackle domestic abuse, including:

• Investing £13.9 million this year into the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection to strengthen the police response to VAWG crimes.

• Rolling out Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to all police forces and courts across England and Wales. These cover all forms of domestic abuse and can impose tougher restrictions on perpetrators.

In April, the government published the Halving Knife Crime Plan, which sets out how we will use all available levers across government to halve knife crime within a decade. The Plan combines early intervention, targeted prevention and robust enforcement, including over £66 million for Serious Violence Reduction Programmes in 2026/27. Through the Serious Violence Duty, local partners must work together to prevent serious violence, with local strategies considering domestic abuse.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what criteria her department is using to decide which police forces to allocate the proposed additional 13,000 officers to.

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

All 43 forces in England and Wales are supporting delivery of the Government’s commitment to provide 13,000 additional neighbourhood policing personnel by the end of this Parliament.

As at 31 March 2026, we have delivered 3,814 additional police officers and PCSOs into neighbourhood roles. This exceeded the Year 1 target of 3,000 additional neighbourhood policing personnel compared to March 2025.

Further details on neighbourhood policing workforce growth can be found here:

Police workforce, England and Wales: 31 March 2026 - GOV.UK

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the National and International Capital City Grant.

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

This government provided the first uplift to the National and International Capital City Grant in six years at the 2025-26 Police Funding Settlement, an increase of £63.3m.

The 2026-27 final Police Funding Settlement allocated £255.2 million for the NICC grant. Future police funding allocations will be confirmed at the 2027-28 Police Funding Settlement in the usual way.

The MPS received £4 billion for policing in London in 26-27, and is the highest funded police force per head of population in England and Wales.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she is on track to meet her target of delivering 13,000 new police officers.

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

As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, the Government has committed to delivering 13,000 additional neighbourhood policing personnel by the end of this Parliament.

By March 2026, forces had delivered 3,814 additional police officers and PCSOs into neighbourhood roles compared with the March 2025 baseline, exceeding the 2025/26 target of 3,000. We are building on that progress in 2026/27, with total growth expected to reach 4,750 additional personnel by March 2027.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers are trained in Respect Orders in each police force across the UK.

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

Respect Orders commenced on 26 October across England and Wales. The Home Office does not centrally hold data on the number of police officers trained in the use of Respect Orders in each police force in England and Wales.

Updated statutory guidance on anti-social behaviour was published by this Government on 6 October 2026, ahead of the commencement of Respect Orders on 26 October. The guidance provides police, local authorities, housing providers and other practitioners with clear operational guidance on the use of the strengthened anti-social behaviour framework, including Respect Orders.

Additionally, the College of Policing chaired knowledge sharing events prior to the rollout of Respect Orders, enabling police officers to familiarise themselves with the legislative change before commencement.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 24 September 2026 to Question 20415 on Home Office: Greenpeace, for what reason does her Department not engage with Greenpeace.

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

The Home Office does not have a policy of non-engagement with Greenpeace.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hanson of Flint on 30 June (HL1012), what was the total amount of payments made to Breakthrough Media by the Home Office’s research, information and communications unit since 2016.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office has previously contracted with a range of suppliers to support communications and research activity, in line with government commercial processes.

Information on individual contracts is published in line with transparency requirements, including on Contracts Finder and through departmental transparency releases.

The Home Office no longer holds a contract with Breakthrough Media.

We do not provide a consolidated, unit-level breakdown of payments to individual suppliers.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 29 June 2026 to Question 12256, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and the Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Bred, Supplied or Used for Scientific Purposes in maintaining high standards of animal welfare.

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

The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and the Code of Practice provide the statutory framework for protecting the welfare of animals bred, supplied or used for scientific purposes. Licensed establishments must comply with the Act, their licence conditions and the Code’s mandatory standards for animal care and accommodation. Compliance is assessed through regulatory oversight, including announced and unannounced audits, with powers to vary, suspend or revoke licences where appropriate.

The updated Code, published in March 2026, clarified the mandatory standards and removed references that were no longer current. These mandatory requirements are distinct from non-statutory advice, which remains available separately to support establishments in meeting and exceeding those standards.

Under the statutory principles of replacement, reduction and refinement, licence holders must use scientifically satisfactory non-animal methods wherever possible, use no more animals than necessary and select methods that minimise harm, updating their practices as suitable new methods become available. In addition to these protections, the Government’s Replacing Animals in Science strategy aims to accelerate the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods.

Maintaining high standards also requires arrangements that can respond to improvements in welfare practice. The Animals in Science Committee’s report, Strengthening leading practice in the animals in science sector, recommends a framework through which sufficiently evidenced improvements in animal welfare practice can become the expected standard. The Government’s response, published on 6 October 2026, sets out how it intends to take forward those recommendations.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of the proposed National Police Service and its procurement functions establishing a national minimum standard for the provision of automated external defibrillators in operational police response vehicles.

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

The Home Office recognises the important role police officers can play when they are first on the scene of a medical emergency, including suspected cardiac arrests. Police officers are trained to provide emergency first aid and CPR until specialist medical assistance arrives. Presently, the procurement and deployment of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for police vehicles is an operational matter for individual chief officers and police forces.

We expect procurement functions will transition into the National Police Service (NPS) as part of its phased implementation, facilitating national procurement of technologies. The onset of these functions is subject to further design and transition planning.

The Home Office is working with policing and external partners in health, other emergency services and the private sector to determine the policy position and potential procurement options for a national minimum standard of provision of defibrillators in police vehicles under the powers of the NPS once established. Any introduction of such standards will require careful consideration of policing’s primary function in tackling crime and capacity to take on additional first response health activities.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) announced and (b) unannounced audits the Animals in Science Regulation Unit has carried out at MBR Acres, Wyton, during this Parliament.

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

During this Parliament, the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) has carried out two announced audits and one unannounced audit at MBR Acres, Wyton.

The announced audits took place in November 2025 and July 2026. The unannounced audit took place in September 2026.

ASRU determines the nature and frequency of its programme of audits of licensed establishments using a risk-based approach.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that enforcement operations against organised crime on the high street are coordinated with local authority regeneration programmes to support the return of affected premises to legitimate commercial use.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The Home Office fully recognises the importance of closure powers in tackling high street illegality and is already taking steps to strengthen the regime through doubling the duration of closures orders to a maximum of 12 months. We are aware of the risk of displacement and criminals’ ability to adapt and move their activity elsewhere. The High Street Organised Crime Unit is therefore working closely with all relevant departments and agencies to maximise existing tools and continues to explore options for additional measures to further clamp down on these criminals and protect our high streets.

Tackling organised crime and supporting the regeneration of town centres are complementary objectives and the Home Office is working closely with MHCLG and local partners as part of the Government's wider ambitions for thriving high streets, which will be set out further in our High Streets Strategy.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the extent to which organised criminal groups operating through high street businesses relocate to alternative premises following the execution of closure orders.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The Home Office fully recognises the importance of closure powers in tackling high street illegality and is already taking steps to strengthen the regime through doubling the duration of closures orders to a maximum of 12 months. We are aware of the risk of displacement and criminals’ ability to adapt and move their activity elsewhere. The High Street Organised Crime Unit is therefore working closely with all relevant departments and agencies to maximise existing tools and continues to explore options for additional measures to further clamp down on these criminals and protect our high streets.

Tackling organised crime and supporting the regeneration of town centres are complementary objectives and the Home Office is working closely with MHCLG and local partners as part of the Government's wider ambitions for thriving high streets, which will be set out further in our High Streets Strategy.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many project licence applications returned by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit between 1 January 2026 and 30 September 2026 were subsequently granted with (a) a reduction in the number of animals, (b) a change of species, (c) a reduction in the severity classification of procedures, and (d) the replacement of some procedures with non-animal methods.

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

Based on information recorded in the e‑licensing system, project licence applications were returned to applicants on 757 occasions between 1 January and 30 September 2026 for clarification, amendment or further information. This figure counts occasions on which applications were returned, rather than the number of distinct applications.

Eight project licence applications were withdrawn by applicants during this period. All eight had been submitted before 2026.

Information on changes made during assessment is held in individual application records, but is not collated centrally. The Home Office therefore does not hold a central breakdown of applications subsequently granted with reductions in animal numbers, changes of species, reductions in the severity classification of procedures, or replacement of procedures with non-animal methods.

The Government will report in due course on progress against the targets for replacing animal use set out in its Replacing Animals in Science strategy.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers were employed by Suffolk Constabulary between (a) 2019 and July 2024 and (b) July 2024 and the most recent date for which figures are available.

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

The Home Office collects and publishes data on the size of the police workforce in England and Wales, on a bi-annual basis, as at 31 March and 30 September each year in the ‘Police Workforce, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-workforce-england-and-wales.

Data for this release is collected at Police Force Area (PFA) level as a snapshot at 31 March and 30 September only. As such, data for Suffolk in July 2024 is not available.

The latest information covers the situation as at 31 March 2026. Information on the number of police officers broken down by PFA, at the end of each financial year (31 March) from 2007 to 2026 can be found in the ‘Police Workforce Open Data Table’ here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a58d48c7eb057103bd945ba/open-data-table-police-workforce-220726.ods.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that services for parents commissioned by Violence Reduction Units are delivered through Family Hubs.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) work with local partners to understand and address the drivers of serious violence in their communities and deliver locally tailored strategies and interventions.

Decisions on how services are commissioned and delivered, including support for parents and families, are best made locally to ensure they reflect local context and meet the needs of individual communities.

Family Hubs may form part of this local delivery landscape, and we would encourage this join up where appropriate, but there is no specific requirement for relevant delivery to be made through them.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many individuals have been prosecuted in the UK for involvement in illegal migrant smuggling gangs since July 2024.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The information requested on those identified as being prosecuted in the UK for involvement in illegal migrant smuggling gangs is not currently available from published statistics.

The Government is committed to tackling the organised criminal gangs responsible for facilitating illegal migration. The latest published data shows that there were at least 1,900 arrests relating to organised immigration crime between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, of which at least 1,700 were made by UK law enforcement. Further information on organised immigration crime enforcement activity is published on GOV.UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of reducing the review period of visa brakes for student visa applicants from Cameroon, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Myanmar from 18 months to 12 months.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The visa brake for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan will be reviewed by the Home Office 18 months after imposition to enable a full consideration of the impact the visa brake has had on the number of asylum claims emanating from affected cohorts against broader asylum trends.

The brake will only be lifted once the government assesses it appropriate to do so and it is clear that there has been a reduction in the risk of high proportions of visa-linked asylum claims recommencing on these routes from these nationalities.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of exempting Chevening Scholars from the visa brakes for student visa applicants from Cameroon, Afghanistan, Sudan and Myanmar.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Government places significant value on Chevening. However, although the terms and conditions of the Chevening Scholarship require scholars to return home for at least two years following the completion of courses, there is evidence of asylum claims made by Chevening scholars from each of the affected nationalities in recent years. Given the continued asylum risk, the Government would consider it unfair to that introduce exceptions from the visa brakes for Chevening scholars of these nationalities, and we have no current plans to do so.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which metrics and thresholds will be used when reviewing the visa brakes introduced for student visa applicants from Cameroon, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Myanmar.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The visa brake for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan will be reviewed by the Home Office 18 months after imposition to enable a full consideration of the impact the visa brake has had on the number of asylum claims emanating from affected cohorts against broader asylum trends.

The brake will only be lifted once the government assesses it appropriate to do so and it is clear that there has been a reduction in the risk of high proportions of visa-linked asylum claims recommencing on these routes from these nationalities.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to re-start ministerial drop-ins to raise urgent casework.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Ministerial casework surgeries are held regularly.

Urgent casework can also be raised with the Department at any time through either the MP Urgent Inbox or directly with Home Office Ministers.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of existing powers to take enforcement action against individuals who repeatedly establish businesses involved in illicit trading under different company identities.

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

The Government is cracking down on company directors who abuse the system with the Abusive Phoenixism Taskforce announced in the November 2025 Budget. The Insolvency Service, Companies House and HMRC are working in partnership to identify and act against directors who use successive companies to avoid debts and sanctions, ensuring they cannot resurface and continue trading under new entities. We are also reforming Companies House, with new mandatory identity verification for directors, tighter controls on who can file company information, and enhanced data-sharing will help to identify and act on criminals including those abusing our high streets.

As part of the work of the High Street Organised Crime Unit we are exploring options to make it harder for criminal enterprises to set up on the high street. This includes considering the role of landlords, who are uniquely placed to help in the prevention and detection of crime, whilst recognising that in some cases, landlords might be complicit in high street illegality.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has considered reforms to commercial tenancy registration and landlord transparency as part of its work to tackle organised crime on the high street.

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

The Government is cracking down on company directors who abuse the system with the Abusive Phoenixism Taskforce announced in the November 2025 Budget. The Insolvency Service, Companies House and HMRC are working in partnership to identify and act against directors who use successive companies to avoid debts and sanctions, ensuring they cannot resurface and continue trading under new entities. We are also reforming Companies House, with new mandatory identity verification for directors, tighter controls on who can file company information, and enhanced data-sharing will help to identify and act on criminals including those abusing our high streets.

As part of the work of the High Street Organised Crime Unit we are exploring options to make it harder for criminal enterprises to set up on the high street. This includes considering the role of landlords, who are uniquely placed to help in the prevention and detection of crime, whilst recognising that in some cases, landlords might be complicit in high street illegality.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with (a) Ofcom and (b) mobile network operators on establishing a national protocol to immediately suspend or block mobile telephone numbers that have been identified as having been fraudulently transferred between providers; and whether she plans to take steps to require all mobile network operators to participate in a coordinated system to prevent the continued use of stolen numbers for identity theft, fraud and unauthorised financial transactions while ownership is being verified.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

As Minister for Economic Crime, Lord Hanson regularly meets with Ofcom and mobile network operators to discuss the identification, prevention and disruption of telecoms-enabled fraud. The Government is working closely with the telecoms industry, law enforcement and Ofcom to deliver the actions in the Telecoms Fraud Charter to strengthen the identification and disruption of telecoms fraud, including closer data sharing across the telecommunications, banking and technology sectors.

In July 2026, the Government also launched two Calls for Evidence, one on criminals accessing numbers to commit scam calls at scale, and another on well unauthorised fraud. The Government is now reviewing responses to both Calls for Evidence.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will place China on the foreign interference registration scheme enhanced tier in the context of the M15 Security Service Espionage Alert on the China General Technology Research Institute of 30 September 2026.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

As set out in the National Security Act 2023, the Secretary of State may make a specification under the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) where they consider it is reasonably necessary to do so to protect the safety or interests of the United Kingdom.

Any changes to the countries listed will be brought to Parliament in the usual way.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2026 to Question 30757, how many project licence applications under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were (a) returned to the applicant for clarification, (b) returned for amendment, and (c) withdrawn by the applicant between 1 January 2026 and 30 September 2026.

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

Based on information recorded in the e‑licensing system, project licence applications were returned to applicants on 757 occasions between 1 January and 30 September 2026 for clarification, amendment or further information. This figure counts occasions on which applications were returned, rather than the number of distinct applications.

Eight project licence applications were withdrawn by applicants during this period. All eight had been submitted before 2026.

Information on changes made during assessment is held in individual application records, but is not collated centrally. The Home Office therefore does not hold a central breakdown of applications subsequently granted with reductions in animal numbers, changes of species, reductions in the severity classification of procedures, or replacement of procedures with non-animal methods.

The Government will report in due course on progress against the targets for replacing animal use set out in its Replacing Animals in Science strategy.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many new police officers have (a) joined and (b) left the force in each year since 2024, broken down by police force.

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

The Home Office collects and publishes data on the number of police officers joining and leaving the police service, on both a headcount and full-time equivalent basis, in the ‘Police Workforce, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin which can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-workforce-england-and-wales.

Information on the number of police officers joining the police service between the years ending 31 March 2007 to 2026, broken down by Police Force Area (PFA), can be found in the ‘Joiners Open Data Table’ here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a5f86c00dd52549f5f96c7e/open-data-table-police-workforce-joiners-220726.ods.

Information on the number of police officers leaving the police service, between the years ending 31 March 2007 to 2026, broken down by PFA, can be found in the ‘Leavers Open Data Table’ here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a5f86d3f869f6a53d0c8987/open-data-table-police-workforce-leavers-220726.ods.

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 concentrations of houses in multiple occupation and supported exempt accommodation on the number of incidents of serious crime in the West Midlands; and what guidance her Department provides to police forces on identifying and addressing associated risks.

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

The Home Office works closely with policing partners to understand and address the drivers of serious violence, including through programmes such as the Knife Crime Concentrations Fund (KCCF), which supports a targeted, data-led approach to tackling violence in the areas most affected. In addition, the Authorised Professional Practice (APP) guidance for policing (owned by the College of Policing), recognises living conditions such as HMOs as potential indicators of exploitation.

The Department has not, however, undertaken analysis or made a specific assessment of the impact of concentrations of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) or supported exempt accommodation on the number of incidents of serious crime in the West Midlands. Nor does it provide specific guidance to police forces on houses in multiple occupancy and supported exempt accommodation.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers were employed by Lincolnshire Constabulary in each of the last ten years.

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

The Home Office collects and publishes data on the size of the police workforce in England and Wales on a bi-annual basis in the ‘Police Workforce, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-workforce-england-and-wales.

Information on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) police officers, by police force area, as at 31 March 2007 to 2026 is available in the ‘Workforce Open Data Table’ here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a58d48c7eb057103bd945ba/open-data-table-police-workforce-220726.ods.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to raise public awareness of what constitutes stalking and help victims feel confident reporting incidents to police.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Government is committed to raising awareness of stalking and ensuring victims feel confident recognising and reporting it.

Through the Government's Enough campaign, we are helping the public to identify abusive behaviours, including stalking, understand when conduct has crossed the line, and access information on reporting and support. The campaign highlights that stalking can take many forms, both online and offline, and provides guidance for victims and those supporting them.

Victims have a range of channels they can use to report crime, including 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergency matters and online crime reporting – where a specific route is available for reporting stalking and harassment. Policing is also expanding the use of Video Response, which enables officers to engage with victims remotely where appropriate, supporting risk assessment, safeguarding and evidence gathering.

The Government continues to work with policing partners and specialist victim support organisations to improve the response to stalking and ensure victims receive the protection and support they need.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Russian trawlers have been (a) in and (b) near UK waters in each month of the last year.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

JMSC Response - The Joint Maritime Security Centre, in partnership with the Royal Navy, maintains continuous awareness of maritime activity in UK waters. The Government does not routinely disclose details of specific observations or monitoring activity were doing so could prejudice operational security or reveal capabilities to potential adversaries.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the total Official Development Assistance (ODA) expenditure by the Home Department was in financial year 2025/26; and if they will provide a table detailing the specific programme names, budget line items, and individual spending figures for that period.

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

The total ODA expenditure by the Home Department in FY 2025/26 was £2203m.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to increase the enforcement of standard EPAC limits for E-bikes.

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

Enforcement of Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) limits is a matter for operationally independent police forces. Police have powers to take action against e-bikes that exceed the EAPC legal limits. It is for Chief Constables, rather than the Home Office, to determine how these powers are deployed in response to local priorities.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will provide a clear timeline with dates by which all 20 Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse recommendations will be implemented.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Acting on the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse remains an important element of this Government’s programme of work to tackle all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

In April 2025 the Government published the Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Progress Update which set out a range of actions we are taking to respond to the Inquiry’s recommendations, alongside broader measures to tackle all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation. We are now pressing ahead with this work, which includes:

• Establishing a new Child Protection Authority (CPA) for England, a centrepiece Inquiry recommendation. The CPA will provide national oversight and enhance consistency in child protection practice. In July the Government published its response to the public consultation on the CPA.
• Introducing a range of measures through the Crime and Policing Act 2026 to support implementation of the Inquiry’s recommendations, including a new mandatory reporting duty for professionals working with children to report child sexual abuse, the removal of the three year limitation period for victims and survivors to bring child sexual abuse civil claims, and reforms to the disclosure and barring system to improve vetting procedures for all adults who work with children.
• Investing up to £50 million to expand the Child-House model, ensuring children who experience sexual abuse can receive access to timely, trauma informed support, including therapeutic support.
• A range of measures to protect children from online child sexual abuse and respond to the Inquiry’s recommendations on online age verification and pre-screening. This includes mandating highly effective age assurance and committing to device level protections to make it impossible for children in the UK to take, share or view nude images.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many 999 control rooms have a specialist domestic abuse advisor.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Embedding domestic abuse specialists within police force 999 control rooms is also known as ‘Raneem’s Law’. This government has committed to rolling out ‘Raneem’s Law’ to all police forces in England and Wales by the end of this parliament.

We are embedding independent domestic abuse specialists in forces across England and Wales. ‘Raneem’s Law’ is live in 17 forces. These specialists use their expertise to review risk assessments, provide feedback on victim engagement, and advise officers dispatched to live incidents. ‘Raneem’s Law’ is one of the many steps we are taking to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, supporting the delivery of our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many project licence applications under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 have been refused in each year since 2015.

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

One project licence application under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 was refused in 2024. No applications were refused in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025 or 2026 to date.

The Animals in Science Regulation Unit does not hold the requested data for 2015–2020. Application-tracking functionality was introduced to the electronic licensing system in 2021.

Formal refusal numbers alone do not capture the scrutiny applied throughout the licensing process.

The Government publishes extensive guidance on applying for project licences. Applications undergo internal review by the establishment’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body before assessment by Home Office inspectors. Inspectors assess whether the likely benefits justify the harms to animals and whether opportunities to replace animal use, reduce the number of animals used and minimise suffering have been addressed. A project licence is granted only where these requirements are met.

Applications may be returned for clarification or amendment and reassessed. Applicants may also amend or withdraw an application in response to regulatory feedback. Scrutiny therefore takes place throughout the assessment process, not just at the point of a formal decision to grant or refuse a licence

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to support police forces in using section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to seize e-bikes and e-scooters.

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

Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 provides police with the powers to seize motor vehicles being driven without motor insurance or a valid licence. This power extends to illegally modified e-bikes and e-scooters which meets the definition of a motor vehicle.

We have strengthened enforcement powers to seize vehicles through the Crime and Policing Act. Police officers no longer need to issue a warning before seizing vehicles such as illegally modified e-bikes, e-scooters which are used anti-socially, inconsiderately and in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance. The Home Office issued a circular to police forces to inform them of the new enforcement powers. We will continue to work with the College of Policing on further action we can take to encourage robust enforcement action.

Enforcement of road traffic law is an operational decision for the chief constable to determine how best to deploy these powers and target enforcement activity in response to local priorities.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the number of (a) Notice of Intended Prosecution, (b) fines and (c) points issued by the police on the A20 near Sidcup between 1 October 2023 and 31 October 2024.

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

The Home Office does not centrally collect or hold specific data on the number of Notice of Intended Prosecution, fines, and points issued by the police on the A20 near Sidcup.

The Home Office’s annual publication Police Powers and Procedures: Roads Policing - the most recent edition of which is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-powers-and-procedures-roads-policing-to-december-2024 - provides statistics on motoring offences subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) in England and Wales, including information on whether a fine was paid and whether the offence was endorsable.

The Home Office does not collect or hold information at a level of geographical granularity below police force area level, and therefore this information cannot be broken down by road location.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department provides to the government of Eritrea before the return of an individual, including information about criminal convictions, outstanding custodial sentences and the legal basis for removal.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government does not accept the assertions made by the Government of the State of Eritrea in response to the imposition of visa measures following its withdrawal of returns cooperation. A Home Office spokesperson has publicly refuted a number of inaccurate assertions made by the Eritrean Embassy.

The United Kingdom has made extensive efforts to engage with Eritrean counterparts and has repeatedly offered discussions through diplomatic channels. The UK's offer to engage constructively on returns cooperation with the Government of the State of Eritrea remains open.

The UK has processed visas and digital records of exemptions for Eritrean officials and Ministers where these have been requested, including since 2023. Broader information relating to visa applications and outcomes is published through the Immigration System Statistics.

The Home Office considers all claims admitted to the asylum system on their individual merits, taking account of all available evidence. Checks are routinely made against UK databases and in some instances, data is shared with other partner countries. Where there are specific reasons to doubt a claimant's nationality or place of origin, a range of further checks and investigative measures may be used. These matters are explored during the asylum interview through robust questioning, which will be tailored, where possible, to the person’s claimed background and particular place or origin. Language analysis may also assist in resolving questions of a person’s place of origin and therefore inform the asylum decision.

The Government takes abuse of the asylum system seriously. Where evidence indicates that an individual has sought to obtain an immigration advantage through deception, and they are not in need of international protection, the Home Office will consider enforcement action, including the revocation of any leave obtained through deception and removal from the UK where appropriate.

The Government of the State of Eritrea receives the same standard information in support of returns processes as the vast majority of international partners, consistent with UK law and operational requirements. The UK has made formal offers of engagement, including through official travel to Asmara in order to discuss any concerns regarding returns procedures and wider returns cooperation.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether vessels chartered under the contract between her Department and Aeolian Offshore Ltd were (a) available and (b) requested for the operations off the Isle of Wight and Hampshire on 6 September and 22 September 2026; and what the reasons were for relying on Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteers on those occasions.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office does not comment on operational tactics, capabilities or procedures relating to maritime operations. Responsibility for the coordination and tasking of search and rescue operations within the UK Search and Rescue Region rests with HM Coastguard, an agency of the Department for Transport. You may therefore wish to direct questions concerning the operation of search and rescue vessels to the Secretary of State for Transport.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what records her Department holds of requests made by the government of Eritrea for discussions on the return of its nationals during each of the last five years; and how many such requests resulted in substantive meetings.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government does not accept the assertions made by the Government of the State of Eritrea in response to the imposition of visa measures following its withdrawal of returns cooperation. A Home Office spokesperson has publicly refuted a number of inaccurate assertions made by the Eritrean Embassy.

The United Kingdom has made extensive efforts to engage with Eritrean counterparts and has repeatedly offered discussions through diplomatic channels. The UK's offer to engage constructively on returns cooperation with the Government of the State of Eritrea remains open.

The UK has processed visas and digital records of exemptions for Eritrean officials and Ministers where these have been requested, including since 2023. Broader information relating to visa applications and outcomes is published through the Immigration System Statistics.

The Home Office considers all claims admitted to the asylum system on their individual merits, taking account of all available evidence. Checks are routinely made against UK databases and in some instances, data is shared with other partner countries. Where there are specific reasons to doubt a claimant's nationality or place of origin, a range of further checks and investigative measures may be used. These matters are explored during the asylum interview through robust questioning, which will be tailored, where possible, to the person’s claimed background and particular place or origin. Language analysis may also assist in resolving questions of a person’s place of origin and therefore inform the asylum decision.

The Government takes abuse of the asylum system seriously. Where evidence indicates that an individual has sought to obtain an immigration advantage through deception, and they are not in need of international protection, the Home Office will consider enforcement action, including the revocation of any leave obtained through deception and removal from the UK where appropriate.

The Government of the State of Eritrea receives the same standard information in support of returns processes as the vast majority of international partners, consistent with UK law and operational requirements. The UK has made formal offers of engagement, including through official travel to Asmara in order to discuss any concerns regarding returns procedures and wider returns cooperation.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many visa applications from Eritrean government officials were (a) received, (b) granted and (c) refused in each year since 2023.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government does not accept the assertions made by the Government of the State of Eritrea in response to the imposition of visa measures following its withdrawal of returns cooperation. A Home Office spokesperson has publicly refuted a number of inaccurate assertions made by the Eritrean Embassy.

The United Kingdom has made extensive efforts to engage with Eritrean counterparts and has repeatedly offered discussions through diplomatic channels. The UK's offer to engage constructively on returns cooperation with the Government of the State of Eritrea remains open.

The UK has processed visas and digital records of exemptions for Eritrean officials and Ministers where these have been requested, including since 2023. Broader information relating to visa applications and outcomes is published through the Immigration System Statistics.

The Home Office considers all claims admitted to the asylum system on their individual merits, taking account of all available evidence. Checks are routinely made against UK databases and in some instances, data is shared with other partner countries. Where there are specific reasons to doubt a claimant's nationality or place of origin, a range of further checks and investigative measures may be used. These matters are explored during the asylum interview through robust questioning, which will be tailored, where possible, to the person’s claimed background and particular place or origin. Language analysis may also assist in resolving questions of a person’s place of origin and therefore inform the asylum decision.

The Government takes abuse of the asylum system seriously. Where evidence indicates that an individual has sought to obtain an immigration advantage through deception, and they are not in need of international protection, the Home Office will consider enforcement action, including the revocation of any leave obtained through deception and removal from the UK where appropriate.

The Government of the State of Eritrea receives the same standard information in support of returns processes as the vast majority of international partners, consistent with UK law and operational requirements. The UK has made formal offers of engagement, including through official travel to Asmara in order to discuss any concerns regarding returns procedures and wider returns cooperation.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the costs of Afghan settlement schemes are included in the Home Office publication "ASY_04: Breakdown of Asylum costs and productivity".

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

We can confirm that Afghan Resettlement costs are not included within the published ASY_04: Breakdown of Asylum costs and productivity’.

These costs represent an estimate of all Home Office costs relating to asylum, including direct cash support and accommodation, plus wider staffing and other Migration & Borders activity relating to asylum.

The asylum and resettlement systems are distinct routes. Individuals seeking asylum apply for protection after arriving in the UK and have their claim assessed in line with the UK's international obligations. By contrast, resettlement provides a safe and legal route for vulnerable refugees identified overseas and referred to the UK before they travel.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what checks of a sponsor’s criminal record and history of domestic abuse, stalking, sexual offending or forced marriage are made before a sponsor human rights claim is decided.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

Safeguarding vulnerable migrants, including potential victims of domestic abuse and sexual offences, will be a key consideration in the implementation of sponsor human rights claims.

We will set out any safeguarding requirements for sponsor human rights claims in the Immigration Rules, which provide the flexibility needed to respond to safeguarding risks.

This will include full consideration of whether additional safeguarding requirements are necessary as we develop the procedural requirements for sponsor human rights claims in the Immigration Rules.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what definition of “partner” will be used by her Department for the purposes of new section 117AA of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 as inserted by clause 18 of the Immigration and Asylum Bill; and whether a minimum period of cohabitation will be required.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

Whether a partner relationship constitutes family life under new section 117AA will depend on the facts of the individual case. Cohabitation is an important indicator, but it is not an absolute requirement under Clause 18 of the Immigration and Asylum Bill. This preserves the ability to recognise genuine relationships where a couple cannot live together or has legitimate reasons for living apart.

Further details on requirements will be set out in the Immigration Rules in due course.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people used the free e-learning training on Female Genital Mutilation for frontline staff in Healthcare, Police, Border Force and Children’s Social Care in the 2025 calendar year.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

In the 2025 calendar year, 47,210 people completed the Home Office's free e-learning course for frontline staff on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

This is part of a range of resources the Home Office provides to help professionals understand and respond to FGM, recognising the vital role of frontline and statutory services in identifying those at risk and supporting victims.

As part of the Government’s package of measures to tackle ‘honour’-based abuse, we are also developing four new e-learning modules for professionals and updating the existing FGM and forced marriage modules.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Eritrean Embassy in London’s press release dated 15 October 2026, what assessment has been made of the claim by the Embassy of the State of Eritrea that non-Eritrean nationals have claimed asylum in the UK by falsely presenting themselves as Eritrean nationals.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government does not accept the assertions made by the Government of the State of Eritrea in response to the imposition of visa measures following its withdrawal of returns cooperation. A Home Office spokesperson has publicly refuted a number of inaccurate assertions made by the Eritrean Embassy.

The United Kingdom has made extensive efforts to engage with Eritrean counterparts and has repeatedly offered discussions through diplomatic channels. The UK's offer to engage constructively on returns cooperation with the Government of the State of Eritrea remains open.

The UK has processed visas and digital records of exemptions for Eritrean officials and Ministers where these have been requested, including since 2023. Broader information relating to visa applications and outcomes is published through the Immigration System Statistics.

The Home Office considers all claims admitted to the asylum system on their individual merits, taking account of all available evidence. Checks are routinely made against UK databases and in some instances, data is shared with other partner countries. Where there are specific reasons to doubt a claimant's nationality or place of origin, a range of further checks and investigative measures may be used. These matters are explored during the asylum interview through robust questioning, which will be tailored, where possible, to the person’s claimed background and particular place or origin. Language analysis may also assist in resolving questions of a person’s place of origin and therefore inform the asylum decision.

The Government takes abuse of the asylum system seriously. Where evidence indicates that an individual has sought to obtain an immigration advantage through deception, and they are not in need of international protection, the Home Office will consider enforcement action, including the revocation of any leave obtained through deception and removal from the UK where appropriate.

The Government of the State of Eritrea receives the same standard information in support of returns processes as the vast majority of international partners, consistent with UK law and operational requirements. The UK has made formal offers of engagement, including through official travel to Asmara in order to discuss any concerns regarding returns procedures and wider returns cooperation.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what response the Department has made to the statement issued by the Embassy of the State of Eritrea on 15 October 2026 concerning cooperation on the enforced return of Eritrean nationals.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government does not accept the assertions made by the Government of the State of Eritrea in response to the imposition of visa measures following its withdrawal of returns cooperation. A Home Office spokesperson has publicly refuted a number of inaccurate assertions made by the Eritrean Embassy.

The United Kingdom has made extensive efforts to engage with Eritrean counterparts and has repeatedly offered discussions through diplomatic channels. The UK's offer to engage constructively on returns cooperation with the Government of the State of Eritrea remains open.

The UK has processed visas and digital records of exemptions for Eritrean officials and Ministers where these have been requested, including since 2023. Broader information relating to visa applications and outcomes is published through the Immigration System Statistics.

The Home Office considers all claims admitted to the asylum system on their individual merits, taking account of all available evidence. Checks are routinely made against UK databases and in some instances, data is shared with other partner countries. Where there are specific reasons to doubt a claimant's nationality or place of origin, a range of further checks and investigative measures may be used. These matters are explored during the asylum interview through robust questioning, which will be tailored, where possible, to the person’s claimed background and particular place or origin. Language analysis may also assist in resolving questions of a person’s place of origin and therefore inform the asylum decision.

The Government takes abuse of the asylum system seriously. Where evidence indicates that an individual has sought to obtain an immigration advantage through deception, and they are not in need of international protection, the Home Office will consider enforcement action, including the revocation of any leave obtained through deception and removal from the UK where appropriate.

The Government of the State of Eritrea receives the same standard information in support of returns processes as the vast majority of international partners, consistent with UK law and operational requirements. The UK has made formal offers of engagement, including through official travel to Asmara in order to discuss any concerns regarding returns procedures and wider returns cooperation.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what procedures are used to establish the nationality of asylum applicants who claim to be Eritrean nationals where their identity or nationality cannot initially be verified.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government does not accept the assertions made by the Government of the State of Eritrea in response to the imposition of visa measures following its withdrawal of returns cooperation. A Home Office spokesperson has publicly refuted a number of inaccurate assertions made by the Eritrean Embassy.

The United Kingdom has made extensive efforts to engage with Eritrean counterparts and has repeatedly offered discussions through diplomatic channels. The UK's offer to engage constructively on returns cooperation with the Government of the State of Eritrea remains open.

The UK has processed visas and digital records of exemptions for Eritrean officials and Ministers where these have been requested, including since 2023. Broader information relating to visa applications and outcomes is published through the Immigration System Statistics.

The Home Office considers all claims admitted to the asylum system on their individual merits, taking account of all available evidence. Checks are routinely made against UK databases and in some instances, data is shared with other partner countries. Where there are specific reasons to doubt a claimant's nationality or place of origin, a range of further checks and investigative measures may be used. These matters are explored during the asylum interview through robust questioning, which will be tailored, where possible, to the person’s claimed background and particular place or origin. Language analysis may also assist in resolving questions of a person’s place of origin and therefore inform the asylum decision.

The Government takes abuse of the asylum system seriously. Where evidence indicates that an individual has sought to obtain an immigration advantage through deception, and they are not in need of international protection, the Home Office will consider enforcement action, including the revocation of any leave obtained through deception and removal from the UK where appropriate.

The Government of the State of Eritrea receives the same standard information in support of returns processes as the vast majority of international partners, consistent with UK law and operational requirements. The UK has made formal offers of engagement, including through official travel to Asmara in order to discuss any concerns regarding returns procedures and wider returns cooperation.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to publish the report entitled Update on ACS summary spot testing as of 2 June 2026 provided to the Home Office’s Analytical Quality Assurance Board.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

Findings from the ongoing testing and evaluation of the Asylum Case Summarisation tool (ACS) will be shared in an evaluation update next year.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many times (a) her Department, (b) Border Force and (c) a contractor acting on their behalf directed a search and rescue vessel to (i) suspend, (ii) disable, or (iii) otherwise cease transmitting Automatic Identification System data since 1 January 2020.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

Responsibility for the coordination and tasking of search and rescue operations within the UK Search and Rescue Region rests with HM Coastguard, an agency of the Department for Transport. The Home Office does not comment on operational tactics, capabilities or procedures relating to maritime operations. You may therefore wish to direct questions concerning the operation of search and rescue vessels to the Secretary of State for Transport.

AIS transmission is not mandatory for all vessels, however where it is used the ultimate authority and absolute discretion to deactivate AIS rests solely with the ship's Master. While nation states can issue official advisories or requests suggesting that vessels turn off AIS in specific high-risk zones, the Master retains professional judgment to comply if the safety or security of the vessel is genuinely compromised. Any instance of switching off the AIS must be properly recorded in the ship's official logbook with the time, position, detailed reason, and subsequent reactivation details. The Home Office has not issued any official advisories to search and rescue vessels operating in UK waters to deactivate AIS transmissions.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Home Office, Border Force and any person acting under their authority has the power to require, request and advise search and rescue vessels, including RNLI lifeboats, to deactivate and suspend Automatic Identification System transmissions.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

Responsibility for the coordination and tasking of search and rescue operations within the UK Search and Rescue Region rests with HM Coastguard, an agency of the Department for Transport. The Home Office does not comment on operational tactics, capabilities or procedures relating to maritime operations. You may therefore wish to direct questions concerning the operation of search and rescue vessels to the Secretary of State for Transport.

AIS transmission is not mandatory for all vessels, however where it is used the ultimate authority and absolute discretion to deactivate AIS rests solely with the ship's Master. While nation states can issue official advisories or requests suggesting that vessels turn off AIS in specific high-risk zones, the Master retains professional judgment to comply if the safety or security of the vessel is genuinely compromised. Any instance of switching off the AIS must be properly recorded in the ship's official logbook with the time, position, detailed reason, and subsequent reactivation details. The Home Office has not issued any official advisories to search and rescue vessels operating in UK waters to deactivate AIS transmissions.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to designate the Houthis as a proscribed terrorist organisation.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

While we keep the list of proscribed organisations under review, it is the Government’s long-standing position not to comment on whether or not a specific organisation is being considered for proscription. Decisions to proscribe are taken only after a rigorous process in close consultation with operational partners, based on the best available intelligence and a careful assessment against the statutory test set out in the Terrorism Act 2000.

The UK continues to work very closely with our international partners to address shared security threats. Each nation operates under its own legal framework, and any UK decision on proscription must be taken independently by the Home Secretary, in accordance with the Terrorism Act 2000.

The UK remains deeply concerned by the renewed escalation in Yemen. We have been clear in condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the renewed fighting in Yemen, while continuing to call for immediate de- escalation and a return to the UN-led political process.

There can ultimately be no military solution to the conflict. The only sustainable way forward is political and diplomatic, and we remain in close contact with Saudi Arabia, the internationally recognised Government of Yemen and other partners as we work to restore stability and protect regional security

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the quality and speed of communication with Ukrainian refugees on their continued immigration status from the Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Permission Extension schemes.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK.

The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability. Earlier this year, the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme was extended, meaning eligible Ukrainians who continue to require sanctuary in the UK can secure up to three and a half years’ permission in total under UPE, in addition to any permission previously granted under the Ukraine Schemes. The UPE application window has also been increased from 28 to 90 days, responding to stakeholder feedback and providing greater flexibility for Ukrainians planning their employment, housing and education.

The first permissions granted under the UPE extension will not begin to expire until August 2028. The Government recognises the importance of providing longer-term clarity and sufficient notice of any future arrangements so that individuals, families and employers can plan appropriately.

No decisions have yet been taken on future arrangements for Ukrainians in the UK. The Government is actively considering the longer-term arrangements, informed by stakeholder engagement, including the Ukrainian Government, and the experiences of Ukrainians living here, and will provide further information in due course to support Ukrainians in planning for their futures.

The Home Office continues to provide information through GOV.UK and works with community and non-government organisations to ensure individuals are informed and supported.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to provide reassurance to refugees on the Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Permission Extension schemes, regarding their continued immigration status.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK.

The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability. Earlier this year, the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme was extended, meaning eligible Ukrainians who continue to require sanctuary in the UK can secure up to three and a half years’ permission in total under UPE, in addition to any permission previously granted under the Ukraine Schemes. The UPE application window has also been increased from 28 to 90 days, responding to stakeholder feedback and providing greater flexibility for Ukrainians planning their employment, housing and education.

The first permissions granted under the UPE extension will not begin to expire until August 2028. The Government recognises the importance of providing longer-term clarity and sufficient notice of any future arrangements so that individuals, families and employers can plan appropriately.

No decisions have yet been taken on future arrangements for Ukrainians in the UK. The Government is actively considering the longer-term arrangements, informed by stakeholder engagement, including the Ukrainian Government, and the experiences of Ukrainians living here, and will provide further information in due course to support Ukrainians in planning for their futures.

The Home Office continues to provide information through GOV.UK and works with community and non-government organisations to ensure individuals are informed and supported.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans her Department has to increase the level of support for Ukrainians residing in the UK, including through the Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Permission Extension schemes.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK.

The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability. Earlier this year, the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme was extended, meaning eligible Ukrainians who continue to require sanctuary in the UK can secure up to three and a half years’ permission in total under UPE, in addition to any permission previously granted under the Ukraine Schemes. The UPE application window has also been increased from 28 to 90 days, responding to stakeholder feedback and providing greater flexibility for Ukrainians planning their employment, housing and education.

The first permissions granted under the UPE extension will not begin to expire until August 2028. The Government recognises the importance of providing longer-term clarity and sufficient notice of any future arrangements so that individuals, families and employers can plan appropriately.

No decisions have yet been taken on future arrangements for Ukrainians in the UK. The Government is actively considering the longer-term arrangements, informed by stakeholder engagement, including the Ukrainian Government, and the experiences of Ukrainians living here, and will provide further information in due course to support Ukrainians in planning for their futures.

The Home Office continues to provide information through GOV.UK and works with community and non-government organisations to ensure individuals are informed and supported.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 7 September 2026 to question 23015 on Veterans: Visas, whether the Minister for Migration and Citizenship has discussed this specific issue with Ministry of Defence Ministers since her appointment.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

On 24 September 2026, I met with the Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MP, and the Minister for Defence in the House of Lords, Lord Coaker, to discuss the Government’s commitment to waive settlement visa fees for eligible non-UK veterans and their dependants.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applications for entry clearance were granted on Article 8 grounds outside the Immigration Rules in each of the last three years; and how many of those grants related to a family member outside the applicant’s spouse, partner or minor child.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office does not hold published data on the number of entry clearance grants on Article 8 outside of the Immigration Rules.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the letter of 16 September 2026 from the hon. Members for Tottenham, Enfield North and Southgate & Wood Green on ECAA visas.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

A response to the letter of 16 September 2026 was dispatched 21 October 2026 under reference MPAM/1573185/26.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to introduce transitional arrangements under the proposed earned settlement reforms for people who were first granted leave to enter or remain in the UK before 1 January 2021 and are accruing ten years' continuous lawful residence under the existing Long Residence rules; and whether eligibility for such arrangements will be determined by the date of first grant of leave or the date on which an individual completes the qualifying residence period.

Answered by Jo White - 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.

We received over 200,000 responses and are now in the process of carefully considering the feedback received, including consideration of any potential exemptions or transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement. As no final decisions have been made, I can give no further detail at this time. The proposals set out fundamental reform of the settlement system, and it is right that we take the time needed to consider the impacts.

The final model will also be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

In the meantime, the current Long Residence rules will continue to apply, and any changes will be communicated publicly.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are considering converting the undercover policing inquiry from a statutory inquiry to a non-statutory inquiry; and if so, what relevance they consider the Public Office (Accountability) Bill to have to that consideration.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

A consultation on the future of the Undercover Policing Inquiry was launched on 16 July 2026.

No decisions have been made about the future of the Inquiry. Ministers will consider the consultation findings, including responses to an online consultation questionnaire, which closed on 20 September 2026, alongside other relevant considerations, before determining next steps.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what avenues of redress are available to victims of rape and serious sexual offences who experience prolonged investigative delays, failures in communication between criminal justice agencies or failures to provide information about decisions affecting their safety.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of independent complaints and oversight mechanisms for victims of rape and serious sexual offences whose investigations have been subject to substantial delays or administrative failures.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 provides sufficient protection for police officers in the execution of their duty.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 makes it an offence to use threatening or abusive words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress. This protection applies to police officers carrying out their duties as it does to other members of the public.

Whether particular words or behaviour meet the threshold for an offence will depend on the circumstances of each case. Decisions on arrests and investigations are operational matters for the police, and charging decisions are a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service, who act independently.

In November 2025 the Home Secretary asked Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC to undertake an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation. Lord Macdonald submitted his report on 29 May and the Government will publish the report, and its response, shortly.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and what percentage of small boat crossings have travelled from Belgium in each of the past five years.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

In 2024, we assess that 2 small boats successfully reached the UK after departing from Belgium, making up 0.3% of the total number of small boat crossings that year. In 2026, we assess that there have been 27 small boats that have successfully reached the UK after departing from Belgium, which is 9% of the total number of small boat crossings this year.

We understand that there were zero crossings departing from Belgium that reached the UK in 2025, 2023 and 2022.

While this shows a relatively low number of crossings, we are closely monitoring the situation. We will continue to work with our international partners to disrupt and prevent these dangerous journeys.

We are working closely with Belgium to prevent small boat launches, including through real-time information sharing, strengthened coastal enforcement and joint action to disrupt the organised criminal gangs and supply chains facilitating crossings. We are deepening that cooperation through a new UK-Belgium law enforcement agreement, which will enable faster police-to-police intelligence sharing and strengthen joint investigations and operational activity.

Found: Submissions on the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 584) and Response from the Home Office

Found: B3: Evidence of age and death Minor amendment to insert an additional example “Home Office immigration

Found: This is because such hospital wings are administered by 1. the Home Office or 2. in Scotland, the Scottish

Found: employer to a person who is made redundant and the payment is not earnings 2.4 one made by the Home Office

Found: employer to a person who is made redundant and the payment is not earnings 2.4 one made by the Home Office

Found: html class="govuk-template" lang="en">