Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Peruvian counterpart on (a) restrictions on women’s rights in Peru and (b) the potential implications for those policies on (i) gender equality and (ii) human rights.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government closely monitors human rights in Peru, including assessing policies that impact women's rights and gender equality. UK Officials and Ministers also regularly discuss human rights with the Peruvian government, including the Foreign Minister, the Minister for Women and Vulnerable Populations, and wider stakeholders. We will continue to work with the government and wider civil society groups to support the protection of human and women's rights.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with relevant stakeholders on the potential merits of extending the duration of visas for Ukrainians with three-year visas that are approaching expiry.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

To provide future certainty, Ukrainians provided with temporary sanctuary in the UK under the Ukraine visa schemes can apply for a further 18 months' permission to remain in the UK through the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open, uncapped and free of charge for Ukrainians in need of sanctuary to apply to come to the UK.

The Government keeps the Ukraine schemes under review and engages, where appropriate, with relevant stakeholders while closely monitoring developments in Ukraine.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of increasing the personal savings allowance for basic rate taxpayers.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) allows basic rate taxpayers to receive up to £1,000 in savings income tax free. Higher rate taxpayers can receive up to £500 in savings income tax free.

Individuals can also save up to £20,000 into an Individual Savings Account (ISA) each year, where savings income is received tax free. In addition, the Starting Rate for Savings allows for tax free savings income of up to £5,000 for those with earned income below £17,570. Taken together, this means that around 85 per cent of people with savings income pay no tax on that income.

The Government keeps all aspects of the tax system under review.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to encourage investment in artificial intelligence in (a) the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District in Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency and (b) other areas.

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

The AI Action Plan will ensure all parts of the UK benefit from the opportunities AI presents. AI Growth Zones (AIGZs) will be closely aligned with wider government initiatives, including Local Growth Plans, ensuring substantial regional and national benefits.

By concentrating government support on planning and energy, AIGZs aim to attract significant private investment, accelerate the build-out of critical AI infrastructure, and drive local economic regeneration.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with Santander on (a) its banking presence on high streets and (b) the impact of that on (i) consumers and (ii) businesses.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer meets regularly with all major banks to discuss a wide variety of topics.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities, high streets and businesses across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. Access to financial services is key to ensuring all citizens and businesses can both contribute to and benefit from growth in the UK.

The Government continues to work closely with banks to roll out 350 banking hubs by the end of this parliament, which will provide local residents and businesses up and down the country with critical cash and banking services.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has of the potential impact of expanding Heathrow Airport on Scottish exports.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The benefits from Heathrow expansion are not just in London and the South East but the entire UK, with the Frontier Economics analysis estimating that over half (60%) of the benefits would be in the rest of the UK.

This could increase trade opportunities for products like Scotch whiskey and Scottish salmon - already two of the biggest British exports out of Heathrow.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that the transport system supports economic growth.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Growth is the priority Mission of this government. Transport provides the connectivity needed to achieve it.

We are improving connectivity through infrastructure programmes such as HS2, East West Rail, and the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

We are empowering leaders, improving bus services, and better integrating networks to improve access to opportunities.

Found: Hertfordshire) Martin Rhodes (Labour; Glasgow North) Blake Stephenson (Conservative; Mid Bedfordshire) Alison Taylor

Found: Q105 Alison Taylor: Thank you.

Found: Alison Taylor: Excellent, thank you.

Found: Alison Taylor: Excellent, thank you.

Found: Barry Gardiner; Anna Gelderd; Pippa Heylings; Chris Hinchliff; Martin Rhodes; Blake Stephenson; Alison Taylor

Found: Ellie Chowns; Barry Gardiner; Anna Gelderd; Pippa Heylings; Chris Hinchliff; Martin Rhodes; Alison Taylor

Found: Ellie Chowns; Barry Gardiner; Anna Gelderd; Pippa Heylings; Chris Hinchliff; Martin Rhodes; Alison Taylor

Found: Written evidence submitted by Alison Taylor (TIAB19)