Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he will take to ensure that his Department is adequately prepared for Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on 11 September.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Government is neutral on assisted dying and the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

The Government has a duty to the statute book and a responsibility to help ensure that any legislation that passes through Parliament is workable, effective and enforceable. Ahead of Second Reading, the Department has published Bill products, such as an Impact Assessment, and is preparing for the Minister to advise the house on the workability of the Bill.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to support young people in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire into employment, education and training.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

With around one million young people not in education, employment and training, this Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. The Government is investing an additional £2.5 billion by 2029 into the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy.

This investment will support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn, including through expanded network of Youth Hubs, earlier intensive support in Jobs Centres through a new Youth Guarantee Gateway, additional work experience and training opportunities, a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant and £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for employers, and a fully funded six month job for long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds.

In Newcastle-under-Lyme, young people can access DWP-funded programmes delivered through local authorities, including Connect to Work. This programme is delivered by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, the Growth Company and local voluntary organisations. It offers personalised support to help people overcome barriers to work, build skills and confidence, and move into jobs, training or further opportunities.

The Government is expanding the Youth Hub network to more than 360 locations across Great Britain by 2029, ensuring every young person, including those not receiving benefits, can access high-quality, joined-up support in their local area.

Newcastle-under-Lyme is scheduled to receive a Youth Hub in Year 2 of the expansion programme (2027/28). South and East Staffordshire are due to receive a Youth Hub in Year 2 (2027/28), while Staffordshire Moorlands is scheduled to receive a Youth Hub in Year 3 (2028/29).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to engage with the Northern Ireland Executive on his departmental priorities.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Alongside engagement at official level, MOD Ministers will continue to engage with the Northern Ireland Executive’s elected representatives, including the Deputy First Minister, on defence and industry matters as they relate to Northern Ireland.

I last met with the Deputy First Minister at the launch of the Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal - a £50 million investment into growing the defence ecosystem in Northern Ireland, which the MOD has been working with the Northern Ireland Executive’s Department for the Economy. By backing Northern Irish businesses, supporting growth in Northern Ireland and creating a skills initiative to develop a highly skilled workforce and train apprentices, we will support new, good quality and high skilled jobs across Northern Ireland.

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, what plans she has to increase prosecution rates for cases involving violence against women and girls.

Answered by Andy Slaughter - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

The CPS’s focus on tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) is driving an increase in charges across a range of offences, including rape and domestic abuse-flagged offences.

The CPS's Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy for 2025-2030 aims to ensure that prosecutors have the right skills and tools to prosecute VAWG offences effectively. It sets out the approach the CPS is taking to improve casework quality, increase public confidence, and support the Government’s ambition to halve violence against women and girls.

To improve the prosecution of rape and serious sexual offences, the CPS has delivered significant reforms, including the introduction of a National Operating Model for adult rape prosecution, strengthened joint working and governance with policing, updated prosecution guidance, and a Rape Action Plan focused on improving case quality and prosecutor capability.

The CPS has also introduced enhanced assurance activity through the Rape Case Strategy Improvement Programme to support high-quality and consistent legal decision-making. These measures are contributing to improved outcomes, with 3,754 suspects charged in adult rape-flagged cases in 2025 (the highest number since records began), alongside the highest ever volume of completed adult rape prosecutions.

Tackling VAWG demands coordinated action across government. The CPS works closely with policing and other criminal justice partners to strengthen the collective response to these offences and ensure that victims are protected. In collaboration with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and third sector partners, the CPS developed a national Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan (DA JJP) to strengthen the collective response to domestic abuse. Since the DA JJP launch in Q3 2024-25, referral volumes of DA flagged offences have seen quarter-on-quarter increases and the charge rate has remained above 80%.

Together with the Home Office and the NPCC, the CPS has hosted two national multi-agency ‘honour’-based abuse conferences and will host a further multi-agency conference on stalking on 10 September. These events bring together colleagues from across government, statutory partners, specialist organisations and those with lived experience to develop our understanding of and response to VAWG offending.

Joint protocols between the police and CPS help to establish a clear, shared understanding for police and prosecutors of how to recognise and respond to VAWG offending. The joint protocols on stalking, ‘honour’-based abuse and female genital mutilation (FGM) are being updated, to ensure they support the collective response to the evolving nature of these offences.

Effective training helps to ensure prosecutors are fully equipped to identify, charge and progress cases effectively, and refreshed training on strangulation or suffocation and ‘honour’-based abuse is currently in development. The CPS also recognises the growing role that technology plays in facilitating and amplifying VAWG offending, and a dedicated Technology-Facilitated VAWG Action Plan is being developed to strengthen the CPS response to this evolving form of offending (with publication expected by the end of the year).

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to promote participation in sport for people in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone, across the country, should have access to and benefit from quality sport and physical activity opportunities, including cycling.

We provide the majority of support for grassroots sport through our arm’s length body, Sport England. The constituency of Newcastle-under-Lyme has received a total of £59,241 of Sport England funding in 2025/2026. Staffordshire has received over £1.1 million of Sport England funding in 2025/2026.

Sport England has provided over £33 million of funding to the National Governing Body for cycling, British Cycling, for the period 2022-2029 to invest in grassroots cycling initiatives.

With less than one year remaining until the Grand Départs arrive in Great Britain for the first time, there is a significant opportunity to inspire participation in cycling. That is why as a Government we’re investing £32 million to not just deliver these iconic races, but also to support the new JOY social impact programme to ensure a lasting legacy from the event.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to hold discussions with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

While Pakistan's judicial processes are a domestic matter, we are clear that the Pakistani authorities need to respect fundamental freedoms, including the right to a fair trial, due process, humane detention and access to appropriate medical treatment. This applies to Imran Khan as it does to all Pakistan's citizens. I met Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar on 27 August to discuss a range of issues, including matters relating to Imran Khan.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans she has to engage with the Northern Ireland Executive on her departmental priorities.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Interministerial Group (IMG) for Housing, Communities & Local Government meets regularly to discuss shared priorities with the devolved governments, including the Northern Ireland Executive. At its most recent meeting in February, ministers discussed challenges and solutions to increasing housing supply and agreed that officials would work together to identify a suitable date for the next meeting. Planning is now underway, and we expect the IMG to meet again in the Autumn.

Alongside the IMG, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government maintains strong working relationships with the devolved governments across a range of priority policy areas. We will continue to engage closely with counterparts to address shared challenges, both within the department’s areas of responsibility and, where appropriate, across wider UK Government engagement with the devolved governments.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she plans to take to reform NHS health and social care services.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Hon. Member’s questions refer to a number of the Department’s core policy and corporate priorities, and he can find extensive details of our work in these areas in the Health Bill currently before Parliament, and on the National Health Service website.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress her Department has made with the abolition of NHS England.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Hon. Member’s questions refer to a number of the Department’s core policy and corporate priorities, and he can find extensive details of our work in these areas in the Health Bill currently before Parliament, and on the National Health Service website.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to tackle fly-tipping in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Local authorities have powers to investigate and take enforcement action against offenders, including issuing fixed penalty notices of up to £5,000 (up from £1000 since 1^st September) and prosecuting those responsible. In February Defra published best practice guidance and case studies to support councils to use their power to seize vehicles suspected of fly-tipping. The Government has secured powers in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 to issue statutory guidance to councils on their fly-tipping enforcement powers.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she has taken to help protect communities vulnerable to flooding in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency works with Staffordshire County Council to reduce flood risk. In Newcastle-under-Lyme, the town centre is protected by flood defences and covered by two flood warning areas. Across Staffordshire, flood defences help protect major urban areas including Burton, Tamworth, Cannock and Stafford. Smaller communities, including Sandon Road in Stafford and Marchington, have benefited from property flood resilience measures. Further work is being developed in areas including Tamworth and Rolleston, supported by the county’s extensive flood warning system.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans she has to tackle wasteful spending in the National Health Service.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Hon. Member’s questions refer to a number of the Department’s core policy and corporate priorities, and he can find extensive details of our work in these areas in the Health Bill currently before Parliament, and on the National Health Service website.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an estimate of the potential savings to the public purse of cancelling proposals for local government reorganisation in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government has provided funding to support local government reorganisation, including £7.6 million to support the development of proposals and £63 million in transition funding for councils across the 21 reorganisation areas. As part of the recently announced pause, we will consider council costs and how to support areas through the next stage of the process.

In addition to the non-financial benefits of reorganisation, experience from previous local government reorganisations shows that, while there are upfront implementation costs, unitary councils can be more efficient, reduce duplication and deliver savings over time. For example, North Yorkshire Council has reported around £90 million of savings since its establishment in April 2023.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much a) her department and b) the Treasury has spent on local government reorganisation since July 2024.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government has provided funding to support local government reorganisation, including £7.6 million to support the development of proposals and £63 million in transition funding for councils across the 21 reorganisation areas. As part of the recently announced pause, we will consider council costs and how to support areas through the next stage of the process.

In addition to the non-financial benefits of reorganisation, experience from previous local government reorganisations shows that, while there are upfront implementation costs, unitary councils can be more efficient, reduce duplication and deliver savings over time. For example, North Yorkshire Council has reported around £90 million of savings since its establishment in April 2023.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to support the work of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 9 February, the Ministry published the 2026/27 Local Government Finance Settlement which sets out funding allocations for all local authorities including fire and rescue.

This financial year, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority will have a core spending power of £58.05 million, an increase of 3.8% compared to 2025/26. This increase is dependent on the Authority adopting the full £5 precept flexibility.

In addition to Settlement funding, the Government has provided Fire and Rescue Authorities with several grants intended for specific purposes, such as the Pension SCAPE Rate Uplift Grant, New Dimensions Grant and Protection Uplift Grant.

The Ministry will continue to work closely with stakeholders across the sector to ensure fire and rescue services have the resources they need to protect communities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many civil servants in His Majesty's Treasury are working on local government reorganisation.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

Responsibility for the oversight and implementation of the Local Government Reorganisation process sits with MHCLG as the lead department. HM Treasury staff work broadly across a range of issues including local government and regional growth.

As such, it is challenging to calculate a precise assessment of resourcing focused on Local Government Reform.

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, what plans she has to ensure the effective prosecution of people smugglers.

Answered by Andy Slaughter - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

Securing our borders and tackling the exploitative criminal gangs that are illegally smuggling migrants to our shores is a core priority for this Government.

The government is taking bold action to tackle the unscrupulous criminal gangs who put vulnerable lives at risk for profit, with a number of new offences introduced under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act (2025). This includes the offence to criminalise the creation of material advertising unlawful immigration services online, as well as the endangerment offence and seizure of electronic devices

With offences having commenced in January, the CPS now has further tools with which to prosecute organised immigration crime and people smugglers. Since the law change the CPS has charged more than 30 migrants with endangerment

In June we saw the first sentences for endangering lives during a channel crossing. The two defendants were jailed for two years and two years and three months respectively.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason the Civil Aviation Authority has introduced mandatory flight instruction under the Remote Pilot Competency Level 1 route for commercial drone pilots; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of that requirement on drone training providers.

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

For operations in the Specific Category, remote pilots are required to demonstrate competency under UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947. In order to enable compliance with the Regulation, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has implemented a competency framework involving instruction and assessment in an operational environment representative of the privileges, limitations and risks of the intended operation. Part of the flight training framework is based on established International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) training and safety principles, including instructor oversight and timely intervention where required.

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, what steps she is taking to help ensure the effective prosecution of knife crime.

Answered by Andy Slaughter - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

This Government is committed to halving knife crime in the next decade through the Halving Knife Crime Plan.

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 has introduced measures to tackle knife crime including a new possession an offence, an increase in the maximum penalty from six months to two years imprisonment for some offences and new powers which enable the police to seize, retain and destroy dangerous knives.

Following a significant rise in knife-enabled robbery in the year to June 2024 across seven police forces, the Home Secretary established a dedicated police taskforce in October 2024. Taskforce data for the year ending March 2026 shows a 21% drop in KER offences.

The CPS is supporting the work of the taskforce and continues to improve joint working with the police. This includes ensuring the police are aware of the correct protocol for seeking Early Advice in complex knife crime cases and seeking earlier engagement with prosecutors to improve both timeliness and file quality.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she has taken to support local authorities to tackle food waste.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

On 13 May, the Government reinforced its commitment to supporting those most in need by announcing a new national programme to redistribute surplus food. Defra is leading work across Government and with stakeholders to tackle avoidable food waste throughout the food supply chain and redistribution sector. In parallel, Defra is developing plans with local authorities to improve access to healthy, affordable food in areas of greatest need, recognising that locally designed and delivered solutions are often the most effective.

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, what plans she has to ensure the effective prosecution of offenders charged with hostile state activity.

Answered by Andy Slaughter - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

The CPS Counter Terrorism Division (CTD) is a specialist unit responsible for advising upon, and prosecuting some of the most sensitive, serious and high-profile casework in the CPS, including cases involving state threat activity.

The Counter Terrorism Division prosecuted six cases involving state threat activity under Official Secrets Act legislation between 2019 – 2025 and has separately concluded four prosecutions relating to state threat activity under the National Security Act since it came into force in 2023.

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, what steps her Department is taking to support the Serious Fraud Office in tackling waste crime.

Answered by Andy Slaughter - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

The SFO investigates a small number of the most serious and complex cases of suspected fraud, bribery and corruption, often involving thousands of victims, multiple jurisdictions and international corporates.

Waste crime does not fall within this remit and therefore is not considered by the Attorney General’s Office in the course of superintending and sponsoring the work of the SFO.

These cases are typically investigated and prosecuted by the Environment Agency, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help ensure adequate water supply for businesses in Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Water companies produce 25-year Water Resources Management Plans and Drought Plans every five years. The water companies review their plans annually. This is monitored by the Environment Agency and Ofwat to ensure secure, resilient water supplies and drought preparedness.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help ensure adequate water supply for residents in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Water companies produce 25-year Water Resources Management Plans and Drought Plans every five years. The water companies review their plans annually. This is monitored by the Environment Agency and Ofwat to ensure secure, resilient water supplies and drought preparedness.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure a defined transition for commercial drone operators and training providers ahead of the withdrawal of the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate.

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

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) introduced a phased transition from the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) to the Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) framework. To support operators and training providers, GVC training will remain available until 31 December 2027 and existing GVCs will continue to be recognised until the end of 2032. Existing operators can continue using GVC-based Operational Authorisations, while training providers can deliver both GVC and RPC qualifications, supported by CAA guidance and conversion arrangements.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the political situation in Zambia following the Zambian Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in August 2026.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK remains committed to working with Zambia to progress our shared goals: economic growth, resilience and opportunity; peace and stability; and the clean energy transition. We support credible and inclusive democratic processes in Zambia, and will continue to urge for transparency and a commitment to due process, including through our High Commission in Lusaka.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made since his appointment of the adequacy of the Government’s Africa Approach.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Africa Approach is the result of a comprehensive consultation process. It describes the sort of new relationships that our African partners want and is consistent with our modernised approach to international development. Establishing a new approach is an ongoing process that we will continue to develop.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to support the work of the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government is supportive of the work of the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre (CAACC). In August 2026 our High Commissioner to Botswana hosted CAACC officials to discuss their recent work. We continue to work closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and its associated organisations and institutions to build democratic resilience in line with the Commonwealth's Strategic Plan.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to support severely disabled people who will never be able to work in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)

The Severe Conditions Criteria (SCC) are used to identify and apply to people with the most severe, lifelong health conditions or disabilities, who are unlikely to improve, who are not expected to ever be able to work, and for whom reassessments are unlikely to provide further new information.

Rather than being defined through a list of specific medical conditions, the SCC are considered as part of the Work Capability Assessment. This gives individuals the best opportunity to share with us the most up-to-date information about the functional impacts of their condition.

From 6 April 2026, most claimants who declare a health condition or disability and are found to have LCWRA receive the lower rate of £217.26 per month. This rate is frozen until 2029/30. Those who meet the SCC or the Special Rules for End of Life will receive the higher LCWRA rate of £429.80 per month, no matter when they start claiming the benefit – supporting customers in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and nationwide.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what discussions he has had with Cabinet Colleagues on the role of science in the national security of the United Kingdom.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Science and technology are central to the United Kingdom's national security, helping to strengthen resilience, protect critical infrastructure and maintain the UK's strategic advantage. Ministers engage regularly with Cabinet colleagues on national security matters, including those relating to science and technology. The Government's National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence Review both recognise the importance of emerging technologies such as AI, quantum technologies and engineering biology to the UK's security and prosperity. BIST invests in cutting-edge science and domestic R&D capacity to strengthen UK sovereign capability and ensure security and defence benefits from innovation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the activities of the Russian government on the British economy.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has undermined global security and prosperity. The UK's support for Ukraine remains unwavering and we will work with our allies to secure a just and lasting peace that safeguards Ukraine's sovereignty, security and long-term prosperity.

Russia's war continues to generate risks for global growth, trade and energy markets, with impacts felt around the world.

In response, the UK, alongside our allies, has supported Ukraine, including by imposing the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever applied to a major economy on Russia. We will continue to remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will provide an update on her Department’s work to ensure all relevant governance structures are appropriately established when the post of Police and Crime Commissioner is abolished in 2028.

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

The Home Office is working with policing and local government through a range of transition working groups to design and implement future governance arrangements to replace Police and Crime Commissioners from May 2028. We remain committed to developing a system of police governance that maintains consistently high standards of democratic oversight, which is joined up with other local services and that the public can trust.

We will legislate for these changes as part of the second session Police Reform Bill, which we will bring forward in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she plans to take steps to support nuclear power.

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

The government is committed to delivering a new golden age of nuclear, committing around £17bn across the Spending Review period to the most ambitious new build programme for a generation.

Once the Gwyndod small modular reactor project and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with Hinkley Point C, more new nuclear will be delivered to the grid than over the previous half century combined.

We are implementing the recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review which will help us build the nuclear power we need quicker, cheaper and more efficiently.

Meanwhile, the Advanced Nuclear Framework sets out our approach to enabling privately-led advanced nuclear projects.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what plans he has to support research infrastructure that facilitates the advancement of key technologies.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

UKRI will receive a record £38.6 billion for research and innovation over the next four years, including £9 billion for the Industrial Strategy and £4.5 billion for innovative UK firms. BIST and UKRI investment in research infrastructure will rise to over £5.5 billion, including £2 billion for essential computing. This includes up to £750 million for a Next National Supercomputing Service in Edinburgh, supporting advances in AI, life sciences, medicine, engineering, climate science and other strategic technologies.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to deliver justice for victims of sexual violence.

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

This Government is committed to ensuring that all victims of sexual violence can get the justice they deserve. On 18 December 2025, we published our VAWG Strategy; ‘Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls’, which sets out how we will support victims and halve VAWG over the next decade.

The Ministry of Justice is supporting victims with the largest ever investment of over £550 million in victim support services over the next three years. This includes funding for Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales to commission support services for victims of all crime types, including sexual violence. We provide funding for the National 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line, and to over 60 specialist organisations through the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund, helping victims to cope with their experiences and move forward with their lives. We have also recently announced a further £18.9 million investment to support victims affected by the Progression Model. This includes a new national helpline and more funding for local and specialist services, including a specialist VAWG programme.

To improve timeliness for victims whose cases are before the court we have funded record numbers of sitting days in the Crown Court and introduced essential criminal court reforms through the Courts and Tribunals Bill. This action will improve timeliness in the Crown Court and speed up justice for all victims, including victims of rape.

We are ensuring that victims’ rights are upheld by introducing a package of court measures to protect victims, particularly of sexual offences, from unnecessary and intrusive cross-examination about their personal lives. We will also roll out a free Independent Legal Advisor service for victims of adult rape, have enabled access to free transcripts of sentencing remarks for victims of rape and other sex offences whose cases are heard at the Crown Court, and have rolled out trauma informed training to all HMCTS court staff so that victims at court are treated with care and respect.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking alongside international partners in the Pacific to help tackle climate change.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is working closely with international partners in the Pacific to help communities prepare for extreme weather, protect ecosystems and build long-term resilience.

Our flagship Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme is delivering in the Pacific through the UK Met Office, the Asian Development Bank and the UN Development Programme, supporting improved forecasting, locally led adaptation, climate finance, food security and disaster resilience across the region.

In addition, since 2017, we have contributed £9.3 million to the CREWS Trust Fund, strengthening early warning systems across 14 Pacific Island countries. We also contribute to a $100 million blended finance fund with New Zealand for renewable energy, and to the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company, providing rapid payouts after disasters.

The UK also works multilaterally to strengthen the international system that channels climate finance to the Pacific. At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau on 1 September, the Minister for Indo-Pacific announced a further £10 million over three years for the Pacific Resilience Facility to deliver locally led solutions that respond to climate change across the Pacific.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the support provided by his Department for disabled people in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire to find work.

Answered by Andrew Western - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Disabled people and people with health conditions are a diverse group so access to the right work and health support, in the right place, at the right time, is key. In the Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency, we have a range of specialist initiatives to support individuals to stay in work and get back into work, including those that join up employment and health systems such as Employment Advice in Talking Therapies programme, which combines the expertise of therapists and employment advisers to give those with mental health conditions the support they need to find work tailored to them.

Measures also include support from Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) in the Newcastle-under-Lyme Jobcentre and Access to Work grants. Our Work Coaches in the constituency collaborate closely with DEAs to ensure a coordinated package of support. Together, they connect customers with suitable opportunities, including work experience placements and vacancies with Disability Confident employers. For those who are job-ready, we offer a weekly Job Club within the Jobcentre, supported by our Health Team, DEAs, and local partners such as Support Staffordshire.

Our national, voluntary Supported Employment Programme, Connect to Work, is supporting disabled people, people with health conditions and people with complex barriers to employment across England and Wales. In the Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency, Connect to Work is being delivered through Staffordshire County Council, working in partnership with Stoke on Trent City Council. Staffordshire County Council has been awarded grant funding of up to £19 million, to support around 5,250 people by March 2030.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what plans he has to engage with the Northern Ireland Executive on his departmental priorities .

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Through regular Interministerial Group (IMG) meetings, the UK Government and the devolved governments, including the Northern Ireland Executive, engage on a range of policy priorities. The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade holds the IMG for Business and Industry, and IMG for Trade, to ensure success in delivering departmental priorities across governments, including delivery of the Industrial Strategy and Trade Strategy. Both IMGs are due to meet in the Autumn.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she will take to help lower the cost of electricity for a) residents and b) businesses in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Answered by Polly Billington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Tackling affordability is this Government's number one priority. For households, we are removing VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October, alongside measures announced at the last Budget which took an average £150 of costs off energy bills.

Around 6 million families are also benefitting from the expanded Warm Home Discount.

For businesses, our British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs for over 10,000 manufacturing businesses, while the British Industry Supercharger cuts electricity costs for the most electricity-intensive industries.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many civil servants in her Department are working on local government reorganisation.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

There are currently more than 70 officials in the Department's dedicated Local Government Reorganisation team. They are supported by officials from across the Department as required. Resourcing is kept under regular review and adjusted as necessary to ensure it remains aligned with programme requirements.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the employment support provided by his Department on the National Health Service.

Answered by Andrew Western - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department has not assessed the overall impact of all DWP employment support on the NHS. However, evidence shows that good work can improve physical and mental health and also the Department has evaluated individual employment programmes to understand their effects on both employment and health outcomes.

For example, the Department published the health-led Employment Trials Evaluation in April 2023. The results showed that the intervention for people with moderate mental and physical health conditions had positive impacts on health and wellbeing as well as improved employment outcomes for some participant groups. These findings demonstrate the benefits of integrating health and employment support and have informed the ongoing development of employment support, such as Connect to Work and WorkWell.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has received representations from Staffordshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in relation to a) fire safety and b) the outbreak of wildfires in Staffordshire in August 2026.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Crime has engaged with Ministers through the Ministerial Advisory Group on Fire and Rescue Reform (MAGFRR) established in December 2024, as part of its commitment to work formally with all stakeholders across the fire and rescue sector.

The Staffordshire Commissioner wrote to Ministers seeking updated information on the Protection Uplift Grant which supports fire safety in May 2026, and a Ministerial response was provided.

Fire and rescue services have been responding to an exceptionally challenging period of wildfire activity, with multiple significant incidents being managed simultaneously across England and Wales.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he plans to take to phase out the use of animals in scientific research.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is taking forward a range of measures through the Replacing Animals in Science strategy, published in November 2025, to accelerate the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods. Delivery is underway, supported by investment in new research infrastructure, regulatory reforms and strengthened collaboration across Government, regulators, industry and academia. Existing legislation already requires animals to be used only where no validated alternative exists. The Government’s long-term vision is to eliminate the use of animals in science in all but exceptional circumstances, with progress reported through future delivery updates and key performance indicators.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of raising the personal tax allowance threshold.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Chancellor takes decisions on taxation at the Budget and considers any changes in the context of the public finance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to extend invitations to any Southern African leaders to attend the 2027 G20 Summit in Manchester.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

South Africa is a full member of the G20 and we are looking forward to their full participation in the UK's Presidency.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to increase funding for homelessness prevention services.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Homelessness and rough sleeping is far too high. That is why we have made homelessness prevention a core pillar of our National Plan to End Homelessness, and increased funding for homelessness and rough sleeping services to a record £4 billion over the next three years.

The government publishes quarterly homelessness statistics, including data on homelessness applications and how many households were living in temporary accommodation which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to support people on Universal Credit in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire into work.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)

DWP works closely with local partners, including Local Authorities, to help people identify their needs, skills and career goals. We actively work with Staffordshire County Council, colleges and training providers to connect people with opportunities such as apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, vacancies and DWP Sector-based Work Academy Programmes.

DWP also broker work experience placements with a range of local employers for people to access and develop their readiness for the world of work.

In Newcastle-under-Lyme, people can access DWP-funded programmes delivered through local authorities, including Connect to Work. This programme is delivered by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, the Growth Company and local voluntary organisations. It offers personalised support to help people overcome barriers to work, build skills and confidence, and move into jobs, training or further opportunities.

In April 2026, Staffordshire received £2.3 million from the Future Ready Fund. This three-year programme, delivered by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub, will help more than 375 people. It will offer work experience, opportunities to meet employers, and careers advice to support them into education, training, or employment.

The County Council has also published its Skills for Growth Plan. This includes a £150 million programme to improve skills and training across Staffordshire. So far, £40 million has been secured, and a further £110 million is being sought to increase education and training opportunities for people aged 16 and over, improve careers support, and help more people move into work.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the employment support provided by his Department on levels of poverty in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Government is committed to tackling poverty and recognises that good work is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of poverty. Supporting people to move into work, remain in work and increase their earnings is therefore central to our approach. No assessment has been made of the impact of employment support measures on poverty levels at constituency or county level.

Through the Get Britain Working programme, we are reforming employment, health and skills support to help people overcome barriers to employment, move into good work and progress in their careers. We are also transforming employment support through the Jobs and Careers Service, providing more personalised support tailored to individual circumstances and local labour market needs.

In addition, the Pathways to Work Guarantee will provide tailored employment support for people with health conditions, while the Youth Guarantee will ensure that every young person aged 16 to 24 has access to the support and opportunities they need to get into work or education. Over the next three years, the Government will invest £2.5 billion to help young people build skills, gain experience and progress into employment or further learning. This investment will support almost one million young people and unlock up to 500,000 jobs, training and learning opportunities.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to support communities holding Jazz Festivals in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The UK has a world-class jazz scene, and the Government is committed to supporting its continued growth. In 2026, Arts Council England awarded £37,000 to the Creative Peaks Festival.

Individuals and organisations can access further support through ACE schemes such as National Lottery Project Grants and National Portfolio funding for key sector bodies.

The Government has recently published Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music, which sets out targeted government and industry action across ten areas to create the best conditions for our musical talent, entrepreneurs and businesses, including festivals, to succeed. As part of this, jazz and other music festivals are eligible for investment through the £45 million Music Growth Package programmes and we encourage organisers to apply for these funds.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to encourage children and young people in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire to learn an instrument.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Improving access to music education for children across England remains a priority, including in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire. The Government is actively breaking down barriers through several national initiatives.

The Music Hubs Programme, supported by £76 million for 2026/27, delivers expert tuition and instrument access across England. The £5.85 million Music Opportunities Pilot backed by DfE, Arts Council England and Youth Music offers free lessons to disadvantaged students and those with SEND.

Through the £12.5 million “Music in Libraries” initiative, as part of the Dormant Assets funded ‘Every Child Can’ programme, we will extend provision and increase participation by disadvantaged young people in music enrichment opportunities in public libraries.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will visit the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government is grateful for the excellent work that the New Vic Theatre does for the local community in Newcastle-under-Lyme and the wider cultural sector. The Secretary of State and Baroness Mackenzie, Minister for the Arts, will ask officials to keep the New Vic and other organisations across Newcastle-under-Lyme in mind when planning future visits.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the macro-economic situation on the arts sector in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS is monitoring macro-economic conditions to understand impacts on relevant sectors, particularly the impact of the conflict in the Middle East and broader cost of living pressures. However, we have not specifically made an assessment of impacts in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

DCMS continues to develop place-based policies to support local creative industries. The Government recognises the importance of arts and culture to national life, economic growth, and opportunity. The Government supports arts and culture via the Arts Council England (ACE). ACE has provided funding from 2023-27 for Newcastle-under-Lyme of £1,496,274 and for the wider Staffordshire area of £6,450,334 for the same period.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the performance of the West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Ambulance response times are published monthly for each of the 11 ambulance trusts in England and are available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ambulance-quality-indicators/ambulance-quality-indicators-data-2026-27/

Decisions on local recruitment and employment are a matter for individual National Health Service trusts, to ensure they have the right number of staff in place, with the right skill mix, to deliver safe and effective care. Our upcoming 10 Year Workforce Plan will set out the action we will take at national level to create a workforce ready to deliver the transformed service set out in the 10-Year Health Plan.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how she will work with the West Midlands Ambulance Service to ensure there are jobs available for newly qualified paramedics in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Ambulance response times are published monthly for each of the 11 ambulance trusts in England and are available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ambulance-quality-indicators/ambulance-quality-indicators-data-2026-27/

Decisions on local recruitment and employment are a matter for individual National Health Service trusts, to ensure they have the right number of staff in place, with the right skill mix, to deliver safe and effective care. Our upcoming 10 Year Workforce Plan will set out the action we will take at national level to create a workforce ready to deliver the transformed service set out in the 10-Year Health Plan.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she make an assessment of the potential environmental impact of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council failing to clear overgrown weeds on footpaths in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Department has made no assessment of the potential environmental impact of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council failing to clear overgrown weeds on footpaths in Newcastle-under-Lyme. However, local highway authorities are responsible for the management and maintenance of public rights of way within their area, including ensuring routes are kept free from obstruction. They are also required to prepare and keep under review a Rights of Way Improvement Plan, which assesses the condition of the local rights of way network and sets out planned improvements.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on ways to help ensure that people across the UK benefit from the economic impact of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Answered by Melanie Ward - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, as the world’s largest performing arts festival and trade show, is a vital pillar of the United Kingdom’s creative ecosystem. Its success generates significant economic and cultural benefits across the entire UK, with artists from every nation showcasing work that often goes on to achieve broader national and international acclaim, as seen with productions like Fleabag, Six the Musical, and Baby Reindeer.

The UK government has delivered £7 million support for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. This investment has delivered a new home for the Society - which officially opened this year - and has boosted the ‘Keep it Fringe’ fund to help widen participation and ensure that creative talent from across the UK can reach audiences at the Fringe.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what plans he has to discourage UK-based companies in receipt of Government funding from moving a) intellectual property and b) jobs overseas.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to supporting UK businesses to grow and scale-up in the UK. The Intellectual Property Office provides support to help businesses identify, protect, manage and commercialise their intellectual property. UK Research and Innovation has committed to refresh its grant terms and conditions relating to intellectual property, with the aim of strengthening UK economic value from public investment in research and innovation and anchoring more IP exploitation in the UK. More broadly, the Government’s Small Business Plan is helping firms start, scale and succeed through targeted support and improved access to advice.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking alongside international partners in sub-Saharan Southern Africa to help tackle climate change.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is engaged in a range of steps with international partners in sub-Saharan Southern Africa to help tackle climate change. The FCDO works closely with governments, regional institutions, multilateral development banks, the UN system and scientific partners across sub-Saharan Africa to help countries respond to climate change, strengthen resilience and unlock sustainable economic growth.

This includes through our contribution to multilaterals such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) supporting climate action at scale, with the fund spending $7.7bn in Africa to support resilience building and climate mitigation.

We work with international partners through specific initiative such as South Africa's Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). This supports the country's transition from coal to cleaner energy, helping to mobilise finance, accelerate renewable energy deployment, strengthen electricity infrastructure, and support affected workers and communities.

Our flagship Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) Africa programme with the UK Met Office supports African partners to strengthen regional leadership on climate and nature and improve access of climate information and support action that delivers both resilience and sustainable development outcomes. In addition, the UK supports climate resilience across Africa through programmes including the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative, and a range of clean energy and sustainable development programmes. These initiatives are delivered in partnership with African institutions, international organisations, development finance institutions and scientific organisations to help countries prepare for extreme weather events, protect livelihoods and accelerate climate-resilient growth.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive about integrated education in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Sarah Owen - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)

The UK Government is committed to promoting reconciliation and supporting young people from differing backgrounds to be educated together. The NIO ministerial team look forward to meeting regularly with Executive colleagues, including the Education Minister, to discuss how we can best work together to promote integrated education in Northern Ireland.

In addition to this, the Government has provided £2.13 million to the grant programme which will help maintain current integrated schools and be used to help non-integrated schools transform to integrated status.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the impact on people in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire of the changes made to the Green Book since July 2024.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on his engagement with the Government of Ireland since his appointment as Secretary of State.

Answered by Sarah Owen - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)

The UK Government is acutely aware of the importance of the UK-Ireland relationship. Since taking office, the Secretary of State has continued to build on the reset in relations. In August, he travelled to Dublin to meet with Irish Government counterparts, and held bilateral discussions with Minister McEntee at the recent British Irish Association conference in Oxford.

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, what recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of the use of technology to improve efficiency in the criminal justice system.

Answered by Andy Slaughter - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has assessed that modern digital technologies can enhance existing processes and support more efficient case handling. Through its Future Casework Tools programme, the CPS is modernising systems to improve the casework experience and reduce the time required to review case files. The CPS is also working with His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service on initiatives such as digital jury bundles, which aim to increase transparency, accessibility and efficiency in court proceedings.

The CPS has further assessed that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to deliver substantial efficiency gains by assisting with routine administrative tasks. This can enable prosecutors and other specialists to devote more time to complex legal work and decision-making. The CPS published its AI Vision in July 2025, setting out how AI can be used to drive efficiencies in a legal, safe and ethical manner, while ensuring responsible use, transparency and coordination across the criminal justice system.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support a) youth democracy and b) the work of the UK Youth Parliament.

Answered by Vicky Foxcroft - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government is committed to strengthening young people’s participation in democratic processes and decision-making. Through the Be Seen and Heard chapter of Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy, we set out our ambition to strengthen young people’s participation in decision-making at both national and local levels.

This Government has committed to lowering the voting age to 16 for all elections, ensuring young people have the information and support they need to participate fully in the democratic process, and establishing new Youth Councils across England. We will also test and learn from different approaches to involving young people in local funding decisions.

Over the summer, my Department has worked directly with young people and the youth sector to understand what support young people need to influence decisions at both national and local levels. Their views will inform the development of our youth empowerment programmes and help ensure that young people can participate meaningfully as more decisions are taken closer to local communities.

My Department is also supporting the UK Youth Parliament during 2026/27. This provides young people from across the UK with opportunities to represent their peers, campaign on the issues that matter to them, and make their voices heard by decision-makers, including through its annual sitting in the House of Commons.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help reduce loneliness among older people.

Answered by Vicky Foxcroft - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Loneliness is not just an individual struggle; it is a national challenge that we must solve together. Through our cross-government Social Connection For All programme, we are supporting those most at risk of loneliness, including older people, so everyone has the social connections they need to thrive.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of attacks and restrictions affecting Christian communities in the West Bank; and what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on protecting Christian places of worship and freedom of religion or belief.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all around the world, including in the West Bank and Jerusalem. The right to worship must be protected. The Government of Israel must work with religious communities to facilitate worship in Jerusalem in line with the status quo.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with her EU counterparts on improving touring arrangements for artists from a) Newcastle-under-Lyme, b) Staffordshire and c) the United Kingdom.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The UK and EU committed to cultural exchange at the UK-EU Summit in May 2025. The government is dedicated to improving touring conditions for creative professionals across the UK, including Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire.

DCMS Ministers and officials, UK Ambassadors and FCDO officials regularly engage with the European Commission and EU Member States to support cross-border touring. This has yielded practical improvements, including visa-free short stays in Croatia since 21 February 2025. More broadly, most EU Member States offer visa and work permit free routes for at least 30 days, with many others offering up to 90 days, including the UK’s biggest touring markets (e.g. France, Germany, Spain).

We continue to pursue these solutions through high-level channels – including my co-chairing of the UK-European Commission High-Level Meeting on Culture with Commissioner Glenn Micallef on 24 March 2026 – and we look forward to further progressing this meaningful dialogue at the next UK-EU Summit once a date is confirmed.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England has taken to support people on low-incomes in rural communities since 1 January 2026.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to help tackle poverty in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent steps the Church of England has taken to support community cohesion in its parishes.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

20th anniversary of Lifeworks North Staffs

Riley Dibble from Churchfields Primary School in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Found: Democratic & Labour Party; Belfast South and Mid Down) Simon Hoare (Conservative; North Dorset) Adam Jogee